atmospheric backdrop

Movies with atmospheric vibe

I Origins

421. I Origins

Science Fiction Drama Bio-Genetic Sci-Fi Psychological Drama
7.3

20141h 46min

United States

Director: Mike Cahill

A molecular biologist's study of the human eye has far-reaching implications about humanity's scientific and spiritual beliefs.

Themes

Grief and guilt, Memory and identity, Obsession and pursuit, Science vs spirituality, Ethics of biomed data, Playing god in science

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Planes: Fire & Rescue

422. Planes: Fire & Rescue

Animation Comedy Adventure Family Family Animation
5.9

20141h 23min

United States

Director: Bobs Gannaway

When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.

Themes

Teamwork under pressure, Risk and resilience, Courage in wildfire response, Duty over ambition, Maintenance neglect consequences, Transition to public service, Legacy and past choices

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Creep

423. Creep

Horror Thriller Psychological Horror Kidnapping & Captivity Thriller
6.3

20141h 22min

United States

Director: Patrick Brice

Looking for work, Aaron comes across a cryptic online ad: “$1,000 for the day. Filming service. Discretion is appreciated.” Low on cash and full of naiveté, he decides to go for it. He drives to a cabin in a remote mountain town where he meets Josef, his cinematic subject for the day. Josef is sincere and the project seems heartfelt, so Aaron begins to film. But as the day goes on, it becomes clear that Josef is not who he says, and his intentions are not at all pure.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Power and control, Sexual violence, Isolation under threat, Surveillance intrusion, Unreliable narration

Available on

Netflix
Apple TV
YouTube
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Jersey Boys

424. Jersey Boys

Music Drama Music Biopic Entertainment Industry Drama
6.8

20142h 14min

United States

Director: Clint Eastwood

A musical biopic of the Four Seasons—the rise, the tough times and personal clashes, and the ultimate triumph of a group of friends whose music became symbolic of a generation. Far from a mere tribute concert, it gets to the heart of the relationships at the centre of the group, with a special focus on frontman Frankie Valli, the small kid with the big falsetto.

Themes

Fame and personal cost, Debt pressure on art, Identity and reinvention, Mob pressure on creativity, Ambition vs family obligations, Internal group dynamics and leadership

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Boyhood

425. Boyhood

Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
7.9

20142h 46min

United States

Director: Richard Linklater

The film tells a story of a divorced couple trying to raise their young son. The story follows the boy for twelve years, from first grade at age 6 through 12th grade at age 17-18, and examines his relationship with his parents as he grows.

Themes

Economic precarity, Parental conflict and abuse, Stepfamily adjustment, Divided family dynamics, Ambition and guidance, Adolescence and experimentation, Nostalgia and growth

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Fault in Our Stars

426. The Fault in Our Stars

Romance Drama Bittersweet Romance Tragic Drama
7.6

20142h 6min

United States

Director: Josh Boone

In a world where every breath feels borrowed, a sharp-tongued girl with cancer meets a boy who refuses to treat her like she’s fragile. As their shared obsession with one haunting novel pulls them across an ocean to confront its reclusive author, they discover the story waiting for them is far more dangerous than the one on the page.

Themes

Friendship under pressure, Memory and longing, Coming of age under crisis, Care as mutual reliance, Terminal illness in youth, Deception in communication

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Jimmy's Hall

427. Jimmy's Hall

History Drama Historical Drama Political History
6.7

20141h 46min

United Kingdom, Ireland

Director: Ken Loach

Jimmy Gralton returns from New York and reopens his beloved community hall, only to meet opposition from the local parish.

Themes

Exile and displacement, Poverty and resilience, Church versus community, Community empowerment, Diaspora connections, Political dissent

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Maleficent

428. Maleficent

Fantasy Adventure Action Family Romance
6.9

20141h 37min

United States

Director: Robert Stromberg

A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. She rises to be the land's fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal – an act that begins to turn her heart into stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading King's successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom – and to Maleficent's true happiness as well.

Themes

Betrayal and trust, Protector duty vs vengeance, Dark forest isolation, True love as catalyst, Protector's duty, Cursed princess awakening, Fairies and guardianship

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Words and Pictures

429. Words and Pictures

Comedy Drama Romance Romantic Comedy Relationship Drama
6.6

20141h 51min

Australia, Canada

Director: Fred Schepisi

An art instructor and an English teacher form a rivalry that ends up with a competition at their school in which students decide whether words or pictures are more important.

Themes

Words versus images, Artistic restraint vs impulsivity, Education under reputation pressure, Creativity under criticism, Disability and artistic production, Public scrutiny and school politics

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Two Faces of January

430. The Two Faces of January

Thriller Cover-Up Thriller
6.2

20141h 36min

France, United Kingdom

Director: Hossein Amini

1962. A con artist, his wife, and a dangerous stranger are caught up in the murder of a private detective and are forced to try and escape Athens.

Themes

Deception and betrayal, Moral ambiguity, Pursuit and escape, Manufactured identities, Fragile loyalties, Dangerous entanglements

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.