Another streaming service means another vast library of titles to sift through to find what you want to watch. Max is the streaming service from WarnerMedia, hosting not just titles from the pay cable channel HBO, but a bevy of films from the Warner Bros. library and other studios. There’s a great selection of classics, fairly new releases, quirky indies, and yes, superhero movies. The studio behind The Dark Knight and Man of Steel has a solid number of DC films available to stream. But if you’re daunted by all the good movies on Max to choose from, we’ve got your back. Below, we’ve put together a curated list of the absolute best movies on Max. Films that will be well worth your time, with our writers making the case for why each film is special.
‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’ (1964)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.8/10
Runtime91 minutes
Written and directed by Jacques Demy, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is a gorgeous musical romance where the entire film’s dialogue is sung. Even casual conversations are shared through music by Michel Legrand. Starring Catherine Deneuve, Anne Vernon, Nino Castelnuovo, and Marc Michel, Umbrellas of Cherbourg follows a young couple (Deneuve and Castelnuovo) attempting to find their way back to each other after being separated by circumstance.
Aside from award nominations and being an obvious influence on the 2016 musical La La Land and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg itself is a stunning musical masterpiece expressed through a clever format and unforgettable French songs.
‘La Strada’ (1954)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.0/10
La Strada
Runtime1 hr 48 min
La Strada stars the dazzling Giulietta Masina as a young woman sent to live with a brutish street performer (Anthony Quinn), joining his traveling act as a clown, as well as his wife. The often uncomfortable yet absolutely unforgettable parable from director Federico Fellini explores themes of identity, strength, and compassion through fantastic acting and harsh scenes, co-written by Fellini, Tullio Pinelli, and Ennio Flaiano.
La Strada’s initial release on the festival circuit garnered immense criticism and controversial reactions, setting a foundation for Fellini’s creative flair in his subsequent films. Highlighted by Quinn’s charisma and Masina’s wide-eyed naivety, La Strada devastatingly captures the audience’s attention. – Yael Tygiel
‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.4/10
Runtime126
Directed by Shaka King, Judas and the Black Messiah is a powerful film. Inspired by a true story, it shines a light on an important part of American history. This biographical crime drama co-stars Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and LaKeith Stanfield as William O’Neal, a reluctant FBI informant tasked with infiltrating the party in late-1960s Chicago. Judas and the Black Messiah also features Jesse Plemons and Dominique Fishback.
Judas and the Black Messiah not only earned a handful of Oscar nominations for the film, but Kaluuya won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, competing against co-star Stanfield. While the acting, soundtrack, and production are truly stellar, the harsh realities of revolution exposed in the film are triumphant and moving. – Yael Tygiel
‘8 1/2’ (1963)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.0/10
Runtime2 hr 18 min
Directed by Federico Fellini, who co-wrote the film with Ennio Flaiano, Tullio Pinelli, and Brunello Rondi, 8 1/2 delightfully blends comedy, drama, and avant-garde surrealism. An Italian film about movie making, 8 1/2 focuses on a frustrated filmmaker attempting to direct his epic sci-fi movie. Starring Marcello Mastroianni as the harried director who finds himself withdrawing into his own mind, electing to live in memories and fantasies rather than reality, 8 1/2 imaginatively explores the creative mind in honest and dream-like ways.
A classic film that utilizes clever practical effects to explore dreamscapes, 8 1/2 gorgeously touches sensuality, the plight of artists, and both internal and external pressure when pursuing greatness. 8 1/2 has earned awards and critical praise, but the film’s respect from modern visionaries like Guillermo del Toro is an endorsement on its own. – Yael Tygiel
‘Bicycle Thieves’ (1948)
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.3/10
Bicycle Thieves
Runtime89 minutes
Vittorio De Sica directs Bicycle Thieves, an Italian neorealist film starring Lamberto Maggiorani as a desperate father in post-World War II Rome. Bicycle Thieves co-stars Enzo Staiola as the man’s plucky son, who joins him on his journey to recover his stolen bicycle, a necessity for employment and to keep his family afloat. Writer Cesare Zavattini adapted Luigi Bartolini’s novel for the screen, allowing for grounded performances and torrid emotional turmoil to be showcased above all else.
With a depressing setting and heavy plot, Bicycle Thieves is, at its core, a powerful film about desperation and resilience, expressed through a heart-wrenching story. Although set in a particular time and place, it is devastatingly relatable regardless of history and location. – Yael Tygiel
‘Clèo From 5 to 7’ (1962)
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.3/10
Clèo From 5 to 7
Runtime1h 29m
Director Agnès Varda, the Queen of the French New Wave has a strong presence on Max because of her deep catalog in the streamer’s Criterion section, and you owe it to yourself to learn more about one of the most vital and important filmmakers of all time. This is probably her most popular film, the tale of a French singer who is awaiting test results that could confirm she has cancer. It’s a deeply powerful and philosophical character study, and the perfect gateway to discovering an essential filmmaker.
‘The 400 Blows’ (1959)
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.1/10
The 400 Blows
Runtime1 hr 39 min
Serving as the directorial debut of François Truffaut, who co-wrote the film with Marcel Moussy, The 400 Blows is a French coming-of-age drama about a rebellious pre-teen boy in Paris who turns to petty crime and delinquency when neglected. Starring Jean-Pierre Léaud, Albert Rémy, and Claire Maurier, The 400 Blows is considered a defining film of French New Wave filmmaking.
While many films explore adolescence and coming-of-age stories are a dime a dozen, The 400 Blows beautifully and sympathetically offers a raw perspective at a transitional time period with an honest reflection on the sometimes heartbreaking realities of growing up. – Yael Tygiel
‘Stalker’ (1979)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.1/10
Runtime162 minutes
A mesmerizing sci-fi masterpiece from director Andrei Tarkovsky, Stalker was written by Arkady Strugatsky and Boris Strugatsky and based on their trippy 1972 novel Roadside Picnic. The film stars Aleksandr Kajdanovsky as the illegal guide journeying across a postapocalyptic landscape where the laws of physics seem irrelevant, bringing a writer (Anatoliy Solonitsyn) and scientist (Nikolay Grinko) to a mythical place believed to grant wishes.
Stalker explores a variety of existential themes through haunting scenes and stunning shots, which slowly draw in audiences to dive into complex philosophical conundrums. With a unique approach to narrative, sound design, and humanity, Stalker’s influence expands beyond cinema by inspiring the evolution of the annual festival known as Burning Man. – Yael Tygiel
‘Wages of Fear’ (1953)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.2/10
Wages of Fear
Runtime2 hr 33 min
Wages of Fear is an intense existential thriller from director Henri-Georges Clouzot. Adapted from Georges Arnaud’s 1950 novel and starring Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Peter van Eyck, and Véra Clouzot, Wages of Fear follows four European men in a South American jungle who are hired by an American oil company to transport nitroglycerine. Through gritty shots and spine-tingling extended suspense sequences, Wages of Fear includes countless scenes that will leave viewers holding their breath.
Wages of Fear continues to captivate audiences, particularly with its balance of biting satire and heart-pumping intensity. It comes as no surprise that Netflix is currently in the process of remaking the French movie. – Yael Tygiel
‘Stagecoach’ (1939)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.8/10
Stagecoach
Stagecoach
Runtime1 hr 36 min
Considered John Wayne’s legendary breakout role, Stagecoach is an exciting Western that follows a group of strangers traveling via stagecoach through Apache territory. Based on Ernest Haycox’s short story The Stage to Lordsburg, Stagecoach was directed by John Ford (The Grapes of Wrath) and features an ensemble cast alongside Wayne, including Claire Trevor, Andy Devine, and John Carradine (The Ten Commandments).
Earning two Academy Awards as well as a slew more nominations, Stagecoach has been adapted for radio, as well as remade quite a few times. Although a fun ride, the historical inaccuracies and blatant prejudices portrayed in the movie, particularly pertaining to indigenous cultures, are undeniable and should not be overlooked. – Yael Tygiel
‘Tokyo Story’ (1972)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.1/10
Tokyo Story
Runtime136 minutes
Yasujirō Ozu’s Tokyo Story is a gorgeous drama that follows a retired couple on their journey to visit their grown children in the Japanese capital. Starring Chishū Ryū and Chieko Higashiyama, Tokyo Story is a slow burn as it cleverly weaves a story through dialogue, with many key scenes not being shown on screen. Highlighted by a unique use of camera angles, Tokyo Story leans into the generational tale with a rich emotional complexity.
While the technical aspect of Tokyo Story is captivating, the true draw is the generational story, focusing on themes of Westernization. While this film is specifically about a traditional Japanese family as they recover from World War II, these types of shifts within societies are relatable to a multitude of cultures around globe. – Yael Tygiel
‘Battleship Potemkin’ (1925)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.9/10
Battleship Potemkin
Runtime1 hr 17 min
Battleship Potemkin is a truly unique film from writer-director Sergei Eisenstein. A silent film that unfolds over five separately titled acts, Battleship Potemkin focuses on the 1905 naval mutiny of an Imperial Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet’s battleship. Battleship Potemkin features a collection of non-actors, including Aleksandr Antonov, Vladimir Barksy, and Grigori Aleksandrov, as Eisenstein opted for specific looks and vibes over identifiable movie stars.
Bringing history to the screen, Battleship Potemkin cleverly shares the gruesome realities of revolution, resulting in just over an hour of cinematic brilliance. Over the years, Battleship Potemkin has been praised for its clever montage editing techniques, which earned the film a place within the top ranks of many “best films” lists. – Yael Tygiel
‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 8.9/10
Pulp Fiction, directed by Quentin Tarantino, follows several interconnected storylines. One follows Vincent Vega (John Travolta), a hitman in the employ of gangster Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames). His encounters with Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman), Marsellus’s wife, result in a sequence of intense and unpredictable events. Another narrative thread focuses on Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent Vega as they carry out their assignments. The last one centers on Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis) and his decision to defy Marsellus Wallace’s orders, which sets off a chain reaction of events that intertwine with the other characters.
Pulp Fiction is a landmark neo-noir crime film that gained widespread acclaim for its unique narrative structure and impactful storytelling. Almost 30 years later, it remains a cultural touchstone and a testament to Tarantino’s influence on contemporary filmmaking. Furthermore, the dialogue is razor-sharp, the performances are flawless, and the twists consistently deliver surprises. Notably, iconic dance moves serve as the film’s signature, enduring the test of time. The film was also crafted as a satirical commentary on the themes of contingency and redemption, foundational elements often found in more conventionally typical Hollywood productions. As lively as it is gripping, Pulp Fiction is a thrilling blend of pop culture and pulp, and it undeniably stands out as one of the finest movies of the 1990s. – Jessie Nguyen
‘Eighth Grade’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 7.4/10
Runtime93 minutes
Directed and written by Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade follows Kayla (Elsie Fisher), a teenager navigating the challenges of middle school, grappling with anxiety while striving for social acceptance in the final week of eighth grade. To cope, she creates video blogs offering motivational advice, but her fixation on social media strains her relationship with her otherwise supportive father (Josh Hamilton), who desires to be an active presence in her life as her sole parent.
In his directorial debut, Eighth Grade is Burnham’s meticulously crafted ode to the tumultuous and bewildering middle school years, offering reassurance to those experiencing it that things will ultimately get better. Eighth Grade is also one of those rare movies that, despite its subjective individuality, appeals to both adolescent and adult audiences by teaching universal life lessons that everyone must experience and master in order to become an adult. In addition, viewers truly experience Kayla’s awkwardness, embarrassment, and cringe-worthy nature as she and other schoolchildren attempt to appear older than they actually are, demonstrating Fisher’s true talent and the potential impact of their future. Additionally, Burnham’s comedy experience comes through, as his comedic timing both eases the tension and warmly welcomes the audience to the plot. – Jessie Nguyen
‘Room’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.1/10
Runtime113 minutes
Based on Emma Donoghue‘s 2010 novel of the same name, Room is directed by Lenny Abrahamson and adapted for the screen by Donoghue. The movie follows Ma, played by Brie Larson, a young woman who has endured seven years of captivity, during which her five-year-old son (Jacob Tremblay) was born. Their escape finally grants the boy his first experience of the outside world.
Room presents both the highest and lowest facets of humanity within a captivating narrative that delves into the boundless resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of the most daunting challenges. In this examination of loneliness, identity, and the illusion of protection, Larson showcases her most vulnerable state and also displays the height of her talent. She was then awarded an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the portrayal. Jacob Tremblay’s performance is also exceptional, indicating his potential to become a prominent star in the future. Additionally, director Lenny Abrahamson and cinematographer Danny Cohen, in collaboration with Donoghue’s screenplay, present a distressing story through the lens of the most innocent perspective, resulting in a truly distinctive cinematic experience. Rather than avoiding the harsh realities, Room confronts them directly and unflinchingly. – Jessie Nguyen
‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)
Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 6.9/10
Runtime109 minutes
Based on Lauren Weisberger‘s 2003 novel of the same name, The Devil Wears Prada follows Andy (Anne Hathaway), a recent college graduate with ambitious dreams. When she secures a job at the renowned Runway magazine, she becomes the assistant to the formidable editor, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Andy then embarks on a challenging journey, questioning her ability to endure her demanding role as Miranda’s assistant without getting burned.
It’s a rare film that not only matches but surpasses the quality of its source material. Viewers continue to ponder the movie’s valuable lessons long after the laughter has faded, as these lessons are well-founded, enduring, and skillfully conveyed by the talented actors who bring genuine depth to the material. The Devil Wears Prada continues to be a frontrunner in people’s minds when it comes to the most stylish films. However, it goes beyond that, offering a captivating and often comedic peek into the high-speed and alluring realm of high fashion. It also provides viewers with a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes operations of a prestigious fashion magazine. Furthermore, the characters, especially the formidable Miranda Priestly, have achieved icon status in popular culture, solidifying the film’s position as a classic. Streep’s performance also earned her another Oscar nomination, further recognizing her outstanding portrayal. – Jessie Nguyen
‘Seven Samurai’ (1956)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.6/10
Seven Samurai
A poor village under attack by bandits recruits seven unemployed samurai to help them defend themselves.
Release DateNovember 19, 1956
Set in 1586 Japan, Seven Samurai focuses on farmers in a small mountain village who make a desperate plea to rogue samurai to help them defend themselves from a merciless gang of bandits that frequently terrorizes them. Unable to pay for protection, the farmers are aided by a veteran warrior who, along with just six other ronin, train the farmers to resist the bandits and fight alongside them.
At 207 minutes, the period epic is a defining masterpiece from legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa and is an iconic highlight of Japan’s samurai cinema. Its engrossing story works in its broad strokes as a heroic action adventure, but nestled within are insightful observations on cultural divides that thrive amid Kurosawa’s meticulous pacing. Also enhanced by some striking acting performances and stunning combat sequences, Seven Samurai remains one of the most influential films ever made and one of the most awe-inspiring movies of all time. – Ryan Heffernan
‘The Conjuring’ (2013)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.5/10
The Conjuring
On top of being one of my favorite movies in general, The Conjuring is easily one of my favorite horror movies of all time (beat only by its sequel). What gives The Conjuring franchise an edge is that each installment is based on the very real case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, Ed and Lorraine operate as agents of the church as they help families and individuals escape the grip of demonic possession. In The Conjuring, the couple is approached by a young mother whose family has found themselves the target of an evil spirit linked to the country home they just moved into.
What truly sets The Conjuring apart for me is not the scare factor — though director James Wan certainly doesn’t pull any punches in that regard — it’s the strength of the characters and their relationships, which is baked into the script by Chad Hayes and Carey W. Hayes. The Conjuring works so well because, at its heart, it’s a story about love. Ed and Lorraine are driven, first and foremost, by their love for each other, but their love for helping people comes in at a close second. Meanwhile, Lili Taylor’s Carolyn Perron is driven by the love for her family, and even when a demonic spirit intends to use that against her, it’s love that ultimately saves the day. If you’re new to horror or just looking for a heart-pounding thriller with a heart of gold, check out The Conjuring. – Samantha Coley, News Editor
‘I, Tonya’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Led by the incredible Margot Robbie in one of her best roles to date, I, Tonya is based on American figure skater Tonya Harding and, through potentially unreliable retellings of her life thanks to Harding and her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly’s interviews, depicts the infamous 1994 assault on her rival Nancy Kerrigan. Despite having been at the top of her game for most of her career, which included breaking records and competing at the Olympics, Tonya was always judged based on her “abnormal” figure skating look. As the plot unfolds, Tonya’s struggle in life is emphasized, leading to an outburst heard not just around the world of figure skating but the world entirely.
A simply stunning set of lead performances is matched by a nuanced script from Steven Rogers in a movie that rightfully won both public and critical acclaim. Pulling no punches in diving deep into the psyche of a deeply flawed but always ambitious woman, director Craig Gillespie neatly captures the subtle influences that may have led to the infamous incident. Despite being a film about a woman many of us may feel we cannot relate to, I, Tonya is deeply relatable with a story that excels by holding a contemplative mirror up to its audience. – Jake Hodges
‘Shiva Baby’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Release DateApril 2, 2021Runtime77 minutes
Written and directed by Emma Seligman, in her feature debut no less, Shiva Baby centers on the life of Danielle (Rachel Sennott); in particular, one fateful week in which she and her family attend a shiva (Jewish week of mourning). To her surprise, the attendees at the event seem to be a who’s who of Danielle’s life, including everyone from her ex-girlfriend Maya (Molly Gordon), her sugar daddy Max (Danny Deferrari), and his wife Kim (Dianna Agron). All hell breaks loose as Danielle is pushed to the edge trying to put out everyone else’s fires, although it is perhaps her life that is currently ablaze the most.
Based on her short film of the same name, Emma Seligman does a magnificent job translating this story into a feature, with the witty comedic style of the dialogue never overshadowing the nuanced analysis of both the Jewish faith and bisexuality. As the plot spirals into absurdity, an unnerving sense of claustrophobia creeps up on you, with Seligman clearly inspired by techniques used in psychological horror films. Delightfully cunning and terrifically performed, Shiva Baby is a biting tale that will live long in the minds of its viewers. – Jake Hodges
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 76% | IMDb: 7.6/10
A sequel to the box office smash hit from 2009, Avatar: The Way of Water picks up the story of Jake Scully (Sam Worthington) a few years on from the defeat of the RDA, with him and his new family now living happily on Pandora. However, happiness was never meant to last, as the villainous RDA has been plotting another attempt to claim Pandora. With an invasion afoot, Jake and others form a guerrilla group to try and fend off the pending attack and restore peace to their land.
As always, Avatar: The Way of Water is, above all, a visual masterpiece. One of the best at building awe-inspiring worlds within his films, James Cameron produces possibly his best aesthetic career work to date alongside cinematographer Russell Carpenter. With the original Avatar earning itself millions of fans (and dollars), Cameron made sure to use a similar formula that worked so well in the first film in The Way of Water, providing viewers with a reminder of just why this sequel’s predecessor was such a universal success. – Jake Hodges
‘Being Mary Tyler Moore’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Actress, producer, social advocate, and all-round performer Mary Tyler Moore is the subject of this documentary from director James Adolphus. Using footage of her professional work as well as interviews with loved ones, Being Mary Tyler Moore takes a deep dive into an enormously successful career of both entertainment and activism and looks at what may have been her biggest influences.
Throughout her 80 years of life, Mary Tyler Moore was an actress at the very top of her game, winning seven Primetime Emmys and three Golden Globe Awards. However, as this documentary discusses, it was her work within the progression of feminism that would solidify her legacy. Moving and powerful, Being Mary Tyler Moore really feels like a behind-the-curtain look at the life of a fascinating woman, with this award-winning film not simply documenting her life but also paying homage to it both generously and fairly. – Jake Hodges
‘Seven’ (1995)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Director David Fincher? maybe you’ve heard of him? Some movies are in these guides to highlight movies that readers may not have considered watching, but pretty much everyone with Max has seen David Fincher’s 1995 masterpiece already. The question is if you want to know what’s in the box again? If you somehow have never seen it, Seven is the story of two detectives (Brad Pitt & Morgan Freeman) who hunt a serial killer basing his crimes on the seven deadly sins. It shook the movie world when it was released and it’s still influencing thrillers released a quarter-century later.
‘Parasite’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.5/10
Release DateMay 8, 2019
The first foreign-language film to win a Best Picture Academy Award, Bong Joon Ho’s genre-bending Parasite follows the working-class Kim family as they slowly infiltrate the lives of the middle-class Park family as employees at their wealthy modern home. Split into two tonal halves sometimes playfully referred to as ‘pre and post-doorbell,’ just as the Kim family feels they have finally gotten away with their plan to steal this lavish lifestyle, a dark twist hidden deep in the house will turn the lives of both families upside down.
A moody, thrilling examination of a discriminatory class system oozes out of Parasite, with each scene layered with gorgeous and nuanced subtext. As the plot begins to develop, a brooding sense of unease lingers behind some genuinely hilarious moments of dark comedy, until suddenly everything changes within both the narrative and tone of the movie. In its second half, Parasite spirals into a twisted horror film with all the suspense and shock one might expect from the likes of Ari Aster. A devilishly cunning twist adds yet another thought-provoking layer to this winding analysis of modern society, all culminating in a final act that will keep you holding your breath for a dangerously long but cinematically unforgettable time. – Jake Hodges
‘All the Beauty and the Bloodshed’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.5/10
All The Beauty And The Bloodshed
Only the second documentary to win the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed documents the life and work of photographer, artist, and activist Nan Goldin. Dedicating her life to activism, Goldin has made it her goal to take down the Sackler family and hold them accountable for their role in causing the opioid epidemic. Using tales of her past and footage of her powerful artistic messages, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed paints a detailed image of Goldin’s work and tries to piece together all the elements that created this most unique of individuals.
Directed by Laura Poitras, this documentary aims, like Nan Goldin’s work, to transcend its artistic form and become something of greater meaning and benefit. Providing a look back at Goldin’s long career, the film evokes a numbing sense of nostalgia, with just how much time Goldin has spent fighting for justice equally as powerful as it is heartbreaking. Both inspirational and, at times, melancholy, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed was nominated for an Academy Award, such is its success. – Jake Hodges
‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.2/10
The world’s most complicated anti-heroes are back in The Suicide Squad (not to be confused with the 2016 film of an almost identical name). After striking a deal to reduce their sentences, a brand-new team of meta-humans led by Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn take to the streets of Corto Maltese in search of an evil scientist known only as the Thinker. However, their mission is interrupted when it becomes clear that a new dastardly force is threatening to take over the world, with the career criminals parking their terrible intentions temporarily in favor of saving it.
Writer and director James Gunn’s penchant for non-stop action fun is out in full force in The Suicide Squad, with this rip-roaring movie taking no prisoners as it hurtles towards its climax. Unlike some other movies in this genre, The Suicide Squad tackles its story with much more adult intent, with plenty of blood and gore likely to put off the squeamish. From Margot Robbie to Idris Elba, the main cast feels perfect in their roles, neatly balancing the unhinged quirks and sadistic yet alluring personality of the perfect anti-hero. – Jake Hodges
‘Wonder Woman’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.4/10
In the fourth installment of the DCEU (DC Extended Universe), Wonder Woman sees the iconic superhero portrayed by Gal Gadot in a prequel to Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. In the film, Wonder Woman, during her origin as Princess Diana of the Amazons, believes that World War I was started by an enemy of the Amazons after being fed information by spy Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) after he crash-lands on their island, Themyscira. Hungry for revenge, the unstoppable warrior will join one of the bloodiest fights in human history as fantasy superpowers meet historical bloodshed.
With many liberties often taken with superhero movies, director Patty Jenkins and the team of writers on Wonder Woman go to great lengths to make sure homage is paid to the true origins of the character, which has certainly pleased a large section of the fandom. Powerful and visually excellent, the movie is not simply a treat for the senses but also a nuanced look at the injustices faced by women during this time period. Among a sea of controversial and sometimes poorly received DC movies, Wonder Woman is a breath of fresh air. – Jake Hodges
‘The Batman’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.8/10
The Batman
When a sadistic serial killer begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city’s hidden corruption and question his family’s involvement.
Cast
This politically charged interpretation of the iconic DC hero sees Robert Pattinson in the titular role as his shadowy night-dwelling lifestyle comes under threat by a classic villain in the form of Paul Dano’s Riddler. When the evil trickster begins targetting local politicians and other political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced into action to try and restore the peace. However, Batman’s attempts to halt the Riddler in his tracks will eventually lead to him coming face-to-face with not just his foe but his own past.
Director Matt Reeves and his co-writers Peter Craig and Bob Kane do a wonderful job at providing a social commentary alongside their action-packed narrative, something that many other interpretations of this legendary character miss. Cinematographer Greig Fraser provides a typically gritty look at Gotham, with many describing this as the most eye-catching the city has ever looked. Dramatic, powerful, and full of tense moments, The Batman is certainly worthy of the heady heights its namesake franchise has previously achieved. – Jake Hodges
‘Jennifer’s Body’ (2009)
Rotten Tomatoes: 46% | IMDb: 5.5/10
Jennifer’s Body
A newly-possessed high-school cheerleader turns into a succubus who specializes in killing her male classmates. Can her best friend put an end to the horror?
Cast
Blending both horror and comedy, Jennifer’s Body follows the unlikely friendship between the reserved, book-smart Needy Lesnicki (Amanda Seyfried) and Megan Fox’s egotistical cheerleader Jennifer Check. After a blazing tragedy at a local bar, Jennifer suddenly develops a taste for human flesh, which translates into the murder of her classmates. With the pressure on, Needy must figure out why her best friend has transformed into a monster and try to save everyone else from her fatal hunger.
Full of genuinely hilarious set pieces, it is the horror that transforms this movie into a unique viewing experience. Surprisingly, writer Diablo Cody never meant for the film to be brandished with the ‘horror’ title, but it is the excellent attention to detail in the gruesome visuals and dedication to creating tension that has accumulated the film its most praise. In their attempt to satirize teen horrors (which they do superbly), director Karyn Kusama and the rest of the crew actually make one of the sub-genre’s most effective features. – Jake Hodges
‘Hereditary’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Hereditary, follows Annie (Toni Collette), who, along with her family, is dealing with the recent death of her controlling, distant mother. While her husband, Steve (Gabriel Byrne) is supportive, if a little distant, her children, Peter (Alex Wolff) and Charlie (Millie Shapiro), quickly find themselves wrapped up in the machinations of their deceased grandmother’s cult. As the family tries to grieve and move on, Annie, Peter, and Charlie find themselves visited by strange people and strange events. Disturbing dreams, strangers working to ingratiate themselves into their lives, spectral appearances, and strange feelings all hit the family. As the tension mounts, Annie and her brood are taken to the brink of their sanity before realizing they’ve all been prepared to ascend to some unholy position within this shadowy group, their fates fulfilled after all.
Ari Aster’s feature-length directorial debut is as affecting now as it was back when it was released in 2018. Filtering the grief of one family through the lens of a disturbing “What if?” scenario — in this case: “What if you found out your mother was a celebrated member of a cult?” — Hereditary doesn’t aim for the big scares. Instead, it slowly works on you, frying and fraying your nerves with its small frights and knife twists until you’re totally on edge. Hereditary establishes Aster as a master of meting out the dread in a movie. There is a very human weight Aster manages to import into his movie, too, and he knows how to balance it with shocking special effects or plot twists, which blend the genres of drama and horror together seamlessly.
Critic Adam Chitwood praised the film’s originality and performances. “In recent years talented young filmmakers have been working within the confines of ‘horror’ to craft some of the most affecting, thematically rich, and gorgeously crafted films in recent memory,” Chitwood raves. “That’s certainly the case with Hereditary…which not only manages to be deeply horrifying but also stands as a genuinely great family drama as well. Led by an award-worthy performance from Toni Collette, Hereditary digs deep under your skin and refuses to leave.”
– Allie Gemmill
‘The Witch’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.0/10
In The Witch, master of the horror genre Robert Eggers brings a classic spooky folktale style to the screen, following Christian couple William (Ralph Ineson) and Katherine (Kate Dickie) in 1630s New England. Living on the edge of dense wilderness alongside their five children, the couple’s life couldn’t be more routined thanks to their devout religiousness. However, one fateful day, their youngest son disappears and, as their crops begin to fail, a strange depression falls over the family as they begin to fight. As they turn from prayer to sin, just how far will they spiral into evil?
The Witch thrives at bringing an unending sense of fear, not despite its low budget but thanks to it, with his ability with such confinements thrusting writer/director Robert Eggers into the spotlight. Using a lack of cheap tactics such as jumpscares, this movie instead creeps under your skin and buries its nightmarish visuals and brooding atmosphere into your soul. Beautifully accompanied by a chilling score from Mark Korven, The Witch is a perfect example of why the horror genre will never need an impressive budget to succeed. – Jake Hodges
‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (1952)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.3/10
This classic cinematic masterpiece, directed by both Stanley Green and Gene Kelly, is set in the heights of Hollywood in 1927. Famous couple Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) and Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) are in a picture-perfect romance both on and off-screen if everything is to be believed; however, the truth behind the curtain is that the two are hanging by a thread. As the advent of talking pictures proves itself to be more than a flash in the pan, the pair realize that they must move with the times for fear of being left behind. As this difficult transition is underway, Don suddenly finds himself falling for chorus girl Kathy (Debbie Reynolds), but will the hidden romance succeed in such trying times?
From “Make Em Laugh” to “Singin’ in the Rain,” this musical movie thrives thanks to its iconic soundtrack perfectly performed by one of the musical genre’s all-time greatest ensembles. However, despite being known for its incredible music, Singin’ in the Rain is much more than that, with writers Betty Comden and Adolph Green creating a genuinely touching and heartfelt drama with a central couple that steals every scene. From its overall narrative to each rhythmic beat, Singin’ in the Rain encapsulates the word “timeless,” proving that no amount of evolution in cinematic technology can tarnish the combination of a wonderful story, visuals, and score. – Jake Hodges
Selected in 1989 by the United States Library of Congress as one of the first for preservation in the National Film Registry, this Best Picture Academy Award-winner stars Humphrey Bogart as downbeat American expat Rick Blaine who runs a nightclub in Casablanca, Morocco during World War II. However, when Rick’s ex-lover Isla (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband Victor (Paul Henreid) show up, Blaine is forced to choose between acting on his burning love for the former or helping the latter escape the city.
Endlessly quotable, Casablanca is considered an all-time classic by many thanks to its timeless story of love, loss, and everything in between. Still visually stunning to this day, director Michael Curtiz paints a picture with each frame, using innovative cinematic techniques to tell the story. Thanks to its stellar cast, each line of dialogue is bursting with subtextual nuance, with both Bergman and Bogart putting in career-best performances. Always captivating, Casablanca is a rare example of a film that seems to age like a fine wine. – Jake Hodges
‘The Lobster’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 7.1/10
An entirely unique premise, Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Lobster is set in a world where single people are taken by law to The Hotel. Run by Olivia Colman’s hotel manager, this place provides single people with a 45-day period within which they must find their soulmate. If they do not succeed, they will be turned into an animal and released into The Woods.
A fascinating story that blends elements of romance, drama, and sci-fi, this Best Original Screenplay Academy Award nominee is an incomprehensibly unique viewing experience. Despite its quirks, the movie strikes a chord deep within the heart of the viewer, as if whispering our own darkest secrets into our ears. Alongside a terrific ensemble cast, Colin Farrell is perfect as protagonist David, whose time in The Hotel the movie documents. The Lobster takes all the philosophical dwellings of the great absurdist thinkers and translates them onto the screen, with each scene equally as powerfully moving as it is delightfully unfathomable. – Jake Hodges
‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.7/10
The Banshees of Inisherin
Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.
Cast
This Best Picture Academy Award nominee written and directed by Martin McDonagh is set against the backdrop of the Irish civil war on a small island in the 1920s. On one unassuming day, the friendship between Colin Farrell’s Pádraic and Brendan Gleeson’s Colm comes to an unexpected end after Colm says he simply does not want to associate with Pádraic anymore. Shocked and in denial, Pádraic decides to fight for their friendship, with his hapless attempts to rekindle their bond falling short. After his persistence is taken badly, it seems as if Pádraic’s relentless attitude will drive Colm to insanity, but just how far will he be pushed?
Intense, dramatic, and darkly comic, The Banshees of Inisherin was a darling of both the public and critics, emphasized by its impressive nine nominations at the Academy Awards. Both Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson relight that In Bruges chemistry with a pair of central performances that dazzle thanks to their ability to weave from a biting comedic line to one with sheer emotional force in a matter of moments. Taking the contemplative approach, Martin McDonagh guides you gently through the tense story before hitting you with jumpscares full of graphic violence. Humorous, beautiful, and existentially terrifying, it might be time to send your friends a message of love after this one, just to check that they still like you. – Jake Hodges
‘The Passion of Joan of Arc’ (1928)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 8.1/10
The Passion of Joan of Arc
Runtime1 hr 50 min
Highly regarded as one of the best and most groundbreaking movies of the 1920s, The Passion of Joan of Arc follows the titular French saint during her trial in the Inquisition court in 1431. After claiming to see holy visions, Jeanne d’Arc (Maria Falconetti) is put on trial as jurists attempt to force her to disavow her claims. Fighting strong, can Jeanne prove the truth and deny the allegations of heresy?
Directed and co-written by Carl Theodor Dreyer, The Passion of Joan of Arc was an innovative piece of cinema that would drastically change the course of filmmaking upon its release. With gorgeous cinematography emphasizing the detailed performance of lead Maria Falconetti that still stands the test of time, each frame is meticulously designed, with direction that champions the use of intense close-ups at a time when that sort of filmmaking was unheard of. Raw, beautiful, and dramatic, The Passion of Joan of Arc, despite being nearly 100 years old, still feels as fresh and captivating today as it always has been. – Jake Hodges
‘Drive My Car’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.6/10
Runtime2 hr 59 min
Winner of Best International Feature Film at the 2022 Academy Awards, Drive My Car follows celebrated actor and director Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima) as he begins directing a production of Anton Chekov’s Uncle Vanya in Hiroshima. During the production, Yusuke meets both Misaki Watari (Toko Miura) and Koji Takatsuki (Masaki Okada), with the former being his chauffeur and the latter a TV star. As details emerge about the death of Yusuke’s wife just two years prior, it emerges that one of the pair has a strange connection to her, and Yusuke, with help from the other, must face grief square in the face and uncover its ugly mysteries.
With Drive My Car, director and co-writer Ryûsuke Hamaguchi emphasizes trying to depict the detail and nuance of each of his characters, taking time to slowly reveal their inner thoughts and feelings. Acting as an assessment of the humane flaws in all of us, Drive My Car glides along at a pensive pace, with plot and characterization taking an equal share of the spotlight. As the mystery unravels, it almost becomes less important, as we get to know these characters in the present, with their past being merely a stepping stone. Beautifully thought-provoking, Drive My Car is one of the best movies to come out of Japan in the last few years. – Jake Hodges
‘The Tale’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 7.2/10
The Tale
Starring the Golden Globe Award-winning Laura Dern, The Tale tells the true story of Jennifer Fox, played by Dern, as a simple short story from her days in middle school turns her towards her past in a moment of pivotal reflection. Written, directed, and produced by the very woman the movie is about, Fox must finally face the truth about the sexual abuse she faced as a child, with the successful documentarian having to come to terms with just how far she has gone to shift memories and alter her past to hide from her trauma.
A gutwrenchingly powerful biopic that feels all too relevant, The Tale is the sort of film that, despite its specific subject matter, beautifully and accurately depicts the facing of trauma that the majority of adults will one day have to do in a universally relatable way. Given Jennifer Fox’s heavy involvement in the project, each scene feels desperately raw and unfiltered, with Laura Dern turning in a sensitive and captivating lead performance. Much more than a movie, The Tale has the power to change lives, with many already citing it as having done so. – Jake Hodges
‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’ (1971)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.8/10
Starring the late, great Gene Wilder in perhaps his most iconic performance, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory adapts Roald Dahl’s original story about a poor boy named Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum), who, despite all the societal odds stacked against him, finds a golden ticket that gives him entry into the mysterious but magical titular chocolate factory. Alongside the other competition winners, with each representing an ugly side to modern society, the group is taken on a tour of the factory by its owner Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder), as one by one each of them faces the strange and sometimes grim consequences of their actions.
A tale that feels as old as time, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a magical ride of family fun that never loses the subtextual cultural themes at its heart. Headlined by Gene Wilder’s eccentric performance as the titular chocolatier, the movie is a masterclass in cinematography and set design, with each scene from inside the factory an aesthetic delight. The musical numbers in the film are iconic for good reason, with the range of tunes easily turning the audience from tears to laughter in mere minutes. Just like one of Wonka’s famous candy bars, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is sweet, indulgent, and a little bit mischievous. – Jake Hodges
‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.1/10
One of Studio Ghibli’s most highly celebrated films, My Neighbor Totoro, set in the 1950s, follows inseparable sisters Satsuki (Noriko Hidaka) and Mei (Chika Satamoto) as they and their father move into their new house in the Japanese countryside. In doing so, the girls can reunite with their ill mother and help look after her, all whilst adventuring into the nearby forest and discovering all sorts of magical creatures and wild beasts. Escaping from life’s most difficult challenges, the girls stumble across a Totoro, voiced by Hitoshi Tagaki, with the titular creature becoming a companion to the pair.
Masterfully animated, as fans of Studio Ghibli will come to expect, My Neighbor Totoro is a heartwarming tale that can unfreeze even the coldest of attitudes. With a central premise of childhood wonder and escapism out of the dark, the movie ebbs and flows with seamless ease, never straying far from its central message but dazzling and delighting with its elements of fantasy. The legendary Hayao Miyazaki’s attention to fine detail is on display in all its glory in a movie that will breathe new life into your faith in humanity. – Jake Hodges
‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 8.1/10
If you look the phrase ‘timeless classic’ up in the dictionary, there’s a good chance you’ll see a photo from The Wizard of Oz. Directed by Victor Fleming and King Vidor, this family adventure follows Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog Toto as they are whisked away from their black-and-white home in Kansas to the colorful world of Oz via a tornado. On their hunt to track down the mythical Wizard of Oz, they befriend a Scarecrow who wants a brain, a Lion who wants courage, and a Tin Man who wants a heart, with their wishes only the command of the great Wizard.
Possibly the greatest exponent of the eye-catching Technicolor era of filmmaking, The Wizard of Oz was groundbreaking when it was released in 1939, changing the way cinema would be viewed forever. Alongside an all-time iconic soundtrack, The Wizard of Oz excels thanks to the delightful performance of Judy Garland as Dorothy, perfectly encapsulating the wonder and awe felt by theater-goers at the time, with that same feeling still oozing out of every frame today. Well deserving of its untouchable status, The Wizard of Oz proves, quite simply, that a magical reward does exist somewhere over the rainbow. – Jake Hodges
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 8.6/10
Runtime125 minutes
Widely regarded as one of the best animated movies of all time, Spirited Away follows the average family life of 10-year-old Chihiro (Daveigh Chase/Rumi Hiiragi), who, on one unexpecting day, stumbles into a world of fantasy after entering through a hillside tunnel. In this unique magical world, Chihiro’s parents start to transform unexpectedly, leaving the girl on her own to fend for herself in this new realm. Surrounded by strange spirits, impossible creatures, and a sorceress trying to block her from returning to humanity, can Chihiro find her way home?
Written and directed by the great Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away, to its greatest credit, seems to have transcended the art form it represents, with many non-anime fans having cited this as the exception to their rule. A story full of wonder told beautifully through a delicate plot, Spirited Away transports the viewer head-first into adventure, with the audience getting swept away by the sheer awe this new world creates. Whether in its native language or one of the many dubbed versions, watching Spirited Away is simply a rite of passage for anyone who loves the art of storytelling. – Jake Hodges
