When you’re searching for the perfect film to stream, turning to expert opinions is always a good idea. Critics—those who travel the world for film festivals and have their names attached to prestigious publications—often provide a wealth of knowledge about cinema that goes beyond casual film enthusiasts.
While critics aren’t infallible and sometimes revisit and revise their opinions, when there’s a consensus about a film’s greatness, it’s worth noting. We’ve compiled a list of 15 movies that have earned a 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes, ensuring you’re not missing out on cinematic gems. Check out these picks to elevate your viewing experience and see what all the hype is about.
1. Da 5 Bloods Director Spike Lee continues to push boundaries with Da 5 Bloods, a powerful drama about Vietnam veterans returning to the country to find their fallen comrade and a hidden fortune. With a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this film is a testament to Lee’s commitment to blending political commentary with popular entertainment.
2. Dolemite Is My Name Craig Brewer’s Dolemite Is My Name stars Eddie Murphy in a triumphant role as Rudy Ray Moore, the creator of the iconic Dolemite character. The film, boasting a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score, showcases Murphy’s remarkable comeback performance, though it was unfortunately overlooked by the Oscars.
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once This genre-defying film from Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) features Michelle Yeoh as a Chinese-American immigrant navigating alternate realities to save the multiverse. With a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score and seven Academy Awards, it’s a unique and highly praised cinematic experience.
4. The Half of It Alice Wu’s The Half of It offers a fresh take on the classic Cyrano de Bergerac story, focusing on themes of class, race, and sexuality. With a 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating, it’s a tender and thoughtful coming-of-age film that resonates deeply.
5. Hit Man Richard Linklater’s Hit Man stars Glen Powell as a professor posing as a hit man in police stings, only to get entangled in his own deceptions. This clever romantic comedy received a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes for its innovative storytelling.
6. Hustle Adam Sandler delivers a compelling dramatic performance in Hustle, a sports drama about a scout who discovers a talented player and helps him prepare for the NBA. The film earned a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score and showcases Sandler’s range as an actor.
7. The Irishman Martin Scorsese’s epic The Irishman, exploring the life of a mob hitman and his connection to Jimmy Hoffa, received a 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating and ten Oscar nominations. It’s a masterful addition to Scorsese’s illustrious career.
8. It Follows David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows is a unique horror film about a girl trying to escape a supernatural entity. With a 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating, it’s praised for its original and suspenseful approach to the genre.
9. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Chadwick Boseman’s final role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a powerful performance in this adaptation of August Wilson’s play. The film earned a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score and highlighted Boseman’s exceptional talent.
10. Marriage Story Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story explores the complexities of a crumbling marriage, featuring standout performances by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. With a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a moving and insightful film about love and loss.
11. The Power of the Dog Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog is a Western set in 1920s Montana, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch in a riveting role. The film earned 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and was praised for its deep exploration of masculinity and power.
12. ROMA Alfonso Cuarón’s ROMA, inspired by his own childhood, tells the story of an indigenous domestic worker in 1970s Mexico City. With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and multiple Oscars, it’s a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.
13. She’s Gotta Have It Spike Lee’s debut film, She’s Gotta Have It, is a vibrant exploration of a young woman’s romantic entanglements. With a 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating, it’s a groundbreaking film that laid the foundation for Lee’s influential career.
14. Sing Street John Carney’s Sing Street is a delightful coming-of-age film set in 1980s Dublin. The film, which earned a 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating, features a captivating story about a teenager who forms a band to impress a girl.
15. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, based on Jenny Han’s YA novel, is a charming romantic comedy about a girl whose secret love letters are exposed. With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a standout example of the genre’s recent resurgence.
