Amazon and Netflix have hit the ground running with their share of original films. Over the past few years, they've produced a myriad of blockbuster favorites, from hits like Bird Box and Beautiful Boy, these streaming services have not wasted any time in churning out award-winning movies.
With so many movies from these two studios, it can be overwhelming to sift through to find the hidden gems. But here's a list that might give you a good start.
1. The Irishman
With award nominations piling up and a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, this film has definitely earned its fair share of praise. Scorsese takes us through this cold, enthralling slow-burn that explores the disappearance of prominent political figure Jimmy Hoffa. The film dives into Hoffa's involvement with organized crime and explores the lives of different mob members and their connections to the mob culture that dominated in 1950s Philadelphia. With well-established Mafia Movie favorites like Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, and Robert De Niro, Scorsese crafts this masterful examination of trust and betrayal. If you're like me and find yourself rewatching the best of Mafia Movies and quoting Goodfellas maybe more often than you should, then this is your movie.
2. Troop Zero
More on the light-hearted side of things, Troop Zero is a feel-good celebration of youth, perseverance and friendship. The film follows spunky Christmas Flint on her journey to reach for the stars. Her dream is to be one of the voices recorded for the Voyager Golden Record- the record of which is to be sent into space aboard the Voyager Spacecraft. Christmas believes that her voice on the record will be able to be heard by her deceased mother in the stars. But in order to get her voice on that record, she must assemble a team of fellow misfits and win the Birdie Scout Talent Show. This movie packs a heartfelt message wrapped within several David Bowie tributes and Christmas Flint's contagious joy that will leave you happy-crying by the end. There are lots of reasons to give this movie a try, not to mention that the film features the talented Viola Davis and showcases some of the greatest fashion trends of the 70s.
3. The Ritual
For all you scary movie fans, The Ritual is the perfect cabin in the woods fix. This dark thriller follows a troupe of friends who, to honor the dream of their departed friend, embark on a hike through the Scandinavian wilderness. Their friend had proposed this group trip just before his tragic death. But this group hike proves to be doomed as they soon realized that they are being stalked and hunted by an evil presence in the woods. This movie definitely gives off Blair Witch Project vibes as one by one, these friends face this terrifying predator. Along with the eerily beautiful shots of the Swedish wilderness, the cinematography of this film leaves you terrifyingly enthralled and on edge as to what happens next. One of my favorite things about this film is that, no matter what you guess, I can almost promise that you won't guess what this mysterious enemy is.
4.The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
I was surprised to see how this film did not get as much recognition as it deserved. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars and directs in this eye-opening tale about a young boy and how his scientific discovery saved his village. Based on a true story, this film tells of 13-year-old Willaim Kamkwamba whose passion lies within the world of science. Apart from the limited resources of his remote hometown in Africa, his pursuits are halted when his family can no longer afford his schooling. Kamkwamba goes on to teach himself the essentials of energy and electricity by sneaking into the library and studying late into the night, all while his family struggles to put food on the table in the midst of a region-wide famine. In a town where modern science still remains a mystery, 13-year-old Kamkwamba goes on to construct a full-size windmill capable of converting wind into energy. This newfound source of energy revives the water pumps of the town and ultimately saves the inhabitants from famine. This film presents an inspiring story in a real setting, adding to the power and gravity this film holds. I've seen lots of movies, but the performances in this movie by actors Aïssa Maïga and Chiwetel Ejiofor are ones that will stick with me for many years to come.
5. Always Be My Maybe
Comedians Ali Wong and Randall Park team up to deliver one of their funniest performances in this hilarious modern rom-com. Whether you're into romantic comedies or not, I can almost guarantee that this move will appeal to you. There's something for everyone in this movie, from a hilarious script, famous faces and heartfelt message, it's easy to find something to love about this movie. Also, Keanu Reeves makes a guest appearance, so do I really need to say more?
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