Enjoy the Top 30 Entertainment Gems Streaming Online Today
Do you recall those straight-to-video movies? Examples include "American Psycho II: All American Girl" featuring Mila Kunis and William Shatner, "Dollman vs. Demonic Toys", "Bratz: Starrin' & Stylin'", "Hellraisers" 5-10, "Amityville" 5-19(!), "The 41-Year-Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall and Felt Superbad About It...". While not all were terrible, most didn't live up to expectations.
The proliferation of streaming platforms has manifested a unique effect on the film industry. Streaming platforms, craving content, began showcasing expensive productions initially intended for the big screen, yet the pandemic further intensified this trend. Although theatrical releases still confer a sense of legitimacy, various outstanding movies failed to ever play on those massive 100-foot screens.
Below are thirty remarkable films that bypassed theaters in favor of streaming platforms:
"Beasts of No Nation" (2015)
Netflix made its foray into movie production with their inaugural film "Beasts of No Nation", a movie about a child soldier in West Africa. While it seemed like a film that could've thrived in theaters, Netflix released the movie simultaneously in theaters and its on-demand platform. However, theaters refused to cooperate with this strategy, leading to the films boycott. Despite this, it's a gripping portrayal of war's impact on the human psyche.
Where to watch: Netflix
"His House" (2020)
"His House" stands as an effective horror film about a haunted house, but it also morphed into a poignant story on survivor's guilt and the refugee experience. This movie certainly left a lasting impression in the genre.
Where to watch: Netflix
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" (2020)
Based on the stage play, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" mainly unfolds in two rooms at the Paramount Recording Studios during the summer of 1927. With its intimate setting, it likely wouldn't draw significant box office returns. Despite this, the film received five Academy Award nominations, with merit for a Best Picture nomination.
Where to watch: Netflix
"Roma" (2018)
Alfonso Cuaron's "Roma" marks the sole Mexican film to claim an International Feature Oscar, also serving as the first streaming-exclusive movie to be nominated for Best Picture. The semi-autobiographical account of life in Mexico City in the early 1970s effectively combines the personal and epic narratives.
Where to watch: Netflix
"Blood Machines" (2019)
Influenced by 80s and 90s era sci-fi and horror, "Blood Machines" follows a story that may not appeal to everyone. Yet, the ambitious and inventive premise shines through. Funded via Kickstarter, the movie x640771_1 prices_as_of_February_10_2023 may be divided into three "episodes" on Shudder, but make no mistake; it's the same story.
Where to watch: Shudder, AMC
"Selah and the Spades" (2019)
Tayarisha Poe's debut work as a writer-director, "Selah and the Spades", depicts a Shakespearean-like tale of high school cliques. While this theme has been explored before, "Selah" presents it with unprecedented style. The coming-of-age story is a testament to the perils and exhilaration of being a teenager.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Freevee
"The Vast of Night" (2019)
Although the narrative of a small-town DJ and switchboard operator investigating an alien invasion bears resemblance to age-old stories, its unique style and unwavering confidence in shot selection transformed it into a memorable product. The performances by Sierra McCormick and Jake Horowitz are likewise entrancing.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Freevee
Eddie Murphy has had a rollercoaster career, going from impressive heights to questionable decisions – like following his Oscar-nominated performance in 'Dreamgirls' with 'Norbit.' However, in the movie 'Dolemite,' Rudy Ray Moore's brashness and absurdities perfectly showcase Murphy's talents. This movie serves as a reminder of his genius, albeit overshadowed by the underwhelming 'Coming 2 America.'
streaming: Netflix
Happiest Season (2020)
Hulu's 'Happiest Season' might not be considered a cinematic masterpiece, but it has its charm. The movie features a great ensemble cast, including Kristen Stewart, Aubrey Plaza, Victor Garber, among others, and is directed by Clea DuVall. While it's not a groundbreaking film, it did make a statement for queer representation in 2020, which saw a significant increase in LGBTQIA+-friendly Christmas films.
streaming: Hulu
Blood Quantum (2019)
'Blood Quantum' draws inspiration from the 1981 Listuguj raids in Quebec, where police tried to stop Indigenous people from fishing to protect commercial outfits. The story revolves around a zombie outbreak on the Red Crow Indian Reservation and combines elements of horror and real-world issues. The movie is directed and written by First Nations and Native American talents, making it a meaningful depiction of the community.
streaming: Shudder, AMC+, Digital rental
CODA (2021)
Although criticized for not being a typical Oscar winner, 'CODA' is still a well-crafted coming-of-age story with an excellent cast. While not as grand in scale or drama, it offers an intimate and well-observed story of a young deaf fisherman navigating his way through life. Troy Kotsur's Best Supporting Actor Oscar win is groundbreaking and well-deserved.
streaming: Apple TV
Enola Holmes (2020)
Millie Bobby Brown has become a recognizable face for Netflix, thanks to her roles in 'Stranger Things' and other original movies. In 'Enola Holmes,' she plays the eponymous character, the less-famous younger sister of Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill), in a family-friendly mystery adventure.
streaming: Netflix
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Rian Johnson's sequel to 'Knives Out' stars Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, the eccentric detective who unravels a murder mystery. In 'Glass Onion,' Blanc gets invited to an island by a tech billionaire (Edward Norton) and finds himself investigating a murder, surrounded by a group of suspects.
streaming: Netflix
Get Duked! (2019)
'Get Duked!' is a low-budget British horror comedy that follows a group of slacker students who get dropped off in the Scottish highlands for their Duke of Edinburgh Award. However, their journey is cut short by hunters who have a deep-seated dislike for the "urban" population and their presence in the wilderness. The teens are completely unprepared for the natural surroundings and the killers that pursue them.
streaming: Prime Video
Red, White, and Royal Blue (2023)
'Red, White, and Royal Blue' is a romantic comedy that seems to have been tailored for no one but Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine. Perez plays Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the U.S. president, while Galitzine portrays Prince Henry, heir to the British throne. After a public fight, the two begin an unlikely relationship, with a few steamy scenes thrown in.
streaming: Prime Video
A strange modern interpretation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," "Fire Island" also discusses the prevalence of fat/femme/Asian stereotypes within the gay community. This film is also a delightful, clever romantic comedy with a wonderful ensemble of performers like Joel Kim Booster (who played Lizzy Bennett and even wrote the script), Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora, and Margaret Cho as a group of buddies who go to the island called Fire Island every summer. But with the latest trip, things become more dramatic (and romantic) than usual.
Where to watch: Hulu
Being the Ricardos (2021)
Aaron Sorkin's Lucy and Desi biopic earned Oscar nominations for its main performers Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, as well as for J.K. Simmons, who played William Frawley (Fred Mertz for those less obsessive I Love Lucy fans). Sorkin picked an important and timely moment to highlight: the Red Scare time period when Lucy herself was at risk of losing everything due to her past associations with communism. Kidman does a good job of portraying the behind-the-scenes power player.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Freevee
Nimona (2023)
Based on the graphic novel by ND Stevenson, this Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature is a heartwarming, cheerful, and hilarious fantasy. In a futuristic world interspersed with anachronistic medieval elements, Ballister Boldheart, together with his lover Ambrosius Goldenloin, is about to be knighted by the queen—the first time a commoner has received this honor. However, things go awry when he's falsely accused of the queen's murder, forcing him to run, becoming a criminal in the process. Fortunately (or unfortunately), he's joined by Nimona, a teenage shapeshifter and a societal outcast due to her abilities. They work together to clear Ballister's name while Nimona teaches him how to live authentically.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Block Island Sound (2020)
A large number of dead fish are washing up along the shores of Block Island, just one of many puzzling incidents. Tom, a local fisherman, is acting very strangely, finding himself in bizarre locations and losing time. His daughter Audry (Michaela McManus), who has a job at the Environmental Protection Agency, decides to investigate what's causing the fish die-offs and reconnects with her missing brother Tom (Chris Sheffield) along the way. Together, the family discovers a catastrophic environmental mishap is to blame for the peculiarities, as the movie approaches a suspenseful climax.
Where to watch: Netflix, rental of digital download
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
Guillermo del Toro's reimagining of the classic story was a longtime passion project for the director. Set in fascist Italy between the two world wars, the film draws heavily from the darker undertones of the 1883 original story, which was seldom acknowledged in past adaptations. The incredible stop-motion animation adds to the complexity of the story, making it fascinating for adults more than children. The Academy gave it the Best Animated Feature Award.
Where to watch: Netflix
Prey (2022)
The latest installment in the Predator franchise, "Prey," surprisingly made its debut solely on streaming platforms. Starring Amber Midthunder as a young Comanche woman, the movie finds her fighting against both an alien hunter and some questionable French voyageurs in the Great Plains around 1719. The film is tense and sparse, and I sincerely hope it paves the way for a theatrical release the next time around.
Where to watch: Hulu
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
In a fresh look at the Vietnam War through the experience of Black American soldiers, Spike Lee's most recent film brings together past and present as it tells the story of four veterans who return to Vietnam to find the remains of their fallen squad leader while looking for the gold they had gone there for in the first place. Chadwick Boseman, who passed away recently, delivers an incredible performance in one of his final roles. Despite the film skipping its initially planned theatrical run due to COVID-19, it's a disappointment that this powerful movie didn't hit the big screens instead.
Where to watch: Netflix
Mank (2020)
David Fincher's film about the making of one of the most iconic movies of all time combines a love letter to classic Hollywood with a no-holds-barred look into the filmmaking process. Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried both earned Oscar nominations for their portrayals.
Where to watch: Netflix
This story can be rephrased like this:
Overlooking a certain movie is easy, especially when its plot resembles another one that came out a few years ago. I tend to avoid movies about COVID because my real life involves enough of it. However, the movie "Host" stands out due to its unique idea about a "Zoom seance" and its clever execution.
Where to watch: Shudder, AMC+, Digital rental
Class Action Park (2020)
This documentary is quite wild. It tells the story of Action Park in New Jersey, a popular place for two decades but with almost no safety measures and dangerous rides designed for no consideration of physics. The film also doesn't shirk away from the real tragedies that occurred at the park.
Where to watch: Max
Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado (2020)
Have you ever seen a more extravagant TV personality than Walter Mercado? For decades, this Puerto Rican astrologer attracted millions of viewers through local channels and Univision with his oversized capes, vibrant outfits, and constant reminder of "mucho, mucho amor." This documentary does a great job honoring him, particularly for those who may be unfamiliar with his entertainment empire.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Beach House (2020)
A movie with a name that seems relaxing, The Beach House begins at a seemingly leisurely pace. But it gradually builds into something more significantly otherworldly. By blending 50s-style creature thrills with infection-related body horror, this film was especially relevant during the Covid pandemic.
Where to watch: Shudder, Digital rental
The Old Guard (2020)
Charlize Theron, a major star, seemed destined for disaster when her appearance in a streaming service release sparked concerns during the film's inception. But The Old Guard was a hit, earning a sequel and boosting the careers of the entire cast. This superhero movie is both intelligent and supportive of queer characters.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Square (2013)
Netflix's very first documentary, The Square, made its way through the film festival circuit before reaching the streaming service. It's still an impactful work, exploring the 2011 Egyptian Revolution with a focus on the protests in Tahrir Square. Although Egyptian politics have changed significantly, the movie carries a timeless message.
Where to watch: Netflix
Purple Violets (2007)
Purple Violets, a romantic comedy directed by Ed Burns and featuring an impressive cast that includes Selma Blair, Patrick Wilson, Debra Messing, and a young Bill Hader, marked a significant moment in the streaming world. Initially omitting the traditional DVD release, the film was first distributed on the iTunes Store.
Where to watch: Tubi, Digital rental
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These two sentences can follow from the given text and contain the words 'Entertainment', 'best direct to streaming movies':
- In recent years, the landscape of entertainment has been significantly transformed by the rise of high-quality direct-to-streaming movies, offering viewers a wealth of options beyond traditional theatrical releases.
- Some critics argue that the best direct-to-streaming movies can rival or surpass their theatrical counterparts, demonstrating that streaming platforms have become a viable platform for showcasing top-tier entertainment.
