35 Best Movies On Stan | Top IMDB Rated [2022]

Written by Bec Milligan

Looking for the very best movies on Stan Australia? We’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re wanting to wind down with a film after a long day at work, or are planning a movie marathon all weekend long, it’s hard deciding what you actually want to watch. Especially now that we have access to literally millions of films thanks to all the streaming services available.

But if you have the streaming service, Stan, you’re in for a treat. We’ve gone through the entire platform and have listed the absolute best movies available to watch on Stan. No matter if you’re looking for a cult classic, a comedy, a thriller or a jam-packed action flick, we’ve got you covered.

RELATED: Find something great to watch via the DMARGE streaming guide.

So, sit back, relax, and open Stan on your television, laptop or phone. Then hit play for any one of these awesome movies:

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

7.2 IMDb score, stars Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell & Paul Rudd, Comedy, released in 2004

One of the earlier films that Will Ferrell wrote and starred in before he became a household name, is the cult classic comedy, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Set in the 1970s, Ron Burgundy, played by Ferrell, is San Diego’s top anchorman but things change when Veronica Corningstone, played by Applegate, comes to town wanting to be the first female news anchor.

If you like Frat Pack films such as Dodgeball, Wedding Crashers, Zoolander, and Blades of Glory, or simply having a good laugh at ridiculous comedies, you’ll love Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.

Babel

7.5 IMDb score, stars Brad Pitt & Cate Blanchett, Drama, released in 2006

Babel follows four interlocking stories involving a married couple on vacation (Pitt & Blanchett), two goatherds, a deaf teen and her father, and a nanny taking the children she looks after across an international border…

Extremely well-acted and visually stunning, Babel is a must-watch for fans of drama films.

Blood Diamond

8.0 IMDb score, stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Drama & Thriller, released in 2006

Blood Diamond follows the unlikely team-up of a smuggler, fisherman and American journalist in pursuit of an ultra-rare pink diamond. Set during the Sierra Leone Civil War in 1999, DiCaprio earned a nomination for Best Actor at the Academy Awards for playing the Rhodesian smuggler and mercenary, Danny Archer.

If you liked the films The Hurt Locker and American Sniper, you’ll highly enjoy Blood Diamond.

Buried

7.0 IMDb score, stars Ryan Reynolds, Drama, Mystery & Thriller, released in 2010

Reynolds is well known for his comedy chops but the actor also excels in serious roles. In Buried, Reynolds plays a US truck driver who is buried alive inside a coffin and must find a way to escape.

Clever and thrilling, Buried is a definite must-watch as it’ll have you on the edge of your seat right up until the credits roll.

Casino Royale

8.0 IMDb score, stars Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright & Mads Mikkelsen, Action, Adventure & Thriller, released in 2006

Considered as one of the (if not the best) James Bond films of all time; if you haven’t seen Casino Royale with the blonde Bond, Daniel Craig – what have you been doing with your life? In all seriousness, Casino Royale follows Bond as he sets out on his first mission since he gained ‘007’ status.

A much more grounded take on Bond. James Bond. that’s got it all – a good plot, great acting and thrilling action. What more could you want?

Crazy, Stupid, Love

7.4 IMDb score, stars Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore & Emma Stone, Comedy, Drama & Romance, released in 2011

When Cal’s wife asks him for a divorce, he quickly becomes friends with a young bachelor, Jacob, who teaches Cal how to pick up women and navigate the single scene. Crazy, Stupid, Love is genuinely funny but also has some touching moments; plus, the story is very intricate and well-written and the acting is superb.

If you’re wanting a lighthearted film Crazy, Stupid, Love is for you.

Days of Thunder

6.1 IMDb score, stars Tom Cruise & Nicole Kidman, Action & Drama, released in 1990

The film that first brought Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman together, Days of Thunder follows Cole Trickle, played by Cruise, a young hot-tempered racing driver who enters the NASCAR Cup series. The film’s plot isn’t overly nuanced; in fact, it’s quite basic but the incredible action and racing scenes more than make up for it.

If you love cars and action films and want to watch a film that doesn’t require too much brainpower, Days of Thunder is the film for you.

Death At A Funeral

7.3 IMDb score, stars Matthew Macfadyen, Peter Dinklage & Ewen Bremner, Comedy, released in 2007

When a mysterious dwarf turns up to Daniel’s late father’s funeral nothing but chaos ensues as no one seems to know who the dwarf is or how he would have known the deceased; and as it turns out the dwarf wishes to expose a dark secret about Daniel’s father to the entire family.

Dinklage – as always – really shines in this hilariously dark film. If you’re a fan of classic British humour, you have to watch Death At A Funeral.

Donnie Darko

8.0 IMDb score, stars Jake Gyllenhaal & Jena Malone, Drama, Mystery & Sci-Fi, released in 2001

Donnie Darko, a troubled teen, starts having visions of a demonic-looking rabbit named Frank who tells Donnie that the world will end in 28 days and convinces him to commit a series of crimes. Be warned, Donnie Darko is a weird film; but in the best way possible.

With an intriguing plot and great performances, you’ll enjoy Donnie Darko if you’re a fan of cult classics.

Election

7.3 IMDb score, stars Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon & Chris Klein, Comedy, released in 1999

When Jim McAllister, a high-school teacher, discovers that his over-achieving student Tracy Flick is running for class president unopposed, – because he believes Tracy will be absolutely unbearable if she were to win – he encourages a popular football player to run against her. Chaos (and hilarity) ensues.

Election is a brilliant and intelligent dark comedy with phenomenal performances from both Broderick and a young Witherspoon.

Ex Machina

7.7 IMDb score, stars Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson & Oscar Issac, Drama & Sci-Fi, released in 2014

Ex Machina follows an employee at a high-tech company who wins the chance to interact with a highly advanced human-looking android that was built by the company’s CEO. The android, Ava, has been equipped with artificial intelligence and you’ll spend the whole movie not knowing who to trust. Thrilling and face-paced, Ex Machina is truly a brilliant film.

Whether you’re fascinated by the idea of artificial intelligence or are terrified by it, Ex Machina explores the concept so well that you have to give it a viewing.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

7.8 IMDb score, stars Matthew Broderick, directed by John Hughes, Comedy, released in 1986

Young Ferris Bueller, played by Broderick, is a popular teen who is incredibly skilled at cutting class and getting away with it. Before he graduates high school he decides to have one final last day off from school and the film follows the hilarious awesome day Bueller has while his principal is hot on his tail.

There’s a reason this film is considered a cult classic; it’s charming, clever, and genuinely funny. If you want to watch an extremely enjoyable film, you have to go with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

The Fugitive

7.8 IMDb score, stars Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones & Sela Ward, Action, Crime & Drama, released in 1993

Ford stars as Dr Richard Kimble, an innocent man who’s been wrongfully accused of murdering his wife. And the film follows Kimble as he hurries to find the real killer while he’s simultaneously being hunted down by a veteran U.S. Marshal – played by Jones.

Intense and gripping, if you’re after an action-thriller, it doesn’t get much better than The Fugitive.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

7.8 IMDb score, Crime, Drama & Mystery, released in 2009

Based on the book of the same name, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo follows disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist as he tries to solve a cold case with the help of a talented young hacker, Lisbeth Salander. The film is captivating and thrilling, and the entire murder mystery is extremely well-written, but there are some graphic and gritty moments that may be too much for some.

If you enjoy dark but clever crime films, you have to watch The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo as well as its two sequels, which are also available on Stan.

Goldfinger

7.7 IMDb score, stars Sean Connery, Action & Adventure, released in 1964

Considered one of the best James Bond films, Goldfinger is a classic must-watch. Connery’s Bond is charming and suave, and Goldfinger’s plot is thrilling with enthralling action sequences and touches of tongue-in-cheek humour. Plus, it was the first Bond film that had the 007 spy utter the famous line “martini; shaken, not stirred”.

However, if you prefer Daniel Craig, Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore, or George Lazenby as Bond, Stan has all of the James Bond films available.

Horrible Bosses

6.8 IMDb score, stars Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston & Jamie Foxx, Comedy, released in 2011

Three friends, played by Bateman, Day & Sudeikis, all have horrible bosses (hence the film’s title) and as none of them can quit for financial reasons, they conspire to murder each other’s bosses. This film is hilarious with many laugh-out-loud moments and is arguably Aniston’s best role to date.

If you’re after a good laugh, you have to watch Horrible Bosses as it’s a comedy with a well-written plot and fantastic performances from all of the actors involved.

Inception

8.8 IMDb score, stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard & Michael Caine, directed by Christopher Nolan, Action, Sci-Fi & Thriller, released in 2010

A skilled man who can steal secrets from people’s dreams is given an impossible task that will give him the redemption he desperately seeks: implant an idea into someone’s subconscious. Inception is considered one of the best films of all time due to its fresh yet brilliant multi-faceted plot, breathtaking cinematography, and impeccable acting performances.

If you haven’t already seen Inception, you must watch it immediately; and if you have seen it… watch it again. You’re guaranteed to pick up on things you didn’t the first time round.

The King’s Speech

8.0 IMDb score, stars Colin Fifth, Geoffrey Rush & Helena Bonham Carter, Drama & Biography, released in 2010

Based on a true story, The King’s Speech follows King George VI and how he overcame a stammer thanks to an unorthodox speech therapist. Colin Firth won Best Actor at the Academy Awards for his brilliant performance as King George VI, and the film was critically praised for its storytelling, visual style, direction, and score.

If you’re after a heartwarming film, The King’s Speech is the perfect film for you.

Layer Cake

7.3 IMDb score, stars Daniel Craig, Sienna Miller, Michael Gambon & Tom Hardy, Action, Crime & Drama, released in 2004

Before Craig was James Bond, he starred in this film as a successful but unnamed cocaine dealer who is about to enjoy an early retirement. However, right before he does so, a powerful mobster demands he complete two rather tough assignments…

Craig’s performance is excellent and the film was directed by Matthew Vaughn – the man who directed Kick-Ass and the Kingsman films – making Layer Cake a must-watch.

Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels

8.2 IMDb score, stars Jason Statham, directed by Guy Ritchie, Action, Comedy & Crime, released in 1998

Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels was the film that gave Guy Ritchie international acclaim and made former-diver Jason Statham (yes, seriously; he even competed for England at the Commonwealth Games) an action movie star. The film is constantly described as a British twist on a classic Quentin Tarantino gangster film.

You have to watch Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels if you’re a fan of Tarantino or if you simply enjoy films involving heists and crime-orientated plots.

Mad Max

6.9 IMDb score, stars Mel Gibson, Action, Adventure & Sci-Fi, released in 1979

Set in post-apocalyptic Australia, a police officer sets out to stop a vicious biker gang after they murder his wife and son. Mad Max is considered a cult classic because of its great storyline, impressive stunts, and Gibson’s outstanding performance. Plus, it launched a successful and critically acclaimed franchise.

If you’re a fan of dystopic sci-fi films, such as Blade Runner, you’ll enjoy Mad Max.

The Matrix

8.7 IMDb score, stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne & Carrie-Anne Moss, Action & Sci-Fi, released in 1999

The Matrix is a cult classic for a reason. The film follows Neo, a computer hacker who questions his reality, and when a beautiful stranger leads Neo to Morpheus (a legendary hacker and leader of the rebellion), Neo finally learns the shocking truth.

Filled with wonderful action sequences and a great performance from Reeves, if you haven’t seen The Matrix before, you should watch it immediately. And if you have, watch it again!

Mean Girls

7.0 IMDb score, stars Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler & Amanda Seyfried, Comedy, released in 2004

A superb screenplay written by Tina Fey paired with excellent performances from the ensemble cast is what made Mean Girls an instant classic. The film follows Cady, played by Lohan, a teenager who’s spent her whole life being home-schooled, as she goes to high school for the first time and somehow befriends the cool yet evil girls named ‘The Plastics’.

Mean Girls is filled with quotable dialogue and non-stop funny moments and is a comedy that you can watch over and over again.

Minority Report

7.6 IMDb score, stars Tom Cruise, Colin Ferrell & Samantha Morton, directed by Steven Spielberg, Action, Crime & Mystery, released in 2002

Set in the not-too-distant future, Minority Report follows a specialised police department that’s allowed to arrest and convict ‘criminals’ before their crime has even been committed due to psychic technology. However, the plot thickens when the technology predicts that the department’s commanding officer, played by Cruise, will commit a murder.

With a phenomenal performance from Cruise, great action scenes and stunning visuals, if you’re a fan of thought-provoking sci-fi films, you’ll love Minority Report.

Nightcrawler

7.8 IMDb score, stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Crime, Drama & Thriller, released in 2014

Gyllenhaal stars as Lou Bloom, a con artist who falls into L.A. crime journalism and becomes a ‘nightcrawler’ — going to dangerous crime scenes to get a money shot for the news. Nightcrawler is a brilliant and thought-provoking social commentary and features splendid visuals as well as a formidable performance from Gyllenhaal.

If you like thrilling films such as Prisoners, Drive, and Gone Girl, you’ll love Nightcrawler.

Now You See Me

7.2 IMDb score, stars Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman & Michael Caine, Crime, Mystery & Thriller, released in 2013

A group of magicians, called the Four Horsemen, manage to heist various banks and bank accounts during their live shows and gives all the money to their audiences, while an FBI and Interpol agent try to stop them. Now You See Me is extremely clever with its constant plot twists and reveals, and every actor in this stellar cast provides impressive performances.

If you’re a fan of mysteries and heist films, you’ll be captivated by Now You See Me and will instantly want to watch its sequel, which is also available on Stan.

Parasite

8.6 IMDb score, won 4 Academy Awards, Comedy, Drama & Thriller, released in 2019

A poor family, the Kims, trick a wealthy family, the Parks, into hiring them in various positions — tutor, art teacher, driver, and housekeeper — but things take an interesting turn when the Parks go away on a holiday and the Kims experience a strange encounter while they stay at the Parks’ massive mansion.

Parasite explores themes of class conflict, social inequality and wealth disparity in an intriguing and gripping way; seriously, this phenomenal film will stay with you long after you watch it.

RED

7.0 IMDb score, stars Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren & Morgan Freeman, Action, Comedy & Crime, released in 2010

RED follows former black-ops agent Frank Moses, who is forced to reassemble his old team when a high-tech assassin threatens Frank’s now peaceful life. The film is witty and doesn’t take itself too seriously; perfect for action-crime lovers who are in the mood for something lighter.

If you’re wanting some action but don’t want a movie where you have to really pay attention and use your brain, RED is the perfect option for you.

Reservoir Dogs

8.3 IMDb score, stars Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi & Michael Madsen, written & directed by Quentin Tarantino, Crime, Drama & Thriller, released in 1992

Reservoir Dogs was Tarantino’s debut feature-length film and quickly became a cult classic. The film follows a group of men who attempt a jewellery heist but after it goes horrifically wrong, they begin to suspect one of them must be a police informant.

Witty dialogue, superb performances, and a clever plot make Reservoir Dogs a must-watch; especially if you’re a fan of Tarantino’s more popular films.

Seven

8.6 IMDb score, stars Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey & Gwyneth Paltrow, Crime, Drama & Mystery, released 1995

Seven follows two detectives, played by Freeman & Pitt, as they try to hunt down a serial killer, whose victims represent the seven deadly sins. The ending of the film is considered as one of the most haunting endings of all time, and the lead up to it is smartly told with sharp dialogue and skilful performances from the cast, especially Freeman, Pitt and Spacey.

Seven is thrilling and a definite must-watch; and even if you’ve seen it, rewatch it as you’ll pick up details you didn’t notice during your first viewing.

Top Gun

6.9 IMDb score, stars Tom Cruise & Val Kilmer, Action & Drama, released in 1986

A classic film, Top Gun is a great action flick that you can watch again and again. Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, played by Cruise, is a hot-head pilot competing against Iceman, a level-headed pilot played by Kilmer, to win the prestigious ‘Top Gun’ award.

Top Gun has a simple plot but fantastic action scenes and unbelievable aerial sequences as well as an awesome 80s soundtrack.

Wake In Fright

7.6 IMDb score, Drama & Thriller, released in 1971

After losing all of his money gambling, a school teacher is forced to stay in a town in outback Australia in Wake In Fright. The film is a psychological thriller and is considered an Australian masterpiece.

Be warned, while Wake In Fright is poignant and well-worth a viewing, it is also brutal and shocking; definitely not for the faint of heart.

War Dogs

7.1 IMDb score, stars Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Ana de Armas & Bradley Cooper, directed by Todd Phillips, Comedy, Crime & Biography, released in 2016

War Dogs, is loosely based on the true story of two young men who won a contract with the US Army worth $300 million to supply ammunition to America’s allies in Afghanistan. Enjoyable, intriguing, and slightly goofy, War Dogs will really make you think about war from a perspective that’s not often explored.

If you liked the films Lord of War and The Wolf of Wall Street, you’ll definitely enjoy War Dogs.

We’re The Millers

7.0 IMDb score, stars Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts, Ed Helms & Nick Offerman, Comedy & Crime, released in 2013

When seasoned pot dealer, David, is offered a huge amount of money to smuggle drugs from Mexico into the US, he asks the stripper that lives next door, a runaway teenage girl and a dorky kid who tries to buy pot from him to pose as his family. And the plan is to ensure border security never suspects them of smuggling drugs as they look like a respectable family on an RV vacation; but, of course, chaos ensues.

If you like Horrible Bosses and its sequel, you’ll thoroughly enjoy We’re The Millers.

What We Do In The Shadows

7.7 IMDb score, stars, written & directed by Jemaine Clement & Taika Waititi, Comedy & Horror, released 2014

What We Do In The Shadows follows three immortal vampires who live together as flatmates and just deal with everyday life. Compelling, original and wickedly funny, this mockumentary film is a must-watch for fans of Clement’s and Waititi’s signature humour.

If you liked Flight of the Conchords or Jojo Rabbit, you’ll enjoy What We Do In The Shadows.

50/50

7.6 IMDb score, stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen & Anna Kendrick, Comedy, Drama & Romance, released in 2011

Inspired by a true story, 50/50 follows Adam, a 27-year-old who discovers he has a rare type of cancer. This comedy film is truly heart-warming and does a fantastic job tackling a serious issue with thoughtful wit. Plus, Gordon-Levitt and Rogen’s performances are pretty damn good.

If you like the film Crazy, Stupid, Love, you’ll highly enjoy 50/50.