If Hulu is unavailable where you live, you can use a VPN to get around geographical restrictions and start streaming. We’ve tested different VPNs, and NordVPN is easily the best VPN for Hulu. It’s great for unblocking content and offers blazing-fast speeds to support streaming.
Continue reading to learn more about the best movies and shows on Hulu, and discover how to access Hulu with a VPN.
Hulu is an American subscription-based streaming service with a steadily expanding library of highly-rated shows like Saint X, Yellowjackets, and Class of ’09.
But what makes Hulu stand out? What are the best shows and movies on Hulu? Let’s find out!
What’s New on Hulu This Month (July 2023)
These are some of the trending shows and movies on Hulu right now:
The Bear Season 2
The Kardashians Season 3
Searching for Soul Food
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 16
The Bachelorette
Claim to Fame
Cruel Summer
Flamin’ Hot
Infinity Pool
The 22 Best Hulu TV Shows and Movies to Stream Right Now
The Hulu library is packed with amazing movies and TV shows. If you’re outside the US, you won’t be able to access Hulu. At least, not without a VPN. A top-rated VPN like NordVPN lets you spoof your location and enjoy the best Hulu shows and movies.
It’s nearly impossible to list the best movies and TV shows on Hulu because there are so many great options. From the Bob’s Burgers movie to coming-of-age stories and animated flicks, they’re all here. But we don’t want this list to go on endlessly, so here are our top 22 best shows and movies to watch on Hulu.
1. Parasite
Parasite took the world by storm when it was released in 2019, winning multiple awards and receiving critical acclaim. The story follows two very different families from South Korea and tells a tale of greed, class discrimination, and family. If you’ve never seen the popular movie, it’s available on Hulu, and we can’t recommend it enough. Parasite has been hailed as one of the best movies of all time.
Specification
Details
Genre
Drama, Thriller
Notable Cast
Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong
Recommended Audience
Anyone that can stomach it (Parasite is rated R as it contains some violent scenes and sexual content)
2. Class of ’09
Class of ’09 is a Hulu exclusive that addresses themes like justice, friendship, and legacy. The show follows a group of FBI agents who graduate from Quantico in the same year and how a colleague’s death reunites them. The show delves deep into its themes with a storyline spanning over 30 years and an ever-changing justice system that’s taken over by technology. If you’re looking for a good crime drama, Class of ’09 is a must-watch. The creator of this show, Tom Rob Smith, cast a talented group of actors who bring the story to life.
Specification
Details
Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Notable Cast
Kate Mara, Brian Tyree Henry, Isaiah Stratton, Brian J. Smith
Recommended Audience
Fans of crime dramas and people curious about justice and technology
3. Saint X
Saint X is a thriller that follows two timelines — one in the current day when Emily Thomas is trying to piece together the missing pieces after a family tragedy, and one set years in the past when said tragedy occurred. The show is based on a book by Alexis Schaitkin. It’s a gripping tale filled with loss, mystery, and pursuit of the truth.
The show is a Hulu exclusive, but it’s also available on Disney Plus. Read our guide to watching Saint X from anywhere to learn more about this series.
Specification
Details
Genre
Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Notable Cast
Alycia Debnam-Carey, Josh Bonzie, West Duchovny, Jayden Elijah
Recommended Audience
Crime and mystery show enthusiasts
4. Tiny Beautiful Things
Hulu has released a lot of great shows in 2023, and Tiny Beautiful Things is one of them. The show follows Clare Pierce (Kathryn Hahn) as she takes on the role of Dear Sugar, an anonymous and highly-sought after advice columnist. She’s reluctant at first but quickly finds a way to offer advice, despite her own life falling apart. The show is based on a book of the same name by Cheryl Strayed.
Specification
Details
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Notable Cast
Kathryn Hahn, Tanzyn Crawford, Quentin Plair
Recommended Audience
Great for comedy-drama fans (it has a TV-MA rating)
5. Unprisoned
Unprisoned is a 2023 TV series distributed by Hulu that tells the tale of Paige Alexander (Kerry Washington), a family therapist and single mom struggling with personal relationships despite her vocation. She lives with her son Finn, and their life is turned upside down when Paige’s father, Edwin, gets out of prison and comes to live with them.
Unprisoned is a great comedy and a heartfelt show. If you like character-driven stories, it should be right up your alley.
It has a TV-MA rating and has quite a few suggestive scenes, so it’s not a family-friendly series
6. The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian TV series set in the near future in the United States — now named Gilead. The country is a patriarchal, white supremacist theocracy where women are second-class citizens. Offred, the main character, is forced into becoming a handmaid and bearing children for government officials.
The show is based on Margaret Atwood’s book of the same name. It’s a chilling tale of subjugation, the loss of women’s agency and individuality, and the struggle against the powers that be.
Specification
Details
Genre
Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Notable Cast
Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Ann Dowd
Recommended Audience
The show has a TV-MA rating and deals with some heavy themes
7. The Bear
The Bear is a fantastic show that follows Carmen Berzzatto, a brilliant young chef who abandons his job in the fine dining world to run his family’s sandwich shop. The passing of Carmy’s brother casts a grim shadow over the series. The Bear takes viewers on a deep dive into the hospitality industry and has all the hallmarks of a classic. It’s a fun show to binge.
Specification
Details
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Notable Cast
Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiry, Lionel Boyce
Recommended Audience
Fans of cooking and fine dining
8. A Small Light
A Small Light is a biographical drama miniseries that tells the story of Miep Gies and her heroic actions during World War II. Miep is a Dutch woman who risks her life to shelter Anne Frank from the Nazis for over two years. She also helps other Jewish refugees go into hiding. A Small Light isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s a very important story and one of the best shows on Hulu.
Specification
Details
Genre
Biography, Drama, History
Notable Cast
Bel Powley, Joe Cole, Amira Casar
Recommended Audience
Anyone interested in period pieces
9. Brockmire
Brockmire is an innovative sitcom that follows Jim Brockmire, a Major League Baseball announcer. Brockmire had an embarrassing meltdown live on-air after finding out his wife had an affair. A decade has passed since then, and he’s trying to rebuild his career and love life in a small town. Brockmire is a complicated character, and the show manages to capture the drama and comedy that can arise out of his situation. All seasons of the show, including the fourth and final season, are available to watch on Hulu.
Specification
Details
Genre
Sitcom, Drama, Sport
Notable Cast
Hank Azaria, Amanda Peet, Tyrel Jackson Williams
Recommended Audience
Fans of baseball, and anyone in the mood for a lighthearted comedy
10. The Great
The Great is a period piece loosely based on Catherine The Great’s rise to power in 18th-century Russia. The show is not historically accurate, playing around with events to tell a fun, captivating story up to its third and final season. The royal protagonist of the show is forced to choose between her personal life and the future of Russia after marrying the Emperor. The Great is a good pick if you like period pieces and want to sit down for a thrilling tale.
Specification
Details
Genre
History, Comedy, Drama, Biography
Notable Cast
Elle Fanning, Phoebe Fox, Gwilym Lee
Recommended Audience
People who like comedy dramas set in a historical period
11. How I Met Your Father
How I Met Your Mother was a hit show in the early 2000s, winning fans with its loveable characters, quippy humor, and mystery. How I Met Your Father is a spin-off from that classic sitcom, following Sophie and her friends as they embark on a similar journey to find love — and themselves. This show hasn’t been warmly received like its predecessor, but both classic comedies are available to watch on Hulu.
Specification
Details
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Notable Cast
Hilary Duff, Cristopher Lowell, Francia Raisa
Recommended Audience
Fans of How I Met Your Mother and anyone looking for a laid-back sitcom
12. Spencer
Spencer is based on Princess Diana’s experience in the royal family. The fascinating film follows the Christmas holidays of 1991, Diana Spencer’s struggle with mental health, and her plan to end her decade-long marriage to Prince Charles. The movie is filled with intrigue, royal festivities, and everything you’d want from a film loosely based on Princess Diana’s life. Do note, though, that the movie is not historically accurate. It’s a television adaptation of the 1991 holidays at the Queen’s estate and how the title character may have experienced it.
Specification
Details
Genre
Biography, Drama
Notable Cast
Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall, Sally Hawkins
Recommended Audience
Movie lovers interested in royal affairs (but note that the film is rated R)
13. It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia is a popular American sitcom that follows “The Gang,” a group of narcissistic misfits who co-own an Irish pub in South Philadelphia. The ensemble is later joined by eccentric millionaire Frank Reynolds (Danny DeVito), who funds their outlandish adventures. The series is critically acclaimed and loved by fans. You can watch all 16 seasons right now on Hulu.
Specification
Details
Genre
Comedy
Notable Cast
Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, Danny DeVito
Recommended Audience
Anyone interested in a lighthearted comedy involving deeply flawed characters
14. Community
This popular American sitcom by Dan Harmon gives you a peek into life at a community college. Community is arguably one of the most popular sitcoms of the last decade. It follows disbarred Jeff Winger, who lied about having a degree. To put his life back in order, Jeff goes to study at a community college and earn his degree. There, we get a chance to meet eccentric staff and students. The show marked an epoch in pop culture and features a diverse cast of actors.
Specification
Details
Genre
Sitcom
Notable Cast
Joel McHale, Danny Pudi, Donald Glover, Chevy Chase, Gillian Jacobs, Alison Brie
Recommended Audience
Anyone curious about comedy
15. Palm Springs
Palm Springs is an amazing mix of comedy, science fiction, mystery, and drama. It follows two wedding guests stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day repeatedly. Although initially scared of their predicament, Nyles and Sarah learn to live life regardless of its “lack of meaning.” Palm Springs is a must-watch if you like to laugh while bending your mind around weird sci-fi mysteries.
Specification
Details
Genre
Romantic comedy, Mystery
Notable Cast
Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J.K. Simmons
Recommended Audience
Fans of romcoms and mystery
16. This Way Up
This Way Up is a comedy-drama about Aine, a young woman trying to piece her life back together after a nervous breakdown. Critics have described the show as Fleabag with an Irish accent, and we can see where they’re coming from. The series features a lot of intrigue and complex characters.
Drag Me to Dinner is an American reality TV show featuring drag artists competing to host the most extravagant party. If you want to see people go head-to-head to host the best party on a specific theme, you can’t miss Drag Me To Dinner. The show is hosted by drag legend Murray Hill, and the contestants are judged by big names like Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka.
Specification
Details
Genre
Reality TV, Game Show
Notable Cast
Murray Hill, Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka
Recommended Audience
Fans of reality TV competitions
18. Kingsman: The Secret Service
Kingsman: The Secret Service doesn’t try to amaze you with a complex story or woo you with finely crafted characters. Rather, Kingsman delivers top-class action. The action-filled clashes in this movie are some of the best I’ve ever seen. Add quippy humor to that, and you have the recipe for a great summer blockbuster you can sit down and enjoy without thinking too much about it.
The movie was well-received, so much so that it spawned several sequels. You can enjoy this bold take on the James Bond genre on Hulu.
Specification
Details
Genre
Action, Adventure, Comedy
Notable Cast
Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Caine
Recommended Audience
Fans of James Bond movies
19. American Psycho
American Psycho is a popular movie based on a book by Bret Easton Ellis. It follows Patrick Bateman, a New York investment banker who lives a double life as a serial killer by night. Patrick puts on a pretty good show and hides his darker side from his co-workers. American Psycho chronicles his descent into madness and hedonistic fantasies. This is one of the best movies on Hulu.
Specification
Details
Genre
Crime, Drama, Horror
Notable Cast
Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas
Recommended Audience
Mature audiences (it features some heavy themes)
20. The Eric Andre Show
The Eric Andre Show is a parody of late-night talk shows. If you love absurd and dark humor, it’s a great show to watch. It’s hosted by Eric Andre and features a mix of actual celebrity interviews, interviews with intentionally bad impersonators, bizarre encounters, and practical jokes. If you’re looking for a rigamarole of weird events and people acting zany, watch The Eric Andre Show on Hulu.
Specification
Details
Genre
Comedy, Talk Show
Notable Cast
Eric Andre, Hannibal Buress, Tom Ato
Recommended Audience
Fans of the absurd and comedy sketches
21. The Worst Person In The World
The Worst Person in the World is a critically acclaimed romantic comedy that tells the story of Julie, a med student from Oslo who can’t figure out what she wants to do in life. The movie follows her attempts at settling on a career, finding love, and ultimately discovering who she is and what she wants. This is arguably the best international film on this list.
The Worst Person in the World is the third part in director Joachim Trier’s “Oslo Trilogy.” Unfortunately, the first film, “Reprise,” and the sequel, “Oslo, August 31,” aren’t available to watch on Hulu. But you can watch the conclusion of this series without seeing the first two films.
Specification
Details
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Notable Cast
Renate Reinsve, Anders Danielsen Lie, Herbert Nordrum
Recommended Audience
Fans of romcoms and movies that disrupt expectations
22. Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets is a fantastic thriller that just got its second season. Like a lot of Hulu productions, it tells a compelling story in two timelines — one in the past, when an all-girl group of high school football players is castaway in the Northern wilderness, and one in the present, when they have to unravel the trauma of being stuck in a survival situation for 19 months. This isn’t your typical teen drama; it’s so much more.
Yellowjackets has already been renewed for a third season. For more information about the show, check out our detailed guide to watching Yellowjackets.
Specification
Details
Genre
Drama, Horror, Mystery
Notable Cast
Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Sophie Nelisse
Recommended Audience
Anyone interested in the horror drama genre (Note: the show has a lot of heavy themes)
More to watch on Hulu
These are just some of the best movies and shows on Hulu. There are other shows worth mentioning, like Abbott Elementary starring Quinta Brunson (who is also one of the show’s executive producers), Tyler James Williams, and an incredible cast of actors. The half-hour comedy series is centered on a group of teachers in an underfunded middle school in Philadelphia.
Besides movies and TV shows, Hulu also has a collection of documentaries, like The Looming Tower, which traces the events leading up to the attack on the World Trade Center. It also offers action reality TV shows. For example, you can watch The Amazing Race on Hulu.
Why You Need a VPN to Unblock Content on Hulu
Hulu and other streaming platforms must acquire the rights to show particular movies and TV shows in each country. If Hulu can’t secure distribution rights for some countries, it blocks users from those locations from accessing its content.
That’s how geographical restrictions come about, and it can be a real bummer. Luckily, there is a workaround! A VPN can change your IP address, making it look like you’re accessing sites from a different location. You can use a VPN to stream Hulu exclusives like Class of ’09 and Yellowjackets and watch popular shows like LEGO Masters aired on US TV channels.
How to use a VPN to watch Hulu
If you’re not sure how to access Hulu from outside the US, don’t worry. VPNs can seem complicated, but they’re really easy to use. Here’s what you’ll have to do to watch movies on Hulu from anywhere:
Note:
Some streaming services frown on using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and access their content. We recommend checking your user agreement before attempting anything in this guide.
Here’s how you can unblock Hulu with a VPN:
Subscribe to a VPN service. We recommend NordVPN for unblocking Hulu. This VPN is great at circumventing geo-restrictions, and it has high-speed servers.
Download and install the VPN app on your device. NordVPN is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices as well as smart TVs.
Connect to a server in the US.
Open Hulu. You’ll need to do this in incognito mode or a new browser to avoid being identified with your browser fingerprint.
Sign up for a new Hulu account or log into your existing account. Keep in mind that you’ll need a US-based payment method to subscribe.
Enjoy Hulu shows and movies!
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Hulu is constantly adding amazing titles to its library, from classics like It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and History of the World to hit new shows like Yellowjackets. But unfortunately, Hulu has been slow to expand to new regions. If you’re outside the US, you’ll have a hard time signing up for a Hulu account.
But you use a VPN to change your IP address and stream Hulu from anywhere in the world. NordVPN is our go-to VPN for unblocking any streaming service.
Check out the articles below to learn how to unblock other streaming platforms with a VPN:
Do you agree with our picks? Know a show or movie we should feature? Leave a comment below!
The Best Shows and Movies on Hulu: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about the best movies and TV shows on Hulu? Check out the FAQ section below.
Is there anything good on Hulu right now?
Yes, absolutely! These are the top hits that Hulu currently offers:
The Bear Season 2
The Kardashians Season 3
Infinity Pool
Flamin’ Hot
Cruel Summer
Claim to Fame
The Bachelorette
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 16
Searching for Soul Food
What is the most watched series on Hulu?
We don’t have exact viewership numbers, but It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia is at the top. However, there are a lot of high-quality and popular series on the platform, including The Bear, Class of ’09, Saint X, and more. If you’re outside the US and want to watch them, read our guide on accessing Hulu from anywhere.
What original series are on Hulu?
Hulu has a lot of original series like Yellowjackets, Saint X, and Class of ’09, to name a few. These shows are exclusive to Hulu, and you’ll need to sign up to the platform to access them.
Does Hulu have any good movies?
Hulu has a lot of good movies — from classics like American Psycho and Kingsman to new releases like Flamin’ Hot. Read our guide to the best Hulu TV shows and movies for more options.
Theodor is a content writer passionate about the newest tech developments and content marketing strategies. He likes privacy-friendly software, SEO tools, and when he’s not writing, he’s trying to convince people they should uninstall TikTok.