1. The Hunger Games 2012，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 1013080, ID: 1392170 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘The Hunger Games’ is a gripping dystopian film that delves into themes of survival, societal inequality, and the spectacle of reality television. Jennifer Lawrence delivers a strong and convincing performance as Katniss Everdeen, a young woman forced to participate in a deadly competition. Despite some criticisms of its violence, the film is praised for its dramatic tension and thought-provoking themes, making it a must-watch.
2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 727764, ID: 1951264 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The sequel, ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’, continues the thrilling saga with Katniss Everdeen facing new challenges in the deadly games. The film delves deeper into the political unrest brewing in the districts, and Jennifer Lawrence’s performance adds emotional depth to the narrative. Critics have praised the film for its engaging plot and character development.
3. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 2014，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 508285, ID: 1951265 Photo by lindynews.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1’ takes a darker turn, focusing on the psychological impact of war and propaganda. Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of a traumatized Katniss grappling with her role as the face of the rebellion is compelling and deeply moving. Despite criticisms of its pacing, the film effectively sets the stage for the final showdown, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the conclusion.
4. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 378470, ID: 1951266 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The final installment, ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2’, provides a satisfying conclusion to the series. The film balances action-packed sequences with emotional moments, highlighting the personal costs of war. While some critics found the film a bit stretched, it nonetheless delivers a poignant end to Katniss Everdeen’s journey.
5. White Men Can’t Jump 2023，IMDB Rating: 5.1, IMDB Votes: 10512, ID: 6436620 Photo by fbsbx.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The 2023 remake of ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ attempts to recapture the magic of the original but falls short in some areas. Despite its shortcomings, the film offers a fresh take on the streetball hustling culture of Los Angeles, making it a decent watch for sports comedy enthusiasts who appreciate a modern twist on a classic story.
6. The Locksmith 2023，IMDB Rating: 4.9, IMDB Votes: 2516, ID: 15829724 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Locksmith is a crime thriller that tells the story of a former thief trying to rebuild his life after prison. The film’s narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, but it lacks the energy and urgency typically associated with the genre, leaving some viewers wanting more excitement.
7. Saint Omer 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 5243, ID: 15376894 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Saint Omer is a powerful courtroom drama that explores the complexities of a real-life infanticide case. The film’s narrative is thought-provoking and its storytelling approach challenges conventional perspectives.
8. The Old Way 2023，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 9051, ID: 8593824 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Old Way, starring Nicolas Cage, is a traditional Western with a twist. Cage’s character, Colton Briggs, is a former gunslinger turned family man who is forced back into his old life when tragedy strikes. The film has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Cage’s performance but criticizing the film’s lack of originality. However, it’s Cage’s second foray into the Western genre and offers a more traditional take compared to his previous work.
9. American Murderer 2022，IMDB Rating: 5.3, IMDB Votes: 2170, ID: 13603778 Photo by medium.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 American Murderer, starring Ryan Phillippe, is a crime drama that explores the life of Jason Derek Brown, a notorious con man who becomes one of the FBI’s most wanted. The film has been criticized for its dull interpretation of a fascinating criminal story and for wasting its talented cast. However, some reviews highlight the film’s exploration of the psychological aspects of its main character, offering a deeper look into his troubled mind.
10. The Little Things 2021，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 129190, ID: 10016180 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Little Things is a dark, brooding thriller featuring Denzel Washington as a disgraced former cop who gets drawn back into a haunting case. The film has been criticized for its familiarity and lack of originality, with some reviewers suggesting it feels dated. However, Washington’s performance has been praised, and the film’s exploration of the emotional toll of police work has been noted, adding depth to the story.
11. Class of ’09 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 6651, ID: 14903834 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Class of ’09 is an unorthodox thriller that follows a group of FBI cadets over their careers, exploring how their lives change with the incorporation of artificial intelligence into the criminal justice system. The series has been praised for its ambitious premise and the performances of its lead actors, Brian Tyree Henry and Kate Mara. However, some critics have noted that the series’ complex narrative can be difficult to follow.
12. A Small Light 2023，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 13324, ID: 17921714 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A Small Light, a miniseries from Nat Geo, offers a fresh perspective on the Anne Frank saga by focusing on Miep Gies, who helped hide the Frank family from the Nazis. The series is a coming-of-age story for Miep, portrayed with wit and effervescence by Bel Powley. It’s a tale of resistance and courage, showing the risks everyday people take to hold on to their humanity. This series, coming to Hulu in May 2023, is a must-watch for its moving tale and tremendous performances.
13. Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi 2020，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 737, ID: 12244950 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi is a delightful exploration of the rich and diverse food culture of various immigrant groups in America. Hosted by Padma Lakshmi, the show uncovers the roots and relationship between our food, our humanity, and our history. It’s a delicious and insightful reminder of the ways food brings us together. The second season of this enlightening series is coming to Hulu in May 2023, making it a must-watch for food lovers.
14. The Great Escaper 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 5694, ID: 14124080 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Great Escaper is a heartwarming true story about Bernie Jordan, who escaped from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy. The film explores the reality of war and old age with wit and a big heart, offering a touching tribute to the defiant spirit of a generation. Stellar performances by Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson add depth to this sweet yet unsentimental film, making it a must-watch when it comes to Hulu in May 2023.
14 Must-Watch Movies That Movie Lovers Can’t Stop Raving About!
