The Best Movies on Hulu Right Now (Jan. 2021)

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a period drama set in 18th century France. Marianne is a painter commissioned to paint Heloise’s portrait. Heloise is a reluctant bride, and Marianne must paint her without her knowing. As they spend more time with one another, their connection grows into a deep but forbidden love. There is something incredibly simplistic about this story, but the film doesn’t rush. In fact, it begs for your patience. From Celine Sciamma, we feel each emotion because the shot sits with each character long enough to see their expressions change moment by moment, until we realize the story is one of the realest cinematic love stories we’ve been involved in, in years. The film feels slow and calm initially, but progresses into quite a work of art.

Best Movies to Watch on Hulu

Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

The Lord of the Rings is a film trilogy series based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien and directed by Peter Jackson. It is an epic fantasy adventure with the first installment being The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, followed by its sequel The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and closing with The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

The first installment introduces us to the One Ring. Powerful and evil forces search relentlessly for it and the future of civilization rests in the One Ring’s fate. The ring has been lost for centuries, but fate places it in the hands of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), a young hobbit. who inherits the Ring. When he becomes the Ringbearer, an incredibly daunting mission lies ahead of him. He must destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom where the Ring was made.

The sequel follows Frodo’s quest to destroy the One Ring. Frodo and Sam (Sean Astin) discover Gollum is following them, while Aragorn played by Viggo Mortensen and the Elf Archer Legolas and Gimli the Dwarf come across the taken Rohan Kingdom, where the king has fallen under a deadly spell. It is Aragorn who has to release the king from Saruman’s spell to save Middle-earth in a climactic clash.

The final conflict between good and evil ! Frodo and Sam destroy the ring and Aragorn leads the forces of good against Sauron’s army. A final film that does not disappoint. 

Classic Movies to Watch on Hulu

The Princess Bride (1987)

Based on the William Goldman novel of the same name, this cult classic has gained a loyal following and for good reason. The story structure, plot, writing, and acting were second to none, and the romance! Come on. 

This fairy tale adventure story follows a young woman, Buttercup, and her true love, Wesley as they have their own journeys trying to find each other.  Great obstacles get in the way, and the characters are just as fantastical as the troubles they face. 

Great Movies to Watch on Hulu

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Stanley Kubrick’s last film brings us visual delight and general creepiness. Once Dr. Bill Hardford, played by Tom Cruise, discovers his wife, Alice, (Nicole Kidman) is having sexual fantasies of other men, he becomes immediately obsessed with having a sexual encounter of his own. He attends and underground sex party and soon after realizes he is in way over his head.

Great Movies to Watch on Hulu

Dead Poets Society (1989)

John Keating (Robin Williams), is an inspiring English teacher in an uptight, traditional all-boys prep school. He lights a fire in his class with his not so traditional methods. With a motto of carpe diem, Keating shows the boys how to bust out of their shells and go after their dreams.

Fun Movies to Watch on Hulu

Boogie Nights (1997)

In 1977 California, busboy, Eddie Adams, (played by Mark Wahlberg), gets discovered by porn director Jack Horner, (Burt Reynolds), who turns him into a star. After getting thrown into the ring of new friends and confidants, a combination of drugs and narcissism may just ruin his success. Boogie Nights boasts a great cast including Heather Graham and John C. Reilly.

Classic Movies to Watch on Hulu

Charlotte’s Web (1973)

E.B. White children’s novel, “Charlotte's Web,” became an instant animated classic, fit for the silver screen. The story follows a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with barn spider, Charlotte.

Holiday Movies to Watch on Hulu

Happiest Season (2020)

Clea Duvall’s ‘Happiest Season” is the LGBTQ holiday rom-com we’ve always wanted and never had. Why this didn’t happen sooner, no one knows, but we’re glad it’s here. Abby played by Kristen Stewart is planning to propose to her girlfriend, while at her girlfriend’s family’s annual holiday celebration. But she discovers her girlfriend’s conservative parents have no idea their daughter is gay. While that aspect may feel overdone, the characters are hilarious, (including , Daniel Levy...again, Daniel Levy), and it’s an enjoyable watch.

Written by Clea Duvall and Mary Holland, directed by Duvall.

Good Movies to Watch on Hulu

Booksmart (2019)

With no awards in sight just yet, this film gets the superlative for best duo. The film follows Zak (played by Zack Gottsagen), a young man with Down syndrome, who runs away from his nursing home to chase a dream of attending a professional wrestling school. He meets Tyler (Shia LaBeof), an outlaw on the run, who becomes his trusted ally and coach, and the two embark on a journey of friendship and redemption.

Best Movies on Hulu

I, Tonya (2017)

The film goes between perspectives and makes you wonder whether or not Tonya Harding is losing her mind, or a completely misunderstood athlete taken to pressures beyond comprehension. Both seem plausible. But it’s the performances from Margot Robbie and Alison Janney (who plays her mother) that are absolutely incredible. Star performances from Robbie and Janney make this a must watch film.

New Movies to Watch on Hulu

Babyteeth (2019)

Written by Rita Kalnejais and directed by Shannon Murphy, comes a coming-of-age tragicomedy that’s received nothing but great reviews. An ill teenager falls in love with a drug-dealer her parents disapprove of, as she finds a lust for life---typical story, not so typical execution, we’re hooked. The film had its premiere in 2019 at the Venice Film Festival but was released in Australia this year by Universal with incredibly positive reviews. The film stars Eliza Scanlen and Toby Wallace.

Romance Movies to Watch on Hulu

God’s Own Country (2017)

British romance drama written and directed by Francis Lee. The film stars Josh O'Connor and Alec Secăreanu. A young farmer drinks his pain away and numbs whatevers left with casual sex. And then he meets a Romanian migrant worker who changes his course. 

Three film students, (played by  Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, Michael C. Williams), looking to gather footage about the legendary murderer,  the Blair Witch, travel to a small town. As they interview locals to create their documentary, this infamous local murderer becomes less of a project and more of a reality when they get lost in the woods.

Popular Movies on Hulu

A Quiet Place (2018)

With its clever use of sound to support the movie’s entire plot, John Krasinski brings us a film where horrifying creatures use sound to kill humans. The entire film is built on tension, but does much more than most horror movies. Those who don’t love horror movies, may even find something to discover here. Starring John Krasinski and Emily Blunt.

Florence Pugh came onto the scene strong in 2019 with this wrestling comedy. The movie is inspired by the real wrestling star, Paige, and it follows how she was raised by wrestling fans and went from small time to big time fast. Even if you aren’t into wrestling, this film is a pleasure to watch, boasting a star studded cast---Lena Heady, Florence Pugh, Vince Vaughn and more.

Best Movies on Hulu

The Assistant (2019)

Starring Julia Garner, who gives a noteworthy performance, The Assistant takes a magnifying glass to the entertainment industry, and how women witness and experience continuous coercion and sexual harassment on a daily basis. Indie feels with award-worthy performances. A kind of visual diary of what it’s like to be female in the film industry.

Best New Movies on Hulu

Judy (2019)

Whether or not the choice to solely focus on the end of Garland’s life brings the late actress any real justice is another conversation, but the performance Zellweger gives makes us more intrigued to revisit Garland’s entire legacy.

It’s a real gut wrencher and Rene Zellweger is Judy Garland.

A film by Martin Scorsese, this is a powerful music documentary that features incredible performances from Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, and Muddy Waters. Interviews intermixed about life on the road. Nearly 20 years after being the backing band for cult musician Ronnie Hawkins, The Band threw in the towel with a ridiculous farewell show in San Francisco on November 25th, 1976.

Film Series on Hulu

Austin Powers (1997-2002)

In a satire of 1960s spy films, secret agent Austin Powers (Mike Myers), is cryogenically frozen and brought back to life in the 1990s but things aren’t as he remembered. Once a sexual icon, he soon realizes his style and attitude are all obsolete. Working with secret agent Vanessa Kensington (Elizabeth Hurley), she’ll help him with his dental hygiene, oh yes, and defeat Dr. Evil.

In the sequel, Austin Powers The Spy Who Shagged Me, Powers returns to the sixties to follow Dr. Evil who has successfully commandeered Austin Powers’ “mojo.” The infamous “Mini-me” is introduced and Agent Felicity Shagwell (Heather Graham) somehow falls in love with Austin. All in all, it makes for a pretty good sequel, potentially rivaling the first.

Another time travel installment, Austin goes to 1975 and joins forces with Foxxy Cleopatra, (Beyonce), to save his father from Dr. Evil and Goldmember (John Travolta). 

All three Austin Powers are available for the month of January, so if that sort of thing is your bag baby, Hulu’s got you covered.

80s Movies on Hulu

Weird Science (1985)

This makes the list more for nostalgic reasons and just sheer ridiculousness, than anything else. Reviews were mixed compared to other John Hughes films. But honestly, I think it’s an 80s classic. Teen outcasts Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) create their ideal woman from a computer, and by some weird accident, she comes to life. I’d say that entire concept is pretty awful, but she’s kind of a badass. She sets them up with a new wardrobe, drives them around in Porsche, and helps them stand up to bullies. 

Jason Schwartzman plays an environmentalist struggling with existential dread. So much so that he hires existential detectives to sort out meaning in a series of strange coincidences in his life . Investigators Bernard (Dustin Hoffman) and Vivian (Lily Tomlin) convince Albert that Brad (Jude Law) is the cause of all of his problems. When Brad decides to hire the investigators for his own agenda, it only gets weirder. Mark Wahlberg and Naomi Watts also star.

Good Films on Hulu

Reality Bites (1994)

For the Gen X’ers watching Hulu. Reality Bites may not be making any profound statements but for the love of 90s nostalgia! And this beloved ensemble cast.  Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Steve Zahn, and Janeane Garofalo give authentic performances. Winona Ryder reveals herself to be a solid talent. Dated and dripping in 90s drab, a few of us still love it. Hulu gets it.

Comedy Movies on Hulu

Our Idiot Brother (2011)

After leaving jail, dimwitted and easygoing slacker, Ned (Paul Rudd) seeks shelter with his family. Though Ned had absolutely zero ambition, it's a bit different with his sisters (Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer), whose ordered lives are thrown into chaos whenever Ned is around.

Way before Clive Barker was best known for the horror movie, Hellraiser, his Books of Blood series of short terrifying spanned six volumes. On October 7th, those stories will culminate into a feature. 

Cult Classic Comedies

A Night at the Roxbury (1998)

Adult brothers still live at home and work at their dad’s flower shop. They eat, sleep, and breathe clubbing. And somehow, these two messes decide to open up a nightclub of their own. 

While it’s uncommon for a Will Ferrell movie to be reviewed as “profoundly unfunny,” if you’re a Ferrell and Chris Kattan fan, it’s amazing. I mean, it’s bad. But it’s a fun one to go back and watch for at least nostalgic reasons.

Hulu Originals

Bad Hair (2020)

Set to release on October 23rd, Bad Hair, a Hulu Original, follows a young woman who gets a weave in order to succeed in music television in 1989. Her blossoming career comes at a cost when she discovers her hair may have a mind of its own. A horror satire that looks at the image-obsessed industry.

This horror comedy is written, directed, and produced by Justin Simien. It stars Elle Lorraine, Vanessa Williams, Kelly Rowland, Jay Pharoah, Lena Waithe, Blair Underwood and Laverne Cox.

Film premiere, I Am Greta, arrives on Hulu November 13th.  In no way, is this a feel-good movie, but attempts to tackle the conversation of the importance of activism and climate change during these strange times when science has become political. We follow 15 year old, Greta Thunberg, as she skips school, doesn’t fit in too well with her peers, as she sits outside of government buildings with a bigger mission. A doc highlighting the vital role we can play in stopping climate change before it’s too late. Though, I would say it focuses a little too much on Greta, not enough on the topics, and is a tad underwhelming as a whole.