The 10 Best Movies on Hulu to Stream Tonight
Maybe I’m the one who hasn’t been paying attention but when i think of Hulu, I think of TV first. Great TV! But also, just TV. Color me surprised as I go through Hulu’s larger library and discover that Hulu has been hiding a whole collection of films that are about as varied as they are excellent. It’s a proverbial Wild West out there, what, with the inclusion of Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar right next to the old Space Jam? That’s chaotic energy. But it’s energy we embrace.
Of the 10 films we’ve chosen to get you started, there are three Best Picture winners, some dark comedy, and of course, the most important film of 2000. The vibe is up to you, but rest assured there is something for whatever vibe you’re looking for. Give the TV binge a break and treat yourself to a bonafide film experience. Hulu’s TV slate will be waiting for you afterward.
1
Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar
This feature from Kristin Wiig and Annie Mumolo is next level bonkers, but it’s too damn good to pass up. Absurdist to its core, it’s also one of the only films of 2021 so far to completely avoid the drear of our reality and opt for comedic excellence instead. Come for Jamie Dornan’s best role to date, stay for… well, let’s just say that there’s a cameo at the end that really tips a hat to the single moms who work too hard, who love their kids, and never stop.
2
127 Hours
James Franco was coming for that Oscar but missed it by that much with 127 Hours. Directed by Danny Boyle, Franco largely spends the film alone, depicting the real life story of Aron Ralston. On a hiking trek, the adventurer gets his arm stuck in a rock fixture and faces the impossible decision of dying there or doing the unthinkable to survive.
3
Whip It
Elliot Page stars in this film about a badass crew of roller derby vets kicking ass and taking names. Pair that casting with Drew Barrymore and Kristin Wiig, a sick soundtrack, and a darkly comedic directing job from Barrymore herself and you have one excellent film that often gets overlooked.
4
Flight
Flight is your worst case scenario peek behind the captain’s curtain. Starring Denzel Washington, the film follows a pilot who struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. The reality of his situation hits the fan after he has to land a plane experiencing mechanical problems. It inspires him to get sober, but when an investigation opens up, it may be too late.
5
Coyote Ugly
You know when you look over and you’d rather bite your arm off than wake up the person next to you after a one night stand? That’s the paraphrased explanation of Coyote Ugly. The cult favorite (which turned 20 last year!) is streaming on Hulu, so you can always enjoy the goodness of Piper Parabo, John Goodman, and a LeAnn Rimes-fronted soundtrack. God, 2000 was a good year.
6
Bombshell
Perhaps a bit soon after the case itself unfolded, Bombshell follows three narratives (two based on real figures) surrounding Roger Ailes’ and Fox News’ sexual misconduct and culture of silence. Balancing somewhere between truth and some complimentary fiction, Bombshell is a damning look at the right wing media’s place within the #MeToo movement.
7
Slumdog Millionaire
Wow, a lot of Best Picture winners on this list. Buckle up. The Danny Boyle flick starring Dev Patel is a harrowing look at a man who ends up on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Sounds fun, right? Well, everything starts to go topsy turvy as his incredible life informs all of his answers in a serendipitous story that nearly becomes deadly.
8
Nomadland
2021’s Best Picture winner is Hulu’s first major awards get. Based on the book of the same name, Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland offers a beautiful, meandering look at nomad life and how the current state of affairs in America has set a generation of nomads loose across the States as they search for work, a place to land, and a purpose to fulfill the later years of their lives.
9
Space Jam
We respect you, LeBron, but this is a hard castle to topple. The original Michael Jordan Space Jam will always be the GOAT.
10
Parasite
If you’re looking to dip a toe into Korean cinema, then this 2020 Best Picture winner is an incredible entry point. Following a classic upstairs-downstairs narrative, Bong Joon-ho’s dark comedy is a biting look at socioeconomic status, squatter’s rights, and why you should always get rental insurance if it’s available.
Justin Kirkland Justin Kirkland is a writer for Esquire, where he focuses on entertainment, television, and pop culture.
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