Certified Fresh: Diverse Human Stories from the Rotten Tomatoes Top in 2014
134 titles
- 101
Starred UpMovie · 2014 · 106m · DramaEric, a 19-year-old with a history of violence and a defiant attitude, is unexpectedly sent to the same adult prison as his father. His quick temper makes him enemies among guards and inmates, straining his already difficult relationship with his father. When a volunteer psychotherapist offers an anger management program, Eric is pulled between dangerous gang politics, prison corruption, and a chance for change. He must fight to survive, uncertain if his father will offer protection or contribute to his downfall.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 102
12 O'Clock BoysMovie · 2013 · 76m · DocumentaryPug, a sharp-witted 13-year-old growing up on a tough Westside neighborhood, wants nothing more than to become part of The Twelve O'Clock Boys, Baltimore’s infamous urban dirt-bike gang. These riders, from across the city, take to the streets and challenge the police, who are restricted from pursuing them due to public safety concerns. After his older brother's unexpected death, Pug seeks guidance from the gang, drawn to their risky way of life. The film offers an immersive, action-filled look at the riders as they live their lives, capturing a defining period in a boy’s life during a time of significant change in one of America's most economically struggling cities.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.0 - 103
Hide Your Smiling FacesMovie · 2014 · 81m · DramaTommy and his older brother Eric live isolated in a sprawling wilderness. The death of a friend intensifies their struggles. Eric finds himself unable to manage his emotions, and the immensity of their surroundings suddenly feels oppressive.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.4 - 104
BethlehemMovie · 2013 · 99m · Drama, ThrillerBethlehem follows the complex relationship between Razi, an Israeli secret service officer, and Sanfur, a Palestinian informant. Razi recruited the 15-year-old Sanfur and formed a close, almost paternal bond with him. Now 17, Sanfur struggles to balance Razi's requests with his loyalty to his brother, a senior Palestinian militant, leading him to live a double life built on deception.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.1 - 105
Last Days in VietnamMovie · 2014 · 98m · War, DocumentaryAs the Vietnam War ends, the North Vietnamese Army advances on Saigon, causing widespread panic among the South Vietnamese population trying to flee. American soldiers and diplomats on the ground face a difficult choice: follow White House instructions to evacuate only American citizens, or do otherwise.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 106
Life ItselfMovie · 2014 · 121m · DocumentaryThis is the surprising and entertaining story of Roger Ebert (1942-2013), the celebrated film critic and cultural voice. It follows his early life as a bachelor, his Pulitzer Prize-winning career, his well-known and often lively collaboration with Gene Siskel, his transformative marriage, and his courageous and deeply personal fight against cancer.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 107
Mistaken for StrangersMovie · 2013 · 75m · Documentary, Music, Comedy"Mistaken for Strangers" provides a compelling and often funny look at indie rock band The National during their most ambitious tour. The film explores the unusual relationship between lead singer Matt Berninger and his younger brother Tom, who joins the tour as an inexperienced roadie with a love for heavy metal and horror films.
Tom documents the tour's behind-the-scenes moments, offering a unique perspective that often contrasts with the band's professional world. This creates both humor and tension as he navigates his role.
More than just a rock documentary, "Mistaken for Strangers" is a personal story about family, sibling dynamics, and pursuing artistic goals. It shows how love and understanding can overcome challenges while striving for dreams and navigating complex family ties. The film blends humor and heartfelt moments to offer an engaging and touching portrait of these experiences.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 108
The Lego MovieMovie · 2014 · 100m · Animation, Family, AdventureA regular Lego mini-figure is mistaken for the legendary MasterBuilder and unexpectedly joins a mission to defeat a wicked Lego tyrant who threatens to take over the entire universe.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 109
LiltingMovie · 2014 · 91m · DramaA young man of Chinese and Cambodian heritage passes away, leaving his mother alone and his partner of four years heartbroken. Despite a lack of a common language, they find solace and a deep connection in their shared grief.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 110
WetlandsMovie · 2013 · 109m · Drama, ComedyHelen, a rebellious teenager, clashes with her parents. She spends most of her time with her friend Corinna, and together they repeatedly defy social norms, using sex as a form of rebellion against traditional values. Following a mishap during a shave, Helen is hospitalized and quickly becomes a source of attention. There, she meets Robin, a male nurse who quickly captures her attention.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.3 - 111
NightcrawlerMovie · 2014 · 118m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerSeeking a job, Lou Bloom enters the world of crime journalism in Los Angeles, gradually becoming involved in the stories he covers. He and Nina, a seasoned TV news professional, work together.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.7 - 112
Edge of TomorrowMovie · 2014 · 114m · Action, Science FictionLieutenant Bill Cage, a civilian officer with no combat experience, is abruptly sent into a dangerous battlefield. He's killed almost immediately, but manages to take down an alien. He then wakes up back at the start of the day, trapped in a time loop where he's forced to fight and die repeatedly.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6 - 113
To Be TakeiMovie · 2014 · 94m · DocumentaryFor over seventy years, actor and activist George Takei's life has been an extraordinary journey: from the hardship of a World War II internment camp to starring in *Star Trek*, and finally connecting with millions through social media. Follow George and his husband, Brad, as they navigate life with humor and depth, championing freedom, equality, and love.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.3 - 114
Particle FeverMovie · 2013 · 99m · DocumentaryJust before the first activation of the Large Hadron Collider, scientists stand at a pivotal moment: potentially the most significant scientific breakthrough ever achieved, or a monumental disappointment.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 115
Big Hero 6Movie · 2014 · 102m · Adventure, Family, AnimationA unique friendship forms between Baymax, a plus-sized inflatable robot, and Hiro Hamada, a brilliant young inventor. Together, they join a team of friends to become a group of technologically advanced heroes.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.7 - 116
A Field in EnglandMovie · 2013 · 90m · Horror, Thriller, FantasyIn 17th-century England, amidst the Civil War, a handful of deserters escape a fierce battle and stumble into an overgrown field. Captured by an alchemist, they are compelled to help him locate a buried treasure he's convinced lies within. After sharing their first meal at a mysterious mushroom circle, the group quickly unravels, consumed by arguments, violence, and suspicion. As the true nature of the treasure becomes unclear, they gradually fall prey to the field's terrifying, trapped energies.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.2 - 117
The Trip to ItalyMovie · 2014 · 108m · Comedy, DramaFollowing their acclaimed restaurant review tour of Northern England, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are asked to host a new tour in Italy.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 118
The One I LoveMovie · 2014 · 91m · Romance, Comedy, DramaEthan and Sophie, a married couple facing separation, agree to try and repair their relationship. Their therapist suggests a weekend getaway to a scenic vacation home.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 119
RosewaterMovie · 2014 · 103m · DramaIn 2009, Iranian-Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari was reporting on Iran's tense elections for Newsweek. As one of the few reporters with access to American media, he appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in a taped interview with comedian Jason Jones. The interview was meant as satire, but the Tehran authorities took offense. This led to Bahari's arrest from his family home and imprisonment.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4 - 120
CitizenfourMovie · 2014 · 113m · DocumentaryIn June 2013, filmmaker Laura Poitras and journalist Glenn Greenwald traveled to Hong Kong to meet Edward Snowden. Poitras documented their meetings with her camera.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.7 - 121
FoxcatcherMovie · 2014 · 134m · Drama, ThrillerTwo brothers, who are the best Olympic wrestling team ever, join a training program run by wealthy benefactor John E. du Pont for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. This partnership results in unexpected and troubling events.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 122
Mr. TurnerMovie · 2014 · 150m · History, DramaIn his final 25 years, the unconventional British painter J.M.W. Turner embraces life with passion. He secretly develops a relationship with a woman who runs a seaside inn, while his devoted housekeeper harbors a hidden affection for him.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.5 - 123
Le Week-EndMovie · 2013 · 93m · Comedy, DramaFor their 30th wedding anniversary, Nick and Meg Burrows revisit Paris, the place where they first honeymooned, hoping to rekindle their romance. The film chronicles the couple's trip as long-simmering issues in their marriage resurface, leading to both funny and difficult moments.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 124
Obvious ChildMovie · 2014 · 85m · Comedy, RomanceA young comic book artist, recently laid off and still acting childish, is forced to confront adult responsibilities when a casual relationship with a graduate student leads to an unexpected pregnancy.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 125
St. VincentMovie · 2014 · 102m · ComedyAfter his parents' divorce, a young boy forms an unexpected bond with his cynical, boisterous, pleasure-seeking neighbor—a war veteran.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 126
Get on UpMovie · 2014 · 139m · Drama, Music, HistoryThis is the story of James Brown's journey from a life of extreme poverty to achieving legendary status as one of the most influential musicians ever.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 127
The HomesmanMovie · 2014 · 122m · Western, DramaThree women struggling with the hardships of frontier life find their sanity threatened. The devout and determined Mary Bee Cuddy takes it upon herself to rescue them, leading them east to Iowa by covered wagon. Realizing the immense challenge ahead, she hires a shady drifter named George Briggs for help. Together, Mary Bee, George, and the three women journey through the unforgiving Nebraska Territories, facing not only the stark beauty of the landscape but also psychological dangers and constant peril. A minister and his wife await their arrival in Iowa, offering refuge.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5 - 128
Venus in FurMovie · 2013 · 96m · DramaA mysterious actress auditions for a role in a play written by a man with deeply sexist views, and it seems she might have ulterior motives.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 129
LeviathanMovie · 2014 · 141m · Drama, CrimeIn a Russian coastal town, Kolya must fight against the corrupt mayor when he learns his house is slated for demolition. He enlists the help of a lawyer friend, but the friend's involvement unexpectedly brings more trouble to Kolya and his family.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 130
Force MajeureMovie · 2014 · 120m · DramaA Swedish family on vacation in the French Alps faces moments of fear as an avalanche occurs.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 131
The Book of LifeMovie · 2014 · 95m · Animation, Family, FantasyManolo, a young man caught between his family's desires and his own aspirations, sets out on a remarkable journey. To decide his future, he ventures into fantastical realms where he confronts his deepest fears.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.5 - 132
SelmaMovie · 2014 · 128m · History, Drama"Selma" is the story of a pivotal march in Alabama, a region deeply marked by racial segregation. The march, which ended in violence, prompted President Lyndon B. Johnson to deliver a powerful speech. This event ultimately paved the way for the passage of the Voting Rights Act.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 133
GodzillaMovie · 2014 · 123m · Action, Drama, Science FictionNavy bomb expert Ford Brody returns to San Francisco to be with his family, but he's soon called to Japan to assist his father, Joe. They become involved in a growing crisis when a powerful, ancient creature emerges from the ocean. This predator fights against forces threatening humanity, leaving widespread destruction as it heads towards a final confrontation in San Francisco.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 134
On My WayMovie · 2013 · 100m · Drama, ComedyCatherine Deneuve is Bettie, a sharp-witted grandmother who embarks on a journey after experiencing heartbreak and discovering her business is failing. Over a week traveling across France, she bonds with a grandson she doesn't know well and revisits her history as a former beauty queen at a gathering of past winners.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.5
