Searching for a captivating drama film on Hulu? Well, you’re in for a treat! We’ve curated an exciting list of gripping dramas available for streaming on Hulu. This selection has been carefully ranked by passionate movie enthusiasts just like yourself, ensuring you only get the cream of the crop.
Prepare yourself for an eclectic mix of timeless classics and recent blockbusters that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Unveil the full list and embark on a thrilling journey to find the ultimate drama that will ignite your emotions. Don’t forget to support your favorite intense flicks by giving them a thumbs up! And if there are any movies that didn’t quite tickle your fancy, feel free to cast your vote to push them down the ranks. Plus, for those true movie buffs who have seen them all, why not take charge and rearrange the list to create your very own version of the top Hulu dramas?
(Please note: The Age of Adaline has stirred the most passionate debates among viewers!)
1. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
In ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,’ we follow Gilbert Grape (played by Johnny Depp), who has a lot on his plate. He’s stuck with the responsibility of taking care of his overweight mother and mentally challenged brother Arnie (played by Leonardo DiCaprio). The story takes place in the small town of Endora, Iowa, where life is pretty dull and change seems like a distant dream. But then, everything gets shaken up when a young woman named Becky (played by Juliette Lewis) comes into Gilbert’s life. This movie is quite special, as it earned DiCaprio an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor. It delicately explores important themes such as family duty, personal sacrifice, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.
Released: 1993
Directed by: Lasse Hallström
Actors: Johnny Depp, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen
2. The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot
Decades have passed since World War II came to a close with the covert elimination of Adolf Hitler, thanks to the efforts of an uncelebrated American hero named Calvin Barr. Now, the government has approached him with a new mission: to track down the legendary Bigfoot, believed to possess a dangerous virus capable of wiping out humanity.
Calvin Barr, an unsung hero who played a pivotal role in ending World War II, finds himself summoned by the government once again. This time, they need his expertise to hunt down the elusive Bigfoot, a creature rumored to carry a deadly plague that poses a catastrophic threat to mankind.
Released: 2018
Directed by: Robert D. Krzykowski
Actors: Sam Elliott, Aidan Turner, Ron Livingston
3. The Age of Adaline
The Age of Adaline is this awesome 2015 American flick that combines romance and fantasy. It tells the story of this woman, played by the stunning Blake Lively, who mysteriously stops aging when she’s just 29. The movie was directed by Lee Toland Krieger and written by J. Mills Goodloe and Salvador Paskowitz. So, you can expect a pretty intriguing plot!
Released: 2015
Directed by: Lee Toland Krieger
Actors: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Kathy Baker
4. 28 Hotel Rooms
In this story, we witness an intriguing night of unplanned intimacy between a New York novelist named Chris Messina and an accountant named Marin Ireland from Seattle. Little did they know, this casual encounter would pave the way for a surprising and enduring long-distance relationship that spanned several years. It’s a tale of unexpected connections and the unpredictable nature of love.
Released: 2012
Directed by: Matt Ross
Actors: Chris Messina, Marin Ireland, Robert Deamer
5. If Beale Street Could Talk
In the gripping drama If Beale Street Could Talk, Tish Rivers (portrayed by KiKi Layne) takes on the daunting challenges of battling against time, systemic racism, and injustice. Her ultimate goal is to prove the innocence of her beloved Fonny Hunt (played by Stephan James), who has been wrongly accused of a crime he didn’t commit. This captivating story unfolds in the vibrant setting of 1970s Harlem, New York, and is brought to life by the talented director Barry Jenkins. Based on James Baldwin’s acclaimed novel, the film has garnered three Academy Award nominations, showcasing its remarkable impact. With its seamless blend of love and despair, If Beale Street Could Talk undoubtedly leaves a lasting mark in the realm of romantic dramas.
Released: 2018
Directed by: Barry Jenkins
Actors: KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Regina King
6. Arrival
In the acclaimed sci-fi drama Arrival, we follow linguistics professor Louise Banks (played by Amy Adams) as she finds herself in an extraordinary situation. Twelve extraterrestrial spacecrafts suddenly appear all over the world, and Louise is brought in by the U.S. government to help decipher the aliens’ complex language and understand their purpose on Earth. Alongside her is theoretical physicist Ian Donnelly (played by Jeremy Renner), as they work together to unravel this mystery.
As tensions escalate globally, Louise makes groundbreaking linguistic discoveries that have the potential to shape the future of humanity. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Arrival was honored with an Oscar for Best Sound Editing and received nominations in multiple other categories, including Best Picture. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of communication, time, and the essence of humanity.
Released: 2016
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Actors: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker
7. Fight Club
In the gritty urban drama Fight Club, we follow Edward Norton, the unnamed protagonist, as he plunges into the depths of his own mind. Struggling with a dull job, he crosses paths with Tyler Durden, a soap salesman with a rather unorthodox outlook on life. Together, they create an underground fight club as a radical form of therapy. Their bond strengthens as their nocturnal activities become more intense. However, when Marla Singer, a fellow support group crasher, enters the scene, things take a turn for the worse. Directed by David Fincher, Fight Club is an impactful examination of masculinity and identity that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Released: 1999
Directed by: David Fincher
Actors: Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, Helena Bonham Carter
8. Hustlers
In the heart of New York City’s Wall Street, a group of savvy strippers find themselves facing a major setback due to the 2008 financial crisis. Led by Destiny and Ramona, these women decide to take matters into their own hands in order to secure their livelihoods. Their plan? A daring scheme to outsmart their wealthy clients.
Hustlers is an intense crime drama that is actually based on true events. It delves into the world of high-stakes hustles and the complex power dynamics that come with it. With Jennifer Lopez earning a Golden Globe nomination for her role, this film has definitely made its mark in the genre.
But Hustlers is not just about the thrill of the hustle. It also explores the themes of friendship and survival in the face of greed and glamour. This raw and unflinching portrayal offers a glimpse into the dark side of the American dream gone awry.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Lorene Scafaria
Actors: Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles
9. My Friend Dahmer
This is the chilling tale of young Jeffrey Dahmer, who went from being a timid teenager in high school to transforming into a notorious serial killer in later years.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Marc Meyers
Actors: Ross Lynch, Alex Wolff, Anne Heche
10. Sixteen Candles
Sixteen Candles, a classic 1984 coming-of-age comedy, was directed by John Hughes. The story revolves around Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald), who’s turning 16 but feels ignored by her family due to her sister’s wedding preparations. Samantha has a crush on the popular Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling), while also being pursued by a nerdy freshman named Ted (Anthony Michael Hall). Throughout the day, we witness a series of hilarious and heartfelt moments, leading up to a birthday surprise Samantha never saw coming. This film is a significant milestone in teenage cinema for its authentic portrayal of adolescent life.
Released: 1984
Directed by: John Hughes
Actors: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Schoeffling