Disney+ is so much more than just Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars films. I’ve been slowly exploring it’s catalogue on Hulu and have been surprised by the quality of movies on offer, competing against the likes of Netflix and Sky Cinema whilst beating Amazon Prime.
You can find everything from Academy Award winners to cult classics to recent releases that deserve more recognition. I’ve gathered all the movies I’ve watched that I recommend you watch at least once and ranked in order of most to least favourite.
More best movie lists:
Movies On Pluto ~ Movies On Paramount + ~ Movies On Plex ~ Movies On Tubi ~ Free Movies & TV Shows On Amazon Prime ~ Apple TV+ Movies ~ Films On Channel 4 ~ Films On ITVX ~ Films On BBC iPlayer ~ Best A24 Films
Die Hard (1988) – IMDb 8.2 · Action/Thriller
For Fans of: Lethal Weapon, Speed, The Rock
Bruce Willis redefined the reluctant action hero as John McClane, a New York cop trapped in a Los Angeles skyscraper during a terrorist siege. With Alan Rickman’s icy Hans Gruber and John McTiernan’s slick direction, this is the gold standard for high-stakes mayhem.
Tim’s Take: This is the gold standard for action movies – smart, suspenseful, and endlessly rewatchable, with unforgettable one-liners and one of the best movie villains of all time.
Speed (1994) – IMDb 7.3 · Action/Thriller
For Fans of: Die Hard, Mission: Impossible, Crank
A bomb on a bus, a ticking clock, and Keanu Reeves in peak stoic mode – Speed is pure adrenaline. Sandra Bullock’s breakout role adds charm, while Dennis Hopper chews scenery as the villain.
Tim’s Take: Intense peril at every stage whilst still managing to find its funny bone, Speed is still a great action movie despite being released 30 years ago. Hopper is absolutely dastardly as the villain.
High Fidelity (2000) – IMDb 7.5 · Comedy/Romance
For Fans of: Almost Famous, Garden State, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
John Cusack’s record store owner narrates his romantic failures through top-five lists and vinyl snobbery in this adaptation of Nick Hornby’s novel. Jack Black steals scenes, and the soundtrack is a character in its own right.
Tim’s Take: This is the definitive heartbreak movie for music nerds – Cusack’s confessional monologues are uncomfortably relatable. High Fidelity remains one of Cusack’s best performances.
Spy (2015) – IMDb 7.0 · Action/Comedy
For Fans of: Bridesmaids, Kingsman, The Heat
Melissa McCarthy flips the spy genre on its head in Paul Feig’s riotous action-comedy, with gadgets, betrayal, and Jason Statham’s gloriously unhinged self-parody.
Tim’s Take: Spy treads the line perfectly between fun spy comedy and full-on slapstick parodies like Top Secret! A Feig and McCarthy collaboration is always a safe bet and reminds me of the humour from Zoolander. One of my favourite comedies of the last decade — Statham’s cameo alone is worth it.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999) – IMDb 7.3 · Teen/Romance
For Fans of: Clueless, Easy A, She’s All That
This late-’90s teen rom-com reimagines The Taming of the Shrew with Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles trading barbs and longing looks. The paintball scene is rom-com canon.
Tim’s Take: One of my favourite rom-coms of all time, 10 Things I Hate About You has several brilliant character arcs that set it apart. It’s smarter and more emotionally resonant than your average high school flick. Ledger’s serenade on the bleachers is iconic.
My Cousin Vinny (1992) – IMDb 7.6 · Comedy/Courtroom
For Fans of: Legally Blonde, The Nice Guys, L.A. Law
Joe Pesci’s Brooklyn lawyer stumbles into a murder trial in Alabama, and chaos ensues. Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for her role as Mona Lisa Vito, delivering courtroom sass and automotive expertise.
Tim’s Take: A movie my brother had on VHS and thought was funny then — and still is. The “what are you wearing” scene will never not make me laugh. Joe Pesci is brilliant as his usual biting, sarcastic self, and the plot keeps you guessing.
Alien (1979) – IMDb 8.5 · Sci-Fi/Horror
For Fans of: The Thing, Event Horizon, Blade Runner
Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror classic is a masterclass in atmosphere and dread. Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley is the blueprint for badass heroines, and H.R. Giger’s creature design still haunts dreams.
Tim’s Take: I don’t usually watch horror movies, but I actually enjoyed Alien. That’s how good it is — tense and terrifying, it’s the blueprint for sci-fi horror done right.
Armageddon (1998) – IMDb 6.7 · Action/Disaster
For Fans of: Independence Day, Deep Impact, Top Gun
Michael Bay’s asteroid epic is loud, ludicrous, and oddly emotional. Bruce Willis leads a team of blue-collar misfits on a mission to save Earth, backed by Aerosmith and slow-motion hero shots.
Tim’s Take: Sure it’s a ridiculous plot, but I don’t care. It’s a fun watch, has a great comedic cast and a wonderful ending.
500 Days of Summer (2009) – IMDb 7.7 · Romance/Drama
For Fans of: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Garden State, Her
Marc Webb’s nonlinear romance charts the rise and fall of a relationship through Tom’s eyes. Zooey Deschanel’s Summer is enigmatic, charming, and frustratingly real.
Tim’s Take: One of my favourite rom-coms. I love the non-linear storyline, each time revealing why the relationship soured slowly. Unlike other rom-coms, 500 Days of Summer is a realistic portrayal of compatibility and the effect of breakups.
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004) – IMDb 6.7 · Comedy/Sports
For Fans of: Anchorman, Step Brothers, The Ringer
Ben Stiller’s gym tyrant faces off against Vince Vaughn’s ragtag team in this absurd, endlessly quotable sports comedy.
Tim’s Take: I adored Dodgeball when it was first released — super quotable, still fun, and packed with memorable characters like Stiller’s hyper-macho villain and Rip Torn’s deranged coach.
Con Air (1997) – IMDb 6.9 · Action/Thriller
For Fans of: Face/Off, The Rock, Speed
Nicolas Cage, mullet intact, plays a wrongly convicted ex-con hitching a ride on a hijacked plane full of maniacs.
Tim’s Take: You root for the hero from start to finish — Malkovich is excellent as an unhinged villain, Buscemi is quietly terrifying, and Con Air is peak ’90s excess.
The Rock (1996) – IMDb 7.4 · Action/Thriller
For Fans of: Die Hard, Armageddon, Mission: Impossible
Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage team up to stop a rogue general threatening San Francisco from Alcatraz in Michael Bay’s most coherent chaos.
Tim’s Take: Another glorious explosive action thriller from the ’90s — Connery and Cage are a dream pairing in this buddy cop adjacent film with a ridiculous plot.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006) – IMDb 7.8 · Comedy/Drama
For Fans of: Juno, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Farewell
A broken-down VW van, a beauty pageant, and a family on the brink collide in this heartfelt indie road trip. Alan Arkin won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Tim’s Take: Take note Wes Anderson — this is how you create likable oddball characters. One of the most rewatchable, heartfelt road trip movies ever.
Face/Off (1997) – IMDb 7.3 · Action/Sci-Fi
For Fans of: Con Air, Heat, Mission: Impossible 2
John Woo’s operatic action thriller pits John Travolta and Nicolas Cage against each other — then swaps their faces.
Tim’s Take: Cage and Travolta are unleashed in this wild sci-fi adjacent thriller, and their performances as each other are iconic — the plot’s just as fun on rewatch.
True Lies (1994) – IMDb 7.3 · Action/Comedy
For Fans of: Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Bourne Identity, The Incredibles
Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a secret agent whose double life collides with domestic drama in James Cameron’s genre-blending blockbuster.
Tim’s Take: I wasn’t expecting to like True Lies as much as I did — it’s a comedy spy thriller that’s easy to watch, with great comedic relief from Curtis, Arnold and Paxton. Cameron should make more of these instead of more Avatars.
Isle of Dogs (2018) – IMDb 7.8 · Animation/Adventure
For Fans of: Fantastic Mr. Fox, Coraline, The Grand Budapest Hotel
Wes Anderson’s stop-motion tale follows a boy searching for his dog on a quarantined island of exiled canines.
Tim’s Take: Maybe I find Isle of Dogs more palatable because it’s animated dogs, but I also love the plot which I think has more emotional stake than his other work — even if most Wes Anderson films feel like variations on The Royal Tenenbaums.
The Sixth Sense (1999) – IMDb 8.2 · Thriller/Drama
For Fans of: The Others, Hereditary, The Babadook
- Night Shyamalan’s breakout hit is a haunting meditation on grief and connection, anchored by Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment. It was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture.
Tim’s Take: Even though I know the end upon every rewatch, The Sixth Sense is still enjoyable — no other Shyamalan film comes close.
Heat (1995) – IMDb 8.3 · Crime/Thriller
For Fans of: The Town, Collateral, Sicario
Michael Mann’s crime epic pits Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in a masterclass of mood, precision, and moral ambiguity.
Tim’s Take: Heat is so much more than just a typical Mann movie with explosions — the fractured personal lives and powerhouse leads make this a thrilling drama too.
See How They Run (2022) – IMDb 6.7 · Mystery/Comedy
For Fans of: Knives Out, The Mousetrap, Gosford Park
Set in 1950s London, this whodunnit pokes fun at its own genre while delivering a genuinely twisty mystery.
Tim’s Take: The delightful comedic chemistry between Ronan’s naivety and Rockwell’s surliness makes this a uniquely fun and fresh take on the classic murder mystery.
Juno (2007) – IMDb 7.5 · Comedy/Drama
For Fans of: Lady Bird, Little Miss Sunshine, Booksmart
Elliot Page stars as a whip-smart teen navigating an unplanned pregnancy in this poignant coming-of-age story. Diablo Cody won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Tim’s Take: Juno is a fresh, funny, and surprisingly poignant rom-com that’s grounded by its adoption storyline and backed by a stellar ensemble cast.
The Fly (1986) – IMDb 7.6 · Horror/Sci-Fi
For Fans of: Annihilation, Videodrome, Splice
David Cronenberg’s body horror classic turns a teleportation experiment into a slow, sticky descent into mutation.
Tim’s Take: Jeff Goldblum is perfect for this role — weird, wacky, and unchained — and the ’80s prosthetics alone make The Fly worth watching.
Rye Lane (2023) – IMDb 7.2 · Romance/Comedy
For Fans of: Before Sunrise, Insecure, Lovers Rock
Two heartbroken twenty-somethings wander through South London trading jokes, emotional baggage, and romantic tension.
Tim’s Take: Rye Lane is one of the best rom-coms to have been released in the 2000s — heartfelt, energetic, and refreshingly British.
Jojo Rabbit (2019) – IMDb 7.9 · Comedy/War
For Fans of: Life Is Beautiful, Moonrise Kingdom, The Death of Stalin
Taika Waititi’s anti-hate satire follows a Hitler-obsessed boy whose worldview unravels when he discovers a Jewish girl hiding in his home. It won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Tim’s Take: Waititi’s portrayal of imaginary Hitler is hilarious and over the top, but the film also delivers poignant moments and heartfelt arcs in spades.
Stuber (2019) – IMDb 6.2 · Action/Comedy
For Fans of: Central Intelligence, Ride Along, Bad Boys
Kumail Nanjiani’s Uber driver gets roped into a violent police mission by Dave Bautista’s half-blind cop in this mismatched buddy comedy.
Tim’s Take: Stuber is an easy watch with a silly premise — and for me, Nanjiani is always a safe bet when it comes to comedy.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) – IMDb 8.1 · Drama/Crime
For Fans of: Fargo, The Power of the Dog, Mystic River
Martin McDonagh’s dark drama centres on a mother’s public protest against police inaction after her daughter’s murder. Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell both won Oscars for their blistering, morally complex performances.
Tim’s Take: Frances McDormand’s portrayal of a woman driven by anger and pain is both fiery and nuanced in her best role yet, with Harrelson and Rockwell providing sharp, comedic support.
Date Night (2010) – IMDb 6.3 · Comedy/Action
For Fans of: Game Night, The Other Guys, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Steve Carell and Tina Fey play a married couple whose attempt to spice up their routine lands them in a whirlwind of mistaken identity and mob drama.
Tim’s Take: While the premise might sound formulaic, the duo’s chemistry elevates it into a light-hearted and hilarious escape from peril at every corner.
Birdman (2014) – IMDb 7.7 · Drama/Black Comedy
For Fans of: Black Swan, The Wrestler, Synecdoche, New York
Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Oscar-winning drama follows a washed-up superhero actor staging a Broadway comeback while battling inner demons and hallucinations. It won four Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography.
Tim’s Take: Michael Keaton gives a career-defining performance where you feel all the desperation of Thomson — I adored the single-shot illusion upon release and still do.
Office Space (1999) – IMDb 7.7 · Comedy/Satire
For Fans of: The IT Crowd, Clerks, The Big Lebowski
Mike Judge’s cult comedy skewers corporate drudgery with deadpan brilliance and painfully relatable absurdity.
Tim’s Take: Office Space perfectly captures the mind-numbing absurdity of corporate life and all the stereotypical co-workers you despise — ever wanted to get back at a company? This is how to do it.
A Real Pain (2024) – IMDb 7.5 · Drama/Comedy
For Fans of: The Farewell, The Royal Tenenbaums, Lost in Translation
Jesse Eisenberg directs and stars in this bittersweet road movie about two cousins retracing their family’s Holocaust history in Poland.
Tim’s Take: Kieran Culkin fuses Roman Roy’s chaos with deep-seated pain, and Eisenberg’s David is the perfect foil — it’s a dry, heartfelt gem.
Fire Island (2022) – IMDb 6.7 · Romance/Comedy
For Fans of: Clueless, Sex and the City, To Wong Foo
Joel Kim Booster’s modern take on Pride and Prejudice swaps bonnets for speedos and delivers a queer rom-com full of wit and warmth.
Tim’s Take: I love its sharp wit and authentic portrayal of queer friendships and love — one of the better rom-coms of the 2020s, and Booster deserves more lead roles.
The Heat (2013) – IMDb 6.6 · Comedy/Action
For Fans of: Bridesmaids, Miss Congeniality, Spy
Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy are a mismatched dream team in Paul Feig’s buddy-cop comedy that’s loud, crude, and surprisingly sweet beneath the profanity.
Tim’s Take: McCarthy is maybe typecast, but she does it so well — throw Bullock and Feig into the mix and this formulaic buddy cop movie becomes reliably rewatchable.
Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997) – IMDb 3.9 · Action/Thriller
For Fans of: Speed, Poseidon, The Meg
Sandra Bullock returns, but Keanu Reeves wisely jumps ship as this sequel swaps a speeding bus for a hijacked cruise liner.
Tim’s Take: It’s undeniably ridiculous, but there’s a campy, over-the-top charm to Dafoe’s creepy villain and the sheer ambition of the explosive finale — Speed 2 is worth your time.
Dead Poets Society (1989) – IMDb 8.1 · Drama/Coming-of-Age
For Fans of: The Breakfast Club, Good Will Hunting, Mona Lisa Smile
Robin Williams delivers one of his most stirring performances as an English teacher who inspires his students to challenge conformity through poetry. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Tim’s Take: Few films make you want to leap on a desk and shout in iambic pentameter — Williams balances warmth and wit, and the final scene is as stirring now as it was in 1989.
L.A. Confidential (1997) – IMDb 8.2 · Crime/Thriller
For Fans of: Chinatown, The Untouchables, The Big Sleep
Curtis Hanson’s neo-noir masterpiece dives into 1950s Los Angeles, where cops, starlets, and gangsters collide. Kim Basinger won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Tim’s Take: This is a rare thriller that fires on all cylinders — smart script, stylish direction, and powerhouse performances from a trio of leads on the brink of stardom.
Romeo + Juliet (1996) – IMDb 6.8 · Romance/Drama
For Fans of: Moulin Rouge!, West Side Story, Cruel Intentions
Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes bring tragic teen angst to this hyper-stylised adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic.
Tim’s Take: Bright, brash and bold, it feels like a dizzying fever dream of passion and heartbreak — Claire Danes and Leo DiCaprio capture raw teen obsession like lightning in a bottle.
Enemy of the State (1998) – IMDb 7.3 · Thriller/Action
For Fans of: The Fugitive, Minority Report, Jack Ryan
Will Smith plays a lawyer unwittingly caught in a government conspiracy, with Gene Hackman as his grizzled tech-savvy ally.
Tim’s Take: Will Smith’s charisma and Gene Hackman’s gravitas make this a rare blend of brains and blockbuster thrills — it’s like Hitchcock with hard drives and helicopters.
Mean Girls (2004) – IMDb 7.1 · Comedy/Teen
For Fans of: Clueless, Easy A, Booksmart
Tina Fey’s razor-sharp teen comedy is endlessly quotable and culturally immortal.
Tim’s Take: Fey’s smart script, an all-star comedy cast, and physical humour make Mean Girls one of the most beloved high school comedies ever.
Nomadland (2020) – IMDb 7.3 · Drama/Road Movie
For Fans of: Into the Wild, The Rider, Wendy and Lucy
Chloé Zhao’s Oscar-winning drama follows Fern (Frances McDormand) as she travels the American West in her van, embracing solitude and resilience. It won three Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress.
Tim’s Take: Quiet, humane, and deeply moving — McDormand disappears into the role and Zhao’s filmmaking captures the vast loneliness and beauty of life on the margins.
The Transporter (2002) – IMDb 6.8 · Action/Thriller
For Fans of: Crank, John Wick, Ronin
Jason Statham kicks off his action franchise as Frank Martin, a mercenary driver with a strict code and a very fast car.
Tim’s Take: This is sleek, no-nonsense action cinema — Statham’s stone-faced charisma and martial arts prowess give the film its pulse, and the fight scenes are refreshingly practical and stylish.
Tombstone (1993) – IMDb 7.8 · Western/Drama
For Fans of: Unforgiven, 3:10 to Yuma, The Quick and the Dead, Wyatt Earp, The Magnificent Seven
Wyatt Earp seeks peace in Tombstone, but finds war instead, as Val Kilmer’s Doc Holliday steals the show with lethal charm and tragic swagger.
Tim’s Take: Even if you don’t like Westerns generally, Tombstone is worth it — Kilmer’s performance is iconic, and the film blends pulp action with sweeping drama like a cult classic in disguise.
Hot Shots! (1991) – IMDb 6.7 · Comedy/Parody
For Fans of: Airplane!, Naked Gun, Spaceballs
Charlie Sheen leads this delirious spoof of military machismo, romance tropes, and cinematic clichés with absurd gags and surreal cutaways.
Tim’s Take: While I think other Abrahams films are stronger, Hot Shots! still lands thanks to Sheen’s deadpan delivery and Lloyd Bridges’ scene-stealing chaos.
Taken (2008) – IMDb 7.8 · Action/Thriller
For Fans of: The Equalizer, Man on Fire, Jack Reacher
Liam Neeson’s ex-CIA operative hunts down traffickers in Paris with brutal efficiency and iconic phone threats.
Tim’s Take: With real stakes on the line, Taken delivers a gut-punch of suspense and adrenaline — Neeson’s fatherly vengeance is what makes it unforgettable.
There’s Something About Mary (1998) – IMDb 7.1 · Comedy/Romance
For Fans of: Dumb and Dumber, Superbad, Crazy, Stupid, Love
Cameron Diaz plays the titular Mary in this gross-out rom-com where every man is hopelessly obsessed and every gag is pop culture canon.
Tim’s Take: A rom-com with more emphasis on the comedy — Diaz’s charm and the absurdity of the plot make this one unforgettable, especially for fans of ’90s comedy.
Free Guy (2021) – IMDb 7.1 · Action/Comedy
For Fans of: Ready Player One, The Truman Show, Wreck-It Ralph
Ryan Reynolds plays a bank teller who realises he’s a background character in a violent online game, in this meta-comedy packed with cameos, pop culture nods, and surprising heart. It earned an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects.
Tim’s Take: With Reynolds bringing his trademark wit and charm to the role, Free Guy is a blast of colourful fun and clever commentary on gaming culture — fast-paced, imaginative, and full of heart.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) – IMDb 7.9 · Animation/Adventure
For Fans of: Isle of Dogs, Coraline, The Grand Budapest Hotel
Wes Anderson’s stop-motion debut turns Roald Dahl’s tale into a meticulously crafted caper about family, rebellion, and poultry theft. It was nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Animated Feature.
Tim’s Take: In my top three favourite Wes Anderson films — Clooney’s charismatic voice work and the film’s charmingly oddball world make this a masterclass in animation and storytelling.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) – IMDb 7.7 · Drama/Black Comedy
For Fans of: In Bruges, The Favourite, The Death of Stalin
Martin McDonagh’s black comedy unfolds on a remote Irish island where a broken friendship spirals into despair, violence, and donkey-related heartbreak. It won four BAFTAs and received nine Academy Award nominations.
Tim’s Take: I adore In Bruges and maybe came in with too high a bar — but even so, this is worth watching for McDonagh’s signature dry, dark humour and the haunting performances.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) – IMDb 7.2 · Comedy/Adventure
For Fans of: Moonrise Kingdom, The Darjeeling Limited, The Royal Tenenbaums
Bill Murray leads Team Zissou on a surreal maritime quest for revenge in Wes Anderson’s pastel-hued, deadpan love letter to Jacques Cousteau.
Tim’s Take: Anderson at his most playful and poignant — Murray’s quietly devastating performance anchors the absurdity, and every frame looks like a painting dipped in saltwater.
The Recruit (2003) – IMDb 6.6 · Thriller/Espionage
For Fans of: Enemy of the State, Spy Game, The Bourne Identity
Colin Farrell plays a tech-savvy CIA recruit pulled into a paranoia-laced game of manipulation under Al Pacino’s cryptic mentorship.
Tim’s Take: Farrell brings charm and intensity, while Pacino chews through every line — a slick, twisty thriller with old-school spy vibes and a gripping pace.
The Day After Tomorrow (2004) – IMDb 6.4 · Action/Disaster
For Fans of: 2012, Deep Impact, Greenland
Roland Emmerich’s disaster epic turns global warming into a blockbuster thrill ride with tidal waves, flash freezes, and flooded cities.
Tim’s Take: It’s a thrill ride of collapsing cities and freezing oceans, but what sticks is the earnest father-son drama and that unforgettable library survival arc.
I, Robot (2004) – IMDb 7.1 · Sci-Fi/Thriller
For Fans of: Minority Report, Ex Machina, Blade Runner
Will Smith plays a robot-sceptic detective investigating a murder in a future where AI assistants are everywhere, in this sleek, philosophical thriller.
Tim’s Take: Twenty years on, it feels more relevant than ever — Smith delivers quips and punches, but it’s the film’s moral complexity and world-building that make it stand out.
Predator (1987) – IMDb 7.8 · Action/Sci-Fi
For Fans of: Aliens, The Thing, Rambo: First Blood Part II
Arnold Schwarzenegger leads a team of elite soldiers into the jungle, only to be hunted by an invisible alien in this tense, testosterone-fuelled survival thriller.
Tim’s Take: Schwarzenegger is in peak form here, but it’s the film’s brutal pacing, iconic creature design, and relentless atmosphere that make Predator a must-see.
Runaway Jury (2003) – IMDb 7.1 · Thriller/Legal
For Fans of: The Lincoln Lawyer, The Firm, Erin Brockovich
John Cusack and Rachel Weisz manipulate a high-stakes trial against a gun manufacturer in this twisty, surveillance-laced legal thriller.
Tim’s Take: A polished, intelligent thriller with strong performances and tense moral undercurrents — Hackman vs Hoffman is verbal chess at its finest.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) – IMDb 8.0 · Western/Crime
For Fans of: The Sting, True Grit, Bonnie and Clyde
Paul Newman and Robert Redford redefine the buddy western in this genre-bending classic with sharp banter and melancholy. It won four Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay.
Tim’s Take: Newman and Redford are magnetic together — funny, tragic, and cool in equal measure — making this more than a Western; it’s a study in fading legends.
Sunshine (2007) – IMDb 7.2 · Sci-Fi/Thriller
For Fans of: Event Horizon, Interstellar, Moon
Danny Boyle’s sci-fi thriller sends a crew to reignite the dying sun, only to descend into cosmic horror and existential dread.
Tim’s Take: Intelligent, visually arresting science fiction with an emotional core — the casting and tension are top-tier.
Jumper (2008) – IMDb 6.1 · Sci-Fi/Action
For Fans of: Push, Chronicle, The Matrix
Teleportation gets messy when Hayden Christensen’s globe-hopping powers attract a secret society led by Samuel L. Jackson.
Tim’s Take: The concept is irresistible and Jamie Bell nearly steals the show — snarky, rogue energy that elevates the patchy plot.
White Men Can’t Jump (1992) – IMDb 6.8 · Comedy/Sports
For Fans of: He Got Game, The Last Dance, Semi-Pro
Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson hustle and trash talk through Venice Beach in this sharp, sun-drenched streetball comedy.
Tim’s Take: Harrelson and Snipes have electric chemistry, and Rosie Perez steals scenes — rhythm, banter, and basketball in perfect sync.
Theatre Camp (2023) – IMDb 7.0 · Comedy/Mockumentary
For Fans of: Waiting for Guffman, Wet Hot American Summer, Glee
A scrappy theatre camp descends into chaos when its founder falls into a coma, in this affectionate satire packed with Broadway meltdowns.
Tim’s Take: A love letter to theatre nerds — Noah Galvin shines, and the ensemble hits all the right notes in this feel-good watch.
Broken Arrow (1996) – IMDb 6.1 · Action/Thriller
For Fans of: Face/Off, Mission: Impossible, The Rock
John Travolta steals nukes and chews scenery while Christian Slater tries to stop him in John Woo’s desert-set shootout fest.
Tim’s Take: Over-the-top in the best way — Travolta’s villainous smirks and Woo’s balletic gunplay make it a fun genre entry.
Gone in 60 Seconds (2000) – IMDb 6.5 · Action/Heist
For Fans of: Fast & Furious, The Italian Job, Baby Driver
Nicolas Cage leads a crew of car thieves through a high-octane heist to save his brother, with chase scenes that deliver pure popcorn adrenaline.
Tim’s Take: Cage plays it cool, Jolie smoulders, and the final car jump alone is worth the ride — polished, pedal-to-the-metal fun.
Fight Club (1999) – IMDb 8.8 · Drama/Psychological Thriller
For Fans of: American Psycho, Requiem for a Dream, The Matrix
David Fincher’s cult classic punches through consumer malaise with nihilistic flair, as Edward Norton spirals into chaos with Brad Pitt’s anarchic alter ego.
Tim’s Take: Norton’s slow unravelling, Pitt’s swaggering chaos, and that final shot — this film doesn’t just punch, it lingers in the gut long after.
Borat (2006) – IMDb 7.3 · Comedy/Mockumentary
For Fans of: Bruno, Jackass, The Office (UK)
Sacha Baron Cohen’s Kazakh journalist travels across America in this mockumentary blending satire, cringe, and chaos. It won a Golden Globe and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Tim’s Take: Sure, there are better examples in this genre like Nathan For You and Cunk on…, but Cohen’s full-tilt commitment results in moments so outrageous they cross the line into absurdity.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) – IMDb 6.9 · Comedy/Drama
For Fans of: Clueless, Legally Blonde, Working Girl
Anne Hathaway’s aspiring journalist faces the icy wrath of editor Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep in one of her most iconic roles. It earned two Oscar nominations including Best Actress for Streep.
Tim’s Take: Watching Streep transform a fashion boss into one of cinema’s great antiheroes is worth it alone — add Blunt’s sarcasm and a closet full of iconic looks, and it’s unforgettable.
Super Troopers (2001) – IMDb 7.1 · Comedy/Crime
For Fans of: Anchorman, Reno 911!, Hot Fuzz
Five Vermont state troopers spend more time pranking each other than enforcing the law in this cult classic packed with absurd gags and quotable lines.
Tim’s Take: It’s juvenile, ridiculous, and proud of it — not a smart comedy, but the “meow” scene earns eternal rewatch status.
Clueless (1995) – IMDb 6.9 · Comedy/Romance
For Fans of: Legally Blonde, Mean Girls, Emma
Amy Heckerling’s Beverly Hills update of Jane Austen’s Emma gave us Cher Horowitz, a matchmaking teen with a heart of gold and a rotating closet.
Tim’s Take: Silverstone is magnetic as the hilariously out-of-touch Cher — a time capsule of ’90s teen culture that still feels fresh and smarter than it first appears.
The Big Short (2015) – IMDb 7.8 · Drama/Comedy
For Fans of: Moneyball, Succession, Margin Call
Adam McKay turns the 2008 financial crisis into a fast-paced, fourth-wall-breaking masterclass in economic absurdity. It won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Tim’s Take: A brainy, chaotic rollercoaster that turns subprime mortgages into edge-of-your-seat drama — even a financial illiterate like me could follow it.
Cinderella Man (2005) – IMDb 8.0 · Drama/Sports
For Fans of: Rocky, The Fighter, Seabiscuit
Russell Crowe plays real-life boxer James J. Braddock, who went from washed-up longshoreman to world champion during the Great Depression.
Tim’s Take: Much more than just another boxing movie — Crowe’s stoic performance and Giamatti’s electric support pack a punch far beyond the ring.
The Shape of Water (2017) – IMDb 7.3 · Fantasy/Romance
For Fans of: Pan’s Labyrinth, Amélie, Edward Scissorhands
Guillermo del Toro’s Cold War fantasy romance follows a mute cleaner who falls for a captive amphibian creature. It won four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director.
Tim’s Take: Romantic, eerie, and deeply human — Hawkins’ expressive performance and Del Toro’s lush direction make this a love story like no other.
West Side Story (2021) – IMDb 7.2 · Musical/Drama
For Fans of: Moulin Rouge!, La La Land, Romeo + Juliet
Spielberg’s remake of the classic musical is a visual and emotional triumph, with Rachel Zegler and Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose leading a dazzling cast.
Tim’s Take: Not my favourite musical, but Spielberg brings cinematic flair and urgency to a timeless tale — this isn’t just a remake, it’s a reinvention.
Road to Perdition (2002) – IMDb 7.7 · Crime/Drama
For Fans of: The Godfather, Miller’s Crossing, The Untouchables
Tom Hanks plays a mob enforcer on the run with his son in Sam Mendes’s sombre meditation on violence and legacy. It won the Oscar for Best Cinematography and earned Paul Newman a final nomination.
Tim’s Take: Quiet, haunting, and immaculately composed — one of Hanks’s most understated performances, with Newman and Law offering chilling counterpoints.
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) – IMDb 7.1 · Drama/Biography
For Fans of: American Splendor, The Squid and the Whale, Carol
Melissa McCarthy plays failed biographer Lee Israel, who turns to literary forgery in this quietly devastating character study. It earned Oscar nominations for both McCarthy and Richard E. Grant.
Tim’s Take: McCarthy proves she can shine beyond comedy — Grant’s witty, charming foil makes this both hilarious and touching in unexpected ways.
A Complete Unknown (2025) – IMDb N/A · Biography/Music
For Fans of: I’m Not There, Walk the Line, Inside Llewyn Davis
Timothée Chalamet channels Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s moody biopic tracing the singer’s rise from Greenwich Village poet to folk iconoclast.
Tim’s Take: I knew little about Dylan going in, but this gave me real respect for his work and artistic perseverance — a stylish, compelling intro to a cultural icon.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) – IMDb 7.9 · Biography/Music
For Fans of: Rocketman, Almost Famous, The Doors
This Queen biopic hits all the big notes – from formation to Live Aid – with swagger, sequins, and emotional depth. Rami Malek won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Tim’s Take: Aside from the widely popular music, Bohemian Rhapsody beautifully tracks the highs and lows of Freddie Mercury — Malek’s performance is mesmerizing and the emotional depth makes it a must-watch for fans of music biopics.
The Greatest Showman (2017) – IMDb 7.5 · Musical/Drama
For Fans of: Moulin Rouge!, La La Land, Newsies
Hugh Jackman belts his way through this glossy musical inspired by P.T. Barnum’s life, with Zendaya and Zac Efron adding acrobatic romance and anthemic energy.
Tim’s Take: A superb combination of story, songs, and star power — Jackman and Efron’s infectious energy create an exhilarating ride that lingers long after the credits roll.
Dangerous Minds (1995) – IMDb 6.5 · Drama/Education
For Fans of: Freedom Writers, Lean on Me, Stand and Deliver
Michelle Pfeiffer plays a former Marine turned teacher who uses Dylan lyrics and candy bars to reach her inner-city students in this earnest, formulaic classroom drama.
Tim’s Take: Despite its Hollywood tropes, Pfeiffer’s powerful performance elevates the film into an inspirational narrative about breaking down barriers and reaching young minds.
Deadpool (2016) – IMDb 8.0 · Action/Comedy
For Fans of: Kick-Ass, Logan, Zombieland
Ryan Reynolds is perfectly cast as the wisecracking mercenary with regenerative powers and zero filter in this violent, meta, and gleefully inappropriate superhero send-up.
Tim’s Take: An anti-superhero movie of sorts — Deadpool’s unfiltered humour and unique narrative style make it stand out, and the first film remains the best of the trilogy.
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