The best movies on Netflix Australia: great films you can watch right now
UPDATE: Dolemite Is My Name, starring Eddie Murphy is one of the best movies of the year, which is why we've added it to the number one spot in our list of top trending movies on Netflix Australia – you can find out more about it below!
If you're new to Netflix and want to find the best movies to watch, or you're tired of browsing the app for 30 minutes before finding something to watch, you've come to the right place. With thousands of movies at your disposal, it's easy to get stuck in binge-watching mode, but finding the honest-to-goodness best films can be a bit of a hassle.
Top trending movies on Netflix Australia 2019
In an effort to determine the best of the best, we've put together a list of the greatest possible films you can watch – curated by TechRadar editors and backed up with ratings from IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes – so that you don't have to sift through the muck. We'll keep this best-of list up to date with the latest movies that are must-watch, so you waste zero screen time searching.
Below, you'll also find a hand-selected list of the top trending newly added movies on Netflix Australia at the moment. Here's what we think you should be watching this month. Alternatively, you could also skip directly to your chosen genre via the drop down menu above!
1. Dolemite Is My Name
For years, aspiring entertainer Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) struggled to break into show business, mostly due to the fact that he wasn't particularly good at anything. Taking inspiration from a local homeless person's hilariously filthy rhymes, Rudy takes on the persona of a foul-mouthed pimp named Dolemite, immediately becoming an underground sensation across black America. Of course, it's not enough to break into the Billboard charts with his raunchy comedy albums – Rudy's got bigger dreams, such as starring in his very own Dolemite movie! Now, Rudy and his crew gang – portrayed in the film by the likes of Keegan-Michael Key, Wesley Snipes, Omar Epps, Craig Robinson and more – set out to make a film for the people, one which has pimps, drug pushers, blood, boobs and an all-girl karate army! Based on a true story, Dolemite is My Name is a true underdog story about making your own dreams into a reality, even if you don't have any real talent to speak of! If you love movies like Ed Wood, you'll love Dolemite Is My Name.
IMDB Rating: 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Watch Dolemite Is My Name on Netflix right now
2. El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
Some people will say that Breaking Bad, which had about as perfect an ending as a groundbreaking TV show can have, didn't need a follow-up. Sure, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie isn't strictly necessary, but we'll gladly spend more time with these characters. In this Netflix Original event from series creator Vince Gilligan, we catch up again with Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), who's now on the run following the events of the violent series finale. Yes, you will see a number of familiar faces in El Camino, which essentially plays out like an especially cinematic double episode. In our opinion, El Camino is a fantastic bookend to one of the greatest series of all time, and fans should be more than grateful for the opportunity to revisit this world.
IMDB Rating: 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Watch El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie on Netflix right now
3. Between Two Ferns: The Movie
Following an interview incident that leaves guest Matthew McConaughey dead, Between Two Ferns host Zach Galifianakis is sent on a quest by his boss Will Ferrell to film a whole season's worth of interviews in a single week in order to redeem himself. To do this, Zach and his crew head out on an epic road trip to interview the likes of Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Benedict Cumberbatch and more. Featuring hilariously offbeat humour and deliciously awkward interviews, Between Two Ferns is underscored by a surprisingly sweet story about friendship and loyalty. It also saves its funniest moments for the closing credits, where a number of outtakes give us a peek behind the process of filming these interview segments. Spolier alert: Zach and his guests find it very difficult to keep a straight face.
IMDB Rating: 6.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
Watch Between Two Ferns: The Movie on Netflix right now
4. Aquaman
Following on from the success of DC's last standalone film, Wonder Woman, comes the larger than life adventures of Aquaman, starring the one and only Jason Momoa in the titular role. Once considered a ridiculous character by many, Aquaman finally gets to show what he's made of in this epic blockbuster from Australian director James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring). A war is set to kick off between land and ocean, testing the allegiances of Arthur Curry (Momoa), rightful heir to the throne of Atlantis. With some goading from the warrior princess Mera (Amber Heard), a reluctant Arthur must fight to reclaim the throne from his villainous half-brother, Orn (Patrick Wilson), if he has any hope of preventing this war. One of the most visually spectacular superhero films ever made, Aquaman rivals Star Wars in terms of its scope, with the underwater city of Atlantis being a particular standout. Thankfully, the film is carried by the charm of its characters rather than its VFX, making it DC Cinematic Universe's most fun and enjoyable movie to date.
IMDB Rating: 7.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 65%
Watch Aquaman on Netflix right now
5. Always Be My Maybe
With the success of Crazy Rich Asians finally proving that there's indeed an audience hungry for mainstream films made from an Asian perspective, Netflix's film Always Be My Maybe has arrived at the perfect time to reinforce that truth. The film's story is universal: after growing apart years ago, two childhood friends end up back in each other's lives only to fall in love all over again. It helps that those two friends are played by none other than the hilarious comedian Ali Wong (from Netflix's standup special, Ali Wong: Baby Cobra) and the extremely charming Randall Park (Ant-Man and the Wasp, The Interview). With an amazing guest appearance from man-of-the-moment Keanu Reeves, Always Be My Maybe is one of the most enjoyable romantic comedies that Netflix has delivered to date.
IMDB Rating: 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Watch Always Be My Maybe on Netflix right now
6. I Am Mother
A smart, slow-burn science fiction film that favours suspense over explosions, I Am Mother is more akin to the likes of Ex Machina and Moon than it is The Terminator or I, Robot. The mother in question is in fact a robot (voiced by Rose Byrne) who has been raising and preparing a young girl (Clara Rugaard) within a scientific facility since birth, with no contact with the outside world, for reasons unknown. Though the girl, referred to only as 'daughter', loves her 'mother', the arrival of an outsider (Hilary Swank) turns her world upside down with a startling revelation, forcing the girl to question her allegiance to the machine that raised her and its motives. Featuring a story that will keep you guessing, and an incredibly-convincing practical robot suit devised by Weta and performed by Luke Hawker, I Am Mother is a must-watch for sci-fi fans.
IMDB Rating: 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Watch I Am Mother on Netflix right now
7. The Perfection
A deliriously twisty and sinister horror film, The Perfection follows the demented relationship between musical prodigy Charlotte (Allison Williams) and rising star Lizzie (Logan Browning), who threatens to upstage Charlotte at her former school. Without giving too much away, The Perfection is absolutely unpredictable – not even the trailer above can truly give you an idea of what the film has in store for unsuspecting viewers. Just know that The Perfection isn't afraid to get gross or venture into shocking and uncomfortable territory.
IMDB Rating: 6.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Watch The Perfection on Netflix right now
8. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
Netflix's highly-anticipated new film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is finally here, and while it doesn't quite live up to the hype it generated from its showing at Sundance, it does feature an absolutely magnetic performance from Zac Efron, who plays the depraved serial killer Ted Bundy. Told from the perspective of Bundy's former girlfriend Liz (Lily Collins), Extremely Wicked attempts to explain how any rational human could have fallen for the horrific murderer's innocence claims. Leaning heavily into Bundy's reported eloquence and charm, the film occasionally makes the killer of over 30 young women seem like an underdog, which may rub some the wrong way. Of course, that approach does serve the film's ultimate goal, which is to provide the viewer with an understanding of how someone as evil as Bundy could emotionally infiltrate a person's life to such a degree.
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 58%
Watch Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile on Netflix right now
9. Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé
Netflix nabbed a huge exclusive when it locked down the rights to Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé – an in depth documentary showcasing the megastar's awe-inspiring performances at Coachella 2018, intercut with extensive behind-the-scenes and rehearsal footage. More than an incredibly entertaining concert film, Homecoming also acts as a rallying cry for women of colour the world over. A powerful and politically-charged statement that just happens to be filled with absolute bangers, Homecoming is surely to please Beyoncé fans.
IMDB Rating: 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Watch Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé on Netflix right now
10. Triple Frontier
After years of service to their country with little to show for it, a group of soldiers (Oscar Isaac, Ben Affleck, Charlie Hunnam, Pedro Pascal and Garrett Hedlund) sets out to rob one of the wealthiest and most dangerous cartels in South America. Of course, things exactly don't go to plan, and now the team is on the run with upwards of $250 million in drug money. Can they escape with the money and their lives? Directed by J. C. Chandor (A Most Violent Year), Triple Frontier is an edge-of-your-seat thriller with terrific performances and fantastic cinematography (believe us, the film looks spectacular in 4K HDR).
IMDB Rating: 6.6, Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
Watch Triple Frontier on Netflix right now
- Got a Stan account too? These are the best movies on Stan: a list of the top films streaming in Australia now
- Want some more prime entertainment? These are the best movies on Amazon Prime Video: top films to watch in Australia right now
As tech enthusiasts, it's perhaps unsurprising that we're obsessed with science fiction here at TechRadar. From glorious space operas to mind-bending films that make you think, there's something for everyone on our list of the best sci-fi movies on Netflix Australia.
Children of Men
Image credit: Universal
Long before Brexit, celebrated director Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity, Roma) offered a dystopian vision of a near-future Britain turned anti-immigration police state. The world has plunged into chaos as it awaits imminent extinction following an unexplained epidemic that's made everyone infertile. Though it's been decades since the last human was born, a pregnant refugee named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) suddenly appears, leading a desperate rush to deliver the expectant mother to the safety of The Human Project – a group of scientists working to cure the world's sterility. Reluctant ex-activist turned government flunky Theo (Clive Owen) is initially called upon to get much-needed transit papers, but it quickly becomes apparent that he's the only hope Kee and her baby have of making it to their destination alive. A filmmaking triumph, Children of Men is at once incredibly poignant and unbelievably intense. Keep an eye out for the heart-pounding single-take scene which sees Theo and Kee venture into a war zone in order to make it to the coast.
Watch Children of Men on Netflix
IMDB Rating: 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Annihilation
Credit: Netflix
If you've seen writer-director Alex Garland's previous sci-fi masterpiece, Ex Machina, you'll know to expect a wild ride with his follow-up, Annihilation. Based on the highly regarded novel of the same name by Jeff VanderMeer, Annihilation follows a group of women who set off on an expedition into an environmental disaster zone where the laws of nature don't apply. Natalie Portman leads the pack as a biologist searching for her missing husband, and she's joined by Tessa Thompson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez and more. Though the film has only just been released in theatres in the US, Australia is lucky enough to be one of the countries getting the film on Netflix right away. Equally brainy and terrifying, Annihilation has all the makings of a modern science fiction classic.
IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Minority Report
Credit: 20th Century Fox
What if you could prevent murders before they've occurred? More importantly, what would you do if you were due to be sentenced over a murder you haven't committed yet? That is the premise of Steven Spielberg's spectacular sci-fi film, Minority Report. Loosely based on the Philip K. Dick story of the same name, the film sees Tom Cruise play the head of a futuristic 'Precrime' Division tasked with stopping murderers from carrying out their violent actions. They can do this thanks to the psychic abilities of three siblings known as 'Precogs'. But what happens when this trio of soothsayers predicts a murder carried about by Cruise himself? Spoiler alert, he runs! A visually stunning film that's filled with ingenious and forward-thinking technological ideas that will likely become a reality in years to come, Minority Report is intense and action-packed.
IMDB Rating: 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Interstellar
Credit: Warner Bros.
One of Christopher Nolan's most ambitious films, Interstellar imagines a future where Earth is on its way out, and humanity must venture out beyond our galaxy to find a suitable new planet to call home. Among these astronauts are Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), who must leave his children behind, despite the journey possibly lasting several decades, and Brand (Anne Hathaway), who is on a mission to track down her partner in the far reaches of space. Simultaneously thought-provoking and mind-bending, Interstellar is a true science fiction spectacle – one that rewards multiple viewings.
IMDB Rating: 8.6, Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
We all love a good scare (so long as we're safe and sound at the end of it), so with that in mind, we've taken the liberty of shining a spotlight on some of the best horror movies currently streaming on Netflix Australia. These freaky flicks are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine!
Hereditary
An instant classic of the horror genre, Hereditary tells the terrifying story of a family haunted by the dark secrets of its own ancestry. Toni Collette gives a career best performance as Annie, a mother who's driven to uncover her family's cryptic past after an immensely tragic occurrence leaves them devastated. The way that Hereditary unfolds is truly unpredictable, with a number of shocking moments which are guaranteed to leave viewers speechless. While it can be a tough watch at times, Hereditary is a rewarding and immaculately-crafted horror experience that's well worth taking.
IMDB Rating: 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Watch Hereditary on Netflix right now
Get Out
Image credit: Universal
Before you check out Jordan Peele's latest film Us, it might be worth watching (or rewatching) the writer-director's debut feature, Get Out, which is an absolutely brilliant horror film dealing with race relations in America. Upon meeting his girlfriend's white parents for the first time, African American man Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) begins to feel a growing sense of unease – particularly in the presence of the family's all-black staff. Before too long, the seemingly-progressive family's all-too-accommodating demeanour starts to unravel, eventually revealing a horrible truth that will show Chris just how much danger he's actually in. Insightful and suspenseful in equal measure, Get Out is one of the most socially-relevant horror movies ever made. It's no wonder Peele won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay on his time out of the gate.
IMDB Rating: 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Watch Get Out on Netflix right now
Dawn of the Dead
Image credit: Universal
George A. Romero's 1978 original may be king, but Zack Snyder's fast-paced Dawn of the Dead remake is still a terrific zombie film in its own right! Thanks to an excellent script by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy), Snyder's directorial debut is still one of the best in his entire filmography, with fleshed out (and fleshy) characters to root for as all hell breaks loose. Holed up in a suburban shopping mall, a group of people from various walks of life come together to fight for survival during an all-out zombie uprising. Scary and action-packed, the 2004 version of Dawn of the Dead is one of the best horror remakes around. And, with the recent announcement that Snyder will return to the zombie sub-genre once more (for the Netflix's Army of the Dead), now's the perfect time to revisit this positively ghoulish flick.
IMDB Rating: 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
Velvet Buzzsaw
Credit: Netflix
Writer-Director Dan Gilroy (Nightcrawler) delivered a film that's a whole lot crazier than we were expecting with Velvet Buzzsaw. The supernatural/satirical horror film is set in the art world, where a series of paintings by an unknown deceased artist begin to take revenge on those who worship money. The film stars Nightcrawler alums Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo, along with John Malkovich, Daveed Diggs, Natalia Dyer, Tom Sturridge, Billy Magnussen and Zawe Ashton. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but if you like your films left of centre, you just might appreciate Velvet Buzzsaw.
IMDB Rating: 5.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
Apostle
Credit: Netflix
In the grim tradition of The Wicker Man and The Witch comes Apostle, a gory new folk horror tale from Gareth Evans, director of The Raid films. Set in 1905, Apostle sees Thomas Richardson (Dan Stevens) infiltrate an island-based cult which is holding his sister Jennifer (Elen Rhys) for ransom. Led by Prophet Malcolm (Michael Sheen), the cult is entering a particularly dark time — its crops and livestock are rotting from within, as if the people are being punished by their deity. With the community in dire straits, Malcolm and his followers have become murderous monsters, resorting to horrific, medieval practices in a vain attempt to restore life to their home. In other words, a terrible time to be discovered as an intruder! With Apostle, Evans has not lost his knack for bodily destruction, with several scenes of torture and violence that may be too much for some viewers. Those with strong stomachs, however, will be rewarded with a nail-biting horror story with incredibly production design and cinematography that's willing to go to some truly dark places. It's nerve-jangling score is also worth keeping an ear out for.
IMDB Rating: 6.6, Rotten Tomatoes: 77%
It
Credit: Warner Bros.
Get ready, fright fans — the highest-grossing horror movie of all time has made its way onto Netflix and is bound to make you terrified of clowns all over again. Based on Stephen King's classic novel of the same name, It follows a group of tightly-knit adolescent misfits known as The Losers Club as they investigate an evil force that's been stealing and murdering children in their small town for decades. With its late '80s setting and talented cast of young performers, It is bound to appeal to fans of Netflix's brilliant series Stranger Things (and not just because Finn Wolfhard stars in both). As far as Stephen King adaptations go, it's one of the very best, managing to strike the right balance between horror and heart. Simply put, It is the kind of crowd-pleasing scare film we'd like to see more of. We recommend watching It before the upcoming sequel, which takes place 27 years later and sees the kids all grown up and terrorised by Pennywise the Dancing Clown all over again.
IMDB Rating: 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Jaws
Credit: Universal
The film that defined the term 'blockbuster', Steven Spielberg's classic fright film Jaws has swam its way onto the the service and is hungry for more viewers to chomp on. When an aggressive great white shark starts eating swimmers in the lead up to Fourth of July weekend, the mayor of a popular tourist destination sets a bounty for the shark's head. The town's sheriff (Roy Scheider), an oceanographer (Richard Dreyfuss) and a shark hunter with a grudge (Robert Shaw) set out on the seas to take it down for good. They're gonna need a bigger boat...
IMDB Rating: 8.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
It Follows
Credit: Rialto Distribution
Considered a modern horror classic by many, It Follows sees a young girl (Maika Monroe) terrorised by a sexually-transmitted demon. This terrifying apparition looks different every time and will chase you relentlessly until you either pass it on by sleeping with someone else, or until it catches up to you and finishes you off for good. To make matters worse, if the person you pass it on to dies, it will turn its attention back to you again. Did we mention that it can only be seen by the people that have been 'infected', so your friends won't be able to help as much as they'd like to? Yeah, it kinda sucks. Stylish, atmospheric and with a terrific John Carpenter-inspired synth score, It Follows in an effective horror movie which may suffer a little from a few odd decisions by its characters, but is still well worth watching.
IMDB Rating: 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
The Babysitter
Credit: Netflix
One for the horror comedy fans, the Netflix Original film The Babysitter, from director McG (Charlie's Angels), is an energetic and fun flick with some killer one-liners and a star-making performance from Aussie actress Samara Weaving (yes, she's related to Hugo), whom horror fans may remember from her role in the first season of Ash vs Evil Dead. The plot is simple: kid develops a crush on his incredibly cool babysitter, only to find out that she's sadistic, devil-worshipping killer with a group of equally psychotic friends, all of whom are planning to kill him. Though he's a total wimp, he must now fight back in order to survive. Gory and funny in equal measure, The Babysitter is a hell of a time.
IMDB Rating: 6.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
Documentaries offer unprecedented insight into the lives of real people and the extraordinary events that surround them. Fiction is great, but fact truly has the power to move and inspire people like nothing else. With that said, here are some of the best documentaries currently available to stream on Netflix Australia.
Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
It was promised to be the most high-end, luxurious island-set music festival experience known to man, with supermodels, yachts, five-star accommodation and dining all set to provide an experience unlike any other. Unfortunately, festivalgoers were in for a rude shock when they arrived at their supposed paradise, instead finding a setting that looked more like an internment camp than Club Med. Netflix's original documentary Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened tells the story of how this event unraveled, going from party of the century to Hell on Earth.
IMDB Rating: 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Watch Fyre on Netflix right now
Get Me Roger Stone
Credit: Netflix
The Trump presidency has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons, and has been a source of entertainment for late-night shows and comedians across the US. There are books aplenty already published on the Trump White House, yet the world is yet to meet the President-maker, “the trickster”, behind the scenes. Get Me Roger Stone is about the man who puts a Republican in the White House, using every (underhanded) technique he possibly can to get his man the top job. And he does so unashamedly. The documentary follows this self-acclaimed “agent provocateur” – reminiscent of a dapper character right out of a James Bond novel or movie – as he reveals everything he’s done during his long career, from Nixon to Trump. The documentary not only puts the subject, and his Nixon tattoo, centre-stage, it also reveals how the American democracy works in its current form.
IMDB Rating: 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Amanda Knox
Credit: Netflix
Following the enormous success of its original docu-series Making a Murderer, Netflix has once again returned to the ever-popular 'true crime' well with Amanda Knox. The Netflix Original documentary tells the harrowing story of an American exchange student who spent four years in an Italian prison after being convicted for the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher. Forced to endure the prosecution's various character assassination tactics, including public slut-shaming, Knox maintains her innocence at all times, with her appeals eventually reaching Italy's Supreme Court. Amanda Knox is an effective and truly eye-opening documentary that is not to be missed.
IMDB Rating: 7.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
We love a good thriller, which is why we've narrowed down some of the best ones that are now available to watch on Netflix Australia. These films will have you on the edge of your seat in suspense, so sit back, try to relax, and enjoy.
Zodiac
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director David Fincher revolutionised the modern-day serial killer thriller with his masterpiece, Se7en, so when it came time to revisit the genre with Zodiac, the visionary director opted to tear it back down again (in a good way, that is). Eschewing the grim flashiness of the aforementioned film, Zodiac follows the true (and still unsolved) Zodiac murder spree that occurred across the US during the 1960s-70s. Fincher approaches the morbid material with the kind of journalistic attention to detail and intense investigation that would become incredibly popular several years later (just imagine how celebrated Zodiac would be if it were released now, in the time of total true crime obsession). Jake Gyllenhaal plays Robert Graysmith, the real-life newspaper cartoonist that would eventually devote decades of his life in the pursuit of the Zodiac killer's true identity. The rest of the cast ain't shabby, either – Robert Downey Jr (not playing Iron Man), Mark Ruffalo (not playing Hulk), Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox and Chloë Sevigny star in supporting roles. A gripping true story, Zodiac is a must for devoted true crime enthusiasts. It also makes for a terrific companion to Fincher's serial killed-themed Netflix Original series, Mindhunter.
IMDB Rating: 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
The Villainess
Credit: Madman Entertainment
Equal parts Oldboy and La Femme Nikita, The Villainess is a female-driven Korean revenge thriller with the most incredible and original action sequences this side of The Raid — seriously, the first-person knife fights and shootouts in this put Hollywood action movies to shame. Sook-hee (Ok-bin Kim) is apprehended after carrying out a killing spree that leaves dozens of gangsters dead. She's given a choice: train to become a ruthless assassin and receive freedom after ten years, or spend the rest of her life in jail. Obviously, she chooses the former, and before long it becomes clear to her that her rampage was spurned on under false pretences. Now, it's time to make everyone pay for what they did to her.
IMDB Rating: 6.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
Gerald's Game
Credit: Netflix
2017 has been a great year for Stephen King adaptations (ahem, The Dark Tower aside), and the new Netflix Original film Gerald's Game joins It and 1922 in the upper echelon. In an attempt to rekindle their marriage, Gerald (Bruce Greenwood) and Jessie (Carla Gugino) retreat to a remote lake house. When a sex game goes awry, Jessie is left alone and handcuffed to the bed and must overcome her mounting paranoia and deep, personal demons. Though the film mostly takes place within the one room, Gerald's Game remains thrilling from start to finish. It also features one of the best performances of Gugino's career.
IMDB Rating: 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Drive
Credit: Pinnacle Films
Drive is the film that made it cool to love Ryan Gosling. Based on the novel of the same name by James Sallis, this pulpy thriller is one of the most stylish films of the last decade, having almost single-handedly revived the neon '80s synth-pop scene. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (Bronson, Only God Forgives), Drive sees Gosling play a nameless stunt driver who works as a shady wheelman by night. When a job goes horribly wrong, this 'driver' must dispense violent justice to make things right for those he cares for. The film's immense influence can be felt across all forms of media – the video game Hotline Miami, in particular, owes a large debt of gratitude to Drive. A loving ode to the early tough-guy crime movies of Michael Mann, Drive is essential viewing.
IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
We're serious cinephiles here at at TechRadar. It's not all about Star Wars around here – we enjoy a good tear-jerker, too. There are many sensitive drama films streaming on Netflix Australia right, and these are some of the best ones. So grab a hanky and get ready for a heavy night in.
The Dirt
If Bohemian Rhapsody was a little too sanitised for your liking, you may want to check out The Dirt, an unflinching music biopic about glam metal outfit Mötley Crüe that revels in the debauchery of the band's sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll lifestyle in the 1980s. Never shying away from Mötley Crüe's more outrageous (and utterly disgusting) antics, The Dirt explores the highs and lows of being a rock star with no sense of self control in regards to partying, women and hard drugs (the film's Ozzy Osborne scene is particularly revolting). Be warned, the film rivals The Wolf of Wall Street when it comes to sex, nudity and drug use, often feeling seedy and exploitative in its portrayal of women (almost every female character in the film is a disposable groupie or horrible person). That said, when viewed as a time capsule of a particularly crazy moment in music history, The Dirt is immensely watchable.
IMDB Rating: 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes: 42%
Watch The Dirt on Netflix right now
The Highwaymen
Famous bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde have been immortalised in popular culture thanks in large part to the classic 1967 film about their exploits, but what about the lawmen responsible for ending their killing spree? Netflix's new original film The Highwaymen aims to tell their story once and for all. Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson star as Frank Hamer and Maney Gault, two real-life Texas Rangers who are brought out of retirement with one goal in mind – to find Bonnie and Clyde and put them down for good. Despite being divisive amongst critics, The Highwaymen features terrific performances, assured direction and beautiful cinematography, giving this story the prestige film treatment it deserves.
IMDB Rating: 7.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 53%
Watch The Highwaymen on Netflix right now
La La Land
Though it'll always be remembered as the film that was accidentally read out as Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 2017, La La Land would still have been a deserving winner regardless. Written and directed by wunderkind filmmaker Damien Chazelle (Whiplash, First Man), the film is an all-singing, all-dancing love story about a jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) and an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) who fight to stay together as their dreams pull them apart. Equal parts joyous and heartbreaking, and featuring two megastars at their most charming, La La Land is one of the best romantic musicals in recent years.
IMDB Rating: 8.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Watch La La Land on Netflix right now
Roma
Credit: Netflix
An astonishing ode to motherhood in all forms, Roma is the most personal film to date from visionary director Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men, Gravity). On paper, Roma is not the easiest sell – a subtitled black and white film about a live-in housekeeper spoken almost entirely in Spanish and the indigenous Mixtec language, Cuarón's latest is nonetheless riveting from a cinematic standpoint. More a series of vignettes than a traditional three-act story, Roma examines the life of a Mexico City family in the early 1970s during a time of great social upheaval. Described by Cuarón as 90% autobiographical, the film provides some insight into the famous director's early life, although the story is witnessed primarily through the eyes of his caretaker, Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), who would become a loved member of the family. One of the most gorgeously photographed films of the year, Roma deserves to be seen on the largest screen possible. Shot entirely in 65mm, Roma would make for an ideal theatrical experience. However, if that isn't an option, you won't be disappointed by the Roma's breathtaking 4K Ultra HD presentation on Netflix – just make sure you keep tissues on hand, because it's very likely you'll shed a few tears during the film.
IMDB Rating: 8.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
American Graffiti
Credit: Universal
George Lucas took the world by storm with his phenomenal blockbuster Star Wars in 1977, but it wasn't the first masterpiece the filmmaker had helmed – American Graffiti was released just four years earlier in 1973, marking the arrival of one of the most exciting voices in cinema. A nostalgic coming-of-age tale, the 1962-set American Graffiti follows a group of friends on their last night in town before heading off to college and the rest of their lives. Naturally, these kids spend the night cruising the strip in their amazing era-specific hot rods, saying their goodbyes to friends and girlfriends and getting up to some mischief before they have to grow up and face the real world. Released only 11 years after the time in which it's set, the film shows just how much American life would change in such a short time, predating not only the Kennedy assassination and the Flower Generation, but also the Vietnam War. While American Graffiti is undoubtedly a feel-good film with an incredible rock 'n' roll and doo-wop soundtrack, it's also a bittersweet reminder of innocence lost, with the film's ending throwing some cold water on an audience lulled into remembering 'the good old times'. Stars Ron 'Ronny' Howard, Richard Dreyfus and Harrison Ford.
IMDB Rating: 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Dunkirk
Credit: Warner Bros.
A harrowing tale of grand-scale survival against all odds, Christopher Nolan's film Dunkirk re-enacts one of the most significant events in World War II — namely, the evacuation of over 300,000 Allied soldiers who were trapped in the French port town of Dunkirk with no supplies and barely any ammunition while surrounded by heavily armed German forces. Codenamed Operation Dynamo, Winston Churchill's decision to enlist every available civilian vessel capable of reaching Dunkirk resulted in the vast majority of stranded troops being rescued. Had the scenario gone another way, the Allied forces may have lost the war. Following the events by land, air and sea, Nolan offers a surprisingly intimate look at the evacuation, despite being set against an epic backdrop. One of Nolan's best films to date, Dunkirk is a must-see war film the explores human courage in the face of almost certain death.
IMDB Rating: 8.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 9.2
Your Name
Credit: Madman Entertainment
A worldwide phenomenon, Your Name is the highest-grossing anime film of all time — that's right, bigger than any Studio Ghibli film or science fiction blockbuster. That a simple story about a young girl from a rural town switching bodies with a young man from bustling Tokyo hit such a cord with audiences is a testament to the heartfelt writing that helps bring these animated characters to life. Makoto Shinkai's film is the kind that will have you laughing one moment, then crying the next. A joyful and beautiful love story told in a unique and cerebral way, Your Name is one of the true anime masterpieces, sitting alongside the likes of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Grave of the Fireflies, Spirited Away and the legendary Akira.
IMDB Rating: 8.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Good Time
Credit: Madman Entertainment
Good Time stars Robert Pattinson in the type of performance that will make you forget all about his involvement in the Twilight saga. We're talking young De Niro good, here. When his mentally-challenged brother is snatched by the police after a bank robbery, Connie (Pattinson) sets out to do anything he can to free his brother before getting sent to the brutal Rikers Island jail complex. This sets off a night that spirals out of control extremely fast. There's pretty much no way of predicting what will happen next. Gritty and grimy, Good Time is an intense film with an incredible soundtrack and fantastic cinematography. One of the best films of 2017.
IMDB Rating: 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Beasts of No Nation
Credit: Netflix
As Netflix's first original movie, Beasts of No Nation had a lot to prove. The VOD scene had traditionally been associated with low budget indies and D-grade horror films, but with Beasts of No Nation, Netflix managed to convince people that high quality (dare I say, Oscar-calibre) films could be streamed at home and shown in theatres at the same time. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga (True Detective season 1), Beasts follows the loss of a child soldier's innocence as he's forced to do unspeakable things. The film hits like a sledgehammer, never shying away from the brutality and horror experienced by this young boy (played masterfully by newcomer Abraham Attah). Equally powerful is Idris Elba's portrayal as the boy's remorseless and despicable commander. Though not what you'd call a crowd-pleaser, we hope that Netflix continues to bring us brilliant films like this.
IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Blue is the Warmest Color
Credit: Universal / Sony Pictures
As soulful as it is erotically-charged, it's not hard to see why Blue is the Warmest Color won the highest prize at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival – its portrayal of two women who fall in love and allow each other to discover their true selves is truly special. Though Emma (Léa Seydoux) is a blue-haired free spirit, Adèle (Adèle Exarchopoulos) doesn't feel comfortable in her own skin. While Adèle's friends initially shun Emma due to her sexuality, she soon realises that Emma is the only person with whom she can express herself openly and bare her soul to. Together, the pair experience the ups and downs of a mature relationship, while also exploring social acceptance and their sexuality. A beautiful masterpiece that will take you on an emotional roller-coaster throughout its lengthy 3-hour running time, Blue is the Warmest Color is a film you won't soon forget.
IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Okja
Credit: Netflix
Korean director Bong Joon-ho (The Host, Snowpiercer) is an eclectic filmmaker, and his latest work, Okja, is in a genre all of its own. Is it an adventure film? Is it science fiction? Is it a drama? Is it a fairy tale? Is it satire? The answer is... all of the above. With a style that's somewhere between Spielberg and Miyazaki, the film follows a young Korean girl's quest to rescue her best friend Okja, a super-pig that was created by the multi-national conglomerate Mirando Corporation for the purposes of consumption. Flipping between heartbreaking and joyful at the drop of a hat, Okja is an emotional roller coaster of a film that may well have you reconsidering your dietary choices.
IMDB Rating: 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Need a good laugh? Netflix Australia is home to some terrific comedies, with a number of hilarious movies ready to stream in an instant. Some are light-hearted, while others are pitch black. With that in mind, there's a comedy for everyone below.
Game Night
Credit: Roadshow
Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie (Rachel McAdams) are well known for hosting awesome weekly board game nights for their friends. On this particular evening however, Max's shady brother (Kyle Chandler) gets the group involved in his real life kidnapping, which leads them to think the whole thing is a game night mystery. Before long, the group finds itself in real danger with some murderous gangsters, and they'll need to use their board game problem solving skills to get themselves out of this hairy situation! Stylishly directed and cleverly written, Game Night is head and shoulders above most other American comedies released in recent years.
IMDB Rating: 7.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Credit: Universal
Unlucky in love, nice guy Andy (Steve Carrell) has yet to go all the way with a woman despite being 40 years old. While he has quietly resounded himself to the possibility that he may never lose his virginity, his rambunctious co-workers (Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen and Romany Malco) have made it their mission to get Andy laid, no matter what. And, just when you think you have the movie figured out, it reveals itself to be a surprisingly sweet story about friendship and moving into the next stage of life. Featuring more gut-busting one-liners and sexual misadventures than you can poke a... err... you get where we're going with this, Judd Apatow's The 40-Year-Old Virgin is one of the most hilarious comedies of the 21st century.
IMDB Rating: 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Coming to America
Credit: Universal / Sony Pictures
Perhaps the most charming and endlessly entertaining comedy of Eddie Murphy's career, Coming to America takes the standard 'fish out of water' concept and weaves pure magic with it. Unhappy with the arranged marriage set up by royal parents, Prince Akeem of the wealthy (and fictitious) African nation of Zamunda sets off for America in search of love with help from his squire, Semmi (Arsenio Hall). Before long, Akeem falls for the smart and independent Lisa (Shari Headley), heir to the McDowell's fast food restaurant empire. Insistent that he win her affections with his personality and not his wealth, Akeem and Semmi pretend to be poor and acquire jobs at McDowell's. Now, the pair must contend with Lisa's over-protective father (John Amos) and her jerk boyfriend (Eriq La Salle). Full of heart and bloody hilarious, Coming to America is a comedy classic.
IMDB Rating: 7.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
Hot Fuzz
Credit: Universal
Following the success of their classic rom-zom-com, Shaun of the Dead, director Edgar Wright, star and writer Simon Pegg and co-star Nick Frost teamed up once again to bring their hilarious sensibilities to the buddy-cop movie genre with Hot Fuzz. London super-cop Nicholas Angel (Pegg) is involuntarily transferred to a village in the English countryside for making his superiors look bad by comparison. There, he teams up with dim-witted (but well-meaning) cop Danny Butterman (Nick Frost) and together, the pair uncover a murder conspiracy. If films like Point Break and Bad Boys II are in constant rotation at your place, you absolutely owe it to yourself to grab a Cornetto and watch Hot Fuzz.
IMDB Rating: 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Though they live on the other side of the law, we as people tend to be fascinated by criminals. Whether it's the outlaw lifestyles they lead, or the fact that they live those lives on the edge and do things most of us wouldn't dream of, something about their stories makes them cinematic gold. Here are some of the best crime movies now streaming on Netflix Australia.
The Wolf of Wall Street
Credit: Roadshow
The characters in the fact-based film The Wolf of Wall Street may very be completely reprehensible with little-to-no redeeming qualities, but damn if they aren't freakin' hilarious. An adults-only tour through the real-life antics of white collar criminal Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio at his most unhinged), the film revels in the excess and debauchery of Wall Street in the 1980s, where thieving yuppies spent millions of dollars on drugs, hookers and extravagant lifestyles they did not earn. While the film's three hour runtime might scare off potential viewers, Martin Scorsese's energetic direction keeps the action moving at a lightning-fast pace. The film was also stars Margot Robbie's in her breakout role, playing Belfort's ever-suffering wife, Naomi. Jonah Hill is also incredibly funny as Belfort's partner in crime, Donnie. If you love Scorsese's classic film Goodfellas, chances are you'll enjoy this just as much.
IMDB Rating: 8.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
Snatch
Credit: Sony Pictures
A rollicking crime caper movie from Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels writer and director Guy Ritchie, Snatch takes everything great about that movie and dials it up to 11. Featuring a large cast of colourful cockney crooks, including Jason Statham, Stephen Graham, Dennis Farina, Benicio Del Toro, Vinnie Jones and Brad Pitt (particularly memorable as an unintelligible Gypsy boxer), Snatch flies thick and fast with hilarious quotable lines and energetic performances. Whether they're chasing after a diamond the size of a fist, or betting on illegal bare-knuckle brawls, you can expect these characters to end up getting into all kinds of mischief.
IMDB Rating: 8.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
Casino
Credit: Universal / Sony Pictures
Re-teaming with their Goodfellas director Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci once again play violent gangsters in this 1970s-set crime movie based on real-life stories from the glory days of Las Vegas. The two play former best friends who not only compete over a gambling empire, but a woman (Sharon Stone). If you can stomach the eye-popping violence on show here (this really does make Goodfellas look tame by comparison), Casino is one of the best crime movies in Scorsese's amazing filmography.
IMDB Rating: 8.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
Buckle up for some heart-pounding entertainment with some of the most kick-ass action movies now streaming on Netflix Australia. Adrenaline junkies will get a kick out of every one of the brawny movies listed below.
The Nice Guys
Image credit: Warner Bros.
Shane Black, writer and director of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, returns to the world of gumshoe detectives with The Nice Guys, a smart and funny mystery that establishes Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as a comedic match made in heaven. Set in the late '70s, Crowe's tough guy enforcer teams up with Gosling's bumbling private eye to solve the mystery of a dead porn star. Filled with hilarious one-liners and terrific action sequences, The Nice Guys is the kind of movie they really don't make anymore, which makes its very existence something of a miracle, wouldn't you say?
IMDB Rating: 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Watch The Nice Guys on Netflix right now
The Night Comes For Us
Credit: Netflix
One of the most incredibly violent action films ever made, The Night Comes For Us is a martial arts gangster epic (featuring several actors from The Raid series) where blood and body parts are offered up by the barrel. A fierce killer (Joe Taslim) betrays his Triad gang members to protect an orphaned little girl. Now, the entire Triad is out to claim his head, including his former best friend (Iko Uwais). What ensues is an unrelenting bloodbath of martial arts mayhem that never slows down for the rest of the film. We're not kidding when we say that this film might be too violent for many action junkies – heads are smashed in, throats are slashed, fingers are chopped off, bodies are blown apart and guts are ripped out with alarming frequency. If you thought The Raid was violent, you ain't seen nothin' yet!
IMDB Rating: 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
John Wick: Chapter Two
Credit: Universal / Sony Pictures
In the first John Wick, they killed his dog, sending this boogeyman-like professional killer (played by a never-better Keanu Reeves) on a roaring rampage of revenge where no noggin remained bullet-free. In John Wick: Chapter Two, our favourite head-shooting hitman is on the defensive, as he is betrayed by an old associate and left to fight off every trigger happy assassin in New York and abroad. With even more insane stunt work and mythology building than the original film, John Wick 2 is an action-packed middle chapter which promises to end in an almighty bloodbath for the upcoming trilogy-closer, John Wick 3: Parabellum.
IMDB Rating: 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol
Credit: Paramount Pictures
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to watch Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol on Netflix before the latest film in the saga, Mission: Impossible — Fallout, hits theatres. Why should you do that? Because the fourth entry in the M:I series, which is directed by animation legend Brad Bird (The Incredibles, The Iron Giant) is not only the best Mission to date — it's one of the best spy movies of all time, period. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team (which includes Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton) must stop a crazed madman (the late Michael Nyqvist) who believes the only way to save the world is to destroy it. Featuring brilliant spy antics, clever gadgets and the best stunts of Cruise's death-defying career (seriously, one particular sequence which takes place on the world's tallest building is positively vertigo-inducing), Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol is as close to perfection as these kinds of films get.
IMDB rating: 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
The Warriors
Credit: Universal / Sony Pictures
Set in a heightened version of New York in the dirty 1970s, where the streets are ruled by violent gangs in crazy costumes, The Warriors follows one particular gang (we'll give you one guess as to what they're called) that's framed for the murder of a visionary gang leader during a city-wide midnight summit. Originally meant as a peaceful event, The Warriors must now make it back to their home turf at the other side of the city with every other gang in town out for their blood. Will they survive long enough to prove their innocence? And will the real culprits get what's coming to them? A fantastic piece of '70s pulp, The Warriors is a guaranteed great time. And while its vision of colourful gangs lording over the slums of NYC seems outlandish, it's a lot closer to the reality of the time than most people realise. To learn more about this bygone era, check out the documentary Rubble Kings, which is also streaming on Netflix (read more about it on Page 3).
IMDB Rating: 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Wonder Woman
Credit: Warner Bros.
The DC Cinematic Universe has had a bit of a rough start in its attempts to catch up to competitor Marvel, with films like Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad unable to adequately please both fans and critics. That all changed with Wonder Woman, the first DCU movie to receive universal praise across the board. Perfectly cast as Wonder Woman a.k.a. Diana Prince, Gal Gadot breathes warmth and love into the world's most famous female superhero. Diana is swept into the wars of man when charming pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crash lands near the hidden island of Themyscira, home of the Amazons. Sensing that WWI is the doing of Ares, the God of War, Diana sets off with Steve into the world of man to end the war (and Ares) once and for all. One of the greatest superhero movies of all time, Wonder Woman is a triumph. Now let's hope we get more DC movies like this...
IMDB Rating: 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Credit: Disney
The sequel to Marvel's 2014 phenomenon, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 finds the intergalactic heroes thrust into another adventure, one that could reveal the identity of Peter Quill's father. Even more spectacular than the first film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continually aims to surprise the audience, with simultaneously keeping its action and comedy levels high.
IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
Mad Max: Fury Road
Credit: Roadshow
The world has gone to hell following a cataclysmic event, plunging headfirst into madness and chaos. All that remains is a wasteland governed by tyrannical men, populated by downtrodden hordes, and hopefully, rescued by mythical heroes. Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) rules with an iron fist, doling out meagre amounts of water to the masses, while keeping a stable of wives for himself to breed future warlords. His most trusted Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) has betrayed him and freed these women from their lives of sexual slavery. Now, the chase is on, as Immortan Joe and his party of warboys set out to retrieve their "property". If Furiosa and co. are to succeed, they’ll need the help of Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy), a wandering road warrior in search of a cause. Director George Miller has crafted the most dynamic, vibrant and sensational action blockbuster of the decade with Fury Road. it’s an inventive, high-octane kick in the guts to a film industry that has played it safe for far too long. The chases and stunts in this film are unparalleled. Best of all, the film's cut-to-the-chase plot manages to sneak in a powerful and extremely timely rebuttal to patriarchy.
IMDB Rating: 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Need some kid-friendly entertainment that will make the whole family happy? We've selected some of the best family movies that Netflix Australia has to offer. Each one of these films is guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
How to Train Your Dragon
Credit: DreamWorks Animation
One of the best animated films of the last decade, How to Train Your Dragon surprised everyone with its tale of a young Viking boy who defies his village's dragon hunting ways to become the very first dragon rider. When Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) stumbles upon an injured Night Fury, the rarest and most-feared dragon in existence, he manages to befriend the creature (which he adorably names 'Toothless'), eventually teaching his family a valuable lesson in the process. Packed with incredible action and adventure, How to Train Your Dragon is a classic that can be enjoyed by both young and old.
IMDB Rating: 81%, Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Beauty and the Beast
Credit: Disney
An utterly enchanting and completely magnificent live-action adaptation of one of Disney's most celebrated animated classics, Beauty and the Beast absolutely nails the source material — maybe even betters it in some regards. Much of the praise can be bestowed upon Emma Watson, who plays Belle with grace and warmth. The same can be said about Dan Stevens, who spends the film injecting life into the computer-generated Beast. Luke Evans comes close to stealing the show, though as the vicious and vain Gaston. We're also pleased to report that all of the original film's songs are present and accounted for, so gather the whole family and settle in for a wonderful night singing, laughing and crying.
IMDB Rating: 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
The Lego Batman Movie
Credit: Warner Bros.
If you loved Will Arnett's hilarious take on the Caped Crusader in The Lego Movie, you're going to be over the moon to see him take centre stage in his very own block-filled blockbuster! In The Lego Batman Movie, all of the Dark Knight's villains are teaming up to take over Gotham City, and it's up to Batman and his newly adopted sidekick Robin (Michael Cera) to stop them! With an incredible cast of comedic superstars in tow, including Zach Galifianakis as the Joker, Conan O'Brien as The Riddler and Riki Lindhome as Poison Ivy, The Lego Batman Movie keeps the laughs coming for its entire runtime. Quite frankly, it's the best Batman film since The Dark Knight.
IMDB Rating: 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Credit: 20th Century Fox
Wes Anderson (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom) is a writer/director know for his whimsical and inimitable style, with characters who are fleshed out (regardless of whether they're actually people) and have warmth and heart to spare. With his first foray into family-fare, Fantastic Mr. Fox, the visionary filmmaker succeeded in creating his most accessible film to date. Based on the classic story by Roald Dahl, the film follows a wily fox (played with incredible charm and terrific comedic timing by George Clooney) who bandies together with his family (voiced by Meryl Streep and Jason Schwartzman) and friends (including voice work from regular Wes Anderson collaborator, Bill Murray) to fight off the mean farmers that plan to destroy their homes. Featuring wonderful stop-motion animation, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a heartfelt and hilarious film that's destined to become a family favourite.
IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
The Iron Giant
Credit: Warner Bros.
Criminally overlooked by audiences upon initial release, The Iron Giant is an animated film that has steadily grown in appreciation over the years, to the point where many traditional animation purists now consider it an undisputed classic. The feature-length debut of director Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol), and Set during the 1950s at the height of the 'Red Scare' period of America's history, The Iron Giant tells the story of a lonely boy named Hogarth (Eli Marienthal) who makes a new best friend in an enormous amnesiac robot (Vin Diesel). The robot eventually realises that he was actually built as a weapon, and before long, the authorities find out about him and set out on a quest to destroy the gentle giant. Now the boy and his metallic friend have to protect each other at all costs. A touching film in the tradition of E.T. the Extra-terrestrial, The Iron Giant deserves to be considered as not just a terrific animated film, but as one the greatest films of the '90s, period.
IMDB Rating: 8.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Back to the Future
Credit: Universal / Sony Pictures
A time-travelling classic from director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and producer Steven Spielberg (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Back to the Future sees 1980s teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) race back to the 1950s to ensure that his parents meet during high school and fall in love – he better succeed, because if he fails, he'll be wiped from existence in his current timeline! To do this, he'll need help from Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) – an eccentric scientist who's built a working time machine in the form of a DeLorean sports car. A fantastic fish-out-of-water tale that leans heavily on 1950s nostalgia, great performances and terrific visual effects, Back to the Future can be considered a high-watermark from everyone involved.
IMDB Rating: 8.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
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