Looking for the best movies on Stan Australia? We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore the top IMDb-rated shows now streaming on Stan Australia (and some of our personal favourites) to keep you entertained for hours.

---

Discover the Best Stan Movies in Australia: Top-Rated Movies In Every Genre

Whether you want to wind down with a new movie after a long day at work or are planning a movie marathon all weekend long, it’s hard to decide 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 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.

Still stuck on what to watch? Take a look at DMARGE StreamScout – Your definitive guide to every movie and TV show, ranked by IMDb.

Streaming Stan Australia: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Movies

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Director: Adam McKay
Starring: , Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2004
IMDb Rating: 7.1

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.

Arrival

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Released: 2016
IMDb Rating: 7.9

What would happen if aliens actually made contact with Earth? How would we recieve them? How would we even communicate?

Before the eye-opening success of Dune, Denis Villeneuve, the Canadian filmmaker, delivered Arrival, a thought-provoking exploration of humanity and our inherent link to language and communication. Amy Adams excels as Earth’s chief orator whose best attempts to decipher what the extra-terrestial vistors’ motives sometimes fall on deaf ears.

Big win for fans of intellectual sci-fi and beautiful cinematography (and Villeneuve’s expert presentation of scale).

Blade Runner 2049

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Released: 2017
IMDb Rating: 8

Blade Runner 2049 is the visually stunning sequel to the cult classic orignal of the same name. Through Denis Villeneuve’s (Dune, Arrival) seasoned lense, rediscover the neo-dystopian world inahibted by humans and synths. Ryan Gosling takes over the iconic role of the Blade Runner from Harrison Ford, uncovering a long-buried secret that could descend society in chaos.

A must-watch for fans of the sci-fi genre and those who appreciate a blend of action and deep storytelling, Blade Runner 2049 won Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects.

Casino Royale

Director: Martin Campbell
Starring: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright, Mads Mikkelsen
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller
Released: 2006
IMDb Rating: 8

Considered by many to be one of the best – if not the best – James Bond films of all time, Casino Royale is a must-watch for any cinephile.

Daniel Craig had a lot to prove stepping into the role of British cinema’s most lethal spy, but the blonde Bond delivers on all fronts, matching the humour, charm and presence of previous iterations of the character.

With a new actor in the role, Casino Royale was a modernised retelling of the classic franchise, introducing new characters and storylines to lay the groundwork for one of Bond’s most celebrated eras.

Crazy, Stupid, Love

Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Starring: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2011
IMDb Rating: 7.4

When Cal, an everyday middle-aged cuckold played by Steve Carrell, has his world turned upside when his wife reveals she’s been having an affair and wants a divorce, he quickly becomes friends with a young bachelor named Jacob, played by the omnipotent Ryan Gosling, who introduces him to a new and exciting world, previously unseen.

Crazy, Stupid, Love is an unapologetically funny rom-com that oozes male bravado and sleaze; and that’s what makes it so good. Watching this movie, you’re either Steve Carell or Ryan Gosling; there’s no in between. But as the story develops there’s merit to both sides.

Of course, Gosling’s character is the obvious charmer, but as he falls for a girl, his single facade quickly unravels; watch out for the plot twist.

Days of Thunder

Director: Tony Scott
Starring: Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman
Genre: Action, Drama
Released: 1990
IMDb Rating: 6.1

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.

Donnie Darko

Director: Richard Kelly
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Released: 2001
IMDb Rating: 8

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

Director: Alexander Payne
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon & Chris Klein
Genre: Comedy
Released: 1999
IMDb Rating: 7.3

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.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Director: John Hughes
Starring: Matthew Broderick
Genre: Comedy
Released: 1986
IMDb Rating: 7.8

Young Ferris Bueller, played by Matthew 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 Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Director: Niels Arden Oplev
Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Released: 2009
IMDb Rating: 7.8

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

Director: Guy Hamilton
Starring: Sean Connery
Genre: Action, Adventure
Released: 1964
IMDb Rating: 7.7

Considered one of the best James Bond films (alongside Casino Royale), 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

Director: Seth Gordon
Starring: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2011
IMDb Rating: 6.8

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.

I Love You, Man

Director: John Hamburg
Starring: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2009
IMDb Rating: 7

Peter Klaven, played by Paul Rudd, is about to get married to the girl of his dreams, but realises he has no mates to join him up on the alter; he embarks on a journey to make some friends before the big day where he meets Sydney, played by Jason Segal.

This cult classic bromance movie tells you the importance of having good mates around you, even when you get into a serious, loving relationship and is the perfect bro movie for fans of Dude, Where’s My Car?, Harold and Kumar and Wedding Crashers.

Look out for the final groomsmen line-up you won’t see coming.

Interstellar

Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Released: 2014
IMDb Rating: 8.7

Christopher Nolan’s epic sci-fi thriller that cements his enduring legacy as the grand master of time, Interstellar is the mind-bending exploration of humanity, the exploration of space, and the real cost of discovery.

Following a group of astronauts who embark on a life-and-death mission, travelling through a dangerous wormhole near Saturn to locate a new habitable planet that can sustain life and secure the future of humanity.

Interstellar is Christopher Nolan at his very best.

Inception

Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Released: 2010
IMDb Rating: 8.8

Arguably celebrated British filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s greatest movie (and that’s saying something) Inception was a mind-altering epic when it was first 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.

With an all-star cast of some of Hollywood’s biggest names including Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy, 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

Director: Tom Hooper
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter
Genre: Drama, Biography
Released: 2010
IMDb Rating: 8

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.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

Director: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Jason Statham
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Released: 1998
IMDb Rating: 8.2

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

Mad Max

Director: George Miller
Starring: Mel Gibson
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Released: 1979
IMDb Rating: 6.9

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

Director: The Wachowskis
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Released: 1999
IMDb Rating: 87

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!

Minority Report

Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Tom Cruise, Colin Ferrell, Samantha Morton
Genre: Action, Crime, Mystery
Released: 2002
IMDb Rating: 7.6

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

Director: Dan Gilroy
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 2014
IMDb Rating: 7.8

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

Director: Louis Leterrier
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Released: 2013
IMDb Rating: 7.2

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.

RED

Director: Robert Schwentke
Starring: Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Released: 2010
IMDb Rating: 7

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

Director: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi & Michael Madsen
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1992
IMDb Rating: 8.3

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.

Shutter Island

Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Released: 2010
IMDb Rating: 8.2

One of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese and Hollywood’s leading Leonardo DiCaprio’s six films together, Shutter Island is a mind-blowing psycological thriller fulls of unexpected twists and turns.

Told through Scorsese’s iconic, signature lense, the audience is taken on a confronting journey into the fragile, troubled mind of the inmates of Shutter Island and the devastating effects they have on the leading men.

Shutter Island is a must-watch for David Fincher or Christopher Nolan fans.

Top Gun

Director: Tony Scott
Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer
Genre: Drama, Action
Released: 1986
IMDb Rating: 6.9

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.

We’re The Millers

Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts, Ed Helms & Nick Offerman,
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2013
IMDb Rating: 7

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.

The Whale

Director: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau
Genre: Drama
Released: 2022
IMDb Rating: 7.7

The Whale is a difficult watch; but in its brutal and heart-wrenching depiction of near-paralysing obesity and a spiralling addiction to food, Darren Aronofsky’s 2022 film is a touching story about human emotion.

The story explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and human connection as Charlie, played by a colossal Brendan Fraser, attempts to reconnect with his teenage daughter, played by Sadie Sink.

Through Aronofsky’s distinctive lense and Fraser’s career-defining performance, The Whale is an emotionally powerful tour de force. Fraser was well-deserving of his first Oscar for Best Actor at the 2023 Academy Awards.

What We Do In The Shadows

Director: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
Starring: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
Genre: Comedy, Mockumentary
Released: 2014
IMDb Rating: 7.6

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.

Stan Free Trial: Start Your Stan Subscription Now and Explore the Best Shows and Series

Like many other streaming services available in Australia, Stan offers users a free trial before committing to a full-time plan. Simply visit Stan Sign Up and register to receive your 30-day free trial.

How much is Stan?

Stan is currently available with three distinct plans ranging from $10 a month to $21 a month.

Stan Basic

Stan Basic is the lowest level of Stan subscription available to Australians and is priced at $10 a month. Only one device is able to watch Stan at the same time; only one tablet or phone is able to download videos; and video quality is limited to standard definition.

Stan Standard

Stan Standard is the second level of Stan subscription available to Australians and is priced at $16 a month. Up to three devices are able to watch Stan at the same time; three tablets and phones are able to download videos for playback at a later time; and video quality is comparatively better and available in high definition.

Stan Premium

For Stan’s best experience, Stan Premium is the highest level of Stan subscription available to Australians and is priced at $21 a month. Up to four devices are able to watch Stan at the same time; five tablets and phones are able to download videos for playback at a later time; and video quality is available at an incredible Ultra HD (4K UHD).