Here’s a chronological list of the best movies of the 2010s that you can stream right now with a Netflix or Amazon Prime subscription, or for free using apps like Tubi, Vudu, Hoopla, and Kanopy (the last two might be free with your local public library membership). As we’re now based in the U.S. this list is customized for all of you living in the U.S. So, if you’re living in another country, head to JustWatch.com and search to find out where to watch the film where you are.
I Am Love – Tubi, Hoopla
Starting with 2010, you can watch Luca Guadagnino’s I Am Love on Tubi for free with ads, or on Hoopla for free without ads (the app is free with most public library memberships). Like his Call Me By Your Name, this movie is also set in Italy, features a controversial romantic relationship, and is beautifully shot.
A Useful Life – Tubi
A Useful Life is a short feature (1h 7m long) about a single man that runs an art-house cinema in Uruguay. It’s an ode to cinema of the past and how it, and the single man, are being forced to adapt to a new digital world. It’s currently streaming for free on Tubi (with ads). Read our full review here.
A Separation – Netflix
A Separation was probably the most popular Iranian film featured in critic’s best of the decade lists. Great for those who enjoyed watching Marriage Story – this film is about a couple seeking a divorce – and it’s also great for anyone who has Netflix, where it’s currently streaming.
The Orator – Amazon Prime
For something different, check out The Orator. It features a Samoan little person who struggles to protect his wife and family honor from rival tribe members. It’s currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Read our full review here.
The Look of Silence – Netflix, Hoopla
Following on from The Act of Killing, The Look of Silence is an even more gut wrenching and unbelievable documentary. You’ll meet death squad killers as they boast and laugh about the people they killed. Slowly, in their re-enactments, they seem to gain an awareness of the atrocities they’ve committed. Does it change them? Find out by watching it on Netflix or Hoopla (free with most public library memberships). You can also read the full review here.
Force Majeure – Hulu, Hoopla, Tubi, Kanopy
This Swedish comedy, from the guy that won Cannes with The Square a few years later, is built of one of the most unlikely concepts. The fallout starts when a father runs from his family as an avalanche approaches their ski resort. However, when the avalanche turns out not to be deadly, he has to face the family he cowardly ran away from. Watch the drama on Hulu (subscription), Tubi (free), Hoopla (free with most public libraries), or Kanopy (free with some public libraries).
Under the Skin – Netflix, Kanopy
Watch this if you want to watch a film in which Scarlett Johansson is an alien that seduces and kidnaps men off of the streets in Glasgow. It’s currently streaming on Netflix and Kanopy (free with some public libraries).
Embrace of the Serpent – Amazon Prime, Vudu, Hulu, Kanopy
Embrace of the Serpent is many things at once. It is a beautifully shot film set deep in the Amazon jungle that delves into many themes, including Life and Death, Culture, Civilization, Religion, and Exploration. One of my personal favourites from the decade and it’s currently streaming everywhere. You can catch it on Amazon Prime, Hulu, Vudu (free with ads), and Kanopy (free with some libraries). Read our full review here.
Under the Shadow – Netflix, Hoopla
Under the Shadow layers the context of the Iraq-Iran war and female oppression onto a potent horror narrative. It’s perfect if you want something more from the horror genre without skimping out on the scare tactics. This Iranian horror film is currently streaming on Netflix and Hoopla (free with most public libraries). Read our full review here.
Moonlight – Netflix, Kanopy
Moonlight is one of the strongest contenders for the best Floridian films of all time. It’s beautiful cinematography and vulnerability sets it apart. Plus it actually won the Best Picture Academy Award – a rare example of the Academy getting it right. Watch it now on Netflix or Kanopy (free with some public libraries).
Neruda – Netflix, Kanopy
If you’re a fan of the poetry of Pablo Neruda, you should give this film a watch. In the movie, the director (Pablo Larrain) fuses the work of Neruda with Don Quixote to turn this into something very meta. It’s not so much a celebration of Neruda’s work than a celebration of poetry and creativity in general. Plus it’s also a chase movie which takes place all across Chile. Watch it on Netflix or Kanopy (free with some public libraries). Read our full review here.
Makala – Amazon Prime, Kanopy
This documentary film is on another level. You’ll rarely get this close to a life completely different to the one you’re used to. Not just because you probably have no idea about the lives of charcoal miners in DR Congo, but because you rarely get films that are this intimate. There are so many close ups and shots where Kabwita’s emotion is so clearly visible that you’ll feel like you’re there right beside him. The only problem is that you’ll feel even worse for not being able to help him up those hills. Experience it on Amazon Prime or Kanopy (free with some public libraries). Read our full review here.
Roma – Netflix
If you want to be guided around 1970s Mexico City, you’ve come to the right place. The stream of consciousness narrative in Roma feels like life and memory, and the acting and cinematography is a visual treat. Open your mind and immerse yourself in it. Watch it now on Netflix. Read our full review here.
Burning – Netflix, Hoopla
Burning is both a love triangle film and a mystery – nothing is ever clear and transparent. It’s a slower, eerie, and more subtle version of the class boundaries of Korean society than those depicted in Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite. It’s also probably one of the better adaptations of Haruki Murakami’s work. Watch it on Netflix, or for free with Hoopla (free with most public libraries).
Happy as Lazzaro – Netflix
Happy as Lazzaro may look like your typical Italian movie, but it features time traveling and magic in small doses. It centers on Lazzaro, a share cropper that doesn’t realize he’s oppressed by the rich people he serves, even after he wakes up from a long coma. It may sound strange, but it never feels unbelievable. Watch it now on Netflix.
Shoplifters – Hulu, Hoopla
If you’re looking for a heart-warming family to guide you around contemporary Japan, check out Shoplifters. Everyone is welcome in this oddball family to find beauty and wonder in life’s simple pleasures. It’s currently streaming on Hulu and on Hoopla (free with most public libraries). Read our full review here.
Border – Hulu
This is one of the weirdest films from the last decade. It’s hard to describe it without giving away any spoilers, so if you like weird, give it a watch on Hulu.
Atlantics – Netflix
What happens to a community in Senegal when the young men (half of the future of the country) take to the Atlantic Ocean in search of better opportunities in Europe? Watch Atlantics on Netflix now to find out.
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