47 Films Recommended by Paul Thomas Anderson
47 titles
- 1
Mission: Impossible - Rogue NationMovie · 2015 · 131m · Action, AdventureEthan and his team face their toughest challenge yet: stopping 'The Syndicate,' a dangerous international group dedicated to dismantling the IMF.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2
- 2
I Am CubaMovie · 1964 · 141m · DramaThe film depicts life in Cuba before the revolution through four interconnected stories of struggle and hope. Maria, working as a prostitute in Havana, faces shame when her profession is revealed to someone she loves. Pedro, an elderly farmer, learns his land is being sold to an American company, highlighting Cuba's economic changes. A student's support for Fidel Castro turns frightening when he witnesses police brutality during a protest. A rural family's peaceful life is disrupted by the oppressive army under Batista. The film combines these stories to portray Cuba on the brink of revolution, revealing the political climate and personal experiences that defined this pivotal time.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 7.8
- 3
The Silence of the LambsMovie · 1991 · 119m · Crime, Thriller, DramaThis psychological thriller centers on Clarice Starling, an exceptional FBI trainee determined to seek justice. Agent Jack Crawford enlists Clarice to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a highly intelligent but dangerous man imprisoned for gruesome murders and cannibalism.
Crawford hopes Lecter's deep understanding of people can provide vital clues to a current case. He also believes Clarice’s youth and appearance might help her connect with Lecter and gain information. The complex dynamic between the agent and the prisoner explores their conflicting views and morals as they both pursue the truth.Stream onIMDb 8.6TMDB 8.3
- 4
Blue VelvetMovie · 1986 · 120m · Mystery, Thriller, CrimeJeffrey Beaumont, seemingly ordinary, is drawn into a disturbing world after finding a human ear in a field. Local authorities investigate, and Jeffrey becomes unknowingly connected to a troubled nightclub performer and someone struggling with addiction who is committing terrible acts. The film examines corruption, desire, and morality as Jeffrey's experience reveals the dark side of small-town life and forces him to confront himself amidst the escalating chaos.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.6
- 5
GundaMovie · 2021 · 93m · DocumentaryThis film offers a quiet look at the fundamental strength found in the natural world, observed through the lives of farm animals. It centers on Gunda, a mother pig, along with two cows and a chicken with only one leg.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1
- 6
Lady BirdMovie · 2017 · 94m · Drama, ComedySeventeen-year-old Lady Bird McPherson, a fiercely independent and artistic teenager, navigates her final year of high school in Sacramento. As she prepares to leave for college, her complex relationship with her mother and her past are challenged and re-evaluated.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3
- 7
LolitaMovie · 1962 · 154m · Drama, ComedyThis drama follows Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged British novelist, as he becomes entangled in American life. While staying at a boarding house run by Charlotte Haze, Humbert becomes fixated on Charlotte's teenage daughter, Lolita. The story explores the conflict between Humbert's disapproval of commonness and his increasing obsession with the girl, revealing difficult aspects of human connection.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
- 8
MoonlightMovie · 2016 · 111m · DramaThis is a poignant story about a young man's journey to self-discovery, shown through three key periods in his life. It follows his experiences with love – the joy, heartbreak, and beauty – as he also comes to terms with his own identity.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4
- 9
Something WildMovie · 1986 · 114m · Crime, Comedy, RomanceA free-spirited woman impulsively takes an uptight city worker on a spontaneous weekend road trip, hoping to awaken him to life beyond his routine. Their adventure turns complicated when her ex-convict husband unexpectedly appears, creating conflict and jeopardizing their plans. The weekend of freedom becomes a dangerous struggle as they face the consequences of the past. The film explores themes of personal change, the impact of past mistakes, and the difficulties of escaping self-imposed limitations.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6
- 10
DogvilleMovie · 2003 · 178m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerFleeing a dangerous mob, a woman finds refuge in a quiet Colorado town. She's offered work in exchange for sanctuary, but when a search party arrives, she discovers the community's kindness comes with a hidden cost.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8
- 11
NashvilleMovie · 1975 · 160m · Drama, Comedy, Music"Nashville Unbound" follows the interconnected lives of twenty-four people united by their love of music in Nashville. The film explores the world of country music in Tennessee through stories of an established superstar fighting to maintain fame, an aspiring musician pursuing their dreams, an ambitious reporter seeking a story, and a waitress hoping for a chance to sing. These characters' journeys explore ambition, love, loss, and the power of music as their lives intersect. The film examines the human desire for success, identity, and belonging in a city at the center of American music.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.2
- 12
What's Eating Gilbert GrapeMovie · 1993 · 118m · Romance, DramaGilbert Grape lives in a quiet town and bears a heavy burden. He's the primary caregiver for his mother, who is housebound due to her weight and emotional struggles. He also constantly looks after Arnie, his younger brother, who has mental disabilities and often gets into difficulties. While Gilbert tries to hold onto some normalcy with a relationship with Betty Carver and a job at the grocery store, his life is disrupted by the arrival of Becky. She forces him to confront unfamiliar feelings and experiences that could dramatically alter his future.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.7
- 13
Rear WindowMovie · 1954 · 112m · Thriller, MysteryA skilled photographer using a wheelchair finds an escape from his own confinement by photographing his neighbors. Observing their lives through his window, he begins to believe one of them may have committed a murder. The film explores isolation, suspicion, and the difficulties of human connection in a world increasingly shaped by technology. This suspenseful thriller follows the photographer's investigation, revealing unexpected turns that blur the lines between innocence and guilt.Stream onIMDb 8.4TMDB 8.3
- 14
Mission: Impossible - FalloutMovie · 2018 · 147m · Action, AdventureA failed mission by the IMF threatens global stability. Ethan Hunt returns to his original mission, prompting suspicion from the CIA regarding his allegiance. The IMF team races against time, pursued by assassins, to avert a worldwide disaster.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4
- 15
Putney SwopeMovie · 1969 · 85m · ComedyWhen the ad agency's chairman unexpectedly dies, Swope, the only African-American on the leadership team, unexpectedly becomes the head. He must now navigate office politics while trying to stay true to himself and change things. As he takes charge, Swope struggles to balance his own beliefs with what the company and the other board members want, revealing the difficult price of success in a workplace slow to accept change.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3
- 16
JawsMovie · 1975 · 124m · Horror, Thriller, AdventureNumb3rs explores how an FBI agent and his mathematician brother team up to solve crimes in Los Angeles. Inspired by real cases, the series uses advanced mathematics to approach investigations in a new way. The agent relies on his brother's unique skills to find solutions to difficult crimes. By blending police work with mathematical analysis, Numb3rs shows how numbers can reveal crucial details and breakthroughs in even the toughest cases.Stream onIMDb 8.1TMDB 7.7
- 17
Big DaddyMovie · 1999 · 93m · Comedy, DramaA recent law school graduate unexpectedly becomes a foster parent, a decision initially motivated by his girlfriend. The story follows his journey as he balances the challenges and joys of raising a child with his career. The film explores personal growth, responsibility, and the strength of non-traditional families, blending humor and heartfelt moments to offer a fresh look at love, relationships, and the meaning of family.Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5
- 18
I Know Where I'm Going!Movie · 1945 · 91m · Romance, Drama, ComedyJoan Webster, an adventurous Englishwoman seeking social advancement through marriage, travels to the remote Scottish Hebrides. A storm strands her on the Isle of Mull, where she's welcomed by the islanders. She becomes drawn to Torquil MacNeil, a charming and enigmatic naval officer. As Joan navigates her unexpected stay, she discovers the strength and traditions of island life. But Torquil's hidden past threatens their growing connection, forcing Joan to reconsider her ambitions and embrace unforeseen possibilities.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0
- 19
Girls TripMovie · 2017 · 122m · Comedy, Romance, AdventureFour friends travel to New Orleans for their yearly festival and reconnect with each other, embracing spontaneity and deepening their friendship.Stream onIMDb 6.2TMDB 6.8
- 20
Full Metal JacketMovie · 1987 · 117m · Drama, WarDetective Reno Raines is wrongly accused of a brutal murder and must go on the run to clear his name. He becomes a bounty hunter, searching for redemption while navigating a world where it's hard to know who to trust. As Lieutenant Dixon’s pursuit grows more desperate, Reno wages an unconventional war against crime, blurring the lines of right and wrong. His journey is a dangerous fight against corruption, driven by his unwavering pursuit of truth and justice.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 8.1
- 21
House of GamesMovie · 1987 · 102m · Crime, Thriller, DramaA psychiatrist becomes deeply involved with a compulsive gambler as they work to address his addiction. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they meet a charismatic con artist who offers a tempting path to wealth through elaborate scams. The psychiatrist is initially captivated by the thrill, but soon discovers the criminal world is far more complex than he thought. As they pull off increasingly risky cons, the lines between right and wrong become blurred, testing their relationships and revealing unexpected truths about themselves. This suspenseful drama explores addiction, moral choices, and the allure of greed, unfolding as a captivating story of deception.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8
- 22
The Hateful EightMovie · 2015 · 188m · Drama, Mystery, WesternA group of bounty hunters seeking refuge from a severe blizzard find themselves embroiled in a scheme of betrayal and deceit.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8
- 23
A Quiet PlaceMovie · 2018 · 91m · Horror, Drama, Science FictionA family must live in complete silence to avoid being hunted by creatures that are drawn to noise.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4
- 24
Get OutMovie · 2017 · 104m · Mystery, Thriller, HorrorChris and his girlfriend Rose travel upstate for a weekend visit with her parents. Initially, Chris interprets the family’s excessive politeness as a reaction to their daughter's interracial relationship. However, as the weekend unfolds, a series of unsettling revelations lead him to a truth far more shocking than he could have anticipated.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6
- 25
The MasterMovie · 2012 · 137m · DramaHaunted by PTSD and battling alcoholism, Freddie, a troubled veteran, finds a sense of belonging aboard the ship of Lancaster Dodd. Dodd is the charismatic leader of a new movement, a kind of religion, that he develops in the aftermath of World War II.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1
- 26
Rain ManMovie · 1988 · 134mWhen car dealer Charlie Babbitt learns his estranged father has died, he returns to Cincinnati and discovers he has a brilliant older brother named Raymond. Charlie learns his father's $3 million fortune is to be donated to Raymond's mental institution. Hoping to inherit the money, Charlie arranges for Raymond's release and takes him back to Los Angeles. The journey across the country unexpectedly transforms both brothers.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.7
- 27
The Bitter Tea of General YenMovie · 1932 · 87m · Drama, RomanceThe film centers on an American missionary woman taken captive by a refined and charismatic warlord in 1930s Shanghai. Adapting to her unusual circumstances, the warlord’s sophisticated presence gradually blurs the lines between captor and prisoner. Their connection deepens through expressive dance and personal exchanges, shifting their relationship toward a complex and captivating dynamic. The story examines cultural differences, power imbalances, and the ambiguous nature of attraction, all within the vibrant historical setting of Shanghai.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.2
- 28
The Big SleepMovie · 1946 · 114m · Mystery, Crime, ThrillerPrivate Investigator Philip Marlowe is hired by General Sternwood to investigate a sensitive matter concerning his daughter, Carmen. The case quickly becomes complicated, revealing murder, blackmail, and complicated relationships. As Marlowe investigates, he confronts difficult choices and uncovers secrets that could have lasting consequences. Amidst the danger, he finds himself contemplating the possibility of love in a world of hidden dangers.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6
- 29
The PostMovie · 2017 · 116m · Drama, HistoryTo protect a secret that stretched across four presidential administrations, a pioneering female newspaper publisher and her determined editor find themselves in a historic conflict between the press and the government. Based on a true story.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0
- 30
The Earrings of Madame de...Movie · 1953 · 105m · Drama, RomanceIn late 19th century France, this drama follows Countess Louise and her husband, a wealthy general, as their lives become complicated by their own desires and outside pressures. When financial difficulties force the Countess to secretly sell her wedding earrings, a complex scheme unfolds, leading to a series of misunderstandings. The arrival of the Italian Baron Donati as the Countess' lover creates a tangled web of deceit and betrayal. The film examines love, deception, financial strain, and the ripple effects of choices.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5
- 31
The Passionate FriendsMovie · 1949 · 91m · Drama, RomanceA woman struggles with love and loyalty as she's torn between two very different men. She's caught between an affair and a long-term marriage, forcing her to face the results of her choices. The film explores the difficulties of human emotion as she tries to balance what she wants with what she's committed to. It’s a story about love, sacrifice, and complicated relationships that will make audiences consider what they would do in similar situations.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8
- 32
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the BombMovie · 1964 · 95m · Comedy, WarA tense political thriller unfolds as General Jack D. Ripper launches a devastating nuclear attack on the Soviet Union, threatening global war. In a high-stakes war room, politicians, military leaders, and a Russian diplomat must work against the clock to avert disaster. Amidst escalating tensions and the unpredictable actions of the unstable General, they navigate Cold War politics and military protocol. The film examines trust, leadership, and the perils of paranoia during the nuclear age, portraying a world on the brink of destruction due to human error.Stream onIMDb 8.3TMDB 8.1
- 33
The ShiningMovie · 1980 · 144m · Horror, ThrillerJack Torrance, portrayed by Jack Nicholson, takes a job as caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel, hoping for a fresh start. He and his wife Wendy, along with their young son Danny, spend the winter months in the historic building, seemingly looking forward to a change of pace.
But as a snowstorm cuts them off from the outside world, the Overlook Hotel reveals a dark side. The hotel's history manifests in terrifying ways, driving Jack towards madness and endangering his family.
Director Stanley Kubrick creates a suspenseful thriller exploring isolation, madness, and obsession. Nicholson delivers a memorable performance as Jack, and "The Shining" is a chilling story about the hidden dangers within even the most beautiful places.Stream onIMDb 8.4TMDB 8.2
- 34
Jackie BrownMovie · 1997 · 154mJackie Brown, a flight attendant, becomes involved in smuggling money for her gunrunner boss. When the police try to use her to find him, she devises a plan – with the assistance of a bail bondsman – to steal the money for herself.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4
- 35
Mission: ImpossibleMovie · 1996 · 111m · Adventure, Action, ThrillerEthan Hunt and his team face a perilous mission with unforeseen results. When their operation goes wrong, Hunt discovers a mole within the CIA has framed him as the culprit.
Hunt must now navigate a treacherous landscape of lies to identify the true double agent among his colleagues and clear his name. As he investigates, he confronts dangerous adversaries and life-threatening situations, testing the limits of loyalty and impacting national security.
This suspenseful film plunges audiences into the world of international espionage, where trust is scarce and every choice carries deadly weight. Combining action, intrigue, and surprising turns, the gripping story follows one agent's determined fight for justice against overwhelming odds.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0
- 36
Mission: Impossible IIMovie · 2000 · 123m · Adventure, Action, ThrillerAgent Ethan Hunt, aided by computer expert Luther Stickell and captivated by a beautiful thief, travels through Australia and Spain to prevent a rogue former IMF agent from releasing a genetically engineered biological weapon called Chimera. This mission thrusts Hunt into the heart of a dangerous global crisis.Stream onIMDb 6.1TMDB 6.1
- 37
Mission: Impossible IIIMovie · 2006 · 126m · Adventure, Action, ThrillerRetired agent Ethan Hunt trains new recruits for the Impossible Mission Force. He then confronts his most dangerous adversary yet: Owen Davian, a ruthless international arms and information broker. Davian threatens Hunt and everything important to him, including the woman he loves.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8
- 38
DunkirkMovie · 2017 · 107m · War, Action, DramaThis is the story of the remarkable rescue of Allied soldiers trapped in Dunkirk, France, between May 26th and June 4th, 1940, during World War II. Cut off from the beaches and harbor by the German army, soldiers from Belgium, Britain, Canada, and France were surrounded.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5
- 39
The Shape of WaterMovie · 2017 · 123m · Drama, Fantasy, RomanceIn 1962 America, during the Cold War, a mute janitor at a research lab develops feelings for an amphibious man being secretly held captive. He then plans a way to help the creature escape.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2
- 40
City of GhostsMovie · 2017 · 90m · War, DocumentaryThis documentary offers an unprecedented look at "Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently," a collective of anonymous citizen journalists. Formed after their city was taken over by ISIS, they risk everything to fight back against a major global threat.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2
- 41
GaslightMovie · 1944 · 114m · Thriller, Drama, MysteryA newlywed moves into her in-laws' imposing, isolated estate and starts experiencing strange events that make her question her sanity. As things become more disturbing, she can't tell if what's happening is real or in her head – is it the house's past, or her own mind? Suspicion grows as she tries to find out what's really going on, all while adjusting to marriage and a new home. Her investigation forces her to face her greatest fears in a place where secrets lurk in the shadows.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5
- 42
Bad Day at Black RockMovie · 1955 · 81m · Thriller, Mystery, WesternIn the quiet town of Black Rock, a mysterious one-armed war veteran named John J. Macreedy arrives by train. He soon finds that the town's peaceful facade hides a network of secrets, lies, and unsettling events, including a murder.
Driven by his determination, Macreedy investigates, uncovering layers of deception among Black Rock's residents. The town's calm atmosphere gives way to tension and danger as he peels back its dark history. Confronting the complexities of human nature, John struggles to understand his own involvement in this tragic story.
The film unfolds in a seemingly peaceful setting, where the gap between appearances and reality creates a compelling narrative that challenges what the audience believes is true.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3
- 43
Call Me by Your NameMovie · 2017 · 132m · Romance, DramaDuring the summer of 1983, seventeen-year-old Elio spends his days at his family's villa in Italy. A graduate student named Oliver arrives to help Elio's father, a professor of Greco-Roman culture. Elio and Oliver quickly form a connection, and their summer together will profoundly change both of their lives.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 8.1
- 44
Mission: Impossible - Ghost ProtocolMovie · 2011 · 133m · Action, Thriller, AdventureEthan Hunt and his team are racing against time to stop a dangerous terrorist, Hendricks, who has stolen Russian nuclear launch codes and intends to attack the United States. An attempt to intercept him results in an explosion that heavily damages the Kremlin, and the IMF is wrongly blamed. The President disavows the agency. Now operating without government support, Ethan and his team pursue Hendricks worldwide, racing against the clock to prevent a catastrophe.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1
- 45
The BirdcageMovie · 1996 · 119m · ComedyIn South Beach, middle-aged gay life partners Armand Goldman and Albert run a life together. Armand owns a drag club, and Albert is its star performer. They also have a 20-year-old son, Val, who is engaged to Barbara. To impress his future in-laws, especially Barbara's conservative father, Senator Kevin Keeley, Val hides his father's Jewish heritage and their own homosexuality, pretending to be straight.
The family dynamics change when Val invites Barbara and her parents for dinner. Armand and Albert face challenges navigating social expectations while staying true to themselves. This story explores acceptance, identity, and love amidst societal pressures and prejudices.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0
- 46
If Beale Street Could TalkMovie · 2018 · 120m · Romance, DramaWhen her fiancé is wrongly convicted of a crime, a pregnant African-American woman embarks on a determined journey to prove his innocence and secure his release.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9
- 47
Repo ManMovie · 1984 · 92m · Comedy, Science FictionA young man's life changes when he takes a job as a repossession agent with a seasoned veteran. Their assignments are anything but typical, involving alien encounters, shadowy government operations, and a quest for a rare 1964 Chevy with hidden secrets. As they navigate a world of conspiracy, danger, and humor, the unlikely pair develops a strong friendship. This blend of science fiction, action, and comedy offers a fresh and exciting take on growing up.Stream onIMDb 6.8TMDB 6.7