PSA: None of these films are streaming on Netflix.
Ingrid Goes West
What it’s about: A dark comedy that follows an unstable woman as she moves to California with the hopes of befriending an Instagram “star”.
Why you should watch: It’s a perfect look at social media-obsessed culture. Also, the performances are top-notch.
Watch Now!
Neon / Via thehoya.com
Iron Man
What it’s about: The origin of the Marvel superhero Iron Man, obviously.
Why you should watch: It’s the movie that started the MCU. We have so much to thank it for.
Watch Now!
Marvel / Via rogerebert.com
10 Cloverfield Lane
What it’s about: A woman wakes up in a bunker to discover the outside world has endured some sort of mysterious epidemic.
Why you should watch: It’s brilliant, terrifying, and easily the best of the franchise.
Watch Now!
Paramount Pictures / Via bloody-disgusting.com
The Emperor’s New Groove
What it’s about: A self-centered emperor gets a lesson in humility and kindness when he’s turned into a llama.
Why you should watch: Yzma is the most underrated Disney villain of our time.
Watch Now!
Disney
Arrival
What it’s about: A linguistics professor is recruited by the government to help determine the intentions of aliens who have landed on Earth.
Why you should watch: Some might say it was the best movie of 2016. (Me. I would say that.)
Watch Now!
Paramount Pictures / Via vox.com
Moonstruck
What it’s about: A woman who unexpectadly falls for her fiancé’s brother.
Why you should watch: Everyone should experience a rom-com starring Cher and Nic Cage. Everyone.
Watch Now!
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / Via mentalfloss.com
Detroit
What it’s about: Historical drama set during the 1967 Detroit riots.
Why you should watch: It was directed by Kathryn Bigelow and stars John Boyega & Anthony Mackie. What more do you need to know?
Watch Now!
Annapurna Pictures / Via youtube.com
Harriet the Spy
What it’s about: A sixth grader who dreams of being a spy.
Why you should watch: It was the first ever Nickelodeon movie. History is important!
Watch Now!
Nickelodeon / Via filmstreams.org
Total Recall
What it’s about: After visiting a company that implants fake memories into your brain, a man suspects he might be a spy.
Why you should watch: It’s a sci-fi classic. Plus, you can never go wrong with Arnold.
Watch Now!
TriStar Pictures / Via medium.com
Creed
What it’s about: Rocky Balboa returns to train his former boxing opponent’s son.
Why you should watch: It was directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Michael B. Jordan. You know what other movie can say that? BLACK FREAKING PANTHER.
Watch Now!
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / Via abcnews.go.com
Let the Right One In
What it’s about: A young boy in Sweden befriends his mysterious neighbor, who turns out to be a vampire.
Why you should watch: Easily one of the best foreign horror films ever made.
Watch Now!
Sandrew Metronome / Via rogerebert.com
Short Term 12
What it’s about: A supervisor at a home for at-risk teens tries to help the residents while dealing with personal past traumas.
Why you should watch: A fantastic Brie Larson performance, pre-Oscar.
Watch Now!
Cinedigm / Via chicagoreader.com
Much Ado About Nothing
What it’s about: A Shakespearian classic set in modern times that follows multiple romantic misunderstandings over the course of a wedding weekend.
Why you should watch: It’s a solid adaptation that features most of your favorite actors from various Joss Whedon projects.
Watch Now!
Lionsgate / Via rogerebert.com
I Love You Phillip Morris
What it’s about: The true story of a con artist who falls in love with another inmate while in prison.
Why you should watch: Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor are in love. What could be better?
Watch Now!
LD Entertainment / Via bobbyriverstv.blogspot.com
The Parent Trap
What it’s about: When they meet at camp, two identical twins decide to switch places with the hopes of bringing their parents back together.
Why you should watch: Both versions are delightful, and they never get old.
Watch the Original Now!
Watch the Remake Now!
Buena Vista Pictures / Via hellogiggles.com
Fences
What it’s about: The father of a working-class family in the 1950s who struggles with his resentment towards his son.
Why you should watch: Denzel Washington starred in AND directed the film, and Viola Davis won an Oscar for her performance.
Watch Now!
Paramount Pictures / Via variety.com
Liberal Arts
What it’s about: A man returns to his alma mater for his favorite professor’s retirement party, only to unexpectedly fall for a student.
Why you should watch: Josh Radnor (AKA Ted Mosby) wrote, directed and starred in the film. Bonus: Elizabeth Olsen, Richard Jenkins, and Zac Efron.
Watch Now!
IFC Films / Via blu-ray.com
Melancholia
What it’s about: Two sisters deal with the likelihood of another planet colliding with Earth.
Why you should watch: It was written and directed by Lars von Trier, which means there’s no other film like it.
Watch Now!
Nordisk Film / Via screenmusings.org
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
What it’s about: A live-action/animated fantasy film about a washed-up private investigator who gets roped into helping a beloved cartoon character.
Why you should watch: It’s quite possibly the most unique and fun family film of all time.
Watch Now!
Buena Vista Pictures / Via slashfilm.com
Your Sister’s Sister
What it’s about: A man who drunkenly hooks up with his best friend’s sister, unaware of his friend’s feelings for him.
Why you should watch: It’s a very truthful dramedy with solid performances all around.
Watch Now!
IFC Films / Via nytimes.com
In A World…
What it’s about: A female vocal coach who is determined to break into the world of movie trailer voiceovers.
Why you should watch: Lake Bell wrote, directed, and starred in the film.
Watch Now!
Roadside Attractions / Via trailers.apple.com
Zodiac
What it’s about: David Fincher’s take on the longstanding mystery of San Francisco’s infamous Zodiac killer.
Why you should watch: There’s no downside to Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo being onscreen together.
Watch Now!
Paramount Pictures / Via lisathatcher.com
But I’m a Cheerleader
What it’s about: A teen is sent to a boot camp for “straightening up” gay kids when her parents suspect she’s a lesbian.
Why you should watch: It’s insanely sweet and funny. Also, RuPaul!
Watch Now!
Lionsgate / Via femmedia.net
Bronson
What it’s about: A biographical crime drama about Britain’s most famous prisoner.
Why you should watch: Tom Hardy is dynamite.
Watch Now!
Magnet Releasing / Via ibtimes.co.uk
Amélie
What it’s about: A whimsical French rom-com that follows a woman as she attempts to alter the lives of the people around her.
Why you should watch: It’ll make you feel good.
Watch Now!
Miramax
Winter’s Bone
What it’s about: A teenager in the rural Ozarks of Missouri who must locate her missing father in order to save her family.
Why you should watch: It’s the movie that put JLaw on the map.
Watch Now!
Roadside Attractions / Via rogerebert.com
Anomalisa
What it’s about: A stop-motion drama that follows a motivational speaker as he becomes enamored by a woman he meets in a hotel.
Why you should watch: It was written and directed by Charlie Kaufman, who wrote Eternal Sunshine, Being John Malkovich, and Adaptation.
Watch Now!
Paramount Pictures / Via filmcomment.com
The Little Hours
What it’s about: Things heat up for the insatiable women of a convent when an attractive man is hired as a day laborer.
Why you should watch: It’s basically a raunchy Monty Python film, but starring women.
Watch Now!
Gunpowder & Sky / Via variety.com
Four Rooms
What it’s about: A quirky bellhop as he struggles to satisfy the strange needs of the hotel’s guests on New Year’s Eve.
Why you should watch: 1. Tim Roth is hysterical. 2. Each room is directed by a different person, including Tarantino. 3. Madonna plays a lesbian witch.
Watch Now!
Miramax / Via etnevesht.com
A Fish Called Wanda
What it’s about: The hilarious story of a heist gone wrong.
Why you should watch: Kevin Kline won an Oscar for his portrayal of Otto West.
Watch Now!
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / Via ifccenter.com
Sleepwalk with Me
What it’s about: The true story of comedian Mike Birbiglia’s struggle with severe sleepwalking.
Why you should watch: Mike Birbiglia, obviously.
Watch Now!
IFC Films / Via moviemezzanine.com
Star Trek
What it’s about: J.J. Abrams’ reboot of the original Star Trek.
Why you should watch: It’s fun AF.
Watch Now!
Paramount Pictures / Via memory-beta.wikia.com
Thelma and Louise
What it’s about: The ultimate road movie about two women on the run.
Why you should watch: If you haven’t seen it, it’s required viewing. If you have seen it, it’s always worth rewatching.
Watch Now!
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / Via themoviedb.org
Do you have any Hulu movie recommendations that aren’t listed above? Tell us in the comments!
Marvel / Via tumblr.com