Movies About Moonshine Runners

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 American film directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. It is based on the novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. The film tells the story of an unnamed office worker (Edward Norton) who suffers from insomnia and finds relief in attending support groups anonymously. He meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), an eccentric and charismatic soap salesman, and they form an underground fight club where men can vent their frustrations and act out their primal urges. As the fight club becomes increasingly popular, it begins to attract the attention of the authorities, and the protagonists must fight to keep the club private and ultimately, to survive. The film has become a cultural phenomenon, examining themes of consumerism, nihilism, and masculinity, while also exploring the consequences of violence.

From Isao Takahata, starring Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi, Yoshiko Shinohara
Rated Not Rated

Grave of the Fireflies is a 1988 animated war drama film directed by Isao Takahata and based on the 1967 semi-autobiographical short story of the same title by Akiyuki Nosaka. The film tells the story of two young siblings, Seita and Setsuko, who are left to fend for themselves during the final months of the Second World War in Japan. After their mother is killed in an American air raid, they find a temporary home with an aunt, but are eventually forced to fend for themselves and live in an abandoned bomb shelter. As they struggle to survive and look after one another, they come to terms with the tragedy of war. The film is widely regarded as a tragic masterpiece and has been hailed as one of the greatest anti-war films of all time.

From Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
Rated R

Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Ralf Möller, Oliver Reed, Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel, and Richard Harris. Set in AD 180, the film tells the story of the fictional Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed when Commodus, the ambitious son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, murders his father and seizes the throne. Reduced to slavery, Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murders of his family and his emperor. The film was a box office success, grossing over $457 million worldwide, and was the second highest-grossing film of 2000. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Crowe, and three other Oscars. It was also nominated for numerous other awards, including Best Director for Scott and Best Supporting Actor for Phoenix.

From Directors: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina, starring Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach
Rated PG

Coco is a 2017 computer-animated musical fantasy film from Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios, directed by Lee Unkrich and co-directed by Adrian Molina. The story follows a 12-year-old Mexican boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history. Along the way, they meet a dazzling array of characters and discover the importance of family, music, and following your dreams.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a South Korean neo-noir psychological thriller film from 2003, directed by Park Chan-wook. The film follows the story of Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably kidnapped and imprisoned in a strange hotel-like room for 15 years. After his release, he embarks on a mission to find out why he was taken and to get revenge on those responsible. Oh Dae-su soon discovers that his captor has an intricate, deeply personal motive for his imprisonment and an even more shocking, devastating plan for his future. Oldboy is a dark and gritty exploration of revenge, justice, and the consequences of past choices.

From Guillermo del Toro, starring Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú
Rated R

"Pan's Labyrinth" is set in Spain in 1944, five years after the Spanish Civil War. It tells the story of a young girl named Ofelia who discovers a mysterious labyrinth, and is immediately drawn into a world of fantasy and danger. She meets a faun, who reveals that she is Princess Moanna, the daughter of an underground kingdom. The faun tells her she must complete a series of dangerous tasks in order to reclaim her rightful place in the kingdom. In the real world, Ofelia's stepfather, Captain Vidal, is a cruel and oppressive leader who is determined to quash any opposition to his authority. Ofelia must navigate a treacherous landscape of magical creatures, brutal soldiers, and family secrets in order to survive and reclaim her place in the kingdom.

From Juan José Campanella, starring Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago, Carla Quevedo
Rated R

The Secret in Their Eyes is a 2009 Argentine drama film written and directed by Juan José Campanella. The film tells the story of a retired criminal court investigator named Benjamín Espósito and his quest to find the killer of a young woman, Liliana Coloto, whom he had been investigating 25 years prior. With the help of his friend and former partner, Irene Menéndez-Hastings, Benjamín pieces together the clues from his old case and begins to uncover the truth. Along the way, he revisits his turbulent love affair with Irene and confronts his own feelings of regret. Through a combination of flashbacks and present-day scenes, the film explores the ways in which the past - both personal and political - can haunt us and shape our lives.

From Peter Farrelly, starring Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco
Rated PG-13

Green Book is a 2018 American comedy-drama film directed by Peter Farrelly. The film stars Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali as a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx and an African-American classical pianist, who, in 1962, take a road trip together through the Deep South, where they must rely on The Negro Motorist Green Book to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African Americans. Along their journey, they challenge each other's preconceptions of race, class and societal norms. Ultimately, they form an unlikely friendship and an understanding of each other's struggles. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali).

From James Mangold, starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Boyd Holbrook
Rated R

Logan is an action-packed, gritty film that follows the story of an aged, weary Logan (Hugh Jackman) as he cares for an ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart) in a hideout on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are upended when a young mutant, Laura (Dafne Keen), arrives seeking his help and protection. Pursued by dark forces, Logan embarks on a last-ditch effort to protect Laura and his allies, while also coming to terms with his own past. With action-packed fight scenes and an emotionally gripping storyline, Logan is an unforgettable story of a man struggling to let go of his past and embrace the future.

From Directors: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders, starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Ferguson
Rated PG

How to Train Your Dragon is an animated adventure fantasy film released in 2010. Directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, the film is based on the 2003 children's book of the same name by British author Cressida Cowell. The film follows the story of a young Viking boy named Hiccup, who lives in a Viking village and dreams of becoming a dragon slayer like his father. When his village is attacked by dragons, he instead captures and befriends an injured dragon, which he names Toothless. With the help of his friends, Hiccup and Toothless form a bond and together they work to help protect the village from the dragons and to create peace between humans and dragons. Throughout the story, Hiccup discovers the secrets of training dragons, and the importance of understanding and friendship.

From Tom Hooper, starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi
Rated R

The King's Speech is a 2010 British historical drama film directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler. The film tells the story of King George VI of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (played by Colin Firth), who, to prepare for the impending World War II, must overcome his debilitating stutter with the help of unorthodox speech therapist Lionel Logue (played by Geoffrey Rush). Along the way, the two develop an unlikely friendship, face personal and professional hardships, and ultimately come to understand the power of words and communication. The film also stars Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth and Derek Jacobi as Archbishop Cosmo Lang. The King's Speech received overwhelming critical acclaim and earned multiple awards and nominations, including Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Dave Bautista
Rated R

Blade Runner 2049 is a 2017 science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, and Ana de Armas. Set thirty years after the original Blade Runner, the film follows a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Gosling), as he discovers a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. His discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Ford), a former blade runner who has been missing for thirty years. As K's investigation unfolds, he uncovers a shocking truth about the past, which could have devastating consequences for the future. Along the way, he must confront dangerous forces that will do anything to stop him from finding the truth.

From Garth Davis, starring Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, Sunny Pawar
Rated PG-13

Lion is a 2016 biographical drama film directed by Garth Davis, and written by Luke Davies, based on the non-fiction book A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley. The film stars Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, David Wenham, Nicole Kidman, and Sunny Pawar. The film follows the story of five-year-old Saroo, who gets separated from his family and is adopted by an Australian couple. After 25 years, he uses Google Earth to search for his lost family. The film follows Saroo’s emotional journey of self-discovery and his quest to find the meaning of home. Ultimately, he embarks on a remarkable journey to reconnect with his birth mother and siblings.

From James Gunn, starring Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana
Rated PG-13

Guardians of the Galaxy is a 2014 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. Directed by James Gunn, the film stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, and Benicio del Toro. The film follows Peter Quill (Pratt), who is abducted by a group of space pirates led by Yondu Udonta (Rooker). After stealing a mysterious orb, Quill forms an uneasy alliance with a group of extraterrestrial misfits, including Gamora (Saldana), Rocket (Cooper), Groot (Diesel) and Drax the Destroyer (Bautista). Through their adventures, they learn the true power of the orb and must fight to save the galaxy from a fanatical villain, Ronan (Pace). Along the way, they discover the power of friendship and family.

From Michael Moore, starring Michael Moore, Charlton Heston, Marilyn Manson, Salvador Allende
Rated R

Bowling for Columbine is an Academy Award-winning documentary that explores the causes of the Columbine High School massacre and the proliferation of gun violence in the United States. The film centers on the shooting that occurred on April 20, 1999, when two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, killed 12 fellow students and one teacher before turning their guns on themselves. Through interviews and archival footage, director Michael Moore examines the media's role in creating a culture of fear, the influence of the NRA, and America's obsession with guns. He also looks at the history of gun violence in the United States and its relationship to poverty, racism, and other social issues. In the end, Moore argues that the country must come together to address the underlying causes of the massacre, rather than just blaming the perpetrators.

From Henry Selick, starring Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey
Rated PG

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 stop-motion animated musical fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and produced and conceived by Tim Burton. The film follows Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, as he discovers and attempts to take over Christmas Town. With help from his rag-doll love interest Sally and a host of misfit allies, Jack tries to bring a Christmas-like joy to Halloween Town and ultimately discovers the true meaning of the holiday season. The film features the voicing talents of Chris Sarandon, Danny Elfman, and Catherine O'Hara.

From Stephen Chbosky, starring Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, Izabela Vidovic, Julia Roberts
Rated PG

Wonder is a 2017 American drama film directed by Stephen Chbosky, and starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jacob Tremblay. The movie follows the life of August "Auggie" Pullman, a 10-year-old boy who was born with a facial deformation, as he struggles to fit in at his new school. With the help of his family, his supportive peers, and teachers, Auggie learns to face his fears and discovers the power of kindness, acceptance, and friendship.

From Bryan Singer, starring Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy
Rated PG-13

Bohemian Rhapsody is a 2018 biographical drama film about the British rock band Queen, focusing on lead singer Freddie Mercury's life and leading up to their iconic performance at the Live Aid concert in 1985. It follows Mercury from his days as a student, through the formation and meteoric rise of the band, as well as his personal crisis, which leads to his departing from the band and finding a solo career. After a rocky reunion, the band comes back together in time to perform at the Live Aid concert. The film stars Rami Malek as Mercury, and also features Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Gwilym Lee, and Lucy Boynton. The film was directed by Bryan Singer, and the screenplay was written by Anthony McCarten.

From Wes Anderson, starring Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray
Rated PG-13

Moonrise Kingdom is a 2012 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Wes Anderson, written by Anderson and Roman Coppola, and starring Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman and Jared Gilman, with Bob Balaban and Harvey Keitel in supporting roles. The plot focuses on two lovelorn pre-teens, Sam and Suzy, who run away together in an attempt to find true love and escape their troubled home lives. Set on a fictitious island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, the film follows their adventures as they are pursued by a group of adults intent on finding them and bringing them home. The film is noted for its 1960s aesthetic and whimsical visuals, which include a distinct color palette, use of vintage music, and adorning the characters in vintage clothing. It is also known for its unique narrative structure, which employs flashback and nonlinear storytelling. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its visuals and performances by the cast.

From Wes Anderson, starring Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton, Bob Balaban
Rated PG-13

Isle of Dogs is a 2018 stop-motion animated film directed by Wes Anderson about a boy's odyssey to a forbidden island in search of his lost dog. A tyrannical mayor of a Japanese city banishes all dogs to Trash Island, and the boy embarks on a mission to save his canine friend. Along the way, he meets a ragtag group of exiled dogs who help him on his mission. Together, they must work together to overcome obstacles and ultimately save the dogs of Trash Island. With its unique visual style, witty humor, and heart-warming story, Isle of Dogs is an entertaining and endearing film.

From George A. Romero, starring Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman
Rated Not Rated

Night of the Living Dead is a classic horror film directed by George A. Romero. The film follows a group of people who are trapped in a rural farmhouse and must fight for survival against a horde of reanimated flesh-eating corpses from a mysterious plague. The group must fight to stay alive in the face of increasing danger from both the dead and the living. As the night goes on, tensions within the group rise, and the survivors must confront their own fears and prejudices in order to survive. In the end, the survivors must fight to the death in order to survive the night and make it through the living nightmare.

From Dean DeBlois, starring Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson
Rated PG

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a 2014 animated adventure film directed by Dean DeBlois and the sequel to the 2010 film How to Train Your Dragon. The story takes place five years after the first film, with Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless the dragon now best friends and exploring the world beyond their home of Berk. They soon discover a hidden world of dragons and a powerful, dragon-riding warrior named Drago Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou) who is determined to conquer the world by controlling the dragons. Hiccup and Toothless must band together with their friends and family to stop Drago and protect the world of dragons. Along the journey they discover a mysterious dragon rider and a secret ice cave that holds the key to their destiny. With the help of others, they must find the courage to stand up to Drago and save the day.

From James Mangold, starring Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Ben Foster, Logan Lerman
Rated R

3:10 to Yuma is a 2007 American western directed by James Mangold and starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. The film is based on a 1957 short story of the same name by Elmore Leonard. It follows an impoverished rancher who agrees to take on the dangerous task of escorting a notorious outlaw, Ben Wade (Russell Crowe), to a town 200 miles away, where he is to be put on the 3:10 train to Yuma Prison. Along the way, the rancher must protect Wade from the gang of outlaws who are trying to free him, while trying to protect his own family from Wade's scheming. With the help of a mysterious marshal, they are able to make it to the train station, but not without facing grave danger along the way. In the end, the rancher is able to complete his mission, but not without giving up his life in the process.

From Sylvain Chomet, starring Michèle Caucheteux, Jean-Claude Donda, Michel Robin, Monica Viegas
Rated PG-13

The Triplets of Belleville is a 2003 animated comedy-drama film directed by Sylvain Chomet. The story follows Madame Souza, an elderly woman who lives with her beloved grandson Champion. When Champion is kidnapped by mysterious men during the Tour de France, Madame Souza and her equally-eccentric friends, the Triplets of Belleville, set out on an adventure to save him. Along the way, they meet a variety of strange and wonderful characters, from a bumbling pair of detectives to a criminal mastermind and his gang. Ultimately, Madame Souza and the Triplets must battle the criminals and the odds to rescue Champion and get him back home safely.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Ana López Mercado
Rated R

Y Tu Mamá También is a coming-of-age road movie about two teenage boys, Julio and Tenoch, who are living in Mexico City. When their girlfriends unexpectedly leave for Italy, the two friends decide to take a road trip to a fictional beach called "Heaven's Mouth". Along the way, they meet a beautiful older woman named Luisa, who joins them on their journey. Through their interactions, they learn more about themselves and what is important to them, while exploring issues of sexuality, class, and identity. As they travel, the three of them form an intimate and complicated friendship that helps them to grow and mature.