The best movies to watch in 4K to show off the crystal-clear picture quality of ultra-high-def monitor and smart TVs. In the age of high-definition streaming and 4K Blu-rays, there’s no shortage of classic movies, art films, and blockbusters for cinephiles to enjoy at home. Today, this is the closest to a cinematic theater experience for those who’d rather view movies from the comfort of their couch or desk.
The best 4K movies aren’t just visual stunners or action-filled hard hitters. Whether through cinematography, choreography, character development, production, scoring, or plot, they are also some of the best movies in their respective genres. Viewed at 4K resolution, these films take on a whole new life. This is not only true for movies with big-budget action scenes, but even for smaller movies and horror films that deliver some great moments in high definition.
30 Akira (1988)
The Cyberpunk Anime Classic
Akira (1988) RAnimeActionDrama
A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath who can only be stopped by a teenager, his gang of biker friends and a group of psychics.
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*Availability in US Director Katsuhiro Otomo Release Date July 16, 1988 Cast Mitsuo Iwata , Nozomu Sasaki , Mami Koyama , Taro Ishida , Tesshô Genda , Mizuho Suzuki , Tatsuhiko Nakamura , Fukue Itō , Kazuhiro Shindō Runtime 124 Minutes
Anime is a massively popular genre that is filled with many breathtaking and visually brilliant masterpieces. So it is no surprise that one of the most acclaimed and celebrated anime movies of all time is also a terrific 4K movie option. Akira is a Japanese cyberpunk action movie based on a manga of the same name. It is set in the futuristic city of Neo Tokyo where the leader of a rebellious teen biker gang must help save his childhood friend who has become targeted by the military after developing telekinetic abilities.
Akira is a stunning display of vivid colors that burst off the screen in 4K. While some of the futuristic metropolis is reminiscent of Blade Runner, it is also a very unique and distinct world that looks beautiful and engrossing in high definition. When the animated action sequences take over the movie, the presentation is even more impressive. From the opening bike chase sequence to the wild final battle, it is an amazing anime achievement.
29 Heat (1995)
Al Pacino And Robert De Niro Face Off In This Crime Saga
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8.5/10 Heat RActionCrimeDocumentaryDramaThriller
Michael Mann’s classic crime thriller Heat was released in 1995 and stars Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro as two men on opposite sides of the law whose live become tangled and destabilized in an intense game of cat-and-mouse. When one heist led by master thief Neil McCauley is compromised due to a clue left behind, LAPD Lieutenant Vincent Hanna finds himself obsessed with pursuing them in an ever-escalating war – one that may cause significant collateral damage.
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*Availability in US Director Michael Mann Release Date December 15, 1995 Cast Al Pacino , Robert De Niro , Val Kilmer , Jon Voight , Tom Sizemore , Diane Venora Runtime 170 minutes
Michael Mann’s directing career is filled with many great movies, but the crime epic Heat is considered his greatest. The movie marked the long-awaited moment when acting legends Al Pacino and Robert De Niro shared the screen, but Heat is far greater than just those two in a scene together. It follows a highly skilled and disciplined heist team, led by De Niro, who is being hunted by a determined Los Angeles detective, Pacino.
Mann is known for the distinct digital look of his movies, which is perhaps best shown in his crime movies. Heat‘s 4K look makes the steely blue colors and the dark shades of the movie all the more engrossing, while the high-definition sound is perhaps the star of the show. Heat features one of the greatest movie shootouts in history, and the thunderous presentation of the action sequence deserves to be witnessed in the best format available.
28 Sicario (2015)
Denis Villeneuve’s Dark Thriller About The War Of Drugs
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9/10 Sicario RDramaCrimeAction
Sicario is an action crime thriller from director Denis Villeneuve. The film stars Emily Blunt as Kate Macer, an FBI agent who is recruited to help Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro) in the war on drugs that is escalating on the US and Mexican border. The film was praised upon its release and nominated for three Oscars, which led to a sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, in 2018.
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*Availability in US Director Denis Villeneuve Release Date October 2, 2015 Cast Benicio Del Toro , Emily Blunt , Josh Brolin , Jeffrey Donovan , Jon Bernthal , Victor Garber Runtime 121 Minutes
Long before Denis Villeneuve was making massive blockbuster epics like Dune, he was proving himself one of the most visually compelling new filmmakers in Hollywood with smaller-scale thrillers. Sicario still makes for one of Villeneuve’s best movies as it stars Emily Blunt as an FBI agent who joins a covert CIA operation to take on the drug cartels in Mexico. However, with the cryptic agent in charge (Josh Brolin) and the mysterious asset (Benicio Del Toro) taking a bold approach, she witnesses the morally grey business of dealing with such a dangerous enemy.
4K movies that give detailed and crisp looks at cinematography from the great Roger Deakins will always be of interest to movie fans. Sicario is a stark and grounded movie, but the simple visual style puts the audience right in the middle of the tense and dangerous world with no escape. The mix of stunning visuals and engrossing sound is seen in a number of standout moments, especially the intense mission across the border into the city of Juarez.
27 Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)
David Lean’s WWI Epic
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9/10 Lawrence of Arabia PGWarBiographyAdventureHistoryDrama
The 1962 epic Lawrence of Arabia is a historical movie based on the life of a real-life British officer who played a key role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Starring Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, and Anthony Quinn, the Oscar-winning film displays the man’s disillusionment with war and its politics.
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*Availability in US Director David Lean Release Date December 11, 1962 Cast Alec Guinness , Omar Sharif , Peter O’Toole , Jack Hawkins , Anthony Quinn Runtime 228 minutes
With a reputation as one of the greatest movie epics of all time, Lawrence of Arabia was always going to be a popular choice for 4K viewing. Peter O’Toole gives an iconic performance in the lead role in this sweeping story of the life of T.E. Lawrence, a British soldier during the conflicts in the Ottoman provinces during the First World War. Lawrence stages many grand attacks while struggling with his allegiance to his home country, his newfound loyalty to the Arab people, and his disdain for the violence of war.
Lawrence of Arabia is one of the most iconic movies filmed in 70 mm and is often seen as the example of how the format lends itself to epic filmmaking. It is filled with beautiful locations that the audience is thrust into unlike any other movie ever made. The grand visual style of the movie is appropriately matched by the iconic musical score. It is a movie that lends itself well to the 4K experience as a movie that influenced many of the greatest directors of all time.
26 Coraline (2009)
The Stop-Motion Fantasy Masterpiece
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8/10 Coraline PGFamilyAnimationThrillerFantasyDrama
Based on Neil Gaiman’s novella, Coraline follows Coraline Jones, a lonely young girl who, after moving to a new house with her inattentive parents, discovers a portal to another, more sinister alternate reality behind one of the house’s many doors. Written and directed by Henry Selick, the film uses stop-motion animation and stars Dakota Fanning as Coraline.
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*Availability in US Director Henry Selick Release Date February 5, 2009 Cast Dakota Fanning , Teri Hatcher , Jennifer Saunders , Dawn French , Keith David , John Hodgman Runtime 100 minutes
While there are a lot of animated movies that look stunning in 4K, putting a stop-motion movie to the test in 4K is a bigger challenge. However, a stop-motion legend, Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas), delivered one of the most visually compelling entries into the genre with Coraline. The strange and darkly alluring fantasy movie follows the titular young girl who moves to a new home with her mother and father only to discover a doorway that leads to another twisted reality.
The surreal and magical visual style of the movie is given unbelievable detail in the 4K transfer. The clean and crisp image really makes it clear the work that went into the movie with all the amazing detail right there for the audience to see. It is as incredible to look at the magic tunnels that transport Coraline to the fantasy world as it is to see the threads of the stop-motion models in clear detail.
25 Oppenheimer (2023)
Christopher Nolan’s Best Picture Winner
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Oppenheimer R
Oppenheimer is a film by Christopher Nolan, which follows the theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man behind the atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy will play the titular role, with the story based on the book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin.
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*Availability in US Release Date July 21, 2023 Director Christopher Nolan Cast Cillian Murphy , Emily Blunt , Matt Damon , Robert Downey Jr. , Rami Malek , Florence Pugh Runtime 150 Minutes
Following Oppenheimer‘s Oscar success, there will be even more people checking out the movie, and the 4K presentation is clearly the best home viewing option. Compared to some of Nolan’s other movies, it could be assumed by some that Oppenheimer wouldn’t necessarily benefit from a better picture quality as so much of the movie is about conversations between characters. However, that is ignoring the epic way in which Nolan stages those riveting conversations, including how he pushed his filmmaking style ahead even more.
A stunning display of the movie’s quieter moments and the pulse-pounding ones.
For Oppenheimer, Nolan shot on a combination of IMAX cameras and 16mm as well as using IMAX for black-and-white photography. The result is a stunning display of the movie’s quieter scenes, such as the extended moments of conversations and tense arguments, and the pulse-pounding ones. Those beautiful black-and-white flashbacks are equally as gorgeous as the stunning sequence of the bomb test.
24 Ford V Ferrari (2019)
The True Story Of A Racing Showdown
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Ford v Ferrari pg-13
Directed by James Mangold, Ford v Ferrari is a sports drama that tells the true story of car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale), who team up to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company and challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.
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*Availability in US Release Date August 30, 2019 Director James Mangold Cast Christian Bale , Matt Damon , Caitríona Balfe , Josh Lucas , Jon Bernthal Runtime 152minutes
One of the best car movies and based on an incredible true story, Ford v Ferrari puts the audience in the driver’s seat of some intense races. The Best Picture nominee is set in the 1960s following the showdown between the dominating Ferrari organization and the sport’s new hopefuls, Ford Motor Company as they compete in the Le Mans 24-hour race.
Director James Mangold sought to create a grounded and authentic look for the races, using CGI very sparingly and mostly to hide wires and tracks used by the filmmaking crew. The various rigs and filming vehicles used for the racing sequences help to create an engrossing 4K experience that is one of the best representations of a high-speed car race ever put on film. Even the quieter character moments, such as Christian Bale and his son sitting on the racetrack at sunset, are a joy to watch in this stunning presentation.
23 The Road Warrior (1981)
The Dystopian Action Sequel
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Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior R
The Road Warrior, aka Mad Max 2, picks up after the original 1976 film and continues following Max’s (Mel Gibson) journey through a post-apocalyptic Australia. This time, Max helps a group of locals escape bandits to protect their wealth of gasoline. George Miller again directs the Mad Max sequel and is often considered the fan-favorite of the original trilogy.
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*Availability in US Release Date December 24, 1981 Director George Miller Cast Mel Gibson , Bruce Spence , Michael Preston , Vernon Wells Runtime 96 Minutes
While there is some debate whether Mad Max: Fury Road is actually the better Mad Max movie, the first sequel in the dystopian action franchise is the better 4K upgrade of the two. After Mad Max was a hit in Australia and gained some international notice, The Road Warrior made Mad Max an action icon while also creating one of the wildest and most impressive action movies of all time.
The vehicular stunts in George Miller’s movie are impressive no matter what format they are viewed in, but there is certainly an overwhelming sense of awe witnessing the mayhem on the road in stunning 4K. There are some truly mind-blowing sequences that will have audiences revisiting them again and again, trying to figure out how Miller pulled it all off. Even the barren wasteland of the movie’s settings is more impressive with the better colors and details of 4K.
22 Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s Invention Of The Summer Blockbuster
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Jaws PG-13
Steven Spielberg’s legendary tale of one man’s desperate battle with a killer Great White shark on his small seaside community. Faced with a mounting list of victims and a local authority dead-set against causing panic or destroying the tourist economy, he assembles a team to tackle the shark head-on.
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*Availability in US Release Date June 18, 1975 Director Steven Spielberg Cast Roy Scheider , Robert Shaw , Richard Dreyfuss , Lorraine Gary , Murray Hamilton , Carl Gottlieb Runtime 124 minutes
Steven Spielberg elevated the killer shark movie with Jaws while also creating what is often seen as the first summer blockbuster. While there might be no way of recreating the feeling of seeing Jaws on the big screen on opening weekend in 1975, the 4K upgrade of the movie reminds audiences of the chilling effectiveness of the Hollywood classic.
From the iconic opening scene, the movie throws audiences into the water with Chrissie Watkins and a hungry shark circling below. Spielberg maintains that tension and excitement throughout while the restoration of the movie presents the beautiful 4K look in a way that further cements it as a masterpiece of filmmaking. The gritty ’70s style is maintained while the third-act scenes on the open ocean are even more engrossing and intense, fulfilling the movie’s intended blockbuster feel.
21 Parasite (2019)
The South Korean Best Picture-Winning Thriller
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Parasite R
Best Picture Oscar winner Parasite follows the impoverished Kim family, who live in a small apartment and consistently struggle to make ends meet. After they chance across the gullible and wealthy Park family, the Kims ingratiate themselves through lies and deceit, earning themselves jobs taking care of the household. However, their newfound luck is built on an ever-growing foundation of mistruths – one that threatens to fall down around them at any moment.
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*Availability in US Release Date November 8, 2019 Director Bong Joon Ho Cast Yeo-Jeong Jo , Myeong-hoon Park , Jeong-eun Lee , Sun-kyun Lee , Ji-so Jung , So-dam Park , Keun-rok Park , Kang-ho Song , Ji-hye Lee , Woo-sik Choi , Seo-joon Park , Hye-jin Jang Runtime 132 minutes
To date, Parasite is the only non-English language movie to win Best Picture and the acclaim is well-deserved. South Korean auteur Bong Joon-ho creates a gripping thriller with its gradual dark and foreboding tones coming through beautifully in a 4K presentation. It follows a lower-income family who work their way into becoming employees for a wealthy family only to discover something unexpected within the family’s home.
The movie builds tension not only through its unpredictable story but also through the changing visual language of the movie. The architecture of the movie as well as the various locations communicate as much about the message of class divide as the movie’s brilliant screenplay does. Bong is a master at using visuals to tell his stories, with the 4K presentation enhancing the dread as the movie progresses as well as the themes of economic divide.
20 The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s Iconic Stephen King Adaptation
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The Shining R
Stanley Kubrick’s horror classic starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall tells the story of the Torrance family, who move to the isolated Overlook Hotel so that father Jack Torrance can act as its winter caretaker. Stuck at the hotel due to the winter storms, the malevolent supernatural forces inhabiting the building slowly begin to drive Jack insane, causing his wife and psychically gifted son to be caught up in a fight for their lives when Jack is pushed over the edge.
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*Availability in US Release Date June 13, 1980 Director Stanley Kubrick Cast Danny Lloyd , Shelley Duvall , Jack Nicholson , Scatman Crothers Runtime 146 minutes
The advent of 4K is a boon for extremely detail-oriented movies, such as Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, and this 4K remaster in a new 1.78:1 ratio shows it off in all its iconic glory. Adapted from Stephen King’s story, Jack Nicholson stars as a struggling writer who brings his family along as he becomes the caretaker of an empty hotel. However, his wife and child are soon in danger when Nicholson gradually succumbs to isolation and dark thoughts.
For the work of a filmmaker famed for his hyper-specificity when it comes to the look of his movies, a fitting level of perfection goes into keeping the vivid colors of the wild story alive while making the Overlook Hotel itself seem so real. It also presents the opportunity to fully see the extent of the stunning detail captured by the original 35mm photography by taking the picture settings out of movie mode, though this may seem blasphemous for some cinephiles.
19 Black Hawk Down (2001)
Ridley Scott’s War Masterpiece
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Black Hawk Down R
Black Hawk Down recounts the harrowing true story of a U.S. military mission gone awry in Somalia. Tasked with capturing a warlord, elite soldiers find themselves in a fierce battle against Somali militia forces.
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*Availability in US Release Date January 18, 2002 Director Ridley Scott Cast Jason Isaacs , Eric Bana , Josh Hartnett , Ewan McGregor , Tom Sizemore , Tom Hardy , Hugh Dancy , Orlando Bloom Runtime 144 minutes
Black Hawk Down tells the true story of a US military mission in Somalia in 1993 when American troops were surrounded and outnumbered by Somali rebels. The incredibly accurate war movie was shot in 35mm and given a 4K remaster through a digital intermediate, and the results couldn’t have been more stunning. Clarity and detail have received a substantial boost, which includes noticeably gritty film grain and horrifically realized gore.
The HDR also helps the movie pop, whether it be the sandy browns, lush blues of the water, or the deep red of the blood. Shot by Ridley Scott, this movie delivers a terrifying look at war, and the quality of the 4K helps immerse viewers into the horrors of the story. It is shot in a style that seeks to put the audience into the chaotic battle along with the soldiers and the 4K format only adds to how effectively Scott and his team pull that off.
18 Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Denis Villeneuve’s Sequel To The 1982 Sci-Fi Masterpiece
Blade Runner 2049 R
Set thirty years after the original film, Blade Runner 2049 is a sci-fi neo-noir film by the director of Dune, Denis Villeneuve. The film follows LAPD replicant officer K, who discovers a devastating secret that could throw society into total chaos. To stop a potential war between replicants and humans, he’ll need to locate missing former blade runner Rick Deckard and uncover the truth.
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*Availability in US Release Date October 6, 2017 Director Denis Villeneuve Cast Ryan Gosling , Harrison Ford , Jared Leto , Ana De Armas , Robin Wright , Lennie James , Dave Bautista , Carla Juri , Hiam Abbass , Barkhad Abdi , David Dastmalchian , Mackenzie Davis , Sylvia Hoeks
Any movie shot by Roger Deakins is bound to be beautiful, and Blade Runner 2049 is certainly no exception. The movie was shot digitally, so there’s no “warm” film grain that movie enthusiasts adore. However, this takes nothing away from this stunning sci-fi picture that is not only a great sequel but also a great 4K release. Taking the audience back to the world of Blade Runner, Ryan Gosling stars as a new breed of replicant Blade Runners who uncovers a shocking secret.
Blade Runner 2049 was shot at 3.4K and mastered at 4K, and the clarity of the sci-fi visuals is astounding. Director Denis Villeneuve takes the existing style of the original movie and adds to it with a lived-in world filled with engrossing visual designs. From the sand-swept remains of Las Vegas to the neon-tinted big city, it is a feast for the eyes.
Faces and environmental artifacts are stunningly clear and detailed, and the HDR is simply extraordinary. Blade Runner 2049 is one of the most colorful movies of the 2010s, and its apocalyptic, futuristic setting pops off the screen in this version.
17 Speed Racer (2008)
The Wachowski Sisters’ Most Overlooked Movie
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Speed Racer (2008) PG
Speed Racer (2008) is a live-action adaptation of the classic anime series Speed Racer. Directed by the Wachowskis, the film stars Emile Hirsch as Speed, a young race car driver aiming to win races with the help of his family and his high-tech car, the Mach 5. The movie features a vibrant visual style and intense racing sequences, with supporting roles from Christina Ricci, John Goodman, and Susan Sarandon.
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*Availability in US Release Date May 7, 2008 Director Lana Wachowski , Lilly Wachowski Cast Emile Hirsch , Christina Ricci , John Goodman , Susan Sarandon , Matthew Fox Runtime 135 Minutes
It may not be as famous as many other anime adaptations, but the live-action adaptation of Speed Racer nonetheless is deserving of a place alongside the best 4K movies. The Wachowski sisters achieved the unique action of Speed Racer by using Phantom and Sony cameras and Zeiss lenses, which allowed them to perform a revolutionary shooting technique.
Indeed, many of Speed Racer‘s scenes were shot with layered film, which allowed for both objects in the front and back of the camera to be in full focus — like a real cartoon. It’s a visual feat that is best experienced in glorious 4K. The movie was a box office bomb when it was released but has since been reexamined by many fans as a misunderstood gem. Viewing the movie and its unique style in 4K will likely only make more people change their opinion of the movie.
16 Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)
Sony Introduces The World To Miles Morales
Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse PG
In the first animated Spider-Man film released in theaters, Miles Morales, a teenager who idolizes Spider-Man, gains Spider-Man powers of his own. While learning to use his new abilities, Miles crosses parallel dimensions and teams up with the different versions of Spider-Man from those dimensions to stop a threat to all reality.
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*Availability in US Release Date December 14, 2018 Director Bob Persichetti , Peter Ramsey Cast Jake Johnson , Kimiko Glenn , Hailee Steinfeld , Liev Schreiber , Luna Lauren Velez , Nicolas Cage , Lily Tomlin , Mahershala Ali , John Mulaney , Shameik Moore , Brian Tyree Henry Runtime 117 minutes
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is an ideal 4K movie for those who want to show off their new monitor’s capabilities. Even for those who aren’t hugely into superheroes, this is one of the best cinematic experiences for a 4K setup. Textures show a noticeable improvement over the standard Blu-ray, and the movie’s unique animation style looks even better in 4K HDR owing to the sharper lines and greater contrast.
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The Spider-Man suit receives a small boost in color pop, and the psychedelic climactic sequence proves unbelievable in HDR. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse makes a strong case for why many of the greatest animated movies need 4K versions. The movie features a distinct and vibrant animated style that really comes alive in pristine picture quality with moments like Miles’ iconic leap of faith providing some of the most memorable visual movie moments in recent years.
15 The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001–2003)
Peter Jackson’s Epic Middle-Earth Trilogy
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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring PG-13
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is the first film in Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings trilogy. The movie follows Frodo Baggins (Elijah Woods) as he is tasked with destroying the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom after he inherits the ring.
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*Availability in US Release Date December 19, 2001 Director Peter Jackson Cast Elijah Wood , Ian McKellen , Liv Tyler , Viggo Mortensen , Sean Astin , Cate Blanchett , John Rhys-Davies , Billy Boyd , Dominic Monaghan , Orlando Bloom , Christopher Lee , Hugo Weaving , Sean Bean , Ian Holm , Andy Serkis Runtime 178 Minutes Expand
The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy was a landmark moment in blockbuster cinema that redefined what most believed to be possible in the fantasy genre. Another testament to the depth of detail that can be captured by relatively humble 35mm photography, The Lord of the Rings trilogy in 4K not only makes the 20-year-old movies look as fresh as their digitally shot prequels from the 2010s but unlocks a whole new level of detail for viewers to discover in the meticulously designed costumes and sets.
There’s no better way to experience Middle-earth during the Third Age than in stunning 4K, and this is likely the most visually stunning of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movies. Return of the King is, of course, known for its massive battle sequences, but the 4K presentation is just as effective for the emotional extended epilogue of the movie that brings this adventure to the satisfying conclusion it earns.
14 The Revenant (2015)
Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Oscar-Winning Western
The Revenant R
Inspired by the true events in the life of Hugh Glass, The Revenant is an action-drama movie that sees Leonardo DiCaprio in the starring role. Betrayed and left for dead by one of the members of his hunting group, Glass finds himself contending with some of the harshest elements imaginable while tending to his deadly wounds, as his will to carry on and need for revenge push him to carry on in this gripping tale of survival.
Release Date December 25, 2015 Director Alejandro González Iñárritu Cast Will Poulter , Leonardo DiCaprio , Paul Anderson , Tom Hardy , Domhnall Gleeson Runtime 156minutes
Any list of the best 4K movies would be remiss not to include the first movie that finally allowed actor Leonardo DiCaprio to win an Oscar for Best Actor. The Revenant is loosely based on the true survival story of a man who was left to die in the harsh wilderness in 1823, only to make the improbable and heroic journey back home.
The Revenant was released on 4K in April 2016, making it one of the first adopters of the new home video format. The movie was shot using ALEXA XT, ALEXA M, and ALEXA 65 cameras, resulting in a truly spectacular image. The detail is stunning, especially in the more grotesque sequences, and the HDR contrast and color grading are simply phenomenal. The movie takes place mostly outside and the crisp image of those practical locations, mixed with director Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s penchant for long takes, and the 4K experience helps make the audience part of the journey.
13 Godzilla: King Of The Monsters (2019)
Godzilla’s Rogues Gallery Returns To The Big Screen
Godzilla: King of the Monsters PG-13
In Godzilla: King of the Monsters, crypto-zoological agency Monarch faces off against a battery of god-sized monsters known as the Titians. Among these creatures is the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah.
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*Availability in US Release Date May 29, 2019 Director Michael Dougherty Cast Millie Bobby Brown , Vera Farmiga , Kyle Chandler , O’Shea Jackson Jr. , Bradley Whitford , Randy Havens , Charles Dance , Aisha Hinds , Sally Hawkins , Ken Watanabe , Thomas MIddleditch Runtime 132 Minutes
Undeniably stunning in HDR, Godzilla: King of Monsters is another testament to the epic detail that can be produced by utilizing the ALEXA 65. King of the Monsters is a hugely fun popcorn movie as the 4K version is substantially different from the standard HD release, even being classifiable as an entirely different experience. The detail of everything, from wallpaper to hair and makeup, seems so much more real in 4K, not to mention what it does to the actual monsters of the movie.
From the sequences of Rodan emerging from a volcano to King Ghidorah in a lightning storm, HDR adds a surprisingly needed degree of shadow while not taking anything away from the bright primary colors that make up the movie’s overall aesthetic.
Director Michael Dougherty has a lot of fun presenting these monsters in epic fashion with the 4K presentation really selling them as epic beasts. From the sequences of Rodan emerging from a volcano to King Ghidorah in a lightning storm, HDR adds a surprisingly needed degree of shadow while not taking anything away from the bright primary colors that make up the movie’s overall aesthetic.
12 The Martian (2015)
Ridley Scott’s Sci-Fi Movie Starring Matt Damon
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The Martian PG-13
Adapted by Ridley Scott from Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, The Martian follows the plight of astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) after he finds himself stranded alone on Mars after he is falsely presumed dead during a mission. Unable to communicate with Earth and armed with little more than his scientific expertise as a botanist, Watney must find a way to survive on the barren planet until the next scheduled mission arrives.
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*Availability in US Release Date October 2, 2015 Director Ridley Scott Cast Kristen Wiig , Sean Bean , Matt Damon , Jessica Chastain , Kate Mara Runtime 2h 24m
It seems as if 2015 was the year of movies proving their worth in 4K. Along with The Revenant, Ridley Scott’s The Martian was released to widespread critical acclaim and jaw-dropping intensity on 4K. Matt Damon stars in the movie as an astronaut who is accidentally left behind on Mars after a mission is aborted. With a quick rescue unavailable, he is forced to use his knowledge to survive as the only human on the planet.
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The terrain of Mars is richly detailed, allowing each grain of sand to remain focused with incredible clarity. The Martian‘s red and orange also pops thanks to HDR, with it truly feeling like Damon is on an alien planet. Facial features, environmental props and sets, and Damon’s spacesuit all look spectacular. The Martian is a definite technical showpiece, both in terms of visual effects and 4K home viewing.
11 Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
The Sixth Movie In The Mission: Impossible Franchise
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Mission: Impossible – Fallout pg-13
A direct sequel to Rogue Nation and the sixth installment in the franchise, Mission: Impossible – Fallout is an action-thriller spy film that sees Tom Cruise return to the role of IMF Agent Ethan Hunt. To avert a worldwide disaster, the IMF agents will join up with a CIA agent to stop a new terrorist cell known as the Apostles. When three nuclear devices go missing, the agents will find themselves racing to stop them from falling into the hands of the deadly bioterror group.
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*Availability in US Release Date July 25, 2018 Director Christopher McQuarrie Cast Tom Cruise , Rebecca Ferguson , Henry Cavill , Vanessa Kirby Runtime 148 Minutes
The death-defying stunt work that went into Mission: Impossible – Fallout is made all the more impressive by its capturing in 35mm photography, scanned into 4K for an immersive action movie experience that’s best appreciated in Dolby Vision HDR. As is the case with many of the best 4K movies, the harsh brightness of certain scenes in the HD version is greatly softened in the 4K release, and it allows sequences, particularly near the beginning of the movie, to look much more natural.
With the locations and stunts being of such a high quality across the board, it would be a shame to see Fallout any other way. The 4K quality is especially useful for some of the amazing action sequences that were filmed in IMAX. This includes the extended sequence of Ethan Hunt performing a Halo jump as well as the climactic helicopter chase sequence.