In the era of streaming giants, Hulu has carved out a place as one of the major players. However, since the media platform is still building a collection of original productions to remain competitive with its rivals while simultaneously acquiring streaming rights to major outside titles, it can be a struggle to know what to watch to make the most of one’s subscription.
For Hulu viewers in search of movies that embody the summer season, here are some great movies currently available to stream on the platform. Whether it’s summer mystery, adventure, or romance one is looking for, this list has it all.
10 Fyre Fraud
Usually, what one sees on the screen is the object of envy. In the case of Fyre Fraud, subscribers will be grateful to be at home on their couches. The documentary provides a darkly comedic examination of the infamous Fyre Festival that promised attendees the luxurious island experience of a lifetime for a hefty price tag and delivered cheese sandwiches.
Fyre Fraud, in all its unfortunately real absurdity, is a reminder that social media and reality rarely intersect. And that missing out can sometimes be a good thing.
9 La La Land
The romantic musical may not have managed to hold on to the Oscar for Best Picture but it garnered a slew of other accolades, including the Oscars for Best Director, Best Actress, Best Cintomgraphy, and Best Original Score.
Viewers will be swept off their feet by this story of love and dreams in the golden state’s crown jewel city of Los Angeles. At its core, La La Land is a love letter to not only the city but music, artistry, and the bittersweetness of life.
8 Summer Of Soul
For viewers interested in music history and Black American culture, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is a must-watch.
The award-winning documentary showcases the magnificence of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival while also exploring the not-so-lovely questions of why the history of such a successful and star-studded festival has faded into obscurity in contrast to other notable music festivals of the era, such as Woodstock. The critically acclaimed film may center around a moment in the past but it has much to say about the present.
7 Zathura: A Space Adventure
Despite never reaching the notoriety of its predecessor, Jumanji, this intergalactic fantasy is an incredibly fun film that the whole family can enjoy. Originating from a children’s story written by the same author who penned Jumanji, Zathura similarly balances an exhilarating premise with an exploration of familial bonds.
This may be what the essence of board games, magical or not, is. A moment in time to experience some thrills but to also get closer to the people sitting around the board. Zathura may take place in the vacuum of space but digging up an old board game is definitely a summer activity.
6 Rio
Set in the vibrant, coastal city of Rio de Janeiro, this tropical tale follows Blu, a Spix’s macaw who becomes a metaphorical fish out of water when he returns to his native country to preserve his species.
Interestingly, Rio was originally conceived as a story about a penguin washing up on Brazilian shores but director and creator, Carlos Saldanha, decided to change the species of bird due to too many penguin-centered movies being produced. For viewers stuck at home this summer, live vicariously through Rio’s colorful visuals and catchy soundtrack.
5 Death On The Nile
Hop on board this deadly cruise down the Nile as Agatha Christie’s famous Hercule Poirot, portrayed by Kenneth Branagh, takes to the silver screen once again in this adaptation of the acclaimed author's eponymous mystery novel. Along with a thrilling plot and amazing actors (adorned in equally amazing costumes), this film is filled to the brim with breathtaking shots of the waterside desert landscape that are sure to induce dreams of Egyptian travel.
However, the film was actually shot entirely in England with the assistance of visual effects so the beautiful sights on the screen, will only ever be on the screen.
4 Jumanji
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=1500&dpr=1.5)
Inspired by a children’s picture book of the same name, Jumanji is a family movie classic that managed to spawn a (shockingly) fun indirect sequel film franchise. Whether subscribers are long-time fans or newcomers, the original 90s film has not lost any of its delight years later.
Press play to experience the forever captivating Robin Williams in a movie that brings the jungle to the living room, and doesn’t have to sacrifice the fun and games of its fantastical premise for heartfelt moments between friends and family.
3 Fantastic Mr. Fox
Based on Ronald Dahl’s eponymous children’s novel, this whimsical stop-motion film is enjoyable for both children and adults alike. The film’s director and co-writer, Wes Anderson, masterfully combines the charm of claymation with his trademark dry wit dialogue to create a story that ages in the minds of viewers like a fine wine.
With its rural countryside setting, folk tale atmosphere, and even a banjo riff around a fire, Fantastic Mr. Fox nestles itself in the space between summer and autumn, making it the perfect film to close the season with.
2 Surf’s Up
Although this animated mockumentary starts in the icy waters of Antarctica, its protagonist, Cody Maverick, soon finds himself in much warmer waters when he’s granted the opportunity to compete in his deceased idol’s memorial surfing competition. As a docu-comedy, the film does poke fun at surfing documentaries but underneath all the jokes is a true adoration for the sport and the ocean essential to its existence.
If viewers have ever had a desire to watch some funny penguins surf in the tropics, catch this watery ride.
1 Palm Springs
Deriving its title from the popular desert resort city, the rom-com stars Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Andy Samberg and How I Met Your Mother’s Cristin Milioti as two destination wedding guests who find themselves stuck in a time-loop. Although the pair (after some initial shock) are excited to live every day knowing there are no consequences for their actions, regrets begin to worm their way into the two’s supposedly repercussion-free life.
Critically acclaimed for its humor, performances, and refreshing spin on an old formula, Palm Springs is the perfect film for those looking to dip their toes in new waters.