Looking for a break from your TV binge-watching? Hulu has got you covered with a sensational selection of movies to stream right now. From new releases to timeless Hollywood classics, prepare to be captivated by this list. Explore award-winning documentaries, foreign films that will transport you to new worlds, and fantastic indie movies that will leave you craving for more.
Eager to discover the must-see movies on Hulu? Delight in the top recommendations embraced by other Hulu watchers below. Immerse yourself in a world of diverse genres, including heart-pounding action, side-splitting comedies, gripping dramas, and even uplifting flicks that will nourish your soul.
If you’re yearning to shape what’s trending on Hulu, make sure to have your say in the excitement. Cast your vote for your favorite movies and become a part of the force that determines the most popular films among viewers.
(Note: We’ll keep the most controversial movie on this list a secret for now.)
1. Parasite
In Parasite, a captivating combination of dark humor and suspense, we are introduced to the Kim family, led by Ki-taek (played by Song Kang-ho), who find themselves trapped in abject poverty. But their luck takes a turn when Ki-woo (played by Choi Woo-shik), the son, lands a job as an English tutor for the wealthy Park family’s daughter. Little did they know, the Kims’ manipulation of the Parks would lead to unexpected and disastrous repercussions. Directed by the talented Bong Joon Ho, this South Korean masterpiece has made history by winning four Oscars, including Best Picture, making it the first non-English language film to achieve such an honor. Its unflinching portrayal of the disparities in wealth and the struggles between social classes will leave audiences deep in thought even long after the movie ends.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
Actors: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-gyun, Jo Yeo-jeong
2. Prisoners
In the heart-pounding thriller Prisoners, the protagonist Keller Dover (played by Hugh Jackman) is confronted with every parent’s worst nightmare when his six-year-old daughter and her friend mysteriously disappear. As the minutes tick by and turn into hours, panic sets in and Detective Loki (portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal) is assigned to lead the investigation. However, with no concrete leads to follow, Dover decides to take matters into his own hands. This gripping film skillfully delves into the themes of desperation and morality, all within the context of a frantic race against time. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Prisoners was even nominated for an Oscar in the category of Best Cinematography. It offers a tense and thought-provoking exploration of human nature when subjected to extreme pressure.
Released: 2013
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Actors: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis
3. The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride is a delightful mix of adventure, romance, and humor. We follow the journey of Westley, a humble farmhand-turned-pirate, as he sets out on a daring mission to save his beloved Buttercup from the clutches of the villainous Prince Humperdinck. Alongside a lively group of misfits, including the vengeance-seeking Inigo Montoya and the cunning strategist Vizzini, Westley must navigate dangerous terrain and outsmart deadly enemies. This timeless story is filled with iconic lines and unforgettable characters, earning it the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Comedy Motion Picture in 1988. It’s a film that defies categorization and remains a beloved classic in popular culture.
Released: 1987
Directed by: Rob Reiner
Actors: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin
4. Seven
In the movie Seven, we meet Detective William Somerset (played by Morgan Freeman) and Detective David Mills (played by Brad Pitt), an unlikely duo who join forces to investigate a series of gruesome murders. Each murder is a disturbing representation of one of the seven deadly sins, which gives the movie a chilling and haunting vibe. The film, directed by David Fincher, is known for its dark and atmospheric tone, offering an intense thriller that explores the depths of human depravity. As the detectives dig deeper into each horrifying crime, they become entangled in the twisted and methodical madness of the killer. Released in 1995, Seven was a critical success and even won an MTV Movie Award for Best Movie.
Released: 1995
Directed by: David Fincher
Actors: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow
5. Fight Club
In the gritty urban drama Fight Club, Edward Norton (the unnamed protagonist) goes on a downward spiral into the depths of his own mind. Trapped in a mundane job, he crosses paths with Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), an unorthodox soap salesman with a unique outlook on life. Together, they create an underground fight club as an extreme form of therapy. As their late-night escapades intensify, their bond grows stronger. However, their world begins to unravel when Marla Singer (Helena Bonham Carter), another outsider to support groups, becomes part of their lives. Directed by David Fincher, Fight Club is a provocative exploration of masculinity and identity that will leave a lasting impression.
Released: 1999
Directed by: David Fincher
Actors: Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, Helena Bonham Carter
6. Logan
In the gritty drama Logan, we see Hugh Jackman once again taking on the role of the weary and aging Wolverine. The story is set in a dystopian future where our protagonist is given the important duty of protecting a young mutant girl named Laura, played by Dafne Keen, from some evil forces. We are also glad to have Patrick Stewart back as Charles Xavier, who is struggling with his declining health but still manages to offer guidance to Logan.
Directed by James Mangold, this film takes a departure from the usual superhero narratives and dives into deeper themes of mortality and legacy. It’s a refreshing change from the typical superhero movies that we’re used to. In fact, it even received a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 90th Academy Awards, making it the first superhero film to ever receive such recognition.
Released: 2017
Directed by: James Mangold
Actors: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen
7. Tombstone
Tombstone is an enthralling Western drama that takes us on a journey into the life of Wyatt Earp (played by Kurt Russell), a well-known lawman who decides to settle down in Tombstone, Arizona. Joining him are his brothers and the unpredictable gambler, Doc Holliday (played by Val Kilmer). Their hope for a peaceful existence is shattered when they come face-to-face with the ruthless Cowboy gang. This clash of forces ultimately culminates in the iconic Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Throughout the film, viewers are treated to gripping showdowns and encounters with historical figures, delving deep into the themes of brotherhood and justice in the treacherous Wild West.
Released: 1993
Directed by: George P. Cosmatos
Actors: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Michael Biehn
8. Memories of Murder
In 1986, there were these two detectives named Park and Cho. They weren’t exactly the sharpest tools in the shed, but they were assigned to a murder case in a South Korean province. Little did they know, this case was about to take a dark turn.
As they dug deeper into the investigation, they began to notice something strange. The killer was striking again and again, following the same pattern. It didn’t take long for Park and Cho to realize that they were dealing with South Korea’s first ever serial killer.
Now, here’s the kicker – these detectives didn’t have any fancy gadgets or advanced technology to rely on. Nope, they had to solve this case with just their basic skills and tools. Talk about old-fashioned detective work!
But despite the odds stacked against them, Park and Cho were determined to piece together the clues and catch this elusive murderer. They knew they had a race against time on their hands, as the body count continued to rise.
This thrilling story is actually based on true events, making it all the more gripping. So if you’re into crime thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is definitely a movie you don’t want to miss. Get ready to join Park and Cho on their quest to bring justice to the victims and put an end to this chilling crime spree.
Released: 2003
Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
Actors: Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Roi-ha
9. Rosemary’s Baby
In Rosemary’s Baby, we meet Rosemary Woodhouse (played by Mia Farrow) and her struggling actor husband, Guy (played by John Cassavetes). They find themselves moving into a charming yet old New York City apartment. As luck would have it, their neighbors, Roman and Minnie Castevet (played by Sidney Blackmer and Ruth Gordon), are quite the characters and can’t help but get overly involved in their lives.
Things take a turn when Rosemary becomes mysteriously pregnant. With each passing day, her paranoia about the safety of her unborn child grows. It’s a psychological thriller and horror film that masterfully blends the two genres. Directed by the talented Roman Polanski, it’s no wonder that Ruth Gordon was awarded an Academy Award for her exceptional performance as Best Supporting Actress.
Even to this day, the movie continues to leave audiences unsettled with its haunting narrative and its ability to build suspense. It’s a chilling tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Released: 1968
Directed by: Roman Polanski
Actors: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon
10. Akira
In 1988, something pretty crazy happened in Japan. The government thought it would be a good idea to drop an atomic bomb on Tokyo. Why, you ask? Well, it all started with some ESP experiments on children that went seriously wrong. Yeah, not the best idea, right?
Fast forward to 2019, 31 years after the city was nuked, and we meet Kaneda. He’s the leader of a bad-ass bike gang, and he’s on a mission to save his friend Tetsuo. Turns out, Tetsuo got caught up in some secret government project and things aren’t looking too good for him.
So, Kaneda has to face all sorts of obstacles along the way. There are these anti-government activists causing trouble, greedy politicians who only care about themselves, scientists who clearly didn’t think things through, and even a military leader who’s all about power and control. It’s like a never-ending battle, you know?
But then, out of nowhere, Tetsuo’s supernatural powers suddenly come to life. Yeah, things just got real crazy. And that sets the stage for one final epic showdown. It all goes down in Tokyo Olympiad, and let me tell you, secrets from those messed up experiments are about to be exposed. Drama, suspense, and some serious action, my friend.
Released: 1988
Directed by: Katsuhiro Ohtomo
Actors: Johnny Yong Bosch, Joshua Seth, Wendee Lee
11. Whiplash
In the gripping drama Whiplash, we are introduced to Andrew Neiman, a young jazz drummer with big dreams of making it big in the music industry. His journey takes him to a prestigious music conservatory where he hopes to climb the ranks and become a renowned musician. Little does he know, his path is about to intersect with that of Terence Fletcher, an esteemed yet terrifying conductor who will become both his mentor and tormentor.
The movie delves deep into the intense relationship between Neiman and Fletcher, exploring the dynamics of their mentorship. Fletcher’s relentless pursuit of perfection and Neiman’s obsessive ambition create a thrilling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. It’s no wonder that this film was recognized by the Academy, earning three prestigious awards, including Best Supporting Actor for J.K. Simmons’ incredible performance.
Whiplash is more than just a movie; it’s a riveting exploration of dedication, discipline, and the sacrifices one must make in the pursuit of artistic brilliance. It serves as a reminder of the high price that comes with chasing one’s dreams and the lengths some are willing to go to achieve greatness. Prepare to be captivated by this powerful story of passion and ambition that will leave you reflecting on the true meaning of success.
Released: 2014
Directed by: Damien Chazelle
Actors: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist