150 Great Feel-Good Movies to Stream Now

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: Three strong women -- Roberta Martin, Samantha Albertson and Tina Teeny Tercel -- return home to reunite with their childhood friend Chrissy DeWitt Williams and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Gaby Hoffmann, Ashleigh Aston Moore

Directed By: Lesli Linka Glatter

Critics Consensus: The look of Hook is lively indeed but Steven Spielberg directs on autopilot here, giving in too quickly to his sentimental, syrupy qualities.

Synopsis: When his young children are abducted by his old nemesis, Capt. Hook (Dustin Hoffman), middle-aged lawyer Peter Banning (Robin Williams) returns to his magical origins... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins

Directed By: Steven Spielberg

Critics Consensus: A queasy mishmash of poignant drama and slapstick fantasy, Angels in the Outfield strikes out as worthy family entertainment.

Synopsis: Foster kid Roger (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) loves the Anaheim Angels, even though they're the worst team in the major leagues. His estranged dad promises to reunite... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Danny Glover, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tony Danza, Brenda Fricker

Directed By: William Dear

Critics Consensus: Eye-popping driving sequences coupled with a limp story and flat performances make this Drift a disappointing follow-up to previous Fast and Furious installments.

Synopsis: Sean Boswell (Lucas Black) always feels like an outsider, but he defines himself through his victories as a street racer. His hobby makes him unpopular... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Lucas Black, Zachery Ty Bryan, Shad "Bow Wow" Moss, Brian Tee

Directed By: Justin Lin

Critics Consensus: At times hilarious, but other times offensive, Director Jared Hess is unable to recapture the collective charisma of his Napoleon characters, instead relying on a one-joke concept that runs out of steam. Sure to entertain the adolescents, however.

Synopsis: Ignacio (Jack Black), or Nacho to his friends, works as a cook in the Mexican monastery where he grew up. The monastery is home to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, Héctor Jiménez, Richard Montoya

Directed By: Jared Hess

Critics Consensus: Adam Sandler acquits himself admirably, but his charm isn't enough to make up for Big Daddy's jarring shifts between crude humor and mawkish sentimentality.

Synopsis: Thirty-two-year-old Sonny Koufax (Adam Sandler) has spent his whole life avoiding responsibility. But when his girlfriend dumps him for an older man, he's got to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Adam Sandler, Joey Lauren Adams, Jon Stewart, Dylan Sprouse

Directed By: Dennis Dugan

Critics Consensus: Audiences who enjoy Adam Sandler's belligerent comic energy may find him in joyously obnoxious form as Billy Madison, but this thinly-plotted starring vehicle surrounds its star with an aggressively pedestrian movie.

Synopsis: Man-child Billy Madison has been a spoiled rich kid all his life, and spends his days drinking and partying. When his father, hotel magnate Brian,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, Bradley Whitford

Directed By: Tamra Davis

Critics Consensus: Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds exhibit plenty of chemistry, but they're let down by The Proposal's devotion to formula.

Synopsis: Faced with deportation to her native Canada, high-powered book editor Margaret Tate says she's engaged to marry Andrew Paxton, her hapless assistant. Andrew agrees to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson

Directed By: Anne Fletcher

Critics Consensus: A meandering, mindless family movie that frequently resorts to special effects and transparent sappiness.

Synopsis: Casper (voiced by Malachi Pearson) is a kind young ghost who peacefully haunts a mansion in Maine. When specialist James Harvey (Bill Pullman) arrives to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, Cathy Moriarty, Eric Idle

Directed By: Brad Silberling

Critics Consensus: A charming, if familiar, makeover movie for young teenage girls.

Synopsis: Shy San Francisco teenager Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is thrown for a loop when, from out of the blue, she learns the astonishing news that... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Julie Andrews, Anne Hathaway, Héctor Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo

Directed By: Garry Marshall

Critics Consensus: While it's certainly sweet and even somewhat touching, The Holiday is so thoroughly predictable that audiences may end up opting for an early check-out time.

Synopsis: Two women, one from America and one from Britain, swap homes at Christmastime after bad breakups with their boyfriends. Each woman finds romance with a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black

Directed By: Nancy Meyers

Critics Consensus: First Wives Club is headlined by a trio of comedic dynamos, but the script lets them down with tepid plotting and a fatal lack of satirical bite.

Synopsis: Despondent over the marriage of her ex-husband to a younger woman, a middle-aged divorcée plunges to her death from her penthouse. At the woman's funeral,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton, Maggie Smith

Directed By: Hugh Wilson

Critics Consensus: Scary Movie overloads on crudity and grossness to get its laughs.

Synopsis: Defying the very notion of good taste, Scary Movie out-parodies the pop culture parodies with a no-holds barred assault on the most popular images and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Cheri Oteri, Shannon Elizabeth

Directed By: Keenen Ivory Wayans

Critics Consensus: This jukebox musical is full of fluffy fun but rough singing voices and a campy tone might not make you feel like "You Can Dance" the whole 90 minutes.

Synopsis: Donna (Meryl Streep), an independent hotelier in the Greek islands, is preparing for her daughter's wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile Sophie,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård

Directed By: Phyllida Lloyd

Critics Consensus: Step Brothers indulges in a cheerfully relentless immaturity that will quickly turn off viewers unamused by Ferrell and Reilly -- and delight those who find their antics hilarious.

Synopsis: Brennan Huff (Will Ferrell) and Dale Doback (John C. Reilly) have one thing in common: they are both lazy, unemployed leeches who still live with... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Richard Jenkins, Mary Steenburgen

Directed By: Adam McKay

Critics Consensus: Although Queen Latifah's bountiful life-affirming spirit permeates the film, director Wayne Wang is unable to revive this remake with any real flair.

Synopsis: The discovery that she has a terminal illness prompts introverted saleswoman Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) to reflect on what she realizes has been an overly... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Queen Latifah, Gérard Depardieu, LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton

Directed By: Wayne Wang

Critics Consensus: Cute idea, but not consistently funny.

Synopsis: Adam Webber (Brendan Fraser) has lived his entire life in confinement in a fallout shelter in Pasadena, Calif. When the Webber family's rations of food... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, Christopher Walken, Sissy Spacek

Directed By: Hugh Wilson

Critics Consensus: Bad Moms boasts a terrific cast and a welcome twist on domestic comedy -- and they're often enough to compensate for the movie's unfortunate inability to take full advantage of its assets.

Synopsis: Amy (Mila Kunis) has a great husband, overachieving children, beautiful home and successful career. Unfortunately, she's also overworked, exhausted and ready to snap. Fed up,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Christina Applegate

Directed By: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore

Critics Consensus: It's difficult to make a persuasive argument for The Mummy as any kind of meaningful cinematic achievement, but it's undeniably fun to watch.

Synopsis: The Mummy is a rousing, suspenseful and horrifying epic about an expedition of treasure-seeking explorers in the Sahara Desert in 1925. Stumbling upon an ancient... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo

Directed By: Stephen Sommers

Critics Consensus: Solid performances and a steady directorial hand help The Preacher's Wife offer some reliably heartwarming - albeit fairly predictable - holiday cheer.

Synopsis: A cleric begins to doubt himself and is visited by an angel. The heavenly emissary is supposed to help the good reverend over his midlife... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance, Gregory Hines

Directed By: Penny Marshall

Critics Consensus: It may be shamelessly derivative and overly nostalgic, but The Sandlot is nevertheless a genuinely sweet and funny coming-of-age adventure.

Synopsis: When Scottie Smalls (Thomas Guiry) moves to a new neighborhood, he manages to make friends with a group of kids who play baseball at the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna, Chauncey Leopardi

Directed By: David M. Evans

Critics Consensus: Pretty Woman may be a yuppie fantasy, but the film's slick comedy, soundtrack, and casting can overcome misgivings.

Synopsis: A prostitute and a wealthy businessman fall for one another, forming an unlikely pair; while on a business trip in Los Angeles, Edward, who makes... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Ralph Bellamy, Jason Alexander

Directed By: Garry Marshall

Critics Consensus: Chocolat is a charmingly light-hearted fable with a lovely performance by Binoche.

Synopsis: When mysterious Vianne and her child arrive in a tranquil French town in the winter of 1959, no one could have imagined the impact that... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Lena Olin, Judi Dench

Directed By: Lasse Hallström

Critics Consensus: Despite the formulaic, fluffy storyline, this movie is surprisingly fun to watch, mostly due to its high energy and how it humorously spoofs cheerleading instead of taking itself too seriously.

Synopsis: The Toro cheerleading squad from Rancho Carne High School in San Diego has got spirit, spunk, sass and a killer routine that's sure to land... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, Gabrielle Union

Directed By: Peyton Reed

Critics Consensus: If Muppets from Space lacks the magic and wit of its cinematic predecessors, this pleasingly silly space romp is funny and clever enough to make for better-than-average family entertainment.

Synopsis: With enormous enthusiasm and unsinkable optimism, daredevil Gonzo steps into his first starring role in "Muppets From Space," a hilarious extraterrestrial adventure about the search... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jeffrey Tambor, F. Murray Abraham, Rob Schneider, Josh Charles

Directed By: Tim Hill

Critics Consensus: I'm Gonna Git You Sucka puts a satirical spin on '70s nostalgia with a comedy whose somewhat scattershot laughs are often offset by pure energetic silliness.

Synopsis: Jack Spade (Keenen Ivory Wayans) comes home to the ghetto and finds his brother dead from a gold chain overdose. With the help of his... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Keenen Ivory Wayans, Bernie Casey, Antonio Fargas, Steve James

Directed By: Keenen Ivory Wayans

Critics Consensus: An action-packed, if anachronistic, look back at pulp matinee serials, The Rocketeer may ring hollow with viewers expecting more than simple fun and gee-whiz special effects.

Synopsis: Cliff Secord (Bill Campbell) is a cocky stunt pilot in love with a beautiful actress, Jenny Blake (Jennifer Connelly). When he discovers a jetpack hidden... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Timothy Dalton, Alan Arkin

Directed By: Joe Johnston

Critics Consensus: Although the plot leaves a lot to be desired, 13 Going on 30 will tug at your inner teenager's heartstrings thanks in large part to a dazzling performance from Jennifer Garner.

Synopsis: A girl who's sick of the social strictures of junior high is transformed into a grownup overnight. In this feel-good fairy tale, teenager Jenna (Christa... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis

Directed By: Gary Winick

Critics Consensus: Though predictable and possibly too sweet, Brown Sugar is charming, well-acted, and smarter than typical rom-com fare.

Synopsis: Sidney and Dre can attribute their friendship and the launch of their careers to one single childhood instant ... witnessing the birth of hip-hop on... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Yasiin Bey, Nicole Ari Parker

Directed By: Rick Famuyiwa

Critics Consensus: Filled with inspired silliness and quotable lines, Anchorman isn't the most consistent comedy in the world, but Will Ferrell's buffoonish central performance helps keep this portrait of a clueless newsman from going off the rails.

Synopsis: Hotshot television anchorman Ron Burgundy welcomes upstart reporter Veronica Corningstone into the male-dominated world of 1970s broadcast news -- that is, until the talented female... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell

Directed By: Adam McKay

Critics Consensus: The Fate of the Furious opens a new chapter in the franchise, fueled by the same infectious cast chemistry and over-the-top action fans have come to expect.

Synopsis: With Dom and Letty married, Brian and Mia retired and the rest of the crew exonerated, the globe-trotting team has found some semblance of a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham

Directed By: F. Gary Gray

Critics Consensus: A relentlessly stupid comedy elevated by its main actors: Jim Carrey goes bonkers and Jeff Daniels carries himself admirably in an against-type performance.

Synopsis: Imbecilic best friends Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) stumble across a suitcase full of money left behind in Harry's car by... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Lauren Holly, Teri Garr

Directed By: Peter Farrelly, Robert Farrelly

Critics Consensus: Eddie Murphy was in full control at this point, starkly evident in Coming to America's John Landis' coasting direction.

Synopsis: Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) is the prince of a wealthy African country and wants for nothing, except a wife who will love him in spite... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, John Amos, James Earl Jones

Directed By: John Landis

Critics Consensus: Despite Hitch's predictability, Will Smith and Kevin James win praise for their solid, warmhearted performances.

Synopsis: Dating coach Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Will Smith) mentors a bumbling client, Albert (Kevin James), who hopes to win the heart of the glamorous Allegra Cole... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valletta

Directed By: Andy Tennant

Critics Consensus: It's decidedly uneven -- and surprisingly sappy for an early Adam Sandler comedy -- but The Wedding Singer is also sweet, funny, and beguiling.

Synopsis: Set in 1985, Adam Sandler plays a nice guy with a broken heart who's stuck in one of the most romantic jobs in the world,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Christine Taylor, Allen Covert

Directed By: Frank Coraci

Critics Consensus: Doc Hollywood isn't particularly graceful in its attempt to put a '90s spin on its Capraesque formula, but a light touch and a charming cast make its flaws easy to forgive.

Synopsis: Cocky young doctor Ben Stone (Michael J. Fox) is off on a road trip to California in pursuit of a relaxed and high-paying career as... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael J. Fox, Julie Warner, Barnard Hughes, Woody Harrelson

Directed By: Michael Caton-Jones

Critics Consensus: Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger add strong performances to an unexpectedly clever script, elevating 10 Things (slightly) above typical teen fare.

Synopsis: Kat Stratford is beautiful, smart and quite abrasive to most of her fellow teens, meaning that she doesn't attract many boys. Unfortunately for her younger... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik

Directed By: Gil Junger

Critics Consensus: Gremlins 2 trades the spiky thrills of its predecessor for looney satire, yielding a succession of sporadically clever gags that add some flavor to a recycled plot.

Synopsis: The magical collectibles store that Gizmo calls home has just been destroyed, and the tiny monster finds his way into a newly erected skyscraper. Billy... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, John Glover, Robert Prosky

Directed By: Joe Dante

Critics Consensus: The Rundown doesn't break any new ground, but it's a smart, funny buddy action picture with terrific comic chemistry between Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Seann William Scott.

Synopsis: Beck (The Rock) is a tight-lipped bounty hunter who doesn't like to use a gun and accepts any job without asking questions. When Beck's employer,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott, Rosario Dawson, Christopher Walken

Directed By: Peter Berg

Critics Consensus: Though the material is predictable and formulaic, Reese Witherspoon's funny, nuanced performance makes this movie better than it would have been otherwise.

Synopsis: Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) has it all. She wants nothing more than to be Mrs. Warner Huntington III. But there is one thing stopping him... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis

Directed By: Robert Luketic

Critics Consensus: Like its winsome characters, Dirty Dancing uses impressive choreography and the power of song to surmount a series of formidable obstacles.

Synopsis: Baby (Jennifer Grey) is one listless summer away from the Peace Corps. Hoping to enjoy her youth while it lasts, she's disappointed when her summer... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes

Directed By: Emile Ardolino

Critics Consensus: A charming, quirky, and often funny comedy.

Synopsis: In small-town Preston, Idaho, awkward teen Napoleon Dynamite has trouble fitting in. After his grandmother is injured in an accident, his life is made even... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jon Heder, Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell, Efren Ramirez

Directed By: Jared Hess

Critics Consensus: Sing delivers colorfully animated, cheerfully undemanding entertainment with a solid voice cast and a warm-hearted -- albeit familiar -- storyline that lives up to its title.

Synopsis: Dapper Koala Buster Moon presides over a once-grand theater that has fallen on hard times. An eternal optimist, and a bit of a scoundrel, he... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson

Directed By: Garth Jennings

Critics Consensus: On paper, Mrs. Doubtfire might seem excessively broad or sentimental, but Robin Williams shines so brightly in the title role that the end result is difficult to resist.

Synopsis: An unemployed actor disguises himself as an elderly nanny in order to spend more time with his estranged family.

Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein

Directed By: Chris Columbus

Critics Consensus: An endearing romance that puts a fairly fresh perspective on familiar framework, Love Jones is worth falling for.

Synopsis: Two urban African-Americans, Darius (Larenz Tate), an aspiring writer, and Nina (Nia Long), an aspiring photographer, share an instant connection after a chance meeting at... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Isaiah Washington, Lisa Nicole Carson

Directed By: Theodore Witcher

Critics Consensus: Looking for a sweet musical comedy about a witness to a crime hiding out from killers in a convent? There's nun better than Sister Act.

Synopsis: When lively lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) sees her mobster beau, Vince LaRocca (Harvey Keitel), commit murder, she is relocated for her protection.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena

Directed By: Emile Ardolino

Critics Consensus: Sleepless in Seattle is a cute classic with a very light touch and real chemistry between the two leads -- even when spending an entire movie apart.

Synopsis: After the death of his wife, Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) moves to Seattle with his son, Jonah (Ross Malinger). When Jonah calls in to a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Bill Pullman, Ross Malinger

Directed By: Nora Ephron

Critics Consensus: It handles its potentially prickly subject matter with kid gloves, but Intouchables gets by thanks to its strong cast and some remarkably sensitive direction.

Synopsis: An unlikely friendship develops between a wealthy quadriplegic (François Cluzet) and his caretaker (Omar Sy), just released from prison.

Starring: François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot

Directed By: Eric Toledano, Olivier Nakache

Critics Consensus: Word is, Grease stars an electrifying John Travolta while serving up some '50s kitsch in a frenetic adaptation that isn't always the one that we want.

Synopsis: Experience the friendships, romances and adventures of a group of high school kids in the 1950s. Welcome to the singing and dancing world of "Grease,"... View Full Synopsis

Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway

Directed By: Randal Kleiser

Critics Consensus: A rare film that surpasses the quality of its source novel, this Devil is a witty expose of New York's fashion scene, with Meryl Streep in top form and Anne Hathaway more than holding her own.

Synopsis: Andy is a recent college graduate with big dreams. Upon landing a job at prestigious Runway magazine, she finds herself the assistant to diabolical editor... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Adrian Grenier, Stanley Tucci

Directed By: David Frankel

Critics Consensus: Lu Over the Wall can be more fun to watch than to follow, but director Masaaki Yuasa's distinctive visual style offers colorful compensation for an occasionally scattered story.

Synopsis: Kai is a lonely teenage boy who lives in a small fishing village. One day, he meets and befriends Lu, a fun-loving mermaid whose singing... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kanon Tani, Shôta Shimoda, Shin'ichi Shinohara, Akira Emoto

Directed By: Masaaki Yuasa

Critics Consensus: A faithful interpretation that captures the spirit of whimsy, action, and off-kilter humor of Neil Gaiman, Stardust juggles multiple genres and tones to create a fantastical experience.

Synopsis: To win the heart of his beloved, a young man named Tristan ventures into the realm of fairies to retrieve a fallen star. What Tristan... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer

Directed By: Matthew Vaughn

Critics Consensus: Brimming with energy and packed with humor, Big Trouble in Little China distills kung fu B-movies as affectionately as it subverts them.

Synopsis: Kurt Russell plays hard-boiled truck driver Jack Burton, who gets caught in a bizarre conflict within, and underneath, San Francisco's Chinatown. An ancient Chinese prince... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, James Hong

Directed By: John Carpenter

Critics Consensus: Role Models is a frequently crude, always funny comedy with the cast providing solid work throughout.

Synopsis: After salesmen Danny (Paul Rudd) and Wheeler (Seann William Scott) trash a company truck, the court gives them a choice: jail time or community service... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch

Directed By: David Wain

Critics Consensus: Sentimental and light, but still thoroughly charming, A League of Their Own is buoyed by solid performances from a wonderful cast.

Synopsis: As America's stock of athletic young men is depleted during World War II, a professional all-female baseball league springs up in the Midwest, funded by... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty

Directed By: Penny Marshall

Critics Consensus: What Friday might lack in taut construction or directorial flair, it more than makes up with its vibrant (albeit consistently crass) humor and the charming, energetic performances of its leads.

Synopsis: It's Friday and Craig Jones has just gotten fired for stealing cardboard boxes. To make matters worse, rent is due, he hates his overbearing girlfriend,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Tommy Tiny Lister

Directed By: F. Gary Gray

Critics Consensus: Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping updates the rock mockumentary for the 21st century mainstream -- and hits many of its low-hanging targets with side-splitting impact.

Synopsis: Childhood friends Conner (Andy Samberg), Owen (Jorma Taccone) and Lawrence (Akiva Schaffer) found fame and fortune after forming the hip-hop group the Style Boyz. Owen... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Akiva Schaffer, Sarah Silverman

Directed By: Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone

Critics Consensus: It never lives up to the first part of its title, but Crazy, Stupid, Love's unabashed sweetness -- and its terrifically talented cast -- more than make up for its flaws.

Synopsis: Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) is living the American dream. He has a good job, a beautiful house, great children and a beautiful wife, named Emily... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone

Directed By: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

Critics Consensus: A funny and clever reshaping of Emma, Clueless offers a soft satire that pokes as much fun at teen films as it does at the Beverly Hills glitterati.

Synopsis: Shallow, rich and socially successful Cher (Alicia Silverstone) is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school's pecking scale. Seeing herself as a matchmaker,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd

Directed By: Amy Heckerling

Critics Consensus: While You Were Sleeping is built wholly from familiar ingredients, but assembled with such skill -- and with such a charming performance from Sandra Bullock -- that it gives formula a good name.

Synopsis: Lonely transit worker Lucy Eleanor Moderatz pulls her longtime crush, Peter, from the path of an oncoming train. At the hospital, doctors report that he's... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle

Directed By: Jon Turteltaub

Critics Consensus: Matthew Broderick charms in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, a light and irrepressibly fun movie about being young and having fun.

Synopsis: Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) has an uncanny skill at cutting classes and getting away with it. Intending to make one last duck-out before graduation, Ferris... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jennifer Grey

Directed By: John Hughes

Critics Consensus: Zellweger's Bridget Jones is a sympathetic, likable, funny character, giving this romantic comedy a lot of charm.

Synopsis: At the start of the New Year, 32-year-old Bridget (Renée Zellweger) decides it's time to take control of her life -- and start keeping a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Gemma Jones

Directed By: Sharon Maguire

Critics Consensus: The Wild Thornberrys Movie brings its beloved clan to the big screen for an animated adventure that should prove entertaining for all ages.

Synopsis: The Wild Thornberrys feature film finds one of America's favorite animated families going on wild adventures around the world. Now, 12-year-old Eliza is in Africa... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Lacey Chabert, Tom Kane, Tim Curry, Lynn Redgrave

Directed By: Cathy Malkasian, Jeff McGrath

Critics Consensus: Pitch Perfect's plot is formulaic, but the performances are excellent and the musical numbers are toe-tapping as well.

Synopsis: College student Beca knows she does not want to be part of a clique, but that's exactly where she finds herself after arriving at her... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson, Adam DeVine

Directed By: Jason Moore

Critics Consensus: Jojo Rabbit's blend of irreverent humor and serious ideas definitely won't be to everyone's taste -- but either way, this anti-hate satire is audacious to a fault.

Synopsis: Jojo is a lonely German boy who discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Taika Waititi

Directed By: Taika Waititi

Critics Consensus: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone adapts its source material faithfully while condensing the novel's overstuffed narrative into an involving -- and often downright exciting -- big-screen magical caper.

Synopsis: Adaptation of the first of J.K. Rowling's popular children's novels about Harry Potter, a boy who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, John Cleese

Directed By: Chris Columbus

Critics Consensus: Much like the titular cuisine, Soul Food blends a series of savory ingredients to offer warm, generous helpings of nourishment and comfort.

Synopsis: When Ahmad Simmons' (Brandon Hammond) diabetic grandmother, Josephine Big Mama Joseph (Irma P. Hall), falls into a coma during an operation to amputate her leg,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Michael Beach

Directed By: George Tillman Jr.

Critics Consensus: Despite its thin plot, Liar Liar is elevated by Jim Carrey's exuberant brand of physical humor, and the result is a laugh riot that helped to broaden the comedian's appeal.

Synopsis: Conniving attorney Fletcher Reede is an ace in the courtroom, but his dishonesty and devotion to work ruin his relationships. His wife, Audrey, has left... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney, Jennifer Tilly, Swoosie Kurtz

Directed By: Tom Shadyac

Critics Consensus: Banderas returns as an aging Zorro in this surprisingly nimble, entertaining swashbuckler.

Synopsis: After being imprisoned for 20 years, Zorro -- Don Diego de la Vega (Anthony Hopkins) -- receives word that his old enemy, Don Rafael Montero... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stuart Wilson

Directed By: Martin Campbell

Critics Consensus: As fast-paced, witty, and entertaining as it is star-studded and coolly stylish, Ocean's Eleven offers a well-seasoned serving of popcorn entertainment.

Synopsis: Dapper Danny Ocean is a man of action. Less than 24 hours into his parole from a New Jersey penitentiary, the wry, charismatic thief is... View Full Synopsis

Starring: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt

Directed By: Steven Soderbergh

Critics Consensus: Confident directing and acting deliver an insightful look at young athletes.

Synopsis: Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) are two childhood friends who both aspire to be professional basketball players. Quincy, whose father, Zeke (Dennis Haysbert),... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard, Dennis Haysbert

Directed By: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Critics Consensus: If it's not quite as sharp as The Muppet Movie, The Muppets Take Manhattan is still a smart, delightfully old-fashioned tale that follows the formula established by the first two movies -- a madcap adventure assisted by a huge group of human stars.

Synopsis: When Kermit the Frog and friends start a stage act, they decide to take the show from their college town to Broadway. However, once The... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, James Coco

Directed By: Frank Oz

Critics Consensus: Anchored by dazzling performances from Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Renée Zellweger, as well as Cameron Crowe's tender direction, Jerry Maguire meshes romance and sports with panache.

Synopsis: When slick sports agent Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) has a crisis of conscience, he pens a heartfelt company-wide memo that promptly gets him fired. Desperate... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger, Kelly Preston

Directed By: Cameron Crowe

Critics Consensus: A buoyant corporate Cinderella story, Working Girl has the right cast, right story, and right director to make it all come together.

Synopsis: Savvy New York City receptionist Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) gives her conniving boss, Katharine Parker (Sigourney Weaver), an excellent business tip, but Katharine simply steals... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver, Alec Baldwin

Directed By: Mike Nichols

Critics Consensus: Unapologetically sweet and maybe even a little corny, The Sound of Music will win over all but the most cynical filmgoers with its classic songs and irresistible warmth.

Synopsis: A tuneful, heartwarming story, it is based on the real life story of the Von Trapp Family singers, one of the world's best-known concert groups... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn

Directed By: Robert Wise

Critics Consensus: I Love You, Man makes the most of its simple premise due to the heartfelt and hilarious performances of Paul Rudd and Jason Segel.

Synopsis: As his wedding day approaches, Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) realizes he has no one to act as his best man. Through a series of "man-dates,"... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, Jaime Pressly

Directed By: John Hamburg

Critics Consensus: Elevated by a brilliant screenplay and outstanding ensemble cast, Mean Girls finds fresh, female-fronted humor in the high school experience.

Synopsis: Cady Heron enrolls at North Shore High School near Chicago after living in Africa. She interacts with Regina George, a prominent student who previously dated... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows

Directed By: Mark Waters

Critics Consensus: Fast-paced and packed with dozens of pop culture references, Hercules might not measure up with the true classics of the Disney pantheon, but it's still plenty of fun.

Synopsis: Disney tackles Greek mythology in this animated feature. Hercules (Tate Donovan), a son of gods, was snatched as a baby by Hades (James Woods) and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tate Donovan, Josh Keaton, Roger Bart, Danny DeVito

Directed By: Ron Clements, John Musker

Critics Consensus: Blockers puts a gender-swapped spin on the teen sex comedy -- one elevated by strong performances, a smartly funny script, and a surprisingly enlightened perspective.

Synopsis: Julie, Kayla and Sam are three high school seniors who make a pact to lose their virginity on prom night. Lisa, Mitchell and Hunter are... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Leslie Mann, Ike Barinholtz, John Cena, Kathryn Newton

Directed By: Kay Cannon

Critics Consensus: A movie full of Yuletide cheer, Elf is a spirited, good-natured family comedy, and it benefits greatly from Will Ferrell's funny and charming performance as one of Santa's biggest helpers.

Synopsis: Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner

Directed By: Jon Favreau

Critics Consensus: It owes a huge debt to older (and better) teen comedies, but Easy A proves a smart, witty showcase for its irresistibly charming star, Emma Stone.

Synopsis: Prompted by her popular best friend to spill details of her boring weekend, Olive, a clean-cut teen, decides to spice things up by telling a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Dan Byrd

Directed By: Will Gluck

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: Cinderella (Brandy) chafes under the cruelty of her wicked stepmother (Bernadette Peters) and her evil stepsisters, Calliope (Veanne Cox) and Minerva (Natalie Desselle), until her... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Whitney Houston, Brandy Norwood, Whoopi Goldberg, Jason Alexander

Directed By: Robert Iscove

Critics Consensus: The deft comic interplay between Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei helps to elevate My Cousin Vinny's predictable script, and the result is a sharp, hilarious courtroom comedy.

Synopsis: New York lawyer Vinny has never won a case. When his teenage cousin Bill and his friend Stan are accused of murder in a backwater... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, Ralph Macchio, Mitchell Whitfield

Directed By: Jonathan Lynn

Critics Consensus: Sure, it's another adaptation of cinema's fave Jane Austen novel, but key performances and a modern filmmaking sensibility make this familiar period piece fresh and enjoyable.

Synopsis: In this adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel, Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) lives with her mother, father and sisters in the English countryside. As the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland

Directed By: Joe Wright

Critics Consensus: Spiritedly performed by a groovy cast and imaginatively directed by Milos Forman, Hair transports audiences straight to the Age of Aquarius.

Synopsis: In New York City for the first time while on his way to enlist in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Oklahoma farm hand... View Full Synopsis

Starring: John Savage, Treat Williams, Beverly D'Angelo, Annie Golden

Directed By: Milos Forman

Critics Consensus: Even if all it had to offer were writer-director Wong Kar-wai's thrillingly distinctive visuals, Chungking Express would be well worth watching; happily, its thoughtfully drawn characters and naturalistic performances also pack a potent dramatic wallop.

Synopsis: Every day, Cop 223 (Takeshi Kaneshiro) buys a can of pineapple with an expiration date of May 1, symbolizing the day he'll get over his... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Brigitte Lin, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Faye Wong

Directed By: Kar-Wai Wong

Critics Consensus: The feel-good Amelie is a lively, fanciful charmer, showcasing Audrey Tautou as its delightful heroine.

Synopsis: "Amélie" is a fanciful comedy about a young woman who discretely orchestrates the lives of the people around her, creating a world exclusively of her... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Yolande Moreau

Directed By: Jean-Pierre Jeunet

Critics Consensus: Deftly balancing vulgarity and sincerity while placing its protagonists in excessive situations, Superbad is an authentic take on friendship and the overarching awkwardness of the high school experience.

Synopsis: High school seniors Seth and Evan have high hopes for a graduation party. The co-dependent teens plan to score booze and babes so they can... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bill Hader

Directed By: Greg Mottola

Critics Consensus: While simultaneously embracing and subverting fairy tales, the irreverent Shrek also manages to tweak Disney's nose, provide a moral message to children, and offer viewers a funny, fast-paced ride.

Synopsis: Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek whose precious solitude is suddenly shattered by an invasion of... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow

Directed By: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson

Critics Consensus: It contains some ugly anachronisms, but Blake Edwards is at his funniest in this iconic classic, and Audrey Hepburn absolutely lights up the screen.

Synopsis: Based on Truman Capote's novel, this is the story of a young woman in New York City who meets a young man when he moves... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen

Directed By: Blake Edwards

Critics Consensus: Madcap and heartfelt, Edgar Wright's apocalypse comedy The World's End benefits from the typically hilarious Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, with a plethora of supporting players.

Synopsis: Gary King (Simon Pegg) is an immature 40-year-old who's dying to take another stab at an epic pub-crawl that he last attempted 20 years earlier.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Paddy Considine, Martin Freeman

Directed By: Edgar Wright

Critics Consensus: Boasting loads of quirky charm, a pair of likable leads, and confident direction from Jonathan Demme, Something Wild navigates its unpredictable tonal twists with room to spare.

Synopsis: Free-spirited Lulu (Melanie Griffith) sets her sights on uptight banker Charles (Jeff Daniels) for a little bit of fun. Their relationship starts off simple enough... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jeff Daniels, Melanie Griffith, Ray Liotta, Margaret Colin

Directed By: Jonathan Demme

Critics Consensus: If The Breakfast Club's gestures towards authenticity are occasionally undercut by trendy flourishes, its blistering emotional honesty and talented troupe of young actors catapult it to the top of the teen comedy class.

Synopsis: Five high school students from different walks of life endure a Saturday detention under a power-hungry principal. The disparate group includes rebel John, princess Claire,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Paul Gleason

Directed By: John Hughes

Critics Consensus: Featuring a starmaking performance from Shameik Moore and a refreshingly original point of view from writer-director Rick Famuyiwa, Dope is smart, insightful entertainment.

Synopsis: High-school senior Malcolm (Shameik Moore) and his friends Jib (Tony Revolori) and Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) bond over '90s hip-hop culture, their studies and playing music... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Kimberly Elise

Directed By: Rick Famuyiwa

Critics Consensus: Danny DeVito-directed version of Matilda is odd, charming, and while the movie diverges from Roald Dahl, it nonetheless captures the book's spirit.

Synopsis: This film adaptation of a Roald Dahl work tells the story of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), a gifted girl forced to put up with a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz

Directed By: Danny DeVito

Critics Consensus: Inventively animated, boldly creative, and refreshingly ambitious, The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl should resonate deeply with fans of outré anime.

Synopsis: A young girl embarks on an insanely long night of partying where she interacts with an increasingly eccentric cast of characters.

Starring: Kana Hanazawa, Gen Hoshino, Hiroshi Kamiya, Ryûji Akiyama

Directed By: Masaaki Yuasa

Critics Consensus: Remixing Roger Corman's B-movie by way of the Off-Broadway musical, Little Shop of Horrors offers camp, horror and catchy tunes in equal measure -- plus some inspired cameos by the likes of Steve Martin and Bill Murray.

Synopsis: Meek flower shop assistant Seymour (Rick Moranis) pines for co-worker Audrey (Ellen Greene). During a total eclipse, he discovers an unusual plant he names Audrey... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin, Vincent Gardenia

Directed By: Frank Oz

Critics Consensus: Effortlessly mixing scares, laughs, and social commentary, Attack the Block is a thrilling, briskly-paced sci-fi yarn with a distinctly British flavor.

Synopsis: South London teenagers (John Boyega, Alex Esmail, Leeon Jones) defend their neighborhood from malevolent extraterrestrials.

Starring: John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker, Alex Esmail, Leeon Jones

Directed By: Joe Cornish

Critics Consensus: A marriage of genuine characters, gross out gags, and pathos, Bridesmaids is a female-driven comedy that refuses to be boxed in as Kristen Wiig emerges as a real star.

Synopsis: Annie (Kristen Wiig) is a single woman whose own life is a mess, but when she learns that her lifelong best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph),... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper

Directed By: Paul Feig

Critics Consensus: Rob Reiner's touching, funny film set a new standard for romantic comedies, and he was ably abetted by the sharp interplay between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.

Synopsis: In 1977, college graduates Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) share a contentious car ride from Chicago to New York, during which... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby

Directed By: Rob Reiner

Critics Consensus: Tootsie doesn't squander its high-concept comedy premise with fine dialogue and sympathetic treatment of the characters.

Synopsis: New York actor Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) is a talented perfectionist who is so hard on himself and others that his agent (Sydney Pollack) can... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman

Directed By: Sydney Pollack

Critics Consensus: Hairspray is an energetic, wholly entertaining musical romp; a fun Summer movie with plenty of heart. Its contagious songs will make you want to get up and start dancing.

Synopsis: In the 1960s Baltimore, dance-loving teen Tracy Turnblad auditions for a spot on "The Corny Collins Show" and wins. She becomes an overnight celebrity, a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky, Amanda Bynes, Christopher Walken

Directed By: Adam Shankman

Critics Consensus: With a terrific cast and a surfeit of visual razzle dazzle, Crazy Rich Asians takes a satisfying step forward for screen representation while deftly drawing inspiration from the classic -- and still effective -- rom-com formula.

Synopsis: Rachel Chu is happy to accompany her longtime boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend's wedding in Singapore. She's also surprised to learn that Nick's family... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan

Directed By: Jon M. Chu

Critics Consensus: Girls Trip is the rare R-rated comedy that pushes boundaries to truly comedic effect -- and anchors its laughs in compelling characters brought to life by a brilliantly assembled cast.

Synopsis: Best friends Ryan, Sasha, Lisa and Dina are in for the adventure of a lifetime when they travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish

Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee

Critics Consensus: Black's exuberant, gleeful performance turns School of Rock into a hilarious, rocking good time.

Synopsis: Overly enthusiastic guitarist Dewey Finn (Jack Black) gets thrown out of his bar band and finds himself in desperate need of work. Posing as a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman

Directed By: Richard Linklater

Critics Consensus: The brilliant minds behind Shaun of the Dead successfully take a shot at the buddy cop genre with Hot Fuzz. The result is a bitingly satiric and hugely entertaining parody.

Synopsis: As a former London constable, Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) finds it difficult to adapt to his new assignment in the sleepy British village of Sandford.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine

Directed By: Edgar Wright

Critics Consensus: La La Land breathes new life into a bygone genre with thrillingly assured direction, powerful performances, and an irresistible excess of heart.

Synopsis: Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) are drawn together by their common desire to do what they love. But as success mounts they are... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt

Directed By: Damien Chazelle

Critics Consensus: Little Miss Sunshine succeeds thanks to a strong ensemble cast that includes Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Alan Arkin, and Abigail Breslin, as well as a delightfully funny script.

Synopsis: The Hoover family -- a man (Greg Kinnear), his wife (Toni Collette), an uncle (Steve Carell), a brother (Paul Dano) and a grandfather (Alan Arkin)... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Alan Arkin

Directed By: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

Critics Consensus: Endlessly witty, visually rapturous, and sweetly romantic, Shakespeare in Love is a delightful romantic comedy that succeeds on nearly every level.

Synopsis: "Shakespeare in Love" is a romantic comedy for the 1990s set in the 1590s. It imaginatively unfolds the witty, sexy and timeless tale behind the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geoffrey Rush, Judi Dench

Directed By: John Madden

Critics Consensus: Shaun of the Dead cleverly balances scares and witty satire, making for a bloody good zombie movie with loads of wit.

Synopsis: Shaun is a 30-something loser with a dull, easy existence. When he's not working at the electronics store, he lives with his slovenly best friend,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Nick Frost

Directed By: Edgar Wright

Critics Consensus: The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness is a captivating treat for Studio Ghibli fans -- and may prove nearly as entertaining and enlightening for the unconverted.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Mami Sunada follows Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki and Isao Takahata over the course of a year as Studio Ghibli prepares to release two films.

Starring: Hayao Miyazaki, Sankichi, Toshio Suzuki, Shinsuke Nonaka

Directed By: Mami Sunada

Critics Consensus: Love, Simon hits its coming-of-age beats more deftly than many entries in this well-traveled genre -- and represents an overdue, if not entirely successful, milestone of inclusion.

Synopsis: Everyone deserves a great love story, but for 17-year-old Simon Spier, it's a little more complicated. He hasn't told his family or friends that he's... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Nick Robinson, Josh Duhamel, Jennifer Garner, Tony Hale

Directed By: Greg Berlanti

Critics Consensus: Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightfully funny feast for the eyes with multi-generational appeal -- and it shows Wes Anderson has a knack for animation.

Synopsis: After 12 years of bucolic bliss, Mr. Fox breaks a promise to his wife and raids the farms of their human neighbors, Boggis, Bunce, and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray

Directed By: Wes Anderson

Critics Consensus: A smart re-imagining of fairy tale tropes that's sure to delight children and adults, Enchanted features witty dialogue, sharp animation, and a star turn by Amy Adams.

Synopsis: Banished by an evil queen, Princess Giselle (Amy Adams) from a fairy-tale world lands in modern Manhattan, where music, magic and "happily ever after" are... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall

Directed By: Kevin Lima

Critics Consensus: Packed with action and populated by both familiar faces and fresh blood, The Force Awakens successfully recalls the series' former glory while injecting it with renewed energy.

Synopsis: Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver

Directed By: J.J. Abrams

Critics Consensus: In heartwarming, crowd-pleasing fashion, Hidden Figures celebrates overlooked -- and crucial -- contributions from a pivotal moment in American history.

Synopsis: Three brilliant African American women at NASA, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner

Directed By: Theodore Melfi

Critics Consensus: Much like the sport it celebrates, Fighting with My Family muscles past clichés with a potent blend of energy and committed acting that should leave audiences cheering.

Synopsis: Born into a tight-knit wrestling family, Paige and her brother Zak are ecstatic when they get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out for the WWE.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Florence Pugh, Lena Headey, Nick Frost, Jack Lowden

Directed By: Stephen Merchant

Critics Consensus: Exciting, funny, and above all fun, Thor: Ragnarok is a colorful cosmic adventure that sets a new standard for its franchise -- and the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Synopsis: Imprisoned on the other side of the universe, the mighty Thor finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against the Hulk, his... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba

Directed By: Taika Waititi

Critics Consensus: About a Boy benefits tremendously from Hugh Grant's layered performance, as well as a funny, moving story that tugs at the heartstrings without tilting into treacle.

Synopsis: A comedy-drama starring Hugh Grant as Will, a rich, child-free and irresponsible Londoner in his thirties who, in search of available women, invents an imaginary... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Hugh Grant, Rachel Weisz, Toni Collette, Nicholas Hoult

Directed By: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz

Critics Consensus: Beautiful hand-drawn animation and a humorous, heartwarming narrative make Klaus an instant candidate for holiday classic status.

Synopsis: A desperate postman accidentally brings about the genesis of Santa Claus.

Starring: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Will Sasso

Directed By: Sergio Pablos

Critics Consensus: Richly detailed and loaded with surreal touches, The Triplets of Belleville is an odd, delightful charmer.

Synopsis: This animated film follows elderly Frenchwoman Madame Souza as she becomes involved in international intrigue when her grandson, Champion, a professional cyclist, is kidnapped and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jean-Claude Donda, Michel Robin, Monica Viegas, Michèle Caucheteux

Directed By: Sylvain Chomet

Critics Consensus: A fine example of writer-director-star Christopher Guest's gift for improv comedy, Best in Show boasts an appealingly quirky premise and a brilliantly talented cast.

Synopsis: The tension is palpable, the excitement is mounting and the heady scent of competition is in the air as hundreds of eager contestants from across... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael Hitchcock, Parker Posey, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara

Directed By: Christopher Guest

Critics Consensus: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and director George Roy Hill prove that charm, humor, and a few slick twists can add up to a great film.

Synopsis: Following the murder of a mutual friend, aspiring con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) teams up with old pro Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to take... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning

Directed By: George Roy Hill

Critics Consensus: One of the brightest, funniest comedies of the year, Juno's smart script and direction are matched by assured performances in a coming-of-age story with a 21st century twist.

Synopsis: When precocious teen Juno MacGuff becomes pregnant, she chooses a failed rock star and his wife to adopt her unborn child. Complications occur when Mark,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman

Directed By: Jason Reitman

Critics Consensus: Featuring one of Tom Cruise's best early performances, Risky Business is a sharp, funny examination of teen angst that doesn't stop short of exploring dark themes.

Synopsis: Ecstatic when his parents leave on vacation for a few days, high school senior Joel Goodsen cuts loose with his best friend Miles. After an... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Bronson Pinchot, Joe Pantoliano

Directed By: Paul Brickman

Critics Consensus: Simultaneously broad and progressive, Spy offers further proof that Melissa McCarthy and writer-director Paul Feig bring out the best in one another -- and delivers scores of belly laughs along the way.

Synopsis: Despite having solid field training, CIA analyst Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) has spent her entire career as a desk jockey, working hand-in-hand with dashing agent... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart

Directed By: Paul Feig

Critics Consensus: Sing Street is a feel-good musical with huge heart and irresistible optimism, and its charming cast and hummable tunes help to elevate its familiar plotting.

Synopsis: In 1985, a Dublin teenager (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) forms a rock 'n' roll band to win the heart of an aspiring model (Lucy Boynton).

Starring: Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Lucy Boynton, Jack Reynor, Aidan Gillen

Directed By: John Carney

Critics Consensus: Wall-E's stellar visuals testify once again to Pixar's ingenuity, while its charming star will captivate younger viewers -- and its timely story offers thought-provoking subtext.

Synopsis: WALL-E, short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-class, is the last robot left on Earth. He spends his days tidying up the planet, one piece... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard

Directed By: Andrew Stanton

Critics Consensus: Clever, charming, and heartfelt, The Muppets is a welcome big screen return for Jim Henson's lovable creations that will both win new fans and delight longtime devotees.

Synopsis: Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, is on vacation in Los Angeles with his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary's girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams). They... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones

Directed By: James Bobin

Critics Consensus: With a title character as three-dimensional as its lush animation and a story that adds fresh depth to Disney's time-tested formula, Moana is truly a family-friendly adventure for the ages.

Synopsis: An adventurous teenager sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison

Directed By: John Musker, Ron Clements

Critics Consensus: Smart, sweet, and inventive, Groundhog Day highlights Murray's dramatic gifts while still leaving plenty of room for laughs.

Synopsis: Phil (Bill Murray), a weatherman, is out to cover the annual emergence of the groundhog from its hole. He gets caught in a blizzard that... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky

Directed By: Harold Ramis

Critics Consensus: Inventive, funny, and breathlessly constructed, Back to the Future is a rousing time-travel adventure with an unforgettable spirit.

Synopsis: In this 1980s sci-fi classic, small-town California teen Marty McFly is thrown back into the '50s when an experiment by his eccentric scientist friend Doc... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover, Lea Thompson

Directed By: Robert Zemeckis

Critics Consensus: With help from a strong performance by Leonardo DiCaprio as real-life wunderkind con artist Frank Abagnale, Steven Spielberg crafts a film that's stylish, breezily entertaining, and surprisingly sweet.

Synopsis: Frank Abagnale, Jr. works as a doctor, a lawyer and as a co-pilot for a major airline, all before his 18th birthday. A master of... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen

Directed By: Steven Spielberg

Critics Consensus: The charmingly offbeat Hunt for the Wilderpeople unites a solid cast, a talented filmmaker, and a poignant, funny, deeply affecting message.

Synopsis: A boy (Julian Dennison) and his foster father (Sam Neill) become the subjects of a manhunt after they get stranded in the New Zealand wilderness.

Starring: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rima Te Wiata, Rachel House

Directed By: Taika Waititi

Critics Consensus: Fast-paced and stunningly animated, Ratatouille adds another delightfully entertaining entry -- and a rather unlikely hero -- to the Pixar canon.

Synopsis: Remy (Patton Oswalt), a resident of Paris, appreciates good food and has quite a sophisticated palate. He would love to become a chef so he... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Brian Dennehy

Directed By: Brad Bird

Critics Consensus: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse matches bold storytelling with striking animation for a purely enjoyable adventure with heart, humor, and plenty of superhero action.

Synopsis: Bitten by a radioactive spider in the subway, Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales suddenly develops mysterious powers that transform him into the one and only Spider-Man.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali

Directed By: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman

Critics Consensus: Fast-paced, funny, and fresh, Booksmart does the seemingly impossible by adding a smart new spin to the coming-of-age comedy.

Synopsis: Academic overachievers Amy and Molly thought keeping their noses to the grindstone gave them a leg up on their high school peers. But on the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Jessica Williams, Jason Sudeikis

Directed By: Olivia Wilde

Critics Consensus: An infectiously fun blend of special effects and comedy, with Bill Murray's hilarious deadpan performance leading a cast of great comic turns.

Synopsis: After the members of a team of scientists (Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray) lose their cushy positions at a university in New York City,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver

Directed By: Ivan Reitman

Critics Consensus: Love & Friendship finds director Whit Stillman bringing his talents to bear on a Jane Austen adaptation -- with a thoroughly delightful period drama as the result.

Synopsis: In the 18th century, the seductive and manipulative Lady Susan (Kate Beckinsale) uses devious tactics to win the heart of the eligible Reginald De Courcy... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Xavier Samuel, Morfydd Clark, Emma Greenwell

Directed By: Whit Stillman

Critics Consensus: A delightfully postmodern fairy tale, The Princess Bride is a deft, intelligent mix of swashbuckling, romance, and comedy that takes an age-old damsel-in-distress story and makes it fresh.

Synopsis: A fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. He must find her after a long separation and save her.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon

Directed By: Rob Reiner

Critics Consensus: Spirited Away is a dazzling, enchanting, and gorgeously drawn fairy tale that will leave viewers a little more curious and fascinated by the world around them.

Synopsis: 10-year-old Chihiro (Daveigh Chase) moves with her parents to a new home in the Japanese countryside. After taking a wrong turn down a wooded path,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Jason Marsden, Susan Egan

Directed By: Hayao Miyazaki

Critics Consensus: In dramatizing Rudy Ray Moore's stranger-than-fiction story, Eddie Murphy makes Dolemite Is My Name just as bold, brash, and ultimately hard to resist as its subject.

Synopsis: Performer Rudy Ray Moore develops an outrageous character named Dolemite, who becomes an underground sensation and star of a kung-fu, anti-establishment film that could make... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Wesley Snipes, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Keegan-Michael Key

Directed By: Craig Brewer

Critics Consensus: Refreshingly sweet and undeniably funny, Big is a showcase for Tom Hanks, who dives into his role and infuses it with charm and surprising poignancy.

Synopsis: At a carnival, young Josh Baskin wishes he were big, only to wake up the next morning and discover his wish came true. But the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard

Directed By: Penny Marshall

Critics Consensus: Hairspray is perhaps John Waters' most accessible film, and as such, it's a gently subversive slice of retro hilarity.

Synopsis: When Tracy Turnblad (Ricki Lake), an overweight teen, auditions for a spot on a popular teen dance show, she beats out the spiteful Amber von... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ricki Lake, Divine, Jerry Stiller, Sonny Bono

Directed By: John Waters

Critics Consensus: Sense and Sensibility is an uncommonly deft, very funny Jane Austen adaptation, marked by Emma Thompson's finely tuned performance.

Synopsis: When Elinor Dashwood's father dies, her family's finances are crippled. After the Dashwoods move to a cottage in Devonshire, Elinor's sister Marianne is torn between... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant

Directed By: Ang Lee

Critics Consensus: As beautifully animated as it is emotionally satisfying, Your Name adds another outstanding chapter to writer-director Makoto Shinkai's filmography.

Synopsis: A teenage boy and girl embark on a quest to meet each other for the first time after they magically swap bodies.

Starring: Michael Sinterniklaas, Stephanie Sheh, Laura Post, Glynis Ellis

Directed By: Makoto Shinkai

Critics Consensus: Lady Bird delivers fresh insights about the turmoil of adolescence -- and reveals writer-director Greta Gerwig as a fully formed filmmaking talent.

Synopsis: A teenager (Saoirse Ronan) navigates a loving but turbulent relationship with her strong-willed mother (Laurie Metcalf) over the course of an eventful and poignant senior... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Timothée Chalamet, Lucas Hedges

Directed By: Greta Gerwig

Critics Consensus: Paddington 2 honors its star's rich legacy with a sweet-natured sequel whose adorable visuals are matched by a story perfectly balanced between heartwarming family fare and purely enjoyable all-ages adventure.

Synopsis: Settled in with the Brown family, Paddington the bear is a popular member of the community who spreads joy and marmalade wherever he goes. One... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville

Directed By: Paul King

Critics Consensus: Clever, incisive, and funny, Singin' in the Rain is a masterpiece of the classical Hollywood musical.

Synopsis: A spoof of the turmoil that afflicted the movie industry in the late 1920s when movies went from silent to sound. When two silent movie... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Jean Hagen

Directed By: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly

Critics Consensus: Thanks to director Juzo Itami's offbeat humor and sharp satirical edge, Tampopo is a funny, sexy, affectionate celebration of food and its broad influence on Japanese culture.

Synopsis: Two Japanese milk-truck drivers (Tsutomu Yamazaki, Ken Watanabe) help a restaurant owner (Nobuko Miyamoto) learn how to cook great noodles.

Starring: Tsutomu Yamazaki, Nobuko Miyamoto, Ken Watanabe, Kôji Yakusho

Directed By: Juzo Itami