The 47 Best Movies on Hulu Right Now
There are so many good movies on Hulu, from side-splitting comedies like Fire Island to passionate romances like Palm Springs to terrifying horror films like Saw. There are so many good ones, in fact, that it can be hard to wade through everything to find the cream of the crop. Never fear: We’ve compiled a list of the best movies on Hulu so you can find new and old favorites alike.
This list has been curated by top Collider editors with decades of combined experience — not to mention a deep knowledge of and passion for the medium. Only the best of the best is included. Read on to discover the best movies to watch on Hulu right now.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows on Hulu, best documentaries on Hulu, and best horror movies on Hulu.
Editor’s note: This article was updated April 2025 to include Arrival.
‘Arrival’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.9/10
- Release Date
-
November 10, 2016
- Runtime
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116 Minutes
- Director
-
Denis Villeneuve
- Writers
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Eric Heisserer, Ted Chiang
Linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is hired to defuse the possible tension created following 12 suspicious spacecraft appearances and the discovery of extraterrestrial life. Directed impeccably by iconic filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, Arrival is both epic in its sci-fi scale and philosophical in its tone, with Eric Heisserer and Ted Chiang’s script delivering intellectually deeper results than its initial set-up lets on. The film’s pace ebbs and flows between moments of gripping carnage and slow tension, with the latter encouraging the viewer to become the problem solver. Powerful and brooding, matched perfectly by Jóhann Jóhannsson’s score, Arrival is a film worth watching every second of. – Jake Hodges
‘A Complete Unknown’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 82% | IMDb: 7.4/10
One of the 10 Best Picture nominees from the 2025 Academy Awards, James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown tells the story of the rise of Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) from an unknown artist into a beloved enigma. In particular, the movie details the infamous Newport Folk Festival in 1965, in which Dylan was considered a traitor as he ditched his acoustic guitar in favor of the emerging electric. A visually beautiful, toe-tapping trip through the best of a genius, A Complete Unknown is a wonderfully crafted ode to the man behind the music, directed to near perfection by Mangold at the top of his game. – Jake Hodges
‘Anora’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.6/10
The movie that swept the 97th Academy Awards just this year, Sean Baker’s Anora follows Mikey Madison’s titular Ani, a stripper who becomes romantically entangled with the son of a Russian oligarch. However, after rushing to Vegas to get married, his rich parents learn of the wedding and make the trip to the US to make their disapproval known. A stunning, wild, and ultimately heartfelt film, Anora is well worthy of its high praise. A winner of several Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture prize and a Best Actress trophy for Madison, this is simply a must-watch movie. – Jake Hodges
‘Lincoln’ (2012)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Directed by the iconic Steven Spielberg, Lincoln follows the former President of the United States, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, as he fights a civil war both within his country and his government, struggling to convince his cabinet of the decision to emancipate the slaves. After countless beloved projects until this point, Spielberg proves with Lincoln that maturity is an asset all directors can benefit from. This wise, stylish biopic with all the trimmings isn’t just a showcase of Spielberg at his best — it is also (and perhaps most) well-known for Day-Lewis’ stunning lead performance, one that would earn him the Academy Award for Best Actor. – Jake Hodges
‘Finding Nemo’ (2003)
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.2/10
- Release Date
-
May 30, 2003
- Runtime
-
100 Minutes
- Director
-
Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
- Writers
-
Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, David Reynolds
One of Disney and Pixar’s finest collaborations, the 2003 modern classic Finding Nemo tells the tale of little Nemo (Alexander Gould), a young clownfish who is cruelly abducted by divers on his first day of school. Distraught and haunted by the grief of losing the rest of his family, Nemo’s father, Marlin (Albert Brooks), sets out on an adventure to find his son — no matter the cost. A gorgeous, family-friendly exploration of the bond between father and child, Finding Nemo has a 99% Rotten Tomatoes critical score and an Academy Award to its name for good reason. – Jake Hodges
‘The Truman Show’ (1998)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 8.2/10
This 1990s classic follows Jim Carrey’s titular insurance salesman, Truman Burbank, as he lives out his picture-perfect everyday life. However, the cracks in his rose-tinted outlook begin to appear, and the shocking truth behind his life is slowly revealed. Nominated for a trio of Oscars and criminally not winning any, The Truman Show is a movie that has only increased in popularity since its 1998 debut. What makes the film even better is that its relevance has also only grown since, with The Truman Show feeling scarily relatable today. – Jake Hodges
‘Omni Loop’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 5.5/10
- Release Date
-
March 13, 2024
- Runtime
-
107 Minutes
- Director
-
Bernardo Britto
- Writers
-
Bernardo Britto
Written and directed by Bernardo Britto, Omni Loop follows physicist Zoya Lowe (Mary-Louise Parker), who — after finding out she only has one week to live — heads home to spend her final days surrounded by her family. However, after signs suggest her time is up, Zoya takes a mysterious pill that sets in motion an unlikely trip through time. Parker and Ayo Edebiri shine in this touching tale of the importance of living life to the full. A time travel story with plenty of heart, Omni Loop may have passed you by, so this is the perfect time to grab life by the horns and watch it. – Jake Hodges
‘Longlegs’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Written and directed by Osgood Perkins, Longlegs is a 2024 horror thriller film that follows a 1990s FBI manhunt for an occultist serial killer targeting Oregon families. The film stars Maika Monroe, Alicia Witt, Blair Underwood, and more, with Nicolas Cage as the titular murderer. Cage was also one of the film’s producers, and the movie was distributed in the United States by Neon.
Longlegs premiered in July 2024 to critical acclaim. The movie also went on to gross over $126 million, becoming the most successful independent film of the year and Neon’s highest-grossing film domestically. Though its ending has been criticized for being a bit of a letdown, it’s still an intensely creepy film with excellent performances and a great watch for fans of Nicolas Cage’s characteristically over-the-top acting style.
‘In the Summers’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 6.5/10
- Release Date
-
January 22, 2024
- Runtime
-
95 Minutes
- Director
-
Alessandra Lacorazza
- Writers
-
Alessandra Lacorazza
Written and directed by Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio in her feature directorial debut, In the Summers is a semi-autobiographical drama. Starring Lio Mehiel and Sasha Calle as siblings Violeta and Eva, the film follows the story of their summers spent traveling to Las Cruces, New Mexico, to spend time with their father, Vicente (René Pérez). The film also features Emma Ramos, Leslie Grace, and Sharlene Cruz in key roles.
In the Summers premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim and won the Grand Jury Prize U.S. Dramatic. With powerful performances and masterful direction, In the Summers is an emotional slice-of-life story that unfolds with poetic grace. While the plot doesn’t have a strong central focus that ties it all together, the journey is fascinating enough that you can easily forgive such flaws. Overall, the film is a touching, dramatic portrait of real, flawed people that takes you by the heartstrings and never lets go.
‘Easy A’ (2010)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Emma Stone (Cruella) is flawless in the teen-focused romantic comedy Easy A. Loosely influenced by The Scarlet Letter, Easy A follows Olive (Stone) as she uses school gossip to manipulate her social standings. Brimming with a stacked cast, Amanda Bynes stands out as the straight-laced mean girl in the film, while Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson steal the film as Olive’s aspirational parents. Penn Badgley solidified his teen heartthrob status in Easy A, a title he held until breaking out in You. Easy A is a delightful film inspired by a literary classic that’s perfect for a teen movie night with a group of girlfriends. – Yael Tygiel
‘A Real Pain’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.2/10
Written by, directed by, and starring Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain follows Eisenberg’s David and his enigmatic cousin Benji (Kieran Culkin) as they take a trip through Poland in memory of their late grandmother. However, as family history boils to the surface, so do the pair’s frustrations with one another. Featuring a perfectly assembled supporting cast, A Real Pain is nothing short of genius. Culkin’s performance, in particular, might be the actor’s best yet, with his Golden Globe win and subsequent Academy Award nomination illustration enough. – Jake Hodges
‘Mothers’ Instinct’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 52% | IMDb: 6.3/10
A remake of the 2018 French-language movie of the same name — with both an adaptation of the 2012 novel — Mothers’ Instinct follows the lives of two matriarchs (played by powerhouses Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain), each living peaceful suburban lives. However, after tragedy strikes, the bond between the two begins to crumble, and chaos ensues. Beautifully capturing the 1960s suburban setting it’s based in, Mothers’ Instinct is devilishly enthralling, packed full of plenty of indulgent twists and turns. Whether you’re aware of the original material, the first adaptation, or neither, this is still well worth a watch. – Jake Hodges
‘Nightbitch’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 59% | IMDb: 5.7/10
Written and directed by Marielle Heller, Nightbitch is a black comedy horror movie based on Rachel Yoder’s eponymous 2021 novel. The film follows an artist who pauses her career to be a stay-at-home mother. Her life takes a surreal turn when she begins to believe she might be transforming into a dog. Amy Adams stars in the lead role, appearing alongside Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Snowden, Emmett Snowden, Mary Holland, Ella Thomas, Archana Rajan, and Jessica Harper.
Nightbitch premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won Amy Adams the Tribute Performer Award. The movie’s critical reception was largely mixed, as many reviewers found it to be far too predictable despite its offbeat premise. While that is true, the film is still worth watching for the performances, especially Amy Adams’ hypnotic take on motherhood and artistic frustration. It’s easily one of the actor’s best performances, and it helps make Nightbitch quite engaging despite the flaws in its plot.
‘Dinner in America’ (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.5/10
- Release Date
-
May 27, 2022
- Runtime
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106 minutes
- Director
-
Adam Carter Rehmeier
- Writers
-
Adam Rehmeier
Written and directed by Adam Rehmeier, Dinner in America follows punk rock singer Simon (Kyle Gallner), desperate to escape his repetitive life, who meets a devoted fan and embarks on an ambitious Midwestern journey. The coming-of-age genre is enduringly popular, with Dinner in America one of the more underrated recent entrants. Brilliantly using punk rock to tell this cute tale of heartwarming rebellion, Dinner in America is a Hulu addition you won’t want to miss. – Jake Hodges
‘Cuckoo’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 5.8/10
Euphoria breakout star Hunter Schafer takes to the horror scene in Tilman Singer’s Cuckoo. The film follows Schafer’s teenager Gretchen, who moves in with her father in the German Alps. However, when she arrives, things don’t seem to quite add up, with her father’s strange boss and some truly terrifying visions proving the nightmare is only just beginning. Teen horror by every dimension, Cuckoo is perfect for those looking for a quick and easy scream-fest. Schafer is a brilliant lead, proving yet again she’s one of the most exciting rising stars in Hollywood today. – Jake Hodges
‘Nutcrackers’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 37% | IMDb: 5.4/10
- Release Date
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November 29, 2024
- Runtime
-
104 Minutes
- Director
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David Gordon Green
- Writers
-
Leland Douglas
This brand-new Christmas movie directed by David Gordon Green follows Ben Stiller’s workaholic Michael who, following the death of his sister and her husband, becomes the unlikely guardian of his four nephews. Based loosely on true events, Nutcrackers is a gentle film with plenty of heart. After premiering at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, Nutcrackers was praised for its family-oriented message of hope — perfect for the spirit of Christmas. – Jake Hodges
‘Bad Moms’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 59% | IMDb: 6.2/10
- Release Date
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July 28, 2016
- Runtime
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100minutes
- Director
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Jon Lucas, Scott Moore
- Writers
-
Jon Lucas, Scott Moore
Featuring the fantastic trio of Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, and Kristen Bell, Bad Moms tells the tale of, well, three bad moms, each feeling pushed beyond their limits as parents and women. Tired of their overloaded routines, the trio heads on a journey to seek freedom and find some fun. Co-written and co-directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, Bad Moms is a laugh-a-minute romp with plenty of memorable moments. Not trying to break any particularly new ground, Bad Moms is instead interested in letting three terrific performers have infectious fun for 100 minutes — and it’s all the better for it. – Jake Hodges
‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 7.2/10
- Release Date
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August 16, 2024
- Runtime
-
119 Minutes
- Director
-
Fede Alvarez
- Writers
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Fede Alvarez, Rodo Sayagues, Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett
- Franchise(s)
-
Alien
The iconic Alien franchise continued this year with Alien: Romulus, Fede Álvarez’s tale set in 2142 between the events of the first two movies. While scavenging a derelict space station, Alien: Romulus follows six space colonists who come literally face-to-face with a horrifying unknown entity. A crowd-pleasing sci-fi horror that oozes tension, Romulus is a wonderful addition to the Alien franchise. Featuring the likes of Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, and more, Alien: Romulus is an exciting cinematic experience worthy of your time. – Jake Hodges
‘The End We Start From’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 5.9/10
- Release Date
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January 19, 2024
- Runtime
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102 Minutes
- Director
-
Mahalia Belo
- Writers
-
Alice Birch
Jodie Comer’s best lead movie performance comes in The End We Start From, an adaptation of Megan Hunter’s moving novel of the same name. The film follows Comer as a woman forced to enter labor whilst terrifying rainfall floods the country. Quickly, she and her newborn are thrust into a life-or-death fight for survival as a country-wide weather-born crisis sends the nation into chaos. A hugely moving, culturally relevant story, The End We Start From whisks audiences on a horrifying adventure that feels more real by the day. Comer is excellent as the backbone of the film, with this one of the most underrated movies available on Hulu. – Jake Hodges
‘Waitress’ (2007)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.0/10
- Release Date
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May 25, 2007
- Runtime
-
105 minutes
- Director
-
Adrienne Shelly
- Writers
-
Adrienne Shelly
- Producers
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Danielle Renfrew Behrens, Robert Bauer, Todd King, Jeff Rose
Almost a decade before it was adapted into a Tony-nominated musical, Adrienne Shelly’s Waitress debuted in theaters. The film follows Keri Russell’s Jenna, who is saving money to hopefully one day leave her unhappy marriage. Eyeing the prize fund of a pie-making contest, can she find her way out unscathed? A heartwarming rom-com unlike many others, Waitress is perhaps best loved thanks to a brilliantly cast ensemble. Among them is Shelly herself, who sadly passed away before the movie debuted, leaving Waitress as her poignant, lasting legacy. – Jake Hodges
