With so many titles to choose from, Netflix Instant's library can be overwhelming. So we bring you this biweekly column as a tool to cut through the clutter by highlighting some now streaming titles that pair nicely with the latest theatrical releases.
Looking to G.I. Joe: Retaliation, The Croods, and Admission for inspiration, we've pulled together a selection of military action flicks, outrageous animated adventures for kids, and rites of passage comedies for grown-ups.
G.I. Joe Retaliation
The Joes are back to battle the evil forces of Cobra once more. But once the President of the United States cuts the Joes loose after a devastating frame-up, they'll need to add some new blood, and major firepower to their forces. Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis star; RZA, Adrianne Palicki, Byung-hun Lee co-star. Jon M. Chu directs.
Want some more stories of All-American heroes? Whether you're craving superhero-level action, real life heroics, or old school (as in 1980s) machismo, we've got you covered with a batch of movies that offer epic action sequences, brawny leading men, and loads of bravado.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) Before there was Iron Man, there was Captain America, the first Avenger! Scrawny Steve Rogers is dedicated to serving his country in World War II, if he can only get past the physical. But when his fearlessness and bravery impresses a military scientist, Rogers is given a superhero serum that transforms him from a pint-sized wannabe soldier into America's greatest hero. Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving co-star; Joe Johnston directs.
Act of Valor (2012) Inspired by true invents and starring a band of active-duty Navy SEALs, this action-thriller takes its audience deep into the duties of some of the world's most highly trained, hi-tech decked out warriors. The story follows an elite Navy SEALs team on a covert mission to extract a kidnapped CIA agent from a dangerous terrorist cell. Alex Veadov, Roselyn Sanchez, Nestor Serrano co-star; Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh co-direct.
Commando (1985) Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as John Matrix, a retired Black Ops Commando who is forced to use all the his acquired skills and bulging muscles when his daughter is kidnapped by some South American terrorists. They plan to blackmail him into kicking off a revolution that will put an exiled dictator back in power, but they have no idea the fury they've unleashed. Raw Dawn Chong co-stars; Mark L. Lester directs.
Admission
Tina Fey and Paul Rudd team up in this bubbly and heartwarming comedy about a Princeton admissions officer who puts her professional reputation at risk after meeting an unconventional high school teacher and the bright but bizarre student he's pushing toward the Ivy Leagues. Nat Wolff, Gloria Reuben, and Wallace Shawn co-star; Paul Weitz directs.
Much less a rom-com than the trailers would lead you to believe, Admission is at its core a comedic roite of passage movie. For more hilarious features that center on a flustered protagonist figuring out life and love, check out this fiercely funny triple play.
Friends with Kids (2011) In this R-rated New York-set comedy, Jennifer Westfeldt and Adam Scott star as two longtime friends that decide to have a kid together, while sidestepping all the romantic stuff. Against all odds, this platonic and pragmatic plan works like a dream…until the two start dating other people. Chris O'Dowd, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, and Jon Hamm co-star; Westfeldt directs.
Sleepwalk With Me (2012) Mike Birbiglia's stand up routine is known for its hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking anecdotes from his life. Here he taps into both, building a story about a struggling stand-up who flees his commitment-seeking girlfriend by taking any gig he can find. But the more he runs from her, the worse his sleepwalking gets. Something's got to break. Lauren Ambrose, Carol Kane and James Rebhorn co-star. Birbiglia stars and directs.
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) This sci-fi laced comedy first won rave reviews at Sundance last year. Aubrey Plaza stars as a jaded magazine intern whose tracking down the man behind a classified ad that seeks a partner for traveling back in time. What starts off as a quirky fluff piece assignment soon evolves into a life-changing experience for her, him, and her colleagues. Mark Duplass, Jake Johnson, and Karan Soni co-star; Colin Trevorrow directs.
The Croods
DreamWorks Animation's latest adventure centers on a prehistoric family who must set out on the world's first family road trip once the separation of Pangaea destroys the cave that has so-long protected them from the curious but dangerous creatures that inhabit their world. Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener, Cloris Leachman, and Clark Duke lend their voices. Kirk De Micco and Chris Sanders co-direct.
You can learn more about The Croods with this short behind-the-scenes featurette. But if you're looking for animated delights where heroes set out into a brave new world full of colorful characters, treacherous situations, and loads of adventure, be sure to check out these charming cartoons.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) Milo Thatch is a bookworm who deeply believes that the sunken city of Atlantis exists. And with a mythic guide book, a quirky team, and a massive submersible he aims to prove it! Note: this one's rated PG. With implied death and subtitles, this movie may not be suitable for some kids. Michael J. Fox, Corey Burton, Cree Summer, and James Garner lend their voices. Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise co-direct.
The Rescuers (1977) The mice who make up the Rescue Aid Society dedicate themselves to protect and serve! So when it's discovered a little girl may have been kidnapped by the maniacal Madame Medusa, Bernard and Miss Bianca embark on a quest to rescue her from the deadly Devil's Bayou. Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor star; John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reitherman, and Art Stevens direct.
The Secret of Kells (2009) This Oscar-nominated film is equal parts breathtakingly gorgeous and thought provoking. Inspired by the Book of Kells, its story centers on Brendon, a young boy who taps into his creativity while helping a charismatic monk craft the illuminated manuscript. This quest sends Brendon into the nearby woods, where he meets a shape-shifting sprite and must confront one of the darkest monsters that lurks within us all. Whether you have kids or not, you'll swoon over this exhilerating animated effort that brilliantly blends hand drawn and computer animation. Evan McGuire, Brendan Gleeson, and Mick Lally co-star; Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey co-direct.
For even more selections, peruse our Now Streaming archive.
