Though Hulu originally launched as a platform aimed at bringing TV series to streamers, over the years it's built a sizable movie catalog, with an estimated total of around 2,500 films across genres.
If you don't have Hulu yet, the ad-supported plan is one of the most affordable streaming services on the market at $6 a month, or you can upgrade to the ad-free option — which we think is well worth it— for $12 a month. For those who want even more content, Hulu is available as a bundle with Disney Plus and ESPN+ for $14 a month.
Each tier gives you access to Hulu's entire movie catalog as well as the platform's entire collection of shows. The Hulu app is available on most smart TVs, streaming devices, smartphones, and web browsers.
If you're looking for something to watch on Hulu, here are our recommendations for some of the best movies you can stream right now. Our selection features a mix of recent releases and classics across genres, ensuring that all viewing needs are accounted for. All of the movies we've selected are categorized as fresh by critics on the review-aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes.
The best drama movies on Hulu
'Nomadland' (2020)
This 2021 Oscar winner for best picture was also one of the top winners at the 2021 Golden Globes. "Nomadland" focuses on a woman searching for work on the road as she encounters other travelers across the country. "Nomadland" is directed by Chloé Zhao and stars Frances McDormand.
'Parasite' (2019)
Winner of the 2020 Academy Award for best picture, "Parasite" deals heavily with social and economic themes related to class. The dark satire centers on a poor family, the Kims, who are in need of work. When the Kims trick a wealthy family into hiring them all for various jobs, it looks as if their money problems are solved. But complications arise that could reveal the family's con.
"Parasite" comes from director Bong Joon Ho ("Snowpiercer") and is presented on Hulu with its original Korean audio mix. English and Spanish subtitle options are available.
'Babyteeth' (2019)
Director Shannon Murphy's debut film tells the story of Milla, a teenager fighting cancer, who meets Moses, a man in his early 20s who's addicted to drugs. Her parents aren't fond of the relationship between the two but it appears to bring Milla a new outlook on life. The coming-of-age tale is based on the play of the same name.
The best comedy movies on Hulu
'Sorry to Bother You' (2018)
Cash is finding his job as a telemarketer to be nearly impossible until his coworker lets him in on the secret to success: "white voice." When he excels at the skill, he rises quickly through the ranks only to discover the company he's working for has a freakish dark side. This sci-fi satire takes on race, class, and labor themes in a truly unique way.
'Palm Springs' (2020)
"Palm Springs" is a romantic comedy with a sci-fi spin. The film stars Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti as two strangers who get trapped in a time loop. No matter what they do, every morning they wake up at a wedding in Palm Springs living the same day over and over again.
The Hulu Original movie is directed by Max Barbakow, and features a script written by Andy Siara. Jason Guerrasio, entertainment correspondent at Insider, gave the film an A- grade in his full review.
'Booksmart' (2019)
Following in the footsteps of similar coming-of-age teen comedies, "Booksmart" offers ample laughs and heartfelt insights in equal measure. Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein star as a pair of high school seniors who suddenly realize they've spent their entire lives focusing on grades without having any fun. Before their graduation, they attempt to make up for lost time with a night of partying they'll never forget.
The best action movies on Hulu
'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol' (2011)
This is the fourth film in Paramount's popular "Mission: Impossible" franchise. It features Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as he and his team travel around the globe to stop a terrorist from launching a missile strike against the US. The action-packed thriller also stars Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, and Léa Seydoux.
'The Dark Knight' (2008)
Christopher Nolan's critically acclaimed blockbuster, "The Dark Knight," helped usher in an era of prestige superhero movies. Heather Leger posthumously won an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his memorable portrayal of the Joker.
'Dredd' (2012)
The original "Judge Dredd" movie from 1995 starring Sylvester Stallone flopped with critics, but this hyperviolent reboot directed by Pete Travis received positive reviews. With gore and drug use throughout, the highly stylized sci-fi movie is not for those with a queasy stomach, but it offers a thrilling ride for viewers who crave intense action.
The best documentaries on Hulu
'The Donut King' (2020)
"The Donut King'' follows the highs and lows of Cambodian refugee Ted Ngoy's experience running a multi-million dollar pastry business while living in California. The documentary highlights a unique subculture and the potential shortcomings of the American Dream.
'RBG' (2018)
Over the past several years, the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent a transformation from legal expert and Supreme Court Justice to the Notorious R.B.G. — an unlikely pop culture icon and feminist superstar. This critically acclaimed documentary tracks the groundbreaking, revolutionary career of a political powerhouse and her rise to prominence as the second-ever female Supreme Court Justice.
'Three Identical Strangers' (2018)
Winner of the Special Jury Prize at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, "Three Identical Strangers" presents a classic instance of "truth is stranger than fiction." This unlikely true story examines the peculiar case of identical triplets who meet each other as young adults after being separated at birth. As the three brothers attempt to piece together how this could have happened, they discover surprising twists and turns that gradually expose a complex mystery.
The best family movies on Hulu
'Shrek' (2001)
This classic fairy tale about a green ogre — voiced by Mike Myers — is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Full of comedic gags that will make kids and adults laugh, "Shrek" remains a great choice for any family movie night. The all-star cast includes Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, and John Lithgow.
'Ice Age' (2002)
With memorable voice acting by Ray Romano and John Leguizamo, "Ice Age" is a lighthearted, prehistoric family movie. Laugh-out-loud moments help to keep kids engaged with the movie's positive message about building community with those you love.
'Missing Link' (2019)
Winner of the 2020 Golden Globe for best animated motion picture, "Missing Link" is a beautiful stop-motion film from the same studio that produced "Coraline" and "Kubo and the Two Strings." The story follows a Sasquatch named Mr. Link who seeks the help of an explorer to find his Yeti relatives. Hugh Jackman, Zoe Saldana, and Zach Galifianakis all lend their voices to the cast.
The best horror movies on Hulu
'Little Monsters' (2019)
In this Hulu Original movie, Lupita Nyong'o plays a school teacher who must protect her kindergarten class during a zombie apocalypse. The film also stars Alexander England as a struggling musician, and Josh Gad as a kids' TV personality. Blending horror and laughs, "Little Monsters" offers a gory twist on romantic comedy sensibilities.
'28 Days Later' (2002)
"28 Days Later" is a tense zombie thriller directed by Danny Boyle. The movie takes place one month after a virus tears through London, turning people into deadly rage-filled killers. A group of misfits, led by Cillian Murphy, band together in an effort to reach safety.
'The Host' (2006)
An earlier film from Bong Joon-ho, the director of "Parasite,""The Host" is a uniquely scary monster movie with multiple action sequences set in the damp, Korean sewers. The absentminded Park Gang-du (Kang-ho Song) must save his youngest daughter who is being held captive by an amphibious monster. This movie is presented in Korean with English subtitles.
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