Buzz
Recall the era of direct-to-video films? Titles such as American Psycho II: All American Girl (featuring Mila Kunis and William Shatner), Dollman vs. Demonic Toys, Bratz: Starrin’ & Stylin’, Hellraiser 5-10, Amityville 5-19(!), and The 41-Year-Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall and Felt Superbad About It... While not all were terrible, many fell short of being memorable.
The surge in streaming popularity has reshaped the industry, with platforms eager for content now debuting high-budget films that once would have graced theaters. The pandemic further fueled this shift. Although theatrical releases still lend films a sense of prestige, numerous outstanding movies have bypassed the big screen entirely.
Some of these films may have appeared at festivals or enjoyed a brief limited release (primarily to qualify for major awards), but the following 30 noteworthy movies opted to debut exclusively on leading streaming platforms, skipping theaters altogether.
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
Netflix's first original film, Beasts of No Nation, aimed to revolutionize film distribution, but the model quickly faltered. Starring Idris Elba, this gripping tale of a child soldier in West Africa had the potential for theatrical success. However, Netflix's decision to release it simultaneously in theaters and on its streaming platform angered theater chains, leading to a boycott. Despite this, the film remains a powerful exploration of war's human toll, deserving a more strategic release.
Where to stream: Netflix
His House (2020)
Effective horror unsettles us, but exceptional horror lingers, reflecting real-world fears beyond the screen. His House excels as both a spine-chilling tale of a haunted home and a profound narrative about survivor's guilt and the struggles of refugees.
Where to stream: Netflix
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
Adapted from August Wilson's play, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom unfolds primarily within the walls of Paramount Recording Studios in the summer of 1927. Its intimate setting indicates it might not have competed with blockbuster action films dominating theaters, making streaming its ideal platform, even without the impact of COVID. The film's theatrical roots enhance its magnetic allure, showcasing stellar performances by Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman. It earned five Oscar nominations and was undoubtedly worthy of a Best Picture nomination.
Where to stream: Netflix
Roma (2018)
While many acclaimed filmmakers from Mexico, such as Iñárritu, del Toro, and Escalante, have made significant contributions to cinema, Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma stands out as the only Mexican film to win an Oscar for International Feature. It also made history as the first streaming-original movie to earn a Best Picture nomination. Cuarón’s visually stunning, semi-autobiographical depiction of 1970s Mexico City masterfully intertwines personal storytelling with the grandeur of an epic.
Where to stream: Netflix
Blood Machines (2019)
Blood Machines proudly draws inspiration from 80s and 90s sci-fi and horror films, reminiscent of the direct-to-video era. While its hour-long narrative may not appeal to everyone, this Kickstarter-funded project is undeniably bold and innovative. (Note: Shudder has divided the film into three "episodes," but it remains the same story, just segmented.)
Where to stream: Shudder, AMC+
Selah and the Spades (2019)
Tayarisha Poe’s directorial debut, Selah and the Spades, is a visually striking take on high school power dynamics, reminiscent of a Shakespearean tragedy. While the premise has been explored before, Poe’s unique style sets it apart. The film captures not only the exhilaration of teenage life but also the underlying tension and drama that come with it.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Freevee
The Vast of Night (2019)
The tale of a 1950s DJ and switchboard operator uncovering a potential alien invasion may not break new ground in storytelling, but The Vast of Night leaves a lasting impression. Its meticulous style and self-assured direction shine through every frame, despite its modest budget. Sierra McCormick and Jake Horowitz deliver standout performances that elevate the film.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Freevee
Dolemite is My Name (2019)
Eddie Murphy solidified his A-list status years ago, but his career has been a mix of highs and lows—contrasting his Oscar-nominated role in Dreamgirls with the misfire of Norbit was certainly a bold move. In Dolemite, Murphy embodies Rudy Ray Moore, a real-life filmmaker whose bold eccentricities align perfectly with Murphy’s comedic brilliance. The film showcases Murphy’s undeniable talent, even as he later followed it with the lackluster Coming 2 America.
Where to stream: Netflix
Happiest Season (2020)
Hulu’s Happiest Season may not be hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, but few films in the modern, Hallmark-esque holiday genre ever are. Yet, its appeal lies in its charm, bolstered by a stellar cast (Kristen Stewart, Aubrey Plaza, Victor Garber) and skilled direction by Clea DuVall. Additionally, the film broke ground in 2020 as a high-profile advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation, marking a milestone in queer-inclusive holiday films.
Where to stream: Hulu
Blood Quantum (2019)
Drawing inspiration from the 1981 Listuguj raids in Quebec, where police clashed with the First Nations community over fishing rights, Blood Quantum presents a zombie outbreak on the Red Crow Indian Reservation. Like the best horror films, it excels as a gripping, violent thriller while also addressing real-world injustices. The film’s director, cast, and crew are predominantly First Nations and Native American, adding authenticity to its narrative.
Where to stream: Shudder, AMC+, Digital rental
CODA (2021)
While some critics argue that CODA is among the less deserving Best Picture Oscar winners, this assessment overlooks its merits. Though it lacks the grand scale of traditional award-winning films, it delivers a heartfelt coming-of-age story with a talented cast. Its intimate storytelling and nuanced performances, particularly Troy Kotsur’s groundbreaking Best Supporting Actor win, make it a standout achievement.
Where to stream: Apple TV+
Enola Holmes (2020)
Millie Bobby Brown, a Netflix staple thanks to Stranger Things and other original projects, shines as the titular character in Enola Holmes. As Sherlock Holmes’ sharp-witted younger sister, she leads a lively and engaging mystery based on Nancy Springer’s novels. The film is a family-friendly adventure brimming with charm and wit.
Where to stream: Netflix
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Rian Johnson expands the Knives Out universe with this sequel, featuring Daniel Craig’s quirky detective Benoit Blanc. This time, Blanc trades time with his husband for a trip to a tech billionaire’s private island, led by Edward Norton in a role reminiscent of Elon Musk. As expected, the getaway turns into a murder mystery, with a star-studded cast of suspects including Janelle Monáe, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista.
Where to stream: Netflix
Get Duked! (2019)
This dark British horror-comedy follows a group of unmotivated students sent to the Scottish highlands for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a real-life program requiring them to navigate the wilderness with only a paper map. Their journey takes a terrifying turn when they’re hunted by locals, including comedian Eddie Izzard, who see them as unwelcome intruders. Unprepared for survival—let alone evading killers—the teens face escalating, gasp-inducing challenges.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Red, White, and Royal Blue (2023)
Romantic comedies aren’t exclusive to straight audiences anymore, as Red, White, and Royal Blue (based on Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel) proves. Taylor Zakhar Perez stars as Alex Claremont-Diaz, the U.S. president’s son (Uma Thurman), opposite Nicholas Galitzine’s Prince Henry, a British royal. After a public feud sparks an international scandal, the two embark on a slow-burn romance, complete with a few tastefully steamy moments.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Fire Island (2022)
A modern, queer adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Fire Island also critiques stereotypes surrounding body image, femininity, and Asian identity within the gay community. Beyond its social commentary, the film is a witty and heartfelt romantic comedy featuring a standout cast, including Joel Kim Booster (who also wrote the screenplay), Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora, and Margaret Cho. The story follows a group of friends whose annual summer trip to Fire Island becomes unexpectedly dramatic and romantic.
Where to stream: Hulu
Being the Ricardos (2021)
Aaron Sorkin’s biopic about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz earned Oscar nominations for Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, and J.K. Simmons. The film focuses on a pivotal moment during the Red Scare, when Ball’s career was threatened by her alleged communist ties. While Kidman may not fully capture Ball’s onscreen charisma, she excels as the savvy, behind-the-scenes force driving the iconic I Love Lucy star’s success.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Freevee
Nimona (2023)
Adapted from ND Stevenson’s graphic novel, this Oscar-nominated animated feature is a vibrant, humorous, and touching fantasy set in a futuristic yet medieval-inspired world. Ballister Boldheart, supported by his boyfriend Ambrosius Goldenloin, is set to become the first commoner knighted by the queen—until he’s falsely accused of her murder. Forced into hiding, he teams up with Nimona, a mischievous shapeshifter and societal outcast, to clear his name. Along the way, Nimona helps Ballister embrace his true self.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Block Island Sound (2020)
A mysterious environmental crisis unfolds on Block Island as countless dead fish wash ashore. Local fisherman Tom begins behaving erratically, losing time and waking in strange places. His daughter Audry (Michaela McManus), an EPA employee, investigates the phenomenon with her daughter and reunites with her brother Harry (Chris Sheffield). Together, they uncover a shocking environmental disaster, leading to a spine-chilling conclusion.
Where to stream: Netflix, digital rental
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)
Guillermo del Toro’s passion project reimagines the classic tale of Pinocchio in fascist Italy between the World Wars. Drawing from the darker themes of the original 1883 novel, often overlooked by other adaptations, the film uses stunning stop-motion animation to create a layered narrative. While adults may appreciate its depth more than children, its brilliance earned it the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Where to stream: Netflix
Prey (2022)
The newest entry in the Predator series, and arguably the strongest since the original, Prey surprisingly bypassed theaters for a streaming debut. Indigenous actress Amber Midthunder shines as a young Comanche woman battling an extraterrestrial hunter and ruthless French fur trappers on the Great Plains in 1719. With its gripping, minimalist approach, the film hints at a promising future for the franchise (imagine Predator across different eras!)—hopefully with a theatrical release next time.
Where to stream: Hulu
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
Spike Lee’s latest film revisits the Vietnam War through the lens of Black American soldiers, a perspective often overlooked. The story follows four veterans returning to Vietnam to recover their fallen squad leader’s remains—and a hidden stash of gold. Featuring stellar performances, including the late Chadwick Boseman in one of his final roles, the film draws powerful parallels between past and present. Originally slated for theaters, it shifted to streaming due to COVID, a missed opportunity for a big-screen experience.
Where to stream: Netflix
Mank (2020)
David Fincher’s exploration of the creation of one of cinema’s most iconic yet troubled masterpieces serves as both a tribute to Hollywood’s golden age and an unflinching examination of its behind-the-scenes chaos. Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried deliver Oscar-nominated performances, capturing the complexities of their characters.
Where to stream: Netflix
Host (2020)
It’s easy to dismiss this film (as I did for a while), partly because its premise resembles Unfriended, a decent Skype-based thriller from a few years back. I’m also hesitant to watch anything too COVID-centric, as real life provides enough of that. Yet, Host stands out as one of the most gripping horror films in recent years, thanks to its inventive take on a “Zoom séance” and sharp execution.
Where to stream: Shudder, AMC+, Digital rental
Class Action Park (2020)
This documentary is a jaw-dropping ride. It chronicles the unbelievable history of New Jersey’s Action Park, a notorious amusement park that operated for decades despite laughable safety standards and rides designed more for thrills than practicality. While the film starts with a “can-you-believe-this?” tone, it doesn’t shy away from addressing the real tragedies that occurred there, adding depth to its wild narrative.
Where to stream: Max
Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado (2020)
Was there ever a more extravagant TV figure than Walter Mercado? For years, the androgynous Puerto Rican astrologer captivated millions across Latin America and the U.S. with his flamboyant capes, vibrant outfits, and messages of “mucho, mucho amor.” This documentary celebrates his legacy, offering a glimpse into his entertainment empire for those unfamiliar with his larger-than-life persona.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Beach House (2020)
Despite its serene title, Jeffrey A. Brown’s debut film starts slow but evolves into a cosmic horror story. Combining 50s-style creature features with infection-themed body horror, The Beach House felt eerily relevant during the early days of the COVID pandemic and continues to resonate in our still-recovering world.
Where to stream: Shudder, Digital rental
The Old Guard (2020)
Featuring Charlize Theron at the peak of her stardom, this high-budget action film about immortal mercenaries bypassed theaters but still became a massive hit for Netflix, securing a sequel. Its success didn’t hinder anyone’s career, and as a superhero film, it stands out for its intelligence and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. A win all around.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Square (2013)
Netflix’s inaugural original documentary, The Square, premiered at festivals before debuting on the platform. It remains a compelling work, capturing the 2011 Egyptian Revolution through the lens of Tahrir Square protests. While Egypt has moved forward and the Arab Spring’s promise remains largely unfulfilled, the film’s exploration of idealism clashing with political realities gives it enduring relevance.
Where to stream: Netflix
Purple Violets (2007)
Though largely overlooked, Purple Violets marks a pivotal moment in streaming history. Released exclusively on iTunes during the direct-to-DVD era, it bypassed traditional distribution channels. Directed by Ed Burns, this romantic comedy features a stellar cast, including Selma Blair, Patrick Wilson, Debra Messing, and Bill Hader in his film debut.
Where to stream: Tubi, Digital rental
