Keeping up with the latest cinematic offerings can always be a chore, especially when streaming platforms are a dime-a-dozen these days. Wherever you look, there’s a new provider with its own lineup of flicks to choose from — some good, some bad. Fortunately, the O.G. platforms still tend to offer some of the best of the flock. Hulu is one such content treasure-trove. Around for over a decade at this point, the streaming titan has a bounty of films, both old and new, that are sure to please audiences the world over. To help you settle down with the greatest of Hulu’s library, we’ve put together this weekly roundup of the best movies on Hulu right now.
Subscribe to a different platform? Not only do we have a guide to the best shows on Hulu, but we’ve rounded up the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Netflix, and the best movies on Disney+.
Recently added to Hulu
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Fargo1996 - The Matrix1999
- I, Tonya2017
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Fargo (1996) new
Genre Crime, Drama, Thriller
Stars Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi
Directed by Joel Coen
98m
There’s blood in the snow and cash to be paid in Fargo, an idiosyncratic masterpiece from the minds of Joel and Ethan Coen. When Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) devises a dastardly scheme to kidnap his own spouse, hoping to secure a healthy ransom payout from his in-law, the plot goes haywire when the hired thugs turn out to be bigger trouble than the timid Lundegaard could have ever fathomed. Spawning a spiritual TV show successor that has run four seasons, Fargo stands as one of the most enticing, bleak comedic entries in the Coen’s catalogue.
The Matrix (1999) new
Genre Action, Science Fiction
Stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
Directed by Lilly Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
136m
Is our world nothing more than a simulation? It’s questions like these that lead computer hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves) down a hallucinatory rabbit hole of revelation. After a harrowing encounter with a band of superhuman enforcers known as Agents, Neo is rescued by Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), then asked if he would like to uncover the truth of “the Matrix.” Neo takes the red pill, and our sci-fi deep-dive begins in earnest. The Matrix still stands as one of the paramount entries in the dystopian future sub-genre, furthering narrative conventions and blazing the trail for cutting-edge special effects.
I, Tonya (2017) new
Genre Drama
Stars Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Julianne Nicholson
Directed by Craig Gillespie
120m
In director Craig Gillespie’s riveting biopic I, Tonya, Margot Robbie stars as the titular figure skater. On her way to Olympic stardom, Tonya’s reputation is steamrolled when her ex-husband carries out a malicious attack on Tonya’s skating rival, Nancy Kerrigan (Caitlin Carver). Not for one second does Gillespie’s sports-drama pretend to be like the rest, opting for a fourth-wall-breaking, larger-than-life approach to Tonya’s rise and fall. Where the storytelling goes through waves of experimentation in the two-hour runtime, Margot Robbie’s performance as the lime-lit Tonya is what most viewers are arriving for, and it’s certainly one of the major reasons you’ll want to stay.
The Art of Self-Defense (2019) new
Genre Action, Comedy, Thriller
Stars Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots
Directed by Riley Stearns
104m
When Casey Davies (Jesse Eisenberg) is attacked on the streets by a rogue motorcycle gang, the timid accountant decides to buy a firearm for protection. That is until he discovers a karate dojo led by a charismatic sensei (Alessandro Nivola). Initially, Casey really takes to the defense lessons, but when the sensei begins challenging him to up his masculinity and aggression, things take a sinister turn. A bleak but humorous riff on the feel-good sportsman story, The Art of Self-Defense is a sharp commentary on the state of toxic masculinity.
In the Earth (2021)
Genre Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
Stars Joel Fry, Ellora Torchia, Hayley Squires
Directed by Ben Wheatley
107m
After a deadly virus has ravaged much of the world, Martin Lowery (Joel Fry), a scientist, and Alma (Ellora Torchia), a park ranger, are tasked with transporting equipment through the woodlands to a research center. En route, Martin sustains a serious injury after he and Alma are attacked at their campsite. Taken in by a man named Zach (Reece Shearsmith), Martin and Alma are thankful for the rescue — until they realize the mysterious man may have an ulterior motive for rescuing them. A hallucinatory indie sci-fi from the talented mind of writer-director Ben Wheatley, In the Earth landed in cinemas mid-pandemic, making for a perfect cinematic allegory on the state of the world and how we contend with disease and the madness of humanity.
The Nice Guys (2016)
Genre Comedy, Crime, Action
Stars Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice
Directed by Shane Black
116m
Buddy-cop pairings are a cinematic trope that has pervaded for years. In The Nice Guys, the typical formula is given an adrenaline-punch by way of riveting action sequences and incredible laugh-out-loud moments. Ryan Gosling plays Holland March, a private eye that gets paired up with heavy-hitting enforcer Jackson Healey (Russell Crowe), and the duo is tasked with tracking down Amelia (Margaret Qualley). As their investigation kicks off, the plot rapidly thickens when people surrounding the missing persons case start dying. It’s only a matter of time before Holland and Jackson meet the same fate. Gosling and Crowe bring an undeniable dynamic to this ’70s-throwback, delivering top-notch humor and quick-witted onscreen chops.
Mean Creek (2004)
Genre Crime, Drama
Stars Rory Culkin, Scott Mechlowicz, Trevor Morgan
Directed by Jacob Aaron Estes
90m
In writer-director Jacob Aaron Estes’ Mean Creek, Rory Culkin stars as Sam, a young teen getting bullied by George (Josh Peck). When Sam confides in his brother Rocky (Trevor Morgan), the older sibling concocts a plan with his own friends to humiliate George — an immature effort that ultimately backfires in the most unpredicted and horrific way possible. A back-to-basics low-budget thriller that places great emphasis on the talents of its small, young cast, Mean Creek is a revenge story about the painful act of executing vengeance and living with its many complications.
The Hunger Games (2012)
Genre Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
Stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
Directed by Gary Ross
142m
In the dystopian ruins of what once was the United States, a nationally televised “battle royale” is held between the 12 districts of Panem, an event known as the Hunger Games. In the brutal fight to the death, each district must select one boy and one girl to send into the throes of bloodshed. When Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers for the fight to save her younger sister from having to participate, the young warrior must use all of her wit and agility to persevere. An adaptation of the award-winning book series by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is an epic silver-screen tour de force that helped cement the career of Jennifer Lawrence.
The Untouchables (1987)
Genre Crime, Drama, History, Thriller
Stars Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Charles Martin Smith
Directed by Brian De Palma
119m
A feature film adaptation of the TV series of the same name, The Untouchables stars Robert De Niro as infamous crime boss Al Capone. Reigning over an empire of Prohibition-era alcohol, Capone is as powerful as ever — a position of non-regal royalty that Prohibition agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) is tasked with de-throning. Featuring a mighty ensemble of performers, bringing their respective energies and chops to an already-riveting gangster script, The Untouchables has an air of timelessness about it, delivering the goods close to 35 years after it first hit theaters.
Digital Trends Streaming Roundup
Undine (2020)
Genre Fantasy, Drama, Romance
Stars Paula Beer, Franz Rogowski, Maryam Zaree
Directed by Christian Petzold
86m
In Cristian Petzolds’ cinematic adaptation of the ancient myth of Undine, Paula Beer stars as the titular water dweller — a mermaid-type being given a chance at humanity. Working as a Berlin historian, Undine’s romantic partner unexpectedly leaves her, setting a chain of events into motion that may strip her of her womanly guise. In accordance with folklore, Undine must kill her betraying lover and return to the water to live out the rest of her days as a nymph once more. From the writer-director of Phoenix and Transit, Undine is a lush blend of romance and drama, set against the architectural evolution (and decay) of a city rich with emotions of its own.
The Killing of Two Lovers (2021)
Genre Drama
Stars Clayne Crawford, Sepideh Moafi, Chris Coy
Directed by Robert Machoian
84m
When David (Clayne Crawford) and Nikki (Sepideh Moafi) decide to separate, David does everything in his power to keep his family of six treading water — until Nikki begins a new relationship. While they both agreed they would see other people, David begins to have a very difficult time with his ex-to-be’s new romance, leading him down a dark path of no return. Writer-director Robert Machoian is a significant talent to watch in the coming years, delivering a resonant film without an ounce of fat. The performances are top-notch, the story is heart-wrenching, and even though things can get unrelenting, there’s no way you’ll turn away once you start the film.
La La Land (2016)
Genre Comedy, Drama, Romance, Music
Stars Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend
Directed by Damien Chazelle
129m
In La La Land, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone star as Sebastian and Mia, the former an aspiring jazz pianist, the latter an actress in the making. Set in the sun-soaked, Technicolor dreamscape of Los Angeles, two serendipitous encounters at a jazz club — and then months later at a pool party — propel both artists into a whirlwind romance. But when fate comes calling and their careers begin shaping up, Sebastian and Mia are forced to re-examine their romance as their true dreams start unfolding before their eyes. An absolutely dazzling musical in the tradition of Hollywood’s show-stopping spectacles, La La Land is an unforgettable foray into a once-classic genre that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves these days.
Crazy Heart (2009)
Genre Drama, Music, Romance
Stars Jeff Bridges, Colin Farrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Directed by Scott Cooper
112m
Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) is a down-and-out country music artist that has bid ado to his glory days. Performing in bowling alleys and dive bars throughout the southwestern U.S., Blake finds new meaning in his life when he begins a relationship with reporter Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a romance that challenges the songwriter’s reliance on alcohol for his livelihood. As the two grow closer, Blake must learn to dismiss his ego and boozing, but can the musician truly escape his vices? Based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Thomas Cobb, Jeff Bridges is the heart and soul of Crazy Heart, delivering a grounded but emotional performance that earned Bridges a Best Actor Oscar-win.
The Wrestler (2008)
Genre Drama, Romance
Stars Mickey Rourke, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
109m
Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) is long past his glory days of pro-wrestling. Fighting in a series of independent matches throughout New Jersey while living in a ramshackle trailer, Randy gets the opportunity to take on a glory-days opponent for a 20th-anniversary rematch. But, when The Ram’s failing health and substance abuse issues catch up with him, the ’80s titan must choose between a better-balanced 9-to-5 lifestyle or a risky wrestling-ring comeback. An emotional character study that sees Mickey Rourke in uncharted dramatic territory, Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler is a powerful film about love, regret, and the pursuit of relevance.
Free Willy (1993)
Genre Family, Adventure, Drama
Stars Jason James Richter, Lori Petty, August Schellenberg
Directed by Simon Wincer
112m
Orphaned adolescent Jesse (Jason James Richter) and his teenage pals spend their days scavenging for food and shelter while getting into mischief. After deciding to vandalize a theme park, the authorities arrive to catch Jesse and his companions in the act — but not before Jesse has a pivotal encounter with an orca named Willy. As part of his sentencing, Jesse is handed over to a foster family and must report to the theme park to clean up his graffiti. There, he meets Willy once more, and the two begin to develop a special bond, an interspecies connection that the park owner (Michael Ironsides) aims to profit from. A classic heartfelt story about finding family in the most unlikely of places, Free Willy more than stands the test of time.
Much Ado About Nothing (2012)
Genre Comedy
Stars Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Nathan Fillion
Directed by Joss Whedon
107m
Joining the ranks of this much-adapted William Shakespeare masterpiece, Joss Whedon’s take on the play brings black-and-white cinematography to the fold, along with a mafia backbone. When Don Pedro (Reed Diamond) arrives at Messina to visit the governor with Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Claudio (Fran Kranz), the Don’s tag-alongs quickly become embroiled in relationship troubles as Claudio begins to fall for the governor’s daughter and Benedick falls for his niece, Beatrice (Amy Acker). A highly stylized take on a proscenium classic, Much Ado About Nothing trades a few plot points and characters for a more consolidated approach to the source material.
Office Space (1999)
Genre Comedy
Stars Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, David Herman
Directed by Mike Judge
89m
Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston) is disenchanted with his software job at Initech. After a hypnotherapy session goes wrong (or right), Peter becomes a new man, fresh with relaxation and a new outlook on life — even though the hypnotherapist dies of a heart attack during their session. Returning to work, Peter’s fresh attitude and direct approach earn him a promotion from a group of company higher-ups, but his co-workers Samir and Michael lose their jobs. Teaming up with the ex-employees, Peter and his companions come up with a plan to incrementally rob Initech by way of an accounting computer virus. A brilliant satire from the king of uncanny comedy, Mike Judge, Office Space has more than stood the test of time, often hailed as a must-see film.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Genre Fantasy, Drama, Romance
Stars Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest
Directed by Tim Burton
105m
When Avon saleswoman Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest) attempts to sell her lineup to the inhabitants of an old Gothic manor, the only denizen she discovers is the lonely Edward (Johnny Depp). An unfinished humanoid experiment, Edward accompanies peg back to her home, where he soon develops a crush on Peg’s teenage daughter, Kim (Winona Ryder). As Edward and his uncanny razor- sharp claw/hands begin to acclimate to the Boggs’ suburbia, a handful of community members start to see Edward as dangerous and decide to take matters into their own hands. Edward Scissorhands is built on a fairy-tale foundation and sprinkled with a touch of macabre that only Tim Burton can provide.
Election (1999)
Genre Comedy
Stars Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Klein
Directed by Alexander Payne
103m
In Alexander Payne’s Election, Matthew Broderick stars as Jim McAllister, a beloved high school teacher who can’t help but notice that Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) may not make such a great student body president. Fearing her less-than-moralistic tactics will make for a poor influence on the school, Jim convinces Paul Metzler (Chris Klein), a celebrated jock, to run against Tracy, a subterfuge move that the latter discovers and becomes infuriated over. A dark comedy led by a brilliant leading-man performance from Matthew Broderick, Election is one of Alexander Payne’s best.
Black Swan (2010)
Genre Drama, Thriller, Horror
Stars Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
108m
When up-and-coming ballerina Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) is given the lead role in her company’s rendition of Swan Lake, her bubble of success is savagely burst by the arrival of a new dancer, Lily (Mila Kunis). When Thomas (Vincent Cassel), the ballet’s director, re-casts Lily as Nina’s Black Swan alternate, Nina’s neuroses and inner demons throw the star into a horrific downward spiral, one filled with hallucinations, disturbing visions, and other deeply psychological terrors. Writer-director Darren Aronofsky is at the top of his game with Black Swan, delivering a tormented but satiating thriller about the many inner horrors of the arts.
Hearts Beat Loud (2018)
Genre Music, Drama, Comedy, Family
Stars Nick Offerman, Kiersey Clemons, Toni Collette
Directed by Brett Haley
97m
In co-writer/director Brett Haley’s Hearts Beat Louder, Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons star as Frank and Sam, a musically inclined father-daughter pairing. With Sam heading off to college and the widowed Frank forced to shutter his record store, Frank begins to insist that he and his daughter take their routine jam sessions to the stage before they transition to bi-coastal living. One night, without Sam’s consent, Frank uploads one of their recordings to Spotify, launching the family into unexpected viral stardom. An emotionally rich film about the inner workings of father-daughter dynamics, musical aspirations, and what it takes to break free, Hearts Beat Loud is one you don’t want to miss.
Heathers (1989)
Genre Comedy, Crime
Stars Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty
Directed by Michael Lehmann
103m
A bleak high school comedy that was written on spec by scribe Daniel Waters, the film was intended for the auteurist touch of Stanley Kubrick. With directing duties eventually manned by Michael Lehmann, the resulting film still stands as an edgy cult flick more than 30 years later. Winona Ryder stars as Veronica Sawyer, one of four girls in a revered public school clique, and the other three members of her posse are teen girls with the first name “Heather.” After Veronica becomes obsessed with the new kid at school, J.D. (Christian Slater), the young couple begins a murderous spree that they cover up with forged suicide prose. While the subject matter may not land for some, Heathers is an exemplary piece of ’80s satire that turns the typical high school dramedy on its oft-duplicated head.
True Grit (2010)
Genre Drama, Adventure, Western
Stars Hailee Steinfeld, Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon
Directed by Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
110m
In the Coen Brothers remake of the John Wayne classic, True Grit sees Jeff Bridges handling the gruff and intoxicated role of Rooster Cogburn. When the marshall’s services are commandeered by the no-nonsense 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Stanford), seeking vengeance for her father’s murder, the unlikely duo takes to the harsh landscapes of the Old West to track down the man that shot down Mattie’s elder. Along the way, they’re joined by a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) who has his own reasons for seeing Mattie’s father’s killer behind bars. Of note is the impressive acting duo that is Bridges and Stanford, combining wit, tough attitudes, and the perseverance of justice in a partnership like no other.
The Biggest Little Farm (2019)
Genre Documentary
Stars John Chester, Molly Chester
Directed by John Chester
89m
John and Molly Chester took on a brand new life of toil, sweat, and the longest hours when, in 2010, the couple decided to abandoned their traditional jobs and purchased an arid 200-acre parcel of land on the fringes of Los Angeles. The Biggest Little Farm charts the seven years after their benchmark transaction as we watch the barren acreage transform into a diverse paradise of crops and fauna. A film that does wonders for the soul, spending a meditative hour-plus with the Chester clan will shed you of any wretched toxins you may be carrying with you from the day.
Babyteeth (2020)
Genre Drama, Comedy, Romance
Stars Eliza Scanlen, Tobey Wallace, Ben Mendelsohn, Essie Davis
Directed by Shannon Murphy
118m
Based on writer Rita Kalnejais’ play of the same name, Babyteeth stars Eliza Scanlon as Milla Finlay, a 16-year-old teen diagnosed with cancer. When the girl meets a man named Moses (Toby Wallace), the two quickly fall for each other, much to the dismay of Milla’s parents (played by Essie Davis and Ben Mendelsohn). While they fear that Moses may be taking advantage of the family, her parents realize that he brings Milla joy and happiness, so they do what they can to keep him around. A subversive cancer-dramedy that plays by its own set of rules, Babyteeth is a surprisingly fresh watch for those expecting your run-of-the-mill disease drama.
Beach Rats (2017)
Genre Drama, Romance
Stars Harris Dickinson, Madeline Weinstein, Kate Hodge
Directed by Eliza Hittman
95m
Frankie (Harris Dickinson) is struggling to stay adrift in life. With his father close to death and his mother on his back, practically begging him to enter a relationship with someone, Frankie retreats to the world of chatrooms and webcams, where he connects with older men. As these fleeting conversations begin taking on more gravity, the youth ditches his adolescent tendencies to start officially pursuing male companionship, all while entering into a romance with a girl named Simone (Madeline Weinstein). A coming-of-age film like no other, Beach Rats features earnest performances, gorgeous cinematography, and a compact narrative that plays much bigger than its premise.
Judy (2019)
Genre Drama, History, Music
Stars Renée Zellweger, Rufus Sewell, Finn Wittrock
Directed by Rupert Goold
118m
An excellent biopic and homage to its titular late-great talent, Judy stars Renée Zellweger as the world-famous actress turned lounge performer, Judy Garland. Tracing her career back to her teenage years, we get a front-row vantage to the excess and excitement of celebrity life, but also a cautionary look at the many perils and pitfalls that a limelight existence can have in store. Zellweger is simply electrifying in the title role, delivering an emotionally captivating performance that stands as the centerpiece of the film. Without her chops and commitment, Judy would be a much lesser picture.
A Field in England (2013)
Genre Drama, History, Horror, Thriller
Stars Reece Shearsmith, Michael Smiley, Julian Barratt
Directed by Ben Wheatley
90m
Ben Wheatley is no stranger to perverse English eco-terrors, particularly with the director’s latest release, In the Earth. However, the auteur’s botanical nightmares seemingly began with A Field in England, this 2013 period thriller. Set during the English Civil War, the film follows a batch of rogue soldiers and an alchemist’s assistant who attempt to desert the battlefront. After being captured by a rival alchemist and fed hallucinatory mushrooms, the deserters become subservient to the cause of their captor, a man intending to unearth something mystical and almighty in the field they’re settled on. An adventure of kaleidoscopic proportions, combining notes of drama, horror, and black comedy, A Field in England is an exceptional entry in the bizarre canon of Ben Wheatley.
Leave No Trace (2018)
Genre Drama
Stars Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Foster, Jeff Kober
Directed by Debra Granik
110m
Writer-director Debra Granik is renowned for her grim, gut-punching dramas. Continuing her tradition of devastating familial hardships brought to light in her previous films Down to the Bone and Winter’s Bone, Leave No Trace stars Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie as Will and Tom, a father-daughter duo living on the fringes of society in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. As the two are sleeping in tents and preparing whatever they can find in nature for meals, Portland park authorities discover their hideout and force the family to reintegrate with the civilized world. As Tom sees shades of a hopeful, less challenging future before her, Will personally finds the acclimation to be difficult, particularly in the wake of his military past that has riddled him with PTSD symptoms. A heartfelt examination of Will and Tom’s relationship is the centerpiece of this less-vicious entry in Granik’s portfolio, and it’s a dynamic perfectly buttressed by Foster and McKenzie’s rich performances.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Genre Music, Drama, History
Stars Rami Malek, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy
Directed by Bryan Singer
135m
In Bryan Singer’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek breaks free of his indie roots to deliver a towering performance as one of rock music’s most celebrated figures — Freddie Mercury. Told through a series of past and present vignettes, the film explores Queen’s prolific rise into music stardom, culminating in the band’s world-famous Live Aid concert performance in 1985. Those seeking a detailed biopic of all things Freddie Mercury may be a hair disappointed at what’s left out of the epic film, but it’s hard to deny the extreme talents on show here. As Mercury, Malek doesn’t hold back in the slightest, delivering a nuanced and energized depiction of one of music’s most recognizable bandleaders. There’s also no denying that getting any kind of behind-the-scenes exposure to Queen’s woodshedding makes for viewing that’s hard to steer away from.
Hostiles (2017)
Genre Western, Drama, History
Stars Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike, Wes Studi
Directed by Scott Cooper
134m
Writer-director Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart, Out of the Furnace, Black Mass) brings his iconic gritty realism to the period Western landscape. Hostiles finds Christian Bale returning to Cooper’s acting fold as Captain Joseph Blocker, an Army captain tasked with transporting a Cheyenne war chief (Wes Studi) and his family from New Mexico to their home in Montana. Along the way, the band of travelers comes across Rosalee Quaid (Rosamund Pike), a widow whose family was wiped out by Comanche warriors. Banding together, Blocker, Quaid, and Chief Yellow Hawk must contend with the grueling geography and the outlying Comanches that want them dead. Brutal and surprising, Hostiles doesn’t relent at any point in its two-hours-plus runtime.
The Croods: A New Age (2020)
Genre Animation, Family, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy
Stars Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds
Directed by Joel Crawford
95m
In the long-awaited follow-up to The Croods (2013), A New Age finds the titular barbarian clan searching for a safer place to call home. After stumbling upon a great walled-in structure, the Croods are captured by Phil and Hope Betterman (Peter Dinklage and Leslie Mann), fellow Neanderthals with a bit more wit and technology. Initially peeved by each other’s clans, both the Croods and Bettermans must unite to contend with the evildoing Punch Monkeys before the creatures wipe out both prehistoric dynasties. A delightful and humorous animated adventure, The Croods: A New Age was delayed several times in its production, with the coronavirus hindering the final leg of animation.
Ingrid Goes West (2017)
Genre Comedy, Drama
Stars Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O'Shea Jackson Jr.
Directed by Matt Spicer
97m
Upon her release from a mental hospital, Ingrid Thorburn (Aubrey Plaza) discovers a social media influencer on Instagram named Taylor Sloane (Elizabeth Olsen). After receiving feedback from Sloane, Ingrid packs her belongings and uses her mother’s inheritance to secretly move to LA to get as close to her newfound idol as possible. A powerhouse pairing of Plaza and Olsen is the mighty fire that burns throughout Ingrid Goes West, along with a timely narrative that acts as a humorous warning label stamped on the face of influencer culture.
Not Fade Away (2012)
Genre Drama
Stars John Magaro, James Gandolfini, Bella Heathcote
Directed by David Chase
112m
Written and directed by The Sopranos creator David Chase, Not Fade Away follows Douglas Damiano (John Magaro), a New Jersey college dropout who has mile-high aspirations of finding fame through a homegrown rock band. In keeping with British Invasion influences like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Gene (Jack Huston), the founder of the band, asks Doug to join, with hopes that the act will grow melodically. But when a series of tumultuous events transpire, Doug finds himself as the new frontman, carrying the weight of his musical dreams, familial hardships, and blossoming love life. An homage to the heyday of rock music, Not Fade Away revisits a zeitgeist fueled by transitory sounds and dreamers hoping to land a radio hit.
Gone Girl (2014)
Genre Mystery, Thriller, Drama
Stars Rosamund Pike, Ben Affleck, Kim Dickens
Directed by David Fincher
149m
Gone Girl opens with Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) celebrating his fifth anniversary to his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) alone in a bar. When the downtrodden man returns home to find his spouse missing and signs of a bloody struggle, a full-scale investigation is launched, with Nick as a central suspect. Adding fuel to the fire is the amount of coverage Amy’s disappearance receives, a media blitz that Nick struggles to trudge his way through. Narratively driven by present-day occurrences and flashback moments, Gone Girl (based on the Gillian Flynn novel of the same name) paints a dark portrait of once-marital bliss unfolding and disintegrating in the most surprising and horrific ways possible. Led by a stellar ensemble of performers and director David Fincher’s spot-on execution, Gone Girl will leave you speechless in more ways than one.
The Obituary of Tunde Johnson (2019)
Genre Drama, Thriller
Stars Steven Silver, Spencer Neville, Nicola Peltz
Directed by Ali LeRoi
104m
Blending cultural awareness with a sci-fi-laced narrative bedrock, The Obituary of Tunde Johnson follows the titular character (portrayed by Steven Silver), a gay Nigerian-American man. Out driving, Tunde is pulled over by a disgruntled police officer who pulls his weapon and ends Tunde’s life. Immediately after the trigger is pulled, Tunde awakens, finding himself trapped in a time loop with his inevitable death facing him repeatedly. Leaning on the big trope of such memorable hits as Groundhog Day, The Obituary of Tunde Johnson pushes the typical light footing of the time loop sub-genre aside in favor of a more character-driven approach, a feat more than accomplished by director Ali LeRoi and Steven Silver’s grounded approach to the lead role.
The Donut King (2020)
Genre Documentary
Stars Chuong Pek Lee, Susan Lim, Ted Ngoy
Directed by Alice Gu
94m
When Cambodian refugee Ted Ngoy secured work as a janitor and gas station clerk in Tustin, California, the man would never know that he was on the cusp of an immense legacy. Taking note of a local doughnut shop and inquiring about the business, Ngoy ended up receiving training through an affirmative action initiative, eventually finding his way into doughnut shop management. An ambitious documentary from Alice Gu, The Donut King tells the story of Ngoy’s rise into the California doughnut empire, told through the inspiringly upbeat personas of Ted Ngoy and his family.
The Vigil (2020)
Genre Horror, Thriller, Mystery
Stars Dave Davis, Lynn Cohen, Menashe Lustig
Directed by Keith Thomas
88m
In writer-director Keith Thomas’s The Vigil, Dave Davis stars as Yakov Ronen, a displaced Orthodox Jew residing in the Hasidic Borough Park area of New York. After accepting an offer from his former rabbi to be the overnight guardian of a deceased community member, a horrific entity begins haunting Yakov. Combining traditional Jewish folk influences and the glories of shoestring filmmaking, Thomas succeeds in building a dread-laden atmosphere with earnest performances, close-quarters cinematography, and clever storytelling.
Robot & Frank (2012)
Genre Science Fiction, Comedy, Drama, Crime
Stars Frank Langella, Liv Tyler, James Marsden
Directed by Jake Schreier
85m
In Robot & Frank, Frank Langella stars as Frank, an age-addled dementia patient. When Frank’s son Hunter employs the services of an android to help care for his father, an initially resistant Frank soon warms up to the robot’s presence — specifically because the cyborg can’t differentiate between what’s moral and what’s not. Thus, Frank, an ex-thief, begins using the robot to carry out local burglaries. A smart story about technological advancements, family ties, elderly care, and past lives, Robot & Frank is a whipsmart sci-fi/comedy amalgam and fitting addition to Hulu’s library.
Saint Maud (2020)
Genre Drama, Horror, Mystery
Stars Morfydd Clark, Jennifer Ehle, Lily Knight
Directed by Rose Glass
85m
Set in a coastal community in England, Saint Maud stars Morfydd Clark as the titular Maud, a born-again Roman Catholic and on-call nurse. When Maud’s agency assigns her to care for an ailing dancer and cancer patient named Amanda (Jennifer Ehle), Maud uses the opportunity to bestow her newfound faith-healing practices on the sick woman. Initially receptive to Maud’s benevolence, Amanda’s attitude turns, leaving Maud embittered. With no one to share her religious dogma with, Maud gradually sinks into an inner world of disorienting madness while disturbing events from her past begin to resurface through visions and visits from an old friend. A magnificent debut from writer-director Rose Glass, Saint Maud is a mesmerizing slow-burn piece of body horror and a stellar vehicle for the talents of Morfydd Clark.
Wander Darkly (2020)
Genre Romance, Drama
Stars Sienna Miller, Diego Luna, Beth Grant
Directed by Tara Miele
97m
After a traumatic incident, Adrienna and Matteo (Sienna Miller and Diego Luna), a struggling young couple, are sent to the hospital. Confined to rehabilitative quarters, the once-happy pair are transported to an otherworldly realm of surreal memories. While each of them is forced to confront the hazy beginnings of their fizzling romance, their out-of-body paths will cross in bizarre and unexpected ways. Visually, Wander Darkly lives in an elevated plane of awareness, but the emotionally laden performances of both Miller and Luna help to anchor the film in a grounded and often relatable reality.
Skyfall (2012)
Genre Action, Adventure, Thriller
Stars Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem
Directed by Sam Mendes
143m
In director Sam Mendes’ Skyfall, Daniel Craig returns for his third go with the James Bond character. A sequel to 2008’s Quantum of Solace, Skyfall begins with a tumultuous action set piece that kicks the film off with pure energy. When Patrice, a mercenary in possession of MI6 secrets, is cornered by Bond and Eve Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) in Istanbul … aboard a moving train. When the altercation goes haywire, the fate of every MI6 agent is jeopardized as a former operative-turned-terrorist named Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) closes in. Skyfall sets the bar for high-octane action thrills, featuring mesmerizing cinematography, editing, sound design, along with commanding performances from the main ensemble. It’s one of the best Bond flicks ever made and a grand success of a major Hollywood blockbuster, earning over $1 billion in worldwide receipts against a $200 million budget.
Luce (2019)
Genre Thriller
Stars Kelvin Harrison Jr., Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer
Directed by Julius Onah
109m
Based on the J.C. Lee play of the same name, Luce stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. as the titular Luce, an American teen adopted from Eritrea by Peter and Amy Edgar (Tim Roth and Naomi Watts). When Luce’s history teacher, Harriet Carter (Octavia Spencer), calls a meeting with Luce’s parents after the youth turns in an essay with violent implications, the idyllic family of three are forced to question their parenting, family dynamic, and overall marriage. A riveting examination of racial bias, powered by intense performances from the main ensemble, Luce plays like a character-driven theater experience, paying fine homage to the story’s roots in live theater.
Flight (2012)
Genre Drama
Stars Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
138m
Airline pilot Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) can’t seem to shake his vices, booze-addled habits that are given surprise center-staging when his aircraft malfunctions midflight. Successfully pulling off a desperate emergency landing, Whip falls unconscious, awakening later in a hospital. Commended for his heroism, investigative authorities begin to unearth Whip’s drinking habits, forcing the addict to reckon with his professional and personal life choices. Featuring a mighty lead performance from Washington and a pulse-pounding first act, much of what works about Flight is its insistence on spending time with its subjects. Zemeckis’ camera tends to linger on difficult conversations; thus, so do we.
Another Round (2020)
Genre Comedy, Drama
Stars Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Lars Ranthe
Directed by Thomas Vinterberg
117m
With an original Danish title of Druk (“binge drinking”), co-writer and director Thomas Vinterberg’s Another Round follows a group of four high school teachers with a wild plan. Facing unenthused students, trouble at home, and other midlife hardships, the foursome agrees to test the theories of psychiatrist Finn Skårderud in the workplace. More specifically, the colleagues want to see if maintaining a constant blood-alcohol level of 0.5 will improve their creativity and overall mood. Truly more than another midlife boozer flick, Another Round sees Mads Mikkelsen in top form as Martin, the de facto onscreen leader who attempts to gain more out of his day-to-day through mild intoxication. It’s funny, at times dark, and tactfully hard-hitting.
Super Dark Times (2017)
Genre Drama, Thriller
Stars Owen Campbell, Charlie Tahan, Elizabeth Cappuccino
Directed by Kevin Phillips
103m
Zach (Owen Campbell) and Josh (Charlie Tahan) are lifelong pals who spend their days riding bikes, rating girls in their yearbook, and sneaking a little pot-smoking in now and then. Little do they know that their lives are about to change forever, all on one fateful afternoon. When a horrific tragedy shatters their innocence, Zach and Josh are forced to make profound adult decisions that will affect the trajectory of their lives and test the foundations of their friendship. An exciting indie debut from director Kevin Phillips, Super Dark Times leads with strong performances, captivating camera work, snappy editing, and a mood-setting score by Australian/Icelandic composer Ben Foster.
Logan Lucky (2017)
Genre Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama
Stars Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Riley Keough
Directed by Steven Soderbergh
118m
Brothers Jimmy and Clyde Logan (Channing Tatum and Adam Driver) are down-on-their-luck siblings — one a laid-off construction worker, the other an amputee war vet tending bar. Hoping to break a supposed family curse and reap the reward of millions of dollars, the brothers recruit a hodge-podge ensemble of two-bit criminals to break into the underground tunnels of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. But when things don’t go as planned, the brothers and their team must contend with an FBI agent on their tail, while attempting to pull off a heist during a major race. Coming out of retirement to direct, Steven Soderbergh delivers big with Logan Lucky, a mighty amalgamation of comedy, drama, and high-stakes thrills.
Girl (2020)
Genre Thriller
Stars Bella Thorne, Mickey Rourke, Glen Gould
Directed by Chad Faust
92m
In Girl, Bella Thorne stars as the unnamed titular character. Hellbent on revenge, Girl is taking a bus to her small hometown in Ontario, Canada. Her goal? To murder her abusive father. Her weapon? An ax that he gave her years ago. When Girl arrives, though, her simple revenge plot quickly unwinds into something far more sinister when she realizes that a group of like-minded locals may have beat her to the punch, stripping Girl of her much-desired vengeance. A gritty and contemporary noir meets B-movie suspense, Girl is a raw and ruthless film that gives Bella Thorne center stage.
Ammonite (2020)
Genre Romance, Drama
Stars Kate Winslet, Saoirse Ronan, Gemma Jones
Directed by Francis Lee
118m
In Ammonite, writer-director Francis Lee brings us a searing romantic drama that gains new heights from the intimately human performances from its two leads — Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan. Set in 1840s England, Winslet plays Mary Anning, a struggling fossil hunter who sells off her local finds to traveling tourists to support herself and her ill mother. When a wealthy but amateur fossil scout (James McArdle) enters the picture, the man asks Mary to care for his recovering wife, Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan), while he’s away on an expedition. Agreeing to the offer, Mary and Charlotte begin spending time together, forming a passionate relationship that begins two social classes apart and quickly becomes more than just routine caretaking. An exquisite arthouse offering, Francis Lee delivers a brilliantly subdued period drama with Ammonite, a fitting follow-up to her last film, In God’s Country.
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Genre Adventure, Drama, Comedy
Stars Shia LaBeouf, Zack Gottsagen, Dakota Johnson
Directed by Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz
97m
A modern Mark Twain adventure for the ages, The Peanut Butter Falcon stars Zack Gottsagen as Zak, a 22-year-old man with Down syndrome. After escaping from his assisted living facility, Zak plans to run away to the wrestling school of the Saltwater Redneck (Thomas Haden Church). Along the way, Zak runs into Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), a recently fired fisherman. Forming a friendship, the two men build a raft and hit the water, rowing their way to the Saltwater Redneck’s training facility. An endearing buddy film that delights and surprises at every turn, The Peanut Butter Falcon is the feature film debut of the writer-director duo, Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, and a sleeper hit — grossing over $23 million against a modest $6 million budget.
WeWork: or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn (2021)
Genre Documentary
Directed by Jed Rothstein
Cast Adam Neumann
Started in 2010 by Adam Neumann, Miguel McKelvey, and Adam’s spouse, Rebekah Neumann, WeWork was established as a commercial real estate company with a focus on shared workspaces. In director Jed Rothstein’s documentary, the creative team dissects the rise and fall of the Neumann empire, with an emphasis placed on Adam Neumann’s exploits as a corporate leader. Talking heads include industry experts, journalists, and former WeWork higher-ups. Offering an entrancing look at the hypnotic pull of Neumann’s startup, the doc succeeds the most at providing a humanistic vantage to Adam’s vision of a greater workplace, an ideology that many investors and WeWork staffers bought into and believed in.
Hunter Hunter (2020)
Genre Horror, Thriller
Stars Camille Sullivan, Summer H. Howell, Devon Sawa
Directed by Shawn Linden
93m
Fur trappers Joseph Mersault (Devon Sawa), his wife Anne (Camille Sullivan), and daughter Renée are facing dwindling returns on their livelihood. What’s worse is that the family begins to think their traps are being picked apart by a wolf. When Joseph leaves his wife and daughter to investigate, an injured man (Nick Stahl) arrives at the family’s outpost. Close to death, Anne and Renée grow increasingly wary of their visitor’s intentions, along with the well-being of their husband and father. Tense, tight, and minimalist in its slow-burn thrills, Hunter Hunter marks writer-director Shawn Linden as a raw talent to keep your sights on.
Colossal (2017)
Genre Drama, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Stars Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, Tim Blake Nelson
Directed by Nacho Vigalondo
109m
Unemployed and struggling with a booze addiction, Gloria (Anne Hathaway) can’t imagine her life getting any lower. After a breakup and eviction, Gloria is forced to relocate back to New England, where she takes a job as a bartender, a position offered to her by longtime friend Oscar (Jason Sudeikis). But there’s trouble afoot in Seoul, South Korea: A towering reptilian monster wreaks havoc on the city. Soon after the creature’s appearance, Gloria realizes that the monster is somehow connected to her, as evidenced by mirror-image physical behaviors. As her life continues to unravel, Gloria must learn how to grapple with her own vices and deep-seated issues before the monster devastates the entire world. Wholly original and powered by Hathaway’s mesmerizing lead performance, Colossal is worthy weekend watching for sure.
Missing Link (2019)
Genre Family, Animation, Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy
Stars Hugh Jackman, Zoe Saldana, Zach Galifianakis
Directed by Chris Butler
95m
Missing Link stars Zach Galifianakis as one Mr. Link, a towering mythic beast looking quite a bit like Bigfoot. Forlorn that he can’t connect with the other members of his species, the creature reaches out to famed explorer Sir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman) to guide him to Shangri-La, where he hopes to reconnect with the lost members of his clan. A dizzying and heartfelt stop-motion production, Missing Link explores themes of friendship, connection, and identity through animated valor. It’s a loving and comical film with plenty of entertainment for both kids and parents.
Boss Level (2021)
Genre Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Directed by Joe Carnahan
Cast Frank Grillo, Mel Gibson, Naomi Watts
Former special forces agent Roy Pulver (Frank Grillo) is trapped in a seamless loop of experiencing his own death over and over again. Call it a personal Groundhog Day from hell. As Roy moves through his various demises, the agent starts unearthing a secret government plot, spearheaded by Colonel Ventor (Mel Gibson), that could be the reason for his endless cycle of carnage. To break the chain, Roy will have to fight his way through an onslaught of vicious assassins who are all trying to keep him from escaping the death loop. Boss Level is an action flick that operates at breakneck speed. While loop films like Source Code and Looper approach their narratives with finesse and relative subtlety, Boss Level cares more about the thrill. In a nutshell: It’s great, loud fun.
Storks (2016)
Genre Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family
Stars Andy Samberg, Katie Crown, Kelsey Grammer
Directed by Doug Sweetland, Nicholas Stoller
87m
When a rogue stork named Jasper (Danny Trejo) does the unthinkable and keeps a baby for himself instead of delivering it, the mythical industry of the stork gets out of the child-delivery business and goes all conglomerate, switching to shipping boring old packages. The baby, Tulip (Katie Crown), with the details of her parents unknown, is raised by the storks and grows up to work as a janitor with the package-delivery birds. When the boss stork, Hunter (Kelsey Grammer), tasks his top delivery stork, Junior (Andy Samberg), to fire Tulip, Junior takes a liking to her and instead relegates her to the mailroom. But when a boy named Nate Gardner (Anton Starkman) sends a letter to the storks asking for a sibling, Tulip fires up the old Baby Factory and creates an infant for the boy. Now it’s up to Junior and Tulip to sneak the newborn off of Stork Mountain before Hunter catches on. A cheeky animated feature from Warner Animation Group and Sony Pictures Imageworks, Storks is cute and comical in more ways than one, providing entertainment for both kids and parents.
The Social Network (2010)
Genre Drama
Stars Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
Directed by David Fincher
121m
Director David Fincher’s The Social Network, with a brilliant script by leading Hollywood scribe Aaron Sorkin, chronicles the prolific rise and fall of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) on the heels of the social media platform’s creation. Bitter from his breakup with college love Erica Albright (Rooney Mara), Zuckerberg takes to the internet, inventing Facemash — a website where visitors can rate the attractiveness of female students. When the Winklevoss twins (Armie Hammer as both brothers) learn of Mark’s site, they try and recruit him to help create Harvard Connection, a site aimed at college kids. But Mark goes to his friend Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) instead, and the duo concocts Thefacebook. The social mecca takes off, the money starts coming in, and lawsuits start flying in this richly-worded biopic that took home awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing at the 83rd Academy Awards.
Gretel & Hansel (2020)
Genre Horror, Fantasy, Thriller
Stars Sophia Lillis, Samuel Leakey, Alice Krige
Directed by Oz Perkins
87m
This 2020 adaptation of the famous Grimm fairy tale stars Sophia Lillis and Sammy Leakey as the renowned brother-sister duo. On the run from their troubled home life, the siblings discover an enchanting home deep in the dark woods. The enchantress, Holda (Alice Krige), is an inviting presence, but as both children spend more time with her, the woman’s sinister intentions rise to the surface. Giving a fresh coat of paint to the morbid tale that has seen more than its share of adaptations, Gretel and Hansel is a visual feast, relying more on mood and atmosphere than jump-scare set pieces.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Genre Action, Science Fiction, Comedy, Family
Stars Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Jim Carrey
Directed by Jeff Fowler
99m
After polarizing fans with some all-too-human eyes and maw, everyone’s favorite Sega hero received a massive redesign in preparation for his 2020 cinematic debut, Sonic the Hedgehog. Featuring the voice of Ben Schwartz as the iconic blue hero, our story sees Sonic fleeing a tribe of hell-bent echidnas that want to harness his super-speed powers. Sonic’s guardian, a sentient owl named Longclaw, uses a series of mystical rings to transport Sonic to Planet Earth. Living a life of solitude for nearly 10 years, Sonic inadvertently triggers a multi-state blackout while playing a game of solitary baseball, an event that forces the Department of Defense to call on the powers of Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey), an evil genius in search of a power source for his robotic army. It just so happens that Sonic may be the spark he’s been looking for. Sonic the Hedgehog is no cinematic marvel by any means, but for a video game adaptation of a canon as recognizable as Mario and Crash Bandicoot, director Jeff Fowler could have done much worse.
Nomadland (2021)
Genre Drama
Stars Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May
Directed by Chloé Zhao
108m
From the writer-director of 2015 Sundance favorite Songs My Brothers Taught Me, Chloé Zhao wrote, directed, edited, and produced Nomadland, her third feature that nabbed big laurels from both the Venice Film Festival (winning the Golden Lion) and the Toronto International Film Festival (winning the People’s Choice Award). An adaptation of Jessica Bruder’s 2017 non-fiction novel Nomadland: Surviving America in the 21st Century, the film stars Frances McDormand as Fern, an ex-U.S. Gypsum employee that takes to the road when the company’s Nevada plant shuts down. Selling off major possessions, Fern purchases a van as mobile living quarters and eventually joins the ranks of a nomadic group that teaches her how to survive in the harsh climate with minimal resources. Featuring a stirring but