Hulu has a lot of great movies - here are the 25 best films on the streaming service. In an age of options, less feels like more. While Netflix has an ever-expanding library, Hulu offers a more focused collection of great movies. Because volume isn’t the objective, Hulu succeeds in curating a batch of excellent films.
There are the iconic classics like Wall Street and Star Trek II, the arthouse darlings like Sorry to Bother You and If Beale Street Could Talk, and the pure entertainment gems like Mission: Impossible - Fallout and Shrek. Hulu keeps it simple, and offers something for everybody. Here are the 25 best movies that you can watch on Hulu right now.
Related: The 25 Best Films on Netflix Right Now
Before we start, first a disclaimer. modern streaming libraries are like carousels, always moving and always changing. The films in this list are available on Hulu at the time of writing. We’ll be updating this top 25 list frequently, so keep an eye out for Hulu’s latest and greatest offerings. Also, the list isn't ranked from worst to best, so a lower number is not meant to denote higher quality. It's just a list of 25 great movies.
Last updated: January 4, 2020
25 Detroit
While it slipped through awards season without much hype, Detroit remains one of 2017’s best films. Rotten Tomatoes awarded it an 84% for its “gut-wrenching dramatization of a tragic chapter” in American history. Director Kathryn Bigelow tackles the 1967 incident in Motor City with aplomb, deftly guiding a sprawling cast (led by John Boyega and Will Poulter) through a maze of tension, bigotry, and survival. Detroit streams exclusively on Hulu.
24 Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
The Star Trek multimedia franchise has so far produced 13 feature films, but arguably the most iconic of those came early on, with 1982's Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, now on Hulu. For better or worse, The Wrath of Khan changed gears from the metaphysical, exploratory adventure that was Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and did its best to turn Star Trek into more of a space action vehicle. Thankfully, it succeeded with most, and William Shatner's Captain Kirk yelling KHAN! at Ricardo Montalban's titular villain has become the stuff of legend.
23 Hellbound: Hellraiser II
It's fair to say that most horror sequels pale in comparison to the original, but in the case of 1988's Hellbound: Hellraiser II, many fans would insist it's just as good as Clive Barker's 1987 directing debut. Hellbound sees Kirsty Cotton venture into Hell in search of her father Larry, only to encounter Pinhead and his Cenobite pals once again, as well as her wicked stepmother Julia and a new foe, Dr. Channard. Boasting extreme gore and some of the craziest visuals in horror history, Hellraiser 2 is a great addition to Hulu's fright fare.
Read More: Hellraiser’s Puzzle Box Explained: The Lament Configuration’s Origin & Powers
22 Some Kind of Wonderful
It's well-known that John Hughes was the master of 1980s teen movies, and while Some Kind of Wonderful isn't as iconic as Sixteen Candles or The Breakfast Club, it's still a great Hulu pick. Some Kind of Wonderful was born out of Hughes' annoyance with the ending of Pretty in Pink, as he personally favored Molly Ringwald's Andie ending up with her best friend and not her dream crush. Some Kind of Wonderful flips the script, having Eric Stoltz's Keith end up torn between his best friend Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) and dream girl Amanda (Lea Thompson).
21 Cube
Released nearly a decade before Saw made intricate murder traps popular in the horror genre, the new to Hulu movie Cube arguably did it better, although without the backing of a major studio. Cube's premise is simple but brilliant, dropping a group of strangers inside a strange maze of nearly identical rooms, with no memory of how they got there or knowledge of why they were chosen. Each new room holds another deadly trap, and it takes the combined brains of everyone involved to try and solve the puzzles needed to stay alive.
20 Eyes Wide Shut
The final film to be directed by filmmaking legend Stanley Kubrick, 1999's Eyes Wide Shut is far from his best work, but is still an engaging watch in its own right. Hulu subscribers should keep in mind though that this film is NOT family friendly. Eyes Wide Shut stars then-married Hollywood heavyweights Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, with Cruise playing a New York doctor who's life is thrown off balance by a devastating secret revealed by his wife, played by Kidman. This sends Cruise's character off on a wild night of sexual discovery, including happening upon a mysterious masked orgy run by a secret society.
Read More: 10 Most Disturbing Stanley Kubrick Scenes, Ranked
19 Almost Famous
While not a box office success, 2000's new to Hulu Almost Famous was a critical darling, and has since gone on to be one of director Cameron Crowe's most beloved films. Crowe also wrote the script, which is semi-autobiographical, and is based on his time as a teenage writer for Rolling Stone that went on tour with rock bands of the 1970s. Almost Famous put Kate Hudson on the map as an A-list star, and boasts a cast full of recognizable faces surrounding lead Patrick Fugit, including Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and more.
18 If Beale Street Could Talk
Directed by Moonlight helmer Barry Jenkins, and based on the 1974 novel by James Baldwin, If Beale Street Could Talk proved nearly as critically acclaimed as Jenkins' prior film, earning three Oscar nominations. The story centers on Tish (Kiki Layne), a pregnant woman who sets out to clear the name of her fiance Fonny (Stephan James) after he's imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. If Beale Street Could Talk is one of the best reviewed films on Hulu, and is more than worth a watch.
17 Baskin
Those who don't like to read subtitles during their Hulu movies are missing out if they choose not to watch Baskin, provided they love horror films that are dark, bleak, and sadistic. Baskin, a film of Turkish origin, focuses on a squad of police officers who find way, way more than they bargained for when called out to a mysterious location. Before long, it seems like the cops have descended into Hell itself, and things get increasingly harder to watch.
Read More: The 16 Best International Horror Movies Of All Time
16 Frank
To some, Michael Fassbender is a young Magneto. To others, he’s a two-time Academy Award nominee. To a select few, he’s the gonzo pop musician and eponymous hero in Frank, the offbeat artist who became more famous for his oversized paper-mâché mask than his music. Directed by Lenny Abrahamson (Room), Frank earned a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score and remains a cult classic to adventurous Hulu viewers looking for a changeup in their visual diet.
15 Annihilation
One of Screen Rant's favorite movies of 2018, Annihilation is a visionary sci-fi film written and directed by Alex Garland, who previously made his directing debut with the equally arresting Ex Machina. Natalie Portman stars as Lena, one of the only survivors of an expedition into a realm called "The Shimmer," which serves as home to places and creatures beyond anything known to the natural world. Sporting an 89% RT score, Annihilation just arrived on Hulu, and also stars Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, and Oscar Isaac.
14 The French Connection
A true cinema classic, 1971's The French Connection is well-known for sporting one of the greatest car chases in movie history. Directed by William Friedkin, The French Connection stars Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider as a pair of New York City detectives investigating a drug smuggling case with, as the title implies, a connection to France. Nominated for eight Oscars and winning five, The French Connection is a great addition to Hulu's roster.
Read More: 10 Most Culturally Influential Movies Of The 1970s
13 M*A*S*H
M*A*S*H may today be better known for inspiring one of the most-watched TV shows ever, but this 1970 film by Robert Altman is worth remembering in its own right, and is a terrific Hulu selection. Like the show, M*A*S*H is a dramedy set during the Korean War, and focuses on the staff of a field hospital that uses lots of humor to try and retain their sanity amidst the many horrors of war. Donald Sutherland, Elliot Gould, Tom Skerritt, Sally Kellerman, and Robert Duvall star.
12 A Quiet Place
While John Krasinski might always be best known for playing Jim on iconic sitcom The Office, 2018's acclaimed sci-fi/horror film A Quiet Place demonstrated that he has just as much talent behind the camera. Directed, co-written by, and starring Krasinski, A Quiet Place centers on a family living in the aftermath of an apocalyptic alien invasion. The invading creatures are deadly, and hunt by sound, meaning that the Abbott clan has to spend most of their life in silence. Unfortunately, things eventually go wrong, and the monsters come calling. Krasinkski's real-life wife Emily Blunt co-stars in this prime Hulu pick.
11 True Grit
Written and directed by the Coen Brothers, True Grit is a critically acclaimed 2010 adaptation of a 1968 novel that also served as the basis for a classic John Wayne western of the same name. After a teenage girl (Hailee Steinfeld) sees her father murdered, she enlists the help of an often drunk U.S. Marshal named Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) in bringing the killer to justice. Matt Damon and Josh Brolin also star in this prime Hulu pick.
Read More: Best In the West: Top 10 Western Movies of the 2010s, Ranked
10 Wall Street
If any movie encapsulated the selfish culture that dominated the 1980s, it's 1987's Wall Street, directed by Oliver Stone. Despite being the clear villain of the film, Michael Douglas' corporate raider Gordon Gecko (a role which won him an Oscar) became an unlikely hero to many who found his "win at all costs" business philosophy inspiring. Regardless, it's a truly masterful performance in a terrific film, and an excellent addition to the Hulu roster. Charlie Sheen and Martin Sheen also star.
9 Mission: Impossible – Fallout
This sixth entry into the hugely popular Mission: Impossible action franchise sees leading man Tom Cruise back as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, alongside his usual crew of associates. Mission: Impossible - Fallout also contains some amazing, death-defying action scenes, as has become par for the course with this series. Henry Cavill proves to be a game addition to the cast, and director Christopher McQuarrie returns to the helm ably, in this Hulu selection designed for adrenaline junkies.
8 A Simple Favor
Directed by Paul Feig, and based on a novel by author Darcey Ball, 2018's new to Hulu A Simple Favor is a deft mix of the mystery, drama, and comedy genres. Anna Kendrick stars as a decidedly ordinary mommy vlogger named Stephanie, albeit one with a dead husband. She strikes up an unlikely friendship with a boozing bad girl named Emily (Blake Lively), who disappears under mysterious circumstances, leading Stephanie to lead a quest to find her.
Read More: 10 Domestic Noir Movies To Watch If You Loved Gone Girl
7 Shrek
The film that put Dreamworks Animation on the map, 2001's Shrek stars Mike Myers as the titular ogre, a creature gruff on the outside but caring on the inside. Despite not wanting to do anything but hang out in his swamp, Shrek is compelled to go on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) by the villainous Lord Farquad (John Lithgow). By his side is Donkey (Eddie Murphy), a fast-talking animal who can't help annoying Shrek with his constant chatter. Shrek spawned a franchise of three sequels and multiple specials, and is worth checking out on Hulu.
6 28 Weeks Later
While not quite the masterpiece Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later is, 2007's 28 Weeks Later is a still a very good horror sequel in its own right. The plot centers on a family who barely escaped the initial outbreak in London, and are later headed back there after NATO troops are able to establish a safe zone free of the infected. Of course, things go terribly wrong and the cycle of infection begins again. The recognizable cast of this top Hulu pick includes Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner, Harold Perrineau, Imogen Poots and Idris Elbas.
5 Vice
A biopic about former U.S. vice president Dick Cheney was always going to be a controversial, divisive prospect, especially one directed by Adam McKay with a sharp satirical edge. In the end, 2018's Vice ended up earning mostly praise from critics, and multiple Oscar nominations, including one for Christian Bale's eerily accurate performance as Cheney. Bale famously put on lots of weight for the role, and is almost unrecognizable at a glance. Vice's all-star cast also includes Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, and more. Vice is worth a stream on Hulu, especially during these current politically-charged times.
Read More: Christian Bale’s 10 Greatest Roles, Ranked
4 Road House
No one's ever going to mistake Road House for an Oscar-worthy triumph, but it's gained a large cult following over the years, and is a must-watch on Hulu for anyone looking for some quintessentially 1980s fun. Patrick Swayze stars as Dalton, a "cooler" hired to run security at a bar called the Double Deuce in Jasper, Missouri. Dalton ends up in conflict with a corrupt local businessman, and things get violent in a hurry.
3 Sorry to Bother You
One of the most uniquely creative movies of 2018, director Boots Riley's debut is a thought-provoking look at American race relations, framed through a dystopian comedic lens. Sorry to Bother You stars Lakeith Stanfield as Cassius "Cash" Green, who gets a job as a telemarketer, only to discover that putting on his "white voice" is what gets the money rolling in. Sorry to Bother You is a film not really suited to being summed up in a paragraph, but its 93% Rotten Tomatoes score kind of speaks for itself. Check it out on Hulu.
2 Heathers
A darker than dark comedy, Heathers was written by Daniel Waters and directed by Michael Lehmann, and sports a huge cult following, which is sure to only get bigger via Hulu. Winona Ryder stars as Veronica Sawyer, a high school student who runs afoul of former friends the Heathers, a trio of rich, popular girls that rule teen society with an iron fist. After being wronged by them, Veronica makes the mistake of teaming up with outcast bad boy J.D. (Christian Slater) in order to get revenge. Sadly, J.D.'s idea of revenge is straight up murdering his enemies.
1 Bumblebee
It's fair to say most people didn't expect much out of Bumblebee, outside of the usual entertaining diversion supplied by most of the mainline Transformers films. Yet, under the direction of Travis Knight, this 2018 new to Hulu Transformers spinoff arguably ended up being the best entry in the entire franchise to date. Hailee Steinfeld stars as Charlie Watson, a young woman who befriends the titular Autobot. John Cena plays Jack Burns, an agent of Sector 7, the secret government agency that tracks aliens on Earth.
Next: 10 Best Shows You Didn’t Know Were On Hulu
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