Though formerly known only for its TV show library, the streaming service Hulu has added an excellent slate of new and old films to its ever-improving catalog. With some new additions drawing from film festivals, popular releases, and original content, Hulu is becoming one of the best bang-for-your-buck services for quality entertainment available. Here are ten great examples of critically-acclaimed films you can watch on Hulu right now!
The story of an aspiring con artist joining a carnival in 1939, Nightmare Alley has star power, mountain thrills, and a brilliantly dark mood established by the co-writing and direction of Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro. In other words, it’s just about the best R-rated entertainment you can find right now.
Spencer is a complex, obscuring (and fictional) portrait of Princess Diana, with a powerful Oscar-nominated performance from Kristin Stewart in the leading role. Screenwriter Steven Knight is known for his involved though frequently rewarding dramas, such as Eastern Promises, Locke, and Woman Walks Ahead.
Nicolas Cage excels in what some call his best role yet as the rugged owner leaves his isolated habitat searching for his kidnapped truffle pig. Pig is written and directed by newcomer Michael Sarnoski.
French writer/director Mia Hansen-Løve’s first English-language feature takes place on Fårö, where Ingmar Bergman lived and filmed several movies. Vicky Krieps and Tim Roth star as married filmmakers who search for inspiration in Bergman’s home island while the trip slowly yields a divide between the two.
Plan B, the Hulu Original movie of this list, also appears to have one of the most pertinent meanings attached to its comedic trappings. The story of two young women’s quest for a Plan B pill has well-matched, fresh-faced leads and is one of two features last year from new director Natalie Morales.
The Beta Test made a splash at the Tribeca Film Festival last year as the notable standout of the “Viewpoints” section, highlighting bold original visions and innovative points of view. The film’s satire of Hollywood is both galvanizing and darkly comedic.
An archaeologist played by German actress Maren Eggert finds herself amid an intriguing study: she must live with an AI that by design matches her every need as a life partner. The exquisite Dan Stevens plays the robot character in question, and even with a sci-fi premise, his chemistry with Eggert drives the romance and comedy of I’m Your Man.
Though it has the most basic premise of this list, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar shows the two writers of Bridesmaids back in top shape after their previous film together. Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo now get to lead and write this movie, and their connection to the script and each other is a joy to experience.
In a clever romantic comedy twist, Ed Helms plays a single man who hires a stranger (Patti Harrison) to act as the surrogate mother for his child. This enticing and unique idea for this film makes for one of the best films of this genre for 2021 and scores the first hit for writer/director Nikole Beckwith.
If you need a recent horror film to watch, Censor delivers the chills in spades. When a film censor sees a terrifyingly familiar work while going about her disturbing job, she starts to question what it means regarding her and the life of her missing sister.
All of these movies were originally released in 2021. You can catch up on these and more new films on Hulu today.