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 February 2025 to include Longlegs.
‘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
In the Summers
- Release Date
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January 22, 2024
- Runtime
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95 Minutes
- Director
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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
Easy A
- Release Date
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September 17, 2010
- Runtime
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92 minutes
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
A Real Pain
- Release Date
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January 20, 2024
- Runtime
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90 Minutes
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
‘John Wick’ (2014)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.4/10
Now considered Keanu Reeves’ most iconic role, the first John Wick movie follows the titular man who, already on edge, begins a ruthless road for revenge after his home is robbed and his beloved dog killed. Exhilarating from start to finish, Reeves is the perfect action hero with an iconic look and impressive dedication to action set pieces. For those who love their films boasting high kill counts and driven by emotion, John Wick is the franchise for you, with this 2014 first entry the place to start. – Jake Hodges
‘Mothers’ Instinct’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 52% | IMDb: 6.3/10
Mothers’ Instinct
- Runtime
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94 Minutes
- Director
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Benoît Delhomme
- Writers
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Sarah Conradt
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
Dinner in America
- Release Date
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May 27, 2022
- Runtime
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106 minutes
- Director
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Adam Carter 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
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
Bad Moms
- Release Date
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July 28, 2016
- Runtime
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100minutes
- Director
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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
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
The End We Start From
- Release Date
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January 19, 2024
- Runtime
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102 Minutes
- Director
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Mahalia Belo
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
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
‘Late Night with the Devil’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Written, directed, and edited by Colin and Cameron Cairnes, Late Night with the Devil is a supernatural horror film that stars David Dastmalchian as a late-night talk show host who attempts to improve ratings by bringing an allegedly possessed girl on the show on Halloween night, 1977. Framed as a documentary, the movie explores how this ill-conceived Halloween episode deteriorates into a terrifying nightmare. Besides Dastmalchian, the film also stars Laura Gordon, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi, Ingrid Torelli, Rhys Auteri, Georgina Haig, and Josh Quong Tart.
Late Night with the Devil premiered at the 2023 South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) in the festival’s horror-focused “Midnighters” section. The movie was subsequently released in theaters by IFC Films and was fairly successful at the box office, earning over $15 million. The film has also received largely positive reviews from critics, with praise for its dark story and Dastmalchian’s performance. A creepy and enthralling work of possession horror, Late Night with the Devil is the perfect watch for late-night scares.
‘Nightmare Alley’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 7.0/10
This 2021 psychological thriller partners director and co-writer Guillermo del Toro with a star-studded cast in a story of tension, secrets, and deceit. Based on the 1946 novel of the same name, the film follows the rise of Stan Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) from a body under his floorboards, through the carnival, and to the top of the medium game as his journey is being watched by a keen opponent. An aesthetic dream, Nightmare Alley takes the noir genre and paints it with the brush of a master, making for a viewing experience you’re unlikely to ever forget. Add that to a genuinely intriguing story, and you have a recipe for public and critical success. Such was Nightmare Alley’s success that it even earned four Academy Award nominations for its trouble. – Jake Hodges
‘Ready or Not’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 6.9/10
This unexpected slasher hit from Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett follows a bride and groom on their wedding night as they engage with the latter’s family’s traditions. However, these traditions are anything but usual, as the evening quickly spirals into a bloody game of hide-and-seek with lives on the line. A satirical examination of class and wealth is unapologetically served on a gory platter, with Ready or Not quickly becoming a slasher fan-favorite. Alongside a terrific cast, Samara Weaving plants her flag as the next big scream queen with a performance for the ages. – Jake Hodges
‘Little Women’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.8/10
Based on the iconic 1868 novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women marks Greta Gerwig’s second solo directing project, following on from the hit coming-of-age drama Lady Bird. Set in 19th-century Massachusetts, the film follows the four March sisters, each with their own dreams — and all bound by their desperate attempts to escape the clutches of a patriarchal society unwilling to let them fly. The gorgeous period setting plays host to a modern tale of equality and freedom wrapped in the stylings of the 19th century. Bolstered by an iconic central cast featuring some of the best actors of today, Little Women is a masterpiece in adaptation and rightfully earned itself an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, along with five other nominations. – Jake Hodges
‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.4/10
The third film in the Planet of the Apes reboot franchise, War for the Planet of the Apes was directed by The Batman filmmaker Matt Reeves, who also co-wrote the script with Mark Bomback. A sequel to Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the film picks up two years after the previous entry and follows the central character, Caesar (Andy Serkis), on a quest for vengeance as the war between apes and humans reaches its crescendo. War for the Planet of the Apes has received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for practically every aspect of the movie, from its story and performances to the visual effects, cinematography, and music. The film was a massive box office success and won awards and nominations, including Academy Award nominations for Best Visual Effects and Best Special Visual Effects. While very much an action sci-fi film, what sets War apart is its deeply emotional storytelling and the themes of loss and humanity that it explores through its unique setting, delivering a satisfying conclusion to Caesar’s epic story.
‘Die Hard’ (1988)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 8.2/10
Die Hard is the first entry in a multimedia franchise that encompasses four sequels, games, comics, and more. Directed by John McTiernan and written by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza, the movie is based on Roderick Thorp’s 1979 novel Nothing Lasts Forever. Die Hard stars Bruce Willis as NYC detective John McClane, who flies to LA on Christmas Eve to visit his estranged wife — only to find himself caught in a hostage situation masterminded by charismatic international criminal Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). Though it received a lukewarm response from critics at the time of its release, Die Hard was commercially successful and nominated for four Academy Awards, becoming the most successful actioner of the year. It’s now hailed as one of the greatest action movies of the 1980s — and possibly of all time. The biggest highlights of the movie are Willis and Rickman, who both deliver pitch-perfect performances. With its tightly-paced plot, memorable characters, and heaps of punchy one-liners, Die Hard is a delightful entertainer from start to finish.
