Good Movies to Rent

Good movies to rent aren't necessarily good movies to buy or to own. And this site is a microsite with a super sharp focus. The only subject we cover on this site is which are the best movies to rent in various situations. Movies that you think you'll watch over and over again for the rest of your life for various reasons are good movies to own. (For example, my wife and I watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles every year for Thanksgiving, and John Carpenter's Halloween every year for Halloween.)The rentable movies are the ones where you want to give them a chance. And that's what this site focuses on. Below I've listed good movies to rent in a variety of categories.

Good Scary Movies to Rent

Good scary movies to rent and good horror movies to rent...I've listed some options for you to consider below.

Let the Right One In - This was one of the best movies of the year in 2008. If you want to see a different take on the vampire genre, then give this one a shot. Be advised that it's a foreign film and has subtitles.
Zombieland - It's not available to rent as a I write this article, but it will be soon enough, and when it is, give it a look. Woody Harrelson is great, the movie is entertaining, and there's one particular cameo that shouldn't be missed.
Shaun of the Dead - This one's the original romantic zombie comedy. It's not particularly scary, but if you get the creeps from watching zombies, it might qualify.
The Others - Nicole Kidman is always gorgeous and hypnotic, and The Others is a good scary movie to showcase her star power.
The Shining - I almost hate to include this on a list of good movies to rent, because it's a movie I own, and I think most other horror movie fans will want to own a copy of it. But rent it and see it before deciding for yourself.

Good Family Movies to Rent

Got kids? Having some kind of holiday event? Here are some suggestions for good movies to rent for the whole family.

It's a Wonderful Life - You've probably already seen this a million times, but it's the best family Christmas movie you could ever rent. You might even already own a copy of it but if you don't it's certainly a good movie to rent.
The Wizard of Oz - I just watched this one with my kids, and it was a blast. Hard to believe this movie was made over 70 years ago.
Back to the Future - This is a classic for kids of all ages. Who doesn't love Michael J. Fox.
WALL-E - Is a good movie to rent for both kids and adults. Some adults don't like animated films, but this is one of those rare cartoons for children that's just as good for the grownups to watch as it is for the kids.
The Princess Bride - This movie proves that fairy tales aren't just for children.

Good Comedy Movies to Rent

If you're in the mood for a laugh, then you'll enjoy these fine comedies.

Forrest Gump - Possibly the funniest movie Tom Hanks ever made and good movie to rent for any occasion.
Annie Hall - This one would fit in just as well in the date movies category. It was partially the inspiration for When Harry Met Sally, but it's a little more mature in nature.
The Big Lebowski - This is the funniest movie I've ever seen. It's a quirky kind of funny though.
There's Something About Mary - I take it back about The Big Lebowski.There's Something About Mary really IS the funniest movie I've ever scene.
Tropical Thunder - You know Ben Stiller is great, since two of his movies made this list.

Good Date Movies to Rent

Whether you're on a first date or a thousandth, romantic comedies seem to be the best date movies. Here are some highly recommended date movies.

When Harry Met Sally - Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan made history with this one. It was THE must-see romantic comedy movie of the year when it came out, and it still holds up pretty well.
High Fidelity - It's always interesting to see Jack Black in smaller roles before he became so famous. And John Cusack always shines.
Knocked Up - Plenty of cussing and R-rated humor for the guys, but enough of a romantic plot to keep the ladies happy.
My Best Friend's Wedding - While some people might refrain from renting movies that involve weddings when going out on a date, we feel that this is still a good movie to rent. We also think that My Best Friend's Wedding really was Julia Roberts' best movie, not Pretty Woman.
The Wedding Singer - Back when Adam Sandler movies were really cool still.

Good Action Movies to Rent

Few action movies are worth buying or owning. But a lot of action movies are okay to rent. Here are some of the better action movies you can get from Blockbuster or Netflix.

Die Hard - The action movie by which all other action movies are judged. It's as effective today as it was 20 years ago.
Speed - Die Hard on a bus. What else do you need to know?
The Matrix - Little did I know that someone would actually make an action movie that made Keanu Reeves look cool.
Aliens - The sequel to Alien isn't particularly scary, but it's loaded with cool action and special effects.
Heat - Liked The Dark Knight huh? You can see more of the same here, only better and more exciting, and without the capes and masks.

Good Indie Movies to Rent

Some Indie movies are far superior to their Hollywood competitors, but some Indie movies just suck. Here are a few that don't suck for your rental consideration.

Little Miss Sunshine - A quirky family go on a road trip together. By the end of their journey, they all understand each other a little better.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - A surprisingly effective movie, and a great performance from Jim Carrey.
American Beauty - Still one of the best movies I've ever seen. Kevin Spacey's performance is breathtaking.
Reservoir Dogs - Quentin Tarantion's breakout hit is as cool today as it was then. Seeing Chris Penn always makes me a little sad though.
Fargo - Possibly the most famous Coen Brothers movie ever. Steve Buscemi looks funny, but in a general sort of way.

Good Old Movies to Rent

Your old movies might be my cherished teenage memories. And my old movies might be so old that you wouldn't consider renting them. So I've tried to include some suggestions from each decade.

Casablanca - Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman made history with this one, a legitimate candidate for best movie ever made.
Citizen Kane - The consistent leader in the surveys of movie critics where they choose the best movies ever made.
Sunset Boulevard - One of the funniest black comedies of all time, and a savvy look at the nature of Hollywood and the movie industry.
12 Angry Men - How cool is Henry Fonda? I mean, really? To this day, he's still the most effective everyman actor this side of Jimmy Stewart and Tom Hanks.
High Noon - Gary Cooper stood up to the bad guys in this one. Don't bother with the awful remake though.

Good War Movies to Rent

I've never liked war movies in general, but a handful of them are so good that even I liked them. If you're not going to buy any of these, they're worth renting.

Full Metal Jacket - A masterpiece from Stanley Kubrick that put R. Lee Ermey on the map.
Apocalypse Now - A movie where you can watch Marlon Brando over-act and Dennis Hopper trip. Overrated but still worth seeing.
Saving Private Ryan - Another overrrated war movie that's still worth taking a look at.
Platoon - This is considered one of the best movies about the Vietnam war.
Inglorious Basterds - The most recent offering from Quentin Tarantino at the time of this writing. The villain is stellar.

If you love some of these movies, consider buying them on DVD or Bluray at Amazon. Some of them are very affordable.