We know them, we love them, and most of the time, we love to hate them. Regardless of how any of us feel about the iconic, troublesome teens that round out the fabric of Hollywood’s youth-centric media, they’ve left their signature messy marks. This list covers the big hitters, the unmistakable part-of-pop-culture adolescents who derailed monumentally (dependent on their character and world, not all misguided minors are created equal). Each calling card of these chaotic characters has a few things in common–they’re lost and faced with conflict–but how they solve their issues leads to many more issues than solutions. Buckle up and grab your favorite nostalgic mix tape/playlist; we’re in for a bumpy ride.

Jim Stark and Buzz Gunderson - Rebel Without a Cause

This is by far one of the most influential movies that jumpstarted the teen genre and it’s big thanks to Jim Stark (James Dean) and Buzz Gunderson (Corey Allen). When gang leader Buzz and new-in-town Jim agree to a “chickie race,” that’s when things go up in smoke. Jim is left to face the fallout.

Marissa Cooper - The O.C.

You could probably make a case for most of The O.C. kids, but Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton) undoubtedly tops them all. Coop’s undoing was a monolith and started on the wings of her parents' divorce. It led to underage drinking, tumultuous relationships, petty theft, and eventually to her passing away after a car crash at the end of Season 3.

Danny Zuko - Grease

Like many other ensembles, you could make a pick mostly anyone from the Grease cast, but Danny Zuko's (John Travolta) issues bled into everyone else’s. Not to mention, he strung Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) along until the very end of the movie.

Serena van der Woodsen - Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl is another show where you could argue a good case for any of the characters being the biggest saboteur. But like Marissa Cooper, Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) just can’t shake off trouble in most things she does. The thought of old her and Georgina Sparks together really sounds like they’d top the list together.

Veronica Sawyer - Heathers

Heathers and Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder) were ahead of the curve. When awkward loner Veronica gets invited to join the school’s most popular group, she quickly realizes it’s not the place for her. After befriending new kid Jason Dean (Christian Slater), they accidentally kill one of the Heathers. This sets off an entire killing spree that wreaks havoc on Westerburg High School.

Dawson Leery - Dawson’s Creek

Even though he may have been seen more as a golden boy during his reign, Dawson (James Van Der Beek) caused some major damage in his day. We literally have a separate list showcasing all the times Leery was the worst character for his loved ones to be around. If he'd only been supportive of Joey Potter (Katie Holmes) going to Paris, who knows what could've been?

Cady Heron - Mean Girls

Tina Fey’s wildly quotable Mean Girls needs no introduction or explanation. With Cady (Lindsay Lohan) coming to terms with attending a public high school in the US after growing up in Africa, she is a poster child for this list. As she explores her new reality, she gets lost for a moment amid girl world drama, which leads to multiple friend, family, and relationship troubles.

Rue Bennet - Euphoria

The Max ‘teen’ jewel-encrusted drama juggernaut holds another ensemble of lost and morose students. However, Rue Bennet (Zendaya) and her substance abuse issues are the focal point. It's upended friendships, caused familial stresses, multiple times over, causing Rue to lie, steal and hurt everyone in the East Highlanders.

Chris Hargensen - Carrie

Stephen King’s Carrie is another classic high school staple that helped push the envelope on what fictional teen worlds could hold. Popular girl and bully, Chris Hargensen (Nancy Allen) makes Carrie’s (Sissy Spacek) life a living nightmare. Hargensen continues down a downward spiral that leads to the bone-chilling but iconic prank that happens at the dance (which has some truly grim consequences).

Tim Riggins - Friday Night Lights

If you know anything about this NBC network TV classic, you either love or hate Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch). While he was a regular womanizer, heavy partier, not to mention that he sabotaged himself and the team with some regularity, he straightened up.

Dallas ‘Dally’ Winston - The Outsiders

Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of The Outsiders is a quintessential coming-of-age story. Even though the whole gang is rough and tumble, along with any of the ‘Socs,’ Dally (Matt Dillon) is the most troubled. With an already tumultuous background, Johnny’s death sends him on to make poor decisions for himself and his friends.

Cory Matthews - Boy Meets World

Surprising, I know. The more classic choice from Boy Meets World may be Shawn Hunter, but Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) sparked plenty of trouble in his time (like fellow do-gooder, Dawson Leery). Throughout the 7 seasons, he caused more rifts between his family, friends and Topanga than anyone else.

Billy Loomis & Stu Macher - Scream

Naturally, any teen in any scary movie generally has some baggage that leads to strife in one way or another. Youths like Billy (Skeet Ulrich) and Stu (Matthew Lillard) are different, though, they are intentionally motivated to terrify and harm their fellow classmates and the people of Woodsboro. Unfortunately for them, their plans backfire on them gravely.

Lucas Scott - One Tree Hill

Like the aforementioned teen network drama shows of the mid and late ‘00s, any character is up for debate. Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray), the main protagonist, puts on a good show of commotion for everyone in his life. Being a serial heartbreaker while being unloyal and manipulative to others lands him this particular title.

Jennifer Check - Jennifer’s Body

Jennifer’s Body, again, isn’t filled with average adolescents, and especially not Jennifer (Megan Fox). While she and longtime friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) head out for a semi-average night of Jennifer-approved fun, all goes awry. We find out that Jennifer has turned into a demon feasting on the male teens of Devil’s Kettle, WY. After the friends face off, Needy gets pinned for the murders and gets taken to an insane asylum.

Rachel Berry - Glee

The destined-for-greatness Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) typically stopped at nothing to get what she wanted, regardless of the consequences. While the fictional NYADA darling had moments of hope and promise, her ego and ambition always seemed to cause more harm than good. (Any Ryan Murphy-created teen could do, though.)

Seth - Superbad

The 2007 classic was the first Seth Rogen-Evan Goldberg project, and it immediately put them on the map. The semi-biographical Superbad revolves around characters with the same names and pretty typical senior tropes. Of the fictional duo Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera), and their pal, Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), the first of the trio creates the most trouble for their celebratory evening. While the trio make up, along with the girls (Emma Stone, Martha MacIsaac), before graduation.

Rory Gilmore - Gilmore Girls

“Why did you drop out of Yale?” Even though Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) is one of the more unusual fictional high schoolers on the list, her dropping out was monumental for the world of Gilmore Girls. Even Lauren Graham didn’t like the storyline because of the turmoil it created between Lorelai and Rory. Not to mention, her sleeping with Dean, missing Lorelai's graduation and later on, being more lost than ever in her 30s.

Donnie - Donnie Darko

Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) isn’t your typical troublesome, drama-filled teen, even though his choices in one reality lead to serious consequences. His present ED signifiers (Emotional Disturbance) present Donnie as something else, but we eventually come to realize he's an anti-hero of sorts. As he comes to realize that there are multiple timelines at play, he chooses to fix it to save Gretchen Ross' (Jena Malone) life. And with his developed powers, he returns to the day when it all went awry, which leads to his destiny--death.

Archie Andrews - Riverdale

Archie of The CW’s Riverdale was one of the many, much darker TV reboots out there. And though all the drama has always hinged on the red-headed football hero regardless of genre, the TV show really packs Archie with a punch. To be fair, he also found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time quite frequently–it’s how he reacted to them that gives him the top spot for the searching students of Riverdale High.

Kathryn Merteuil & Sebastian Valmont - Cruel Intentions

Another young and terrifying twosome is Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Philippe). The oddball step-siblings wager a bet that involves innocent and new Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon). Through the scheme, the group of students is faced with continuing drama until a very sad end.

Valerie Malone - Beverly Hills, 90210

Though there was plenty of actual drama on the set of Beverly Hills, 90210, Valerie Malone (Tiffani Thiessen) wasted no time sowing seeds of chaos. Arriving in Season 5 with a lot of baggage in the form of family trauma, Malone was immediately set up to be in trouble. She dated many of the guys and regularly feuded with the girls.

Max Fischer - Rushmore

As one of the many stylized Wes Anderson films, Rushmore was one of his earliest. Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) is a love-drunk student determined to date his teacher and will stop at nothing to achieve it. After an array of mishaps and his fellow acquaintance, Blume (Bill Murray), hitting it off with her, Max loses it. He leaked the affair publicly and temporarily burned bridges with both of them.

Willow Rosenberg - Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Willow’s (Alyson Hannigan) rise to raising hell for Buffy and co. may be a slow burn, but once she hits it, things get wild. While her use of telepathy, manipulation and struggling to keep her magic in check kick off the season, Tara’s death sets Willow into overdrive in trying to destroy the world.

PJ & Josie - Bottoms

Gen Z coming-of-age comedies come in all shapes and sizes, including Emma Seligman’s Bottoms. The satirical take on the high school experience is wild, especially with PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri). The BFF’s hatch a fight club for girls so they can talk to cheerleaders they have crushes on. Needless to say, a lot of drama goes down, including a car blowing up.

Mona Vanderwaal - Pretty Little Liars

Honestly, most characters from the 2010 series have a fair shot here. But Mona (Janel Parrish) is the reason for all of the mystery and torment. She is who sparks the series because of her grudge against the main friend group. Eventually, she becomes one of them, and even more trouble ensues.

Laura Palmer - Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me

In my opinion, there’s no list about misguided high schoolers complete without Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). The character was cemented into pop culture in David Lynch’s cult show, Twin Peaks, but the less popular prequel movie shows her tragic undoing. Her last days are filled with traumas relating to her drug addiction, web of lies and darker spirits. Warning, this movie isn't for the faint of heart.

DeGrassi: The Next Generation

DeGrassi: The Next Generation is maybe the only title on the list in which each character is as chaotic and troubled as the last. The iconic Canadian teen soap has multiple iterations, but the 2002-2015 series takes the cake. Between the students, they have every classic dramatic HS storyline in the book, and alumni Drake’s “I’m Upset” reunion-filled music video summarizes some key points.

Nancy Downs - The Craft

The quartet of girls in The Craft start as lost as the next, but Nancy’s (Fairuza Balk) power-hungry ways destroy what they have together. After quiet Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) moves to town and gets wronged, Downs and her pals take her in. All four hatch a scheme to cast a spell on the wrongdoer, and when it succeeds, that’s when Nancy starts sabotaging everything.

John B - Outer Banks

Netflix’s Outer Banks is one wild ride with wayward John B (Chase Stokes) at the helm. Sure, other characters may be outwardly more troubled (JJ, Sarah or Rafe), but everyone’s lives intensified because of John B’s initial treasure hunt.

Christine ‘Lady Bird’ McPherson - Lady Bird

As one of the more subtle teenage pot stirrers, Ladybird (Saoirse Ronan) still makes her presence and opinions unmistakably clear. Her main sources of conflict reside within her relationship with her hardworking mom (Laurie Metcalf) and nerdy best friend (Beanie Feldstein). While Lady Bird temporarily burns bridges with both in pursuit of greater life expectations and new friends, she mends things with both.

Effy Stonem - Skins UK

A cult classic that ran from 2007-2013 and largely featured the rebellious but lost Effy Stonem (Kaya Scodelario). From the jump, we see 14-year-old her sneaking home in the early morning after being out all night at a rave. Needless to say, Effy’s journey was a bumpy one filled with substance abuse, mental health crises, and a web of lies.

One of the best things about movies is that they come in all shapes and sizes, with something for audiences both young and old, near and far, and here and there. Over the years, Best Picture winners have consisted of all kinds of genres ranging from dramas to musicals, biopics to comedies, and so much more.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about just some of the countless different genres, stick around. Let’s break down 32 different genres and an example of a movie that belongs to each.

Action - Die Hard (1988)

One of the best action movies ever made, Die Hard essentially reinvented the genre with its story about a down-on-his-luck cop named John McClane (Bruce Willis) traveling across the country to save his marriage only for the reunion to be thwarted by a group of terrorists. Though Willis’ iconic character isn’t as jacked as those played by Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the everyman quality to him makes him an all-time hero.

Sci-Fi - Jurassic Park (1993)

Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park could fall into multiple genres, but since it deals with genetically modified dinosaurs being brought to life, it’s one of the best representations of sci-fi. One of the best book adaptations of all time, this massive summer blockbuster is as great today as it was back in 1993, both in terms of story and its state-of-the-art visuals.

Comedy - Blazing Saddles (1974)

Whenever talking about the funniest movies ever made, it doesn’t take long for the conversation to turn to Blazing Saddles, Mel Brooks’ 1974 comedy Western about a plot to destroy a frontier town and a sheriff’s attempt to save its good and fair residents. But the plot is just secondary to the countless jokes, ribs, and wild situations that are found throughout this incredibly funny and outrageous comedy classic.

Documentary - Grizzly Man (2005)

As far as I’m concerned, Werner Herzog is one of the greatest documentarians of all time. Much like his feature-length films, the acclaimed filmmaker’s collection of non-fiction titles strays from the norms of the genre, creating unique pieces of art in the process. This is especially true for Grizzly Man, Herzog’s 2005 exploration of the life and tragic death of Timothy Treadwell, a conservationist who thought it was better to die with a bear than live with man.

Mockumentary - This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

There were mockumentaries that came before it, but This is Spinal Tap was a watershed moment for the genre. Rob Reiner’s 1984 chronicle of struggling heavy metal band Spinal Tap turns it to 11 (quite literally) with its scenes of rock n roll, excess, and over-the-top characters who are thinly veiled caricatures of famous English groups of the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Slasher - Scream (1996)

If you were to tell someone where to start with the slasher genre, Wes Craven’s Scream would be a great place to start. Though it’s not the best horror movie of all time, this landmark film is full of references to the films that came before it, has a wonderful meta dynamic, and perhaps the greatest opening scene of all time.

Superhero - The Dark Knight (2008)

To some, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight is the pinnacle of the superhero movie genre. This 2008 blockbuster takes elements from comic book movies and combines them with the realism of a gritty crime thriller and classic action flicks like Heat to create an incredible experience. Plus, Heath Ledger’s Joker is a force of pure chaos that needs to be seen.

Animation - My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

One of the most iconic Studio Ghibli films, My Neighbor Totoro is not only a great animated film but also a tremendous introduction to the fantastical world of Hayao Miyazaki. Released in 1988, this delightful film follows two young girls as they move to the countryside with their father a befriend a mythical creature known as Totoro.

Drama - Casablanca (1942)

Deciding on one film to use as an example of the drama genre is no easy task, but Casablanca is a classic that everyone needs to watch at least once in their life. The timeless story of American ex-pat Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) helping old flame Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) and her finance escape the Nazis while also revisiting the events that led to their split is something to behold.

Fantasy - The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is the perfect place to start if you want to dip your toes into the waters of the fantasy genre. All the elements that make this type of film so beloved can be found throughout Peter Jackson’s impressive 2001 film that kicks off one of the greatest adventures of all time.

Sports - Major League (1989)

One of the best baseball movies ever made, Major League is also one of the funniest sports comedies you can find. Though not for younger audiences, this hilarious underdog story is all killer and no filler with its tale of the lowly Cleveland Indians defying the odds by putting together an unlikely championship team.

Romantic Comedy - When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Often considered the best romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally is 90-plus minutes of pure joy. The on-screen chemistry between Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in this 1989 classic directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron is off the charts and filled with one iconic scene after another.

Horror - The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter, one of the great horror directors of the 20th century, really outdid himself with The Thing, his 1982 adaptation of John W. Campbell’s Who Goes There. The paranoia, the claustrophobic spaces, the incredible cast led by Kurt Russell, and those terrifying creature effects from Rob Bottin make this an unforgettable classic.

Crime - The Godfather (1972)

Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather is a family drama, an epic coming-of-age story, and a mobster movie, but above it all, it’s a transformative crime film. This sprawling story about the Corleone organization, told through the eyes of Vito (Marlon Brando) and Michael (Al Pacino) is worthy of all the praise it’s received over the past 50-plus years.

Musical - La La Land (2016)

Okay, there are classic musicals like An American in Paris and Singing in the Rain that are far more prestigious than La La Land, but Damien Chazelle’s 2016 throwback is a great entry point. The song and dance numbers performed by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are stupendous and the romance at the center of its story is wonderful, to say the least.

Western - Tombstone (1993)

One of the greatest Western movies, Tombstone has everything you’d want in the genre: shootouts, colorful characters, legendary mustaches, and some of the best movie quotes of all time. Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Bill Paxton, and Sam Elliott were all made for their respective roles as some of the most iconic gunslingers and lawmen in the Old West.

Noir - Double Indemnity (1944)

If you’ve taken any type of class on the history of American cinema, there’s a chance you’ve seen Double Indemnity by now. This 1944 film noir staple follows insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) as he gets in way over his head when dealing with Phyllis Dietrrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), a dangerous femme fatale with a plan to cash in on a life insurance policy.

Suspense - The Sixth Sense (1999)

The Sixth Sense is a lot of things – horror, thriller, family drama. But above all, it’s an intense suspense film about a young boy (played by Haley Joel Osment) who can see dead people and his therapist (played by Bruce Willis) who tries to help him make sense of the supernatural ability.

Coming Of Age - Lady Bird (2018)

Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird is one of the funniest, most sincere, and most realistic coming-of-age stories of the 21st century. Set in the early 2000s, the movie follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) as she deals with the fallout of her decision to move across the country upon graduating high school.

Time Travel - Back To The Future (1985)

There’s a good chance Back to the Future comes to mind when most people think about great time travel movies, and for good reason. This 1985 sci-fi adventure film hits in all the right places, features a career-defining performance from Michael J. Fox, and introduces the world to the coolest time machine of all time.

Historical Drama - The Age Of Innocence (1993)

Though Martin Scorsese is known more for his crime films, he put out one of the best historical dramas in 1993 with his adaptation of The Age of Innocence. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder, the film took a lot of chances and pushed the genre in a new direction.

Disaster - The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

One of the craziest disaster films, The Poseidon Adventure has a simple yet effective premise: what would happen if a cruise ship was flipped upside down by a massive wave? Survival, questions about morality, and Gene Hackman in a turtleneck make this a must-watch movie.

Dystopian - Escape From New York (1981)

Escape from New York, which takes place in a future where the city has been turned into a walled-off prison colony, is just such a legendary dystopian film. When the U.S. president’s plane is hijacked and crashed in lower Manhattan, it’s up to Snake Plisken (Kurt Russell) to save the day.

Family - The Princess Bride (1987)

The Princess Bride is one of those movies that just never gets old, no matter how many times you watch it. With a great story, unforgettable characters, and expressions of true love (and revenge), there’s a lot for the whole family to enjoy.

Biographical Drama - Schindler's List (1993)

The same year Steven Spielberg dazzled audiences with Jurassic Park, he made us cry with Schindler’s List, a moving biographical drama about a man (played by Lian Neeson) who goes to great lengths to save Jewish prisoners at a German concentration camp.

Stop-Motion Animation - The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

What’s this? What’s this? Oh, just one of the best stop-motion animation movies ever made. Released in 1993, The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a staple of the spooky season with its eccentric characters, sometimes grotesque scenes, and some lovely songs written and performed by Danny Elfman.

War Movie - Platoon (1985)

War is Hell, and few movies capture that sentiment better than Platoon. Released in 1985, Oliver Stone’s Vietnam War movie is neither triumphant nor pleasant, but instead a realistic and gut-wrenching depiction of combat and its effect on people. Truly unsettling and incredibly emotional, this Oscar winner is a tour de force.

Psychological Thriller - Seven (1995)

David Fincher made his mark on the world with Saven, his 1995 psychological thriller about a serial killer obsessed with the seven deadly sins and the two detectives assigned to stop the madness before it’s too late.

Buddy Action - Midnight Run (1988)

The ‘80s gave us all kinds of great buddy action movies, including Midnight Run, a hilarious and endearing cross-country affair about a down-on-his-luck cop-turned-bounty-hunter (played by Robert De Niro) trying to bring a mob accountant (played by Charles Grodin) to his court date. But things aren’t always as easy or clear as they seem.

Raunchy Comedy - Ted (2012)

There have been some great raunchy comedies over the years, with the likes of Porky’s and There’s Something About Mary quickly coming to mind. But one of the best options, especially for more modern audiences, is Ted, the 2012 comedy about a man (played by Mark Wahlberg) and his friendship with his childhood teddy bear (voiced by Seth MacFarlane). Though it sounds innocent, this wild comedy is anything but.

Silent Film - City Lights (1931)

If you’ve ever wanted to jump into the world of silent movies, Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights is going to be a great introduction. Released in 1931, this classic film follows Chaplin’s tramp as he falls in love with a blind flower girl and goes from there. Romance, drama, pratfalls, you name it, it’s all here.

Spoof Film - Airplane! (1980)

There has long been a tradition of spoof films in Hollywood, and no film does the format better than Airplane!. Released in 1980, this legendary comedy pokes fun at the disaster genre with outrageous jokes, scenarios, and so much more.

With the staggering number of great A24 movies we have seen in the last decade-plus, there is no doubt that it is my favorite production company working today. I am always looking forward to upcoming A24 movies because, every time I see that iconic logo appear on the screen, I know that I am about to witness something highly imaginative, emotionally investing, visually entrancing, and, in some cases, even life-changing. The best A24 movies cover various genres but I only took general quality in mind when deciding on the following picks for the beloved, Award-winning studio’s greatest hits available on streaming, as a digital rental, or on physical media.

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

Director: Rose Glass

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brien

What it’s About: A gym manager falls for an aspiring athlete, but their blissful romance is interrupted by a deadly mistake.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: Glass’ second A24 production after Saint Maud, Love Lies Bleeding, is part love story, part bodybuilding drama, and could be described as neo-Noir but truly defies genre in its unique execution.

How To Watch Love Lies Bleeding

• Stream Love Lies Bleeding on Max
• Rent or buy Love Lies Bleeding on Amazon
• Buy Love Lies Bleeding on Blu-ray on Amazon

Civil War (2024)

Director: Alex Garland

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny

What it’s about: A group of journalists travel across the country, where danger lurks at every turn.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: Perhaps the most potent example of Garland’s flair for grounded executions of horrifying concepts is the haunting Civil War, which imagines a dystopian America divided beyond repair.

How To Watch Civil War

• Stream Civil War on Max
• Rent or buy Civil War on Amazon
• Buy Civil War on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Iron Claw (2023)

Director: Sean Durkin

Starring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White

What it’s About: The historic rise of a family of aspiring wrestlers is cut short by a series of heartbreaking tragedies.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: Seen mostly through the eyes of Efron’s wonderful portrayal of Kevin Von Erich, A24’s first foray into sports movies, The Iron Claw, is a biopic that put critics and audiences into a devastating headlock.

How To Watch The Iron Claw

• Stream The Iron Claw on Max
• Rent or buy The Iron Claw on Amazon
• Buy The Iron Claw on Blu-ray on Amazon

Talk To Me (2023)

Director: Danny and Michael Philippou

Starring: Sophia Wilde, Alexandra Jensen

What it’s About: A group of young Australians discovers how to conjure spirits with a mysterious embalmed hand, but their thrilling activity begins to spiral horribly out of control.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: There are only so many demonic possession movies that feel somewhat unique but the Philippou Brothers achieved that rarity with their terrifying feature debut, Talk to Me.

How To Watch Talk to Me

• Stream Talk to Me on Paramount+ with Showtime add-on
• Stream Talk to Me on Hoopla
• Rent or buy Talk to Me on Amazon
• Buy Talk to Me on Blu-ray on Amazon

Past Lives (2023)

Director: Celine Song

Starring: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo

What it’s About: A married Korean native begins to reexamine her life after catching up with a childhood friend.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: Widely considered to be one of the best movies of 2023, Past Lives is a moving tale that explores how the reemergence of long-dormant feelings can cause one to imagine the other ways their lives could have turned out.

How To Watch Past Lives

• Stream Past Live on Amazon Prime
• Stream Past Lives on Paramount+ with Showtime add-on
• Buy Past Lives on Blu-ray on Amazon

Beau Is Afraid (2023)

Director: Ari Aster

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Parker Posey

What it’s About: A deeply paranoid man runs into one uproarious and horrifying roadblock after another while taking a trip to his mother’s house.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: From its opening sequence to the very end of Beau is Afraid, Aster’s absurd and demented odyssey on par with The Wizard of Oz will keep you locked in a chokehold of inescapable anxiety.

How To Watch Beau is Afraid

• Stream Beau is Afraid on Paramount+ with Showtime add-on
• Rent or buy Beau is Afraid on Amazon
• Buy Beau is Afraid on Blu-ray on Amazon

Uncut Gems (2019)

Director: Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie

Starring: Adam Sandler, Idina Menzel

What it’s About: A New York City jeweler lets his self-destructive tendencies get in the way of his attempt to earn the biggest profit possible from a rare opal.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: Howard Rattner is one of the most unlikable movie protagonists in recent memory but Sandler’s performance convinces the audience to root for him in the anxiety-fueled crime drama, Uncut Gems.

How To Watch Uncut Gems

• Rent or buy Uncut Gems on Amazon
• Buy Uncut Gems on Blu-ray on Amazon

Minari (2021)

Director: Lee Isaac Chung

Starring: Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri

What it’s About: A South Korean immigrant moves his family from California to Arkansas in hopes of achieving a better life in the 1980s.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: Chung’s Oscar-winning, semi-autobiographical drama, Minari, is a moving reflection of the challenges that come from chasing the American dream.

How To Watch Minari

• Rent or buy Minari on Amazon
• Buy Minari on Blu-ray on Amazon

X (2022)

Director: Ti West

Starring: Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega

What it’s About: In the 1970s, a group of amateur filmmakers secretly shooting an adult film on a Texas farm suddenly fall prey to their elderly hosts.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: As a tribute to the best horror movies of the 1970s and a dark reflection of the era’s adult film industry, X is a cleverly nuanced and brazenly disturbing thriller.

How To Watch X

• Stream X on Max
• Rent or buy X on Amazon
• Buy X on Blu-ray on Amazon

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

Director: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert

Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan

What it’s About: A laundromat owner is suddenly tasked with traveling the Multiverse in order to save humanity and reconcile her dysfunctional family.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: The visually inventive, action-packed, and unapologetically absurd Everything Everywhere All At Once is unlike any Best Picture Oscar winner (let alone any other film) you may have ever seen.

How To Watch Everything Everywhere All At Once

• Stream Everything Everywhere All At Once on Max
• Rent or buy Everything Everywhere All At Once on Amazon
• Buy Everything Everywhere All At Once on Blu-ray on Amazon

Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (2022)

Director: Dean Fleischer Camp

Starring: Jenny Camp, Dean Fleischer Camp

What it’s About: An adorably naive, talking mollusk becomes the subject of a documentarian’s latest film.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: CinemaBlend’s collective staff pick for the best movie of 2022 was the charming documentary-style comedy Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, which was nominated for a Best Animated Feature Oscar.

How To Watch Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

• Rent or buy Marcel the Shell with Shoes On on Amazon
• Buy Marcel the Shell with Shoes On on Blu-ray on Amazon

Locke (2013)

Director: Steven Knight

Starring: Tom Hardy

What it’s About: A family man and construction manager faces the life-altering consequences of a mistake over the course of one tumultuous night of driving down the highway.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: Told in real time and through a series of phone calls, Locke proves that a premise as simple as watching a man driving for nearly 90 minutes is enough to inspire heart-wrenching drama.

How To Watch Locke

• Stream Locke on Pluto TV
• Stream Locke on Plex
• Rent or buy Locke on Amazon
• Buy Locke on Blu-ray on Amazon

Ex Machina (2015)

Director: Alex Garland

Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander

What it’s About: A young computer programmer is selected to test the humanistic appeal of a robot named Ava, forcing him to confront his own humanity in the process.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: Garland’s directorial debut, Ex Machina, is a shocking cautionary tale in the vein of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein that questions what advantages (or disadvantages) could come from artificial intelligence if it does prove to be smarter than us.

How To Watch Ex Machina

• Rent or buy Ex Machina on Amazon
• Buy Ex Machina on Blu-ray on Amazon

Room (2015)

Director: Lenny Abrahamson

Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay

What it’s About: A devoted mother known only as “Ma” tries to maintain a fulfilling environment for her young son, Jack, who has spent his entire life with her held captive by a kidnapper.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: Based on the hit novel by screenwriter Emma Donaghue and featuring an astounding, Oscar-winning performance by Larson in the lead, Room is an intense but beautiful thriller about the struggle to overcome boundaries and the fear of what lies beyond.

How To Watch Room

• Rent or buy Room on Amazon
• Buy Room on Blu-ray on Amazon

The End Of The Tour (2015)

Director: James Ponsoldt

Starring: Jason Segel, Jesse Eisenberg

What it’s About: Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky spends five days interviewing acclaimed, but troubled, Infinite Jest author David Foster Wallace.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: Based on Lipsky’s memoir, Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself, The End of the Tour is a staggering, inspiring achievement that never falls prey to pretentiousness and features one of Segel’s best dramatic performances yet.

How To Watch The End of the Tour

• Stream The End of the Tour on Pluto TV
• Stream The End of the Tour on Plex
• Rent or buy The End of the Tour on Amazon
• Buy The End of the Tour on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Lobster (2016)

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Starring: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz

What it’s About: In a hopelessly bleak dystopia in which monogamy is a lawful priority, a divorced man struggles to find a romantic partner in 45 days or he will be surgically transformed into the animal of his choosing.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: For some, dating can feel like a race against time and the brutal, but hilariously bizarre, absurdist satire The Lobster imagines what would happen if the stakes really were that high.

How To Watch The Lobster

• Rent or buy The Lobster on Amazon
• Buy The Lobster on Blu-ray on Amazon

Moonlight (2016)

Director: Barry Jenkins

Starring: Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris

What it’s About: A Black man struggles with a neglectful, crack-addict mother, his sense of identity, and his sexuality, receiving little guidance in his childhood from anyone but a drug-dealer named Juan.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: Also starring Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes as the central character at three crucial stages of his life, Moonlight is a deeply moving and beautifully depicted drama that made history as the first LGBTQ+ movie to win the Best Picture Oscar.

How To Watch Moonlight

• Rent or buy Moonlight on Amazon
• Buy Moonlight on Blu-ray on Amazon

Lady Bird (2017)

Director: Greta Gerwig

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf

What it’s About: Christine McPherson longs for a more sophisticated and adventurous existence outside of her California Catholic high school environment.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: Early-2000s teen angst is given a name – “Lady Bird” – in the sleeper hit that is now considered one of the best high school movies for its clever, quirky, and brutally honest commentary on adolescent struggle and its wonderful performances.

How To Watch Lady Bird

• Stream Lady Bird on Max
• Rent or buy Lady Bird on Amazon
• Buy Lady Bird on Blu-ray on Amazon

Good Time (2017)

Director: Josh and Benny Safdie

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie

What it’s About: A young petty criminal goes to increasingly extreme and despicable lengths to get his younger, mentally challenged brother out of his jail.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: The Safdie Brothers show their mastery for breathless, high-energy thrills by crafting Good Time into a one-of-a-kind cinematic roller coaster that reeks of ‘80s, guerilla-style inspiration.

How To Watch Good Time

• Rent or buy Good Time on Amazon
• Buy Good Time on Blu-ray on Amazon

Hereditary (2018)

Director: Ari Aster

Starring: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff

What it’s About: A family’s suffering in the wake of a tragedy slowly curdles into an unexplainable, unmerciful nightmare.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: If Hereditary put cheesy taglines promising hysterics and paralyzing fear on its poster, this signature A24-produced horror movie with an indescribably perfect performance by Collette would have been telling the truth.

How To Watch Hereditary

• Stream Hereditary on Netflix
• Rent or buy Hereditary on Amazon
• Buy Hereditary on Blu-ray on Amazon

Eighth Grade (2018)

Director: Bo Burnham

Starring: Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton

What it’s About: A 13-year-old girl tries to fit in with her classmates despite her introverted personality.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: The horrors of a student’s final year before high school should not be underestimated, and that is proven in Eighth Grade – a beautifully authentic commentary on early teenhood.

How To Watch Eighth Grade

• Rent or buy Eighth Grade on Amazon
• Buy Eighth Grade on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Farewell (2019)

Director: Lulu Wang

Starring: Awkwafina, Shuzhen Zhao

What it’s About: A Chinese-American woman attends a family gathering in China for her unsuspecting terminal grandmother disguised as a wedding.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: The premise of The Farewell sounds improbable until you discover the rough, but amusingly funny foreign language film is based on Wang’s own experience with a real Chinese tradition to withhold a relative’s imminent death from them.

How To Watch The Farewell

• Stream The Farewell on Max
• Rent or buy The Farewell on Amazon
• Buy The Farewell on Blu-ray on Amazon

Midsommar (2019)

Director: Ari Aster

Starring: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor

What it’s About: A grieving young woman joins her emotionally distant boyfriend and his friends on a trip to a seemingly idyllic Swedish festival.

Why It’s One Of The Best A24 Movies: While not known for stories that are thematically bright and sunny, that is the aesthetic Aster chose for his sophomore effort, Midsommar – a unique blend of tranquil visuals with devastatingly twisted moments that make it an unforgettable, skin-crawling trip.

How To Watch Midsommar

• Rent or buy Midsommar on Amazon
• Buy Midsommar on Blu-ray on Amazon

I doubt that these will be the last A24 movies we recommend, so check out our upcoming 2024 movie schedule and any upcoming 2025 movies to see what the company has next in store. You can also keep an eye on what they have in store for the small screen with our upcoming A24 TV shows guide.

The 2010s were a transformative decade for movies as directors like Damien Chazelle, Greta Gerwig and Jordan Peele hit the mainstream, and many actors exploded into stardom or gave career-defining performances in movies like theirs. Now, it’s time to celebrate some of the best films of this decade and the performers who starred in them. 

Emma Stone – La La Land 

This ode to Old Hollywood and modern romance from Damien Chazelle is widely beloved in part because of Emma Stone's performance. If you go back to reviews for La La Land, you’ll see Stone and Ryan Gosling praised for their work as they played Mia and Sebastian, two aspiring artists who fall in love with each other. Notably, Emma Stone won her first Oscar for the film because of the wonderful performance she gave as the up-and-coming actress. 

Kristen Wiig – Bridesmaids

When it comes to Bridesmaids and all its hilarious lines and gags, we all need to say a collective thank you to Kristen Wiig. Not only did the Saturday Night Live alum lead the stellar ensemble cast of this 2011 flick, but she also wrote the movie with Annie Mumolo, and they got an Oscar nomination for it. 

Mahershala Ali – Moonlight

Moonlight, which famously won Best Picture in 2017, is a coming-of-age film that follows Chiron through three stages of his life, focusing on him exploring his sexuality and identity. In it, Mahershala Ali plays Juan, a man who has a pivotal role in Chiron’s early life. Famously, Ali won his first Oscar for his moving performance in this film. 

Daniel Kaluuya – Get Out

Get Out is considered one of the greatest horror movies of all time, and it marked the directorial debut of Jordan Peele. While this film about the deeply dark turn a trip takes after a white woman brings her Black boyfriend home to meet her family is career-defining for its director – as he’s gone on to become quite the name in the genre – it also marked a major breakout for Daniel Kaluuya who played the film’s lead, Chris. 

Amy Adams – Arrival 

Arrival is unquestionably one of Amy Adams’ best movies, and to this day, folks are still livid that she wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for it. She plays Louise, a linguist assigned to decipher and translate an alien language. However, as Arrival’s ending makes abundantly clear, there’s way more to it than that, and one of the major reasons this movie works is because of Adams’ masterful, emotional and nuanced performance. 

J.K. Simmons – Whiplash

In Whiplash, one of J.K. Simmons’ best films, he plays a brilliant and brutal jazz conductor and instructor named Terence Fletcher. During the film, Miles Teller plays a young drummer named Andrew who is determined to become great, and his intense relationship with Terence and the notion of being the best is what makes Damien Chazelle’s film magnificent. On top of its overall acclaim, Simmons also won an Oscar for his performance.

Hugh Jackman – Logan 

Logan was Hugh Jackman’s last ride as the Wolverine, and it was basically perfect. While he’s returned to the role since in Deadpool and Wolverine, Logan still serves as a wonderful conclusion to the iconic X-Man’s story. It was also a game-changing Marvel film, as it brought a level of grit and intrigue that we hadn’t really seen in a movie from this universe before. 

Ben Affleck – Argo 

Much like Good Will Hunting, Argo marked a major milestone in Ben Affleck’s career. It was one of the films that solidified him as a top-tier director, and on top of that, he also starred in the film about a CIA agent disguised as a producer who goes into Tehran on a mission to save a group of Americans. Oh, also, the film went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars too. 

Jesse Eisenberg — The Social Network

The Social Network cast is stacked, however, it wouldn’t be what it is without Jesse Eisenberg’s performance as Mark Zuckerberg at its center. His nuanced performance which is somehow both collected and chaotic compliments Aaron Sorkin’s fast-talking script perfectly, and he expertly helped build up tension in the film that director David Fincher is known for. All around, that made for a perfect, heart-pounding drama about the rise of Facebook.

Leonardo DiCaprio – The Wolf Of Wall Street  

While Leonardo DiCaprio has a long list of career-defining performances, and he and Martin Scorsese have made many great movies together, you can’t deny that his portrayal of Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street tops that list. 

Brie Larson – Room

The film Room, which is about a mother and her son escaping captivity, is masterfully led by Brie Larson, who plays Ma. Both she and Jacob Tremblay, who played her son Jack, were praised for their performances, and in 2016, the actress won an Oscar for her work. 

Daniel Craig – Knives Out

Now, I know that Daniel Craig’s tenure as James Bond was still happening in the 2010s. However, an equally important and brilliant role he took on was as detective Benoit Blanc in Rian Johnson’s first whodunnit Knives Out. Now, after leading the cast of Knives Out, Craig has gone on to reprise his role as the Southern detective on multiple occasions, because he loves it and so do we. 

Ryan Gosling – Drive

If you look over Ryan Gosling’s best movies, on one side you’ll find his brilliant comedic films – like Barbie and The Nice Guys – and on the other side, you’ll find his stoic and dramatic performance, like the one he gives in Drive. Put simply, Drive wouldn’t work without the actor’s lead performance, because the entire film hinges on him and his abilities. 

Ryan Reynolds – Deadpool

After years of working to get it made and some well-timed leaked footage, finally, in 2016, Deadpool came out and we got to see Ryan Reynolds in his element as the Merc with a Mouth. 

Casey Affleck – Manchester By The Sea 

In a film about a man returning home to reckon with his past and grief after losing his brother, Casey Affleck gives an emotional and commanding performance. Not only did he win an Oscar for his work in this drama, but it’s also one of the big defining roles of his career. 

Chris Evans – Captain America: The Winter Soldier 

Chris Evans began and ended his tenure as Steve Rogers in the 2010s. While all his outings as the star-spangled man with a plan were excellent, nothing tops his performance as Cap in the political thriller that is the Russo brothers’ Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which is easily one of the best Marvel movies ever made. 

Ralph Fiennes – The Grand Budapest Hotel 

Under Wes Anderson’s precise direction, Ralph Fiennes occupied the pastel world of the Grand Budapest Hotel with grace and style. His fast-talking M. Gustave went on quite the adventure in this film, and he won over the hearts of audiences with his quick wit, smooth charm and impeccable work ethic. 

Natalie Portman – Black Swan 

Throwing it back to the beginning of the decade, Darren Aronofsky’s 2010 psychological thriller Black Swan showed us Natalie Portman’s talents in a new light. While she had been on the scene and in big movies for years, this film marked a major milestone in her career as her performance as a tortured ballerina got her an Academy Award. 

Matthew McConaughey – Dallas Buys Club

Obviously, for a couple of decades before this, Matthew McConaughey was known and beloved for fun movies like Dazed and Confused and How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days. However, in 2013, Dallas Buyers Club marked a notable shift in his career. Not only did he win an Oscar for this dramatic turn as a man who finds out he has AIDS, but he also went on to star in acclaimed projects like Interstellar and True Detective one year later, cementing himself as a magnificent dramatic actor with serious range. 

Jennifer Lawrence – Silver Linings Playbook

Yes, Jennifer Lawrence leading The Hunger Games cast is one of the biggest triumphs of her career. However, amid all of that, she starred in the beloved dramedy Silver Linings Playbook with Bradley Cooper, and that’s the film for which she won her Oscar. This magnificent film about two people learning to live and thrive through grief and mental illness, is a thoughtful and funny film that Lawrence steals with her amazing performance. 

Brad Pitt – Moneyball 

Moneyball is the story about the general manager of the Oakland A’s using his business savvy and what little money his team had to assemble a rag-tag team of MLB players. Brad Pitt plays said manager, Billy Beane, and I mean it when I say the movie really wouldn’t work without him. He’s at the center of it, and he carries it to victory just like his character did with the A’s.  

Chadwick Boseman – Black Panther 

We sadly lost Chadwick Boseman way too early, however, his legacy will live on forever. This is in part because of his performance as the King of Wakanda, T’Challa. Black Panther was a historic moment in modern movie history, and his incredible take on the titular hero is a big reason why. 

Margot Robbie – I, Tonya 

Before I, Tonya, Margot Robbie was beloved for her supporting and ensemble roles in films like The Wolf of Wall Street and Suicide Squad. However, one of the movies that helped solidify her as both a leading lady and super producer was I, Tonya. She played Tonya Harding and produced the film under the banner of her company LuckyChap – which went on to make films like Barbie and Promising Young Woman. 

Florence Pugh – Midsommar

Florence Pugh exploded onto the scene with the haunting Ari Aster film Midsommar. The movie is now considered one of the best horror movies of all time, and a big reason why is Pugh’s performance. 

Saoirse Ronan – Lady Bird

Talk about a dynamic duo. Greta Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan are a match made in heaven, and that was solidified into fact when the actress played the titular Lady Bird in the director’s breakout film. Not only did fans fall in love with Ronan’s performance as the defiant teenage gal, but she also received wide acclaim and an Oscar nomination for it. Plus, it was the beginning of a glorious partnership between her and Greta Gerwig as they then went on to make Little Women together. 

Timothée Chalamet – Call Me By Your Name

These days, when people think of Timothée Chalamet, they likely think of him as Paul Atreides, the leader of the Dune cast. However, before that (and in a different decade) the film that sprung him into the mainstream was Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name. The deeply romantic and tender coming-of-age drama was led beautifully by Chalamet, and since then he’s taken on more roles that have helped cement him as one of the top-leading men of his generation. 

Anna Kendrick – Pitch Perfect

If you were a kid in 2012 (like I was), odds are you learned the “Cups” song. The movie about college acapella was a phenomenon in the early 2010s, and it served as a big breakout leading role for Anna Kendrick. Not only was she funny as Becca, but everyone also became aware that she had the singing voice of an angel.  

Lupita Nyong’o – 12 Years A Slave

Lupita Nyong’o’s first feature film was 12 Years A Slave. Her performance in the movie by Steve McQueen won her an Oscar in 2012 and solidified her as a top-tier dramatic performer. Since then, she’s gone on to star in massive blockbusters like Black Panther and A Quiet Place: Day One. 

Joaquin Phoenix – Joker

There have been many amazing takes on the Joker, and Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck was a totally new one. In Joker, we see the villain’s origin story, and it’s a film that’s unlike any other DC project. The haunting performance ultimately won the actor an Oscar, and he reprised the part again in Joker: Folie à Deux.

Charlize Theron – Mad Max: Fury Road

The movie is named after Mad Max, and he’s great, don’t get me wrong, but Furiosa steals the show. Charlize Theron’s performance as the driver in Mad Max: Fury Road is fierce and jaw-dropping, and she’s one of many reasons why George Miller’s movie is considered one of the best action films. 

Michael Cera – Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

You can’t have Scott Pilgrim vs. The World without a perfect Scott Pilgrim and that’s who Michael Cera is. He perfectly played the awkward yet heroic protagonist in Edgar Wright’s beloved film, and to this day, it's considered some of his best work.

Matt Damon – The Martian

This Ridley Scott movie is literally about one man who is stuck on Mars. Yes, there are other people in the film trying to save him. However, overall, The Martian is Matt Damon’s movie. He plays the stranded astronaut and scientist, and the heart, charisma, intelligence and even humor he brings to the space drama is unforgettable. 

All around, the 2010s were full of films that are on their way to becoming all-time classics, and it’s in part thanks to the brilliant actors who starred in them. 

For starters, I am not necessarily saying that any of these movie characters are outright “bad,” nor am I trying to make a case against any of the films they lead. However, I personally believe that these characters are deeply flawed for one reason or another — either because of the way they are written, the way their respective actors portray them, or even just their moral weaknesses — and what makes matters worse is that they are supposed to the protagonists of their stories. Please bear with me as I explain my reasoning for why these characters make the movies they lead just a bit more of a struggle to follow.

Rick Deckard (Blade Runner)

One of my all-time favorite actors is Harrison Ford who has played some of the most charming characters in cinematic history, but I do not believe Rick Deckard is one of them. Ford does not give a bad performance at all in Blade Runner, but his role — a cop assigned to “retire” artificial humans in a dystopian future — is the least interesting and likable character in Ridley Scott's 1982 film, the real hero of which is Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer), if you ask me.

Rose (Titanic)

On The Ringer podcast, The Rewatchables, Bill Simmons and Van Lathan spend more than 10 minutes discussing why Rose (Kate Winslet) is the worst character from James Cameron's Titanic. The spoiled socialite's unimpressed reaction to first seeing the titular ship, her reluctance to immediately explain Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) saved her life as he is being arrested, and her hogging the makeshift lifeboat (a door) that likely could have prevented Jack's death are just a few reasons.

Scott Pilgrim (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World)

Michael Cera's title character from Edgar Wright's hilarious and visually stunning 2010 comic book movie is a smug, selfish, and lazy oaf whose troubles — notably having two unassuming girlfriends at once — are no one's fault but his own. I will say, however, that a main point of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is that the protagonist is deeply flawed and, through defeating Ramona's (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) evil exes, thankfully learns to be a better person.

Bella Swan (Twilight)

It is a shame that Kristen Stewart's stint in the Twilight movies cast cursed her with an undeserving reputation for wooden acting because, in retrospect, it was clearly not her fault. In fact, you could say the future Academy Award nominee's performance as the cinematic version of Bella Swan perfectly suits the role’s astonishing lack of personality and emotional depth in a romance about vampires.

Raleigh Beckett (Pacific Rim)

Charlie Hunnam has turned in many wonderful performances in his career, especially in the Sons of Anarchy cast as Jax Teller. Yet, he gives a decidedly one-note performance in 2013’s Pacific Rim as the hero of Guillermo del Toro’s monsters vs. machines epic, Raleigh Beckett, who certainly does not have his aggressively generic and unmemorable characterization.

Jupiter Jones (Jupiter Ascending)

There are many reasons why The Wachowskis' Jupiter Ascending is one of their most infamous flops and among them is Mila Kunis' title role. The young house cleaner who discovers she is the heir to a royal, intergalactic kingdom is written as not much more than a disengaging damsel in distress.

Jake Sully (Avatar)

The reason why anybody went to see 2009's Avatar, or rewatches it to this day, and showed up for the 2022 sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, was to experience the wondrous world of Pandora. The groundbreaking success of James Cameron's franchise has absolutely nothing to do with its hero, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), whom many regard as one of the most generic action movie protagonists you could imagine.

Julianne Potter (My Best Friend's Wedding)

As the Queen of Rom-Coms, Julia Roberts has played many charming and lovable characters, but Julianne Potter is not quite one of them. The whole plot of My Best Friend's Wedding sees her conspire to ruin the impending nuptials of her lifelong buddy, Michael O'Neil (Dermot Mulroney), after realizing she wants to have him for herself.

Luke Skywalker (Star Wars: A New Hope)

I really, truly hate to include one of the most beloved heroes from George Lucas' galaxy far, far away on this list, but it is a decision that I believe many die-hard fans of the Star Wars movies might be able to understand. They may especially agree that Mark Hamill's performance as Luke Skywalker in the 1977 original is not exactly one of his best and the farmer-turned-resistance-fighter's characterization — specifically at that time — is a bit bland and, at times, annoying.

Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Is there a single character who represents the most egregious tropes associated with Disney Princesses more than Ariel in 1989’s The Little Mermaid? For one, she literally and willfully silences herself all for the chance to be with her crush, which is far from role-model behavior, as far as I am concerned.

Teth-Adam (Black Adam)

Let alone the fact that Teth-Adam was originally created for DC Comics as a Shazam villain, Dwayne Johnson gives a tonally uneven and one-dimensional portrayal of the extremely powerful Kahndaq "champion" whose verbal rejection of being called the hero of his story grows tiresome. Personally, I would have rather seen a movie that centers on the members of the Justice Society of America than what Black Adam turned out to be. 

Christine McPherson (Lady Bird)

Greta Gerwig's feature-length directorial debut, 2017's Lady Bird, is one of the sharpest coming-of-age dramedies of its time, anchored by a spellbinding, Oscar-nominated performance by Saoirse Ronan. Yet, even the acclaimed A24 movie's biggest fans agree that Ronan's title character (whose real name is Christine McPherson) is often too rude and self-absorbed to enjoy watching.

Bruce Wayne (Batman Forever)

When it comes to the best Batman actors, the bottom of the list, for me, is occupied by Val Kilmer. The normally charismatic and dynamic actor implants little to nothing of his signature talents in 1995's Batman Forever, resulting in one of the most bland and forgettable portrayals of the Dark Knight on record.

Cinderella (Cinderella)

I realize that Cinderella is, essentially, the ideal fairy tale character, and her age-old story inspires people to not give up on their dreams. However, her depiction in the 1950 classic does not have much of a distinct personality, causing it to be one of the few Disney animated movies that pales in comparison to its live-action remake, in my opinion. 

Sam Witwicky (Transformers)

To be fair, Shia LaBeouf really puts his heart and soul into playing Sam — an awkward, nervous teen caught up in a war between shape-shifting alien robots. However, the performance is just a little too convincing and often tends to distract from the true mechanical heroes of 2007's Transformers.

Evan Hansen (Dear Evan Hansen)

While the cinematic adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen certainly has its fans (many of whom already loved the original stage musical), its toughest critics agree the title role is a hard person to warm to by the end. The consensus has less to do with actor Ben Platt (reprising his Tony Award-winning role) being nearly twice Evan's age, and more with how he allows himself to benefit from a classmate's suicide after being mistaken for his friend.

Dante Hicks (Clerks)

I am sure there are many convenience store workers who strongly empathize with Dante (Brian O'Halloran), but his incessant whining and lack of gratitude for his girlfriend, Veronica (Marilyn Ghigliotti), kind of makes it hard to. Not to mention, in competition with Randal (Jeff Anderson), Jay (Jason Mewes), and Silent Bob (writer and director Kevin Smith), he is easily one of the least memorable characters from 1994's Clerks despite being the center of it all.

Sandy Olsson (Grease)

No one can deny that the late, great Olivia Newton-John is phenomenal in Grease, as both an actor and a musical performer. Yet, you could make the argument that her role, Sandy Olsson, is not a great character, especially for the way she submits to changing her personality to be more like her crush, Danny Zuko (John Travolta), while he gets to stay the same at the end.

Adam Jones (Burnt)

If not for a charismatic actor like Bradley Cooper in the lead role, the otherwise delicious food movie, Burnt, might not have been worth taking a bite out of. Cooper's character, a talented chef named Adam Jones, pretty much revels in treating people like scraps and boasts little to no redeeming qualities.  

Leo (Mute)

Duncan Jones, director of acclaimed sci-fi films Moon and Source Code, did not receive as much love in 2018 for his Netflix original futuristic noir, Mute. Much of the complaints were centered around Alexander Skarsgård's lead role, Leo, whose otherwise intriguing trait as a non-speaking character becomes a disadvantage as the role offers just about nothing else of interest to the table.

Steven (The Cable Guy)

Jim Carrey's demented performance is meant to convince you that his character is the "villain" of 1996's The Cable Guy. However, in retrospect, the pathetic, self-centered, hypocritical Steven (Matthew Broderick) is the one we should really be rooting against. 

Newt Scamander (Fantastic Beasts And Where to Find Them)

For a film in which the main draw is watching wondrous creatures run amok, it makes sense that the lead performance would be as understated as Eddie Redmayne's portrayal of Newt Scamander. Yet, even some major Harry Potter fans agree that the Magizoologist is, ultimately, too awkward and dull of a protagonist to carry Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Tom Hansen ((500) Days Of Summer)

To be clear, my main reason for including Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character from 2009's (500) Days of Summer in this list is because many often misinterpret the point of his arc in the modern romantic-comedy classic. Tom is so obsessed with living the perfect love story that he selfishly ignores Summer's (Zooey Deschanel) request to keep things casual and blames her for their breakup.

Ford Brody (Godzilla)

If I am being honest — and the same goes for many examples of disaster and/or monster movies, really — the human characters are easily the weakest part of 2014's Godzilla. However, the otherwise talented Aaron Taylor-Johnson's lead role as Lt. Ford Brody makes less of an impact on the story than anyone else. To be fair, though, I imagine it was hard to stand out amid Bryan Cranston's brief, but memorable, performance as his father.

Frodo Baggins (The Lord Of The Rings)

By the end of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) does achieve the end goal by destroying the One Ring, but is he really the true hero of this saga? When you look at how often Samwise (Sean Astin) came to his rescue and compare him to the fearless Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), the hobbit really does come up short.

P.T. Barnum (The Greatest Showman)

Hugh Jackman's portrayal of P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman is, for the most part, extremely charming, and that is precisely the problem. The otherwise dazzling 2017 musical is not at all historically accurate, especially in the way it depicts the founder of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, who, in real life, was a greedy schemer known for exploiting an enslaved woman for his show.

Valerian (Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets)

Luc Besson's highly inventive, visually stunning, and admirably optimistic utopian adventure, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, could have gone down in history as a modern sci-fi classic. Unfortunately, the one-note, generic, frustratingly unimpressionable title hero, played by the otherwise very talented Dane DeHaan, resulted in an ultimately forgettable experience.

Albert Stark (A Million Ways To Die In The West)

Writer and director Seth MacFarlane also stars in 2014's A Million Ways to Die in the West as Albert Stark — an aimless, perpetually dissatisfied oaf whose main character trait is lengthy complaints. If the character was not just, essentially, a live-action, human version of one of MacFarlane's Family Guy roles, Brian Griffin, he might have been stronger protagonist for the Western-Comedy. 

Jack Burton (Big Trouble In Little China)

I can't deny that I have nothing but love for Kurt Russell's hilarious performance as California trucker Jack Burton in Big Trouble in Little China. Yet, did you ever notice just how imbecilic he is, not to mention, the fact that he achieves not a single heroic act until he kills Lo Pan (James Hong) at the end? His bumbling nature does give the many Asian cast members their chance to shine as the true heroes, but even that only further earns him a lower ranking among Russell’s best characters.

Howard Rattner (Uncut Gems)

Adam Sandler gives one of his most electric performances as Manhattan jeweler Howard Rattner in the Safdie Brothers' 2019 thriller, Uncut Gems. Honestly, if a less likable movie star had played the selfish, self-destructive gambling addict than the charismatic comedy icon, we would have no reason to root for him and the story could have suffered as a result.

Mimi (Psycho Goreman)

The ancient extraterrestrial warrior (voiced by Steven Vlahos and portrayed physically by Matthew Ninaber) may be the title character of Psycho Goreman, but the true protagonist is Mimi (Nita-Josée Hanna). However, as far as I am concerned, the 2020 horror-comedy would have been much more enjoyable if the young girl who awakens "PG" were not such a spoiled, rotten, loudmouthed bully.

Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)

Director Michel Gondry's 2011 reboot of The Green Hornet reimagines L.A. news publisher Britt Reid (producer Seth Rogen) as an absent-minded man-child whose vigilante aspirations seem completely out of place with his character. While this does work as a parodic commentary on Kato (played here by Jay Chou) always being the more obviously capable one in the 1960s series (which starred Bruce Lee in the role), it is a one-note joke that quickly loses steam.

I promise that my intention was not to ruin any of these main movie characters for you, but at least offer some additional perspective regarding how they fit into their stories.

How many times have you watched an incredible acting performance and looked up to see how many awards it won only to find out that the Oscar went to someone else that year? It’s shocking how many times this has happened over the years for some of the greatest actors and actresses of all time. Here are 32 times an incredible performance didn’t win an Academy Award for one reason or another.

Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction)

Though he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction, Samuel L. Jackson’s name wasn’t called at the 67th Academy Awards. This is nothing against Martin Landau’s performance from Ed Wood, but Jackson’s foul-mouthed and righteous hitman is an all-time great character that should have been recognized.

Robert De Niro (Taxi Driver)

Robert De Niro received an Oscar nomination for his career-defining portrayal of Travis Bickle in Martin Scorsese’s 1977 psychological thriller, Taxi Driver, but the unhinged and memorable performance wasn’t enough to win Best Actor. It’s hard to be mad, as Peter Finch’s Academy Award-winning turn in Network is the stuff of legend.

Harrison Ford (Witness)

One of the best actors without an Oscar, Harrison Ford has only one Academy Award nomination to his name, the 1985 crime thriller, Witness. Though not Ford’s most iconic character, his take on Philadelphia detective John Book as he goes to great lengths to protect a young boy is nothing short of amazing.

Morgan Freeman (The Shawshank Redemption)

Morgan Freeman gave the performance of a lifetime as Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding in The Shawshank Redemption. If the movie would have come out any other time besides 1994, a year dominated by Forrest Gump, there’s a good chance the aging prisoner and accomplished smuggler would have earned Freeman an Oscar.

Bill Murray (Lost In Translation)

Bill Murray’s portrayal of cynical, washed-up actor Bob Harris in Lost in Translation will forever be one of the comedian’s most beloved roles. While Sean Penn’s performance in Mystic River is more than deserving of an Oscar, it’s a shame the iconic comedian didn’t get properly recognized for a once-in-a-decade showing.

Whoopi Goldberg (The Color Purple)

Whoopi Goldberg showed off a more dramatic side with her lauded portrayal of Celie Harris-Johnson in Steven Spielberg’s 1985 adaptation of The Color Purple. It’s absurd that the emotional, dynamic, and powerful performance didn’t win Goldberg a much-deserved Oscar, which went to Geraldine Page in The Trip to Bountiful, instead.

Ralph Fiennes (Schindler's List)

Schindler’s List features one of the best Ralph Fiennes performances with his portrayal of Nazi work camp commandant Amon Goeth in Steven Spielberg’s 1993-defining film. And while the movie won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Fiennes’ unforgettable turn was not among them. Instead, he lost out to Tommy Lee Jones from The Fugitive.

Dustin Hoffman (Tootsie)

If you’re looking for one of the best New York City movies, Tootsie has you covered. If you’re looking for a movie featuring an acting performance that should have won an Oscar but didn’t, Sydney Pollack’s 1982 comedy has you covered there as well. Seriously, how Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of Michael Dorsey wasn't awarded is something we just don’t get.

Denzel Washington (Malcolm X)

Denzel Washington eventually won a Best Actor Oscar for his unforgettable turn in Training Day, but the actor was robbed nearly a decade earlier after not winning the big prize for his take on the titular Civil Rights leader in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X.

Florence Pugh (Little Women)

Florence Pugh was already a rising star at the time of Little Women’s release, but her portrayal of Amy March in Greta Gerwig’s coming-of-age drama took her to new heights. Though she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, Pugh lost out to Laura Dern from Marriage Story.

Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained)

Here’s something wild to think about – Jamie Foxx not only didn’t win an Oscar for his performance in Django Unchained, he wasn’t even nominated for Best Actor. Admittedly, it was a stacked list of actors – Daniel Day-Lewis, Bradley Cooper, Hugh Jackman, Joaquin Phoenix, and Denzel Washington – but not even being named is just something.

Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)

The Wrestler felt like Mickey Rourke’s big redemption arc, more so than the character he portrayed in Darren Aronofsky’s great wrestling movie. Despite pushing himself to the breaking point from both a physical and emotional standpoint, Rourke lost out to Sean Penn’s take on Harvey Milk in Milk.

Michael Keaton (Birdman)

Michael Keaton gave the performance of a lifetime in the 2014 mind-bending drama film, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), one that seemed to channel the actor’s past in such a way it felt like an autobiography. However, stealing the show as Riggan Thomson, a.k.a., Birdman, wasn’t enough, as the prize went to The Theory of Everything’s Eddie Redmayne instead.

Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird)

Saoirse Ronan has been nominated for an Oscar on four separate occasions, but not a single win, which is something. One of the performances that deserved an Academy Award the most was that of Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson in Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird. The portrayal of a confused high school senior on the verge of entering the next stage in her life lost out to Frances McDormand in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Tim Curry (Clue)

Tim Curry’s portrayal of Wadsworth in Clue, a butler or undercover FBI agent depending on which ending you watch, is a role that is beloved by fans of the classic murder mystery comedy. However, it wasn’t recognized at the Academy Awards or other ceremonies, which is the real crime.

Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl)

Rosamund Pike’s take on Amy Elliott-Dunne earned the sole Academy Award nomination for David Fincher’s Gone Girl, a nod that was more than deserved. However, the incredibly nuanced and dynamic performance failed to win the Best Actress Oscar, which went to Still Alice’s Julianne Moore instead.

Jimmy Stewart (Rear Window)

Jimmy Stewart is one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors of all time and his portrayal of L. B. "Jeff" Jefferies in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window is one of the his top-tier performances. However, his take on an injured photographer who uncovers a murder mystery didn’t even get a nod at the Academy Awards.

Kate Winslet (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind)

Kate Winslet gave one of her most powerful and unique performances in the 2004 sci-fi dramedy, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Her take on Clementine Kruczynski, a woman who had all memories of her ex-boyfriend wiped from her brain, was rich, beautiful, and iconic, but just wasn’t enough to win Best Actress.

Al Pacino (The Godfather)

Al Pacino put himself on the map with his portrayal of reluctant crime boss Michael Corleone in The Godfather. The gradual evolution of the character over the course of the film’s three-hour runtime should have been enough for an Oscar, but like co-stars James Caan and Robert Duvall, who were also nominated for Best Supporting Actor, he didn’t get the win.

Gloria Swanson (Sunset Boulevard)

Gloria Swanson’s "All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up." line from Sunset Boulevard is one of the most iconic quotes in all of Hollywood and part of an Oscar-worthy performance. While Swanson was nominated for her take on aging film star Norma Desmond, she didn’t take home the top prize.

Jack Nicholson (The Shining)

Though considered one of Jack Nicholson’s best roles, his portrayal of Jack Torrance in The Shining didn’t result in an Oscar win. In fact, Nicholson wasn’t even nominated for the unforgettable performance. 

John Cazale (The Godfather Part II)

John Cazale’s Fredo Corleone in The Godfather Part II is one of cinema’s great tragic figures as well as one of the late actor’s best characters. What’s even more of a travesty is the fact that the late actor didn’t even receive an Oscar nomination for his efforts. Tragically, Cazale would never receive an Academy Award nomination prior to his shocking death in 1978.

Angela Bassett (What's Love Got To Do With It?)

Angela Bassett received her first Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Tina Turner in What’s Love Go to Do with It?, but the miraculous turn as one of American music’s most famous and influential figures didn’t earn her a Best Actress win. 

Edward Norton (American History X)

Reformed neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard is one of Edward Norton’s most controversial and complex characters of his career, and the American History X performance earned him a Best Actor nod at the 71st Academy Awards. However, Roberto Benigni from Life Is Beautiful ran away with the top acting prize.

Ingrid Bergman (Casablanca)

Somehow, Ingrid Bergman, who was astonishing as Ilsa Lund in Casablanca, not only didn’t win Best Actress at the 16th Academy Awards, she wasn’t even nominated for her iconic portrayal of a woman caught between two men and two different lives in the 1943 black-and-white classic.

Paul Giamatti (Sideways)

In a perfect world, Paul Giamatti would have won the Oscar for Best Actor in Alexander Payne’s Sideways, but alas, that is not the reality in which we live. Miles Raymond is one of Giamiatti’s best characters and carried the movie about two friends on a wine trip they’ll never forget.

Henry Fonda (12 Angry Men)

An amazing courtroom drama, 12 Angry Men is still arguably one of the best movies of all time. While its star, Henry Fonda, received a Best Picture nomination as a producer, his dynamic and rich portrayal of a juror who insisted on getting things right didn’t earn him an acting nod, which is a real miscarriage of justice.

John Goodman (The Big Lebowski)

You can add John Goodman to the list of great actors who have never received an Oscar nomination, which just doesn’t make sense. It’s especially maddening when you consider his legendary portrayal of Walter Sobchak in The Big Lebowski, a character loosely based on John Milius, per Far Out Magazine.

Joaquin Phoenix (Walk The Line)

Joaquin Phoenix has since won an Oscar, but his portrayal of Johnny Cash in James Mangold’s 2005 biographical drama, Walk the Line, was more than deserving of the top acting prize at the Academy Awards. What’s interesting is the fact that Phoenix was beat by his future The Master co-star, the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who won for his take on Truman Capote in Bennett Miller’s Capote.

Ellen Burstyn (Requiem For A Dream)

A little more 25 years after winning an Academy Award for Best Actress thanks to her outstanding performance in Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Ellen Burstyn had another shot at capturing an Oscar with her turn as Sara Goldfarb in Requiem for a Dream. Her take on a woman battling unchecked depression, anxiety, and a diet of weight loss pills gave audiences one of the most incredible and sympathetic characters of the early 21st century. Unfortunately, this also happened to be the same year Erin Brockovich was released. 

Paul Dano (There Will Be Blood)

There Will Be Blood is remembered more than a half-decade after its release because of the Academy Award-winning performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, but one of the three-time Oscar winner’s castmates was also deserving of recognition. Paul Dano’s Eli Sunday (he also played the smaller part of Eli’s twin brother, Paul) is one of the more fascinating characters of modern cinema, and he should have received an Oscar for his troubles. Dynamic is an understatement for this overzealous, petty, and temperamental preacher.

Robert Shaw (Jaws)

Steven Spielberg’s 1975 summer blockbuster, Jaws, won three Academy Awards – Best Filming Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, and Best Sound – but Robert Shaw, who acted his tail off as the boat captain, Quint, wasn’t recognized. This shameful act by the Academy, especially after watching the USS Indianapolis monologue, still stings nearly 50 years after the fact. That scene alone deserved a Best Supporting Actor nomination and win.

Many of these actors won an Academy Award either before or after these movies and performances we just covered, but it’s just wild to think about how some of these roles didn’t take home the big prize at the Oscars.

Before the end of the year, Timothée Chalamet will take us to a world of pure imagination when he takes on the role of the world-famous chocolatier and candy maker, Willy Wonka, in Paul King’s upcoming movie, Wonka. A perfect choice for the part played by Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp in previous adaptations of Roald Dahl’s beloved and quirky character, Chalamet has more than a few performances under his belt that showcase all the ways in which he is perfect to take on such a well-known figure like Willy Wonka...

As part of our partnership with AMC Theatres, where you can now purchase tickets for IMAX screenings of Wonka, we’ve gone through Chalamet’s rather extensive filmography and picked a handful of performances that have us as excited for his turn as a kid finding a golden ticket hidden in a bar of chocolate.  

The French Dispatch (2021)

Wes Anderson’s 2021 anthology comedy, The French Dispatch, features tremendous performances from the likes of Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Jeffrey Wright, and other stars, including Timothée Chalamet, who appears in the delightful chapter titled, “Revisions to a Manifesto.” 

This hilarious and impactful episode follows journalist Lucinda Krementz (Frances McDormand) as she is sent to cover the “Chessboard Revolution,” a student revolt led in part by Zeffirelli (Chalamet), a romantic and existential youth who has one problem: he’s having trouble writing the group’s manifesto. With wild hair, a rather thin mustache, and a love of life, liberty, and rebellion, it’s hard to not get swept away by his presence. Though in over his head, Zeffirelli is a lightning rod, quite literally, and it’s a demonstration of Chalamet’s ability to find the balance between quirkiness and earnestness with a character.

Little Women (2019)

In Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, Timothée Chalamet took on the role of Theodore “Laurie” Laurence, who’s a close friend of (and later proposes to marry) Jo March (Saoirse Ronan). Though the character had been played by the likes of Douglass Montgomery and Christian Bale in the 1933 and 1994 film versions respectively, Chalamet best captured the youthfulness, likeability, and joyful nature of the beloved Laurie.

There’s a scene very early on in the movie where Jo and Laurie have a splendid time at a party. While the rest of the guests dance and laugh about in a luxurious ballroom, the two free spirits have fun of their own while outside. Acting prim and proper when in front of windows looking into the party, the two frolic and trash about when hidden from view in one of the most cheerful and intoxicating scenes in the entire movie. If Chalamet can channel even an ounce of the charisma he had in Little Women, we’re in for a real treat with Wonka.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Though far more dramatic than his performances in The French Dispatch and Little Women, Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Elio Perlman in Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me by Your Name is a performance that has us excited for Wonka. This swirling and beautifully shot movie about forbidden love between a 17-year-old and a graduate student (played by Armie Hammer) shows a side of Chalamet that is both endearing and enchanting.

There are no song-and-dance numbers (though Sufjan Stevens’ “Mystery of Love” is a delight) and Chalamet plays a hopeless romantic dealing with his first love, but there’s something so pure, innocent, and exposed about his portrayal that is nothing short of magical. Like Willy Wonka, Elio is open to life and new experiences, no matter the cost.

A Rainy Day In New York (2019)

Numerous actors have played the “Woody Allen” character in the filmmaker’s various movies over the years, including Owen Wilson (Midnight in Paris), John Cusack (Bullets Over Broadway), and Jesse Eisenberg (Cafe Society), in that they portray slightly humorous and exhaustingly neurotic protagonists. Another name on that list is Timothée Chalamet, who plays Gatsby Welles, a brainy, eccentric, and charming college student in A Rainy Day in New York.

Throughout the movie, Gatsby gets separated from his girlfriend (played by Elle Fanning) after she goes off to interview a famous director for the school paper and then stumbles into an actress (played by Selena Gomez), with whom he falls madly in love. Chalamet is captivating in his portrayal of a young hopeless romantic trying to find himself and true love in the Big Apple and has this tremendous sense of youth and electricity that carries much of the movie. Despite his flaws, of which there are many, it’s hard not to be enamored of his very person.

Lady Bird (2017)

Two years before appearing in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women adaptation, Timothée Chalamet had a supporting role in the filmmaker’s solo writing/directorial debut, Lady Bird. In the movie, which centers around Saoirse Ronan’s titular character, Chalamet takes on the role of her teenage crush, Kyle Scheible, a confident and somewhat mysterious popular kid at her Sacramento high school. 

Yeah, he’s kind of a teenage dirtbag and isn’t as pure and innocent as initially appears, but Chalamet’s character is just so cool and mysterious it’s almost impossible to hate him. This isn’t to say Willy Wonka will be anything like that, but the chocolatier, like Kyle, has always had this element of mystery that adds so much depth to the various adaptations.

Beautiful Boy (2018)

Felix van Groeningen’s 2018 biographical drama, Beautiful Boy, centers on the tumultuous father-son relationship shared by David Sheff (Steve Carell) and Nic Sheff (Timothée Chalamet) and tells a heartbreaking yet uplifting story about addiction, redemption, and unconditional love between a parent and child. Based on the memoirs written by both the father and son, this endearing drama is full of highs and lows, and everywhere in between, all of which work to make this an unforgettable film.

This isn’t the happy-go-lucky Chalamet character like we’ve seen in the trailers and promotional material for Wonka, but it is still a role that has us excited to see what the actor does when playing one of Roald Dahl’s most famous characters. The dynamic range of the young actor and the way he handles himself in incredibly difficult situations is something to behold, to say the least.

Timothée Chalamet has proven time and time again that he is one of the most talented and versatile actors on the planet, and hopefully, this small sample of his work stands as a testament to that. If you’re like us, and even more excited about Wonka after revisiting these six performances, make sure to purchase your tickets at AMC Theatres, where the movie will be playing, starting December 15, 2023.

In its nearly half a century on the air, Saturday Night Live has launched the careers of many icons who would go on to score some truly remarkable achievements. In fact, there are quite a few who have received attention from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for the talents they expressed on the big screen and, in some cases, from behind the camera. Let’s take a look at all the SNL stars with an Oscar nomination (and one with an Oscar win)… so far.

Dan Aykroyd (Best Supporting Actor, Driving Miss Daisy)

Following his stint as a founding SNL cast member, Dan Aykroyd went on to have a stellar movie career — including a few movies based on SNL characters, like The Blues Brothers. However, it is one of his more dramatic roles as Boolie Werthan in 1989’s Driving Miss Daisy that earned him recognition from The Academy. While Aykroyd did not take home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, the film took home four statuettes for Best Picture, Actress (Jessica Tandy), Makeup, and Adapted Screenplay.

George Coe (Best Live Action Short, De Düva: The Dove)

George Coe — who actually starred in the Best Picture Oscar winner Kramer vs. Kramer — was only credited as a Not Ready For Primetime Player on SNL’s very first episode, and he went on to occasionally appear in sketches throughout the freshman run. However, years earlier, he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short for 1968’s De Düva: The Dove, which he co-directed with Anthony Lover. The filmmaker — who passed away in 2015 — also acted in the 15-minute parody of Ingmar Bergman films, alongside two-time Oscar nominee Madeline Kahn and Pamela Burrell of 1980's Popeye fame.

Joan Cusack (Best Supporting Actress, Working Girl And In & Out)

While only lasting on SNL for one season from 1985 to 1986, Joan Cusack went on to become the first alum to earn two Academy Award nominations not long after. Her first nod, for Best Supporting Actress, was for stealing the show in 1988’s Working Girl as Cyn. Her second nomination — and in the same category — was for her hilarious performance as one of the best ‘90s movie supporting characters, Emily Montgomery, in 1997’s In & Out.

Robert Downey Jr. (Win: Best Supporting Actor, Oppenheimer; Nominations: Best Actor, Chaplin; Best Supporting Actor, Tropic Thunder)

Though his single year on SNL is often forgotten, former Marvel movies star Robert Downey Jr. is known today as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic talents and his performances as recognized by the Academy are proof of why. He was first nominated for a dramatic performance as silent-era comedian Charlie Chaplin in Richard Attenborough’s 1992 biopic, Chaplin, and again for his comedic performance as horribly misguided dramatic actor, Kirk Lazarus, in director Ben Stiller’s bold satire, Tropic Thunder, from 2008. He would finally take home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar (and become the first winning SNL cast alum) at the 2024 Academy Awards for his mesmerizing portrayal in Cristopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer cast as Lewis Strauss.

Michael McKean (Best Original Song, A Mighty Wind)

While best known to modern audiences for his Emmy-nominated work as Better Call Saul character, Chuck McGill, Michael McKean’s all-time biggest claim-to-fame are his collaborations with director and co-star (as well as fellow SNL alum) Christopher Guest on hilarious faux documentaries like Best in Show — one of the best movies of the 2000s — and A Mighty Wind. 

The latter 2003 comedy — about a folk music reunion concert — was nominated for one Oscar for the original song, “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow,” which McKean wrote with Annette O’Toole for Mitch & Mickey (Schitt’s Creek cast members Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara) to perform.

Laurie Metcalf (Best Supporting Actress, Lady Bird)

You would be forgiven if Laurie Metcalf's two contributions to SNL — a brief bit on “Weekend Update” and a short film also starring Catherine O’Hara — slipped your mind. She is much better known anyway for her role as Jackie on Roseanne (and The Conners), playing Sheldon's mom on The Big Bang Theory, and her Oscar-nominated role in writer and director Greta Gerwig's acclaimed A24 movie, 2017's Lady Bird, as the mother of the title character.

Eddie Murphy (Best Supporting Actor, Dreamgirls)

Another SNL veteran who has tried his hand at making music is Eddie Murphy, who had a Rick James-produced hit in 1985 with “Party All the Time.” However, some might say the peak of his musical talents (and acting talents) was his performance in one of his best movies, Dreamgirls, as titillating R&B singer, James “Thunder” Early. The role — seen as a comeback for the comedy legend at the time — earned Murphy a Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination, but, much to the surprise of many, the statuette ultimately went to Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine.

Bill Murray (Best Actor, Lost In Translation)

After joining SNL as Chevy Chase’s replacement, Bill Murray, arguably, became an even bigger icon after he left the show — partially because of his willingness to branch out beyond comedy. Of course, writer and director Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation — one of the best movies produced by Focus Features — is not without its funny moments, but Murray’s performance as a fading movie star working as a spokesperson for a Japanese whiskey is a captivating meditation on loneliness. The Ghostbusters star absolutely earned his Oscar nomination for the role and, as some might argue, should have won.

Randy Quaid (Best Supporting Actor, The Last Detail)

The second person to become an SNL cast member with an Academy Award nomination before joining the show (after George Coe) was Randy Quaid, who was a regular for the 1985-1986 season. The performance that put the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation cast member in the running for an Oscar was 1973’s The Last Detail. He played Larry Meadows — a Navy seaman, dishonorably discharged for stealing, whom two first-class officers (Jack Nicholson and Otis Young) decide to show a good time before bringing him to prison.

Kristen Wiig (Best Original Screenplay, Bridesmaids)

The only Bridesmaids cast member to be recognized by the Academy for acting was Melissa McCarthy, but the brilliant Kristen Wiig — a member of, arguably, the best cast in SNL history — still got some deserved attention. Her script for the beloved 2011 comedy, which she co-wrote with her future Barb and Star co-star, Annie Mumolo, was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay that year. 

In addition to Robert Downey Jr’s win for acting in Oppenheimer, there are a couple of former backstage Studio 8H employees who have taken home Oscars – such as former SNL music director, Howard Shore. He won three Academy Awards for Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings movies (scoring The Fellowship of the Ring and The Return of the King and co-writing the song, “Into the West,” from the latter). Also, former writer Adam McKay has seven nominations under his belt, with one win for adapting The Big Short with Charles Randolph. 

Now, we'll just have to wait and see if and when any more Saturday Night Live alums from behind and in front of the camera become Oscar darlings.

Many incredible movies created by women are available to watch now, and today, we will discuss the game-changers. Throughout the history of cinema, many notable films have come out that have changed the course of history. From the best fantasy films to the best horror films to so many others – I could talk about them for hours. 

However, today, we will focus on a specific group of fantastic women who have directed game-changing movies. Barbie was released in 2023, directed by Greta Gerwig, and along with this blockbuster, we’re going to go down the list and talk about 12 films that have changed lives forever, some older and some new.

Barbie (2023, Greta Gerwig)

First up on the list is Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig. If you haven’t seen Barbie yet, I’m unsure what you’re doing because it’s been everywhere the last few months. The film follows Barbie as she enters the real world when she realizes she needs to make the girl playing with her happy again for her to remain a normal Barbie. 

The movie received stellar reviews and became the highest-grossing movie ever directed by a woman, with over $1 billion documented at the box office, it broke major records at Warner Bros. Now, I’m pretty sure everyone wants to be a Barbie. Me included. 

Wonder Woman (2017, Patty Jenkins)

Wonder Woman was released in 2017. The first movie follows the story of Diana Prince, a female warrior known as an Amazon who takes on the role of Wonder Woman when the Amazonian's lives are threatened by outside forces that might be caused by Ares, the Amazonian’s long-time enemy, and who just might be causing World War I.

Wonder Woman is not only one of the few female-centric superhero movies, but it was the first superhero movie directed by a woman, Patty Jenkins. She returned to direct the second film, but it’s unclear if Wonder Woman 3 will happen since the shakeup at DC with James Gunn. Right now, it’s not in the works, but who knows what will happen. 

While the third installment might be in question, there's no denying the power of 2017's Wonder Woman. 

The Hurt Locker (2008, Kathryn Bigelow)

Kathryn Bigelow directed The Hurt Locker. It was an intense and gritty war movie that detailed the journey of an Iraq War Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, from their time in combat to how it affected them afterward and their PTSD. 

With The Hurt Locker, Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director in 2009. Since then, there have been two other winners – Chloé Zhao (who we will talk about next) and Jane Campion, who directed 2021's The Power of the Dog. Even so, Bigelow was the first ever to win, and that in itself is a huge accomplishment. 

Nomadland (2020, Chloé Zhao)

Nomadland tells the story of a widow who travels around the United States in her van, living her life as a nomad. Chloé Zhao directed the movie, and she was the second woman ever to win Best Director at the Academy Awards.

This film is impressive for so many reasons, but for me, it’s always been the fantastic cinematography that stands out as a true highlight. Zhao put in some tremendous work when making this 2021 Best Picture winner and it shows through its gorgeous imagery and wonderful performance from Frances McDormand.

American Psycho (2000, Mary Harron)

Directed by Mary Harron, American Psycho was a satirical psychological horror film starring Christian Bale. It told the story of an investment banker who spent his nights as a serial killer while keeping it hidden from his everyday life of working in NYC. 

Harron created a classic with American Psycho. Not only is Bale’s performance considered one of the best in horror, but the story itself is full of hilarious black comedy that looks at themes such as yuppie culture, capitalism, and the need to consume the best of everything. There are also some awesome American Psycho behind-the-scenes facts you should check out too that make the movie even better.

Lady Bird (2019, Greta Gerwig)

Of course, I’m putting Lady Bird on here. Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut was a solid coming-of-age movie that detailed the life of a young girl trying to live her life, and her complicated relationship with her mother. 

I love this movie. I have for a long time. Gerwig delivered something so raw and perfect with Lady Bird that I find it hard to discover another coming-of-age film close to its greatness. It perfectly details the transition of becoming a young woman and the complex feelings that arise with not only our family but within ourselves. 

The Woman King (2022, Gina Prince-Bythewood) 

The Woman King was released in 2022 and was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The movie is based on a real group of warrior women in Africa called the Agojie that existed between the 17th and 19th centuries, and mainly follows a general as she trains the next generation of warriors against their enemies. 

This film was a snub at the Academy Awards, and it deserved much more recognition. The Woman King cast is stunning, but Viola Davis was the big star. And Prince-Bythewood brought an incredible historical-action film that showed badass women refusing to back down in the face of their enemies. I love it. 

The Babadook (2014, Jennifer Kent) 

Arguably, The Babadook, directed by Jennifer Kent, began a trend of psychological horror movies taking over at the box office years later, such as Ari Aster’s Midsommar or Hereditary. The film tells the story of a single mother dealing with her son seeing a humanoid monster in their home, but it soon turns their lives upside down. 

The movie is just utter perfection in terms of horror. Truthfully, it’s one of the best horror movies of the last 20 years, and I would re-watch it again. Kent built suspense in such a way that now, it’s imitated in many other psychological horror movies that have been released. 

The Farewell (2019, Lulu Wang)

Released in 2019 and directed by Lulu Wang, The Farewell follows the story of a Chinese American family who discovers that their grandma does not have long to live. So, they decide to schedule a family gathering for everyone to celebrate her one last time, instead of telling the older woman of her fate. 

The Farewell is one of those movies that comes once in a lifetime where everything fits perfectly. The film accurately depicts the lives of Asian culture. It features a stellar leading Asian cast, and it highlights Awkwafina's talents as a dramatic actor. She’s going to be in a new movie called Quiz Lady soon, but in my mind, this movie is her best so far.

Marie Antoinette (2006, Sofia Coppola)

Sofia Coppola has been making some headlines for her new film, Priscilla, which will be released later in 2023, but my favorite of hers has always been Marie Antoinette. Released in 2006, the film depicts the life of the famous Queen of France, especially in the years leading up to the French Revolution. 

Not only did the movie win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, but Coppola gave audiences a movie that had some of the best cinematography for a period piece. Marie Antoinette was a visual spectacle for the eye.

Clueless (1995, Amy Heckerling)

Clueless, directed by Amy Heckerling, was a coming-of-age teen comedy that was loosely based on the Jane Austen novel Emma and took place in Beverly Hills. The movie follows a teenager who decides to start doing more good deeds, but in doing so, she starts to learn more about herself and how much she can change too.

The film has been labeled as one of the most epic teen films ever. You can’t meet someone nowadays who doesn’t at least know a few quotes from the movie. Not to mention, Heckerling also gave audiences a great take on Emma in a hilarious, modern way. 

Women Talking (2022, Sarah Polley)

Lastly, we have Women Talking. The movie, directed by Sarah Polley, is based on the 2018 novel of the same name, and it follows the story of a group of Mennonite women who discuss their future when they find out that the men of their colony have a history of sexually assaulting their women. 

The movie was not only nominated for Best Picture but won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sarah Polley, who wrote and directed it. The film talks about some serious topics, and it is considered one of the best movies of 2022. It's also pretty funny that Polley's daughter played a prank on her mother, saying that the Academy was asking for her Oscar back -- thankfully, Polley still has her win for this incredible film.

There are so many other notable films that you should watch that women directed, but these are just some that come to mind for me. If you haven’t seen any of them, check them out. 

Even though the cast of the Barbie movie is already stacked, I think many of us were hoping and praying that some of Greta Gerwig’s long-time colleagues and A+ actors would make a cameo in Barbie. It turns out, the Oscar-nominated director did try to get her plas Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan into her film, and she revealed to CinemaBlend why it didn’t work out. However, just knowing that they tried to make it happen makes me happy, and if these two Little Women stars would have ended up in this bright pink movie it would have been epic. 

While speaking with CinemaBlend, we asked Greta Gerwig about the planned cameo for Saoirse Ronan that didn’t work out. Earlier this year the Academy Award-nominated actress, opened up about how she felt “gutted” over not being able to pop into Barbie. Turns out, her friend and frequent collaborator was also bummed about the Lady Bird star not being able to visit Barbie Land. The director said:

Not only did we almost get a Saoirse Ronan cameo, we also almost got a Timothée Chalamet cameo too! To see these two reunited on screen in the Barbie movie of all movies would have been truly legendary. I could totally see Ronan as a Barbie and Chalamet as a Ken, I think they’d fit right into Barbie Land. Even if they were only in the film for a few seconds, it would have been epic.

If these cameos would have worked out, this would have marked the third time in a row the two actors and the director worked together. The terrific trio made their debut with Gerwig’s directorial debut Lady Bird, and then Chalamet and Ronan led the Little Women cast in 2019 as Jo and Laurie. 

Understandably, the two actors couldn’t make it in for the shoot. They’re both mega stars who are very, very busy and sadly they weren’t able to join Margot Robbie and co. for Barbie, although they did try. 

While Gerwig didn’t explain why the actors specifically couldn’t be involved, the two stars have multiple exciting films in the works which explain their busy schedules. 

Chalamet likely couldn’t make it because he was off in the desert shooting Dune: Part Two. I think it's safe to assume that there are no direct flights from Arrakis to Barbie Land. Then, he was probably busy playing Willy Wonka in the chocolatier’s origin film Wonka after that. Both films are set to premiere on the 2023 movie schedule, so I get why he couldn’t go serve any Ken-ergy with the other Kens.

As for Ronan, the Barbie director noted she couldn’t make it because she was producing her first film, which is incredibly exciting. That film is called The Outrun, and she’s the star of it too. Currently, it’s in post-production. 

While it's a bit of a bummer that Greta Gerwig, Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan didn’t get to keep their streak alive, I’m overjoyed they at least tried to work it out. It would have been so epic to see the two actors on screen in Barbie Land, however, that fantasy will have to remain imaginary, for now. Maybe…if there’s a sequel we could get this trio of Little Women alums back together so they can keep their history of collaboration alive, and share their takes on Barbie and Ken.  

Even though she is not the first person to assume the role of Scott Lang’s daughter, Cassie, I still believe Kathryn Newton’s debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as part of the Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania cast, is a means for celebration. Her first foray into superhero movies is a really long time coming, as far as I am concerned, since she has already been proving herself to be one of the most talented actors of her generation time and time again for more than a decade. See what I mean for yourself by taking a look at this exploration of some of her most notable career highlights so far.

Alex - Paranormal Activity 4 (2012)

Just a year after making her feature film debut with Bad Teacher, Newton landed her first leading role in a movie, which was also served as the first step toward reaching her current status as one of the top horror Scream Queens of her time. The then-15-year-old actor is as charming as she is compelling in the Christopher Landon-penned fourth of installment of the Paranormal Activity movies as Alex — a teen suddenly plagued by unexplainable circumstances after a new family moves into her neighborhood.

Millie - Freaky (2020)

Newton would reunite with Landon (as both co-writer and director this time) for this fun, old school teen slasher comedy (and one of Blumhouse’s best movies yet) which also takes inspiration from Mary Rodgers’ seminal novel, Freaky Friday, in more ways than just the eponymous title. Freaky boasts one of the actor’s more complex and layered performances as of late, tasking her with playing both the young, innocent hero, Millie, and the vicious, homicidal antagonist, The Butcher, after magically switching bodies with the killer (Vince Vaughn).

Claire Novak - Supernatural (2014-2018)

Newton’s second major contribution to the horror genre was also one of her first major roles on a TV show and saw her give one of the most emotionally gripping portrayals of her career at the time. She joined the cast of Supernatural in the recurring role of Claire Novak, who became a hunter of paranormal activity herself after her father, Jimmy, became a human vessel for the brothers’ angelic ally, Castiel (Misha Collins), and — as she mentions in an EW interview — almost reprised the role on a spin-off called Wayward Sisters before the idea was scrapped.

Allie Pressman - The Society (2019)

Soon after her tenure as Claire on Supernatural ended, Newton returned to small-screen horror, but that of a whole different kind of tone, in creator Christopher Keyser’s short-lived Netflix TV show, The Society. She is heartbreaking as Allie Pressman — one of several teens who are suddenly forced to establish and maintain a community of their own when every other member of their small town mysteriously vanishes and a violent power struggle among the young survivors begins to emerge.

Julie - Blockers (2018)

A year before co-starring on The Society, Newton also shared the screen with co-star Gideon Adlon in a movie about unsupervised teens, but of a far more grounded and light-hearted variety, called Blockers. Newton is as charming as ever in this surprisingly funny and endearing coming-of-age comedy as one of three young women whose parents (Leslie Mann, John Cena, and Ike Barinholtz) discover that they have plans to lose their sexual innocence on prom night and set out to prevent their daughters from doing the deed.

Darlene Bell - Lady Bird (2017)

One of Newton’s first major departures from the horror genre into more grounded coming-of-age stories came when writer and director Greta Gerwig cast her as bespectacled Immaculate Heart of Mary student Darlene Bell in the Academy Award-nominated A24-produced sleeper hit, Lady Bird. Her otherwise brief appearances, opposite Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan in “the titular role” and Beanie Feldstein as Julie, still left an impact on the thought-provoking dramedy and, especially, on the trajectory of her career.

Angela - Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

Lady Bird was not the only acclaimed 2017 dramedy (that also happened to star Lucas Hedges) featuring a brief appearance by Newton, but her sole scene in writer and director Martin McDonagh’s bold and brutal satire, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, is of much greater importance. She is unforgettably fierce as Angela — the sister of Hedges’ character, Robbie, and daughter of Oscar winner Frances McDormand’s Mildred — in a flashback to the angry last conversation she had with her mother before she was found raped and murdered.

Ivy Burns - Ben Is Back (2018)

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri would not be the last time that Newton played Lucas Hedges’ sister in a powerful, acclaimed drama about crime and its fracturing effect on a family, with the release of writer and director Peter Hedges’ Ben is Back the following year. Oscar nominee Hedges plays the title role of a recovering teenage addict, Oscar winner Julia Roberts plays his mother, Holly, who struggles with how his troubled past continues to haunt him, and Newton gives an Oscar worthy performance as Ivy, who has her own challenges with the situation.

Abigail Carlson - Big Little Lies (2017-2019)

Newton would also share the screen with (and hold her own wonderfully) opposite multiple Oscar darlings when she was cast on HBO’s Big Little Lies — developer David E. Kelley’s adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s scandalous novel — as Abigail Carlson. Her scenes with Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon as her mother, Madeline McKenzie — such as when a clash over Madeline’s expectations of Abigail concludes with an admission of her past infidelity — easily qualify as some of the Emmy-winning series’ most powerful moments, thanks in part to Newton’s ever-believable approach to depicting modern teen angst.

Now, the world is seeing Newton take on her most ambitious challenge as an actor yet by starring in one of the most visually bizarre new Marvel movies, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. However, considering what challenges she has tackled in the past in the roles above, navigating the Quantum Realm as Cassie Lang should be a breeze.

When it comes to some of the latest and greatest actors and actresses that have truly been making a name for themselves over the last couple of decades, one of the first names I think of is Greta Gerwig. Starting off her career in acting, and later moving into directing major features, Gerwig has become a household name for her excellent skills in regards to not only acting, but as a director. 

If you’re like me and you’re looking for some of Greta Gerwig’s best movies, look no further, as we have 10 picks here that I believe you’ll love from beginning to end, starting off with one of her oldest films. 

LOL (2006)

First off on this list, we have LOL. No, that’s not just a phone message you just read, that’s the actual title of the movie. In this independent film, LOL follows three separate relationships between recent college graduates, and how the technology that they own influences how they act. 

Classified as a “mumblecore” film, LOL is a movie you’re going into expecting to see the personal relationships between people rather than a steady plot, but somehow, it still works wonders and really tells a fascinating story. This was actually Greta Gerwig’s film debut way back in 2006, so it’s astonishing to watch her in this film - where she is great - and then see all that she has done both as an actress and a director. 

Stream LOL through AMC+ on Amazon.

Little Women (2019)

The first of two Gerwig-directed features on this list, Little Women is based on the novel of the same name, mainly following the story of the March sisters during the 19th century, as they try to set off on their own paths in life and make a name for themselves in a world where women didn’t have as many opportunities as they do now. 

This was the second feature that Greta Gerwig directed (we’ll get into the first later down the list), but oh my God, I have loved watching this film over and over again. From the stellar performances of Florence Pugh and Saoirse Ronan, to the storyline, to the rest of the incredible Little Women cast overall, you can’t not like this film. It’s one of those movies that I’m sure is going to become a classic and it’s all thanks to Gerwig’s amazing direction. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, so you know that it’s good. 

Buy Little Women on Amazon.

Frances Ha (2012)

Next up, we have Frances Ha, a black and white dramedy starring (and co-written by) Greta Gerwig. This film focuses in on the titular character, Frances, a young, 27-year-old womon who is going through a tough time when her best friend that she’s known for years decides to move, and now, it’s up to her to try and make sense of her life and find herself without that one constant to rely on. 

I think what makes Frances Ha such a great outlet for showing off Gerwig’s talent is that she is the lead of this film, so you really get to see her put on a show with not only her dramatic acting skills but her comedic timing. And, honestly, Frances is a character that we can all relate to, with her constantly going through changes but needing to learn to accept them and become a better version of herself. This movie also features Adam Driver in one of his best roles yet, so if you want to see Greta Gerwig and Adam Driver in the same film, be sure to check this out. 

Stream Frances Ha through AMC+ on Amazon Prime.
Rent/Buy Frances Ha on Amazon.

20th Century Women (2016)

My personal favorite on the list of movies that Greta Gerwig has acted in is 20th Century Women, by a longshot. This drama film follows a young boy growing up in the 1970’s, and the three women who are responsible for how he grew up: his mother, his close friend, and the family's tenant. 

I freaking love Gerwig in this role. Seriously. It’s not talked about enough. While this movie also features some stellar performances from the talented Elle Fanning and Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig’s role in this movie needs to be praised, because her part as Abbie truly has made me cry many times. 

She’s so independent, fierce, and the kind of woman that I would honestly want to be my best friend, and Gerwig pulls it off wonderfully. It annoys me that this film didn’t receive as many accolades as it should have, but I can at least recommend it to others to watch. 

Stream 20th Century Women on Showtime.
Rent/Buy 20th Century Women on Amazon.

Jackie (2016)

Moving on, we now have Jackie, a biographical drama about one of the former first ladies, Jacqueline Kennedy, in the time after her husband was killed, and how she learned to adapt to her new role in the White House. 

While the film stars Natalie Portman as the titular first lady, Greta Gerwig portrayed Nancy Tuckerman, who was the White House Social Secretary at the time, and was the personal secretary to Jackie Kennedy until she passed away in 1994, and I loved her role in this. Gerwig again shows just how brilliant she is in a dramatic role, and it really tells a story that people like me, who are quite young and not as informed about history, didn’t know. It was intriguing from start to finish and I would watch it again. 

Rent/Buy Jackie on Amazon.

Lady Bird (2017)

Next up, we have Gerwig’s first directorial effort, one that I think everyone should see, no matter what. Lady Bird is a coming of age dramedy starring Saoirse Ronan about a high schooler who has a strained relationship with her mother and is trying to grow up and learn how to accept herself despite horrible things occurring in her life. 

Lady Bird is an experience. I truly believe that in every sense of the word. While I’ve always been a big fan of coming of age movies, there’s just something about this film that sits with you, because it’s another case of, “I’ve been here before.” You can fully put yourself in the shoes of the main character, and I’d be surprised if you didn’t find yourself tearing up once or twice throughout it’s run time. It’s raw, emotional, and deserved all of the praise that it received. As the first movie Gerwig directed, she knocked it out of the park - even scoring a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Director.

Stream Lady Bird on Showtime.
Rent/Buy Lady Bird on Amazon.

Maggie's Plan (2015)

Moving on, now we have Maggie’s Plan, a romantic comedy that is sure to make you smile. Starring Greta Gerwig and Ethan Hawke, along with several other big stars, Maggie’s Plan follows a young woman who is looking to have a child, so she decides to go through with it without a romantic partner. But, when she starts to develop feelings for someone, her plans are thrown into a tailspin. 

Out of all the movies on this list, I feel like Maggie’s Plan is certainly the one that isn’t super serious, but what really makes it stand out amongst many of Gerwig's other films is that she has amazing chemistry with Ethan Hawke. Hawke has done so many great movies, but I personally think that this is one of his best because he and Gerwig somehow make this strange couple that I can’t help but enjoy, and the twists and turns that this film take make it almost impossible to turn away from the screen. 

Rent/Buy Maggie’s Plan on Amazon.

Isle Of Dogs (2018)

Next up, we have a great Wes Anderson film, Isle of Dogs. In this stop-motion animated movie, a young boy is on the hunt to find his missing dog, Spots, and ends up on Trash Island, a place that is inhabited by dogs, where he befriends them and makes it his goal to bring the dogs back home. 

Isle of Dogs is such a great movie. You can tell right away that it’s a Wes Anderson film from the storytelling and the beautiful animation, but what makes it even better is the Isle of Dogs cast, which features Greta Gerwig as Tracy Walker, a foreign exchange student from America, who teams up with the young boy, Atari (Koyo Rankin) in order to help the dogs, and I just love their relationship. Gerwig has some awesome voice-over skills, and should seriously be in more animated movies. I’d love to hear her again. 

Stream Isle of Dogs on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Isle of Dogs on Amazon.

Mistress America (2015)

Now, we have the film, Mistress America, a comedy starring Greta Gerwig and Lola Kirke, which tells the story of a young woman who is having trouble adjusting to her life in college, so she decides to grow closer to her soon to-be stepsister, Brooke, and this in turn upends her life - for better or worse. 

This is another Greta Gerwig film where I really felt I could put myself in the character’s shoes. Even though a lot of the craziness that happens in this movie is something I’ve never experienced, Gerwig accurately portrays something that we all have felt once or twice as we have grown older: loneliness. This feeling that we want to be accepted and have love that never goes away, and that’s perfectly shown through her friendship with Brooke. I think this is a film you only need to see once to get the message, and it’s great to watch because of that. 

Rent/Buy Mistress America on Amazon.

To Rome With Love (2012)

Last but not least, we have a Woody Allen film, To Rome With Love. In this romantic comedy, we follow several different love stories in the romantic city of Rome, Italy, where we see just how much the area can influence how someone behaves, or the ways in which love changes as time goes on. 

Greta Gerwig is a part of “John’s Story,” a part of the film that tells the tale of John (Alec Baldwin), an architect who is visiting Rome with his family and meets a young man and his girlfriend, Sally (played by Gerwig), and this one instance changes his life forever. The story itself is full of moments that will truly blow your mind and make you chuckle, and Gerwig herself is awesome in her role as Sally, the girlfriend of Jack (Jesse Eisenberg). The ending of John’s story is even wilder - you just have to watch it for yourself. 

Stream To Rome With Love on Tubi.
Rent/Buy To Rome With Love on Amazon.

From directing features to starring roles, Greta Gerwig has certainly shown just how skilled she is. I can’t wait to see what she does next. 

Some film production companies are so distinctly defined by their repertoire’s style and prestige that you do not even need to see the opening logos to identify their involvement. It can also go the opposite way - whereas by knowing who distributed it, you can quickly gain a pretty clear idea of what sort of movie you are in for. I do not believe that Focus Features is this kind of studio, because its filmography is so richly unique and versatile that you are never quite sure what you are in for and, with that mystery, often comes grand reward.

Two decades have passed since the film production and distribution company - a subsidiary of NBCUniversal - was founded by David Linde and the legacy it has achieved in that time is aspirational to say the least. The films it has released have earned well over 100 Academy Award nominations (a good chunk of them resulting in wins) and the box office returns, for a studio commonly associated with more independent fair, have been exceptional. It should come as no surprise that it was extremely difficult to narrow down what we considered to be the finest features on Focus Features’ filmography so far to just five titles, but the following is what we have come up with, starting with one of the most stylistically memorable and refreshingly human dramedies of all time.

Lost In Translation (2003)

Fading, aging movie star Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is in Tokyo filming a promotional spot for a popular brand of Japanese whiskey, and staying in the same hotel is young, fellow American and recent Yale graduate, Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), while her esteemed photographer husband is out on assignments. Both are lonely, disillusioned, and completely out of place until a chance meeting at the hotel bar leads to an unlikely bond, flush with warm memories and irrevocable change for both.

Sophia Coppola won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for her sophomore, feature-length directorial effort, Lost In Translation, which would turn out to be one of the most celebrated films of its time and the celebration (involving pink wigs and karaoke) is far from over. From its striking first frame (a stagnant shot of star Johansson’s backside) to its oft-debated cliffhanger ending, the thought-provoking, uniquely romantic, and touchingly funny character study is anchored by its two leads (one a beloved comedy veteran and the other whose stellar career was beginning to really take off) giving two of their most raw and impassioned performances.

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

Already heartbroken over his recent split with his longtime girlfriend, Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet in an Oscar-nominated role), things get worse for Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) when he learns that she has undergone a revolutionary procedure to erase all memory of him and their relationship from her mind. He then arranges to have the procedure done on himself, putting him on a bizarre “trip” through their love story in reverse that, amid the devastation that led him to this decision, comes a reminder of the joyful moments that lead him to regret it.

Earning director Michel Gondry and writer Charlie Kaufman Oscars for Best Original Screenplay (shared with Pierre Bismuth), this is a rare kind of film that offers you an experience unlike anything you have ever seen or could even begin to imagine, right through the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind ending, while tapping directly into the most raw and relatable human emotions. It is a spectacularly creative, nearly unparalleled visual feast that also sees Carrey giving the performance of his career in what is, arguably, his finest film so far.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

In 1963, young cowboys Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger in his first Academy Award nominated role) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal, also nominated) become acquainted while herding sheep at a Wyoming Farm. Over time, their friendship blossoms into something deep, passionate, and - at the time - forbidden, which they try to keep secret from their respective families while struggling with their mutual longing for one another.

There are many films that even audiences and critics both agree deserved to take home the Best Picture Oscar, but were unjustly robbed. Despite winning for Gustavo Santaolalla’s score, Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana’s screenplay adapted from Annie Proulx’s short story, and Ang Lee’s direction, Brokeback Mountain is certainly no exception. Remembered as one of cinema’s first earnestly depicted mainstream homosexual romances, it is also admired for treating that plot with such emotional intensity and tragic honesty.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

When orphaned, precocious 12-year-old Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman) meets Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward), who comes from a well-to-do family and is equally wise beyond her years, it is love at first sight and they immediately become pen pals. After deciding to run away together, their sudden absence begins to cause an uproar among the eccentric adult citizens of their coastal town in 1960s New England.

Each making their acting debut, the pairing of Gilman and Hayward is a miracle in this beautiful and unexpectedly poignant representation of young love that, as a story mostly from an adolescent point of view, fittingly treats it like an adventure. For that reason, in addition to its refreshingly bright aesthetic, Moonrise Kingdom might be the most joyous and exhilarating of Wes Anderson’s movies, which is really saying something about a filmmaker with a distinctly and imaginatively picturesque vision.

BlacKkKlansman (2018)

In the early 1970s, Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) becomes the first Black man hired onto the Colorado Springs Police Department and is soon promoted from patrolman to the undercover intelligence. When there, he teams up with a Jewish fellow officer (Adam Driver in his first Oscar nominated role) who helps him successfully infiltrate the local branch of Ku Klux Klan.

Based on a shockingly true story which the real Ron Stallworth revealed in his memoir of the same (but differently spelled) title, BlacKkKlansman is both a thrilling detective noir and a powerful protest of prejudice in America that does not cease to be relevant (if not even more relevant) to this day. The film, which is easily one of director Spike Lee’s best movies, also earned the legendary filmmaker his first-ever Academy Award win for Best Adapted Screenplay, which he shared with Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, and Kevin Willmott.

Like I said earlier, narrowing down Focus Features’ greatest hits to just five titles was no easy task. We have barely scratched the surface when covering all of the masterpieces that this studio has been involved with - including Far From Heaven, Promising Young Woman, or more recently, Licorice Pizza. Celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary by watching them all!

I feel like to only watch a comedy or a drama, you have to be in a certain kind of mood. But, sometimes, I want a good mix of both. That’s why Hollywood has given us the dramedy, a mix of both comedy and drama in a movie or TV show. And, while we already did the best dramedy TV shows on Netflix to watch, today, we’re looking at movies. 

If you're looking for the best dramedy movies to watch on Netflix, check out these great picks that the streaming platform has to offer. 

The Laundromat

The Netflix original, The Laundromat, follows the vacationing Ellen Martin, who begins investigating a fake insurance policy, only to be consumed by the case; soon discovering a rabbit hole of questionable dealings that have been traced all the way back to a Panama City law firm. 

If you wanted something that’s full of stars and amazing talent, look no further than The Laundromat. I’m not joking when I say this film is packed with stars, such as Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, Antonio Banderas, Jeffrey Wright - it just keeps getting better and better. When I look at these names, I often don’t associate them with comedy, but The Laundromat uses these talented actors well and creates an interesting film that’s actually based on the real-life Panama Papers scandal. 

Stream The Laundromat on Netflix. 

Horse Girl 

In another Netflix original, Horse Girl, starring Alison Brie, is about a shy and isolated young woman who has a fondness for arts and crafts, horses, and supernatural crime. But, when her lucid dreaming ends up finding a way into her real life, it changes everything. 

I know from the premise this sounds absolutely bonkers and, I’ll be honest, it is, but in the best way. While I don’t think it’s one of Alison Brie’s best roles, I do think she did a great job as Sarah, the main character, creating an interesting and complex character with funny moments that have deeper meanings far beyond just laughs. 

Stream Horse Girl on Netflix. 

Lady Bird 

Next up, we have Lady Bird. This Academy Award-nominated film tells the story of a high school senior from 2002-2003, and the strained relationship that she has with her mother. 

Starring the talented Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird is the perfect example of what a dramedy should be. The comedic moments are hilarious as heck, mixed in with some great timing from both Ronan and her castmates. But, the dramatic moments are just as good. The chemistry that Ronan has with her mother, played by Laurie Metcalf, is unbeatable, and their scenes feel authentic and real, like a true mother and daughter fighting. It’s such a great coming of age story, one that everyone should watch. 

Stream Lady Bird on Netflix. 

Fatherhood

This dramedy stars Kevin Hart, and Fatherhood tells the story of a new father who is struggling to raise his daughter after the sudden death of his wife.

Look, it’s Kevin freaking Hart. The man has proved himself to be hilarious with his movies, tours, and everything else combined. You know watching Fatherhood that you’re going to laugh many times. But, the movie really tests Hart’s acting ability and shows that he’s not just a comedic actor. The idea of raising your child all alone after the death of your partner is a serious topic, and he performs it very well, in both the comedic and the dramatic moments. Honestly, it’s one of Kevin Hart's best roles so far, in my opinion.

Stream Fatherhood on Netflix. 

Moxie!

Hands down, Moxie! is one of my favorite Netflix originals. This comedy-drama follows Vivian, a high school student who anonymously starts a zine to empower young women at her school, fighting issues such as bullying, sexual harassment, and rape. 

Amy Poehler directed Moxie!, and honestly, she did a fantastic job. The Moxie! cast is superb, and the story is filled with hilarious moments, but it knows when to talk about serious topics. There are instances where you’ll be holding your side from laughing so much, but the movie pairs these moments so well with scenes of empowerment, and of young women fighting for a better day, despite so many things blocking their way. 

Stream Moxie! on Netflix. 

Uncut Gems

While it’s considered a crime thriller, I’d also fight and say that Uncut Gems is a comedy-drama as well. In Uncut Gems, Adam Sandler stars as a Jewish American jeweler who's a gambling addict and works in NYC’s Diamond District, and now he must retrieve an expensive gem he purchased to pay off his debts. 

Listen to me - there are some major funny moments in this film. I mean, Adam Sandler stars in it, so you know there will be instances where you’ll laugh or snicker. However, I will still consider it a sin that Adam Sandler wasn’t at the very least Oscar-nominated for his performance in Uncut Gems, because he was fantastic. From his funny moments to his moments of fear, until the very end, Uncut Gems is a wild ride that most will enjoy, even if it is a bit artier than most of the films on this list. 

Stream Uncut Gems on Netflix. 

Kodachrome

Back to a Netflix original, Kodachrome follows a father and a son, and the father’s nurse, as they travel across the country to develop photographs at Kodak’s last Kodachrome lab, before the older man dies from a terminal illness. 

I have to admit, Kodachrome was a film I had no idea existed for some time, but after watching it, I can’t urge you more to see it. The cast is fantastic, with Ted Lasso’s Jason Sudeikis as the lead, followed by WandaVision’s Elizabeth Olsen, and The Last Full Measure’s Ed Harris. The story is heartfelt, with plenty of subtle funny moments mixed in with a great story about a father and son trying to reconnect after so long. The movie will go by so quickly you won’t even realize it’s over. Be sure to check it out. Definitely one of the best movies on Netflix.

Stream Kodachrome on Netflix. 

The Edge Of Seventeen

Oh, The Edge of Seventeen is definitely one of my favorites. In this coming-of-age comedy-drama, Hailee Steinfeld stars as Nadine, a socially awkward teen who is planning on committing suicide, because of bad relationships with not only her family, but her friends, after instances in her life. 

Let me just say that Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson are an absolute delight to watch in this film. Their interactions as Nadine and her teacher are some of the best, and will not only make you laugh but warm your heart. Everyone in The Edge of Seventeen is so good, and it really captures those awkward high school years where you don’t feel like you’re the best, and want to try and improve yourself. Nadine is the perfect example of what it’s like, from the beginning to the end. 

Stream The Edge of Seventeen on Netflix. 

The Disaster Artist

You know a film is so bad it’s good when it gets another film based on it. The Disaster Artist chronicles the story of the unlikely friendship between Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero, which culminated in the The Room, considered one of the worst movies ever made. 

I have to say, watching James and Dave Franco act together is something I didn’t know I needed more of, because they’re so funny and have such great chemistry as Tommy and Greg.  James Franco captures Tommy’s strange and mysterious aura perfectly, while Dave makes for an excellent Greg, who retells the story that led to one of the biggest bombs in movie history. Plus, the rest of the cast is fantastic as well, including stars like Seth Rogen, Alison Brie, Josh Hutcherson, and more. 

Stream The Disaster Artist on Netflix. 

Dolemite Is My Name

The last Netflix original on here, Dolemite Is My Name tells the story of real-life filmmaker, Rudy Ray Moore, who is known for playing the character Dolemite in his stand-up and in his series of blaxploitation films. 

Dolemite Is My Name reminded me of just how talented an actor Eddie Murphy is. While he has some hilarious moments in this dramedy, his dramatic moments stand out even more. I personally believe it was one of the best roles of his career so far, and Murphy so deserved an Academy Award nomination. The rest of the cast is wonderful as well, including Keegan-Michael Key, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, and more. 

Stream Dolemite Is My Name on Netflix. 

Don Jon

Lastly, we take a look at Don Jon. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this comedy drama tells the story of Don Jon, a New Jersey guy who has far too high expectations of sex from watching porn, and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love. 

Don Jon's story is certainly teetering on romantic comedy sometimes, rather than dramatic comedy, but it’s still enjoyable, nonetheless. Gordon-Levitt has great chemistry with Scarlett Johansson, as well as Julianne Moore, the two main love interests in Don Jon. The character development feels real, as strange as some of the relationships may be. I think if you’re looking for something with a little more “spice” than just the normal dramedy, check out Don Jon. 

Stream Don Jon on Netflix. 

With so many great choices, it might be almost impossible to pick out which one to watch next, but whatever the pick, it’ll be entertaining. If I could just get a Lady Bird 2, I think all my dreams might come true. 

Over the past decade and change, few actors in young Hollywood have found as much success as Timothée Chalamet, and that’s saying something. Whether it’s his breakout performance in Call Me By Your Name, his portrayal of a young and ambitious leader in the Dune films, or his take on one of the most transformative musicians of all time, the multi-time Academy Award nominee has proven that not only is he here to stay, but he’s here to make a statement.

A Complete Unknown (2024)

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

There have been a great number of music biopics over the years, and it’s safe to say that James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown is deserving of a spot on that list. Released in late 2024, this long-awaited drama follows a young Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) as he rises through the ranks of the American folk movement and pop culture of the early 1960s. Exploring the man, his songs, and the legend that has followed him over the years, the movie paints a brilliant portrait of one of music’s most brilliant minds.

Chalamet is utterly perfect in his portrayal of the legendary folk singer, and his performance is made even better by his commitment to learning and playing the songs instead of taking the easy road. And you know, it wouldn’t be surprising if he played spoiler at the Academy Awards.

Buy A Complete Unknown on Amazon.

Dune (2021)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 sci-fi epic, Dune, which adapted the first half of Frank Hubert’s landmark novel of the same name, follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he travels to the desert planet of Arrakis as his father is put in control the formidable location. But the young and gifted future heir finds himself in a perilous situation after his family is betrayed by powerful forces, sending him into exile.

Chalamet, already an established star by the time he was cast in the lead role in Dune, became an even bigger name after his commanding performance in this sci-fi thriller. Though you could credit co-stars Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Oscar Isaac for helping the young actor in this regard, there’s no denying his on-screen presence.

Stream Dune on Max.
Rent/buy Dune on Amazon.
Buy it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Denis Villeneuve continued his epic sci-fi adventure in March 2024 with the release of Dune: Part Two, which essentially covered the second half of Frank Hubert’s beloved novel of the same name. Set not long after the first film, this massively successful and Oscar-nominated sequel followed Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) in his quest to unite the Fremean to take on House Harkonnen and get revenge for everything they did.

However, the Atreides Chalamet plays in Dune: Part Two is far from the young and inexperienced man he was in the first film. Blinded by ambition, revenge, and his cult of personality, the Muad'Dib becomes something between the hero he was and the villain he tries not to become.

Stream Dune: Part Two on Max.
Rent/Buy Dune: Part Two on Amazon.
Buy Dune: Part Two on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Wonka (2023)

IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
In December 2023, after what seemed like years of anticipation, Paul King released his Wonka musical starring Timothée Chalamet as the iconic chocolatier. Set years before the events of the previous adaptations of Roald Dahl’s classic novel, this charming and fantastical cinematic experience followed the whimsical, optimistic, and imaginative candy maker as he attempted to make a name for himself despite the best efforts of the bitterly jealous “Chocolate Cartel.”

If you’re looking for a vibrant and enchanting performance from Chalamet, then look no further, for this surprisingly successful box office hit has it and then some more. His version of Willy Wonka, with his dreams of opening his own chocolate and changing the world, is nothing short of magical.

Stream Wonka on Max.
Rent/Buy Wonka on Amazon.
Buy Wonka on Blu-ray on Amazon.

The French Dispatch (2021)

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

One of the best Wes Anderson movies, 2021’s The French Dispatch essentially plays like a magazine come to life. Centering on the final issue of a fictional publication after its founder and editor (played by Bill Murray) passes away, the movie is split into three short films about art, life, and culture, with small interstitials peppered in between.

Timothée Chalamet pops up in the second short film, “Revisions to a Manifesto,” a black-and-white exploration of a student protest, its de facto leader Zeffirelli (Chalamet), and a journalist named Lucinda Krementz (Frances McDormand) sent in to cover the whole ordeal. Though we’re still trying to make sense of The French Dispatch ending and how this short plays into its overall message, this movie is full of incredible performances like the one given by Chalamet.

Stream The French Dispatch on Hulu.
Buy The French Dispatch on Amazon.
Buy it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Bones And All (2022) 

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

Five years after working with Luca Guadagnino on Call Me By Your Name, Timothée Chalamet teamed up with the Italian filmmaker once more for the 2022 romantic horror film, Bones and All. The movie follows Maren Yearly (Taylor Russell) and Lee (Chalamet), two young lovers and cannibals who go on a cross-country trip to find their roots. Being pursued by the eccentric and terrifying Sully (Mark Rylance), the couple learn a great deal about their respective pasts and each other.

A movie that will leave you with a lot of feelings, Bones and All is another example of Chalamet’s incredible composure and chemistry with his co-stars on screen. This may be too much for the squeamish to handle, but this is worth a watch.

Stream Bones and All on Peacock.
Buy it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Don’t Look Up (2021) 

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Adam McKay’s 2021 Netflix original film, Don’t Look Up is as funny as it is maddening and beautiful as it is terrifying with its story about two scientists (Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) as they try to warn the world that an asteroid will soon collide with Earth and wipe out all of humanity. What should be a simple task turns into anything but thanks to an uninterested media, megalomaniacal billionaires, and an incapable government.

Though he’s not at the forefront of the movie, and is only introduced partway through its runtime, this satirical comedy still features one of Timothée Chalamet’s best performances with his portrayal of a young shoplifter named Yule. Without giving too much away, the character has a big moment in the final minutes of the Don’t Look Up ending.

Stream Don’t Look Up on Netflix.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Luca Guadagnino’s 2017 adaptation of André Aciman’s acclaimed coming-of-age drama, Call Me By Your Name, spends a summer following a love affair shared by 17-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), and Oliver (Armie Hammer), a 24-year-old graduate assistant working with Elio’s father. What starts off as a friendship quickly unfolds into something more, something that challenges convention and opens Elio’s young eyes to the world and his own heart.

Timothée Chalamet received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for his commanding performance of the young and naive Elio, a portrayal that immediately made him one of the most promising actors in Hollywood and took his career to the next level. He hasn’t looked back since.

Stream Call Me By Your Name on Max.
Rent/buy Call Me By Your Name on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Lady Bird (2018)

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Greta Gerwig’s 2017 drama Lady Bird centers on Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) as she dreams of escaping her childhood home in Sacramento, California, to move far away to a “city with culture” and attend some prestigious college. This puts her at odds with her loving yet overbearing mother, Marion McPherson (Laurie Metcalf), who means well but doesn’t want to see her daughter leave.

Although he’s not the main focus of Lady Bird (that honor rightfully goes to Saoirse Ronan and her lights-out performance here), Chalamet makes it seem as if the Kyle Scheible character was not just written for him, but based on him. He’s so cool and confident, you can’t help but watch, even if he’s a massive jerk in this game-changing female-directed film.

Stream Lady Bird on Max.
Rent/buy Lady Bird on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Little Women (2019)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet starred in another Greta Gerwig movie, this time the 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. Told over the course of many years, the film explores Josephine March’s (Ronan) tight bond with her sisters and childhood best friend, Theodore “Laurie” Laurence (Chalamet), though she claims she needs no man to find happiness and fulfillment in life.

Some of the best scenes in Little Women are those shared by Jo and Laurie, especially the beautifully shot scene when Laurie proposes to his lifelong friend only for her to turn him down. As the scene concludes, Laurie says Jo will find someone to marry and be happy and all he’ll be able to do is watch.

Rent/Buy Little Women on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Interstellar (2014)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

One of Christopher Nolan’s best movies, Interstellar follows former NASA pilot Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) as he's sent to the far reaches of space to explore what could give the citizens of a dying Earth a second shot at survival. When he embarks upon this decades-long journey into the unknown, Cooper leaves behind two young children — Murphy (Mackenzie Foy/Jessica Chastain) and Tom (Timothée Chalamet/Casey Affleck) — not knowing if he’ll see them ever again.

Timothée Chalamet, who appears in only his second film role, doesn’t get all that much screen time in Interstellar since the main focus is on Joseph and Murphy Cooper’s father-daughter relationship, but he makes the most of what little time he gets.

Stream Interstellar on Netflix.
Stream Interstellar on Paramount+.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Beautiful Boy (2018)

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Felix van Groeningen’s 2018 drama, Beautiful Boy, tells the story of a tumultuous father-son relationship shared by New York Times writer David Sheff (Steve Carell) and his son, Nicholas (Timothée Chalamet), as the former attempts to help the latter battle drug addiction. Based on two separate memoirs written by the pair, this heart-wrenching story of the dangers of addiction and the undying love a father has for his son will break your heart while also giving you hope.

Carell and Chalamet are both outstanding in Beautiful Boy and make the movie something that you will find yourself thinking about long after the credits roll. At times, it seems like these aren’t two actors on a film set but a father and son making sense of life in one of the best movies on Amazon.

Stream Beautiful Boy on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

The King (2019)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

David Michôd’s 2019 war epic, The King, which is based on William Shakespeare’s Henriad tells the story of King Henry V of England (Timothée Chalamet) as he goes from an emotionally distant and uninterested heir to the throne, to a king who's left to make sense of the world following the death of his brother and father.

Although there isn’t as much action as some would have preferred, The King remains a strikingly beautiful drama held together by brilliant acting and strong writing. In addition to the outstanding performance by Chalamet, The King also boasts some great turns by Joel Edgerton, Robert Pattinson, Lily-Rose Depp, Ben Mendelsohn, and Dean-Charles Chapman.

Stream The King on Netflix.

A Rainy Day In New York (2019)

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

The 2019 Woody Allen romantic comedy A Rainy Day in New York follows Gatsby Welles (Timothée Chalamet) and Ashleigh Enright (Elle Fanning) as they travel to the Big Apple so that Ashleigh can interview a famous movie director for their college newspaper. What starts as a romantic weekend getaway for the wide-eyed couple quickly turns into one big misadventure with each getting caught up in their own struggles apart from one another.

Both leads are phenomenal in A Rainy Day in New York, but Timothée Chalamet’s Gatsby Wells really steals the show with his ambition, boyish charm, and understanding of the ins, outs, and chaos of New York City. The supporting cast, which includes Selena Gomez, Jude Law, Diego Luna, and Liev Schreiber ties both storylines together.

Rent/Buy A Rainy Day in New York on Prime Video
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

With Timothée Chalamet’s continued ascent to the top of Hollywood, which includes a leading role in Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, expect to see this list get longer and longer in the years to come.

Netflix has a lot of premium content coming online in June 2020, with a good share of that excitement coming from the movies debuting/returning to the fold. As usual, when it came to looking at the total incoming crop of films on their way to the digital library, there were a handful that truly stuck out.

Specifically, there are nine great movies to keep your eye out for when the month of June comes into play. While you can take a look at the full monty of TV and movies coming to Netflix in our full rundown, here are the favorites we’ve chosen as the best and the brightest of June 2020’s incoming batch.

Casper

With all of the talk of big anniversaries in 2020, there’s one we’ve surprisingly heard nothing about: the 25th anniversary of Casper. But just because there isn’t a huge hoopla surrounding the silver milestone of this ‘90s kids classic starring Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman doesn’t mean people can’t celebrate in their own way. This is especially true when the adorably funny film will be headed to the Netflix library, only a couple of days shy of the big day.

Inside Man

Director Spike Lee has a new movie headed to Netflix in June, as Da 5 Bloods marks the first streaming original film between the auteur and this particular media giant. Adding one of Lee’s previous hits, Inside Man, to the Netflix library is a pretty smooth move that’ll warm up potential crowds for this new movie. But if you just want to see Denzel Washington and Clive Owen go head to head in a slick, cerebral crime thriller, then that can be arranged as well.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Movies, at their best, are absolutely magic. Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is one of the prime examples of what happens when a gigantic blockbuster wears its heart on its sleeve. It’s also a beautiful and timeless story of the bond of friendship between a young boy (Henry Thomas) and his alien friend from another planet. What’s the summer season without a blockbuster to light up the darkness?

The Silence of the Lambs

While Hannibal is coming to Netflix in all of its three seasons of glory, folks will have to wait a little longer for the CBS-backed sequel series Clarice, as it’s been pushed to a midseason premiere slot for 2021. As it might not be an exact sequel to what Bryan Fuller’s darkly brilliant TV cousin was doing, the dark psychological horror of The Silence of the Lambs still fits in quite nicely.

The Queen

Another great example of synergy between TV and movies is the fact that writer Peter Morgan’s The Queen is about to join the same streaming family that has given his TV series The Crown a proper home for its entire run. As the series is about to end in the near future, one has to wonder if Helen Mirren’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II will serve as a bookend to the events of the hit series that shares its protagonist. But that doesn’t matter when Mirren’s Oscar winning performance anchors this story of tradition and public opinion in stoic, yet compelling fashion.

V For Vendetta

It’s hard to adapt a graphic novel like V for Vendetta, as not only is this particular book a very avant garde sort of drama, but it also has a very specific era of politics it drew inspiration from. That didn’t stop this Wachowski-produced spectacle from being redefined as a more modern saga of a public uprising against fascism, while also toning down some of the more “out there” subplots Alan Moore’s original text contained. It’ll be a while before we see if V for Vendetta is truly a timeless classic, but the case for its confirmation only seems to get stronger with each passing moment.

Lady Bird

Greta Gerwig’s Little Women stunned crowds with its warmth and humanity at the box office last year, and it showed. But that success wouldn’t have happened if not for the writer/director’s debut at the helm, Lady Bird. A more contemporary story, with Saoirse Ronan’s titular protagonist navigating senior year of high school in the year 2002, this dramedy is practically a blueprint for Gerwig’s signature style. It’s also one of the best uses of The Dave Matthews Band in a motion picture, so that should pretty much seal the deal for any doubters out there.

Frost/Nixon

It’s time for a potentially hot take: in the pantheon of Ron Howard’s efforts as a director, Frost/Nixon is an underrated film. Based on the play of the same name, and yet another Peter Morgan-scripted gem examining historical figures on display for the media, the clash between the titular titans is just as enthralling as Howard’s other historical films, like Apollo 13. Boasting an all-star ensemble anchored by Michael Sheen and Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon takes a story of personal stakes and frames it in a greater, more dramatic context.

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

Whenever a musical biopic comes around, be it something Bohemian Rhapsody or Rocketman, there’s one movie that always resurfaces to steal just a little bit of the thunder. Director Jake Kasdan’s cult comedy hit Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story made such laser targeted fun of the tried and true formula most films of this sort take very seriously. Which means whenever someone tries to tell that tried and true story of rags to musical riches, one can’t help but feel a little of John C. Reilly’s Cox enter the room, providing the temptation to laugh.

The world being what it is today, we could definitively use those laughs. But any of these incoming notables making their way to Netflix’s streaming library would serve as a perfect distraction for anyone who’s at home and ready to be entertained. Keeping in mind that titles are subject to change and availability, we hope that you remember to stream responsibly and stay safe out there! Be sure to keep checking in with CinemaBlend for more Netflix-related updates.

In the last decade, few independent companies in the movie business have been able to make the kind of impact that has been achieved by A24. While not releasing the biggest titles in the industry, they regularly work with some of the most impressive young talents in the game, and yearly produce some of the best titles hitting the big screen. They have no real defined house style, but instead simply seem to provide filmmakers with the tools needed to produce some excellent and exciting work.

The future is bright for A24, and one need only look at their list of releases thus far to realize it. To highlight the cream of the crop, we’ve broken down the films that they’ve put out by genre, and picked the best examples of each. We’re going in alphabetical order, so let’s start with…

Action: Free Fire

Admittedly action is not a genre rich with titles when it comes to A24’s catalog, but there is still a great movie to highlight. Ben Wheatley’s Free Fire from 2016 is a star-filled, bullet-riddled blast entirely centering on an arms deal gone wrong. Brie Larson, Sam Riley, Cillian Murphy, and Armie Hammer are just some of the talented performers firing weapons in this one, and it delivers a story that successfully manages to be both tense and at times screamingly funny.

Comedy: The Disaster Artist

It was with the release of a comedy in 2012 (Roman Coppola’s A Glimpse Inside the Mind Of Charles Swan III) that A24 established itself as a distributor, and in the years since we’ve seen some really hilarious titles, including Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s ridiculous Swiss Army Man, Yorgos Lanthimos’ bizarre The Lobster, and Harmony Korine’s over-the-top Spring Breakers. The king of the crop, however, is James Franco’s The Disaster Artist – which manages to be both a hilarious glimpse into the making of one of the worst movies of all time, and also a fantastic examination of creative energy and friendship.

Coming-Of-Age: Lady Bird

The coming-of-age genre has become a kind of specialty for A24, as while there’s not an overabundance of titles that fit that description in the catalog, each one is extremely impressive. As much as we love James Ponsoldt’s The Spectacular Now, Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade, and Jonah Hill’s Mid90s, however, the best we’ve seen thus far is Greta Gerwig’s spectacular Lady Bird. It does an outstanding job capturing what can be a hard and terrifying time in life, and will long stand not only as one of A24’s best titles, but one of the best modern coming-of-age tales period.

Crime: A Most Violent Year

J.C. Chandor's A Most Violent Year admittedly doesn’t have the most fitting title, as there is actually very little violence to be found in the story, but what is delivered is an amazing, tense crime drama that occasionally has the effect of making you feel like your heart is beating in your throat. Oscar Isaac delivers one of the best performances of his career as Abel Morales, the owner of a heating oil business practicing some shady operations, and there’s a sharp-as-a-knife supporting cast including Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo, Albert Brooks, and Alessandro Nivola.

Documentary: Amy

Of the 95 films thus far released by A24, the vast majority have been narrative features, but the company has had some success with documentaries as well – most notably with the Academy Award-winning Amy from directors Asif Kapadia and James Gay-Rees. Centering on departed singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse, it’s a beautiful and heartbreaking story about a real and incredible talent who tragically saw her story come to an end far too early, and the movie provides a deep and intimate look at her life both publically and privately.

Drama: Moonlight

In its eight years of distributing films, A24 has gotten quite a bit of attention from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and it’s with that history in mind that it should be little surprise what film we see as the best drama thus far put out by the company. This is a category that also includes titles like James Ponsoldt’s The End Of The Tour, Paul Schrader's First Reformed, Lulu Wang’s The Farewell, Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, and Joe Talbot's The Last Black Man in San Francisco, but Barry Jenkins’ Best Picture-winning Moonlight is a true jaw-dropper. Taking us on a journey following the growth of a young man through three distinct phases in his life is a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Horror: Midsommar

A24 has found a certain niche releasing horror films with remarkable atmospheres that take over an audiences’ brain, with standout titles thus far being the Robert Eggers double feature The Witch and The Lighthouse, and Gaspar Noe’s Climax. The list also includes Ari Aster’s brilliant Hereditary, but in this category we’re going to give the edge to his sophomore effort, Midsommar. Unlike most scary movies, which keep the audience terrified of the mystery that comes with the night, Aster’s Sweden-set nightmare is basically all sunlight all the time, and the results are terribly magical as a group of graduate students experience the monstrous traditions of a commune midsummer festival.

Sci-Fi: Ex Machina

Given that A24 doesn’t release big budget blockbusters, the science-fiction films in their catalog tend to be more small scale than what’s seen from the major studios – but what helps produce a lot from a little is working with awesomely talented filmmakers like David Michod (The Rover), Jonathan Glazer (Under The Skin), and Claire Denis (High Life). Alex Garland is arguably the best sci-fi filmmaker working today, and his directorial debut, Ex Machina, is the best genre film we’ve seen yet from the distributor. It’s a film that grabs you by the throat as a genius inventor (Oscar Isaac) has one of his programmers (Domhnall Gleeson) run a week-long Turing Test on his latest A.I. creation (Alicia Vikander), and it unfolds your brain as it unfolds its story.

Thriller: Uncut Gems

With titles including Denis Villeneuve’s Enemy, Steven Knight’s Locke, Jeremy Saulnier’s Green Room, and Yorgos Lanthimos' The Killing of a Sacred Deer, A24 Films has no shortage of films that can send persistent chills down your spine for 90 minutes to an hour, but no film of theirs has the effect of Ben and Josh Safdie’s Uncut Gems. This is a movie that really should start with a warning for anybody experiencing any kind of cardiac dysfunction, because you almost start foaming at the mouth watching Adam Sandler’s character stack bet on top of bet, all while putting his entire faith in a rare imported stone that seems to possess mystical properties.

Western: Slow West

Similar to action, another genre that has not gotten much exploration in films released by A24 is westerns, but at the same time the distributor counts a genuinely great modern example as part of the body of releases. John Maclean’s Slow West is at times funny, romantic, and badass as it follows the journey of a young man (Kodi Smit-McPhee) who has lost the love of his life and teams up with a kick-ass bounty hunter (Michael Fassbender) so that he can both survive the wild west and find her – not knowing that his love and her father are wanted, and the bounty hunter is looking to collect. Released in 2015, it’s an underappreciated gem in the A24 catalog.

What’s your favorite A24 film, both overall and in each genre? Hit the comments section with your thoughts, feelings, and opinions, and stay tuned for more news and updates about this awesome studio in the coming days, months, and years here on CinemaBlend!

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Coming-of-age movies remind us of the awkward, funny, dramatic, limiting, and liberating nature of growing up. A really impactful one profoundly touches your heart. Booksmart, starring Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever is one of the recent coming-of-age movies gaining praise for its funny look at the struggles of growing up. It's also one of the many coming of age films currently available to stream or rent online.

The coming-of-age category describes a broad blanket of films. I define this movie genre as tales of growing up with an emphasis on how that process leads to growth, self-exploration, or a deeper understanding of the world around.

Booksmart (2019)

After spending most of their high school careers being nerds and not socializing beyond each other, high school seniors Amy (Kaithly Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) decide to attend the big year-end party. Their quest to attend this party leads them on a strange adventure that includes drugs, an arrest, porn, and awkward hook-ups.

Booksmart takes some inspiration from coming-of-age movies like Superbad —which just happens to star Feldstein’s brother Jonah Hill-- but it is not just a carbon copy: Booksmart has its own distinct identity and brand of humor. Like Amy and Molly, the film is very comfortable in its own skin and that helps it give a refreshing spin on the high school comedy genre.

Where To Stream: Hulu

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows introvert Charlie (Logan Lerman) through his first year of high school. Two seniors Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson) befriend Charlie and take him under their wings. The movie is based on the book of the same name.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower explores serious issues like sexual abuse, domestic violence, and abortion. It tackles these issues with a careful approach and compassionate touch. Charlie’s layered and sympathetic persona makes him a great narrator because he creates an instant connection with the viewers. The three main leads all give some of their best performances in this film.

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

The Breakfast Club (1985)

In The Breakfast Club, five students from different high school cliques experience a Saturday together after all being put in detention. Detention brings them together in a way they never expected, and they start to understand each other more. Ally Sheedy, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, and Anthony Michael Hall star in The Breakfast Club.

John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club has become a teen movie classic, often referenced and sourced in pop culture. This film has stood the test of time because it focuses on characters that are relatable, and highlights that no matter what high school cliché you embody, we all suffer the same feelings of loneliness, fear, and confusion.

John Hughes films in general are very entertaining coming of age stories. A few others to give a try are Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Sixteen Candles.

Where To Stream: Starz

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Lady Bird (2017)

Greta Gerwig directs Saorise Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Beanie Feldstein in this coming-of-age story about a combative mother and daughter duo. In Lady Bird, Lady Bird (Saorise Ronan) and her mother (Laurie Metcalf) are constantly at odds, and are both dealing with their own growing pains.

Lady Bird’s biggest strength is the performances by Saorise Ronan and Laurie Metcalf. They both make you frustrated and sympathetic towards their behavior. Despite their fighting, like many mother and teen daughter relationships, both clearly do love and appreciate each other underneath all the disagreements. It’s not easy growing up, and it’s even harder being an adult.

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Where To Stream: Amazon Prime

Real Women Have Curves (2002)

Real Women Have Curves stars America Ferrera, Lupe Ontiveros, and George Lopez. It’s about a Mexican-American teen trying to find her own identity and live her dreams while staying true to her culture and heritage.

Real Women Have Curves is a body positive movie a little ahead of its time. It also shows a mother and daughter whose culture and beliefs are often at odds. America Ferrera’s character is learning to love her body and embrace her sexuality, while her mother thinks she should feel shame for both. The film challenges a sense of duty to family, while also showing how cycles of emotional abuse can limit people’s opportunity for emotional and economic growth. Real Women Have Curves is a raw but spirited look at the hardships of growing up, especially with added familial pressures.

Where To Stream: HBO Now

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Moonlight (2016)

Barry Jenkins directed Moonlight, a movie that follows Chiron (Trevante Rhodes) from his difficult childhood with drug addict mother Paula (Naomie Harris) to exploring his sexuality as a teen to an adult in desperate need of love and hope.

Moonlight is a gritty look at the difficulties faced by a man with life and society working against him. Chiron suffers many great losses, but the end of Moonlight offers a sense of peace and possibilities. He has had a hard journey but hope still exists.

Where To Stream: Netflix

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Slumdog Millionaire follows Jamal (Dev Patel), a young man who, throughout the course of the movie, is managing to win his way through the Indian version of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? As we through through the course of flashbacks, many of the questions he's given tie into his experiences growing up in some way. Slumdog Millionaire is also the story of Jamal’s love for Latika (Freida Pinto).

Slumdog Millionaire is one of the most exciting coming of age stories as you’re enthralled by Jamal’s journey. Every new question and story, you root and cheer him on, hoping that he wins this million and gains a better life. It thrills from beginning to end.

Where To Stream: Cinemax

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Handsome Devil (2016)

Handsome Devil follows Ned (Fionn O’Shea), a teen who goes to an elite Irish school who is mocked for being different and often accused of being gay. Conor (Nicholas Galitzine) is the new student who is instantly popular for being a good rugby player. The two become roommates and unlikely friends.

The school in Handsome Devil is very homophobic, and the movie reveals early on that Conor is gay. It’s the story of Ned and Conor’s friendship and Conor learning to accept his sexuality. Conor and Ned’s friendship is a very sweet one, especially how they go from believing they have nothing in common to discovering they’re a lot alike.

Where To Stream: Netflix

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Dazed And Confused (1993)

Richard Linklater directed Dazed and Confused, a movie about different groups of students on the last day of school in 1976. The cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Jason London, Milla Jovoich, Parker Posey, and Joey Lauren Adams.

Dazed and Confused offers a snapshot at the life of high school students in the 1970s, and it feels real because it’s basically just a bunch of kids roaming around looking for something to do. That’s like 90 percent of the high school experience. Dazed and Confused is also just a really funny movie that’s simple and easy.

Where To Stream: Starz

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

The Virgin Suicides (1999)

Kirsten Dunst, James Woods, Kathleen Turner, and Josh Hartnett star in The Virgin Suicides. The film follows the Lisbon family, particularly the Lisbon daughters. Lux Lisbon (Kirsten Dunst) is the main daughter and her sister’s orbit around her chaos.

The Virgin Suicides takes the perspective of Tim Weiner (Jonathan Tucker) and the other boys who watch and love the Lisbon girls from afar. As the girls grow up, their parents try to suppress and hide them from the world, especially the world of boys. This leads to desperate measures. The Virgin Suicides taking the male perspective shows the deep misunderstanding that young boys can have when dealing with women and girls. It also shows the consequences that occur when parents try to stop the growing up process.

Where To Stream: Crackle

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Superbad (2007)

Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg wrote Superbad, a coming of age story about two best friends who try to have the night of their lives, but end up going on a crazy adventure on the way to a party. The Superbad cast includes Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader, and Emma Stone.

Superbad is a funny high school adventure movie, but it’s also about drifting apart from your childhood friends as you get older. The film shows that this inevitable outcome is okay because it doesn’t necessarily mean they have to disappear from your life completely.

Where To Stream: Vudu

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Stand By Me (1986)

Stand by Me follows four boys who find the dead body of a missing boy. Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell star in this coming of age film based on a Stephen King novella called The Body.

At the core of Stand By Me is a tale of how friendship gets these four young boys through the harsh and cruel nature of life and growing up. The film has excellent performances by the young cast, but River Phoenix especially gives a mesmerizing performance.

Where To Stream: Crackle

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Raising Victor Vargas (2002)

Raising Victor Vargas is the story of three siblings being raised by their grandmother. It’s also about Victor (Victor Rasuk)’s budding romance with Judy (Judy Marte).

Raising Victor Vargas is a very funny and heartwarming movie about removing your masks to let someone see and love your true self. It is also about family, first love, and growing up.

Where To Stream: Tubi

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

There are many great coming of age movies available to rent or stream online. Here are a few others to consider:

Welcome To The Dollhouse (1996): Rent

The Edge of Seventeen (2016): Rent, Stream

10 Things I Hate About You (1999): Rent, Stream

Rushmore (1999): Rent

Boyhood (2014): Rent, Stream

Say Anything (1989): Rent, Stream

Almost Famous (2000): Rent

Saoirse Ronan is one of the most critically acclaimed young actresses of the last decade or so, and she is only 25 years old. In 2020, Saoirse Ronan earned her fourth Oscar nomination for her role as Jo March in Little Women. Three of those Oscar nominations have been for Best Actress in a Lead Role. Ronan is only the second youngest actress to receive two nominations by 21, and three by 24. With so many accolades at such a young age, it’s clear that Saoirse Ronan has a major career in movies ahead.

Ronan began acting in 2003. Her first acting gig was on an Irish medical drama called The Clinic. However, it wasn’t until 2007’s Atonement that Hollywood and the British Academy started to take notice of this star in the making. She earned her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Role in Atonement, and her career just escalated since then.

Saoirse Ronan easily balances appearing in indie movies, big blockbusters, and passion projects. No matter what type of project Ronan decides to undertake, she excels with her exquisite execution. If you’re new to the brilliantly acted world of Saoirse Ronan, here are a few of her projects to check out.

Little Women

Little Women follows the March sisters Amy, Meg, Jo, and Beth as they deal with the Civil War and becoming young women. Greta Gerwig directed the latest adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic. Saoirse Ronan takes on the role of Jo March, the aspiring novelist who wants to make her own way in the world, without the confinement of marriage. Little Women’s cast includes Emma Watson, Eliza Scanlen, Timothee Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, and rising star Florence Pugh.

Saoirse Ronan gives Jo all the spunk, determination, and vulnerability that makes her such a beloved literary figure. Many have played Jo on the big screen prior to Ronan, but this is one of the best screen versions of Jo because of Ronan’s ability to communicate the barriers still faced by women. Little Women is currently still playing in theaters. It’ll be part of many theater’s Oscar Best Picture showcase on Feb 8. Little Women will likely be available to purchase digitally in March 2020.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is a romantic historical drama about an Irish woman, Ellis (Saoirse Ronan), who moves to Brooklyn for work. While there, she falls in love with her life in America and a New Yorker named Tony (Emory Cohen). This makes Ellis torn between her homeland and her new life in New York. It’s based on Colm Tobin’s novel of the same name.

Saoirse Ronan was born in New York City, but her family moved back to Dublin when she was three, giving her both Irish and American roots. She spoke to Indiewire about relating to her character Ellis’ journey in Brooklyn. Saoirse Ronan often gives her whole heart to roles, but she likely gave even more of it in this relatable role. Brooklyn is a quiet movie with great performances by the entire cast, and especially Ronan. The film earned Ronan her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2016. Brooklyn is available to buy or rent on most VOD services. Rent or purchase it HERE.

Ed Sheeran’s “Galway Girl” Music Video

“Galway Girl” is a song about falling in love with a girl from Galway, Ireland. The entire video acts as a tribute to the spirit of Ireland with Ed Sheeran and Saoirse Ronan pub-crawling through different bars on Grafton Street.

Ed Sheeran’s “Galway Girl” music video takes his perspective, so viewers see everything through his eyes. The video mainly focuses on Sheeran watching Ronan’s character and the spirit she brings to the night. It’s a fun video that shows Ronan in a much more playful role than most of her movie roles. Watch Ed Sheeran’s “Galway Girl” music video HERE.

Lady Bird

Lady Bird is Greta Gerwig, Saoirse Ronan, and Timothee Chalamet’s first film collaboration. Lady Bird follows the turbulent relationship between Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) and her mother Marion McPherson (Laurie Metcalf). Their similarities often put their relationship in a constant combative state. Lady Bird earned both actresses Academy Award nominations for Best Lead and Supporting Actress.

Ronan nails the self-involved but sympathetic teen role in Lady Bird. Both Christine and Marion make you gasp at some of their behavior and words, but you also understand their individual struggles and why it fractures this relationship. Lady Bird also shows how despite the fighting, these two characters really love each other. Saoirse Ronan and Metcalf give splendid performances. Lady Bird is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Stream it HERE.

Hanna

Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett, and Saoirse Ronan star in Hanna, a movie about a young girl whose father trained her to become an assassin. Hanna is an action adventure movie that Joe Wright directed. In 2019, Amazon Prime Video released a series based on the movie that goes more into the origin of Hanna and her father.

Saoirse Ronan took martial arts classes to do her own stunts. She was a committed actress even as a teen. Along with making Hanna a complete badass, she gave the character some humanity that kept the character from being a soulless killing machine. Hanna is available to stream with a Cinemax subscription. Stream it HERE.

Loving Vincent

Loving Vincent is a completely hand drawn animation about the life and death of Vincent Van Gogh. The drawings of Loving Vincent mimic the famed painter’s actual post-impressionist style. The film is a fictionalized account of Van Gogh’s death told through the journey of Armand Roulin (Douglas Booth). He’s trying to deliver Vincent Van Gogh’s last letter to his brother. Armand’s journey makes him explore if Van Gogh’s death was murder or suicide.

Saoirse Ronan plays Marguerite Gachet, the daughter of Van Gogh’s doctor, Paul Gachet (Jerome Flynn). Marguerite and Van Gogh develop a friendship that makes Dr. Gachet worry about her being a distraction for Van Gogh and his art. Loving Vincent is a gorgeous animation that showcases the uncertainty of Van Gogh’s life and death. Even as an animated version of herself, Ronan gives the character depth. Loving Vincent is available on Hulu. Stream it HERE.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson directed and wrote The Grand Budapest Hotel. It revolves around the adventures of M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) and Zero (Tony Revolori). The Grand Budapest Hotel has an all-star cast that includes Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Owen Wilson.

Saoirse Ronan plays Zero’s love interest Agatha in The Grand Budapest Hotel. The pair have a fun dynamic. Ronan also portrays Agatha as someone who is both clever and kind. The Grand Budapest Hotel is a unique, playful movie with beautiful cinematography. It’s available to buy or rent on most major streaming platforms like Amazon Prime.

How I Live Now

How I Live Now is set in an alternative universe where World War III is currently happening. An American named Daisy (Saoirse Ronan) goes to live with her English relatives. She starts to fall in love with her cousin, Edmond (George MacKay), but then their lives are thrown even further for a loop when a nuclear bomb hits. Daisy, Edmond, and her two younger cousins must try to survive in this new dangerous world.

How I Live Now is a bleak movie, but it captivates you from start to finish. This is mainly due to Saoirse Ronan’s lead role. She takes you through Daisy’s journey as a misfit teen to the only hope of survival for her and her cousins. How I Live Now includes a cast of some of the current biggest young stars. Besides Ronan and George MacKay, Tom Holland plays one of Daisy’s young cousins. How I Live Now is available to stream free on Tubi. Stream it HERE.

The Lovely Bones

Peter Jackson directed The Lovely Bones, a film adaptation of Alice Sebold’s bestselling novel of the same name. Saoirse Ronan stars alongside Stanley Tucci, Rachael Weisz, and Mark Wahlberg. Susie Salmon (Ronan) is murdered and her family falls apart. The Lovely Bones is told from Susie’s perspective as she lives in limbo watching her family and friends deal with the aftermath of her death.

Saoirse Ronan expertly breaks your heart in The Lovely Bones. The film is a look at what happens when a life is taken too soon, and the scars that can’t heal. The Lovely Bones really highlights the amazing acting potential that Saoirse Ronan had at such a young age. The movie is available to stream on Hulu. Stream it HERE.

Atonement

Saoirse Ronan plays the child version of Briony in Atonement. Briony is an aspiring writer who witnesses a crime and then accuses the wrong man of it. This tears her sister, Cecilia (Keira Knightley), and the man she loves, Robbie (James McAvoy), apart.

Atonement showcases how the lives of adults can be a confusing and scary place for a child. It also shows how one lie can destroy a life. Saoirse Ronan gives Briony youthful spirit with a touch of determination and cluelessness when it comes to being an adult. There are three different actresses playing Briony in Atonement, but Ronan definitely stands out the most for her unforgettable performance in the film. Atonement is available to stream with a Starz subscription. Stream it HERE.

Hozier’s “Chery Wine” Music Video

“Cherry Wine” is a song about a toxic relationship. It’s told from the perspective of someone who is dealing with an abusive significant other. Saoirse Ronan stars in the “Cherry Wine” video, and she plays a character abused by her male lover. The entire song and video is about domestic abuse.

Saoirse Ronan doesn’t utter one word in “Cherry Wine,” but she makes all her emotions come across in her facial expressions. Hozier and Ronan show how the intoxicating nature of love can keep people in a cycle of abuse. The song is beautiful and powerful, and the video matches it. Watch Hozier’s “Cherry Wine” HERE.

Watch the Academy Awards this Sunday to see if Saoirse Ronan takes home her first Academy Award. Later this year, Ronan will reunite with Wes Anderson in The French Dispatch. She’ll also star opposite Kate Winslet in Ammonite sometime in 2020. Based on solely on Ronan’s acting prowess, we’ll guess that she may earn another Oscar nomination for her performance in one of those films.

After a few months that have been a little slower in terms of big releases, March is going to be a big month in home entertainment. Not only will Star Wars fans finally see the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi finally get to check out the extra features with that set, but the box office behemoth Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, as is Justice League and a slew of movies with Oscar potential and, oh yeah, the Blu-ray and DVD release for Thor: Ragnarok is also coming. If there's not one movie on the list that appeals to you in some capacity, I can only surmise you love niche films or aren't a movie fan at all. Because honestly, I write this list every month and there's almost never this much interesting stuff coming out within a few short weeks of each other.

Of course, if you are looking for the February 2018 list, we have you covered.

Tuesday, March 6 DVD And Blu-ray Releases

Thor: Ragnarok

Blue Planet II

Lady Bird

Wonder Wheel

The Man Who Invented Christmas

Scorched Earth

Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Ninth Season

The Breadwinner

Curse of the Mayans

Aliens Ate My Homework

Faces Places

Novitiate

Atlanta: The Complete First Season

The Clapper

Week of March 6 Early Digital Releases

I, Tonya (March 2)

Jumanji: Welcome To the Jungle (March 6)

Downsizing (March 6)

Tuesday, March 13 DVD And Blu-ray Releases

Justice League

The Shape of Water

Call Me By Your Name

I, Tonya

Fear The Walking Dead: The Complete Third Season

The Handmaid's Tale: Season 1

The Disaster Artist

Ferdinand

Major Crimes: The Sixth and Final Season DVD

Children of the Corn: Runaway

Into The Badlands: Season 2

Kickboxer Retalition

Lego DC Super Heroes: The Flash

Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures - Season Two

Knightfall: Season 1

Kendra on Top: Season 6

The Good Fight: Season 1

Week of March 13 Early Digital Releases

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Tuesday, March 20 DVD And Blu-ray Releases

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle

Pitch Perfect 3

Archer: The Complete Season Eight

Downsizing

Ichi The Killer

Dirt

Small Town Crime

The Vanishing of Sidney Hall

Tuesday, March 27 DVD And Blu-ray Releases

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

The Americans: The Complete Fifth Season

Mr. Robot: Season 3.0

The Last Men in Aleppo

Legion: The Complete Season One

Acts of Violence

The Last Movie Star

Week of March 27 Early Digital Releases

Molly's Game

Phantom Thread

After months of discussing and dissecting this year's most critically acclaimed movies, the big night is here. Whether you are a person who loves the red carpet or the speeches, you won't have too much longer to wait before the evening kicks off with a bang. While some betting sites have given odds on which big movie might take home this year's Academy Award for Best Picture, we won't know if Get Out makes a surprise win, or if Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri may repeat its Golden Globes success until Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway take the stage again this year. We'll be here as all of the big awards are announced, and you can check out the full list of nominees -- and winners as they come in -- below.

Best Picture

Call Me By Your Name

Darkest Hour

Dunkirk

Get Out

Lady Bird

Phantom Thread

The Post

The Shape of Water

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Director

Dunkirk, Christopher Nolan

Get Out, Jordan Peele

Lady Bird, Greta Gerwig

Phantom Thread, P.T. Anderson

The Shape of Water, Guillermo del Toro

Best Actress

Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water

Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Margot Robbie, I, Tonya

Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird

Meryl Streep, The Post

Best Actor

Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name

Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread

Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out

Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour

Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Best Supporting Actress

Mary J Blige, Mudbound

Allison Janney, I, Tonya

Leslie Manville, Phantom Thread

Laurie Metcalf, Ladybird

Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water

Best Supporting Actor

Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project

Woody Harrelson, Three Billboards Outside

Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water

Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World

Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Original Screenplay

The Big Sick

Get Out

Lady Bird

The Shape of Water

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Adapted Screenplay

Call Me By Your Name

The Disaster Artist

Logan

Molly's Game

Mudbound

Best Animated Feature

The Boss Baby

The Breadwinner

Coco

Ferdinand

Loving Vincent

Best Foreign Language Film

A Fantastic Woman, Chile

The Insult, Lebanon

Loveless, Russia

On Body and Soul, Hungary

The Square, Sweden

Best Documentary Feature

Abbicus, Small Enough To Jail

Faces Places

Icarus

Last Men in Aleppo

Strong Island

Production Design

Beauty And The Beast

Blade Runner 2049

Darkest Hour

Dunkirk

The Shape Of Water

Best Cinematography

Blade Runner 2049

Darkest Hour

Dunkirk

Mudbound

The Shape Of Water

Best Costume Design

Beauty And The Beast

Darkest Hour

The Shape Of Water

Phantom Thread

Victoria & Abdul

Film Editing

Baby Driver

Dunkirk

I, Tonya

The Shape Of Water

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Makeup And Hairstyling

Darkest Hour

Victoria & Abdul

Wonder

Best Score

Dunkirk

Phantom Thread

The Shape Of Water

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Original Song

"Mighty River," Mudbound

"Mystery of Love," Call Me By Your Name

"Remember Me," Coco

"Stand up for Something," Marshall

"This is Me," The Greatest Showman

Best Sound Editing

Baby Driver

Blade Runner 2049

Dunkirk

The Shape Of Water

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Best Sound Mixing

Baby Driver

Blade Runner 2049

Dunkirk

The Shape Of Water

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Best Visual Effects

Blade Runner 2049

Guardians Of The Galaxy, Vol 2

Kong: Skull Island

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

War For The Planet Of The Apes

Best Animated Short

Dear Basketball

Garden Party

Lou

Negative Space

Revolting Rhymes

Best Documentary Short

Edith+Eddie

Heaven Is a Traffic Jam on the 405

Heroin(e)

Knife Skills

Traffic Stop

Best Live Action Short

DeKalb Elementary

The Eleven O'Clock

My Nephew Emmett

The Silent Child

Watu Woto: All of Us

This year's Academy Awards air on ABC starting at 8 p.m. ET. Jimmy Kimmel is once again back as the host of the awards, although the jury is out on how many times he will reference what happened with the Moonlight and La La Land mishap last year. Whether the nods are understated or overkill, it should be a night full of surprises, as this year is the 90th year the Oscars have come together in Hollywood. So, stay tuned to CinemaBlend, as this page plans to keep you posted regarding which of the former nominees actually take home the coveted statues. And if you want a reminder of that envelope debacle or a refresher on who took home awards last year, we have you covered, as well.

Photo Courtesy of ABC.

Last year, Disney's Zootopia was a major Oscar contender. In celebration, it had some fun with some of its fellow nominees. While it may not be up for any awards tonight, Disney is still celebrating those that are with parody movie posters. This year's batch actually includes one film that won't win any awards tonight, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, but also three major contenders in the form of All the Money in the World, Lady Bird, and, The Shape of Water.

While Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle has been racking up the box office dollars since it released in December, it won't be in contention for any awards tonight. However, that didn't stop Disney artists from recreating the film's poster on Twitter with characters from Zootopia. Dwayne Johnson becomes Idris Elba's Chief Bogo, Jack Black is represented by donut-loving cop Clawhouser, Judy Hops stands in for Karen Gillan, and Kevin Hart becomes Fennic the fox, though his name implies he's actually a dog.Zoomanji: We come From the Jungle, is almost certainly a movie that you can see in a Zootpia movie theater.

From there, we get into the actual Oscar nominees. The highlight has to be The Shape of Water Buffalo, which stars chief Bogo once again, with Zootopia villain Bellwether in the female lead role. It's probably the best because Chief Bogo never had a look like that on his face throughout Zootopia. The director of this one is Bullermo Del Toro, which is a perfect, if redundant, name for the director of the actual film, which has a pretty good chance at being named Best Picture.

Lady Herd appears to be a coming of age story that star's popular Zootopia pop singer Giselle, who was voiced by Shakira in the movie. Writer-Director Greta Gerwig (Growling) could have a very big night tonight as she's nominated for both Best Original Screenplay and Best Director.

Finally, we have All the Bunny in the World, directed by Ridley Sloth. This film's real-life counterpart feels like it might be a long shot for a few awards, though Christopher Plummer could see a Best Supporting Actor win.

Last year, Zootopia created similar posters for films such as La La Lamb, Fantastic Cheetahs and Where to Find Them, and Nocturnal Mammals.

Last year Zootopia won its Oscar for Best Animated Feature last year. The fact that we're seeing more fun from the movie before this year's Oscars shows that people are still quite taken with it. One wonders if that interest could eventually transform into a sequel.

Which movie do you think should win Best Picture at the Zootopia Academy Awards? Let us know in the poll below.

This poll is no longer available.

Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird has earned a lot of acclaim over the past few months. However, despite being about a teenager navigating young adulthood, it's a movie that is for adult audiences or at least the parents of older teens who can handle the word "cunt" and f-bombs being bandied about. As such, it's Rated R in the U.S. and has been given age gates in other countries around the world. However, in Australia theaters are taking a different tact, censoring the movie to make it more age appropriate for some younger viewers. Here's what's happening.

According to Media Censorship in Australia, Lady Bird has been censored in Australia, at least when it is getting played in theaters. The outlet notes that screenings have changed the word "cunt" to "cooze" in the movie. (The word comes up twice in the regular version of Lady Bird.) In addition, some male genitals in the Playgirl Magazine scene were also censored for Australian audiences. The changes might explain why Lady Bird was originally given an MA 15 rating and that rating was later changed to an M.

In Australia, movies can be rated MA 15. This means that audiences who are over the age of 15 can see the movie on their own time. Anyone younger than 15 could still get in with a parent or guardian. A representative of the Classification Board in Australia told Filmink that the reason the movie was given the rating in the first place had to do with "Brief Strong Nudity." The scene in question in Lady Bird actually features a Playgirl magazine and the aforementioned male genitalia, which would indicate why the rating was given out. However, the board says that it does not censor movies and that it would be the studio and/or distributor's decision to do so.

The end result? In Australia, Lady Bird is now only rated M for "mature themes, coarse language and a sex scene." This means that movie fans in Australia have fewer barriers toward seeing the Academy Award-nominated film. However, if you live in the States, the movie is still Rated R. So if you are a teenaged film buff, or the parent of one, someone 18 or older is gonna have to buy the tickets. Honestly though, I'd assume fans there will get the gist without the language or the Playgirl. The bigger question is whether or not the song "Crash Into Me" by Dave Matthews Band had the same complicated connotation outside of the States that it did for hipsters here.

We won't have too much longer to wait to see how Lady Bird fares on the biggest night of the year for film. The 90th Academy Awards air this Sunday, March 4 at 8 p.m. ET, only on ABC. If you haven't taken a complete look at the nominees, yet, head here. Lady Bird has been nominated for Best Picture.

The 2018 Academy Awards are coming up this weekend and everybody is wondering who will win Best Picture. However, no rundown of the nominees will be funnier than this one. The team at Honest Trailers goes through all the nominees and breaks them down for you as only they can. If the Oscars were actually this funny, they'd get much better ratings. Check it out.

After briefly reminiscing about the epic insanity that was the end of last year's Oscar ceremony, the Honest Trailer jumps into the nominees with Darkest Hour. That movie, like a couple of the others, isn't really about the movie as it is about a single performance, the one by Gary Oldman as Winston Churchhill. It points out that the film actually covers a lot of the same time period as another Oscar nominee Dunkirk, but that this movie had a lot less action and a lot more of people chatting at each other.

From there we move to The Fish Banging Movie, or, as it is sometimes referred, The Shape of Water. The Honest Trailer does point out that there are a pair of films which could be viewed as more than a little creepy out of context. Both The Shape of Water and Call Me by Your Name center on relationships which, might not seem quite as romantic if they weren't in movies. In the case of Shape, the fantasy element helps diffuse any unwanted tension. In the case of Call, the trailer avoids getting too serious by making a joke about Armie Hammer's balls. It turns out even serious Oscar dramas need quality digital effects these days.

I wasn't as big a fan of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri as a lot of people were, but I can absolutely get behind the idea that Sam Rockwell needs to be a bigger name. He's a fantastic actor and if this movie does result in him no longer being "that guy" then I suppose it will be worth it.

Phantom Thread seems to get the briefest treatment over the course of the trailer, but the joke comparing Daniel Day-Lewis' character in the movie to the actor himself is a layup that needs to be made. So they did, and then they moved on.

On a personal level, the highlight of the video is the Lady Bird section, because, as somebody who lived outside Sacramento in the late 90s, the movie's incessant use of "Crash Into Me" by the Dave Matthews Band is actually incredibly true to life. It didn't matter how much you wanted to escape that song, it could not be done.

Dunkirk gets a little beat up for being the most Christopher Nolan movie ever. The Post takes its, well deserved, shots for feeling like the most calculated Oscar movie that it's going to be shocking when the movie probably doesn't win very much. Get Out, takes the final slot, and while the video heaps a lot of praise on the film, it also points out that the remarkable story of the horror movie, which is largely the reason it was nominated, is also the reason it probably won't win.

We'll find out which movie will actually be Best Picture during the, almost certainly less funny, Oscar telecast this Sunday.

Movies usually work as escapism. Very few of us will ever fall in love with a mer-man, so The Shape of Water is silver screen fantasy that we can use as a detour away from our boring existences. But every once in a while, we watch a movie that hits us so close to home, we wonder if the narrative picture is serving as a documentary feature of our upbringing, of our future... of our lives, in general. This apparently happened to Jessica Chastain as she watched Greta Gerwig's Oscar-nominated Lady Bird, as the Molly's Game star shared:

Jessica Chastain isn't too far off. The radiant and beautiful star was born in Sonoma, California, which is located a little over an hour's drive from Sacramento, the home of the scrappy and independent Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson (Saoirse Ronan). Chastain also was born in 1977, which would have put her into Lady Bird's time frame right around when the movie is set -- 2002. As the Zero Dark Thirty actress notes, she even lost her virginity to the same Dave Matthews Band song as Lady Bird does. Now, I know the band's album was BEYOND popular back then, but seeing this scene play out on screen had to be weird and déjà vu-y to Chastain!

Press play on this. It's an instant time-machine jump to your youth:

Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird is having the same effect that John Hughes' movies have on Children Of The Eighties (a group to which I proudly subscribe), where we might not have gone to the same lengths as Ferris (Matthew Broderick) to get a day off of school, but we recognized all of the conversations that those people had between their adventures. A fear of becoming an adult. The giddiness of being surrounded by friends. A curiosity of the mystery of one's future. All of these are brought up by Gerwig and her beautiful cast in Lady Bird, and we can see why it connects with audience's both normal and globally famous, like Jessica Chastain.

The actress later elaborated on her Twitter feed:

You can catch Lady Bird at a theater near you. The insightful and amusing dram-edy has been cleaning up on the awards circuit since November 2017, and recently added five Oscar nominations to its list of accolades. It will contend for Best Picture, Director (for Greta Gerwig), Screenplay, Actress (for Saiorse Ronan) and Supporting Actress (Laurie Metcalf) when the Oscars are handed out on March 4. Which category do you think it deserves?

With this week's nominations for the 90th Academy Awards locked and loaded, it's time for the Academy's voters to review the nine films they've deemed the best pictures of 2017. But this is also the time when the movie-going public tries to catch up with the nominees they're particularly interested in, or in some cases the whole entire smash.

Since the line-up is so diverse, with release dates ranging from the beginning of last year to just recently, you're going to want to know what your options are to be in the know before the big show, which is where this guide really comes in handy. So break out your calendars, send this article to your movie friends text chain, and let's look at how you can see the best and brightest of 2017 today.

Theatrical Marathon Events

For a little over a decade, there has been a slowly building trend of theatrical chains bringing back the best picture nominees in time for Oscar season, and one of the oldest and best established is the AMC Best Picture Showcase. Shown over the two Saturdays before the Oscars, the line-up will set you back $30 for 2/24's session, and $40 for 3/3. Though if you're daring enough to try, some locations will be doing a 24 hour marathon on 3/3 for $65. If you're an AMC Stubs member, you'll receive a $5 credit on your account for each day of the showcase, so that's an additional $10 value added to your ticket. Though if you're looking to only pick up some individual screenings of certain best picture nominees, AMC will be showing all nine Best Picture nominees at select locations, starting January 29th. Be sure to check AMC's official listings for further details, as well as more accurate pricing.

Also returning to the table is Regal's Best Picture Film Festival, which is more affordable, albeit with an interesting scheduling method of its own. This marathon clocks in at $35, but is only available through the Regal Theaters app. Unlike AMC's Best Picture Showcase, Regal's program gives you access to all BP noms between 2/23 & 3/4, with a tiered scheduling system that spreads out the line-up across that span of time. All films are shown at various times each day, so you'll need to check Regal's schedule, found here, for specifics.

New to the race is Cinemark's Oscar Week, which will also set you back $35, and gives you access to not only all of the best picture nominees, but also all of this year's Oscar Nominated Best Short Films. It's programmed similar to Regal's offering, with certain films at certain times each day. That schedule, as well as further details on Oscar Week, can be found here. But say you're not really looking to head out to a theater, or just want to watch one or two of these movies in the comfort of your own home? Well, if that's the case, let's see what each film's home video options entail at this moment.

The Shape of Water

Synopsis: Eliza (Sally Hawkins) is a mute cleaning lady for a government facility, with a pretty average day to day life. All of that changes once she falls for a specimen brought to her lab (Doug Jones). With the help of her friends (Richard Jenkins and Octavia Spencer), she'll try to grant this creature his freedom. Although it seems that there are forces with unknown (Michael Stuhlbarg) or opposing agendas (Michael Shannon) in mind.

Is It Still In Theaters: Yes. The Shape of Water's wide release started at the end of December, so there should be a good amount of theaters still running the film.

When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: 2/27 (Digital HD) / 3/13 (Home Video)

Possible Streaming Options: iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu & FandangoNOW.

Darkest Hour

Synopsis: After his sudden, unexpected rise to the position of Prime Minister, Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) finds himself inheriting the post at one of the bleakest periods in British history. With the Nazi war machine gaining steam, and the evacuation of Dunkirk staring him in the face, Churchill will have to prove to his detractors that he can do the job, while finding a way to provide the morale boost that the nation could use.

Is It Still In Theaters: Some theaters are still showing Darkest Hour, so you'll have to check your local listings.

When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: 2/6 (Digital HD) / 2/27 (Home Video)

Possible Streaming Options: iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu & FandangoNOW.

Dunkirk

Synopsis: In 1940, the evacuation of Dunkirk was one of the most harrowing events in the history of World War II. Christopher Nolan's action drama focuses on three stories, all taking place during various time spans, on the fateful day of the evacuation.

Is It Still In Theaters: Yes, but check your local listings, as Dunkirk is about to make a return to theaters in the wake of its nomination. Screening options may be limited.

When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: Currently available on Digital HD, Blu-ray, and DVD.

Possible Streaming Options: iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu & FandangoNOW.

Phantom Thread

Synopsis: Thanks to a chance encounter, designer Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day Lewis) has found a new muse / lover in a young waitress (Vicky Krieps). Through the course of Phantom Thread, we see the push and pull of their relationship, and all of the darkly comic side effects that happen at each turn.

Is It Still In Theaters: Yes. Phantom Thread's wide release started on 1/19, so it should be pretty easy to seek this one out. Though if you're looking for the 70mm option, you're going to run into a much more limited range of options.

*When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: *TBD (Digital HD) / 4/10 (Home Video)

Possible Streaming Options: iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu & FandangoNOW.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Synopsis: After the investigation into the rape and murder of her daughter has yielded no tangible results, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) decides to call out the local police chief (Woody Harrelson) through a series of three incendiary billboards. Through a series of escalating events, Mildred will find herself clashing with strangers, the chief himself, and even his loyal deputy (Sam Rockwell).

Is It Still In Theaters: Yes, but Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri may be harder to find as it's been running since November.

When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: 2/13 (Digital HD) / 2/27 (Home Video).

Possible Streaming Options: iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu, & FandangoNOW.

Get Out

Synopsis: On a weekend getaway to meet his girlfriend's family, Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) begins to suspect something is amiss. With an atmosphere of creeping dread, and racial tension, Get Out puts its protagonist through the ringer, with each step he takes towards the horrifying truth.

Is It Still In Theaters: Much like Dunkirk, Get Out is making a return to the big screen, in honor of its Oscar campaign.

When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: Get Out is currently available on Digital HD, Blu-ray, and DVD.

Possible Streaming Options: iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNOW & HBO GO

The Post

Synopsis: In the midst of the controversial Vietnam War, a study is leaked to the press that provides a damning account of how the conflict was managed throughout its inception. With the New York Times gaining the first scoop, but being barred from printing any further items, it's up to Kathryn Graham (Meryl Streep) and Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) to fight the battle to publish at the Washington Post. The only things standing in their way are nervous board members, the possible jeopardy of a recent acquisition, and President Nixon himself.

Is It Still In Theaters: Yes. The Post completed its wide release roll out on 1/12.

When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: No release dates are currently set, though a "Spring 2018" window has been mentioned.

Possible Streaming Options: Unknown, as The Post is currently in its theatrical window, though most digital retailers are already offering a pre-order to own.

Call Me By Your Name

Synopsis: In 1983 Italy, a young man (Timothee Chalamet) is discovering himself in the summer sun. During that discovery, he meets a young student (Armie Hammer) who plays an important part in that process, as he's the first man he's fallen in love with.

Is It Still In Theaters: Yes. Call Me By Your Name went into wide release on 1/19, after a slow indie roll-out.

When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: 2/27 (Digital HD) / 3/13 (Home Video).

Possible Streaming Options: iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu & FandangoNOW.

Lady Bird

Synopsis: Don't call Christine McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) by her birth name. Call her Lady Bird, the name she's given to herself. Through the tumultuous days of her senior year in a Sacramento Catholic school, she'll contemplate college, hang out with her best friend (Beanie Feldstein) and try to survive living with her mother (Laurie Metcalf) in those final days before she goes off to the school of her choosing. Or rather, the schools that dare to choose her.

Is It Still In Theaters: The screening options for Lady Bird are probably limited, but some theaters may still have it in their rotation.

When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: 2/13 (Digital HD) / 3/6 (Home Video)

Possible Streaming Options: Unknown, as Lady Bird is currently in its theatrical window, though most digital retailers are already offering a pre-order to own.

Welcome to AwardsBlend #5, the first episode since we launched this podcast where we finally have actual Oscar nominees to discuss. And discuss them, we do!

AwardsBlend co-hosts Sean O'Connell, Kevin McCarthy and Jake Hamilton hop behind their microphones this week to talk about the various Oscar nominations, where Guillermo del Toro's sci-fi creature romance The Shape of Water led all contenders with 13 noms, but Jordan Peele's Get Out followed right behind. Peele and his colleague, Greta Gerwig, also made headway as first-time filmmakers who broke into the coveted Best Director race. And we made connections to the Screen Actors Guild Awards winners, who all got Oscar nominations -- so we wonder if that makes them frontrunners in their respective categories.

But things really heat up when the guys get into a discussion about beloved cinematographer Roger Deakins, who is nominated for his work on Blade Runner 2049. But he shot it digitally, and the AwardsBlend hosts wonder if the decision to not shoot on film will hurt him in his bid to FINALLY win an Oscar after 13 previous nominations and not one win.

You have to listen to this one:

Now that we have the full field of Oscar nominees, we are going to use the next few weeks to break down the top categories, discussing possible upsets, clear-cut frontrunners, and bold predictions to help you win your Office Oscar Pool. (If your office doesn't have an Oscar pool, start one! We'll help you win some money.)

And if you missed any of our previous AwardsBlend episodes, you are in luck. We have an iTunes page! Visit. Subscribe. Like and comment. Review! We got our first review recently, and it made us so happy. Don't let that one review sit there, all by itself. Add some more, so it doesn't get too lonely. Meanwhile, follow the guys on Social Media at @Sean_OConnell, @JakesTakes and @KevinMcCarthyTV. See you next week, when we break down the Supporting Actor and Actress categories on Thursday, February 1 at 4 pm EST / 1 pm PST.

And then there were nine.

The Academy Awards announced their complete list of nominees or the 90th Oscars ceremony, which will be held on Sunday, March 4. In doing so, the Academy singled out nine films that will compete for Best Picture, ranging from Christopher Nolan's World War II epic Dunkirk to the harrowing social commentary of Jordan Peel's Get Out.

You wonderful people have been nice enough to follow CinemaBlend's coverage of all things film through the years, and 2017 was no different. We dove deep into all nine movie that proudly call themselves Best Picture nominees, hoping on board the Get Out train early and riding the wave of Phantom Thread right as 2017 drew to a close. Now that we have our Best Picture contenders, let's revisit our reviews, to see what we thought about the Academy's choices for the best of 2017:

Call Me By Your Name

Our review: Call Me By Your Name is the type of film you want to climb into, set up camp, and live inside for an extended period of time. By this rationale, it'd be the opposite of Jordan Peele's Get Out, a movie whose landscape you'd choose to avoid at all costs. Quite the contrary for director Luca Guadagnino's leisurely, lush and heartachingly romantic excursion, which beckons you into its frames with every visual cue, then lulls you into wanting to linger by weaving an embracing message of inclusion, of first-love experimentation, and of finding a way to be comfortable in our own skin, no matter how challenging that journey may seem.

Full review

Darkest Hour

Our review: Unlike Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk, which showcased a very different side of the same time period and events earlier this year, Darkest Hour isn't a war film built on explosions and spectacle, but it is stunningly gorgeous all the same. With due credit going to both the cinematography and production design, there is no shortage of elegance and magnificence in Winston Churchill's aristocratic home or King George VI's palace -- but the movie also offers up some perfect contrast with the stark, dark, greyness of the war rooms where the gravest and most important decisions are made about the future of the country. The persistent beautiful image of curling cigar smoke caught in sunbeams is the perfectly lit cherry on top.

Full review

Dunkirk

Our review: While no surprise given his track record, Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk is impressively ambitious. It is not only an extraordinary spectacle thanks to the extensive use of IMAX cameras (seriously demanding that it be seen on the largest screen possible), but it navigates a smart-yet-challenging non-linear path that plays out in three different threads -- all individually taking place over a different amount of time (specifically a week, a day, and an hour). Clocking in at only 107 minutes long, it's tightly paced, and end-to-end it is furnished with stunning sequences that leave you holding your breath.

Full review

Get Out

Our review: The great genre filmmakers recognize that horror's just a device for commentary, and while Get Out may look like everything is just painted on the surface, it's an impressively rich and powerful execution of a smart, scare-packed premise. It certainly takes cues from cinematic history, and could be elevator pitched as "The Stepford Wives meets Guess Who's Coming To Dinner," but with a playful sense of tone, amazing performances, and a sharp bite, it resonates with you long after you've left the theater.

Full review

Lady Bird

Our review: Ever since her debut in Atonement, Saoirse Ronan has been on a role when it comes to the leads she's scored in films like Lady Bird. In fact, all throughout writer/director Greta Gerwig's film, I was reminded that Ronan is an ace when it comes to portraying this particularly sensitive time in a young woman's life. She continues to captivate the screen with her acting skills, making both "Lady Bird's" sympathetic and more childish moments come to life without turning them into caricatures. While we can take issue with some of her actions and statements to those she knows and loves, we can never write off her character as a typical screen brat. It's a delicate line to walk with such a story, and Saoirse Ronan makes it look damned easy.

Full review

Phantom Thread

Our review: While Paul Thomas Anderson has presented an eclectic mix of tones and stories during his endlessly impressive career, Phantom Thread presents a stunning contrast of elegance and darkness, leading the filmmaker to aesthetically build something unlike anything we've ever seen from him. And the results are expectedly incredible. He keeps the argument of film over digital very much alive, and acting as his own cinematographer for the first time delivers scene after scene of visual splendor -- bathing the detailed work of uniformed seamstresses in angelic, soft white light and offering sinister, fire lit visions of the future through its non-linear narrative. You expect beauty in a film about fashion, and Anderson practically overwhelms you with it.

Full review

The Post

Our review: The Post, Steven Spielberg's exceptional new film about the vitality of journalism, might be his first movie to weave both genres together, pouring a valuable history lesson into a briskly paced race-the-clock political thriller that pushes all the right buttons we need in a crowd-pleaser. Shot and edited in a seven-month span, The Post boasts a stunning ensemble of extraordinary character actors sinking their teeth into a riveting screenplay, all choreographed by a genius filmmaker who is firing on all possible cylinders. The Post is the best movie I saw this year, and likely the most important movie you'll see in several years.

Full review

The Shape of Water

Our review: If you really wanted to, you could tuck yourself in for The Shape of Water and let the film tell you one of the best adult bedtime stories you've ever heard. With a poetry and rhythm that flows as strong as the currents of the world, Guillermo del Toro and co-writer Vanessa Taylor has brought us another film that pays homage to classic Hollywood, while existing firmly in a modern frame of mind. It's a story of romance crossing boundaries, of the outsiders teaming up to defeat the status quo, and of the true beauty of life available to all, so long as they choose to see it. This is the most beautiful film of the year, both in body and spirit, and it is not to be missed.

Full review

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Our review: As much as folks are going to be talking about Frances McDormand come Oscar season, they'll more than likely speaking towards Sam Rockwell's portrayal of Officer Dixon. As his battle of wits with Mildred Hayes escalates to further levels of anger and one-upmanship, the events only serve to show just how alike both participants are when pursuing what they believe to be justice. In a lesser movie, we'd totally be on Mildred's side, but in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, we're forced to consider both sides of the matter, as the film shows us both sides in humane detail.

Full review

The Golden Globes may have kicked off award season in 2018, but now it's time to move up to the major leagues. We are just a few weeks away from this year's Academy Awards ceremony, and there remains no major front-runner in the race. We fully expect that to continue for the foreseeable future, but at the very least we now know which movies are in contention.

The official list of nominations for the 2018 Academy Awards have been announced, and, just like every year, it's a list of "No-duhs" and "Whoas!" You can check out all of the categories below, and stay tuned all day here on CinemaBlend for our coverage regarding our thoughts and expectations.

Best Picture

Call Me By Your Name

Darkest Hour

Dunkirk

Get Out

Lady Bird

Phantom Thread

The Post

The Shape of Water

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Director

Dunkirk, Christopher Nolan

Get Out, Jordan Peele

Lady Bird, Greta Gerwig

Phantom Thread, P.T. Anderson

The Shape of Water, Guillermo del Toro

Best Actress

Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water

Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Margot Robbie, I, Tonya

Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird

Meryl Streep, The Post

Best Actor

Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name

Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread

Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out

Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour

Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Best Supporting Actress

Mary J Blige, Mudbound

Allison Janney, I, Tonya

Leslie Manville, Phantom Thread

Laurie Metcalf, Ladybird

Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water

Best Supporting Actor

Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project

Woody Harrelson, Three Billboards Outside

Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water

Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World

Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Original Screenplay

The Big Sick

Get Out

Lady Bird

The Shape of Water

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Adapted Screenplay

Call Me By Your Name

The Disaster Artist

Logan

Molly's Game

Mudbound

Best Animated Feature

The Boss Baby

The Breadwinner

Coco

Ferdinand

Loving Vincent

Best Foreign Language Film

A Fantastic Woman, Chile

The Insult, Lebanon

Loveless, Russia

On Body and Soul, Hungary

The Square, Sweden

Best Documentary Feature

Abbicus, Small Enough To Jail

Faces Places

Icarus

Last Men in Aleppo

Strong Island

Production Design

Beauty And The Beast

Blade Runner 2049

Darkest Hour

Dunkirk

The Shape Of Water

Best Cinematography

Blade Runner 2049

Darkest Hour

Dunkirk

Mudbound

The Shape Of Water

Best Costume Design

Beauty And The Beast

Darkest Hour

The Shape Of Water

Phantom Thread

Victoria & Abdul

Best Editing

Baby Driver

Dunkirk

I, Tonya

The Shape Of Water

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Makeup And Hairstyling

Darkest Hour

Victoria & Abdul

Wonder

Best Score

Dunkirk

Phantom Thread

The Shape Of Water

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Original Song

"Mighty River", Mudbound

"Mystery of Love," Call Me By Your Name

"Remember Me", Coco

"Stand up for Something", Marshall

"This is Me", The Greatest Showman

Best Sound Editing

Baby Driver

Blade Runner 2049

Dunkirk

The Shape Of Water

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Best Sound Mixing

Baby Driver

Blade Runner 2049

Dunkirk

The Shape Of Water

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Best Visual Effects

Blade Runner 2049

Guardians Of The Galaxy, Vol 2

Kong: Skull Island

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

War For The Planet Of The Apes

Best Animated Short

Dear Basketball

Garden Party

Lou

Negative Space

Revolting Rhymes

Best Documentary Short

Edith+Eddie

Heaven Is a Traffic Jam on the 405

Heroin(e)

Knife Skills

Traffic Stop

Best Live Action Short

DeKalb Elementary

The Eleven O'Clock

My Nephew Emmett

The Silent Child

Watu Woto: All of Us

Now that awards season is fully in swing, stay tuned to CinemaBlend to hear more about what movies are impressing the critics and industry. In addition, you can catch the official Oscars ceremony on March 4, only on ABC. The ceremony will again be hosted by the one and only Jimmy Kimmel. In addition, be sure to check out what movies are coming in 2018 with our full schedule.

We are only a week into 2018, but already it's awards time. The Hollywood Foreign Press is ready to announce what they feel are the best films, performances, and more tonight at the Golden Globes, and as always, we are ready to keep track and see which trophies go to which people in this year's competition.

While this feature is launching at the start of the Golden Globes 2018 ceremony, we will be refreshing it throughout the night. As the winners are announced, we will be continually updating the sections found below - highlighting the big winners with images and emphasized text. Keep coming back to this page to see the latest news, and be sure to keep an eye on homepage for our reactions to the developments!

Best Motion Picture, Drama

Call Me By Your Name

Dunkirk

The Post

The Shape of Water

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy

The Disaster Artist

Get Out

The Greatest Showman

I, Tonya

Lady Bird

Best Director

Guillermo Del Toro, The Shape of Water

Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk

Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World

Steven Spielberg, The Post

Best Screenplay Motion Picture

Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor, The Shape of Water

Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird

Liz Hanna Josh Singer, The Post

Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Aaron Sorkin, Molly's Game

Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture, Drama

Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game

Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water

Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Meryl Streep, The Post

Michelle Williams, All The Money in the World

Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture, Drama

Timothy Chlumet, Call Me By Your Name

Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread

Tom Hanks, The Post

Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour

Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq

Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy

Judi Dench, Victoria and Abdul

Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker

Margot Robbie, I, Tonya

Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird

Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes

Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy

Steve Carell, Battle of The Sexes

Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver

James Franco, The Disaster Artist

Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman

Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out

Best Performance By A Supporting Actress In A Motion Picture

Mary J Blige, Mudbound

Hong Chau, Downsizing

Allison Janney, I, Tonya

Laurie Metcalfe, Lady Bird

Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water

Best Performance By A Supporting Actor In A Motion Picture

Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project

Armie Hammer, Call Me By Your Name

Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water

Christopher Plummer, All The Money in The World

Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Motion Picture, Animated

The Boss Baby

The Breadwinner

Coco

Ferdinand

Loving Vincent

Best Motion Picture, Foreign Language

A Fantastic Woman, Chile

First They Killed My Father, Cambodia

In the Fade, Germany, France

Loveless, Russia

The Square, Sweden, Germany, and France

Best Original Score, Motion Picture

Carter Burwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Alexandre Desplat, The Shape Of Water

Johnny Greenwood, Phantom Thread

John Williams, The Post

Hans Zimmer, Dunkirk

Best Original Song

"Home" Ferdinand

"Mighty River" Mudbound

"Remember Me" Coco

"The Star" The Star

"This is Me" The Greatest Showman

The 2018 Golden Globes air on NBC and will feature Seth Meyers as the host this year. To find out what else is heading to TV in the new year, take a look at our full schedule.

Looking back at all of the titles that were released since January 1st, you realize that movie-goers were offered an abundance in 2017. Every month of the year had something special and/or interesting to offer. This was the year that Andres Muschietti's IT created new records for horror. Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman demonstrated what a female-fronted superhero blockbuster could really do. Edgar Wright's Baby Driver completely blew us away with its music-centric action. And yet as incredible as all of those films were, they still found themselves on the outskirts of our staff-averaged Top 10 of the year.

From the very start of the year we have our film writers and editors keep track of all the new releases they see, and provide them ratings out of five. Taking into consideration only titles seen by three or more staff members, we've averaged the scores, and come up with this Top 10. As diverse and opinionated as our staff can be, it actually comes together as a great list of movies, so read on for our picks!

#10: The Big Sick

Average Score: 4.2222/5

In large part thanks to his role in the critically-acclaimed HBO series Silicon Valley, Kumail Nanjiani has established himself as one of the funniest up-and-coming talents working in the industry. That fantastic sense of humor is very much present in his big screen breakout, Michael Showalter's The Big Sick, but far more significant is its sweetness and drama. Nanjiani co-wrote the script with his wife, Emily Gordon, basing it on their own romance, and it's a beautiful story built on a full ensemble of fantastic performances.

Kumail Nanjiani stars as himself, a stand-up comic who meets Emily (Zoe Kazan) when she subtly heckles him at one of his shows. They come together as a couple but find cultural differences tear them apart -- but this is only the start of their issues. Shortly after their breakup, a sickness forces Emily into a medically-induced coma, and Kumail is put in the position of playing catch-up with her parents (Holly Hunter, Ray Romano). The Big Sick is the best romantic comedy of the year, and a proud addition to our site-wide Top 10.

#9: Logan

Average Score: 4.25/5

Film snobs have made a habit of dismissing comic book movies for years -- but the genre has proved not to be the short-lived fad that naysayers predicted. Flexibility in storytelling has instead allowed it to absolutely flourish, with filmmakers using big name characters and studio money to tell epic and creative tales that also happen to be a part of a franchise. We saw multiple examples of this in 2017, a year of nine different adaptations, but none demonstrated the immense depth available better than James Mangold's Logan.

Borrowing beats from the Old Man Logan Marvel comics, the movie isn't about colorful costumes or world-ending scenarios, but rather is an adult, dark western that happens to have superheroes as main characters. Having played their respective roles for 17 years, both Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart are phenomenal in what looks like their final turns as Wolverine and Professor X; and Dafne Keen (as Logan's clone, Laura) is a talent who we hope to see more of for many years to come.

Tie-#7: War For The Planet Of The Apes

Average Score: 4.3/5

Six years ago it seemed like a dumb idea to bring back the Planet Of The Apes franchise -- particularly after the disappointment that was the Tim Burton-directed remake. Thankfully, Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes had us all totally changing our tune, and this year we saw the brilliant conclusion of one of the greatest trilogies of the modern era. With Andy Serkis once again demonstrating the incredible heights that can be accomplished with performance capture technology, Matt Reeves' War For The Planet Of The Apes is a brilliant, dark, somber, and yet perfect conclusion for what was first set up six years ago, that also opens the door to amazing things in the future.

In the same way that Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes built upon its predecessor, War For The Planet Of The Apes further deepens the world of the franchise while also moving it forward in incredible ways. Brought to life with stunning snow-covered cinematography, it's not only amazing to witness the final battle between intelligent apes and fading, militarized humanity, but also the perspective it takes on the human survival instinct.

Tie-#7: Lady Bird

Average Score: 4.3/5

Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird is far from a complex tale. It's a straight-forward coming-of-age tale, chronicling the life of the titular character (played by Saoirse Ronan) as she navigates her senior year of high school. What makes it special, however, is its remarkable heart and honesty portraying everyday lives -- including both the intense highs of love and accomplishment; and the deep lows of loss and abandonment.

Having the experience of collaborating with Noah Baumbach on Frances Ha and Mistress America, Greta Gerwig makes a huge splash with her directorial debut here, making a film with a special mother-daughter story that's hard not to fall hard for. Saoirse Ronan is phenomenal, but also deserving her own very special recognition is Laurie Metcalf, playing a mom who wants nothing more than to keep her child close, but in doing so basically drives her further away. It's emotional and beautiful, and well-earns its reputation as a standout in 2017.

#6: Get Out

Average Score: 4.3125/5

The past work of Jordan Peele has consistently demonstrated just how smart he is -- particularly from a comedic standpoint -- but Get Out has brought him to a new level in our perception. Making his directorial debut, he has now had the opportunity to show the level of detail in his craft, and it is jaw-dropping to watch. Every frame of his social commentary-driven thriller has a particular purpose and message, and it acquiesces as the smartest and best horror film of the year (and this was a very, very special year for horror).

Get Out is simply an amazing watch -- tracing the story of a young black man (Daniel Kaluuya) who goes on a trip to meet the parents (Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener) of his white girlfriend (Allison Williams) -- but it also happens to be a film built to be viewed many times. In that way it is arguably the most rewarding movie of 2017, but no matter how you slice it, it is one of the best.

Tie-#4: Detroit

Average Score: 4.3333/5

Kathryn Bigelow has a reputation for taking a good amount of time between projects, but the good news is that the five year wait after Zero Dark Thirty was well worth it. Taking a step away from the Middle Eastern conflicts that drove that film and the Oscar-winning The Hurt Locker, she dug into history on American soil with Detroit, and the results are just as harrowing as those last two features. She once again teams with co-writer Mark Boal to tell a story that has you holding your breath every 10 seconds, boosted by some remarkable performances.

The narrative begins sprawling, painting a picture of 1967 Detroit, Michigan with a wide variety of characters in the first act, but once the action focuses it keeps you held by the throat. It not only successfully shines a light on a remarkable injustice of the past, but is also a blistering reflection of the present, and it's ultimately explosive within the way it recontextualizes.

Tie-#4: Wind River

Average Score: 4.3333/5

Taylor Sheridan isn't technically a first-time director, having made his first feature behind the lens back in 2011, but he joins Greta Gerwig and Jordan Peele to complete the triumvirate of breakout filmmakers in 2017. In the past couple of years we've grown to expect good things from Sheridan as a storyteller, he having written the scripts for Sicario and Hell or High Water, but Wind River is yet another superb step in his growing career, and one of CinemaBlend's favorites of the year.

With this story Taylor Sheridan steps away from the United States' southern border to tell a story set in a wholly different world that exists within the country: a Wyoming American Indian reservation. The death of a teenage girl (Kelsey Asbille) sparks a homicide investigation by the FBI, headed by a fish-out-of-water agent (Elizabeth Olsen) who finds assistance from a local wildlife officer (Jeremy Renner). It's a taut, well-woven mystery set against a special backdrop, and it has cemented feelings around these parts that future Sheridan movies will be appropriately anticipated.

#3: Blade Runner 2049

Average Score: 4.4/5

Years-later sequels have the effect of freaking out fans -- and it's with good reason. There are countless examples of studios merely wanting to reinvigorate certain brands, and the results have been disastrous. Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049, however, is a film so great that basically stands as the perfect counterargument to any future fear of that variety. It's a movie made by people who love the classic original, and have created a follow-up that arguably surpasses it in quality.

Once again a perfect hybrid of film noir storytelling and dark sci-fi aesthetics, Blade Runner 2049 is an epic mystery that perfectly builds on its predecessor without fully relying on it. Ryan Gosling is at the height of his powers as the detective trying to solve a potentially world-changing case, and it's just as amazing to see Harrison Ford return as Rick Deckard as it was to see him come back as Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The genius collaboration between Denis Villeneuve and Roger Deakins results in one of the most stunning futuristic visions we've seen in modern cinema, and while it wasn't appreciated enough during its original theatrical run, it will soon become a classic in the genre.

#2: The Disaster Artist

Average Score: 4.5/5

As people who really love movies, movies about making movies are like catnip to us here at CinemaBlend, but James Franco's The Disaster Artist still stands out as a special little movie. After all, it not only has the appeal of being about creative vision and the need to share it with the world, but also happens to chronicle what is unquestionably one of the oddest true stories set in modern Hollywood.

The 2003 drama The Room and its writer/director, Tommy Wiseau, have become cult icons in the last 14 years, but James Franco puts a spotlight on the whole thing, and it's remarkable. Playing Wiseau, Franco gives the best performance of his career, and he gets the chance to tell a story about what is honestly a fucked-up but well-meaning friendship between Wiseau and his best friend/The Room star Greg Sestero (played by Dave Franco). It's the funniest comedy of the year, and sporting an average rating of 4.5 out of 5, our second favorite overall.

#1: The Shape Of Water

Average Score: 4.7857/5

Guillermo del Toro has long been a favorite of the CinemaBlend staff, as we have regularly watched in wonder as he has constructed beautiful yet often brutal tales of fantasy and horror up on the big screen. He's successfully surprised us on the big scale and small, applying his particular aesthetic to a wide variety of weird and wonderful stories. We've felt this way for a while, but The Shape of Water is a special film nonetheless.

Without a single line of dialogue between them, both Sally Hawkins and Doug Jones are extraordinary as the mute woman and the monster she falls in love with, and Guillermo del Toro surrounds them with arguably the best supporting cast he's ever assembled - with Richard Jenkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, and Michael Stuhlbarg. It's an incredible big screen fairytale that could only be told with the writer/director's auteur style, and it comes together as our staff favorite of 2017.

Music has been an integral part of the film medium from the very beginning, with scores accompanying silent features long before the introduction of "talkies" -- and it's been realized time and time again that bonding the perfect song to the right moment can create an incredible magic. Every year we see great examples of this in the greatest movies of the year, and as you might have guessed, 2017 is no exception.

With the year winding down we are looking back on the best that the world of cinema had to offer in the last 12 months, and today we're specifically looking at the realm of movie music moments. There were many remarkable marriages of the mediums featured in 2017, and below and across the next few pages we've highlighted our 10 favorites:

"Bellbottoms" in Baby Driver

Since I started writing this list back in 2009, I've maintained a rule that a film can only have one entry in each annual feature. This has been hard to maintain over the years due to certain music-centric titles, but none have challenged me quite like Edgar Wright's Baby Driver. The whole edit is genius within the way it's synchronized to the soundtrack, and it essentially leaves the feature as one endless movie music moment. Needing to pick a single song, however, I went with the stunning opening provided by the beat of The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's "Bellbottoms." The audience is completely fresh into the story when Ansel Elgort's Baby hits play on his iPod, unleashing this intense jam, and before it's over you know exactly what this brilliant piece of cinema is all about.

"Remember Me" in Coco

Pixar has a long, long legacy of successfully pulling (if not straight up yanking) emotional heartstrings, and it's a tradition maintained by Lee Unkrich's Coco. What makes the new film particularly special within that, however, is the utilization of music. At the end of the movie Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) is desperate to save the soul of Héctor (Gael Garcia Bernal), and the only way to do that is by reminding his great-great-grandmother, Coco, of the song that her father used to sing to her as a child: "Remember Me" (based on music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez). It's beyond touching and uplifting in the Pixar spirit, and the studio's best use of emotion and music since the use of Michael Giacchino's score in the opening of Pete Docter's Up.

"You'll Never Know, Just How Much, I Love You" in The Shape Of Water

The classical sensibilities of Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water are a big part of what make it such a remarkable cinematic experience -- and in few places does that shine greater than the stunning underwater dance set to Alice Faye's "You'll Never Know, Just How Much, I Love You." It's a moment of fantasy within a fantasy story, as we watch the full flood of emotions that Elisa (Sally Hawkins) feels for the Amphibian Man (Doug Jones) erupt, not only in the form of the water filling the small peaceful apartment, but also the beautiful voice that she can't actually produce. It also happens to be a wonderful expression of del Toro's appreciation for golden age cinema, the song originating from 1944's big screen musical Four Jills in a Jeep.

"Father and Son" in Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2

There are few modern blockbusters where the soundtrack was as hotly anticipated as the film itself, but James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is certainly a perfect example. The writer/director collected a fantastic collection of songs to fuel the action of his first Marvel Studios entry back in 2014, and he didn't disappoint with what he put together for Awesome Mix Vol. 2. And while there are multiple film moments that could have made their way on to this list if featured in a different feature, the true highlight is the use of Cat Steven's "Father and Son." There are few comic book movie moments as genuinely emotional as the Ravager funeral for Michael Rooker's Yondu Udonta, and the somber sounds of Stevens' acoustic guitar is more than enough to make you erupt in tears.

"Redbone" in Get Out

A huge part of what makes Jordan Peele's Get Out so phenomenal as a directorial debut is Peele's adept attention to detail in every single moment of the film. It not only adds to every experience watching it, as you pick up on certain elements that you didn't catch the first time, but more importantly demonstrates the writer/director's skills as a storyteller. Music-wise he has the fantastic work of first-time movie composer Michael Abels regularly heightening tension and drama with his score, but with the introduction of Daniel Kaluuya's Chris is smartly played with Childish Gambino's "Redbone" -- what Peele describes as a "chill groove" on the director's commentary. The first lyrics played, "Stay woke," is an immediate signal to the audience that the protagonist is coming into the story with his eyes open... albeit not fully prepared for what's ahead of him.

"Crash Into Me" in Lady Bird

Dave Matthews Band's "Crash Into Me" is one of those quintessential 1990s song that has aged oddly -- now a track that inspires snorts of contempt whenever it comes on the radio. Its lyrics are seriously mixed up, struggling with a strange balance between romantic and terrifyingly creepy, but still the crooning voice and acoustic riffs have a hypnotizing quality. It certainly adds a nostalgia bent to Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird, featured multiple times as a song unapologetically enjoyed by Saoirse Ronan's titular character, but is equally thematically relevant. The coming of age story has Lady Bird just as twisted up as the message of the music, and it's used perfectly in moments of peer defiance and great sadness for the protagonist.

"Love My Way" in Call Me By Your Name

Like Lady Bird, Luca Guadagnino's Call Me By Your Name is a beautiful coming of age story, crafting a story of young love and heartbreak through the eyes of young Elio (Timothee Chalamet). During a summer of 1983 in Italy, the teenager becomes infatuated with the free-spirited, handsome Oliver (Armie Hammer), who is staying with his family to assist in his father's work. After some brief clashing at the start, the Elio and Oliver start to become close, and it's while watching the latter dance to classic, ultra-'80s new wave ballad "Love My Way" by The Psychedelic Furs in a nightclub that we start to see the former's feelings start to blossom beyond friendship.

"Who's The (Bat)Man" in The LEGO Batman Movie

Batman has been one of the most significant pop culture characters on the big screen in the modern era, but that's a big part of what makes Chris McKay's The LEGO Batman Movie so much fun. It celebrates the incredible legacy of the superhero, even successfully making in-jokes at his expense that the majority of audiences understand. All of this is true about the entire film, but that amazing energy is awesomely distilled in the opening sequence featuring Patrick Stump's "Who's The (Bat)Man." It's not quite the earworm that "Everything Is Awesome" was from the first LEGO Movie, but it perfectly fits a fantastic blast of action featuring basically every villain that the Caped Crusader as battled over the last 78 years.

"Hangin' Tough" in IT

Music can be a powerful cinematic tool when put in skilled hands. With only a couple notes or lyrics, a filmmaker can tell an entire story within a moment. Now, admittedly the presence of New Kids On The Block makes for a running joke in Andres Muschietti's IT, but I want to specifically celebrate the brief clip of "Hangin' Tough." All of two seconds of the song is played when Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis) discovers the NKOTB poster hanging in the bedroom of "New Kid" Ben (Jeremy Ray Taylor), but it perfectly cements a perfect moment between the two characters destined for love. Thanks to the success of IT, their relationship will probably be forever associated with the band, but that just leaves us excited for more boy band moments in the upcoming IT: Chapter 2.

"Take Me Home, Country Roads" in Logan Lucky

No less than six major releases in 2017 utilized the music of John Denver, and while it turns out that is no mere coincidence, one example stands above the rest. It's been 11 years since Little Miss Sunshine used child pageantry to craft a fantastic movie music moment out of Rick James' "Super Freak," and now Steven Soderbergh has used a similar setting to make heartfelt use of John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" in Logan Lucky. The fact that the generally unreliable, unlucky Jimmy Logan (Channing Tatum) makes it to his daughter's performance at the pageant is a key moment for the character in the film, and the tune is sung with love from the stage by young Farrah Mackenzie. You also have to just give it bonus points for using the song and actually being a film set in "almost heaven, West Virginia."

As 2017 continues to march towards its conclusion, more awards boards, film institutions and media outlets will be providing their take on just what their solid top 10 rankings of the year's films are. Everyone does it, and it's a celebrated tradition that falls right in with egg nog, writing your resolutions and trying to see Star Wars with as many friends as possible. Well, the American Film Institute has ranked in with their top 10 for the year that was, and you can see that list below:

Now one big thing to keep in mind is that the AFI doesn't rank their favorites of the year. Rather, they list them in alphabetical order, in lieu of trying to rank their favorites in a preferential order. With that in mind, this list is a welcome mix of the usual end of the year fare that sticks out in the minds of the film criticism community, as well as some standouts that made a name for themselves earlier in the year.

In the corner of the predictable, films like Steven Spielberg's The Post, Martin McDonaugh's Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri, and Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water were all mentioned as honored films. Not to mention, festival favorites like Call Me By Your Name and The Florida Project, as well as early fall delights like Lady Bird, all made their way to safety on the list. But perhaps the biggest surprises came from the films that built a cloud of steam earlier in the year, despite the possibility of later year prestige players pushing them out of the game.

The biggest example of such a contender is Jordan Peele's Get Out, a film that cleaned up with critics and audience members in February of this year, shortly before Logan was starting to win folks over into thinking it would last as one of the year's top films. While some are still talking about the latter film, the former has proved to have strong legs throughout 2017, and seems poised to be one of the possible outside candidates for top honors this year. Three other early risers, The Big Sick, Wonder Woman and Dunkirk bring up the metaphorical rear, rounding out a field of 10 films worthy of distinction.

Just how much the list of the AFI's Top 10 of 2017, as reported by THR, will manage to shape the 2018 Oscar race is yet to be seen. But what can already be observed is the fact that the compliment of films we've run through are a healthy mix of both your usual trophy chasers and mass appeal hits that pushed the public to the theater at various points of the year. These crowned cinematic children will be honored at the AFI's annual luncheon, scheduled to be held on January 5, 2018. But if you're interested in seeing when these films had their theatrical run, you can head on over to the 2017 release schedule to see what's already out and what's coming to town.

Film criticism isn't the simplest process in the world. It takes a keen eye and an in-depth understanding of the medium to do it right. That said, it looks like the folks over at the fast food chain Wendy's seem to have a knack for it. In fact, when asked to pick some of the year's best films on social media, the fast food empire delivered some hefty praise for 2017 flicks like Logan and many more. Specifically, the folks at Wendy's wrote:

So, it looks like the Wendy's fast food chain excels at more than just square-shaped hamburgers. We don't know who is working that social media account, but he or she is channeling the late, great Roger Ebert. Some clear awards contenders like Lady Bird and Get Out obviously made the cut, and despite debuting all the way back in March, Logan seems to remain a favorite -- which is something that CinemaBlend's five-star review will undoubtedly support.

Following this initial blast of film criticism, A24 reached out to Wendy's and asked for more specifics on its Lady Bird praise. In the face of this question, Wendy's wrote:

Of course, this A+ film criticism eventually caught the eye of review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, which subsequently led to what can arguably be referred to as one of the top five (at a minimum) burger puns of the day with its next Twitter post.

Still, the year isn't over yet. As we enter December, there are several significant releases still on the horizon that have the potential to break into our (and Wendy's) lists of favorite films of the year. Among these imminent debuts include the release of James Franco's The Disaster Artist, as well as Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water. In the blockbuster world, we also still have the December 15 debut of Rian Johnson's Star Wars: The Last Jedi to look forward to. Logan, The Big Sick, Lady Bird, and Blade Runner 2049 are all great films deserving of Wendy's praise, but it's also clear that the fight to become 2017's best movie is far from over.

With 2017 now drawing to a close, the time has come for all of us to start thinking about the films that left a serious impression on us over the course of the last year. Wendy's has some pretty great options to choose from, but make sure to let us know what films you loved this year in the comments and check out our 2018 movie premiere guide to get a better sense of what the next year has in store!

The nominees for the 2018 Independent Spirit Awards have been announced and Call Me by Your Name leads the pack with six nominations. The 2018 ceremony will mark the 33rd year of the awards, put forth by Film Independent, which honor the best in independent filmmaking. Call Me by Your Name scored nominations in most of the major categories with nominations for Best Feature, Best Editing and Best Cinematography. Director Luca Guadagnino was nominated for best director and stars Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer received nominations for best male lead and best supporting male, respectively. Call Me by Your Name tells the story of 17-year-old Elio, who, in 1983, begins a relationship with his father's research assistant, Oliver. The two bond over the Italian countryside, their shared heritage and Elio's emerging sexuality. The film is based on a novel by author André Aciman.

The Hollywood Reporter also reports that Call Me by Your Name was followed by Good Time and the wildly successful Get Out with five nominations each. This is just another notch in the belt of Jordan Peele's directorial debut as it racks up nominations in advance of next year's Academy Awards. Greta Gerwig's directorial debut, Lady Bird, which is currently enjoying major success at the box office and universal critical acclaim, received a healthy four nominations including best feature. Here's the list of Spirit Awards nominees for Best Feature, Best Director, Best Female Lead and Best Male Lead:

The 2018 Spirit Awards air live on IFC on March 3, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT. The awards will be hosted again this year by Nick Kroll and John Mulaney. Audiences who want a break from all the blockbuster fare can skip the post turkey shopping and catch Call Me by Your Name in limited release starting this Black Friday, November 24. Be sure to check out all the biggest movies coming out in what's left of the year in our release schedule guide.

Everyone has at least a couple of awkward yet interesting stories about their senior year of high school. It's one of those common bonds that gets people talking when they first enter college, and can ultimately lead to even deeper dissection in the later years of a person's life. But in the moment, when those stories are being written, they feel like the deepest, most important experiences we'll ever face in our entire lives. It's that sort of thinking that Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird is centered in, and it's as authentic and affecting as any of those stories could ever be.

On the precipice of adulthood, Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) does what any teenager would do: she lives by her emotions, is constantly searching for the cool people to be friends with, and tends to fall in love rather quickly. All the while, she picks fights with her mother (Laurie Metcalf), as her lifetime in California has her yearning to go to a sophisticated college on the East Coast. A story told throughout her senior year of high school, Lady Bird is all about trying to fly, and the mistakes we make during each attempt.

Ever since her debut in Atonement, Saoirse Ronan has been on a role when it comes to the leads she's scored in films like Lady Bird. In fact, all throughout writer/director Greta Gerwig's film, I was reminded that Ronan is an ace when it comes to portraying this particularly sensitive time in a young woman's life. She continues to captivate the screen with her acting skills, making both "Lady Bird's" sympathetic and more childish moments come to life without turning them into caricatures. While we can take issue with some of her actions and statements to those she knows and loves, we can never write off her character as a typical screen brat. It's a delicate line to walk with such a story, and Saoirse Ronan makes it look damned easy.

Making her directorial debut, Gerwig's work on Lady Bird is as confident as it is proficient. Her strength shows within every frame of the film, as her claim that the film is semi-autobiographical can be seen in the honesty that's present in each moment's framing. This is a very visually low-key film, but that works towards capturing the reality of the various moments that Lady Bird herself experiences. With a career that spans a little over a decade, you can tell that not only has Greta Gerwig found her voice as a writer, but that she's been extremely attentive to the directors she's worked with in the past. The result is a new directing talent that the indie (and mainstream) world will have to look forward to competing with in the future.

As wonderful as Lady Bird is, there is a bit of a problem with the narrative flow of the film. The sum-total of Lady Bird's senior year feels more like a series of loosely connected vignettes, rather than a fully connected story. It's an interesting choice when it come to the film's story, as it really makes your enjoyment of the film depend on how you personally identify with it. As such, the overarching story feels a bit thin, especially because we don't get nearly enough time with Laurie Metcalf and Tracy Letts as Saoirse Ronan's on-screen parents. Lady Bird is still very much a movie, but some more focus in the narrative would have driven home the points it had to make about the adolescent experience.

Lady Bird is an enjoyable film, with a honest heart about it. Saoirse Ronan, as always, is a captivating and intriguing lead, and she anchors a stellar cast in a film that deftly danced between emotional beats and genuine comedy. While the narrative is less structured than a typical film's story, it's still a nostalgic look back on those days when being a kid wasn't an option, but being an adult was still a little bit in the distance. It's a bonding experience for best friends, as well as mothers and daughters, can truly enjoy.

Opinions on movies vary wildly, so it's nearly impossible to find films that everybody loves, and yet, there at least three films that seem to be adored universally. Even more impressive, one of them is a brand new film in theaters now. Greta Gerwig's coming of age comedy Lady Bird is currently sitting with a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, a feat which is only more impressive by the fact that the film has 150 filed reviews. Only two other movies have achieved that score with that many reviews, the documentary Man on Wire and Pixar's Toy Story 2.

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes is given a lot of credit these days for both making and breaking films by virtue of its ability to give moviegoers an overview of critic consensus with a look. The site's Tomatometer has been blamed by many for the poor box office performance of numerous films. As such, a perfect score is a big deal, if only because it's so close to impossible to achieve. I'm literally rechecking the score every few minutes as I write this, just to be sure a single negative review has ruined this entire story. All it takes is one person who didn't love the movie and it all falls apart.

The documentary Man on Wire, about Philippe Petit's 1974 crossing of the World Trade Center towers on a tightrope, kept its perfect score with 157 total reviews. Toy Story 2 is essentially the Rotten Tomatoes champion, as it has 163 reviews making its perfect score. Fandango's Erik Davis wonders if Lady Bird might see 14 more positive reviews before it's all said and done. While Lady Bird does have fewer reviews than the other two films, it's currently tracking with a slightly better average score than both, at 8.8 out of 10.

Lady Bird stars Saoirse Ronan as Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, a 17-year-old high school student in Sacramento, CA. The movie's story, of a teenager searching for her place in the world, isn't a new idea, but it's handled in unique and interesting ways in Lady Bird, not the least of which being its choice of location, California's often overlooked capital city. Lady Bird's overwhelmingly positive response certainly makes one wonder where it will find itself when the major awards begin to get handed out. There are certainly acting nominations to be considered for both Ronan as well as Laurie Metcalf, who plays Lady Bird's mother. Greta Gerwig may also find herself under consideration as a writer and director.

We hope we're not jinxing Lady Bird's perfect run simply by bringing up how well it's doing. The film is great, and even if it doesn't become the most critically loved film in the history of the world, it's good. You should go see it.

Going into the weekend, it looked like Zack Snyder's Justice League was going to be another big hit for the growing DC Extended Universe - but the numbers are rolling in, and things didn't exactly go as planned. Check out the numbers and the full Top 10 breakdown in the chart below:

For years fans have imagined Justice League being a blockbuster of epic proportion - finally bringing together some of the most iconic heroes of all time together on the big screen. Sadly, that isn't the developing narrative for this film. It had rough development, production and editing periods, received primarily negative reviews, and now has found itself under-performing at the box office. Original estimates suggested that the film would make a big splash in its first three days, with estimates suggesting somewhere in the realm of $113-115, but, as you can see, things didn't work out that way. With a total of just $96 million, its the slowest starter among all DC Extended Universe titles.

While there are surely many factors that contribute to Justice League's not-so-hot performance, it's hard to not pin some of it on the buzz of both the project itself and the larger franchise. There is no question that Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman earned DC and Warner Bros. a hell of a lot of good will when it was released this past summer, but Justice League has sadly been a questionable entity for a while now - and not just because of the aforementioned behind-the-scenes issues/hurdles. Following Zack Snyder's divisive Man of Steel in 2013, neither Snyder's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice nor David Ayer's Suicide Squad got the response that was was desired when they came out in 2016, and there are surely many people who had those titles in mind when they were deciding whether or not they wanted Justice League to be a part of their weekend plans. And not only have the professional critics dinged it, but it also carries an average "B+" rating on CinemaScore (for comparison, Man of Steel got an "A-," Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice got a "B," Suicide Squad got a "B+," and Wonder Woman got an "A.")

The mention of CinemaScore is a perfect segue into the conversation about Stephen Chbosky's Wonder, which was Justice League's biggest competition in wide release this weekend. Obviously nobody expected it to open at number one, but the film nearly doubled what prognosticators thought the family drama was going to pull in over the last three days, and walked away with an impressive "A+" rating from audiences. The movie is based on popular source material, namely the novel of the same name by author R.J. Palacio, which already gave it a built in audience, but it also inspired critics to hail it as the best wide-release of the newcomers this week - highlighting its ability to succeed as a sweet drama that never gets too saccharine or cloying.

Both Justice League and Wonder both proved to be far too much competition for The Star - which entered theaters this weekend courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation. The Bible-inspired feature tells the story of the birth of Jesus from the perspective of a goofy donkey, and while it tried to both stir up some holiday spirit and attract the religious crowd, it looks like it managed to do neither. The movie was made for only $20 million, which means that it ultimately should be able to squeeze out a profit in the long run, but $10 million still isn't exactly a fantastic start.

Speaking of holidays, next week we'll be jumping into Thanksgiving, which is always a big time for the movies (thanks to the fact that it is a perfect way to spend time with family and not say a single word, and then provides topic for shared discussion afterwards!) To help celebrate Turkey Day we will have the latest from Pixar, the animated Coco; the limited release of a serious Oscar contender in Joe Wright's Darkest Hour; and the expansion of the latest from Denzel Washington, Dan Gilroy's Roman J. Israel, Esq. Check back in next week to see how it all shakes out!

Last week, Taika Waititi's Thor: Ragnarok became the 17th straight feature from Marvel Studios to claim the number one spot in its opening weekend. That was a pretty big deal, but now the fantasy comedy adventure has kept its success going for week number two as well. Check out the full Top 10 breakdown below!

Just 10 days into its release, Thor: Ragnarok is not only ranked number 12 among all Marvel Cinematic Universe titles, but is already the highest grossing title in the Thor series (not taking inflation into account). Worldwide, its total is now up to over $650 million, which is really impressive. Its second week drop-off - about 54 percent - isn't anything notable, but clearly it was small enough to fend off two significant new wide releases making their debut (more on them in a minute).

Between James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Jon Watts' Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Thor: Ragnarok, Marvel Studios has had another great year (notably their first with three wide releases), but eyes are now definitely looking ahead to what should be a darker and massive 2018. While the MCU has a record of changing things up from a genre standpoint, this year was all about comedy... and that really won't be the case next year. Sure, Peyton Reed's Ant-Man & The Wasp will bring some laughs, but Ryan Coogler's Black Panther looks serious in a badass way, and we don't anticipate too many giggles when Thanos finally becomes an active antagonist in Joe and Anthony Russo's The Avengers: Infinity War. But while the features go more for awe-struck than hysterical, we fully expect that they keep raking in the dough.

As noted, the latest Marvel title had some interesting competition this weekend, and both wound up doing fairly well. To start with the film that claimed the number two slot, Sean Anders' Daddy's Home 2 will very likely go down as one of the worst-reviewed titles released in 2017, but it did manage to find an audience in its opening weekend. Granting it an "A-" CinemaScore, movie-goers dug the ensemble comedy, featuring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson, John Cena, and John Lithgow, and while the project carries a ridiculous reported budget (this thing cost $69 million?), it looks like it could ultimately turn a profit. Right now it's worth noting that it doesn't appear as though it will outpace its predecessor, which opened with $38 million and went on to make $150 million domestically.

This are also looking well for Kenneth Branagh's Murder On The Orient Express - though the film was surely hoping to be able to nab that number two slot behind Thor: Ragnarok. All the same, it only came up $1.8 million short, and performed well for its $55 million budget. The movie has received somewhat middling reviews, but its likely a release that will continue to bring in older audiences over the next couple of weeks. We'll have to see how things go, but the idea of a big screen Hercule Poirot/Agatha Christie adaptation series starring Kenneth Branagh doesn't seem entirely out of the question.

Marvel fans have hopefully enjoyed Thor: Ragnarok's extended stay at the top of the box office, but that reign is expected to end by the time we get through the next seven days. This is because Zack Snyder's Justice League is invading theaters this Friday - along with big time counter-programming options including Stephen Chbosky's Wonder, Dan Gilroy's Roman J. Israel, Esq., and Sony Pictures Animation's [The Star][4]. We'll be back next Sunday to see how it all shakes out, so stay tuned!

[4]: https://www.cinemablend.com/previews/1466789/The Star

We are entering into the thick of Oscar season and the various studios have started releasing their prestige projects, allowing some indie darlings to gain buzz in limited release. Basically, if you are a film fan and need a palette cleanser between big blockbusters and superhero flicks, this is the best time of the year. While potential contenders Darkest Hour and The Shape of Water are still to come, one indie film is lighting up the specialty box office and generating Oscar buzz along the way. Actor-turned-director Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird is absolutely killing it in limited release.

A24's Lady Bird is dominating in four theaters, bringing in a $375,612 total for a $93,903 per theater average. This surpasses The Big Sick's $84,315 average on five screens and gives it the best opening weekend per theater average of 2017 so far. According to Deadline, Exit polling for the film has also been good independent of age demographic and the film currently boasts a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes from eighty-three reviews. The strong box office debut and good word of mouth should have A24 feeling pretty good about Lady Bird as we enter awards season and the film's wider release.

Lady Bird will expand into major markets next weekend before A24 takes it nationwide over the Thanksgiving weekend. Lady Bird is written and directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts and Lucas Hedges. The comedy follows the adventures of Saoirse Ronan's Christine 'Lady Bird' McPherson as she lives in Northern California. Watch the trailer below.

Lady Bird looks like the type of indie flick that breaks through to the mainstream and racks up awards nominations along the way. The trailer is quirky and funny and the film looks to feature a standout deadpan performance from Saoirse Ronan. The solid cast also features Lucas Hedges, who struck a marvelous balance between humor and grief in Manchester By the Sea, so his performance in this film is another one to look out for.

This film marks Greta Gerwig's solo directorial debut and this level of critical and commercial success should hopefully set her up for bigger projects down the road. We hear all the time about the Ben Afflecks, Clint Eastwoods and Mel Gibsons of the world--highly acclaimed actors who step behind the camera and continue to excel. But female directors like Elizabeth Banks, Jodie Foster and Greta Gerwig are also showing that experience in front of the camera can cultivate a unique and worthwhile perspective behind it.