Hulu has a terrific selection of movies available to stream. Here are my favourites, award winners, critically acclaimed and cult favourites.
WYALAN Ranked, Rated and Recommended
WYALAN star rating explained:
- 5 stars – Highly enjoyed and would highly recommend as a must watch
- 4 stars – Enjoyed and would watch again in the future
- 3 stars – Glad I watched it once, but I’ll probably never watch it again
- 2 stars – Watched to the end, but I wouldn’t watch it again
- 1 star – DNF (did not finish)
Donnie Darko (Director’s Cut) – Sci-Fi/Drama
For fans of: Primer, The Butterfly Effect, Mulholland Drive
Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a troubled teen navigating time loops, hallucinations, and suburban dread in this cult classic. The director’s cut sparked critical reappraisal for its surreal ambition and emotional depth. WYALAN Rating – 5/5
The Sixth Sense (1999) – Thriller/Drama
For fans of: The Others, The Prestige, The Orphanage
M. Night Shyamalan’s breakout hit follows a boy who sees dead people and a psychologist unraveling a haunting mystery. Its storytelling precision and iconic twist earned six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. WYALAN Rating – 4.5/5
Plus One (2019) – Comedy/Romance
For fans of: Sleeping with Other People, Set It Up, Love Wedding Repeat
Two longtime friends agree to be each other’s wedding dates in this Tribeca-winning rom-com. Its sharp writing and strong chemistry elevate a familiar premise into something genuinely charming. WYALAN Rating – 4/5
See How They Run (2022) – Mystery/Comedy
For fans of: Knives Out, Gosford Park, Death on the Nile
Saoirse Ronan and Sam Rockwell lead this playful whodunit set behind the scenes of a West End play. It won Best Ensemble Cast at the National Film Awards UK. WYALAN Rating – 4/5
Dead Poets Society (1989) – Drama
For fans of: The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Good Will Hunting, Mona Lisa Smile
Robin Williams inspires a generation of students to seize the day in this emotionally charged classroom drama. The film’s literary soul was recognized with an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. WYALAN Rating – 4/5
Juno (2007) – Comedy/Drama
For fans of: Lady Bird, Booksmart, Little Miss Sunshine
Elliot Page anchors this whip-smart teen pregnancy comedy with warmth, wit, and emotional clarity. Diablo Cody’s screenplay earned the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. WYALAN Rating – 4/5
Ghostbusters (1984) – Comedy/Fantasy
For fans of: Beetlejuice, Men in Black, Gremlins
This supernatural comedy became a cultural icon, blending science fiction, slapstick, and quotable charm. It won a BAFTA for Best Original Song and remains one of the most beloved genre hybrids of the 1980s. WYALAN Rating – 4/5
Anora (2024) – Comedy/Drama
For fans of: Uncut Gems, Hustlers, Frances Ha
Sean Baker’s tale of a Brooklyn sex worker marrying into Russian oligarchy stunned Cannes juries. Its chaotic blend of satire and sincerity earned the Palme d’Or. WYALAN Rating – 4/5
Decision to Leave (2022) – Mystery/Romance
For fans of: Vertigo, Burning, In the Mood for Love
Park Chan-wook’s hypnotic thriller, where a detective falls for his suspect, earned him Best Director at Cannes. The film’s elegance lies in its slow-burn tension and aching restraint. WYALAN Rating – 3.5/5
Longlegs (2024) – Horror/Thriller
For fans of: Se7en, Sinister, The Poughkeepsie Tapes
Nicolas Cage stars in this disturbing serial killer tale that blends occult horror with procedural dread. It won Best Horror Feature at the Overlook Film Festival for its chilling atmosphere and genre innovation. WYALAN Rating – 3.5/5
The Monkey (2024) – Horror/Adaptation
For fans of: 1408, The Boogeyman, Creepshow
A cursed toy monkey wreaks havoc in this eerie Stephen King adaptation. Early buzz suggests it may join the ranks of cult King films thanks to its minimalist dread. WYALAN Rating – 3.5/5
Us (2019) – Horror/Thriller
For fans of: Get Out, The Babadook, It Follows
Jordan Peele’s follow-up to Get Out pits a family against their doppelgängers in a chilling allegory of identity and class. It was nominated for Critics’ Choice Awards and praised for its ambition and imagery. WYALAN Rating – 3/5
More best lists on Hulu:
Best Series On Hulu ~ Documentaries and Docuseries on Disney+ & Hulu
Award Winners
12th Fail (2023) – Drama/Biopic
For fans of: The Disciple, Spotlight, Dangal
This quietly stirring portrait of a student’s climb through India’s civil service system earned national acclaim. It was named Best Film on Social Issues at the 71st National Film Awards.
Ford v Ferrari (2019) – Sports/Drama
For fans of: Rush, Moneyball, The Social Network
Matt Damon and Christian Bale star in this high-octane chronicle of American grit and innovation. The film’s technical precision earned it Oscars for Editing and Sound.
Free Solo (2018) – Documentary/Adventure
For fans of: The Alpinist, Touching the Void, 14 Peaks
Alex Honnold’s rope-free ascent of El Capitan is captured with staggering intimacy and existential awe. The Academy named it Best Documentary Feature for its daring and craft.
Boyhood (2014) – Coming-of-Age/Drama
For fans of: Lady Bird, The Tree of Life, The Florida Project
Filmed over 12 years, Richard Linklater’s observational epic captures the fleeting texture of adolescence. It won Best Film at the BAFTAs and the Golden Globe for Best Drama.
Poor Things (2023) – Fantasy/Drama
For fans of: The Favourite, Frankenstein, Amélie
Emma Stone’s Bella Baxter, a woman resurrected with the mind of a child, embarks on a surreal journey of pleasure and power. Yorgos Lanthimos’s visually decadent fable won four Academy Awards, including Best Actress.
Another Round (2020) – Drama/Comedy
For fans of: Sideways, The Hunt, The Bear
A group of Danish teachers test a theory that life is best lived slightly drunk, in a film that dances between euphoria and collapse. Mads Mikkelsen leads this bittersweet exploration of joy and regret, which won the Oscar for Best International Feature.
Anatomie d’une chute (2023) – Thriller/Courtroom
For fans of: The Staircase, Saint Omer, Gone Girl
Justine Triet’s razor-sharp courtroom drama dissects guilt, gender bias, and domestic collapse. It won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Blue Is the Warmest Colour (2013) – Romance/Drama
For fans of: Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Call Me by Your Name, The Handmaiden
Cannes made history by awarding the Palme d’Or not just to director Abdellatif Kechiche, but also to stars Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux. The film traces a teenage girl’s first love with aching vulnerability.
The Nightingale (2019) – Historical/Thriller
For fans of: The Babadook, The Revenant, Women Talking
Jennifer Kent’s brutal colonial revenge tale follows an Irish convict woman through the Tasmanian wilderness. Its unflinching power was honored with the Special Jury Prize at Venice.
Triangle of Sadness (2022) – Satire/Drama
For fans of: The Menu, Parasite, Succession
A luxury cruise collapses into class warfare and bodily chaos in Ruben Östlund’s savage social satire. It claimed the Palme d’Or for its fearless skewering of wealth and beauty.
Force Majeure (2014) – Drama/Comedy
For fans of: The White Lotus, Marriage Story, The Square
When a father flees an avalanche, his family’s trust unravels in this icy marital drama. Cannes awarded it the Jury Prize in Un Certain Regard for its precision and discomfort.
Broker (2022) – Drama
For fans of: Shoplifters, Nobody Knows, After the Storm
Song Kang-ho won Best Actor at Cannes for his role in Hirokazu Kore-eda’s tender, morally complex story of baby brokers and found families. The film explores compassion in unlikely places with quiet grace.
The Square (2017) – Satire/Drama
For fans of: Tár, Force Majeure, The Art of Self-Defense
Ruben Östlund’s second Palme d’Or winner skewers the art world through the unraveling of a museum curator’s carefully curated life. It’s a masterclass in social discomfort and absurdity.
Thelma (2024) – Comedy/Drama
For fans of: Grandma, Nebraska, The Farewell
June Squibb’s turn as a grandmother on a mission to reclaim her stolen identity delighted Sundance audiences. The film took home the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award for its warmth and wit.
On the Count of Three (2022) – Drama/Black Comedy
For fans of: I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, Thunder Road, The End of the F**ing World*
Two friends make a suicide pact and spend one last day confronting old wounds and unfinished business. Jerrod Carmichael’s directorial debut won Sundance’s Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for its tonal daring.
The Eternal Feminine (2017) – Biopic/Drama
For fans of: Frida, Roma, The Head of Joaquin Murrieta
Rosario Castellanos, one of Mexico’s most influential feminist writers, comes to life in this lyrical, introspective portrait. The film was named Best Picture at the Ariel Awards for its poetic depth and cultural resonance.
Sisu (2023) – Action/War
For fans of: Mad Max: Fury Road, Inglourious Basterds, Overlord
A lone Finnish soldier slaughters Nazis with mythic brutality in this blood-soaked, stylized cult action hit. Its genre-defying bravado earned Best Film at the Sitges Film Festival.
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (2006) – Drama
For fans of: The Basketball Diaries, Requiem for a Dream, Half Nelson
This gritty coming-of-age story explores memory, violence, and redemption through the fractured lens of a writer revisiting his Queens adolescence. It won Sundance’s Special Jury Prize for its raw urgency.
When Evil Lurks (2023) – Horror
For fans of: Hereditary, The Sadness, The Dark and the Wicked
This Argentinian horror film unleashes a demonic infection across rural landscapes with relentless dread. It was awarded Best Horror Feature at Sitges for its brutal, apocalyptic descent into chaos.
The Duke (2020) – Comedy/Drama
For fans of: Philomena, The Last Bus, The Lady in the Van
Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren star in this charming true story about a pensioner who steals a Goya painting to protest TV license fees. The film won Best British Film at the National Film Awards UK.
The Babadook (2014) – Horror/Psychological
For fans of: Relic, The Others, The Night House
Grief takes monstrous form in Jennifer Kent’s debut, which won Best Film at the Australian Academy Awards. A mother and son are haunted by a sinister pop-up book that refuses to stay closed.
The Dry (2020) – Mystery/Drama
For fans of: Mystic River, Wind River, Mare of Easttown
Eric Bana returns to his drought-stricken hometown to investigate a murder that echoes his own past. The film earned Best Film from the Australian Film Critics Association for its taut storytelling and atmospheric tension.
Saint Omer (2022) – Drama/Courtroom
For fans of: Anatomie d’une chute, Saint Frances, Lingui: The Sacred Bonds
Alice Diop’s haunting courtroom drama follows the trial of a Senegalese woman accused of infanticide. It won Venice’s Grand Jury Prize for its quiet power and moral complexity.
The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015) – Coming-of-Age/Drama
For fans of: Thirteen, Fish Tank, My Summer of Love
Marielle Heller’s debut explores a teenage girl’s sexual awakening with raw honesty and visual flair. It won Best First Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Imperial Dreams (2014) – Drama
For fans of: Fruitvale Station, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Short Term 12
John Boyega stars as a reformed convict trying to protect his son and escape systemic poverty. The film won Sundance’s Audience Award for its emotional clarity and social urgency.
March of the Penguins 2 (2017) – Documentary/Nature
For fans of: My Octopus Teacher, The Elephant Queen, Earth
This sequel to the Oscar-winning original earned Best Documentary at the César Awards in France. It continues the intimate, icy journey of emperor penguins with stunning cinematography and quiet reverence.
The Villainess (2017) – Action/Thriller
For fans of: Atomic Blonde, Nikita, Kill Bill
Praised for its jaw-dropping choreography and kinetic style, this Korean thriller won the Daniel E. Craft Award at the New York Asian Film Festival. It’s a revenge saga told through balletic violence and fractured memory.
Sleep (2023) – Horror/Drama
For fans of: The Wailing, Rosemary’s Baby, The Babadook
This Korean psychological horror explores a couple’s descent into paranoia as sleep disorders blur the line between reality and nightmare. Fantasia Film Festival named it Best Film for its eerie tone and emotional depth.
Swallow (2019) – Psychological/Drama
For fans of: The Assistant, Saint Maud, Tár
Haley Bennett’s performance as a housewife with a compulsive swallowing disorder earned Best Actress at Tribeca. The film is a haunting exploration of control, trauma, and bodily autonomy.
Linoleum (2022) – Sci-Fi/Drama
For fans of: Safety Not Guaranteed, Kidding, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Jim Gaffigan stars as a failed TV scientist who begins building a rocket in his garage, questioning reality and identity. It won Best Narrative Feature at the Fargo Film Festival for its quiet ambition and emotional depth.
Montana Story (2021) – Drama
For fans of: The Rider, Leave No Trace, Nomadland
Two estranged siblings return to their childhood ranch to confront buried grief and familial wounds. The film won Best Feature at the Gotham Awards for its restrained storytelling and evocative landscape.
The Amazing Johnathan Documentary (2019) – Documentary/Meta
For fans of: F for Fake, Exit Through the Gift Shop, Tickled
This self-aware portrait of a dying magician spirals into chaos as the filmmaker questions truth, performance, and authorship. Its inventive structure and editing earned Best Editing at Sundance.
The Short History of the Long Road (2019) – Drama
For fans of: Captain Fantastic, Nomadland, Leave No Trace
Sabrina Carpenter plays a teenage nomad navigating grief and independence across the American Southwest. The film won Best Feature at the Bentonville Film Festival for its heartfelt storytelling and quiet strength.
Critically Acclaimed
Aliens (1986) – Sci-Fi/Action
For fans of: Predator, Edge of Tomorrow, Starship Troopers
Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley returns with maternal rage and military-grade firepower in James Cameron’s genre-defining sequel. Its groundbreaking effects and sound design earned two Academy Awards.
Edward Scissorhands (1990) – Fantasy/Romance
For fans of: Big Fish, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water
Tim Burton’s gothic fairy tale about an artificial man with blades for hands blends melancholy with visual whimsy. Its production design won the BAFTA and remains one of Burton’s most iconic creations.
Robot Dreams (2023) – Animation/Drama
For fans of: The Red Turtle, Wall-E, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
A lonely dog and his robot companion share a summer of friendship in this wordless, emotionally resonant animated feature. It was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.
And Then We Danced (2019) – Romance/Drama
For fans of: Call Me by Your Name, Moonlight, Weekend
Set in Georgia’s conservative dance world, this tender LGBTQ+ love story explores desire, tradition, and defiance. It was nominated for the Queer Palm at Cannes and praised for its sensitivity and courage.
The Royal Hotel (2023) – Thriller/Drama
For fans of: The Assistant, Nitram, The Nightingale
Two backpackers take jobs at a remote bar in the Australian outback, where tension and menace steadily escalate. Kitty Green’s taut thriller was praised for its direction and psychological unease following its Venice and Telluride premieres.
Rust Creek (2018) – Thriller
For fans of: Leave No Trace, Run, The Descent
A college student stranded in rural Kentucky must outwit her pursuers in this tense, survivalist indie. It earned strong reviews for its pacing and lead performance by Hermione Corfield.
True Things (2021) – Drama
For fans of: The Lost Daughter, Passages, Aftersun
Ruth Wilson stars as a woman drawn into a toxic relationship in this intimate, psychologically rich character study. The film premiered at Venice and was praised for its emotional honesty and Wilson’s magnetic performance.
Wander Darkly (2020) – Drama/Romance
For fans of: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, A Ghost Story
After a traumatic accident, a couple relives their relationship through fragmented memory and surreal detours. Selected for Sundance, it was praised for its emotional storytelling and visual ambition.
The Wretched (2019) – Horror
For fans of: The Autopsy of Jane Doe, The Witch, The Blackcoat’s Daughter
A rebellious teen suspects his neighbor is possessed in this indie horror hit. It became a surprise box office success and was praised for its practical effects and genre craft.
Something in the Dirt (2022) – Sci-Fi/Horror
For fans of: Coherence, Resolution, The Vast of Night
Two neighbors document supernatural phenomena in their apartment complex in this experimental, lo-fi genre piece. Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead’s film earned acclaim for its originality and DIY spirit.
The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot (2018) – Drama/Fantasy
For fans of: Big Fish, Cold in July, The Fall
Sam Elliott stars as a weary veteran with a mythic past in this melancholic, genre-blending tale. It earned cult acclaim for its tone, performance, and unexpected emotional depth.
Mothering Sunday (2021) – Drama/Romance
For fans of: Atonement, The Remains of the Day, The Souvenir
A housemaid’s secret affair with a wealthy heir unfolds across decades in this sensual, literary period drama. Odessa Young and Josh O’Connor lead a cast praised for emotional subtlety and restraint.
Self Reliance (2023) – Thriller/Comedy
For fans of: Game Night, The Hunt, Sorry to Bother You
Jake Johnson stars in this genre-bending survival thriller about a man who enters a deadly game — but only when alone. Its originality and tonal balance earned strong reviews out of SXSW.
True History of the Kelly Gang (2019) – Historical/Drama
For fans of: The Proposition, Macbeth (2015), The Power of the Dog
George MacKay leads this punk-infused retelling of Australia’s infamous outlaw, blending myth, violence, and rebellion. It premiered at Toronto and earned acclaim for its bold style and performances.
Not Okay (2022) – Satire/Drama
For fans of: Ingrid Goes West, The Social Network, Bodies Bodies Bodies
A wannabe influencer fakes surviving a terrorist attack in this biting critique of social media and performative activism. Strong reviews highlighted its tonal boldness and Zoey Deutch’s lead performance.
Monica (2022) – Drama
For fans of: A Fantastic Woman, The Lost Daughter, Aftersun
Trace Lysette stars as a trans woman reuniting with her estranged mother in this intimate, quietly devastating drama. Premiering at Venice, it was praised for its sensitivity and emotional precision.
Leave No Trace: A Hidden History of the Boy Scouts (2022) – Documentary
For fans of: The Invisible War, Athlete A, Spotlight
This investigative documentary uncovers decades of abuse and institutional cover-up within the Boy Scouts of America. Critics praised its clarity, compassion, and journalistic rigor.
Whip It (2009) – Sports/Drama
For fans of: Bend It Like Beckham, Booksmart, Stick It
Elliot Page stars as a small-town teen who joins a roller derby team in Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut. The film received positive reviews for its empowering tone and ensemble energy.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) – Comedy/Drama
For fans of: Clueless, Working Girl, To Die For
Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep face off in the high-stakes world of fashion publishing. Streep’s icy performance earned an Oscar nomination and helped cement the film’s pop culture legacy.
Barbarian (2022) – Horror
For fans of: Malignant, The Rental, The Cabin in the Woods
A woman discovers a terrifying secret in a rental home basement in this twist-filled, genre-shifting horror. Critics praised its unpredictability and social subtext, making it one of the year’s breakout hits.
Julie & Julia (2009) – Comedy/Drama
For fans of: Chef, The Hundred-Foot Journey, Big Night
Meryl Streep transforms into Julia Child in this dual narrative about cooking, creativity, and reinvention. Her performance earned an Oscar nomination and remains one of her most beloved roles.
Palm Springs (2020) – Comedy/Romance
For fans of: Groundhog Day, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things, About Time
Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti relive the same wedding day in this inventive, emotionally layered time-loop rom-com. It broke Sundance records with its acquisition deal and earned widespread critical acclaim.
Borat (2006) – Comedy/Mockumentary
For fans of: Brüno, Jackass, The Dictator
Sacha Baron Cohen’s outrageous satire follows a Kazakh journalist’s journey across America, blending shock humor with biting social critique. The film was Oscar-nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay and became a cultural phenomenon.
Ghostlight (2024) – Drama
For fans of: Mass, The Humans, A Thousand and One
A grieving father joins a community theater production in this quietly powerful story of healing and performance. It premiered at Sundance to strong reviews for its emotional depth and ensemble cast.
Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010) – Horror/Comedy
For fans of: Shaun of the Dead, Cabin in the Woods, Evil Dead II
Two well-meaning hillbillies are mistaken for killers in this subversive, blood-soaked comedy of errors. A festival favorite, it became a cult hit for its genre-flipping humor and heart.
Bob Trevino Likes It (2024) – Comedy/Drama
For fans of: CODA, The Farewell, Short Term 12
A woman reconnects with a stranger who shares her estranged father’s name in this heartfelt exploration of chosen family. It won the Audience Award at Sundance 2024 for its emotional resonance and charm.
The Namesake (2006) – Drama
For fans of: Minari, The Joy Luck Club, The Farewell
Mira Nair’s adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel traces a Bengali-American family’s journey across generations and continents. The film earned widespread critical acclaim for its emotional nuance and cultural insight.
Cult Favourites
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – Musical/Horror
For fans of: Repo! The Genetic Opera, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Little Shop of Horrors
The ultimate cult classic, this gender-bending rock musical invites audiences to sing, shout, and dance along at midnight screenings. Its legacy lives on through decades of fan rituals, costumes, and call-backs.
Welcome to Me (2014) – Comedy/Drama
For fans of: Lady Dynamite, Kajillionaire, I Heart Huckabees
Kristen Wiig plays a woman with borderline personality disorder who wins the lottery and launches her own talk show. Her performance was widely praised for its vulnerability and comic precision, earning the film a cult following.
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997) – Comedy
For fans of: Clueless, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Legally Blonde
Two best friends reinvent themselves for their high school reunion, armed with homemade outfits and questionable career claims. Over time, this candy-colored ode to friendship became a 90s cult staple, endlessly quoted and adored.
The Clovehitch Killer (2018) – Thriller
For fans of: The Boy Behind the Door, The Gift, Martha Marcy May Marlene
A teenage boy suspects his father may be a serial killer, unraveling a quiet horror beneath suburban normalcy. The film’s eerie realism and restrained tension earned it underground acclaim among slow-burn thriller fans.
28 Weeks Later (2007) – Horror/Thriller
For fans of: World War Z, Dawn of the Dead (2004), Children of Men
Military containment collapses as rage-infected survivors flood London in this bleak, kinetic sequel. Though divisive on release, it’s now embraced for its visceral intensity and nihilistic tone.
Signs (2002) – Sci-Fi/Thriller
For fans of: The X-Files, The Mist, War of the Worlds
Crop circles, family grief, and alien suspense collide in M. Night Shyamalan’s atmospheric thriller. While the ending remains polarizing, the film’s mood and imagery have earned lasting cult affection.
The Rental (2020) – Horror
For fans of: Barbarian, The Strangers, You’re Next
A weekend getaway turns sinister as hidden cameras and buried secrets unravel trust between friends. Dave Franco’s directorial debut gained cult traction for its voyeuristic dread and ambiguous villainy.
The Little Drummer Boy (1968) – Animation/Holiday
For fans of: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, The Year Without a Santa Claus
This Rankin/Bass stop-motion classic tells the story of a poor boy who finds peace through music. Its nostalgic charm and distinctive animation style have made it a holiday cult favorite for generations.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) – Anime/Action
For fans of: Naruto, One Piece, My Hero Academia
Broly returns with explosive power and unexpected emotional depth in this fan-favorite franchise entry. The film’s stunning animation and box office success reignited global DBZ fandom.
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) – Anime/Action
For fans of: Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist, Attack on Titan
Beerus the God of Destruction makes his debut in this theatrical revival of the DBZ universe. Fans embraced its humor, lore expansion, and the return of beloved characters.
My Hero Academia: The Movie (2018) – Anime/Action
For fans of: One Punch Man, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen
Izuku Midoriya and his classmates face a new villain in this high-stakes, emotionally charged anime blockbuster. Its heartfelt storytelling and dynamic battles helped cement the series’ cult status worldwide.
Steven Universe: The Movie (2019) – Animation/Musical
For fans of: Adventure Time, She-Ra, Over the Garden Wall
Steven confronts a mysterious new gem in this musical continuation of the beloved series. With themes of healing, identity, and transformation, the film deepened its already passionate fanbase.
The Witch Part 1: The Subversion (2018) – Action/Horror
For fans of: Oldboy, The Villainess, I Saw the Devil
A quiet girl with a hidden past unleashes chaos in this stylish Korean thriller. Its blend of mystery and ultraviolence turned it into a sleeper hit with cult momentum.
The Witch Part 2: The Other One (2022) – Action/Horror
For fans of: Train to Busan, The Divine Fury, Kingdom
Expanding the universe with new characters and heightened stakes, this sequel kept fans theorizing and anticipating. Though polarizing, it maintained the franchise’s cult energy.
Little Monsters (2019) – Horror/Comedy
For fans of: Zombieland, Shaun of the Dead, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse
Lupita Nyong’o leads a kindergarten class through a zombie outbreak with ukulele in hand and nerves of steel. The film’s irreverent tone and genre mashup earned it a devoted following.
Smoking Causes Coughing (2022) – Horror/Comedy
For fans of: Rubber, Quentin Dupieux’s films, The Greasy Strangler
A team of absurdist superheroes take a retreat in this surreal French horror-comedy. Its bizarre tone and genre-defying structure made it an underground sensation.
We Are Freestyle Love Supreme (2020) – Documentary/Music
For fans of: In the Heights, Hamilton, Summer of Soul
This documentary chronicles the rise of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop improv troupe, blending spontaneity with creative intimacy. Niche audiences embraced its behind-the-scenes energy and artistic camaraderie.
The World According to Allee Willis (2023) – Documentary/Music
For fans of: 20 Feet from Stardom, The Sparks Brothers, Showbiz Kids
A portrait of the eccentric songwriter behind “September” and the Friends theme, this doc celebrates outsider artistry. Its offbeat tone and archival flair struck a chord with cult music fans.
The Stones and Brian Jones (2023) – Documentary/Music
For fans of: Amy, The Velvet Underground, The Beatles: Get Back
Exploring the tragic brilliance of the Rolling Stones’ founding member, this rock doc blends myth and melancholy. Niche music history lovers embraced its archival depth and emotional tone.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2024) – Drama/Political
For fans of: Holy Spider, Persepolis, The Salesman
Premiering at Cannes, this Iranian drama explores repression, resistance, and family tension under authoritarian rule. Its bold storytelling and political urgency sparked early cult interest.
Exhibiting Forgiveness (2024) – Drama
For fans of: Waves, A Thousand and One, Moonlight
A painter confronts his past and his estranged father in this emotionally rich Sundance standout. With its visual style and thematic depth, the film is already building cult status.
Miguel Wants to Fight (2023) – Comedy/Teen
For fans of: Booksmart, Dope, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
A nonviolent teen decides he wants to experience his first fight before high school ends. Its quirky tone and underground traction have made it a sleeper favorite.
The Empty Man (2020) – Horror
For fans of: The Ring, The Blair Witch Project, Hereditary
Dismissed on release, this slow-burn supernatural thriller has since gained cult acclaim for its atmosphere and ambition. Patient viewers now champion it as one of the most underrated horror films of the decade.
Sweet Virginia (2017) – Thriller/Neo-noir
For fans of: Blue Ruin, Wind River, Out of the Furnace
Jon Bernthal plays a motel owner drawn into a violent plot in this moody, character-driven thriller. Noir enthusiasts praised its quiet intensity and brooding performances.