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The 12 Best Movies and Shows Coming to Hulu in October 2021
Summer is officially over! Goodbye sunny beaches, sandals, and ice cold lemonade. Now, it’s time to pull out your sweater, boots, and snuggle up on the couch with some hot cocoa while streaming the best Hulu movies. And Hulu has a nice list of movies and shows being added to it in October!
As you and your family decide to stay indoors and enjoy a nice movie while cuddling under a warm blanket, we’ve rounded up the best movies and shows on Hulu. From the current shows and movies to old but wonderful classics, you have all the entertainment you need to keep you laughing or aww-ing during the cold season. Whether you want some family friendly entertainment or a movie that will give you thrills, we have rounded up all the best Hulu shows for you to pick from.
Waitress (2007)
- Rating: PG-13
- Cast: Kerri Russel, Nathan Fillion, Jeremy Sisto
- IMDB Rating: 7.0
Photo Credit: IMDb
Jenna is an unhappily married woman in the deep south with dreams for something better. Her husband is very controlling and abusive to her, leaving her trapped in a bad situation. She works at a diner as a waitress where she makes creative and inventive pies inspired by various situations in her life. Upon finding out that she’s pregnant, she decides to use her impending motherhood as motivation to better her life in a last attempt at true happiness.
This comedy-drama film was written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, whose supporting role was her last before her untimely death. It also shows the gorgeous Kerri Russel and a young Nathan Fillion in his pre-Castle days. It was nominated for Best Screenplay and has since been re-adapted as stage musicals, even earning Broadway showings. It’s definitely one of the best Hulu movies to check out when it’s available on October 1 for viewing!
Happy Feet
- Rating: G
- Cast: Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, Robin Williams, Nicole Kidman
- IMDB Rating: 6.4
Photo Credit: IMDb
Every emperor penguin has a “heart song” that they sing to attract a mate. If a male’s song falls in harmony with a female’s song, they become mates and start a family together. However, cute and innocent little Mumble has a problem; he can’t sing a smooth note. But, despite his inability to sing, he can tap dance and has a passion for it. This attracts the attention of Gloria, a fellow penguin who’s considered one of the best singers, who is one of the few to be kind to him.
This 2006 animated film warmed the hearts of children and adults alike, even bringing awareness to overfishing and the safety of animals. It even won several Academy awards for best-animated film and recognition for its outstanding music soundtrack. If you’re in the mood for a great musical movie with an all-star cast, or your kids want to see an animated film centered on animals, this is the perfect pick for you starting October 1st.
The Spy Who Loved Me
- Rating: PG
- Cast: Roger Moore, Barbara Bach, Curt Jurgens
- IMDB Rating: 7.1
Photo Credit: IMDb
If you’re in the mood for an older classic movie on Hulu, go back to the ‘70s with a good old James Bond movie. Definitely one of the best movies on Hulu if you love an older spy classic, this film is based on Ian Flemming’s 1962 book The Spy Who Loved Me and the tenth book in the famous James Bond series. It was considered a pivotal movie that helped rebuild the James Bond film franchise.
The story focuses on James Bond looking into the hijacking of British and Russian submarines carrying nuclear warheads, along with the help of a KGB agent whose lover he killed. The movie had a very troubled production but made back far more than what was expected. It eventually became known as a James Bond classic, with several Oscar awards and even more nominations for its golden quality. One of the best Hulu movies indeed!
The Hunger Games franchise
- Rating: PG-13, entire franchise
- Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks
- IMDB Rating: 7.2
Photo Credit: IMDb
Based on the young adult dystopian trilogy by Suzanne Collins which made the New York Times bestseller list (and has been voted second by readers to Harry Potter), the film adaptation franchise proved to be just as popular and made millions worldwide. It stars award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence, award-winning actor Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, and many more award-winning or nominated cast members.
Taking place in a dystopian future where America is now Panem and sectioned into 12 districts, children from these districts (in the ages of 12-18) have their names put into a draw where one boy and girl are randomly chosen. These selected children are forced to compete in a game where only one is allowed to survive. Katniss volunteers to take the place of her little sister when she’s chosen, along with Peeta, who has a shared emotional memory with her. If you’re into sci-fi and action films, this is one of the best Hulu movies on your list!
Castle
- # of Seasons: 8, (entire series available)
- Rating: TV-14
- Cast: Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic, Seamus Dever, Tamala Jones, Molly Quinn
- IMDB Rating: 8.1
Photo Credit: IMDb
This hit ABC television show aired from 2009 to 2016 and earned a huge fanbase of millions of fans for its run. It’s won several awards and was even nominated for an Emmy and Golden Reel award. It’s definitely one of the best Hulu shows if you want a crime mystery with a balancing layer of comedy!
It stars Nathan Filion as the title character, Richard Castle, a famous and successful mystery crime novelist. He gets roped up with detective Kate Becket when a serial killer begins murdering people in the same fashion as one of his storylines and he gets hauled in for questioning. Eventually, he decides to use his personal connection with the mayor to let him shadow Kate in her various cases as inspiration for his future books; much to her annoyance.
What About Bob?
- Rating: PG
- Cast: Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss
- IMDB Rating: 7.0
Photo Credit: IMDb
A ‘90s comedy that was rated #43 on Bravo’s Funniest Movies list, this movie stars Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss as Bob, an irritating but well-meaning patient, and Dr. Leo Marvin, an egotistical psychotherapist. The film received positive reviews from both critics and audiences alike and was a box office success. It even got a 94% “certified fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes!
Bob serves as an annoying psychotherapist-patient to Leo but is well-meaning and friendly. He ends up joining Leo on his family vacation, winning over the favor of everyone except Leo himself, who goes to comedically dramatic lengths to get rid of him. The oblivious Bob dismisses all of these attempts as Leo simply being a good doctor, leading to hilarious situations. If you’re in need of a good laugh — or several — this comedy is by far one of the best movies on Hulu to choose from.
Sweet Home Alabama
- Rating: PG-13
- Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Patrick Dempsey
- IMDB Rating: 6.2
Photo Credit: IMDb
A slightly older film starring the famous Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Patrick Dempsey, and even an elementary-aged Dakota Fanning in the opening flashback scene. It takes its title from the famous 1974 song of the same name and became a well-received hit with audiences for its drama-comedy storyline and even won an award for its music and was nominated for several others for best romance and film.
Reese Witherspoon’s character, Melanie, becomes engaged and has a successful city career and life. However, there’s one catch; she’s already married and actually comes from the south, which she has lied about. She travels back to her hometown to convince her estranged husband, Jake, to give her a divorce. However, he won’t give in that easily and her time in her hometown forces her to relive her past, meet up with the family she left behind, and confront the real reason why she left in the first place.
Signs
- Rating: PG-13
- Cast: Mel Gibson, M. Night Shyamalan, Joaquin Phoenix, Abigail Breslin
- IMDB Rating: 6.7
Photo Credit: IMDb
A hit sci-fi thriller 2000’s film that focuses on aliens coming to earth and invading our human lives, earning millions at the box office, winning and being nominated for numerous awards. It was even voted #77 on Bravo’s list for 100 Scariest Movie Moments for its infamous Brazilian birthday party scene. If you’re in the mood for something more exciting from the older days, this is one of the best Hulu movies for your entertainment.
If you didn’t already know the plot, the story focuses on a family living on a farm in simple small-country life when mysterious crop circles begin popping up all around them. With their origins unknown, everyone begins dreading that more frightening things are to come. As they face the unknown and fear that the end may be coming, they learn how to cope with it as a family.
Shark Tank
- # of Seasons: season 13
- Rating: TV-PG
- Cast: Kevin O’Leary, Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec
- IMDB Rating: 7.6
Photo Credit: IMDb
Debuting in 2009, this business reality series made headlines for its instant popularity and highly favorable reviews. It’s focused on various entrepreneurs who have big hopes of making their small businesses or business ideas into something much bigger. In an attempt to get needed financing, they present their businesses to the “Sharks” aka already successful business leaders to get at least one of them to back up their idea.
In October, season 13 of this hit show is coming to Hulu. Watch all these various aspiring business entrepreneurs present their various ideas or small-time businesses in an attempt to launch their dreams into realities. A huge hit with millions of watchers every season, it’s one of the best Hulu shows of all time you can find.
Finding Your Feet
- Rating: PG-13
- Cast: Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie, Joanna Lumley, and David Hayman
- IMDB Rating: 6.7
Photo Credit: IMDb
This hit British romantic-comedy film stars award-winning British actress Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie, and many other top stars. It focuses on a group of older characters who have to remind each other when life throws you a curveball at an older age, it doesn’t mean it’s the end. Sometimes, it’s not about being afraid of old age, it’s about remembering you’re still alive and have a life to live.
On the eve of her husband’s retirement, Sandra, a rich and judgmental snob, discovers her husband is having an affair with her best friend. Horrified, she’s forced into exile with her bohemian, free-spirited sister who lives on an impoverished inner-city council estate. As she tries to find a new purpose in life at an older age, Sandra has to remember her life outside of the one with her husband and rediscovers who she is again. One of the best Hulu movies available for those wanting a more heartwarming story!
Station 19
- # of Seasons: Season 5
- Rating: TV-14
- Cast: Jaina Lee Ortiz, Jason George, Grey Damon, Barrett Doss
- IMDB Rating: 6.7
Photo Credit: IMDb
This American action-drama television show has been airing since 2018 and is still producing episodes. It follows a group of heroic firefighters of the Seattle Fire Department at Station 19 from the captain down the ranks to the newest recruit. It has launched its cast members into fame for their acting in this drama series, which is one of the best Hulu shows streamers can enjoy during the winter season.
Throughout the show, you take a look at the personal and professional lives of both seasoned and newbie firefighters. As they tackle various situations, both personally and professionally, you watch how their lives are affected by the good and poor choices they make. The TV show won the Best Primetime Program at the 2018 Imagen Awards for best drama. It also won an impressive 65% on Rotten Tomatoes for its story.
A.I. Artificial Intelligence
- Rating: PG-13
- Cast: Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, Frances O’Connor, Brendan Gleeson
- IMDB Rating: 7.2
Photo Credit: IMDb
One of the movies to help launch Haley Joel Osment into worldwide fame and multiple award wins and nominations for his performance despite his young age. This 2001 sci-fi drama film is based on a screenplay by Ian Watson and a 1969 short story by Brian Aldiss. It was nominated for multiple Academy Awards, won several Saturn Awards, and a Young Artist award as well.
The story takes place in the 22nd century where highly advanced robots can help people with various aspects of life. A couple, whose son is in suspended animation due to having a disease, bring home such a robot to help them cope. The robot, David, develops a deep, childlike love for his “mother” Monica and longs to become a “real boy” so she can also love him. A very emotional film from start to finish, if you’re in need of a good cry, this is one of the best Hulu movies to get the tears flowing.