Top Movies On Starz

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary. Over his 19-year incarceration, he befriends fellow prison inmate Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman) and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation. With the help of Red, Andy is ultimately able to escape and gain his freedom. The film has been hailed as a touching and uplifting tale of resilience and friendship, and is regularly featured on lists of the greatest films ever made.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. It is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom, and tells the story of a slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama who witnesses, and in some cases influences, some of the defining events of the latter half of the 20th century in the United States. Tom Hanks stars in the title role, as well as in the body of the film, with supporting roles portrayed by Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field. The film follows the life of Forrest Gump, a naïve and slow-witted yet kind-hearted man from Alabama who witnesses, and in some cases influences, some of the defining events of the latter half of the 20th century in the United States. The story is told in a nonlinear narrative, and focuses on the life of Gump and his impact on history. The film differs substantially from the novel. Principal photography took place in late 1993, mainly in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13

Inception is a science fiction action film directed by Christopher Nolan. The story follows Dom Cobb, a skilled thief who specializes in stealing information from people’s dreams. He is hired to perform a seemingly impossible task: to implant an idea into the mind of business magnate Robert Fischer. Along the way, Cobb and his team face a series of obstacles, including internal conflict, dream-sharing technology, and enemies determined to stop them from completing their mission. As the stakes become higher, Cobb and the team must navigate the complex layers of the dream world and confront the surprising power of the subconscious. In the end, Cobb must choose between sacrificing his own dreams for the ones he loves, or risking everything for the dream of a brighter future.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas is a 1990 crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese. It follows the story of Henry Hill, an Italian-American gangster, and his friends, Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito, as they navigate the criminal underworld of New York City. In the film, Hill, Conway, and DeVito rise up in the mob hierarchy, eventually becoming “made men” in the Lucchese crime family. However, their success is followed by a rapid downward spiral, as a combination of Hill’s involvement in drug trafficking and the FBI’s investigation of their activities leads to the arrest and conviction of all three men. The film features intense scenes of violence, as well as dark humor, and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of organized crime.

From David Fincher, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Rated R

Se7en is a neo-noir crime thriller film directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Spacey. The film follows two detectives, William Somerset and David Mills, as they investigate a series of brutal murders committed by an enigmatic and enigmatic serial killer, who calls himself "John Doe". The killer is obsessed with the Seven Deadly Sins and has chosen each of his victims to represent a different sin. As the detectives pursue the killer, they begin to unravel a complex web of deception and lies that reveals a horrifying truth about the killer's ultimate goal. As the stakes rise, the detectives must race against time to stop the killer before he can commit the ultimate atrocity.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a classic 1960 suspense-horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It follows the story of Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a young woman who impulsively steals $40,000 from her employer and flees to the Bates Motel, owned by the mysterious Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). When Marion goes missing, her sister, Lila (Vera Miles), and her boyfriend, Sam (John Gavin), investigate her disappearance and uncover a series of terrifying secrets. As they uncover more of the motel's secrets, they soon realize that the strange, disturbed Norman Bates may be far more dangerous than they initially thought. Psycho is widely considered a classic of the horror genre and was an influential film in its time, introducing a number of horror and suspense conventions that still remain popular today.

From Tony Kaye, starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien
Rated R

American History X is a 1998 drama film directed by Tony Kaye, starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, and Beverly D'Angelo. The film tells the story of two brothers, Derek and Danny Vinyard, who grow up in Venice Beach, California. Derek, the eldest brother, is a former neo-Nazi skinhead who served prison time for killing two black gang members. After his release, he tries to prevent Danny from following in his footsteps. Through a series of flashbacks, the film examines the events that led to Derek's radicalization and his attempt to redeem himself and reclaim his life. The film explores themes of racism, redemption, and the power of violence, and ultimately demonstrates the power of love and understanding in overcoming hate.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg
Rated R

The Departed is a 2006 American crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. The film follows two men from vastly different backgrounds who attempt to infiltrate the Massachusetts State Police and the Irish mob, respectively. Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) is an undercover cop, while Colin Sullivan (Damon) is secretly a mole for the mob. As the men attempt to discover each other's identity, their lives become more and more intertwined. The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, Vera Farmiga, and Ray Winstone. Through a series of twists and turns, the stakes become higher and higher as the film reaches its climax. The Departed won Scorsese his first Academy Award for Best Director and was nominated for five other Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers
Rated R

The Shining is a 1980 horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd. The story follows Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic, who takes a job as the winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel. His wife Wendy and their young son Danny accompany him. Danny has psychic abilities and is able to see disturbing events from the hotel's past. As the months go by and the family is isolated from the outside world, Jack descends into madness and exhibits increasingly violent behavior that threatens the safety of his family. The family must find a way to escape the hotel and its malicious supernatural forces. The Shining is considered one of the greatest horror films of all time and is renowned for its iconic imagery, eerie atmosphere, and psychological horror.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

2001: A Space Odyssey is an epic science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based upon the novel by author Arthur C. Clarke. The film follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The film explores themes of existentialism, human evolution, technology, and artificial intelligence. Along the way, the audience is taken on a journey which touches on the birth of man, the search for knowledge, and the clash between man and machine. The film is noted for its groundbreaking visuals, special effects, and use of classical music. 2001: A Space Odyssey is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and has been re-released multiple times since its original release in 1968.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 dystopian crime film adapted and directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on Anthony Burgess' 1962 novel of the same name. The film follows the adventures of Alex, a charismatic, psychopathic delinquent whose pleasures are classical music, rape, and what is termed "ultra-violence". He leads a small gang of thugs, whom he calls his "droogs". They indulge in joyriding, stealing, and terrorizing the populace. Alex's criminal activities are curbed by a hostile government body after he is arrested and given an experimental form of psychotherapy. It is a social satire that explores the idea of using psychological manipulation and classical conditioning to change people's behavior. It is a cult classic, widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio, Adam Baldwin
Rated R

Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 war film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey and Vincent D'Onofre. The film follows a group of young U.S. Marines from their initial training to their experiences in the Vietnam War. It focuses on two marines in particular: Private Joker, a wise-cracking journalist-to-be, and Private Pyle, a slow-witted and ill-disciplined troublemaker. As the Marines endure the rigors of basic training under the hard-nosed Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, Pyle's inability to conform to the military lifestyle leads to increasingly severe punishments. Meanwhile, Joker struggles to maintain his own sanity and sense of morality in the face of a system designed to break people down. As the Marines deploy to Vietnam, they are put to the ultimate test in a climactic battle at the city of Huế. Full Metal Jacket is widely regarded as one of the greatest war films ever made, and its stark realism has been praised for its unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War. It is also notable for its dark humor, which serves to emphasize the horrors of war.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, Mustafa Kamel
Rated R

Incendies is a 2010 drama-mystery film directed by Denis Villeneuve and based on Wajdi Mouawad's play of the same name. The story follows two fraternal twins, Jeanne and Simon, as they travel to the Middle East in search of the truth behind their mother's mysterious past. Along the way, they discover a secret that could tear the family apart. The film explores themes of identity, reconciliation, and the power of love. It ultimately reveals the devastating consequences of decades-old secrets and brings to light an unknown history of war and displacement in the Middle East. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and won several awards at international film festivals.

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Rated R

Scarface is a 1983 American crime film directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone. It is a remake of the 1932 film of the same name and stars Al Pacino as Cuban refugee Tony Montana who arrives in 1980s Miami with nothing. Through a combination of ambition, ruthlessness and luck, he rises to become a powerful drug kingpin. The film chronicles his rise to power and his subsequent downfall as his paranoia and cocaine addiction spiral out of control. The film also stars Michelle Pfeiffer and Steven Bauer. The story follows Tony's epic journey as he claws his way to the top of the criminal underworld, only to be ultimately destroyed by his own hubris.

From David Lean, starring William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa
Rated PG

The Bridge on the River Kwai is a British-American World War II war drama directed by David Lean. It stars Alec Guinness, William Holden, and Sessue Hayakawa. The film is set in 1943, in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp in Burma. Colonel Nicholson (Guinness) is a British officer who refuses to compromise his principles and has been ordered to build a bridge over the River Kwai as part of a plan to move troops and supplies into Burma. Despite his protests, Nicholson is forced to work with a Japanese commander and his men to build the bridge. As the bridge takes shape, Nicholson begins to take pride in his work and finds himself developing a sense of respect for his captors. But when the Allies learn of the bridge's existence, they devise a plan to destroy it and the Japanese garrison. The film culminates in a thrilling battle between the Japanese and British forces, as Nicholson is forced to choose between completing the bridge and protecting his men. The Bridge on the River Kwai is a powerful and highly acclaimed war drama that earned seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds, Martin Stringer
Rated R

There Will Be Blood is a 2007 drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and based on the 1927 novel Oil! by Upton Sinclair. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, the film follows an ambitious oil prospector in the early 20th century who amasses a fortune but fails to find the personal connection he was searching for. The film also features Paul Dano, Dillon Freasier, and Ciaran Hinds. The story follows Plainview's ruthless ambition to become one of the richest men in California. After striking oil, he faces ruthless competition, numerous betrayals, and a tumultuous relationship with a local preacher. As his wealth and power increase, Plainview becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid, and his life spirals out of control as his obsessive pursuit of fortune leads to devastating consequences. The film's themes include power, faith, family, and ambition.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Albert Brooks
Rated R

Taxi Driver is a 1976 psychological thriller film written by Paul Schrader, directed by Martin Scorsese, and starring Robert De Niro as the main character, Travis Bickle. It follows Bickle, a Vietnam veteran and former Marine who has become a loner and taxi driver in New York City. His mental instability leads him to become increasingly isolated and disillusioned with society. He begins to obsessively plan a mission to rescue a young child prostitute, played by Jodie Foster, from her pimp. The film also features Cybill Shepherd and Albert Brooks in supporting roles. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time and received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

From James McTeigue, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Rated R

V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowski Brothers, based on the 1988 DC/Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. Set in an alternate future Britain, it stars Hugo Weaving as V, a mysterious, masked revolutionary who attempts to ignite a popular uprising against the brutal and oppressive fascist government. Natalie Portman co-stars as Evey, an unsuspecting young woman who becomes V's unlikely ally. The government, led by Chancellor Sutler (John Hurt) and his secret police, reacts with harsh measures to combat V's campaign of terrorism and assassination, while Evey and others come to appreciate his goals and methods. The film depicts V's quest for revenge, justice, and freedom as a metaphor for a general struggle against oppression. Themes of fascism, individualism, morality, revolution, terrorism, and the power of ideas are explored.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods
Rated R

Casino is a 1995 crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. The film follows the story of Ace Rothstein (De Niro), a Jewish American gambling expert and mob associate, who is tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations at the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas in the mid-1970s. Along the way, Ace falls in love with a hustler, Ginger (Stone), and develops an increasingly strained relationship with his longtime friend and mob enforcer, Nicky Santoro (Pesci). As the casino's fortunes quickly rise, so does the tension between Ace and Nicky, which eventually leads to their downfall as Ace's attempts to legitimize the casino are foiled. The film culminates in a violent and devastating climax as Ace and Nicky's lives are torn apart by the mob, leaving Ace to pick up the pieces of his shattered life. Casino is an intense and thrilling exploration of greed, power, and the consequences of a life lived in the shadows of the Las Vegas underworld.

From Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson
Rated R

No Country for Old Men is a 2007 American neo-Western crime thriller directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and written in collaboration with novelist Cormac McCarthy. Set in 1980s Texas, the film follows a weathered, aging sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones) as he attempts to track down a relentless, sociopathic killer (Javier Bardem) and the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong. Alongside Tommy Lee Jones, the film also stars Josh Brolin, Kelly Macdonald, and Woody Harrelson. The film focuses heavily on the moral ambiguity surrounding violence, with all characters finding themselves inextricably linked to each other by a shared fate. It is a dark, intense, and haunting work that earned widespread critical acclaim, winning Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Supporting Actor.

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

Pan's Labyrinth is a dark fantasy film set in Spain during the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. The main character, Ofelia, is a young girl who is sent to live with her tyrannical step-father, Captain Vidal, at a remote mill in the countryside. In this unstable environment, Ofelia discovers a mysterious labyrinth and meets a strange faun who tells her that she is a princess from a magical kingdom and must complete three dangerous tasks in order to return to her true home. As Ofelia embarks on her quest, she must also face the harsh reality of her step-father's cruel regime and the atrocities of the war that surrounds her. With the help of a loving servant, Ofelia is able to weave a fantastical story of courage and hope in a world of horror and despair.

From Martin McDonagh, starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones
Rated R

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri tells the story of Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand), a mother who has suffered a shattering personal tragedy. After a series of unsolved murders in her small town, she takes matters into her own hands by renting three billboards to send a public message to the local police chief, Bill Willoughby (Woody Harrelson). When the chief refuses to take action, a feud ensues between Mildred and the police department, which is led by the brutish and hot-headed Officer Jason Dixon (Sam Rockwell). Through the tense battle between Mildred and the police, a deeper story of redemption, forgiveness, and humanity emerges. In the end, Mildred's bold move is seen to have a profound impact on all of the characters, and ultimately, the town.

From Rob Reiner, starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell
Rated R

Stand by Me is a coming-of-age adventure drama film directed by Rob Reiner in 1986. It is based on Stephen King's novella The Body and stars Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O'Connell as four young boys in a small town in Oregon who set out to find the body of a missing boy. The film follows the boys on their journey as they confront various obstacles and come to terms with their mortality. Along the way, they make lasting friendships and learn the importance of loyalty, friendship, and courage. The film was a critical and commercial success and is considered to be one of the best coming-of-age films of all time.

From Wes Anderson, starring Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody
Rated R

The Grand Budapest Hotel is a 2014 comedy-drama film written and directed by Wes Anderson. The film stars Ralph Fiennes as M. Gustave, a concierge at the titular hotel in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka, who forms a friendship with a lobby boy, Zero (Tony Revolori). They soon find themselves embroiled in a battle for a prestigious painting and the inheritance of a large family fortune. The film follows the story of M. Gustave and Zero as they go from one misadventure to another, all the while dealing with the machinations of the wealthy, the wicked and the corrupt. Along the way, they enlist the help of a variety of colorful characters, including a gruff but lovable military officer, a pair of dueling lawyers and a host of other unexpected allies. With performances from an all-star cast, The Grand Budapest Hotel is a stunning, hilarious and touching tale of friendship, love and adventure set against a backdrop of a charming European city.

From Michael Cimino, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Cazale, John Savage
Rated R

The Deer Hunter is a 1978 war drama directed by Michael Cimino and starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, Meryl Streep and John Savage. Set in Clairton, Pennsylvania, the film follows a group of Russian-American friends who enlist in the Vietnam War and their experiences leading up to and during the conflict. The film focuses on a trio of friends—Michael (De Niro), Nick (Walken) and Steven (Savage)—who are drafted into the war. While in Vietnam, the men struggle to stay alive amid the horrors of battle and the psychological anguish of being prisoners of war. After the war, the three men return to Clairton, where they must come to terms with the traumas they experienced while in Vietnam. This includes Michael's PTSD, which he attempts to cope with by going deer hunting in the wilds of Pennsylvania. The Deer Hunter is widely regarded as one of the best war films ever made. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor for Walken. It was also nominated for a further three Oscars. The film remains a powerful and moving exploration of the effects of war and its lingering impact.