If you’re looking for some great movies to watch, Stan has an extensive library of films that cater to a wide range of interests. From action-packed blockbusters to indie gems, there’s something for everyone. With the constantly updated selection, it can be hard to decide what to watch. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the 30 best movies on Stan to watch in 2023. This list includes critically acclaimed films, box office hits, and hidden gems that are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.
- Parasite (2019)
- Inception (2010)
- The Godfather (1972)
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
- Gravity (2013)
- Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
- Mulholland Drive (2001)
- Midsommar (2019)
- There Will Be Blood (2007)
- Locke (2014)
- The Raid (2011)
- Love, Actually (2003)
- Inglourious Basterds (2009)
- The Holiday (2006)
- About Time (2013)
- The Lovely Bones (2009)
- Wind River (2017)
- Eastern Promises (2007)
- Searching For Sugar Man (2012)
- High Ground (2020)
- Breathe (2017)
- The Impossible (2012)
- Anchorman – The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
- What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
- Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
- Justice League: War (2014)
- The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)
- What To Expect When You’re Expecting (2012)
- Animal Kingdom (2010)
Parasite (2019)
Director | Bong Joon Ho |
Released Date | May 21, 2019 |
Genre | Drama, Thriller |
Cast | Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong |
IMDb Rating | 8.5/10 |
Ki-taek is a jobless young man from a poor family, living in a basement apartment in Seoul with his parents, sister, and brother. He jumps at the opportunity to work for the wealthy Park family when his friend recommends him as an English tutor. Ki-taek becomes entangled in the family’s twisted dynamics, leading to a shocking climax that exposes the vast class divide between the rich and poor in South Korea.
Inception (2010)
Director | Christopher Nolan |
Released Date | July 13, 2010 |
Genre | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi |
Cast | Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page |
IMDb Rating | 8.8/10 |
Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, but instead of stealing physical objects, he steals ideas by entering people’s dreams. He is hired by a wealthy businessman to plant an idea in his competitor’s mind, but as the plan unfolds, Cobb’s past and personal demons begin to interfere with his ability to control the dream world. With time running out, he and his team must navigate the dangerous and unpredictable dreamscapes to complete the mission.
The Godfather (1972)
Director | Francis Ford Coppola |
Released Date | March 24, 1972 |
Genre | Crime, Drama |
Cast | Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan |
IMDb Rating | 9.2/10 |
The patriarch of the Corleone crime family, Vito Corleone, is known for his power and influence in the world of organized crime. As he nears the end of his life, he must navigate the treacherous world of mafia politics and ensure that his family’s power remains intact. His son Michael, an outsider to the family business, is drawn into the world of violence and corruption as he tries to protect his family’s legacy and his own place within it. The film is a gripping portrayal of the Corleone family’s rise to power and the brutal tactics they use to maintain it.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Director | Quentin Tarantino |
Released Date | October 14, 1994 |
Genre | Crime, Drama |
Cast | John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson |
IMDb Rating | 8.9/10 |
“Pulp Fiction” follows Vincent Vega, and his partner Jules Winnfield, as they go about their jobs in Los Angeles. The film is known for its nonlinear narrative structure and the interweaving storylines of various characters. The film also features Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace, the wife of Vega’s boss, and Bruce Willis as a boxer named Butch Coolidge. The film’s dialogue, violence, and eclectic soundtrack have become iconic in cinema history.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Director | George Miller |
Released Date | May 15, 2015 |
Genre | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi |
Cast | Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult |
IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 |
A post-apocalyptic action film set in a desert wasteland. The film follows Max Rockatansky, as he helps Imperator Furiosa, portrayed by Charlize Theron, transport a group of women to safety from the tyrannical Immortan Joe. The film is known for its high-octane action sequences, stunning visuals, and feminist themes. The film’s intense chase scenes and intricate world-building make it a standout in the action genre.
Gravity (2013)
Director | Alfonso Cuarón |
Released Date | October 4, 2013 |
Genre | Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller |
Cast | Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris |
IMDb Rating | 7.7/10 |
“Gravity” tells the story of Dr. Ryan Stone, a medical engineeR, and astronaut Matt Kowalski, as they attempt to survive after their space shuttle is destroyed. The film is known for its groundbreaking visual effects and immersive sound design. The film’s exploration of themes such as mortality and isolation, coupled with the impressive technical achievements, make it a memorable and unique viewing experience.
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Director | Mel Gibson |
Released Date | October 7, 2016 |
Genre | Biography, Drama, History |
Cast | Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey |
IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 |
In “Hacksaw Ridge,” we meet Desmond Doss, a young man who enlists in the US Army during World War II, despite his deep-seated religious beliefs that prevent him from carrying a weapon. Doss, played by Andrew Garfield, is determined to serve his country as a medic and is subjected to severe bullying and discrimination from his fellow soldiers. However, he remains steadfast in his convictions and, in the battle of Okinawa, he proves his mettle as a hero, saving the lives of countless wounded soldiers.
Mulholland Drive (2001)
Director | David Lynch |
Released Date | May 16, 2001 |
Genre | Drama, Mystery, Thriller |
Cast | Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux |
IMDb Rating | 7.9/10 |
In “Mulholland Drive,” we are introduced to Betty, a fresh-faced, optimistic young actress who arrives in Los Angeles to make it big. Betty soon meets a mysterious woman named Rita, who has lost her memory and is searching for her identity. Together, the two women embark on a journey of discovery that takes them deep into the seedy underbelly of Hollywood. As they unravel the mystery of Rita’s past, Betty is forced to confront her own dark side and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry.
Midsommar (2019)
Director | Ari Aster |
Released Date | May 16, 2001 |
Genre | Drama, Mystery, Horror |
Cast | Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, Vilhelm Blomgren |
IMDb Rating | 7.1/10 |
“Midsommar” introduces us to Dani, a young woman who is struggling to cope with the aftermath of a terrible family tragedy. Played by Florence Pugh, Dani accompanies her boyfriend and his friends on a trip to a remote Swedish village to witness a mysterious pagan festival. As the group becomes more and more entangled in the rituals and customs of the village, Dani begins to experience a strange and unsettling transformation. She must confront her deepest fears and darkest desires as she is drawn deeper into the sinister world of the festival.
There Will Be Blood (2007)
Director | Paul Thomas Anderson |
Released Date | December 26, 2007 |
Genre | Drama |
Cast | Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds |
IMDb Rating | 8.2/10 |
In There Will Be Blood, the main character Daniel Plainview is an ambitious and ruthless oilman who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. His pursuit of wealth and power leads him to clash with a local preacher, Eli Sunday, and the ensuing battle of wills drives the plot forward.
Locke (2013)
Director | Steven Knight |
Released Date | April 18, 2014 (United Kingdom) |
Genre | Drama |
Cast | Tom Hardy, Olivia Colman(voice), Ruth Wilson(voice) |
IMDb Rating | 7.1/10 |
In Locke, the story is centered around the character Ivan Locke, a construction manager who makes a fateful decision to drive from Birmingham to London to deal with a personal crisis instead of attending a crucial work event. The entire film takes place in his car as he navigates the fallout from his decision and faces difficult conversations with his colleagues and family.
The Raid (2011)
Director | Gareth Evans |
Released Date | April 13, 2012 (United States) |
Genre | Action, Crime, Thriller |
Cast | Iko Uwais, Ananda George, Ray Sahetapy |
IMDb Rating | 7.6/10 |
The Raid follows Rama, a member of a special forces team tasked with infiltrating and taking down a high-rise apartment complex run by a notorious drug lord. As they make their way up the building, Rama becomes separated from his team and must fight his way through waves of enemies to survive and complete the mission. The intense action and high-stakes plot keep the audience on the edge of their seat.
Love, Actually (2003)
Director | Richard Curtis |
Released Date | November 14, 2003 |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
Cast | Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, Liam Neeson |
IMDb Rating | 7.6/10 |
Love, Actually revolves around multiple characters whose stories intertwine, but the main character is arguably David, the newly elected British Prime Minister played by Hugh Grant. Despite his powerful position, David struggles to balance his personal and professional life, and he finds himself falling for a young staffer at 10 Downing Street. As the film progresses, David must navigate the ups and downs of his newfound love while also managing the country’s affairs.
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Director | Quentin Tarantino |
Released Date | August 21, 2009 |
Genre | Adventure, Drama, War |
Cast | Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth |
IMDb Rating | 8.3/10 |
Inglourious Basterds has an ensemble cast, but the central character is Lieutenant Aldo Raine, portrayed by Brad Pitt. As the leader of a group of Jewish-American soldiers, Raine is on a mission to kill as many Nazis as possible during World War II. Raine is a charismatic and fearless leader, but he also has a dark sense of humor and a penchant for scalping his enemies. Throughout the film, Raine and his team hatch a plan to assassinate Adolf Hitler and other high-ranking Nazis.
The Holiday (2006)
Director | Nancy Meyers |
Released Date | December 8, 2006 |
Genre | Comedy, Romance |
Cast | Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law |
IMDb Rating | 6.9/10 |
The Holida tells the story of two women, one from Los Angeles and the other from Surrey, England, who swap homes for the holidays in order to escape their personal problems. The main character, Iris, played by Kate Winslet, is a journalist who is in love with a man who is engaged to someone else. On a whim, she decides to spend Christmas in a cozy English cottage, where she meets a widower named Arthur who helps her rediscover her sense of self-worth.
About Time (2013)
Director | Richard Curtis |
Released Date | September 4, 2013 |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy |
Cast | Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy |
IMDb Rating | 7.8/10 |
A British romantic comedy-drama film that tells the story of Tim Lake, who discovers that he can time travel. He uses this newfound ability to try to improve his love life and relationship with his father. The movie has a unique take on time travel and explores themes of love, family, and the importance of living in the moment.
The Lovely Bones (2009)
Director | Peter Jackson |
Released Date | December 26, 2009 |
Genre | Drama, Fantasy, Thriller |
Cast | Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz |
IMDb Rating | 6.6/10 |
A supernatural drama film based on the novel of the same name by Alice Sebold. The story follows a young girl named Susie Salmon, who is murdered and watches over her family and friends from the afterlife. The movie explores themes of grief, loss, and the power of love to overcome tragedy. The film also features stunning visual effects that bring Susie’s afterlife to life on the big screen.
Wind River (2017)
Director | Taylor Sheridan |
Released Date | August 4, 2017 |
Genre | Mystery, Crime, Drama |
Cast | Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Graham Greene |
IMDb Rating | 7.7/10 |
A crime thriller that takes place on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. Jeremy Renner plays a tracker named Cory Lambert who is asked to help investigate the murder of a young Native American woman. The movie explores the harsh realities of life on the reservation and the difficulties of solving a crime in such a remote and isolated location.
Eastern Promises (2007)
Director | David Cronenberg |
Released Date | September 8, 2007 |
Genre | Crime, Drama,Thriller |
Cast | Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts |
IMDb Rating | 7.6/10 |
Nikolai Luzhin is a mysterious and dangerous member of the Russian Mafia in London. When a midwife named Anna finds a diary that may incriminate Nikolai’s boss, Semyon, he becomes embroiled in a deadly game of deception and violence to protect his organization’s secrets.
Searching For Sugar Man (2012)
Director | Malik Bendjelloul |
Released Date | July 26, 2012 |
Genre | Documentary, Biography, Music |
Cast | Rodriguez, Stephen ‘Sugar’ Segerman, Dennis Coffey |
IMDb Rating | 8.2/10 |
This documentary follows the search for Rodriguez, a Detroit musician who released two unsuccessful albums in the early 1970s and then disappeared from the public eye. Decades later, two South African fans embark on a quest to find out what happened to their hero, leading to surprising revelations about his life and legacy.
High Ground (2020)
Director | Stephen Maxwell Johnson |
Released Date | February 28, 2020 |
Genre | Action, Drama, Thriller |
Cast | Guruwuk Mununggurr, Wakarra Gondarra, Mark Garrawurra |
IMDb Rating | 6.5/10 |
Set in the rugged Australian outback, this drama tells the story of ex-soldier Travis, who is hired to lead a patrol to capture an Aboriginal warrior accused of killing a white farmer. As Travis and his team navigate the harsh terrain and cultural clashes, they must confront their own demons and question the morality of their mission.
Breathe (2017)
Director | Andy Serkis |
Released Date | 27 October 2017 (UK) |
Genre | Biography, Drama, Romance |
Cast | Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Hugh Bonneville |
IMDb Rating | 7.1/10 |
Breathe follows the story of Robin, a young man who becomes paralyzed from the neck down after contracting polio. With the help of his loving wife Diana and his best friend, Robin refuses to let his disability define him and becomes an advocate for disabled rights. The film is a heartwarming story of perseverance and the power of love.
The Impossible (2012)
Director | J.A. Bayona |
Released Date | 11 January 2013 (USA) |
Genre | Adventure, Drama, History |
Cast | Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland |
IMDb Rating | 7.5/10 |
Based on the true story of a family’s vacation in Thailand that is torn apart by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The film follows Maria and Henry as they struggle to survive and reunite with their children in the aftermath of the disaster. The Impossible is a gut-wrenching and emotional tale of survival and the strength of the human spirit.
Anchorman – The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Director | Adam McKay |
Released Date | 9 July 2004 (USA) |
Genre | Comedy |
Cast | Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell |
IMDb Rating | 7.1/10 |
A satirical comedy about a 1970s news anchor named Ron Burgundy who is threatened by the arrival of a female co-anchor. The film follows Ron and his bumbling news team as they try to navigate the changing landscape of broadcast news. Anchorman is a hilarious and absurd take on the news industry and the societal changes of the 1970s.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Director | Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi |
Released Date | 13 February 2015 (USA) |
Genre | Comedy, Horror |
Cast | Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer |
IMDb Rating | 7.6/10 |
What We Do in the Shadows is a horror-comedy mockumentary film that follows the daily lives of a group of vampires who live in a shared flat in Wellington, New Zealand. The main characters include Viago, Vladislav, Deacon, and Petyr, each with their own quirks and personalities. The film offers a fresh and humorous take on the vampire genre, as the group struggles with mundane tasks like cleaning bloodstains from the carpet and navigating modern technology.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
Director | Jay Oliva |
Released Date | 30 July 2013 (USA) |
Genre | Animation, Action, Adventure |
Cast | Justin Chambers, C. Thomas Howell, Michael B. Jordan |
IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 |
An animated superhero film that features the Justice League, a team of DC Comics superheroes including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash. The film explores the concept of alternate universes as The Flash travels back in time to prevent the murder of his mother, inadvertently creating a new reality where the Justice League does not exist and the world is on the brink of destruction. The film offers a thrilling action-packed story with stunning animation and a complex storyline.
Justice League: War (2014)
Director | Jay Oliva |
Released Date | February 4, 2014 |
Genre | Animation, Action, Adventure |
Cast | Sean Astin, Zach Callison, Christopher Gorham |
IMDb Rating | 7.2/10 |
Justice League: War is another animated superhero film that follows the Justice League as they band together to defeat Darkseid, a powerful alien conqueror who threatens to destroy Earth. The main characters include Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Cyborg, each with their unique abilities and personalities. The film offers exciting action sequences, intense battles, and a strong message of unity and teamwork.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)
Director | Patrick Hughes |
Released Date | August 18, 2017 |
Genre | Action, Comedy, Crime |
Cast | Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman, Salma Hayek |
IMDb Rating | 6.9/10 |
The Hitman’s Bodyguard revolves around a world-renowned hitman who has fallen out of favor with the authorities and is awaiting his trial. Meanwhile, his arch-nemesis, a notorious dictator, has put a bounty on his head. A protection agent, who has failed to save his high-profile client before, is given the job of escorting the hitman to the trial safely. The two men are polar opposites and don’t get along well, but they must work together to make it to the trial on time while evading the dictator’s henchmen.
What To Expect When You’re Expecting (2012)
Director | Kirk Jones |
Released Date | May 18, 2012 |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
Cast | Cameron Diaz, Matthew Morrison, J. Todd Smith |
IMDb Rating | 5.7/10 |
What To Expect When You’re Expecting is a 2012 comedy-drama film about the lives of five couples as they prepare to become parents. The main characters include Jules, a fitness guru who finds out she is pregnant with her partner’s baby; Wendy, a children’s author who adopts a baby from Ethiopia with her husband; and Holly, who adopts a child with her husband after years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive. The film explores the highs and lows of pregnancy, from the joy of finding out you are expecting to the challenges of giving birth and caring for a newborn. Along the way, the characters learn important lessons about love, family, and the sacrifices that come with parenthood.
Animal Kingdom (2010)
Director | David Michôd |
Released Date | June 3, 2010 |
Genre | Crime, Drama |
Cast | James Frecheville, Joel Edgerton, Guy Pearce |
IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
Animal Kingdom is a crime drama that takes place in Melbourne, Australia. It follows the life of a teenage boy named Joshua, who is forced to move in with his grandmother and uncles after his mother’s sudden death. Joshua soon discovers that his family is deeply involved in a criminal underworld, and he must navigate the dangerous world of organized crime if he wants to survive. The movie is a dark and gritty portrayal of family, loyalty, and the consequences of living a life of crime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stan is a go-to streaming platform for movie lovers, and the selection of films available is impressive. The 30 movies on this list are just a small sampling of what Stan has to offer, but they are some of the best films that you can watch right now. So, grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and enjoy the best movies on Stan in 2023.