“Life is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get,” said Forrest Gump. This sentiment rings true when it comes to movies, too.

We mean, we’re talking about those days where you hop from one adventure to the next, with no map nor plan, just following the flow like a leaf in the wind. Now, imagine that kind of unpredictable thrill happening right from the comfort of your couch. If movies were a ride, this list would be the kind that keeps you buckled in tight, taking you from soul-stirring drama to mind-bending sci-fi, all in a single night. There is no need for a parachute or seatbelt, though—just a bucket of popcorn and a TV remote.

Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly how MCU’s Doctor Strange would explain it, but you get the gist. If you’re in the mood to jump from one genre to the next without a care in the world (because, honestly, who needs coherence?), this list could be your golden ticket to a new adventure. 

Let’s gear up, folks; it’s going to be a bumpy, cinematic ride!

Ever watched a film that wraps you up in its embrace, not just with a plot, but with an emotional tidal wave that knocks you off your feet? The Brutalist is one of those films. It weaves an epic tale about László Toth, a visionary architect with a troubled past, trying to rebuild his life in America.

Played by Adrian Brody, Toth’s journey is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Set against a post-war backdrop, The Brutalist is as visually stunning as it is emotionally intense. With a running time pushing 3.50 hours (don’t worry, there’s an intermission!), it keeps you engaged with its cinematic grandeur. The pacing is deliberate, pulling you into a world where every moment feels monumental, making the length an experience rather than an endurance test.

The film won three Golden Globes, including Best Drama, Best Actor (Brody), and Best Director (Brady Corbet). With a staggering 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear that this is a film that speaks to more than just the eyes—it digs into your heart and mind. From the acting to the direction, it’s a must-watch for those who crave depth in their films. 

If George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road lit up the screen like a Molotov cocktail, then Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga takes that fire and turns it into a blazing trail of cinematic excellence. The film rewrites the origins of one of the most formidable figures in film history—Furiosa, brought to life with astonishing depth by Anya Taylor-Joy. Set in the brutal, dystopian wasteland of Mad Max’s universe, Furiosa introduces a young woman taken from a lush, peaceful home, only to be thrown into the savage world of survival.

And let’s not forget Chris Hemsworth, whose portrayal of the menacing Dementus gives us a villain so chilling that he could freeze the very air around him. Premiering at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Furiosa was met with widespread acclaim, scoring a remarkable 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 

Sure, it stumbled slightly at the box office, grossing $173.8 million against a hefty $168 million budget (Box Office Mojo)—but it’s clear the film left its mark. And with 15 nominations at the 14th AACTA Awards, including Best Film, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga has undoubtedly solidified its place as a modern action classic.

If you’re looking for a film that makes you ponder the dark undercurrents of society, Small Things Like These will hit you right in the gut. Cillian Murphy shines as Bill Furlong, a coal merchant who uncovers a horrific secret about the treatment of young women in his Irish town. As Furlong grapples with his conscience and the community’s complicit silence, the film unfolds with such emotional weight that it’ll have you reflecting on the injustices in our own world. 

The film, also starring  Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley, Emily Watson, Clare Dunne, and Helen Behan, received critical praise, including a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Monster movie lovers, gather ‘round! Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire doesn’t shy away from delivering exactly what it promises: epic monster brawls and insane destruction. Set in the Hollow Earth, Godzilla and Kong are forced to team up against a new foe, the Skar King, a giant ape with a serious power complex.

While not a thinker’s film, it hits all the right notes for those who want action, chaos, and mind-blowing CGI. It’s a film that isn’t concerned with trophies but with one singular purpose: to entertain the living daylights out of you. And does it succeed? Oh, absolutely, in spades.

With a staggering $571 million in worldwide box office earnings, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has officially become the crown jewel of the Monsterverse. So, if you’re looking for giant creatures battling it out in a visually stunning world, this is your jam.

Fans of cyberpunk and sci-fi crime thrillers won’t want to miss Code 8: Part II. After the success of its predecessor, this sequel dives deeper into the struggles of powered individuals fighting against a corrupt police state. This time, Connor and Garrett must protect a teenager with rare abilities from a police force gone rogue. The stakes are higher, the action more intense, and the worldbuilding is expansive.

With a respectable 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear that Code 8: Part II is a hit among fans of the genre. If the first film captured your attention, then this one will hook you even deeper—upping the ante in every way possible.

Not your average erotic thriller, Babygirl is a film that straddles the line between taboo desires and emotional depth. Nicole Kidman delivers a masterclass performance as a high-powered CEO caught in a forbidden affair with a young intern (Harris Dickinson) that threatens to unravel her perfectly curated world. 

The film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where Kidman’s searing performance earned her the prestigious Volpi Cup for Best Actress (see Deadline). It didn’t stop there. Critics have been raving, with a 76% current approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes giving it a positive nod.

If you like films that push boundaries, Babygirl is your go-to.

Post-apocalyptic thrillers come and go, but Badland Hunters is one that lingers in the mind like a nightmare you can’t wake up from. Following a lone huntsman on a brutal rescue mission through a desolate, ravaged city, it’s a visceral, gritty film that doesn’t pull any punches. While it’s far from a thoughtful sci-fi piece, its simple, action-packed narrative is gripping enough to keep you glued to the screen.

Starring Ma Dong-seok, Lee Hee-joon, Lee Jun-young, and Roh Jeong-eui, Badland Hunters is an original Netflix production that proves the streaming giant knows how to deliver when it comes to gripping, fast-paced thrillers. With a 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film lives up to its promise, offering relentless action and a story that won’t let go.

The Apprentice takes on a controversial figure: Donald Trump. The film, set in 1970s New York, explores his early days and his mentorship under Roy Cohn, a notorious lawyer. Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong shine in their performances, making this biopic one that sparks conversation. It’s a dark portrayal of ambition, power, and the roots of a public figure’s rise to fame.

Whether you agree with its messaging or not, it’s a compelling watch.

While the film received a generally positive reception from critics, lauding its acting, direction, and sharp editing, it also faced its fair share of controversy. Trump himself slammed it as a “defamatory, politically disgusting hatchet job” aimed at damaging his 2024 presidential campaign (see The Guardian). Still, there’s no denying its impact. This one’s already earned praise for its performances, with both Stan and Strong earning Golden Globe nominations.

With a box office gross of $17 million on a modest $16 million budget and an impressive 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear The Apprentice has resonated with audiences. 

If you want a hard-hitting sci-fi film about social decay, The Kitchen is it. Set in 2040 London, it tells the story of a community living in the last remaining social housing. What stands out here is the subtle yet powerful way the film explores the dangers of capitalism and its impact on the poor. While it tackles complex social issues, it never forgets the human side, thanks to the grounded performances of Kane Robinson and Jedaiah Bannerman.

With an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a thought-provoking film that should be on your radar if you’re into socio-political dramas with a sci-fi twist. The film stars Kane Robinson, Jedaiah Bannerman, Hope Ikpoku Jr, and Teija Kabs, among others.

Queer is a romantic drama that takes love, lust, and addiction and throws them into a scorching cauldron of emotion. Daniel Craig plays William Lee, a man living in 1950s Mexico City, whose life is upended when he meets a passionate young student. The film beautifully balances the erotic with the pain of longing and self-doubt, creating an unforgettable narrative.

Critics have lauded Queer for its powerful portrayal of complex human emotions, and the film has already earned a prestigious place among the Top Ten Films of 2024, according to the National Board of Review (per Deadline). Craig’s portrayal of William Lee garnered him Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice nominations. 

Plus, it also celebrated a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. If you’re a fan of deep, romantic dramas with a twist of eroticism, this one’s a must-watch.

Ever thought that a robot could make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? The Wild Robot, DreamWorks’ animated treasure, does exactly that. Voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, Roz is a service robot who unexpectedly crash-lands in the wilderness, far from her programmed duties. As she tries to adapt to her new surroundings, she stumbles upon a baby goose and, in the most unlikely twist, becomes its ‘mother.’

Sure, the idea of a robot struggling with its programming isn’t fresh, but this film does it in the most emotionally compelling way. It’s a tale about family, belonging, and identity that transcends the sci-fi genre.

Released on September 27, 2024, The Wild Robot raked in a healthy $324.3 million globally (The Numbers), proving that even robots can touch hearts. It was also nominated for several Golden Globe Awards and stands as the fifth-highest-grossing animated film of 2024.

Forget biopics with sanitized versions of an artist’s journey. Kneecap holds nothing back, delivering an electrifying, unflinching look at the real-life Irish rap band of the same name. The band members play themselves, baring their raw, unfiltered truth in a film that’s as much a political statement as it is a musical journey. It’s a visceral exploration of political strife, cultural resilience, and the unyielding refusal to be silenced by authority.

It’s no wonder that critics are all on board, with a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With such powerful performances, it’s hard to forget the message of cultural perseverance that pulses through every frame.

Not all heroes are humans, and Transformers One takes us back to the heart of the action—Cybertron. Before Optimus Prime and Megatron were mortal enemies, they were brothers, fighting side-by-side in an animated adventure that’s anything but a nostalgic trip. The film does a fantastic job of expanding the Transformers lore with a blend of fresh sci-fi ideas and deep emotional undercurrents.

Although the box office results weren’t exactly stellar ($129.4 million), the film received positive reviews, holding an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The animation, voice acting, and worldbuilding make it a must-see for any sci-fi enthusiast.

Do you know how every high school movie has that one rebellious teen who pushes the limits? Well, Nickel Boys is the opposite. It isn’t your typical high school drama where the biggest crisis is who’s dating who or who’s sitting at which lunch table. No, this film takes place in a reform school in Florida where the stakes are life and death, and the lessons are far more brutal than any pop quiz.

This unforgettable film follows two black teenagers as they try to navigate a system that seems designed to break them. The kicker? It is shot from a first-person perspective, placing the audience directly in the protagonists’ shoes.

While the film could have easily fallen into the trap of being a mere gimmick, it turns out to be a cinematic feat, offering a gut-wrenching look at systemic oppression and personal growth. Nickel Boys has received rave reviews with an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Family vacations are supposed to be about relaxation and bonding, but when old grudges and buried feelings surface, things can get… complicated. A Real Pain perfectly captures this dynamic, with cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) traveling to Poland to honor their late grandmother’s Jewish heritage. What begins as a solemn trip quickly spirals into a hilariously messy yet profoundly touching journey of reconciling with the past and with each other. 

Plus, A Real Pain earned critical acclaim, a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, and a slew of Golden Globe nominations. Culkin, in particular, caught the eye of voters, landing a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He ultimately walked away with an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his outstanding portrayal of Benji, proving that hard work really does pay off.

With 96% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 8.2/10 rating, A Real Pain proves that even the most awkward of family trips can lead to moments of authentic connection—and plenty of laughs along the way.

If A Quiet Place had you biting your nails, A Quiet Place: Day One will have you chewing through the whole bag. This prequel dives into the chaos of the alien invasion’s first day as we follow Sam (Lupita Nyong’o) and her unlikely companion, Eric (Joseph Quinn), in the bustling, doomed streets of New York City. While the world is falling apart, the real drama comes from the connection between Sam and Eric, two strangers who learn to survive together.

The film grossed $261 million worldwide and scored an impressive 87% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, showing that even in the midst of chaos, human connection remains the heart of the story.

You know how people always say, “It’s complicated,” when they’re avoiding explaining a relationship? Well, Anora takes that to a whole new level. The film centers around Anora (Mikey Madison), a young Brooklyn s*x worker who unexpectedly forms a connection with the son of a Russian oligarch. Their relationship is full of promise, but reality soon catches up with their fantasies.

A perfect blend of humor, drama, and sheer chaos, Anora debuted at Cannes and walked away with the coveted Palme d’Or. But more importantly, Mikey Madison made history when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. With a modest budget of $6 million, it grossed an impressive $31.2 million worldwide. With a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a must-watch for those who crave both style and substance.

If you’re a fan of the Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus is your ticket back into the terrifying xenomorph-infested universe. This chapter explores a group of space scavengers who stumble upon a derelict space station and find themselves running for their lives from the deadly aliens. Director Fede Álvarez, who has a knack for creating gory thrills (Evil Dead, anyone?), delivers another gruesome and gripping entry.

With a solid $350.9 million in worldwide box office gross and an 80% Rotten Tomatoes rating, Alien: Romulus proves that the series still has plenty of life left to terrify audiences.

If you’ve ever wondered how much a family can endure before it breaks, I’m Still Here will give you a front-row seat to the heart-wrenching answer. Directed by Walter Salles, this emotionally charged film drags you into the oppressive heat of Brazil during the military dictatorship of the 1970s. When the patriarch of a family is violently taken by the government, the family is left to pick up the pieces—grief, fear, and resilience woven together in a poignant narrative.

I’m Still Here is a reminder that even in the darkest periods of history, there are stories worth telling. With a stellar 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a must-watch for fans of emotional dramas and those who appreciate films that don’t sugarcoat the reality of political struggle.

What happens when two of the most lovable troublemakers in comic book history—Deadpool and Wolverine—join forces? Pure, unapologetic chaos, that’s what! Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are back as Deadpool and Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine. This hilarious, action-packed, R-rated romp plunges headfirst into the madness of the multiverse. It’s everything fans have been dreaming of, with plenty of snark, blood, and a side of chimichangas.

This wild ride exploded at the box office, earning a mind-blowing $1.338 billion worldwide (via The Numbers), making it the highest-grossing R-rated film ever. And it’s not just the fans who are buzzing—the film scored a solid 78% approval on Rotten Tomatoes. If you love your superheroes as sharp with their jokes as they are with their claws, this one’s a no-brainer.

It’s been said that “cinema is a mirror by which we see the world, sometimes clearer, sometimes more distorted.” And boy, do these movies push the envelope and offer reflections, sometimes quirky, sometimes profound, but always worth your attention.