30 Best SBS On Demand Movies to Watch Right Now

If you are looking for something new to watch, there is a whole world of SBS On Demand movies at your fingertips. With over 700 films available through the SBS On Demand app, you can deep dive into your favourite dramas, comedies, fantasies and even global cinema spectacles at the touch of a button. The publicly funded Australian TV network streams a huge selection of movies and as such, we deemed it necessary to share our top picks.

Best SBS On Demand Movies at a Glance

• Best new movie: The Father
• Best comedy: Kingpin
• Best war movie: Apocalypse Now Redux
• Best biopic: The Pianist
• Best action: Drive
• Best international feature: Mother

New Additions to SBS On Demand Movies

Each month, SBS On Demand adds a host of new movies from across the globe to the platform, ready for you to dive straight into. This month, the free streaming service is offering up a huge selection of Academy Award-winning movies to check out in its ‘The Oscar Goes To’ collection. Here is a list of the best new SBS On Demand movies for this month.

The Father (2020)

• Director: Florian Zeller
• Starring: Sir Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman
• IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
• Run Time: 1 h 37 mins

A heartfelt film, The Father is one to watch with your nearest and dearest. Starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, the film centres around an ageing dementia sufferer who is cared for by his daughter, Anne. Frustrated by the stagnation of her life, Anne makes the bold decision to up and move to Paris, leaving her father at a crossroads. At this point, he is forced to face mortality, learn to let go and come to terms with his outlook on life. It’s a tough watch at times, but the performances from Hopkins and Colman are incredibly powerful and worthy of the Oscar nods they received at the time.

American Hustle (2013)

• Director: David O. Russell
• Starring: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams
• IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
• Run Time: 2 h 18 mins

Probably David O. Russell’s best film, American Hustle pushes some of Hollywood’s most elite talent into the frame and asks them to do a lot of heavy lifting. Somehow, despite being tasked with bringing a unique 1970s espionage storyline to life, Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence make it work, producing an incredibly entertaining ride that feels almost like a fever dream. The film follows con artists Irving and Sydney, who after being nabbed for a dodgy deal, are forced to work for Richie, an FBI agent. When the beleaguered pair figure out that they are being used for a sting operation that leads to the conviction of prominent people, all hell breaks loose.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

• Director: Quentin Tarantino
• Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis
• IMDB Rating: 8.9/10
• Run Time: 2 h 45 mins

One of the most important films ever made, Pulp Fiction took Quentin Tarantino from revered indie filmmaker to the biggest director on the planet in one quick move. The multi-plot format, coupled with the unique non-chronological storyline saw this neo-noir set a new standard for contemporary film, reigniting the career of John Travolta in the process. With an all-star cast and enough memorable lines to keep you entertained for life, Pulp Fiction is an absolute must-watch.

Mystic River (2003)

• Director: Clint Eastwood
• Starring: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laura Linney
• IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
• Run Time: 2 h 17 mins

Sean Penn’s performance in the Clint Eastwood thriller Mystic River does not receive the acclaim it deserves, which is a big call considering he picked up an Academy Award for his efforts. A transcendent performance that encapsulates grief at its absolute worst, Penn explodes onto the screen as a true tour de force, stealing each and every scene with heartfelt authenticity. He plays Jimmy, a Boston gangster, who reunites with childhood friends Dave and Sean after his daughter is murdered, but he is suspicious of their intent and motivations. A twisting story of betrayal, loss and power, Mystic River is incredible from start to finish.

La La Land (2016)

• Director: Damien Chazelle
• Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone
• IMDB Rating: 8/10
• Run Time: 2 h 8 mins

By the time La La Land was released in 2016, director Damien Chazelle was already a star. The Whiplash filmmaker was on a roll and his ode to old Hollywood was destined to be a magnum opus; indeed it was. The musical romance, which stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, follows Sebastian, a pianist, and Mia, an actress, two artists on a journey of self-discovery aiming to break into their respective fields. However, as their bond grows stronger, they find themselves torn between their love for each other and their careers.

Classic Movies on SBS On Demand

SBS On Demand has perhaps the best collection of classic films on offer in Australia, with a huge collection of award-winning releases from yesteryear. We recommend diving into the archives to tick off the ‘movies you must see before you die’ list.

Apocalypse Now Redux (2001)

• Director: Francis Ford Coppola
• Starring: Marlon Brando, Harrison Ford
• IMDB: 8.4/10
• Run Time: 3 h 32 mins

An extended version of the epic war film Apocalypse Now, which sees an additional 49 minutes of material that had been removed from the original film. This historical film emotionally depicts life during the Vietnam War through the life of a captain assigned to a mission in Cambodia. Expect a remastered soundtrack as well.

Das Boot (1981)

• Director: Wolfgang Petersen
• Starring: Jürgen Prochnow, Hubertus Bengsch, Herbert Grönemeyer
• IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
• Run Time: 2 h 29 mins

Das Boot is a 1981 West German film written and directed by Wolfgang Petersen that tackles some big issues. It follows the perilous plight of the young crew aboard a German U-Boat in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. Terrified and alone, the young men are torn between their orders, their survival, and their morals, leaving the door ajar just enough for madness to seep in. An incredible feat of filmmaking in the context of the Cold War, Das Boot is perhaps one of the most culturally significant movies ever made.

SBS On Demand Action Movies

From big-budget action blockbusters to small-scale operations that shook the globe, the action movies on SBS On Demand offer some seriously gut-punching entertainment. Take a look at our favourite action movies on the platform and decide for yourself just who is the greatest action hero of all time.

Drive (2011)

• Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
• Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Oscar Isaac, Ron Perlman
• IMDb: 7.8/10
• Run Time: 1 h 40 mins

Before he was ‘just Ken’, Ryan Gosling was an all-out action legend. In Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive, Gosling goes full Steve McQueen, playing a mysterious Hollywood stunt driver who moonlights as a violent gun for-hire and getaway driver. When he falls for his neighbour, Irene, a criminal’s wife, he inadvertently lands in the middle of a robbery attempt gone awry. Those he wronged aren’t particularly fond of his actions and so begins a brutal cat-and-mouse game. If you haven’t seen Drive, the film is short on dialogue and heavy on intensity, so be warned, it does get a little dicey. That being said, Winding Refn’s hyper colour world is on full-display here and it’s worth watching for the visuals alone.

Machete (2010)

• Director: Ethan Mainiquis, Robert Rodriguez
• Starring: Danny Trejo, Michelle Roderiguez, Robert De Niro
• IMDB: 6.6/10
• Run Time: 1 h 45 mins

An action classic, Machete details the seriously brutal revenge of an ex-fed out to get his former boss. Definitely not a relaxing watch, dive into this movie if you want some gruesome excitement and adventure.

The Way of the Dragon (1972)

• Director: Bruce Lee
• Starring: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris
• IMDB: 7.3/10
• Run Time: 2 h 13 mins

SBS On Demand has plenty of Bruce Lee movies for all those hardcore fans out there, but The Way of the Dragon is our pick of the bunch. In fact, Lee directed this film himself and it shows in the clever, hilarious storyline of the action-comedy.

Comedies on SBS On Demand

Want to laugh until it hurts? With SBS On Demand’s long list of classic comedies and modern funnies, you’ll have no trouble filling in your entertainment schedule. With a focus on comedy legends of the past, including Monty Python, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, the streaming service has something for everyone.

A Private Function (1984)

• Director: Malcolm Mowbray
• Starring: Maggie Smith, Michael Palin
• IMDB: 6.5/10
• Run Time: 1 h 36 mins

A funny movie that’s bound to put you in a good mood any day of the week, A Private Function is a much-loved comedy classic. British from head to toe, it throws humour at the time of food rationing in the lead up to the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.

Kingpin (1996)

• Director: Peter Farrelly and Bobby Farrelly
• Starring: Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid
• IMDB: 6.9/10
• Run Time: 1 h 57 mins

This comedy is a light-hearted classic, that luckily for us, is available on SBS On Demand. Expect some bowling, con games, illicit activities and lots of laughter from your end.

Rams (2015)

• Director: Grímur Hákonarson
• Starring: Theodor Juliusson, Sigurour Sigurjonsson
• IMDB: 7.3/10
• Run Time: 1 h 33 mins

For something that’s guaranteed to provide a laugh, stream Rams on SBS On Demand. The film is Icelandic, which adds a unique touch, and follows the journey of two brothers who haven’t spoken in 40 years as they each tend to their flock of sheep amid an infection that takes over the town. We’ll let you discover the ridiculousness that follows.

Amelie (2001)

• Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
• Starring: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz
• IMDB: 8.3/10
• Run Time: 2 h 9 mins

A feel-good movie with an important message, Amelie is one of our all-time favourites and it’s available on SBS on demand. Exploring the world of an imaginative mind, Amelie decides to help people find happiness and, in her journey, finds true love for herself.

Best Romantic Movies on SBS On Demand

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, your anniversary or just a Tuesday night, a good romance film never goes astray. SBS On Demand has put together a stellar list of international and domestic releases that tug at the heart strings and remind you all about what true love really is.

The Graduate (1967)

• Director: Mike Nichols
• Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Katharine Ross, Anne Bancroft
• IMDB: 8/10
• Run Time: 1 h 47 mins

A romantic film with all the coinciding complications, The Graduate ticks all of our boxes. Sexy and alluring, we recommend watching it with your special one to join the characters’ journey of tumultuous affairs and love triangles.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

• Director: Luca Guadagnino
• Starring: Timothée Chalamet
• IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
• Run Time: 2 h 12 mins

This stunning film takes you on a beautiful, emotional journey of a young man named Elio. Based on the novel by Andre Aciman, the movie highlights the jagged line between friendship and love, set against the stunning backdrop of the Italian countryside. The beautiful setting and raw depiction of the struggles we face in the complex journey of discovering our sexuality makes for a deeply beautiful and achingly painful film.

SBS On Demand Drama Movies

No list of SBS On Demand movies would be complete without the huge collection of drama films on offer. The streamer has curated an extensive range of classic, modern and brand new drama films for you to watch, many of which have nabbed Academy Award honours.

Tracks (2013)

• Director: John Curran
• Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver
• IMDB: 7.2/10
• Run Time: 2 h

Shining a light on the beauty and barrenness of the Australian landscape is this ode to Robyn Davidson and Australia. You’ll witness a superb dramatisation of the author’s epic nine-month journey on camels across the Australian desert.

Vox Lux (2018)

• Director: Brady Corbet
• Starring: Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Raffey Cassidy
• IMDB: 5.0/10
• Run Time: 1 h 54 mins

Another true story that’s bound to get the tears rolling is Vox Lux. With an all-star cast, the movie paints a portrait of the rise of pop star Celeste as she overcomes tragedy to become a celebrated pop star.

We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)

• Director: Lynne Ramsay
• Starring: Ezra Miller, Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly
• IMDB: 7.5/10
• Run Time: 1 h 52 mins

The perfect dose of psychological thriller that we all need from time to time, We Need to Talk About Kevin is an interesting and reflective movie. It comments on the struggles of motherhood and instances of school mass-violence in a deeply moving way.

Frances Ha (2012)

• Director: Noah Baumbach
• Starring: Greta Gerwig, Adam Driver
• IMDB: 7.5/10
• Run Time: 1 h 26 mins

A movie so raw and authentic every woman in their twenties must watch for a necessary reminder that none of us knows what we’re doing and that’s ok. New Yorker Frances struggles to keep a job and somewhere to live, depicting the journey of finding ourselves in a humorous, relatable way.

The Lobster (2015)

• Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
• Starring: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman
• IMDB: 7.2/10
• Run Time: 1 h 59 mins

A romantic drama with a dystopian twist, settle in for an emotional roller-coaster with The Lobster. If you’re currently single, this may send you into turmoil, as in this society, single people must find a mate within 45 days or they will be transformed into an animal. Watch it with your partner, or on your own – we dare you!

The Duchess (2008)

• Director: Saul Dibb
• Starring: Keira Knightly, Domini Cooper
• IMDB: 6.9/10
• Run Time: 1 h 50 mins

In the mood for a little bit of old-school British drama? The Duchess will have you sorted – a dramatisation based on the late 18th-century aristocrat Georgina Cavendish. Her character poignantly represents the struggles women faced during the oppressive era.

The Seagull (2018)

• Director: Michael Mayer
• Starring: Annette Benning, Corey Stoll, Glenn Fleshler
• IMDB: 5.7/10
• Run Time: 1 h 38 mins

If you love a period drama, this one’s for you. The Seagull is set in the early 20th century and follows the journey of an ageing actress and her lover as they visit the estate of her elderly brother. This is a story of love and romance everyone can appreciate.

War Movies on SBS On Demand

With an emphasis on historical pieces, SBS is no stranger to war films. The streaming platform houses many important films, including Lewis Milestone’s original 1930 edition of All Quiet on the Western Front, which was recently reimagined by Netflix. Here is a list of the best war films on SBS On Demand.

The Pianist (2002)

• Director: Roman Polanski
• Starring: Adrien Brody, Emilia Fox
• IMDB: 8.5/10
• Run Time: 2 h 28 mins

This biographical war drama is a true tear-jerker and is one of Polanski’s best films to date. The film is a shockingly raw depiction of a Polish Jew and classical musician who survived the Holocaust through some luck and sheer stoicism. Put this one on next time you’re in the mood for a little (or big) cry.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

• Director: Lewis Milestone
• Starring: Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim
• IMDB: 8/10
• Run Time: 2 h 32 mins

A serious film with a sombre message, All Quiet on the Western Front is an epic film based on the 1928 book of the same name. The adaption depicts the huge mental impact of being a soldier in an aching and evocative way.

Downfall (2004)

• Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
• Starring: Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara
• IMDB: 8.2/10
• Run Time: 2 h 36 mins

Another one of the very best war dramas available on SBS On Demand, Downfall is a realistic film of World War II. It focuses on the final days of Hitler and his inner circle in the bunker they were hiding in. Bonus points for you if you speak German as the film is in the native-tongue.

Thrillers on SBS On Demand

We all love a good whodunnit and SBS On Demand doesn’t disappoint on that front. The streaming platform has a huge collection of thrillers to choose from, dating as far back as the 1930s and all the way through to new releases.

The Girl In the Fog (2017)

• Director: Donato Carrisi
• Starring: Toni Servillo, Jean Reno
• IMDB: 6.8/10
• Run Time: 2 h 8 mins

Not everything is as it seems in this thriller, which we think may the best thriller SBS On Demand has to offer. Set in an Italian village, it tracks an investigation into the disappearance of a 15-year-old girl. We suggest watching this with a companion or two!

Molly’s Game (2017)

• Director: Aaron Sorkin
• Starring: Jessica Chastain, Michael Cera
• IMDB: 7.4/10
• Run Time: 2 h 21 mins

Aaron Sorkin makes an impressive directorial debut with Molly’s Game. The film follows the journey of Molly, who is a real-life target of the FBI and her involvement with a high-stakes poker game. The biographical crime drama is an intense film that will help you take your mind to another place.

Margin Call (2011)

• Director: J.C. Chandor
• Starring: Kevin Spacey, Demi Moore
• IMDB: 7.1/10
• Run Time: 1 h 49 mins

Want something to keep your brain ticking over? Margin Call will do the job – a drama about how a Wall Street investment bank handles the financial crises of 2007 and 2008 over a fast, stressful 24-hour period. Even better, the movie has an all-star cast.

Shot Caller (2017)

• Director: Ric Roman Waugh
• Starring: Jon Bernthal, Lake Bell, Jeffery Donovan
• IMDB: 7.3/10
• Run Time: 2 h 1 min

An exploration of violence and racism, Shot Caller has a bit of everything. A crime thriller, it isn’t for the faint-hearted – scenes chronicling the dramatic shift of a family man to a prison gangster and his plight to survive in California’s unforgiving penal system.

Australian Movies on SBS On Demand

As the nation’s public broadcast channel, SBS On Demand is home to many great Australian movies, the majority of which are historically significant. Below, we’ve included our top pick to add to your watch list.

Storm Boy (1976)

• Director: Henri Safran
• Starring: Greg Rowe, Peter Cummins, David Gulpili
• IMDB: 6.9/10
• Run Time: 1 h 49 mins

Storm Boy is one of the best dramas to watch with the whole family that’s available on SBS On Demand. Quintessentially Australian, the film is a contemporary retelling of a boy and father living a solitary life on a desolate coastline. When he forms a close bond with a pelican, things start to change.

RELATED: INTERVIEW: Jai Courtney Talks to Us About Storm Boy.

Best International Films on SBS On Demand

In addition to home grown films, SBS On Demand is also home to a wide array of international features and Eastern Eye cinema. With flicks from Japan, Germany, Denmark, India, Canada and many more, the list of international movies on SBS is near-endless. Here is a list of our favourites.

Tu Me Manques (2019)

• Director: Rodrigo Bellott
• Starring: Reyes Antelo, Fernando Barbosa
• IMDB: 6.6/10
• Run Time: 1 h 50 mins

If you’re missing travelling, Tu Me Manques will take you on a journey from Bolivia to New York that will almost feel as good as the real thing. The film is dotted with the drama of death and unlikely reunions against the backdrop of two very different cities.

Run Lola Run (1998)

• Director: Tom Tykwer
• Starring: Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu
• IMDB: 7.6/10
• Run Time: 1 h 22 mins

SBS On Demand has a great selection of international films and Run Lola Run is one of our favourites. It’s a German film about a woman who must gather a certain amount of cash under strict time constraints in order to save her boyfriend’s life.

Mother (2009)

• Director: Bong Joon-ho
• Starring: Won Bin, Jin Goo
• IMDB: 7.8/10
• Run Time: 2 h 9 mins

SBS On Demand has an array of amazing Asian films and Mother is no exception. As a widow attempts to prove her son’s innocence, it delves into the themes of hardship and prejudice that we all face from time to time.

Dogman (2018)

• Director: Matteo Garrone
• Starring: Marcello Fonte, Adamo Dionisi
• IMDB: 7.2/10
• Run Time: 2 h

A crime drama set in a small town in Rome, Dogman follows the journey of a dog groomer who gets himself into some serious trouble. The movie is inspired by true events and is highly acclaimed, so dive on in.

The Lives of Others (2006)

• Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
• Starring: Ulrich Mühe, Martina Gedeck
• IMDB: 8.4/10
• Run Time: 2 h 18 mins

The Lives of Others is a film about the Stasi spying on East German lovers. It will have you on the edge of your seat as it explores the fear and distrust that overtook the world during the time of World War II. It’s one of the best foreign-language films on SBS On Demand.

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