With the movie theaters closed indefinitely, enjoying movies on the big screen is not an option at present. However, that does not mean that you will have to forego movies altogether. To get over that leisurely afternoon or the idle evening, there are plenty of choices that might have skipped your attention. Moreover, there are quite a few hidden gems that do not make their way into the theaters.

So we have compiled a list of a dozen exciting movies that are sure to keep you hooked to the screen. These top movies come from a variety of genres so you will surely find something of your choice. Or else you can definitely try something of a different flavour to explore something new.

Without much ado, let’s start.

The Mustang

The first name on this list is a movie that quite a few reviewers feel is one of the best in 2020. Yes, it is about the relationship of a prisoner with a horse but rest assured, it does not head the Disney way. The amount of heart and tenderness that the movie packs, it is hard to believe that Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre is a first time director. Moreover, Matthias Schoenaerts is superb as the protagonist who is not so good with people. It is superbly shot and contains quite a few powerful scenes. In the end, this is a movie talks about humanity while not making any attempt in preaching the audience.  

Blood on Her Name

This one is a tight thriller from 2020 that is not entirely fresh in terms of concept but keeps the surprises intact. The movie rides on multiple themes that include revenge and is supported by a superb performance by Bethany Anne Lind. Her role is that of a struggling mother who is trapped in a morally complex situation involving the dead body of a man. The plot focuses on her backstory without losing track of the tense scenario that she finds herself in. It is dark, but all in all, a great way to spend 83 minutes of your time.

Sweetheart

Don’t get deceived by that name, as this 2019 movie is a monster horror- thriller that also acts as a survival story. A young girl is marooned on an island that seems deserted but isn’t so in reality. Viewers can assume the monster to be a symbolical representation of many terrors that inflict us. On the other hand, it can simply be enjoyed as a taut horror film that tells its story in an ingenious manner. In just 82 minutes, director J.D. Dillard, makes a sharp statement about survival, courage and facing demons, no matter where they arise from. Not bad at all.

Terrified (Aterrados)

If you are looking for a terrifying horror movie then this 2017’s short gem from Argentina will not disappoint you. Apart from delivering some really scary moments, director Demián Rugna never loses track of the main plot and keeps it tight. The story revolves around the experiences in three different homes in the neighbourhood of Buenos Aires,combining several familiar elements of the genre. The overall result is raw and gruesome that will have the genre fans fully satisfied. In addition, the special effects are top-notch and the creatures are definitely crafted out from nightmares. If you love spooky tales with plenty of scarlet splatters, this is a great watch.

Housebound

This solid horror-comedy came out in 2014 and first-time director Gerard Johnstone creates a spooky setting in a big old house in a forest. Kylie Bucknell is forced by law to spent time in the house with her mother and stepdad. But the mysterious house has a life of its own that adds to the overall sense of mystery. The sharp editing keeps the viewers on their toes and there are bits and pieces of humour that keep the setting even more interesting. In the end, it also throws in a twist that you’ll not be expecting. Quite simply, a great offering from New Zealand.

One Cut of the Dead

Time to add the right does of zombie horror to this list. This Japanese zombie-comedy of 2019 was a popular choice in the festivals around the world and not entirely without reason. While the first half and hour of the movie is nothing out of the ordinary zombie drama, the gears shift after that and to tell anything more will be heading into spoiler territory. On the whole, the plot of this horror-comedy is unique and if you want a different recipe made from the same ingredients, this movie is a good choice.

No Man’s land

This war movie of 2001 is one of the best that came out in the past decade and delves into the complex situation involving Bosnia and Serbia. Two enemy soldiers come together under exceptional circumstances that is brutal ad tragic in the same note. The acting is of the highest order and the sharp dialogues are reminders that point out how hostility can alter human beings. This is not a war film that has terrific battle sequences. However, it does hit hard with its realism and the underlying tone of compassion.

Freaks

This 2019 sci-fi thriller has an excellent plot that shines because of its sheer ingenuity. Moreover, Lexy Kolker who plays the 7-year old star of the movie, delivers a terrific performance that’s worth a watch. By the way, this is also a movie that’s about individuals with special powers even though it is not exactly a traditional superhero movie but rather a family drama. It is sufficiently ambitious in scope and the production design and the sound effects make it even more exciting to watch. On the whole, it is hard to believe that Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky are first time directors delivering such a superb movie.

Tigers are Not Afraid

This is a heart breaking tale of real-life horror that involves the Mexican drug wars and a bunch of orphaned children who are the victims of cartel violence.  But director Issa López does not end it there and adds a touch of fantasy into the mix to make it even more interesting. It tells the story of a 10-year old girl, Estrella (Paolo Lara) who joins a group of other homeless children that almost makes it looks like a documentary at times. But the intermixing of styles gives it a unique flavour and though it is not a typical horror film it perfectly balances the inner emotions with the outer violence.

Brawl in Cell Block 99

If you are looking for a terrific crime thriller, S. Craig Zahler’s 2017 masterpiece is a great choice. In addition to being brutal and dark, the movie is supported by an excellent performance by Vince Vaughn. He is not an actor from whom we can expect gruesome violence but here, he nails it perfectly. Vaughn stars as a former boxer who has issues anger management and is trapped by situations in an unforgiving prison setup. The hard-hitting prison drama delivers some bone-crunching, skull-crushing action that is so engaging that it is hard to look away from. A real beast of a movie that is unforgiving in every way.

Revenger

For lovers of the martial art genre, the name of Bruce Khan is well known. But after seeing this one you’ll know that he can easily hold his own against stars of the genre like Tony Jaa and Scot Adkins. Quite simply, this is a no-nonsense action movie set in an island where the protagonist lands up seeking some revenge. There are no surprise elements in the story, but if you are seeking some kick-ass action for 100 odd minutes, Revenger will not disappoint. The fight scenes are very well choreographed and knowing that Bruce Khan was injured before shooting the last fight, I would very well like to know what he can do when he is fully fit.

Ready or Not

If you prefer a slasher horror film that offers loads of good fun, this suspenseful movie from 2019 is a very good choice. The premise is kept simple- a young girl marries in the wealthy Le Domas family and according to a tradition, needs to play a game with the others of family all through the night. The premise sets the stage for some gory madness that remains light-hearted and fast-paced all through the 95 minutes of running time. On top of that, Samara Weaving offers a solid performance as a young bride channelling her rage.

Last but not the least, here’s a bonus.

Turbo Kid

This is one movie that may seem like a low budget variation of Mad Max but trust me, it is a whole lot of fun. The trio of directors-  Anouk Whissell, François Simard, Yoann-Karl Whissell, who are also a part of the writing team, make up for the budget shortcomings with their fertile imagination. The plot revolves around a teenager that stands against an evil warlord to save his young friend. The result is a movie with an 80s feel that just falls short of becoming overly cheesy. With the entire team making a dedicated effort at this action comedy, its earnest attempt at being stupid but with a large heart is what that stands out.

So these are our picks among some of the best movies that are not to be missed. Let us know whether you have some of your own favourites.

By: Suvajit Banerjee

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