The Best Movies on Hulu Right Now (September 2023)

Run Time: 1 hr 39 min | Genre: Crime, Comedy | Director: Wes Anderson

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Willem Dafoe

Auteur writer and director Wes Anderson (The French Dispatch) delivers an Academy Award-winning comedy with a delightful ensemble cast. Grand Budapest Hotel follows famous European hotel concierge Monsieur Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes) and his brand-new lobby boy Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori) as a mystery of theft, murder, and money unfolds at their hotel. This whimsical crime story revolves around a priceless Russian painting that must be recovered at all costs, but its very existence brings out the worst in everyone involved. Filling out the roster of over-the-top characters are Jeff Goldblum (Independence Day), Harvey Keitel (Reservoir Dogs), Bill Murray (Rushmore), and Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird). – Tauri Miller

Run Time: 1 hr 40 min | Genre: Comedy | Directors: John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein

Cast: Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler, Sharon Horgan, Lamorne Morris

Jason Bateman (Thunder Force) and Rachel McAdams (Wedding Crashers) co-star in the ridiculously entertaining comedy Game Night. Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, Game Night follows a delightful couple, played by Bateman and McAdams, along with their group of friends who find themselves on an unexpected life-and-death adventure when their typical game night turns into an action-packed mystery. Written by Mark Perez and featuring charming performances by Kyle Chandler (Slumberland), Sharon Horgan, and Lamorne Morris, Game Night leans into the humor with raunchy hijinks and unpredictable action sequences. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 45 min | Genre: Romance Comedy | Director: Roger Kumble

Cast: Virginia Gardner, Dylan Sprouse, Austin North

Based on Jamie McGuire’s best-selling novel of the same name, Beautiful Disaster is a hilariously sexy romantic comedy starring Runaways alum Virginia Gardner alongside Dylan Sprouse (After We Collided). Beautiful Disaster centers on Abby (Gardner), a seemingly innocent college student with a secret, who crosses paths with bad boy and fighter Travis (Sprouse) yet attempts to resist his irrefutable charm. Director Roger Kumble delightfully captures the steamy build-up of a romance novel in visual format by allowing an undeniably hot cast to present their talent without distracting from Beautiful Disaster’s intriguing plot. – Yael Tygiel

Cast: John Cena, Lil Rel Howery, Yvonne Orji, Meredith Hagner, Steve Buscemi

Vacation Friends 2 reunites writer-director Clay Tarver with the stars of Vacation Friends, John Cena (Peacemaker), Lil Rel Howery (Free Guy), Yvonne Orji, and Meredith Hagner, for an action-packed sequel. Featuring delightful and uproarious appearances from Ronny Chieng (Joy Ride) and Steve Buscemi (Miracle Workers), Vacation Friends 2 takes the entire franchise up a notch. Cleverly progressing from the first movie, Vacation Friends 2 has a premise and tone that feel like a blend of The Hangover, Girls Trip, and Blockers, ultimately resulting in explosive hijinks and undeniably entertaining shenanigans. – Yael Tygiel

Cast: Tyler Dean Flores, Dascha Polanco, Andrea Navedo, Christian Vunipola, Imani Lewis

Miguel Wants to Fight stars relative newcomer Tyler Dean Flores in the titular role of this cute coming-of-age narrative. From director Oz Rodriguez, Miguel Wants to Fight charms with a unique perspective on machismo. Focusing on Miguel and his friends, played by Christian Vunipola, Imani Lewis, and Suraj Partha, the film explores how these teens challenge toxic masculinity with absurd adventures. The movie evokes Scott Pilgrim vs. the World vibes by cleverly incorporating diverse cinematic styles from a variety of genres to reveal a truly original film. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 36 min | Director: Colm Bairéad

Cast: Catherine Clinch, Carrie Crowley, Andrew Bennett

Based on Foster by Claire Keegan, The Quiet Girl is a deeply moving coming-of-age story set in Ireland. Directed by Colm Bairéad, who also wrote the screenplay, The Quiet Girl revolves around a young girl (Catherine Clinch) in 1981 who, after being sent to live on a farm with distant relatives, ultimately finds herself and the ability to be loved. Co-starring Carrie Crowley and Andrew Bennett, The Quiet Girl is highlighted by truly stunning cinematography and a gorgeous use of Dublin and the countryside, grounding the narrative that touches on universal themes, such as growing up, grief, and finding family. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 32 min | Director: Andrea Blaugrund Nevins

Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie is an eye-opening documentary from writer-director-producer Andrea Blaugrund Nevins, revealing behind-the-scenes information about the Barbie doll. Through interviews with feminist icons Gloria Steinem and Roxane Gay, as well as in-depth discussions with Barbie’s parent company Mattel, Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie authentically explores the evolution of the once-controversial doll by reflecting on the history of the global figure. A retrospective film, Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie illuminates the path forward, allowing audiences to witness the most beautiful and impactful overhaul of the beloved toy. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 31 min | Genre: Comedy | Director: Dean Craig

Cast: Toni Collette, Anna Faris, David Duchovny

Writer and director Dean Craig (Death at a Funeral) builds a dark comedy about the lengths people will go to win an inheritance. Toni Collette (Knives Out) and Anna Faris (Mom) star as sisters who desperately try to get in the good graces of their dying estranged aunt so they can sneak their way into the will at the last minute. Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones in the family vying for their rich aunt’s attention. This farcical caper is wildly entertaining, and the writing is so sharp that it primes viewers to accept even the most absurd situations as the characters attempt to win a life-changing amount of money. — Tauri Miller

Run Time: 1 hr 45 min | Genre: Comedy, Drama | Director: Matt Smukler

Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Dash Mihok, Alexandra Daddario, Brad Garrett

Wildflower is a teen coming-of-age dramedy that explores one girl’s life as she navigates the world alongside her neurodivergent parents. The film stars Kiernan Shipka (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Bea, who is on the verge of graduating high school, which causes her to feel pressured to choose between her own future and caring for her intellectually disabled parents. Like most Hollywood films that try to depict disability and neurodivergence in film and television, the story’s short runtime requires it to sacrifice nuance to keep the plot moving, but the cast’s performances do a great job of compensating for that tough balancing act. – Tauri Miller

Run Time: 1 hr 47 min | Genre: History, Drama | Director: Stephen Williams

Cast: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Samara Weaving, Lucy Boynton, Ronke Adekoluejo

Chevalier offers a symphony of amazing performances, stunning period costuming, and inspiring, revolutionary messaging. Starring Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Waves) as the brilliant and stubborn composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the film depicts the real-life story of how this French-Caribbean prodigy used his talent to defy the French aristocracy and inspire a revolt. Samara Weaving (Ready or Not) and Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody) as Marie-Josephine and Marie Antoinette are equally brilliant in their roles, propelling Bologne to be who he truly wants to be. This underdog story of love, belonging, and self-acceptance serves as a reminder to people of color to never let the oppressors break their spirit. – Tauri Miller

Run Time: 1 hr 40 min | Genre: Action Sci-Fi | Director: Dan Trachtenberg

Cast: Amber Midthunder, Mohammad Albaaj, Dakota Beavers, Michelle Trush, Stormee Kipp, Julian Black Antelope, and Dane DiLiegro

With Prey, the latest film in the Predator franchise, director Dan Trachtenberg simplifies the concept of hunter vs. hunted, placing the iconic villain against Naru (an excellent Amber Midthunder), a Comanche woman in 1719. Prey might be the best film in the franchise, as Trachtenberg builds tension beautifully, and allows for moments of quiet and consideration in this extremely violent and exciting action film. By bringing this franchise back to basics, Trachtenberg and his fantastic cast up the excitement and brilliance of this idea, and make this franchise better than it has been in years. — Ross Bonaime

Run Time: 1 hr 37 min | Director: Peter Nicks

Cast: Kris Bowers, D.J. Dahi, Joy Harjo

Anthem is a beautiful exploration of history, culture, and music from director Peter Nicks. Produced by Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Anthem is a documentary that follows music producer D.J. Dahi and composer Kris Bowers (Brigerton) as they travel across the country on a journey to uncover the sound of our nation. Visiting with artists from different states, cultures, and backgrounds, Bowers and Dahi attempt to build a new musical masterpiece that inclusively represents an honest connectivity of the people in this country. With an open heart seeking honest feedback, Anthem witnesses the invention of a new national anthem. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 35 min | Director: Brett Donowho

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Noah Le Gros, Clint Howard

Nicolas Cage leads The Old Way, his first Western, in a classic story of revenge by director Brett Donowho (Acts of Violence). In The Old Way, a retired yet feared gunslinger-turned-family man (Cage) returns to his roots of brutal vengeance alongside his pre-teen daughter (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) to seek out the outlaws who murdered his wife. Not since Logan has there been an action-packed father-daughter retribution journey brimming with heartbreaking honesty and even more gunslinging excitement. Although predictable, The Old Way succeeds at showcasing the incredible talent of Armstrong and Cage, as well as the entire cast. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 28 min | Genre: Thriller | Director: Kelley Kali

Cast: Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Shannon Woodward, Rosaline Elbay, Kate Szekely, Jimmy Jean-Louis

Jagged Mind is a beautifully captured queer psychological thriller from writer Allyson Morgan and director Kelley Kali. The film stars Maisie Richardson-Sellers (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow) as Billie, a young woman on the brink of a new relationship with a mysterious new girlfriend (Shannon Woodward) when she begins having blackouts and inexplicable visions, keeping her in a time loop reliving their first date. Jagged Mind brilliantly trudges towards thrilling twists, curtained by gorgeous use of color and lighting to unfold the enigmatic horror-adjacent tale of love, trust, and possession. With truly terrifying implications and a stellar cast, Jagged Mind is a must-see flick. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 39 min | Genre: History, Drama | Director: Eva Longoria

Cast: Jesse Garcia, Tony Shalhoub, Dennis Haysbert, Emilio Rivera

In the latest entry to the rising genre we’ll call the “Corporate Origin Story,” Flamin’ Hot tells the story of the meteoric rise of Richard Montañez from the factory floor to executive at Frito-Lay. Jesse Garcia (Snowfall) pumps some spice into this comedic retelling of the invention of the iconic Flamin’ Hot Cheeto as he embodies Montañez, who injects his Mexican heritage into the boring old snack brand. Despite this being Eva Longoria’s feature directorial debut, she brings a vivid landscape to this rags-to-riches story that feels kinetic and playful. Anyone looking to consume a scrumptious movie full of culture, determination, and merriment should definitely check this out.

Run Time: 1 hr 40 min | Genre: Drama | Director: Rodrigo García

Cast: Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Stephen Root, Chad Lindberg

Based on the poignant Washington Post article by Eli Saslow, director Rodrigo García (In Treatment) adapts this story of addiction and family turmoil into a gripping film about perseverance. Glenn Close (The Wife) plays the mother to an opioid-addicted young woman who’s trying to get clean (Mila Kunis). Close’s doting yet conflicted performance is a perfect counterbalance to Kunis’s strung-out pained dive into the struggles of withdrawal. Everyone in front of and behind the camera gives their all to portray the brutal ways that addiction’s effects ripple outwards beyond the victim of the affliction. Its gritty depiction of getting clean is sometimes rough to watch but well worth it.

Run Time: 1 hr 53 min | Genre: Sci-Fi, Action | Director: Jon Turteltaub

Cast: Jason Statham, Bingbing Li, Rainn Wilson

The Meg takes the shark attack genre of monster flick pioneered by Jaws and pumps it up to 11. Loosely based on the Steve Alten novel, the movie follows a group of deep-sea explorers and oceanographers who encounter a massive prehistoric Megalodon while diving into the depths of the Marianas Trench. In addition to truly terrifying moments, this action-packed oceanic adventure has a great cast of characters, and you get fully invested in their struggle to capture or kill this wild predator. They’re played by an even better group of talent, including Jason Statham (Crank), Rainn Wilson (The Office), Cliff Curtis (Doctor Sleep), and Shuya Sophia Cai (Somewhere Only We Know), who plays one of the most adorable kids in cinema history.

Run Time: 1 hr 41 min | Genre: Sports, Comedy | Director: Calmatic

Cast: Sinqua Walls, Jack Harlow, Lance Reddick

This modern remake of the 1992 film White Men Can’t Jump stars Sinqua Walls (Teen Wolf) and musical artist Jack Harlow, who fill the roles originally played by Wesley Snipes (Demolition Man) and Woody Harrelson (Zombieland), respectively, as a mismatched pair hustling their way through the Los Angeles street basketball scene. Walls and Harlow’s chemistry carries this film as their characters bicker and banter, bouncing from court to court, trash-talking, and building their friendship along the way. The film updates the setting and includes the jokes to fit our current comedic landscape, along with the classic Black and white humor you’ve come to expect from writer Kenya Barris (Black-ish).

Run Time: 2 hrs 2 min | Genre: Fantasy Romance | Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser

Directed by award-winning director Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen), Twilight is a fascinating pop culture phenomenon inspired by the novel series by author Stephenie Meyer. Set in a fictional small town in the Pacific Northwest, Twilight follows newcomer and misfit Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) as she deals with the pressures of being a new girl, high school, and of course, the alluring and mysterious Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), who also happens to be a vampire. In addition to skyrocketing the careers of Stewart, Pattinson, and so many others, Twilight sparked a franchise that will live on for decades. – Yael Tygiel