Although the days of Netflix having just about every movie title under the sun are gone with the rise of proprietary streaming services, that doesn’t mean it isn’t still one of the best stops to get your film fix. Netflix excels at consistently putting out new quality content, making it the streamer for you if you prefer fresh new movies to older films. It’s also great at providing content the whole family can enjoy together, making it a favorite of cord-cutters with kids.
We’ve chosen this list from critically acclaimed and popular films as well as our personal favorites. You’ll see plenty of Netflix’s best films of the past few years, as well as a good mix of beloved classics. Netflix puts out new original films every month, so we’ll be updating this list regularly to include the best new releases.
‘Living’ (2022) — Editor’s Top Pick
Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Drama | Run Time: 1 hour and 42 minutes | Director: Oliver Hermanus
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 | Metacritic Rating: 81
Cast: Bill Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood, Alex Sharp, Adrian Rawlins
Watch the trailer for “Living”
Mr. Williams (Bill Nighy) is a senior bureaucrat whose dedication to the daily grind has sucked all the joy out of his life and drained his empathy for the citizens he serves. Lonely and purposeless, Williams receives a medical diagnosis that guarantees his time is short. Unable to end his own life, he decides to start living it while he still can. With the help of a deviant writer and a vibrant young woman, he lets his hair down and even learns to do some good for others.
“Living” is Nighy’s magnum opus, earning him a Best Actor nomination. It’s a beautiful exploration of mortality, legacy, empathy, and purpose.
‘May December’ (2023)
Rated: R | Genre: Drama | Run Time: 1 hours and 57 minutes | Director: Todd Haynes
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 | Metacritic Rating: 83
Cast: Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman, Charles Melton
Watch the trailer for “May December”
“May December” unites Academy Award winners Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman in a dark, uncomfortable, and provocative story that gets at the heart of our moral ambiguities. Portman portrays an actress who, while studying for a role, lives with a married couple whose notoriously inappropriate age-gap romance gripped tabloids across the nation. The enigmatic Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore), who began her relationship with her younger husband when he was in seventh grade, is tested by the actress’ constant questioning of her choices. As old wounds are dragged to the surface, Joe Yoo (Charles Melton) is made to reexamine his relationship, taking a hard look at what love is. A seductively disquieting thought experiment, “May December” is one of the most critically acclaimed Netflix films of 2023.
‘They Cloned Tyrone’ (2023)
Rated: R | Genre: Sci-Fi Comedy Mystery | Run Time: 2 hours and 2 minutes | Director: Juel Taylor
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10 | Metacritic Rating: 74
Cast: John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx
Watch the trailer for “They Cloned Tyrone”
If you love films like “Pulp Fiction,” you’ll love this wickedly cool tribute to Blaxploitation crime films of the ’70s. Join an unlikely trio as they’re thrown together to save their neighborhood from a conspiracy. When local drug dealer Fontaine (John Boyega) wakes up unharmed after being shot and killed, it tips him off that something strange is going on in his neighborhood. With the help of a pimp named Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx) and a streetwalker called Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris), he sets out to investigate the strange occurrences and ends up discovering a conspiracy deeper and darker than he could have imagined.
With the U.S. government running experiments on the local Black population, Fontaine decides he can’t stand back and watch. Things get even more complicated, however, when he realizes he’s not the real Fontaine but a government-controlled clone. “They Cloned Tyrone” is a witty, clever, and stylish social satire that’s one of the best woke films you will ever see.
‘Nimona’ (2023)
Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Animated Sci-Fi Fantasy Comedy | Run Time: 1 hour and 39 minutes | Director: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 | Metacritic Rating: 75
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy
Watch the trailer for “Nimona”
“Nimona” is a spunky and unconventional 2D animated anti-hero story that masterfully subverts and pokes fun at traditional fairy tale tropes. Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz), a teen shape-shifter with a nefarious streak, wreaks havoc across her medieval futuristic kingdom. During a ceremony where a commoner is about to be knighted, the queen is murdered under suspicious circumstances. This leaves new knight Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) on the run from the authorities. Nimona, who agrees to partner up with him, is the only person who can prove his innocence. Unfortunately, she’s the monster he has sworn to destroy.
Between its lively action scenes and quirky style, “Nimona” is an instant family classic that speaks to universal themes of individuality, identity, and acceptance.
‘Don’t Worry Darling’ (2022)
Rated: R | Genre: Psychological Thriller | Run Time: 2 hours and 3 minutes | Director: Olivia Wilde
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Metacritic Rating: 48
Cast: Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Chris Pine, Olivia Wilde
Watch the trailer for “Don’t Worry Darling”
In the picture-perfect 1950s-styled town of Victory, California, Alice (Florence Pugh) and Jack Chambers (Harry Styles) participate in a town-wide experiment. Here, citizens live retro-idyllic patriarchal lives, with the men going to work on a top-secret project each day, while their wives stay home and take on the role of housewives. The women are in the dark about the larger purpose of the town, prohibited from asking about their husbands’ jobs, and especially from venturing into the desert where Headquarters is located. Alice breaks the cardinal rule after witnessing a plane crash in the desert. In her rush to help, she stumbles across Headquarters, which leads her to discover sinister cracks in the façade of idyllic Victory.
“Don’t Worry Darling” explores the psychology of changing society, rosy retrospection, dissatisfaction, gender roles, marriage, and autonomy in a chilling way that will keep you thinking about it for days afterward.
‘RRR’ (2022)
Rated: Unrated | Genre: Epic Action Drama | Run Time: 3 hours and 2 minutes | Director: S. S. Rajamouli
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 83
Cast: N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt
This multi-award-winning epic action drama is the first Indian film to ever receive an Academy Award and one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. “RRR” is a fictionalized alternate history of two real Indian revolutionaries. In 1920s British India, an artistically talented teen is kidnapped from her tribe by a villainous British governor. A local police officer, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan), and revolutionary tribal shepherd, Komaram Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.), bond after saving a child from a runaway train, not realizing that they’re enemies. Bheem wants to free the kidnapped girl, while Raju has been tasked with capturing the local revolutionary causing the British officers so much trouble.
Heartfelt themes of betrayal, loyalty, legacy, and freedom shine through the glittery spectacle, making “RRR” as moving as it is entertaining.
‘Enola Holmes’ (2020)
Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Mystery Adventure | Run Time: 2 hours and 3 minutes | Director: Harry Bradbeer
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10 | Metacritic Rating: 68
Cast: Henry Cavill, Millie Bobby Brown, Sam Claflin, Helena Bonham Carter
Watch the trailer for “Enola Holmes”
This spirited and adventurous modern overhaul of the iconic tales of Sherlock Holmes focuses on Sherlock’s curious and rebellious teenage sister, Enola (Millie Bobby Brown). Clever, tough, and independent, Enola sets out to unravel the mystery behind her mother's disappearance. Along the way, she becomes embroiled in a larger conspiracy that challenges her own detective skills while forcing her to face the frustrating societal norms for women in Victorian England.
The ensemble cast includes Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes and Helena Bonham Carter as their unconventional mother. “Enola Holmes” is a family-friendly adventure that offers a charming and delightful mix of mystery, humor, and female empowerment.
‘The Social Dilemma’ (2020)
Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Docudrama | Run Time: 1 hour and 34 minutes | Director: Jeff Orlowski
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 | Metacritic Rating: 78
Cast: Tristan Harris, Jeff Seibert, Bailey Richardson, Joe Toscano
Watch the trailer for “The Social Dilemma”
For viewers who aren’t even big fans of documentaries, the docudrama, “The Social Dilemma,” is one of the most powerful pieces of work you can watch on Netflix. Through dramatic reenactments and discussions with tech industry insiders, the film looks at the hidden consequences of social media and the tech industry's influence on our lives. It explores how social media platforms are designed to capture our attention and manipulate our behavior for profit and raises important questions about the impact of technology on mental health, democracy, and the fabric of society.
“The Social Dilemma” serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the urgent need for ethical tech practices and the importance of being aware of the digital forces that shape our daily lives, making it a compelling and relevant documentary for anyone living in the digital age.
‘Call Me By Your Name’ (2017)
Rated: R | Genre: Coming-of-Age Romantic Drama | Run Time: 2 hours and 12 minutes | Director: Luca Guadagnino
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 94
Cast: Michael Stuhlbarg, Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Amira Casar
Watch the trailer for “Call Me by Your Name”
Nestled within the sun-drenched embrace of 1983's Northern Italy, the intoxicating coming-of-age romance “Call Me by Your Name” unfolds as a symphony of sensuality and deep emotion. With an idyllic backdrop, a fiery connection ignites between Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), a precocious 17-year-old, and the magnetic Oliver (Armie Hammer), a graduate student collaborating with Elio's archaeologist father. As their entwined hearts journey ever deeper, they traverse the terrain of desire, embarking on profound voyages of self-discovery and surrendering to the intricate melodies of first love.
Lush cinematography paints the canvas, evocative storytelling weaves the tapestry, potent performances breathe life into the characters, and profound wisdom whispers between every frame. “Call Me by Your Name” stands as a poignant testament to a summer romance that captures the hearts of both its protagonists and its enraptured audience.
‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ (2016)
Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Adventure Comedy-Drama | Run Time: 1 hour and 41 minutes | Director: Taika Waititi
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 81
Cast: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rima Te Wiata
Watch the trailer for “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is a rollicking roller coaster of laughs and adventure as we follow Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison), a foster child with more quirks than you can shake a stick at, and his stern foster guardian, Hec (Sam Neill). When Ricky decides to pull the ultimate disappearing act after his foster mom's passing and stages his own death, the last person you'd expect, Hec, embarks on a wild goose chase through the wilderness. Little did they know, they'd soon become the hottest items on New Zealand’s national wanted list.
A madcap dash through the bush, this oddball duo finds themselves dodging the long arm of the law, traversing treacherous terrain, meeting a motley crew of characters, and pulling off some wild stunts to stay incognito. With offbeat humor, heartfelt storytelling, and charming performances from Dennison and Neill, “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” guarantees a wild, wacky, and unforgettable escapade that celebrates the chaos of makeshift families and New Zealand's untouched, untamed wonders.
‘The Imitation Game’ (2014)
Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Biographical Thriller | Run Time: 1 hour and 54 minutes | Director: Morten Tyldum
IMDb Rating: 8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 71
Cast: Keira Knightley, Benedict Cumberbatch, Matthew Goode, Charles Dance
Watch the trailer for “The Imitation Game”
The life of brilliant and historically under-recognized British mathematician Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), the father of computer science and artificial intelligence, is beautifully portrayed in “The Imitation Game.” The film looks at Turing's pivotal role during World War II in breaking the German Enigma code, a feat that greatly contributed to the Allied victory. It also follows Turing's personal struggles as a gay man in the 1950s, an offense for which he was arrested and chemically castrated, leading to his eventual suicide.
Combining historical drama, espionage, and Turing's tragic personal journey, the film highlights the under-recognized legacy of a genius taken too soon and what it can teach us about the devastating losses wrought by intolerance. The film is elevated by Cumberbatch's exceptional performance, a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of identity, power, love, prejudice, and the greater good.
‘Silver Linings Playbook’ (2012)
Rated: R | Genre: Romantic Comedy Drama | Run Time: 2 hours and 2 minutes | Director: David O. Russell
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 | Metacritic Rating: 81
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro
Watch the trailer for “Silver Linings Playbook”
After a violent incident triggered by the discovery of his wife's infidelity leads to an eight-month stay at an inpatient mental health facility, Pat Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper) returns to his childhood home. Frustrated and trapped, Pat becomes fixated on rekindling his relationship with his now ex-wife. His life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), an off-kilter widow struggling with her own mental health issues and grief from the loss of her husband.
As they form an unlikely bond, Tiffany proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement: She'll assist Pat in delivering a letter to his ex-wife if he joins her in an upcoming dance competition. They grow closer and learn new skills, finding that the competition has become a transformative journey for both of them. “Silver Linings Playbook” looks at relationships, mental health, and the chaos of life with dark humor and empathy that earned it eight Academy Awards nominations.
‘Bridesmaids’ (2011)
Rated: R | Genre: Comedy | Run Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes | Director: Paul Feig
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 75
Cast: Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Ellie Kemper
Watch the trailer for “Bridesmaids”
Annie Walker (Kristen Wiig) isn’t exactly racking up gold stars in the life department — her bakery's a flop, her boyfriend's bailed, and her self-confidence has taken a nosedive. Just when you think things couldn't get messier, her bestie, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), ropes her into the ultimate role of maid of honor at her wedding. With her life in shambles, Annie isn’t feeling very confident among Lillian’s competitive group of bridesmaids, especially the gorgeous, snobby, and perfectly coiffed trophy wife, Helen (Rose Byrne). As Annie attempts to outshine Helen's seemingly flawless existence, let's just say it's a recipe for hilarious disaster, involving some epic fails and cringeworthy moments that'd make anyone break into a sweat.
“Bridesmaids” is a roller coaster of friendship, rivalry, privilege, and the quest for self-acceptance — all served up with a side of uproarious female camaraderie.
‘Lost in Translation’ (2003)
Rated: R | Genre: Romantic Comedy-Drama | Run Time: 1 hour and 42 minutes | Director: Sofia Coppola
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 | Metacritic Rating: 91
Cast: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris
Watch the trailer for “Lost in Translation”
Sofia Coppola's cinematic masterpiece “Lost in Translation” weaves a tapestry of poignant intimacy against the backdrop of bustling Tokyo. Bob Harris (Bill Murray), a world-weary actor nearing the twilight of his career, crosses paths with Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a young woman adrift in search of her own identity amidst the enigmatic allure of a foreign land. Amid the cacophony of a foreign culture and the weight of their individual crises, Bob and Charlotte forge an unlikely bond that transcends the barriers of language and convention. The film's canvas is brushed with strokes of isolation and existential yearning, punctuated by moments of heartfelt humor, tender connection, and profound introspection.
“Lost in Translation” is a testament to the power of subtle performances, evocative cinematography, and the extraordinary profundity of discovering soul-stirring connections in the most unexpected corners of the world.
‘Catch Me If You Can’ (2002)
Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Biography Crime Drama | Run Time: 2 hours and 21 minutes | Director: Steven Spielberg
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 | Metacritic Rating: 75
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Amy Adams
Watch the trailer for “Catch Me If You Can”
Meet Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), a teenage master of deception who, before the age of 19, ran scams posing as a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer that resulted in millions of dollars of forged checks. Despite complicated family politics and a blooming romance with naive young nurse Brenda (Amy Adams), Frank is focused on the big time as he plots grander and more dangerous schemes. Hot on Frank’s trail is the FBI team leader, Agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks), who, despite his task to put him away, can’t help but be impressed by Frank’s nerve. As Abagnale's exploits become more daring, Hanratty becomes increasingly obsessed with capturing him.
“Catch Me If You Can” has fantastic character development and performances, telling a story of morality and human ingenuity that inspires audiences to live life with a little less fear.
‘Spider-Man’ (2002)
Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Superhero | Run Time: 2 hours and 1 minute | Director: Sam Raimi
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 | Metacritic Rating: 73
Cast: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco
Watch the trailer for “Spider-Man”
“Spider-Man,” a trailblazing blockbuster that influenced the fevered resurgence of the superhero genre, is an adrenaline-charged classic that set hearts racing and ignited the imaginations of a whole generation of superhero aficionados. Meet Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire), your average high schooler, until a bite from a genetically altered spider propels him into an extraordinary world of superhuman abilities. From that moment on, Peter transforms into the iconic, wall-crawling vigilante Spider-Man, determined to harness his newfound strength, agility, and gravity-defying arachnid powers to safeguard the bustling streets of New York City. Lurking in the shadows is the menacing Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), and Peter's best friend, Harry Osborn (James Franco), becomes an unexpected adversary.
Juggling the high-flying feats of a superhero with the everyday challenges of his personal life, not to mention his blossoming love for Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), “Spider-Man” hurtles headlong into a whirlwind of action, humor, and heartwarming storytelling. This web-slinging adventure looks at duty, the quest for paternal guidance, self-discovery, and the eternal battle between the forces of right and wrong.
‘The Big Lebowski’ (1998)
Rated: R | Genre: Crime Comedy | Run Time: 1 hour and 57 minutes | Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 | Metacritic Rating: 71
Cast: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi
Watch the trailer for “The Big Lebowski”
Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is a lovable Los Angeles slacker who’s got a busy schedule of bowling, smoking reefer, and drinking white Russians in his bathrobe. When sharing the same name with a millionaire leads to thugs peeing on his favorite rug, he asks the other Jeffrey Lebowski for some compensation, man. But, when the millionaire Lebowski’s trophy wife is kidnapped, The Dude and his comically unhinged bowling buddies, Walter (John Goodman) and Donny (Steve Buscemi), are pulled into a criminal plot they never asked for. With his unwavering nonchalant attitude, The Dude offers a valuable lesson in how to deal with life’s curveballs. “The Dude abides” is his mantra and has become a pop culture legend, reminding us to stay true to who we are regardless of how ridiculous of a situation we may find ourselves in. Multilayered, clever, memorable, and one of the funniest movies ever made, “The Big Lebowski” is a must-watch for movie buffs.
‘Donnie Brasco’ (1997)
Rated: R | Genre: Crime Drama | Run Time: 2 hours and 7 minutes | Director: Mike Newell
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 | Metacritic Rating: 76
Cast: Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen
Watch the trailer for “Donnie Brasco”
Based on a gripping true story, Johnny Depp assumes the role of Joseph D. Pistone, an undercover FBI operative who dives headfirst into the belly of the mafia beast, donning the guise of Donnie Brasco. In this shadowy underworld, he finds himself shadowing Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino), a seasoned mobster whose inadvertent mentorship morphs into a deadly alliance of trust and treachery. Donnie's ascent through the criminal ranks breeds hazardous bonds, straddling the precipice between his duty as an informant and his fierce loyalty to Lefty. When the moment of reckoning arrives, a grim choice looms whether to fulfill his mission, even if it means sealing the fate of a friend.
With Depp and Pacino delivering performances that cut like a knife, this unconventional mob saga plunges into the abyss of loyalty, betrayal, and the soul-shredding cost of a life lived on the razor's edge.
‘Groundhog Day’ (1993)
Rated: PG | Genre: Fantasy Comedy | Run Time: 1 hour and 41 minutes | Director: Harold Ramis
IMDb Rating: 8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 72
Cast: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott
Watch the trailer for “Groundhog Day”
In the charming town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Phil Connors (Bill Murray), a cynical and self-absorbed weatherman, embarks on an assignment that will forever alter the course of his life. Tasked with covering the annual Groundhog Day event, he finds himself inexplicably ensnared in a relentless time loop, the hands of the clock forever frozen on a single day. As the cycle endlessly repeats, Phil's journey unfolds in a kaleidoscope of self-discovery and redemption, each repeated sunrise a canvas for his personal evolution and his impact on those who cross his path.
Seamlessly blending humor with a profound exploration of human growth and connection, “Groundhog Day” unearths the inexhaustible value of embracing each day to its fullest potential. Bill Murray anchors the film's clever premise in a symphony of laughter and poignant revelations that have solidified its status as an enduring classic.
‘Stand By Me’ (1986)
Rated: R | Genre: Coming-of-Age Drama | Run Time: 1 hour and 29 minutes | Director: Rob Reiner
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 | Metacritic Rating: 75
Cast: River Phoenix, Jerry O'Connell, Corey Feldman, Wil Wheaton
Watch the trailer for “Stand by Me”
Rob Reiner's cherished coming-of-age masterpiece, adapted from a novella by Stephen King, unfolds in a small Oregon town bathed in the nostalgic hues of the 1950s. Four young friends, each bearing the weight of their own personal struggles, find their curiosity piqued by the local mystery of a missing boy. United by a shared mission to locate the body and secure their place as local heroes, they embark on a journey that begins innocently enough, tracing the path of the railroad track. Yet what transpires is nothing short of an epic odyssey, rife with trials, conflicts, and profound moments that etch the passage of boyhood into the very fibers of their beings.
This ’80s classic, frequently lauded as one of the greatest films of all time, leaves us with the profound belonging of childhood camaraderie, the ache of loss, the gossamer threads of youthful innocence, and the intoxicating allure of adventure.
‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)
Rated: R | Genre: Coming-of-Age Comedy-Drama | Run Time: 1 hour and 37 minutes | Director: John Hughes
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 66
Cast: Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy
Watch the trailer for “The Breakfast Club”
“The Breakfast Club,” an emblem of the ’80s, etched the names of director John Hughes and the Brat Pack into cinematic history. This iconic coming-of-age masterpiece sees an unlikely alliance form among five high school students. Hailing from disparate social spheres, the brainy nerd (Anthony Michael Hall), the rebellious delinquent (Judd Nelson), the popular princess (Molly Ringwald), the jock (Emilio Estevez), and the enigmatic outcast (Ally Sheedy) are brought together by the shared burden of a Saturday spent locked in the library for detention. Despite their initial disdain, their facade of stereotypes shatters, and teenage tumult gives way to the raw intricacies of adolescence.
The film evokes the quintessence of ’80s teenage life while bridging the generational gap to offer lessons in friendship, open-mindedness, and the impact of genuine connection.
‘The Karate Kid’ (1984)
Rated: PG | Genre: Martial Arts Drama | Run Time: 2 hours and 6 minutes | Director: John G. Avildsen
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 | Metacritic Rating: 60
Cast: Ralph Macchio. Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove
Watch the trailer for “The Karate Kid”
Netflix is the best place to find all of the most iconic ’80s coming-of-age dramas, and “The Karate Kid” is another title you can’t skip. Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), the new kid in town, finds his welcome far from warm. He becomes the prey of a ruthless gang of martial arts bullies. Faced with isolation and vulnerability, Daniel discovers an unlikely mentor in Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), the sage-like maintenance man of his apartment complex. Through an unconventional curriculum of car waxing and fence painting, Daniel studies karate as he readies himself for a climactic showdown against his tormentors at an epic karate tournament.
“The Karate Kid” is a heart-pounding yet heart-warming classic that explores mentorship, the crucible of discipline, and our reserves of inner strength.
‘Rocky’ (1976)
Rated: PG | Genre: Sports Drama | Run Time: 2 hours | Director: John G. Avildsen
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 | Metacritic Rating: 70
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Carl Weathers, Talia Shire, Burt Young
One of film history’s most iconic sports dramas, “Rocky” tells the story of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a small-time fighter from the gritty streets of Philadelphia clawing his way out of the shadows of obscurity. When destiny offers him a single, electrifying chance to square off against heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), a fire kindles deep within him. He transforms from an underestimated underdog to a relentless force, pushing himself to the limit in an exhilarating crescendo of physical and emotional growth.
With a training montage that has become the stuff of legend, a soundtrack that reverberates in your bones, and Stallone's Oscar-nominated performance, “Rocky” is an unforgettable ode to the indomitable spirit of the underdog. Since the first film’s release and through its many sequels, the character of Rocky Balboa has been beloved as a symbol of hope in the face of adversity, the antithesis of arrogant pride, and a reminder of the fruits of hard work and perseverance.
‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ (1975)
Rated: PG | Genre: Comedy | Run Time: 1 hour and 31 minutes | Director: Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10 | Metacritic Rating: 91
Cast: Michael Palin, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle
Watch the trailer for “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”
“Monty Python and the Holy Grail” is a zany romp that's not just funny — it's a contender for the funniest flick ever to grace the screen. This wild farce has the Monty Python crew, including the likes of Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Micheal Palin, and Terry Jones, donning the regal robes of King Arthur's court. In this madcap masterpiece, they've taken the Arthurian legend and cranked the absurdity up to 11. King Arthur and his hilariously inept knights embark on a quest for the Holy Grail, stumbling upon a parade of bizarre challenges and surreal hurdles that'll have you in stitches.
Expect slapstick antics, whip-smart wordplay, iconic one-liners, and surreal sight gags that showcase the team's signature comedic genius.
‘White Christmas’ (1954)
Rated: Unrated | Genre: Musical | Run Time: 2 hours | Director: Michael Curtiz
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10 | Metacritic Rating: 56
Cast: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney
Watch the trailer for “White Christmas”
Irving Berlin’s celebrated carol “White Christmas” was introduced by Bing Crosby in the 1942 film “Holiday Inn” and became such an instant classic that it inspired its own film. A must-watch on every holiday movie playlist, “White Christmas” follows two former Army buddies, Bob Wallace (Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye), as they cross paths with talented sisters in a jazz club and embark on a snowy Vermont adventure. They arrive to find no snow and a struggling inn run by their former commanding officer, to whom they were dedicated. The discovery sparks a heartwarming plan to save the inn and summon the snow with a great spectacle performance.
With dazzling musical numbers, brilliant comedy, romance, and festive holiday spirit, “White Christmas” is a timeless Christmas classic that warms our hearts and brings us back year after year.