Do you know why HBO has such a stellar reputation for landing hit movies? It helps that the cable network is owned by Warner Bros. Pictures, a studio that dates back to the early days of Hollywood almost a century ago. But that’s not all. Home Box Office also goes out of its way to land top titles from other studios to ensure that subscribers always get what they pay for: the best movies on cable television. And that’s why we’re here. Each month, we share our picks for the best movies on HBO right now, so you know what to look for. All you have to do is look up the time these films are playing, or simply stream them online.
Looking for more to watch on HBO? We’ve got guides to the best movies on HBO Max, the best HBO series, the best shows on HBO Max, and more.
Recently added to HBO
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Elvis2022 -
Hot Tub Time Machine2010
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Airplane!1980
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A Private War2018
Elvis (2022) new
159m
Genre
Music, Drama, History
Stars
Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Richard Roxburgh
Directed by
Baz Luhrmann
If you’re looking for a 100% historically accurate biopic, you won’t find that in Elvis. What you will get is a wildly entertaining film with a star-making turn from Austin Butler as the legendary Elvis Presley. Director Baz Luhrmann frames the story around Elvis’ complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), the man who helped make Elvis a music icon. You can expect to see this flick get a lot of attention around Oscar time. And now it’s available on both HBO and HBO Max for anyone who missed it earlier this year.
Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) new
101m
Genre
Science Fiction, Comedy, Adventure
Stars
John Cusack, Lyndsy Fonseca, Collette Wolfe
Directed by
Steve Pink
Hot Tub Time Machine is what we call a “high concept comedy.” The title is the premise. After Lou Dorchen (Rob Corddry) nearly loses his life, his estranged friends, Adam Yates (John Cusack) and Nick Webber-Agnew (Craig Robinson), plan to take Lou on a trip to Colorado to recreate a vacation they enjoyed as kids. While accompanied by Adam’s nephew, Jacob Yates (Clark Duke), the four accidentally dump an energy drink on a hot tub that somehow sends them back in time to their youth. Now inhabiting their younger bodies, Adam, Lou, and Nick try to maintain history as they know it despite the temptation to change their lives.
Airplane! (1980) new
88m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielsen
Directed by
Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams, David Zucker
If we were to simply tell you the plot of Airplane!, you might confuse it for an actual drama. Instead, it’s one of the silliest movies ever made, and an all-time great comedy that is filled with sight gags and hilarious dialogue. Robert Hays stars as Ted Striker, a former military pilot who is so traumatized by his war experience that he can’t fly any longer. That’s one of the reasons why Elaine Dickinson (Julie Hagerty) left Ted behind. But when the crew of their plane is taken out by food poisoning, an incredulous Ted is called upon to save the day. But first, viewers will meet “Otto,” the plane’s inflatable autopilot who kind of steals the show…and the plane!
A Private War (2018) new
106m
Genre
War, Drama
Stars
Rosamund Pike, Jamie Dornan, Tom Hollander
Directed by
Matthew Heineman
A Private War is based on the true story of war correspondent Marie Colvin, and it is not for the faint of heart. Rosamund Pike portrays Colvin on-screen as the film follows some of her most memorable journeys into countries that were torn apart by civil war. Colvin pays a very high physical price for her bravery and determination, and she doesn’t back down from danger. There is a very tragic element in her story, but also many reasons to celebrate her life and what she stood for. This film stands as a tribute to that.
Under the Skin (2014)
108m
Genre
Thriller, Science Fiction, Drama
Stars
Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy McWilliams, Lynsey Taylor Mackay
Directed by
Jonathan Glazer
Is it a stretch to cast Scarlett Johansson as a beautiful woman? It is when the woman isn’t of this Earth, as she was in the sci-fi film Under the Skin. Johansson plays an otherwise featureless alien who wears the skin of a deceased woman to lure men to their doom in some kind of portal to another dimension. The alien feels no emotion as she watches her victims die … at least until she faces an unexpected sensation of empathy. She flees as she suffers from a serious identity crisis while pursued by enigmatic members of her own race. However, she can only run so far before she comes face to face with both the best and the worst that humanity has to offer.
Ex Machina (2015)
108m
Genre
Drama, Science Fiction
Stars
Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac
Directed by
Alex Garland
From one out-of-this-world woman to another! Ex Machina introduces viewers to Ava (Alicia Vikander), the first true AI in the world. She has the body of a robot and the face of an angel. Ava is also disturbingly human-like. That’s why a reclusive CEO, Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac), allows a lowly programmer named Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) to determine just how human Ava really is. It’s an interesting challenge, but Ava is playing her own game. And not even Nathan can predict the actions that she will take.
Room (2015)
118m
Genre
Drama, Thriller
Stars
Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen
Directed by
Lenny Abrahamson
Brie Larson won an Oscar for her leading role in Room as Joy Newsome, while seven-year-old Jacob Tremblay was also impressive as her onscreen son, Jack Newsome. For seven years, Joy and Jack have been held prisoner by Old Nick (Sean Bridgers), Jack’s biological father and the man who kidnapped Joy. To keep her son’s spirits up, Joy convinces him that only their life in the room is real. But when Old Nick’s abuse becomes too much to bear, mother and son must plan their escape. However, the challenges that they face only get more difficult once they make their bid for freedom.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
116m
Genre
Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction
Stars
Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum
Directed by
Philip Kaufman
The ending of Invasion of the Body Snatchers is so famous and unsettling that you’ve probably already seen it, even if you didn’t realize it at the time. This remake of the ‘50s sci-fi/horror film is truly terrifying as Matthew Bennell (Donald Sutherland) and Elizabeth Driscoll (Brooke Adams) discover that San Francisco is being overrun by aliens who can perfectly duplicate a human body while they sleep. Even though Matthew and Elizabeth go to great lengths to stay awake, not everyone around them is as fortunate as they are. And soon enough, they may be among the last humans living in the city before the invasion expands.
Gravity (2013)
91m
Genre
Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama
Stars
Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris
Directed by
Alfonso Cuarón
Director and co-writer Alfonso Cuarón delivered a visually dazzling masterpiece with Gravity, which stars Sandra Bullock as astronaut Dr. Ryan Stone. When a disaster in space leaves Ryan’s life in jeopardy, Lieutenant Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) takes it upon himself to save her. However, the two astronauts discover that their situation is even more dire than before, and their chances of returning to Earth are slim. Literally all they have left is each other, and soon, they won’t even have that.
Last Night in Soho (2021)
117m
Genre
Thriller, Horror, Mystery
Stars
Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith
Directed by
Edgar Wright
Last Night in Soho is the tale of two women: Ellie Turner (Thomasin McKenzie) and Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy). In the present, Ellie somehow experiences the life of Sandie in the ‘60s as if she is both an observer and Sandie herself. As much as Ellie admires Sandie, she is also horrified when Sandie’s boyfriend, Jack (Matt Smith), destroys her dreams and forces her into prostitution. When Ellie’s visions lead her to believe that Jack murdered Sandie, Ellie becomes determined to bring him to justice. At the same time, Ellie is haunted by visions that threaten to drive her out of her mind.
Thirteen (2003)
100m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Evan Rachel Wood, Nikki Reed, Holly Hunter
Directed by
Catherine Hardwicke
If you’re looking for a feel-good coming-of-age film … it definitely isn’t Thirteen. This teenage drama is still shocking nearly two decades after its release. Evan Rachel Wood stars as Tracy Freeland, a 13-year-old girl who ingratiates herself into the life of her popular classmate, Evie Zamora (Nikki Reed). Evie proves to be a very bad influence on Tracy, and vice versa. They enable each other, which only leads to conflict when they inevitably fall out. Tracy will also come to realize that her actions have come with a very high cost.
Lone Survivor (2013)
121m
Genre
War, Action, Drama, History
Stars
Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch
Directed by
Peter Berg
Lone Survivor is based on a real story from the long war in Afghanistan. Mark Wahlberg stars as Hospital corpsman First Class Marcus Luttrell, a member of a small team including Lieutenant Michael P. “Murph” Murphy (Taylor Kitsch) and Gunner’s mate Second Class Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch). The men are on a mission to find a Taliban commander, but they soon find themselves in way over their heads as the Taliban soldiers overwhelm them. As the title implies, only one member of this team is going to make it out alive. But not without a lot of spilled blood on both sides of the battle.
Total Recall (1990)
113m
Genre
Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Stars
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin, Sharon Stone
Directed by
Paul Verhoeven
There are two versions of Total Recall that made it into theaters, but the original is still the one you should watch. Arnold Schwarzenegger steps away from his Terminator sense of invulnerability as a seemingly ordinary construction worker named Douglas Quaid. When Quaid decides to have memories of a Martian vacation put into his head, he comes to believe that he was a secret agent even before any fake memories were implanted. Soon, nearly everyone Quaid knows is trying to kill him, including his wife, Lori (Sharon Stone). The answers to Quaid’s questions lie on Mars, if he can survive long enough to get there.
Highlander (1986)
116m
Genre
Adventure, Action, Fantasy
Stars
Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown
Directed by
Russell Mulcahy
It doesn’t get more ‘80s than the original Highlander movie. With its rockin’ soundtrack by Queens and endearing performances by Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, this cult classic cable staple is back where it belongs on HBO. Within the film, Lambert stars as Connor MacLeod, an immortal who is mentored by a warrior named Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez (Connery). Through his friendship with Ramirez, Connor learns that every immortal is in a centuries-long race to claim “the prize.” There can only be one in the end. And in present day New York, Connor must confront his eternal rival, The Kurgan (Clancy Brown), one last time.
Red Eye (2005)
85m
Genre
Horror, Thriller
Stars
Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Brian Cox
Directed by
Wes Craven
The late Wes Craven embraced a different brand of horror in his 2005 thriller, Red Eye. Rachel McAdams stars as Lisa Reisert, a young woman whose innocent flirtations with her seatmate, Jackson Rippner (Cillian Murphy), take a sinister turn. Jackson reveals that he has been sent to blackmail Lisa to make her an accomplice to a political assassination. And if Lisa doesn’t comply, her father, Joe Reisert (Brian Cox), will be murdered before her plane can even land. Somehow, Lisa has to find a way to escape her captor and warn his target without jeopardizing her father’s life or her own.
They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
99m
Genre
Documentary, History, War
Stars
Thomas Adlam, William Argent, John Ashby
Directed by
Peter Jackson
World War II has so completely dominated the cultural zeitgeist that the horrors of World War I are largely forgotten over a century after it took place. The Lord of the Rings director, Peter Jackson, aimed to change that with They Shall Not Grow Old, a 2018 documentary that restores footage of the First World War with vivid details. There is some embellishment with voice actors and sound effects, but those are complementary elements for one of the most engrossing depictions of war seen on screen in a long time.
The Batman (2022)
176m
Genre
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Stars
Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano
Directed by
Matt Reeves
Robert Pattinson had a lot to prove in The Batman, and fans were certainly skeptical about whether he could follow Ben Affleck in the title role. But Pattinson came through in director Matt Reeves’ reinvention of Gotham City and its Dark Knight. In this story from early in his career as the Caped Crusader, Batman is forced to contend with Riddler (Paul Dano), a deranged genius who is out to expose Gotham’s corruption while arranging for its destruction. If this Batman is going to overcome the odds, then he will have to be both a detective and a hero.
The Survivor (2022)
129m
Genre
Drama, History
Stars
Ben Foster, Vicky Krieps, Billy Magnussen
Directed by
Barry Levinson
Boxing movies are usually inspirational stories about an underdog rising to the top against all odds. But in The Survivor, Harry Haft (Ben Foster) had his biggest matches in the Holocaust. Harry’s true story is explored in harrowing black-and-white flashback sequences as he is forced to box for his life in concentration camps. Harry is also well aware that the loser of the bout will be shot. Years later, Harry’s professional boxing career begins to take shape in the United States. But the one thing Harry really wants is to find the woman he loved, Miriam Wofsoniker (Vicky Krieps) — if she survived the Holocaust as well.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
137m
Genre
Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Stars
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong
Directed by
James Cameron
In the last 30 years, there have been four additional Terminator sequels. But no one has made a better sequel than James Cameron’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day. This flick has such superior filmmaking that it still surpasses many modern blockbusters. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton reprise their respective roles as a T-800 Terminator and Sarah Connor. Newcomer Edward Furlong played Sarah’s son, John Connor, the future savior of humanity. Much to Sarah’s surprise, she and the T-800 share a common goal of protecting John from the advanced T-1000 model, as portrayed by Robert Patrick.
Sliding Doors (1998)
99m
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Stars
Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah, John Lynch
Directed by
Peter Howitt
Multiverses are all the rage in superhero movies, but Gwyneth Paltrow was hanging out in parallel realities long before she co-starred in Iron Man. In Sliding Doors, Paltrow plays Helen Quilley, a young woman whose life spins in different directions depending upon whether she caught her train on time. If she does catch it, Helen dumps her cheating ex, Gerry (John Lynch), and finds new love with James Hammerton (John Hannah). And if she doesn’t catch the train, Helen stays with Gerry, unaware that he’s also seeing a woman named Lydia (Jeanne Tripplehorn). There is sorrow and joy in both incarnations of Helen’s life, but not every ending can be happy.
King Richard (2021)
145m
Genre
Drama, History
Stars
Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney
Directed by
Reinaldo Marcus Green
Will Smith won an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance as Richard Williams in the biopic King Richard. Smith also lost his temper at the Oscars and overshadowed what should have been his crowning achievement. Regardless of the current controversy surrounding Smith, King Richard is truly one of the best films of 2021. It also happens to be based on the true story of Richard, the father of tennis legends Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena Williams (Demi Singleton). It’s simply a well-crafted drama that shouldn’t be swallowed whole by something that had nothing to do with the film itself.
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
123m
Genre
Drama, Romance
Stars
Tom Hiddleston, Tilda Swinton, Mia Wasikowska
Directed by
Jim Jarmusch
Adam (Tom Hiddleston) wants to die in Only Lovers Left Alive. Naturally, Adam’s increasingly suicidal behavior alarms his wife, Eve (Tilda Swinton). From her perspective, Adam already has a lot to live for … especially since he already died once when he became a vampire. Eve is also a vampire, and she desperately tries to get Adam to remember how good their lives together can be. Unfortunately, Eve’s younger sister, Ava (Mia Wasikowska), rolls into town like a hurricane and threatens to undo Eve’s attempt to bring Adam back from the edge of despair.
Man of Steel (2013)
143m
Genre
Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Stars
Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon
Directed by
Zack Snyder
It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 10 years since we’ve had a truly solo Superman movie. Man of Steel kicked off the DC Extended Universe with Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) trying to find his way in the world long before he even thinks about becoming Superman. Amy Adams plays a thoroughly modern Lois Lane who figures out Clark’s secret right away. But before Clark and Lois can define their relationship, renegade Kryptonians led by General Zod (Michael Shannon) come to Earth to neutralize Superman and transform the planet into their new home.
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
114m
Genre
Science Fiction, Action, Adventure
Stars
Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth
Directed by
Louis Leterrier
Now here’s something you don’t see everyday. Incredible Hulk is a Marvel Studios movie on HBO because the film was distributed by Universal Pictures, one of the few studios not owned by Disney. And yet it’s still MCU canon despite Edward Norton’s one and only appearance as Bruce Banner/Hulk. After hiding out in South America, Bruce returns to the United States and reunites with his ex-girlfriend, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler). All Bruce wants is a cure for his condition, but Betty’s father, General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (William Hurt), basically wants to dissect Bruce’s body so he can create a new generation of super soldiers. And the prospect of gaining superhuman strength is a little bit too appealing to the General’s top operative, Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth).
A Shot in the Dark (1964)
102m
Genre
Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Stars
Peter Sellers, Elke Sommer, George Sanders
Directed by
Blake Edwards
A Shot in the Dark is the second film in the Pink Panther series, but don’t worry. All you really need to know going in is that Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers) is one of the most comically inept detectives of all time and that the opening animated sequence (complete with the actual Pink Panther) is absolutely hilarious. In this film, there’s been a murder at the home of millionaire Benjamin Ballon (George Sanders). All of the evidence points to a maid, Maria Gambrelli (Elke Sommer). However, Jacques is so smitten with Maria that he keeps getting her off the hook, even as the bodies start to pile up.
Darkest Hour (2017)
125m
Genre
Drama, History
Stars
Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James
Directed by
Joe Wright
Gary Oldman gives a powerhouse performance as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour, a dramatization of Britain’s early days in World War II after most of Europe fell to Germany. Churchill correctly predicted the threat of the Nazis, but he doesn’t always know how to handle them. As Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup) and Viscount Halifax (Stephen Dillane) pressure Churchill to make peace with Germany, the prime minister has to find a way to rally a nation for war before the Nazi onslaught becomes unstoppable.
Capturing the Friedmans (2003)
107m
Genre
Documentary
Stars
Arnold Friedman, Elaine Friedman, Jesse Friedman
Directed by
Andrew Jarecki
Andrew Jarecki’s HBO original documentary Capturing the Friedmans is nearly two decades old. However, it has lost none of its power. In the mid-80s, Arnold Friedman and his son, Jesse, were accused of sexually abusing students in Arnold’s computer tutoring sessions. This documentary incorporates home movies filmed by Jesse’s brother, David, which show the mundane moments with the family as well as heated arguments between Arnold and his wife, Elaine, about his possible guilt and whether he should take a deal to spare his son a prison sentence. There are no easy answers here, as the Friedman family gives contradictory info to outsiders and to themselves.
Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999)
115m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Halle Berry, Brent Spiner, Klaus Maria Brandauer
Directed by
Martha Coolidge
Do you know who Dorothy Dandridge was? She was the first African American actress to be nominated for Best Actress in the Oscars, and a true superstar at a time when racism was rampant in both Hollywood and America. In the HBO original movie Introducing Dorthy Dandridge, Halle Berry seamlessly steps into the role of a screen icon in this unflinching look at her life and struggles. Because as successful as Dandridge was for the time, she should have been an even bigger star given her talent, her beauty, and her untimely demise at only 42 years old. This film helps keep Dandridge’s legacy alive, and it’s one of Berry’s best performances.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)
110m
Genre
Crime, Comedy
Stars
Steve Martin, Michael Caine, Glenne Headly
Directed by
Frank Oz
It’s almost impossible for a film to miss the mark when Michael Caine and Steve Martin are in the leading roles. And Dirty Rotten Scoundrels utilizes its leading men to great comedic effect by making them rival con artists: Freddy Benson (Martin) and Lawrence Jamieson (Michael Caine). Although Lawrence is somewhat disgusted by Freddy’s over-the-top cons, he briefly takes him on as a partner. When their partnership comes to a bitter end, they make a bet to determine who will leave town. Toward that end, they both target Janet Colgate (Glenne Headly) and try to be the first to con her out of $50,000. However, Janet has secrets of her own …
Orange County (2002)
82m
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Stars
Colin Hanks, Jack Black, Schuyler Fisk
Directed by
Jake Kasdan
Believe it or not, 2022 is the 20th anniversary of Orange County, the offbeat comedy starring Colin Hanks and Jack Black. In the film, Hanks plays Shaun Brumder, with Black as his older brother, Lance. After losing one of his friends to a tragic accident, perpetual slacker Shaun reinvents himself as an academic achiever. However, his hopes of attending Stanford are dashed due to a mixup, which inspires Lance to take his brother on an impromptu mission to get him into college even if it completely humiliates Shaun along the way.
Robots (2005)
91m
Genre
Animation, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction
Stars
Ewan McGregor, Robin Williams, Halle Berry
Directed by
Chris Wedge
HBO doesn’t have many animated family comedies, but Robots helps fill the gap with a gleeful vocal performance by the late Robin Williams. In the film, Williams voices Fender Pinwheeler, an aging robot who befriends Rodney Copperbottom (Ewan McGregor), a young robot who has dreams of becoming an inventor. In this robot-filled world, Rodney and Fender discover that Phineas T. Ratchet (Greg Kinnear) has plans to eliminate obsolete robots and transform them into spare parts for newer models. That’s why Rodney has to find the hero within and rally “the Rusties” to stand up for themselves.
A Mighty Wind (2003)
91m
Genre
Comedy, Music
Stars
Bob Balaban, Christopher Guest, John Michael Higgins
Directed by
Christopher Guest
A Mighty Wind has a lot in common with This Is Spinal Tap, including director Christopher Guest and several of the main performers. But instead of spoofing heavy metal in a mockumentary format, this film dives into the genre of folk music. After breaking apart decades earlier, The Folksmen — Mark Shubb (Harry Shearer), Jerry Palter (Michael McKean), and Alan Barrows (Guest) — are reunited for a benefit concert in memory of their late manager. While The Folksmen struggle with their insecurity, another musical duo and former lovers, Mickey Crabbe (Catherine O’Hara) and Mitch Cohen (Eugene Levy), must overcome their personal issues and deliver the performance of a lifetime.
Firestarter (1984)
114m
Genre
Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction
Stars
David Keith, Drew Barrymore, Freddie Jones
Directed by
Mark L. Lester
At some point in the near future, there’s going to be a remake of Stephen King’s Firestarter, but the original still holds up well decades later. Within the movie, Andrew McGee (David Keith) and his wife Vicky (Heather Locklear), gained low-level psychic abilities during government experiments while they were in college. However, their daughter, Charlie McGee (Drew Barrymore), is an immensely powerful pyrokinetic who can control fire. The black ops organization The Shop murders Vicky in a bid to claim Charlie’s power for themselves. Andrew takes Charlie on the run to avoid that fate, but they can only hide for so long.
Bowfinger (1999)
97m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, Heather Graham
Directed by
Frank Oz
Steve Martin may play the title character in Bowfinger, but this is Eddie Murphy’s movie to shine. Murphy has a double role as action star Kit Ramsey and his dorky doppelganger, Jiff. Martin’s Robert “Bobby” K. Bowfinger is a would-be director who simply won’t take no for an answer, so when Kit turns down the leading role in his picture, Bobby uses actors to convince Kit that he’s at the center of an alien invasion. When Kit goes into hiding, Bobby hires the naive Jiff to take his place so he can finish the movie — even if it kills Jiff.
Rosewater (2014)
103m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Gael García Bernal, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Jason Jones
Directed by
Jon Stewart
Comedian and talk show host Jon Stewart felt so strongly about Rosewater that he took a leave of absence from The Daily Show to write and direct the adaptation of Maziar Bahari’s novel. The real-life Bahari appeared on The Daily Show while covering the Iranian elections in 2009, which earned him some very unwanted attention. The film casts Gael García Bernal as Maziar and follows his subsequent harrowing ordeal at the hands of the Iranian government. While enduring torture for months, a blindfolded Maziar recognizes his main interogator by the rosewater fragrance that he uses. This all too real monster pushes Maziar to his limits in order to extract a false confession.
Collateral (2004)
120m
Genre
Drama, Crime, Thriller
Stars
Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith
Directed by
Michael Mann
Tom Cruise really doesn’t play villains that often, but Collateral is a rare exception. In director Michael Mann’s stylish thriller, Cruise plays Vincent, an apparently affluent man who hires a taxi driver, Max Durocher (Jamie Foxx), to take him to several locations in Los Angeles during a single night. But after the first stop, Max learns that Vincent is a deadly contract killer who is using him to get to his intended victims. Physically, Max poses little threat to Vincent, which is why he will have to call upon all of his skills to survive the night and stop Vincent’s rampage. If he can.
Jurassic Park (1993)
127m
Genre
Adventure, Science Fiction
Stars
Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum
Directed by
Steven Spielberg
Jurassic Park is one of the rare blockbusters that holds up decades after its release. In director Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Michael Crichton’s novel, Dr. John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) and his scientists have achieved the impossible. They have successfully cloned and revived several dinosaur species. But Dr. Hammond doesn’t want to be known for his scientific feat, he wants to be Walt Disney and turn the whole thing into a literal theme park. Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) are brought in to visit the isolated island park shortly before the inevitable dino mayhem begins.
One Hour Photo (2002)
96m
Genre
Drama, Thriller
Stars
Robin Williams, Connie Nielsen, Michael Vartan
Directed by
Mark Romanek
Writer and director Mark Romanek couldn’t have guessed that One Hour Photo would be so hopelessly dated less than two decades after its release. That said, this movie is worth rewatching for Robin Williams’ quietly terrifying performance as Seymour “Sy” Parrish. On the surface, Sy is a harmless older man who becomes attached to the Yorkin family because he has developed their photos for years. So much so that Sy imagines himself as a member of the family. But when Sy discovers that Will Yorkin (Michael Vartan) is cheating on his wife, Nina (Connie Nielsen), he takes extreme steps to protect “his” family regardless of the consequences.
American Splendor (2003)
101m
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Stars
Paul Giamatti, Hope Davis, Judah Friedlander
Directed by
Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Get ready for a comic book movie like no other. American Splendor is inspired by the autobiographical comic by Harvey Pekar (Paul Giamatti), an unassuming file clerk who channeled his unhappiness with his existence into stories that resonate with people from all walks of life. The real Harvey Pekar periodically appears to comment on the story of his life, as Harvey meets his future wife and collaborator, Joyce Barbner (Hope Davis), before they face his cancer diagnosis together. The movie is a true story, and a number of Harvey’s other friends and family appear as themselves in addition to the actors who play them on screen. It’s also a very endearing look at a comic book icon.
Gods and Monsters (1998)
105m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave
Directed by
Bill Condon
Gods and Monsters tells the story of James Whale (Ian McKellen), the acclaimed Universal Pictures horror director who helmed Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, and more. James is also an openly homosexual man whose star has faded by this time in his life. With his health in decline, James forms an odd friendship with a gardener named Clayton Boone (Brendan Fraser). While Clayton seems to have genuine affection for James, he is staunchly heterosexual and he is unable to give James what he wants. But their emotional bond is the reason why this film is a classic.
The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
116m
Genre
Comedy, Romance
Stars
Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd
Directed by
Judd Apatow
Who is The 40-Year-Old Virgin? That would be Andy Stitzer (Steve Carell), a very shy guy who has given up on ever finding love or sex after several bad experiences. David (Paul Rudd), Cal (Seth Rogen), and Jay (Romany Malco), take it upon themselves to help Andy solve his relationship problems by finding Andy a suitable woman. However, Andy finds his best prospect is Trish Piedmont (Catherine Keener), a woman who already has three kids and a grandchild. Both Andy and Trish want certain things out of their relationship, even if they can’t always articulate the things that will make them happy.
It: Chapter One (2017)
135m
Genre
Horror, Fantasy
Stars
Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Finn Wolfhard, Jack Dylan Grazer
Directed by
Andy Muschietti
When it comes to evil clowns, few can match the malevolent intensity of Pennywise the Clown. Bill Skarsgård is absolutely terrifying as Pennywise in the newest adaptation of Stephen King’s It. Director Andy Muschietti wisely decided to split the novel’s twin narratives into two separate movies, with It: Chapter One tackling the story in 1988. Following the brutal death of his younger brother, Bill Denbrough (Jaeden Lieberher) realizes that Pennywise is hunting the town’s children. Ben Hanscom (Jeremy Ray Taylor), Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis), Richie Tozier (Finn Wolfhard), Stanley Uris (Wyatt Oleff), Eddie Kaspbrak (Jack Dylan Grazer), and Mike Hanlon (Chosen Jacobs) join Bill in The Losers’ Club as they take it upon themselves to confront Pennywise.
Cinderella Man (2005)
144m
Genre
Romance, Drama, History
Stars
Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti
Directed by
Ron Howard
This may come as a surprise, but there really was a Cinderella Man. That was the nickname that the press gave to James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe), a boxer whose fall from the ring and his return to prominence was an inspirational story during the Great Depression. Cinderella Man follows James through the hard years after his first exit from the ring. After his manager, Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti), books James in a last-minute match, his victory propels him on an unlikely winning streak. Much to the horror of James’ wife, Mae Braddock (Renée Zellweger), James’ comeback leads straight to the world champion, Max Baer (Craig Bierko), a brutal man who suggests that Jake will not survive their fight.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
165m
Genre
Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Stars
Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman
Directed by
Christopher Nolan
The Dark Knight Rises is not generally considered the best of Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies. But it’s still a great superhero flick in its own right and the swansong of Christian Bale’s Dark Knight. Eight years after the Joker’s defeat, Batman is gone, and Gotham City is a very different place. However, the arrival of Bane (Tom Hardy) forces Bruce Wayne to come out of retirement, as a sinister plan uses the Wayne family fortune to finance the utter destruction of Gotham itself. And unlike Batman’s previous villains, Bane is a more formidable physical fighter than Bruce is. He’s the only one who can break the Bat. In the aftermath, Bruce has to claw his way back to save Gotham and himself.
Maria Full of Grace (2004)
101m
Genre
Drama, Thriller, Crime
Stars
Catalina Sandino Moreno, Guilied Lopez, Yenny Paola Vega
Directed by
Joshua Marston
There’s not much hope for Maria Álvarez (Catalina Sandino Moreno) in Maria Full of Grace. Maria is a 17-year old girl living in Colombia who is essentially stuck working in a sweatshop to support her family. When Maria leaves her job and becomes pregnant, she and her friend Bianca (Yenny Paola Vega) become drug mules in order to make their way to the United States. However, both women soon have reason to fear for their lives before fleeing from the drug traffickers. And without the drug money, neither Maria nor Bianca know where to turn.
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Brubaker (1980)
125m
Genre
Crime, Drama
Stars
Robert Redford, Yaphet Kotto, Jane Alexander
Directed by
Stuart Rosenberg
Here’s a good rule of thumb for movies: If Robert Redford is starring in a film, it’s usually good. Brubaker is somewhat overlooked, given the strength of Redford’s other movies. But this dramatization of a real story features a powerhouse performance by Redford as Henry Brubaker, the new warden of Wakefield State Prison. Henry even goes undercover in his own prison to get a better look at the rampant abuses and corruption within. Henry is like a force of nature who refuses to look away from the graft and the horrific conditions. Unfortunately for Henry, the men who profit from the prison system have no interest in allowing his reforms to cut into their illicit gains.
The Good Lie (2014)
110m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Reese Witherspoon, Corey Stoll, Thad Luckinbill
Directed by
Philippe Falardeau
You’re going to have to wait until nearly the end of the movie to discover what “the good lie” is in this film. But The Good Lie isn’t built around that mystery. Instead, it’s the story of Jeremiah (Ger Duany), Mamere (Arnold Oceng), Paul (Emmanuel Jal), Abital (Kuoth Wiel), and Theo (Femi Oguns), a family of siblings who are desperate to survive the Second Sudanese Civil War. Theo is the only one who doesn’t get to escape with his family. The rest attempt to rebuild their lives in the United States with the help of Carrie Davis (Reese Witherspoon). But Mamere won’t be satisfied until Theo is safe as well.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
109m
Genre
Adventure, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction
Stars
Martin Freeman, Sam Rockwell, Mos Def, Zooey Deschanel, Bill Nighy
Directed by
Garth Jennings
The late Douglas Adams co-wrote the adaptation of his amazingly funny sci-fi novel The Hitchhiker’s Guide To the Galaxy. In this very underrated flick, Arthur Dent (Martin Freeman) narrowly survives the destruction of Earth thanks to his friendship with Ford Prefect (Mos Def), an alien who looks very human. Once out in space, the unlikely duo end up on a quest to find the “Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything” alongside President of the Galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox (Sam Rockwell), as well as Trillian (Zooey Deschanel) and a very depressed android named Marvin (Alan Rickman). This is a joyfully silly story that never takes itself too seriously. And that’s why we love it.
8 Mile (2002)
110m
Genre
Music, Drama
Stars
Eminem, Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy
Directed by
Curtis Hanson
Did you know that Eminem is an Oscar winner for 8 Mile? His original song, “Lose Yourself,” was the winner that year in the 2002 Academy Awards. The film it belongs to is pretty good too. 8 Mile is very loosely based on Eminem’s actual life, but if you’re expecting a biopic full of triumphant moments, this isn’t it. Instead, Eminem plays Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr., a would-be rapper who is desperate to make ends meet after moving back in with his mother, Stephanie (Kim Basinger). Jimmy struggles with his confidence after freezing on stage during a rap battle. Regardless, Jimmy doesn’t give up on his dreams, even when he feels pressure from all aspects of his life.
The Debt (2010)
113m
Genre
Drama, Thriller
Stars
Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Worthington
Directed by
John Madden
The incomparable Helen Mirren and Jessica Chastain share the lead role in The Debt as they play Israeli operative Rachel Singer in the ‘90s and in the late ‘60s, respectively. Within the present timeline, Rachel (Mirren) is haunted by the outcome of a mission that she undertook decades earlier. That mission plays out in the past as Rachel (Chastain), David Peretz (Sam Worthington), and Stefan Gold (Tom Wilkinson) hunt for a Nazi war criminal, Dieter Vogel (Jesper Christensen). They soon discover that Dieter is very elusive prey, and he keeps finding ways to get under their skin even when they close in on him.
Mississippi Burning (1988)
128m
Genre
Thriller, Crime, Drama
Stars
Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand
Directed by
Alan Parker
Mississippi Burning is not directly based on real events, but it does take some of its influence from things that actually happened. After three civil rights workers go missing in Jessup County, FBI agents Rupert Anderson (Gene Hackman) and Alan Ward (Willem Dafoe) are sent to unravel the mystery. While the agents quickly determine that the missing men were murdered, they also discover that the town is caught in the grip of the Ku Klux Klan. Even Sheriff Clinton Pell (Brad Dourif) is a part of the racist group. With their investigation at a standstill, Rupert and Alan decide to try some legally questionable tactics to break the conspiracy and expose the murderers.
The Mummy (1999)
124m
Genre
Adventure, Action, Fantasy
Stars
Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Jonathan Hyde
Directed by
Stephen Sommers
It’s hard to reboot The Mummy, as the producers of Universal Pictures’ Dark Universe discovered a few years ago. However, the 1999 incarnation worked really well by borrowing a few things from the Indiana Jones movies, and because it had a very appealing cast. Brendan Fraser stars as Rick O’Connell, an adventurer whose life is saved by Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) and her brother, Jonathan (John Hannah). While on an expedition to a lost Egyptian city, Evelyn accidentally unleashes Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), a high priest who has been reborn as a mummy. To escape Imhotep and his growing power, Rick, Evelyn, and Jonathan must find a way to kill him once again.
The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)
82m
Genre
Fantasy, Comedy, Romance
Stars
Mia Farrow, Jeff Daniels, Danny Aiello
Directed by
Woody Allen
The Purple Rose of Cairo is actually the name of a film within the film. It’s also the favorite escape of Cecilia (Mia Farrow), a woman trapped in a loveless marriage with Monk (Danny Aiello). She is so enamored with the leading man of the film, Tom Baxter (Jeff Daniels), that he somehow comes to life and escapes from the movie to woo her. Tom even takes Cecilia into the world of the film to experience a romance unlike anything she ever thought possible. However, this soon draws the attention of Gil Shepherd (Daniels), the actor who portrays Tom in the movie. This leaves Cecillia stuck between two versions of the same man: one real, and one a fantasy.
Three Days of the Condor (1975)
117m
Genre
Thriller, Mystery
Stars
Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson
Directed by
Sydney Pollack
Three Days of the Condor is one of the greatest paranoid thrillers from the ‘70s. Robert Redford stars as Joseph Turner, a CIA analyst with the “Condor” codename. After making a report about a strange novel that has been translated and sold worldwide, Joseph is stunned to discover that his entire department has been slaughtered, and he’s next on the hit list. Even Joseph’s superiors in the CIA appear to want him dead. Without anywhere else to turn, Joseph kidnaps a stranger, Kathy Hale (Faye Dunaway), and hides in her apartment. But with few other options, Kathy may be the only real ally that Joseph has left.
All Is Lost (2013)
106m
Genre
Action, Adventure, Drama
Stars
Robert Redford
Directed by
J.C. Chandor
There is only one person on-screen for the vast majority of All Is Lost, and we never learn his name. Robert Redford plays the sailor who discovers that his ship has been badly damaged in a collision. As he tries to repair the ship, the man is thrust into an escalating series of complications that threaten his survival. He battles the elements as well as his own overpowering despair while the odds seem insurmountable. It’s an incredibly gripping story even though there is barely a word spoken in the entire film. Trust us, you won’t be bothered by the relative silence.
Antwone Fisher (2002)
120m
Genre
Drama, Romance
Stars
Derek Luke, Malcolm David Kelley, Cory Hodges
Directed by
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington moved into the director’s chair for Antowne Fisher, but the script was written by the real Fisher as a biography that explored his troubled life. Derek Luke portrays Antwone in the film, and he suffers from terrible psychological issues stemming from being abandoned by his mother and abused by his foster family. Enlisting in the Navy does little to curb Antowne’s fiery temper, so he is ordered to see Dr. Jerome Davenport (Washington) for treatment. However, this is an inner battle that Antowne must ultimately face alone, even with the emotional support of his girlfriend, Petty Officer Second Class Cheryl Smolley (Joy Bryant).
Beautiful Girls (1996)
112m
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Stars
Matt Dillon, Noah Emmerich, Annabeth Gish, Lauren Holly, Timothy Hutton, Rosie O'Donnell
Directed by
Ted Demme
According to a character in this film, “beautiful girls represent hope and promise.” But it’s not quite that simple in Beautiful Girls. When Willie Conway (Timothy Hutton) and his friends return to their hometown for a high school reunion, their respective relationship dramas come to the forefront. While Willie has a girlfriend named Tracy (Annabeth Gish), he also forms a bond with Marty (Natalie Portman), a girl who is way too young for him. Willie and his buddies have a lot of growing up to do because their collective romantic entanglements threaten to disrupt everything good about their lives. And if they aren’t careful, they will lose the women that they truly love.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
95m
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Stars
Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan
Directed by
Joel Zwick
The inspirational story of how Nia Vardalos wrote and starred in My Big Fat Greek Wedding could make a pretty good movie just by itself. But even two decades after its initial release, the film holds up as a charming romantic comedy. Vardalos plays Fotoula “Toula” Portokalos, a 30-year-old woman who works at her family’s Greek restaurant. After attracting the attention of Ian Miller (John Corbett), Toula is inspired to reinvent herself and pursue her own career and love life. While Toula and Ian decide to get married, the involvement of her Greek family puts some unexpected tension on the wedding plans.
Speed (1994)
116m
Genre
Action, Adventure, Crime
Stars
Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Hopper
Directed by
Jan de Bont
Pop quiz, hotshot. What high-concept action film made Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock into big-time Hollywood stars? Why, it’s Speed, of course. A madman named Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper) issues a ransom demand with a threat that a bomb will soon explode on a bus. Officer Jack Traven (Reeves) manages to get on the bus, but it falls to passenger Annie Porter (Bullock) to keep the bus going over 50 mph or else the bomb will immediately explode. This may sound silly, but it’s a really terrific action flick. The romantic tension between Jack and Annie is also delicious, even in life-or-death situations.
The Aviator (2004)
170m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale
Directed by
Martin Scorsese
The real Howard Hughes has been gone for nearly five decades, but he left behind an eclectic legacy as a pilot, an aviation magnate, an engineer, and even a film director. Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator examines two decades in Howard’s life, with Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role. Howard’s whirlwind affair with Katharine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett) is chronicled, as is his intimate connection with Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale). The film doesn’t shy away from depicting Howard’s severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, which threatens to destroy his empire and his relationships. For better or worse, Howard’s real life was complex and messy. That’s also why his story makes for a very compelling film.
Backdraft (1991)
137m
Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Stars
Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Robert De Niro
Directed by
Ron Howard
Backdraft is a special effects marvel, thanks to its masterful depiction of the beautiful and destructive nature of fire. Kurt Russell and William Baldwin star as Stephen “Bull” McCaffrey and his brother, Brian. Bull is the senior firefighter, and he is often at odds with his younger brother. But as a series of deadly fires rock Chicago, Brian and his mentor, Captain Donald “Shadow” Rimgale (Robert De Niro), suspect arson as the cause. More specifically, they come to believe that only a firefighter would have the skill to create the targeted blazes. Brian even briefly suspects that his brother is to blame before the truth surprises them all.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
164m
Genre
Science Fiction, Drama
Stars
Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas
Directed by
Denis Villeneuve
Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner wasn’t a huge hit, but it was an incredibly influential sci-fi film. Denis Villeneuve’s sequel, Blade Runner 2049, appears to be on the same trajectory. This visually stunning follow-up takes place a few decades after the original movie, as a Blade Runner known as K (Ryan Gosling) discovers evidence that replicants can biologically reproduce. Because of gaps in his own history, K comes to believe that he is the replicant child in question. To get answers, K takes it upon himself to track down Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), the titular Blade Runner from the original film. However, a corrupt executive, Niander Wallace (Jared Leto), wants to catch Rick first and use his knowledge to exploit the replicant secrets for his own gain.
Chasing Amy (1997)
114m
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Stars
Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Lee
Directed by
Kevin Smith
Chasing Amy remains director Kevin Smith’s best film to date, thanks to its frank depiction of sex, romance, and the ensuing emotional blowback. Ben Affleck stars as comic book illustrator Holden McNeil, a young man who becomes instantly infatuated with Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams). Despite his initial surprise that Alyssa is a lesbian, Holden’s feelings for her continue unabated. When Alyssa begins to reciprocate those feelings, Holden’s friend and partner, Banky Edwards (Jason Lee), is openly threatened by their burgeoning romance. Regardless, Holden proves to be his own worst enemy when his insecurity threatens his emotional bonds to both Alyssa and Banky.
The English Patient (1996)
162m
Genre
Drama, Romance, War
Stars
Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe
Directed by
Anthony Minghella
The English Patient made audiences swoon in 1996, thanks to its epic romance set against the backdrop of World War II. Ralph Fiennes stars as Almásy, a badly-burned man facing the end of his life in the war’s final days. While a nurse named Hana (Juliette Binoche) cares for him, Almásy puts together the pieces of his past. That includes Almásy’s torrid affair with Katharine Clifton (Kristin Scott Thomas), a married woman. Hana has a tentative romance of her own with Kip (Naveen Andrews), a soldier in the British army. Willem Dafoe also stars in the movie as a Canadian intelligence officer named Caravaggio, a man who holds a dangerous grudge against Almásy.
He Got Game (1998)
136m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Rosario Dawson
Directed by
Spike Lee
Spike Lee cast NBA superstar Ray Allen in his film He Got Game. That gave a lot of credibility to Allen’s role as Jesus Shuttlesworth, the top basketball prospect in the nation. Jesus is so highly coveted that the governor temporarily paroles his father, Jacob “Jake” Shuttlesworth (Denzel Washington). If Jake can get his son to commit to the governor’s alma mater, then he can go free. However, the lingering hostility between Jesus and Jake means that the son isn’t exactly eager to do his father any favors. Not even a one-on-one basketball game can settle their issues. Instead, the father and son will have to look within for resolution and reconciliation.
Insomnia (2002)
118m
Genre
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Stars
Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank
Directed by
Christopher Nolan
For his third feature film, Insomnia, Christopher Nolan turned to a stellar cast for this psychological thriller. Al Pacino stars as Will Dormer, a police detective plagued by guilt and insomnia while on a special case in Alaska. After Will’s partner, Detective Hap Eckhart (Martin Donovan), threatens to testify against him to Internal Affairs, Will shoots Hap while in pursuit of a killer, Walter Finch (Robin Williams). Walter takes the opportunity to blackmail Will into helping him escape the charges, while a young detective, Ellie Burr (Hilary Swank), gets closer to the truth.
Life of Pi (2012)
127m
Genre
Adventure, Drama, Action
Stars
Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Ayush Tandon
Directed by
Ang Lee
Ang Lee’s adaptation of Life of Pi is a visual masterpiece and a modern fairy tale as well. Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel (Suraj Sharma) shares the story of his life, from his younger years to a horrific accident at sea when he was a teenager (Irrfan Khan). Young Pi is trapped on a lifeboat with an intimidating Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. While Richard Parker could easily kill Pi, the teenager finds a way for both of them to co-exist as they fight the elements for their lives.
Pitch Perfect (2012)
112m
Genre
Comedy, Music, Romance
Stars
Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp
Directed by
Jason Moore
Pitch Perfect may be one of the most unlikely franchises of the last two decades, but it won over audiences with its initial installment. Anna Kendrick stars as Beca Mitchell, a young first-year student at Barden University. Beca’s singing ability quickly draws the attention of the Barden Bellas, the university’s female a cappella group. However, Beca butts heads with the Bellas’ leader, Aubrey Posen (Anna Camp), which jeopardizes the group’s national championship hopes.
Dunkirk (2017)
107m
Genre
War, Action, Drama
Stars
Fionn Whitehead, Damien Bonnard, Tom Hardy, Aneurin Barnard, Harry Styles
Directed by
Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk is based on a true World War II story. In the aftermath of the Battle of France, thousands of British soldiers were stranded on Dunkirk as German troops advanced. The film follows the rescue effort by sea and by air. But back in Dunkirk itself, soldiers Tommy (Fionn Whitehead) and Alex (Harry Styles) find danger at every turn. The first few rescue attempts are disastrous, and even the rescuers are in danger. Not everyone is going to come home from this mission.
Independence Day (1996)
145m
Genre
Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Stars
Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum
Directed by
Roland Emmerich
Independence Day is not necessarily great cinema, but it excels as a popcorn action flick that took theaters by storm in 1996. Arguably, it was the film that made Will Smith a movie star, thanks to his turn as ace fighter pilot Captain Steven Hiller. But the real stars of this movie are the aliens themselves and the destruction that they leave in their wake. This is a disaster film dialed up to 11, and we still get goosebumps from President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman) as he delivers a speech for the ages.
High Fidelity (2000)
113m
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance, Music
Stars
John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Tim Robbins
Directed by
Stephen Frears
Pop quiz: What are your top five favorite John Cusack movies? Chances are good that High Fidelity is on that list. That’s fitting because Cusack’s Rob Gordon loves making top five lists all throughout the movie. Poor Rob also loves Laura (Iben Hjejle), but not as much as he loves music. With his relationship on the rocks, Rob tries to figure out how he can improve himself. Regardless, the real joy in the movie comes during the moments when Rob just can’t help embracing his inner music geek. The man’s got good taste!
Tour de Pharmacy (2017)
Genre
Comedy, TV Movie
Cast
Andy Samberg, Orlando Bloom, Freddie Highmore, John Cena
After the success of 7 Days in Hell, a mockumentary about a legendary tennis match between two fictional idiots, the Andy Samberg-led team earned a second go-round via HBO. The result? Tour de Pharmacy, a story that spoofs the Tour de France by focusing on competitors’ use of performance-enhancing substances in the early 1980s. Samberg returns to play Nigerian rider Marty Hass, while Orlando Bloom, Freddie Highmore, Daveed Diggs, and John Cena appear as the other made-up competitors. Tour de Pharmacy is filled with classic slapstick comedy, and the concept is bolstered by the inclusion of several veteran actors — we won’t spoil the hilarious surprises here — who play the “modern-day” versions of the film’s protagonists. Lance Armstrong’s cameo doesn’t hurt, either.
Clerks (1994)
92m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes
Directed by
Kevin Smith
Clerks was the film that famously launched the career of writer and director Kevin Smith, who also co-stars in the movie as Silent Bob alongside Jason Mewes’ Jay. While Jay and Silent Bob became staples of Smith’s later films, Clerks belongs to Brian O’Halloran’s Dante Hicks and Jeff Anderson’s Randal Graves. Dante and Randal’s banter showed off Smith’s gift for dialogue, but it also allowed them to be more than just Smith’s pop culture sounding board. The duo justifiably have contempt for their dead-end jobs, but they don’t necessarily appreciate the good things they do have. It’s a hard lesson for Dante to learn, but he does get the point in the end.
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)
109m
Genre
Action, Crime
Stars
Margot Robbie, Ewan McGregor, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Directed by
Cathy Yan
Introduced to the role in 2016’s critical bomb, but commercial home run, Suicide Squad, Margot Robbie gets another turn as fan-favorite Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey. Told from Harley’s smart but certifiable point of view, Birds of Prey shows us how Harley goes from being the spurned lover of Gotham’s Clown Prince of Crime, to forgetting her “puddin'” and becoming her own gun-toting, butt-kicking self. Along the way, she gathers a team of former cops, killers, and super-powered singers to help her face down the endless criminal hordes of Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor), aka Black Mask. McGregor is perfect as the brutal Sionis, who’s just as twisted as Harley or her ex-boyfriend, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead is another standout as the lethal vigilante Huntress.
Image: https://www.hbo.com/movies/birds-of-prey-and-the-fantabulous-emancipation-of-one-harley-quinn
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