Hulu’s Expanding Movie Library: A Guide to Streaming Options

Hulu has evolved significantly since its 2007 launch as a catch-up TV service. Today, it’s a major player in the streaming landscape, particularly for film fans. Following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019 [1], Hulu has become a key destination for adult-oriented content and acclaimed independent films, complementing Disney Plus’s family-friendly offerings. Here’s a look at what Hulu offers movie lovers, from originals to licensed classics.

Hulu as a Destination for Diverse Film Content

Hulu now serves as the exclusive streaming home for Searchlight Pictures’ output, including titles like A Real Pain and A Complete Unknown. It’s similarly often the first platform to receive content from 20th Century Studios, establishing a niche for smart horror, sci-fi, and thrillers. Franchises like Alien, Predator, and Omen are readily available, alongside newer releases like Smile and remakes such as The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. Although its original films haven’t garnered the same awards recognition as some competitors, Hulu Originals consistently deliver solid feature-length exclusives, including comedies like Palm Springs and horror-thrillers like Fresh.

Featured Films Currently Streaming on Hulu

• Predator: Badlands (2025): A continuation of the Predator series, directed by Dan Trachtenberg (who also directed 2022’s Prey, also on Hulu), this installment is a coming-of-age buddy movie starring Elle Fanning.
• The Godfather (1972): Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic mafia drama remains a cinematic masterpiece, celebrating its 50th anniversary with continued relevance.
• Sly Stone: About a Stone (Documentary): Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s documentary offers a probing look into the life and influence of Sly Stone, released shortly before the singer’s death.
• Compact Things Like These (2024): Adapted from Claire Keegan’s novella, this film stars Cillian Murphy as a coal merchant who uncovers disturbing practices at a local convent.
• Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (2025): This authorized biopic, starring Jeremy Allen White, focuses on the creation of Bruce Springsteen’s album Nebraska and his struggles with depression.
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022): A critically acclaimed sequel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directed by Ryan Coogler, honoring Chadwick Boseman’s legacy.
• Quiz Lady (2023): Starring Awkwafina and Sandra Oh, this comedy follows two sisters who compete on a game show to resolve their mother’s debts, featuring a cameo by Will Ferrell.
• Anatomy of a Fall (2023): Justine Triet’s gripping French legal drama, starring Sandra Hüller, centers on a novelist accused of murder with her visually impaired son as a key witness.
• The Death of Stalin (2017): Armando Iannucci’s satirical take on the power struggle following Joseph Stalin’s death, featuring a stellar cast including Jason Isaacs, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Palin.
• Jaws at 50: The Definitive Inside Story (2025): A documentary offering behind-the-scenes insights into the making of Steven Spielberg’s classic blockbuster, Jaws.

The Disney-Fox Acquisition and Hulu’s Role

The acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney [2], completed in March 2019, significantly reshaped the streaming landscape. Hulu, initially a joint venture between 21st Century Fox (then News Corp.) and NBCUniversal, with Disney joining later [3], became a crucial platform for content that didn’t fit the Disney Plus brand. This strategic positioning allows Hulu to cater to a different audience and offer a more diverse range of films.

As Disney continues to refine its streaming strategy, Hulu remains a vital component, offering a unique blend of original content, licensed films, and exclusive access to titles from Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Studios.