Hulu is a popular streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content.
With a vast library of films from various genres and eras, there is something for everyone on Hulu. From classic dramas to comedies, action movies to indie films, the platform has an extensive selection of titles to choose from.
Hulu also features a rotating selection of films, which means that there is always something new to discover. Whether you are in the mood for a blockbuster hit or an obscure indie gem, Hulu has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
Best Hulu Movies
We’ll take a look at some of the best movies available on Hulu, ranging from classic titles to modern favorites. So grab some popcorn and get ready for some movie-watching!
1. Hell or High Water (II) (2016)
Hell or High Water is a crime thriller film released in 2016, directed by David Mackenzie and starring Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges.
The film tells the story of two brothers, Toby and Tanner Howard, who turn to bank robbery in order to save their family ranch in West Texas. As they carry out a series of heists, they are pursued by a grizzled Texas Ranger, Marcus Hamilton, who is nearing retirement.
The film is known for its gritty realism, sharp writing, and powerful performances, particularly from Bridges, who brings a world-weary gravitas to his role as Hamilton. Pine and Foster also shine as the Howard brothers, with a chemistry that feels authentic and grounded.
Hell or High Water explores themes of family loyalty, economic hardship, and the changing landscape of rural America, with a sense of empathy and understanding for all of its characters.
The film builds to a tense and emotionally charged finale, as the Howard brothers make a final, desperate bid for freedom.
Hell or High Water was a critical and commercial success, and was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is a powerful and affecting film that explores complex issues with nuance and humanity, and showcases some of the best acting and filmmaking of its time.
2. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a French historical drama film directed by Céline Sciamma and released in 2019.
The film tells the story of Marianne, a painter who is commissioned to paint a portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has recently left a convent and is soon to be married to a nobleman.
Marianne is instructed to paint Héloïse without her knowledge, as Héloïse has refused to pose for any previous artists.
As Marianne and Héloïse spend time together, they develop a deep connection and a forbidden love affair begins to bloom. The film explores themes of love, desire, and the societal constraints placed upon women during this time period.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire was widely praised by critics for its stunning cinematography, acting, and direction. The film won the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
The film is a beautiful and emotional portrayal of a love story that is both complex and heart-wrenching.
It is a poignant commentary on the nature of love and the sacrifices that people are willing to make for it. Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a masterpiece of modern French cinema and a must-see for fans of artful storytelling.
3. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
“12 Years a Slave” is a 2013 historical drama film directed by Steve McQueen, based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man from New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the 1840s.
The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Northup, and follows his harrowing journey as he is transported to the Deep South and subjected to brutal and inhumane treatment by a series of slave owners, including a sadistic plantation owner played by Michael Fassbender.
Despite the horrors he faces, Northup never gives up hope of regaining his freedom, and eventually manages to secure his release with the help of a sympathetic Canadian abolitionist.
The film is a powerful exploration of the horrors of slavery, and the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
It was widely acclaimed upon its release, praised for its direction, writing, and performances, and won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.
“12 Years a Slave” is a powerful and important film that shines a light on the dark history of slavery in America, and reminds us of the enduring legacy of this painful chapter in our nation’s past.
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4. Nomadland (2020)
“Nomadland” is a drama film directed by Chloe Zhao, released in 2020. The film stars Frances McDormand as Fern, a woman who becomes a “nomad” after losing her job and home in a small town in Nevada.
She embarks on a journey through the American West, living in her van and working odd jobs along the way.
The film is based on the non-fiction book “Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century” by Jessica Bruder, and features real-life nomads in supporting roles.
“Nomadland” has received critical acclaim for its poignant portrayal of American life on the margins, as well as for its direction, cinematography, and performances.
The film won several major awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, and Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
It has been praised for its empathy and humanity, as well as for shedding light on a lesser-known subculture in America.
5. Palm Springs (2020)
Palm Springs is a romantic comedy film released in 2020, directed by Max Barbakow and written by Andy Siara.
The film stars Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti as two guests at a Palm Springs wedding who find themselves stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again.
As Nyles and Sarah navigate the time loop, they start to learn more about each other and themselves, and they begin to form a bond.
However, breaking the time loop proves to be more difficult than they initially thought, and they must confront their feelings and their pasts in order to move forward.
Palm Springs received critical acclaim for its concept, direction, writing, and performances.
The film was praised for its fresh take on the time loop premise, as well as its exploration of themes such as love, existentialism, and personal growth. Samberg and Milioti’s chemistry and comedic timing were also widely praised.
Palm Springs was a commercial success and became one of the most-watched films on Hulu, where it was released in the United States. The film won the Best Screenplay award at the 2020 Critics’ Choice Super Awards and was nominated for several other awards.
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6. 13 Assassins (2010)
13 Assassins is a Japanese period action film directed by Takashi Miike. The film is set in 1844 and follows a group of samurai who are hired to assassinate a sadistic lord named Naritsugu, who is set to become the Shogun’s next advisor.
The film features a large ensemble cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and fighting styles. The plot builds towards an epic battle sequence, in which the thirteen assassins face off against a large army of Naritsugu’s soldiers.
13 Assassins is known for its expertly choreographed action sequences and stunning cinematography, which captures the beauty and brutality of feudal Japan.
The film also explores themes of honor, duty, and sacrifice, as the samurai confront the ethical implications of their mission and the toll it takes on their own lives.
The film has been praised for its skillful blend of traditional samurai film tropes with modern action filmmaking techniques, as well as its strong performances and emotionally resonant story.
13 Assassins has become a beloved classic among fans of Japanese cinema and has been cited as one of Takashi Miike’s best films.
7. Booksmart (2019)
Booksmart is a 2019 American coming-of-age comedy film directed by Olivia Wilde, in her feature directorial debut.
The movie follows two high school seniors, Amy and Molly, played by Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein respectively, who are determined to make up for lost time by cramming four years of fun into one wild night before graduation.
The film received critical acclaim for its sharp writing, clever humor, and strong performances, particularly from Dever and Feldstein.
Booksmart is also notable for its diverse cast and progressive themes, as the film explores issues such as gender identity and sexuality in a refreshingly honest and authentic way.
In addition to its entertainment value, Booksmart has been praised for its positive and empowering message for young women, as the film celebrates intelligence, ambition, and friendship in a way that is both relatable and inspiring.
The movie has become a favorite among audiences and critics alike and is widely regarded as one of the best coming-of-age comedies of recent years.
8. Sorry to Bother You (2018)
Sorry to Bother You is a dark comedy film released in 2018, written and directed by Boots Riley and starring Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, and Armie Hammer.
The film is set in an alternate present-day version of Oakland, California and follows the story of Cassius “Cash” Green, a young African-American man who becomes a successful telemarketer by using his “white voice”.
As he climbs the ranks of the company, he becomes embroiled in a sinister plot that involves corporate greed, labor exploitation, and even horse-human hybrids.
The film is known for its surreal and provocative tone, its biting social commentary, and its bold visual style.
It uses humor and absurdity to address serious issues such as race, class, and capitalism, and employs a wide range of cinematic techniques to create a unique and memorable viewing experience.
Sorry to Bother You features a standout performance by Stanfield as Cash, as well as strong supporting turns from Thompson and Hammer.
The film’s themes and messages are delivered with a powerful and effective punch, and its boldness and originality have made it a cult favorite and a critical darling.
Overall, Sorry to Bother You is a thought-provoking and challenging film that pushes the boundaries of what a comedy can be, and offers a fresh and daring perspective on contemporary society.
9. Happiest Season (2020)
Happiest Season is a romantic comedy directed by Clea DuVall and released in 2020. The film follows Abby, played by Kristen Stewart, as she plans to propose to her girlfriend Harper, played by Mackenzie Davis, over the Christmas holiday.
However, when they arrive at Harper’s family home, Abby learns that Harper has not come out to her conservative parents and has been lying about their relationship.
As Abby tries to navigate the awkward and tense situation, she is thrown into the middle of Harper’s family drama and must decide whether to stay and support her girlfriend or leave and give up on their relationship.
The film also stars Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, and Dan Levy in supporting roles.
Happiest Season received generally positive reviews for its heartwarming story and inclusive representation of LGBTQ+ characters.
It was praised for its strong performances, particularly by Stewart and Davis, as well as its themes of acceptance and family. The film was also noted for being one of the few holiday movies to center around a same-sex couple.
Overall, Happiest Season is a charming and relatable romantic comedy that celebrates love in all its forms. It is a feel-good film that will leave audiences with a warm and fuzzy feeling, making it a perfect addition to any holiday movie marathon.
10. Parasite (2019)
“Parasite” is a 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller film directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film tells the story of two families from different socioeconomic backgrounds, the wealthy Park family and the impoverished Kim family, who become intertwined in unexpected ways.
The Kims, struggling to make ends meet, devise a plan to infiltrate the lives of the Parks by taking on jobs in their household.
However, their plan soon spirals out of control, leading to a series of dark and twisted events that challenge the characters’ morality and the audience’s expectations.
The film explores themes of social class, wealth inequality, and the human desire for upward mobility.
It has been praised for its direction, writing, and performances, and won numerous awards, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.
“Parasite” is a masterful and thought-provoking film that challenges our perceptions of society and human nature, and reminds us of the often harsh realities of living in a world divided by class and privilege.
11. Christine (2016)
“Christine” is a biographical drama film directed by Antonio Campos, released in 2016. The film is based on the true story of Christine Chubbuck, a news reporter who, in 1974, committed suicide on live television in Sarasota, Florida.
The film stars Rebecca Hall as Christine, and explores her personal and professional struggles leading up to her tragic act. The film has been praised for Hall’s performance, as well as for its nuanced and compassionate portrayal of mental illness and the pressures of the media industry.
“Christine” has received critical acclaim, with particular praise for its direction, performances, and handling of sensitive subject matter. The film was nominated for several awards, including Best Actress for Rebecca Hall at the Golden Globes and Independent Spirit Awards.
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12. March of the Penguins 2: The Next Step (2017)
March of the Penguins 2: The Next Step is a documentary film released in 2017, directed by Luc Jacquet.
It is a sequel to the original March of the Penguins documentary from 2005. The film follows the journey of emperor penguins in Antarctica as they navigate the challenges of raising their young in the harsh winter conditions.
The film showcases the challenges and triumphs of the penguins as they care for their chicks, protect them from predators and harsh weather conditions, and teach them how to survive in the wild.
The documentary also explores the effects of climate change on the penguin population, as well as the importance of their role in the Antarctic ecosystem.
March of the Penguins 2: The Next Step received positive reviews for its stunning visuals, informative narration, and heartwarming portrayal of the penguins’ lives.
The film was praised for its ability to convey the natural beauty and fragility of the Antarctic environment, as well as the resilience and adaptability of the penguins themselves.
The film’s message about the importance of protecting the environment and its inhabitants resonated with audiences and critics alike.
![March of the Penguins 2: The Next Step [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5183LXvJYZL.jpg)
13. I, Tonya (2017)
I, Tonya is a biographical dark comedy-drama film directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Steven Rogers. The film tells the story of figure skater Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie), who became embroiled in one of the biggest scandals in the history of American sports.
The film explores Harding’s difficult upbringing, her rise to fame as a figure skater, and the events leading up to the infamous attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan in 1994.
The film also delves into Harding’s complicated relationships with her mother (Allison Janney) and her ex-husband (Sebastian Stan).
I, Tonya is known for its dark humor and its use of unreliable narrators to tell Harding’s story from multiple perspectives.
The film also features strong performances from its cast, particularly Margot Robbie and Allison Janney, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Harding’s mother.
The film has been praised for its honest and sympathetic portrayal of Harding, who was often vilified by the media and the public during the height of the scandal.
I, Tonya has been credited with reexamining Harding’s story and humanizing her in the eyes of audiences, while also shedding light on the systemic issues of classism and abuse in the world of figure skating.
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14. The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride is a 1987 American fantasy adventure comedy film directed by Rob Reiner and based on the 1973 novel of the same name by William Goldman.
The movie tells the story of a young farmhand named Westley, played by Cary Elwes, who sets out on a journey to rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup, played by Robin Wright, from an evil prince and a group of dangerous and eccentric characters.
The Princess Bride is known for its witty humor, engaging storyline, and memorable characters, such as the sword-wielding Spaniard, Inigo Montoya, played by Mandy Patinkin, and the hilarious, vengeful villain, Vizzini, played by Wallace Shawn.
The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and Chris Sarandon.
The movie has become a beloved classic and is celebrated for its timeless appeal and charm. It is often cited as one of the best examples of a “cult classic” film, with a dedicated fan base that continues to grow with each passing year.
The Princess Bride is a must-watch for anyone who loves adventure, romance, and comedy.
15. Gone Girl (2014)
Gone Girl is a psychological thriller film released in 2014, directed by David Fincher and based on the novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn.
The film stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike as a married couple, Nick and Amy Dunne, whose relationship unravels under the pressure of financial troubles, infidelity, and suspicion.
When Amy goes missing, Nick becomes the prime suspect, and the mystery of her disappearance deepens as more secrets are revealed.
The film is known for its intricate plot, sharp writing, and strong performances, particularly from Pike, who received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the enigmatic and complex Amy.
Fincher’s direction is also praised for its precision and control, as he masterfully navigates the twists and turns of the story.
Gone Girl is a chilling and unsettling film that explores themes of identity, deception, and the dark underbelly of marriage and relationships
. It is a gripping and tense thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very end, and offers a searing critique of modern media and the culture of sensationalism.
Overall, Gone Girl is a masterful film that showcases the talents of its director and cast, and provides a haunting and unforgettable viewing experience.
It was a critical and commercial success, and cemented its place as one of the most thrilling and thought-provoking films of its time.
3 Characteristics of Hulu Movies
Based on the trends and patterns observed on Hulu, here are three characteristics that are commonly associated with Hulu movies:
Wide Selection of Independent Films: Hulu has a vast selection of independent films, particularly documentaries and indie dramas.
The platform is known for showcasing movies that often receive limited theatrical releases, but have critical acclaim and niche appeal. This makes Hulu a great platform for movie lovers looking to discover unique and compelling stories.
Recent Releases: Hulu also has a focus on offering recent movie releases, particularly in the genres of horror and comedy.
This means that viewers can often find new and popular films on the platform shortly after they leave theaters. Hulu also has a partnership with several major studios, which means that users can find a wide variety of popular mainstream movies on the platform as well.
Broad Range of Genres: Hulu offers a broad range of movie genres, from indie dramas to blockbuster action films, and from documentaries to rom-coms.
This makes it a great platform for viewers with a wide variety of tastes and preferences. Additionally, Hulu has a range of original movies and exclusive content that is not available on other platforms, which makes it a unique destination for movie enthusiasts.
3 Reasons To Watch Hulu Movies
Wide Selection: Hulu has a vast selection of movies across various genres, including popular titles and hidden gems. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic film, a recent blockbuster, or an indie gem, you’re likely to find something that suits your taste on Hulu.
Original Content: Hulu has also produced a number of original films that are exclusive to the platform.
These films include critically acclaimed titles such as “Palm Springs,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “Run,” among others. If you’re looking for something new and unique, Hulu’s original content is a great place to start.
Accessibility: Hulu is available on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and web browsers.
This means you can access Hulu movies from almost anywhere, making it a convenient option for movie lovers on the go.
Additionally, Hulu offers a range of subscription options, including an ad-supported plan and an ad-free plan, which makes it accessible to a wider range of viewers with different budgets.
Best Hulu Movies – Wrap Up
There are many great movies available on Hulu, covering a wide range of genres and styles. Some of the best Hulu movies include:
“Nomadland” (2020) – a poignant and beautifully filmed drama about a woman who embarks on a journey across the American West after losing everything in the Great Recession.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” (1990) – a chilling adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s classic dystopian novel, set in a future where women are stripped of their rights and forced into servitude.
“Palm Springs” (2020) – a clever and funny romantic comedy that puts a fresh spin on the time loop concept, with great performances from Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti.
“Parasite” (2019) – a critically acclaimed and award-winning South Korean thriller about a family from a lower-class background who become entangled with a wealthy household in unexpected ways.
“The Shape of Water” (2017) – a visually stunning and emotionally resonant fantasy drama about a mute woman who falls in love with a mysterious amphibious creature.
These are just a few examples of the great movies available on Hulu, and the streaming platform continues to add new titles every month.
Whether you’re in the mood for drama, comedy, horror, or something in between, there’s sure to be a movie on Hulu that will suit your tastes.
