Beyond the Handmaid’s Tale: Discover Hulu’s Evolving Cinematic Universe
Hulu has long been a titan in the streaming landscape, famously making history by snagging the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series with the gripping phenomenon, The Handmaid’s Tale. While rivals like Netflix have often been the go-to for original cinematic features, attracting A-list directors and stars, Hulu is steadily carving out its own impressive niche in the movie realm. With an increasing number of Oscar-nominated films finding exclusive homes on the platform, now is the perfect time to explore the diverse and compelling movie library Hulu has to offer.
This guide is your compass to navigating Hulu’s rich selection, highlighting both its original productions and acquired cinematic masterpieces. Whether you’re in the mood for a nail-biting thriller, a thought-provoking drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a journey into the fantastical, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let’s dive into the best movies streaming on Hulu right now.
Thrills and Chills: Gripping Stories That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat
For those who crave suspense and high stakes, Hulu presents a lineup of films that deliver pure adrenaline.
Sovereign: Nick Offerman delivers a powerhouse performance as Jerry Kane, a father whose radical anti-establishment beliefs deeply influence his teenage son, Joe (Jacob Tremblay). Their world is irrevocably altered by a series of cataclysmic events, drawing the attention of a local police chief (Dennis Quaid). Loosely inspired by real-life events in West Memphis, Arkansas, this crime thriller is both timely and terrifying.
Barbarian: Zach Cregger’s smart, scary, and surprisingly funny take on the horrors of modern-day trust. Tess (Georgina Campbell) arrives in Detroit for a job interview, only to find her Airbnb has been double-booked. The existing guest, Keith (Bill Skarsgård), seems helpful, but as Tess settles in, a much deeper and more sinister threat emerges, one that defies all expectations.
Late Night With the Devil: Set in the 1970s, this critically acclaimed horror film follows Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian), a late-night talk show host desperate to boost his ratings. His ambitious Halloween occult-themed special, featuring a psychic, parapsychologist, and a seemingly possessed teenager, spirals into a night of unimaginable terror.
Longlegs: Maika Monroe continues her reign as a modern scream queen in this offbeat thriller from Osgood Perkins. As FBI agent Lee Harker, she’s drawn into a series of disturbing murder-suicides that hint at a serial killer. While Monroe delivers a compelling performance, Nicolas Cage’s unhinged portrayal adds a darkly comical layer to the proceedings.
Immaculate: Sydney Sweeney stars in and produced this unsettling religious horror flick. As Cecilia, a devout nun who believes her survival from a near-death experience is divine intervention, she joins a remote Italian convent. However, her newfound sanctuary soon reveals a sinister undercurrent.
The Royal Hotel: Julia Garner reunites with director Kitty Green for a taut psychological thriller. Backpacking through the Australian outback, best friends Hanna (Garner) and Liv (Jessica Henwick) take jobs at a remote hotel to make ends meet. But Hanna’s intuition signals that something is deeply wrong with the establishment and its clientele.
No One Will Save You: Kaitlyn Dever delivers a tour-de-force performance as Brynn Adams, a reclusive young woman whose solitary existence is shattered by an extraterrestrial home invasion. This inventive and suspenseful thriller proves that even familiar tropes can be revitalized with a fresh perspective.
Laughter and Love: Rom-Coms and Dramedies to Warm Your Heart
Sometimes, you just need a good laugh or a touching story to lift your spirits. Hulu’s selection offers plenty of feel-good options.
Love Actually: A perennial holiday favorite, Richard Curtis’s ensemble romantic comedy weaves together nine interconnected stories of love, loss, and connection in London during the festive season. Its charm and heartwarming moments make it a timeless classic.
Palm Springs: This clever take on the infinite-time-loop rom-com, inspired by Groundhog Day, follows three wedding guests—Nyles (Andy Samberg), Sarah (Cristin Milioti), and Roy (J. K. Simmons)—who find themselves reliving the same day over and over. Their efforts to escape the temporal trap lead to unexpected romance and hilarious situations.
Rye Lane: Director Raine Allen-Miller’s vibrant directorial debut offers a fresh and playful twist on the romantic comedy. Yas (Vivian Oparah) and Dom (David Jonsson), two twenty-somethings reeling from recent breakups, spend a day exploring South London, bonding over their shared experiences and rediscovering the possibility of love.
Babes: Pamela Adlon’s directorial debut uses sharp humor to explore the complexities of motherhood. Lifelong best friends Eden (Ilana Glazer) and Dawn (Michelle Buteau) navigate vastly different life stages, from Dawn’s struggle with postpartum depression to Eden’s unexpected pregnancy, testing their enduring friendship.
Thought-Provoking Dramas and Oscar Contenders
For those seeking cinematic experiences that linger long after the credits roll, Hulu hosts a range of critically acclaimed dramas.
Poor Things: Emma Stone is mesmerizing as Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life with the mind of an infant by the eccentric Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Her rapid learning and insatiable curiosity about the world lead her on an adventurous journey, challenging societal norms along the way. Yorgos Lanthimos’s visually stunning and audacious film is a bold exploration of self-discovery.
All of Us Strangers: Andrew Scott shines as Adam, a reclusive writer whose life takes an unexpected turn when he connects with his neighbor Harry (Paul Mescal). His emotional journey also involves returning to his childhood home, where he finds he can interact with his deceased parents (Claire Foy and Jamie Bell), leading to a poignant and surreal exploration of grief and connection.
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead: In his final film, the legendary Sidney Lumet delivers a masterclass in crime drama. Brothers Hank (Ethan Hawke) and Andy (Philip Seymour Hoffman) hatch a desperate plan to rob their parents’ jewelry store, a scheme that unravels with devastating consequences. The film features electrifying performances from its ensemble cast.
40 Acres: In a post-apocalyptic world, former soldier Hailey Freeman (Danielle Deadwyler) tries to create a safe haven for her family on a secluded farm. However, her son’s longing for the outside world exposes them to the dangers lurking beyond their sanctuary.
The Order: Based on a true story, Justin Kurzel’s gritty film delves into corruption and extremism. FBI agent Terry Husk (Jude Law) investigates a series of robberies linked to a white supremacist group, leading him to the leader of a neo-Nazi organization, Bob Mathews (Nicholas Hoult).
Small Things Like These: Cillian Murphy delivers another powerful performance as Bill Furlong, a coal merchant who witnesses a disturbing scene at a local convent and girls’ school. His quiet investigation into the mistreatment of a young girl puts him and his family at risk, testing his compassion against his fear.
Anatomy of a Fall: Sandra Hüller stars as a successful writer accused of her husband’s murder in this gripping courtroom drama. The fate of the accused may ultimately rest on the testimony of her young son and his guide dog.
A Real Pain: Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin star in this poignant road trip comedy about two brothers who travel to Poland to honor their late grandmother. Despite their vastly different lives, they find a way to reconnect and confront their shared past.
Anora: Sean Baker’s critically acclaimed dramedy follows Ani (Mikey Madison), an exotic dancer whose whirlwind romance with the son of a Russian oligarch leads to a spontaneous Las Vegas marriage. When Vanya’s parents intervene, Ani faces an impossible choice.
Origin: Ava DuVernay’s powerful film explores the life of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) as she researches her groundbreaking book on caste systems across the globe.
The Contestant: This riveting documentary chronicles the unbelievable true story of a young comedian who volunteered for a bizarre Japanese game show, living in isolation for 15 months with no idea his life was being broadcast to millions.
Ferrari: Michael Mann’s biopic delves into the turbulent summer of 1957 for Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver), a period of financial crisis, personal tragedy, and hidden indiscretions, featuring a standout performance by Penélope Cruz.
Perfect Days: Wim Wenders delivers a serene and contemplative film about Hirayama (Kōji Yakusho), a Tokyo toilet cleaner who finds profound contentment in his simple life, his love for music, books, and nature.
Cult Classics and Genre Bending
Hulu also offers films that have become beloved for their unique qualities and genre-bending narratives.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this iconic musical cult classic remains a must-watch. When uptight newlyweds Brad and Janet seek refuge in a mysterious mansion during a storm, they encounter the unforgettable Dr. Frank-N-Furter and a night of extraordinary revelry.
The Cabin in the Woods: Drew Goddard’s clever and hilarious meta-horror film deconstructs genre tropes with wit and originality. What begins as a familiar scenario of young people heading to a remote cabin quickly evolves into a surprising and insightful commentary on horror itself.
Twilight: Nearly two decades after its release, the first film in the beloved vampire romance saga continues to captivate audiences. Bella Swan and Edward Cullen’s forbidden love story remains a cultural touchstone.
28 Weeks Later: This action-packed sequel to 28 Days Later continues the terrifying saga of the Rage Virus in a post-apocalyptic London, as the military attempts to restore order.
Mission: Impossible—Fallout: Considered one of the best entries in the franchise, this thrilling installment of Ethan Hunt’s adventures delivers breathtaking action sequences and emotional depth.
Alien: Ridley Scott’s seminal sci-fi horror masterpiece remains as terrifying and impactful as ever. The crew of the Nostromo encounters a deadly extraterrestrial life-form in this classic that launched a legendary franchise.
Arcadian: Nicolas Cage stars as a father fighting to protect his twin sons in a postapocalyptic world terrorized by deadly creatures that hunt at night.
Thelma: June Squibb is a force of nature in this delightful vigilante comedy about a feisty grandmother who takes matters into her own hands after being swindled by a phone scammer.
BlackBerry: This entertaining film chronicles the rise and fall of the iconic BlackBerry smartphone, with Glenn Howerton delivering a standout performance as negotiator Jim Balsillie.
Self Reliance: Jake Johnson makes his directorial debut with this wonderfully weird meta-comedy about a man who must survive 30 days while being hunted for a $1 million prize in a reality game show.
Sanctuary: A mesmerizing thriller that explores twisted sexual politics between a young heir and a dominatrix, featuring captivating performances from Christopher Abbott and Margaret Qualley.
How to Blow Up a Pipeline: This prescient thriller blends environmentalism with heist genre elements, following a group of young people attempting to expose the fragility of the oil industry.
Fresh: A cautionary tale for the digital dating age, this film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as a woman who discovers disturbing truths about a charming stranger (Sebastian Stan).
Triangle of Sadness: This Oscar-nominated dark comedy offers a sharp critique of wealth and excess, following a group of wealthy individuals stranded on an island after a storm.
Documentaries and Biopics
For those interested in real-life stories and historical figures, Hulu offers compelling non-fiction content.
Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything: A moving tribute to the trailblazing journalist, this documentary explores Walters’ impactful career and her unparalleled ability to connect with and challenge her interview subjects.
Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius): Questlove’s insightful documentary delves into the rise and fall of the groundbreaking band Sly & The Family Stone and the often-unseen standards faced by Black artists.
A Universe of Entertainment Awaits
Hulu’s movie library is a constantly evolving landscape, offering something for every taste and mood. From groundbreaking originals to beloved classics, the platform continues to deliver compelling cinematic experiences. This list is just a starting point; the true joy lies in exploring and discovering your own hidden gems. So, what are you waiting for? Your next great movie night is just a click away on Hulu.