540 Best TV-MA Movies to Watch (Page 23)

Put the kids to bed before you go through this list of great titles to stream. These are the very best movies and shows with a TV-MA ratings, intended for mature audiences only.

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331. Telemarketers, 2023

Self-proclaimed scumbag Sam Lipman-Stern opens the series by explaining how long he's wanted to make a documentary on the telemarketing company Civil Development Group (CDG). What follows is a massive deep dive into how the CDG used lies and a happy-go-lucky/free-for-all work environment to scam everyday people out of money for a non-existent charity. The first episode covers much of CDG's background with footage of the dysfunctional office and its rowdy (mostly high and drunk) workers who manage to get their work done. The tone is somewhat jovial as you watch these people reminisce on having fun despite the lawsuits, changing scripts, and constant calls. But as it draws to a close, with Lipman-Stern and Pespas determined to bring down the telemarketer industry, we're left with a warning that CDG isn't their biggest villain.

Genre: Documentary

Actor: Pat Pespas, Sam Lipman-Stern

Rating: TV-MA

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332. STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces, 2024

Directed by Morgan Neville (20 Feet From Stardom, Won’t You Be My Neighbor), Steve! is an appropriately fun and artistic documentary capturing its subject matter’s fun and artistic spirit. It’s a delight to see Martin's other personas, such as his early magician self, his philosophy major self, and his quietly humorous cartoonist self. We're so used to seeing his fast-paced zaniness that these parts of the documentary are almost shocking to see. But maybe the most illuminating role Martin plays is that of his current self. In equal measure, he cracks jokes and offers wise words about aging which, at 75, he takes in enviously great stride.

Genre: Documentary

Actor: Steve Martin

Rating: TV-MA

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333. Snowfall, 2023

Created by Boyz N’ The Hood director John Singleton, Snowfall is an epic crime drama that tracks the rise of the crack epidemic in the United States, mostly through the lens of Franklin Saint (Damson Idris). Over the seasons, we follow Franklin and a host of characters separately but equally involved in the drug trade. There's someone from the government, someone from the other side of the border, and someone from a gang. These sectors and more are represented in this large-scale examination of crime and corruption, and though the show initially struggles to tie connections in a cohesive way, it eventually rises to the occasion in compelling ways.

Snowfall is the type of show that only gets better each turnout, so if you're not so sure about the first season, you might want to give the next ones a shot to make sure you don't miss out.

Genre: Crime, Drama

Actor: Alejandro Edda, Amin Joseph, Angela Lewis, Carter Hudson, Damson Idris, Devyn A. Tyler, Gail Bean, Isaiah John, Michael Hyatt, Sergio Peris-Mencheta

Rating: TV-MA

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334. Shrill, 2021

It's no fun being plus-sized—or at least, that's the message that we get everywhere, from tragic documentaries to self-help articles to shows that make weight the butt of every joke. Fat people are often perceived as inactive and sad and stubborn when those aren't mutually exclusive with one's size. In fact, there's nothing inherently wrong with being big.

In Shrill, our plus-sized hero Annie (played by the lovable Aidy Bryant) knocks down all those lazy myths with her sharp wit and buoyant charm. She goes on everyday adventures that prove she can be just as delightful (and exasperating) as any witty millennial writer trying to make it big in her city. Annie isn't perfect, but the fun lies in seeing her grow (not transform) into a better person.

Genre: Comedy

Actor: Aidy Bryant, John Cameron Mitchell, Lolly Adefope, Luka Jones

Rating: TV-MA

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335. Reporting for Duty, 2023

Reporting for Duty is a delightfully chaotic workplace comedy that seeks nothing more than to entertain, and it fulfills this mission by packing each of its 30-minute episodes with lovable characters and silly plotlines. This alone makes it worth the watch, but it has layers to it that give it more heart and nuance than you’d initially expect. For instance, both the show and the precinct are led by the soft-hearted Suzano (Leandro Hassum), who proves to his team that you don’t always have to be tough and violent to get results. His presence also inspires the precinct to adopt a wider perspective and appreciate life outside the grind-and-hustle culture expected of them. To be sure, Reporting for Duty is a breezy, lighthearted watch, but I appreciate the underlying ideas that fortify its comedy.

Genre: Comedy

Actor: Digão Ribeiro, Jefferson Schroeder, Leandro Hassum, Luciana Paes, Taumaturgo Ferreira

Rating: TV-MA

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336. Replacing Chef Chico, 2023

Viewers are familiar with cuisines around the world such as the food from France, Italy and Japan, but now it’s Filipino cuisine that takes the spotlight. Replacing Chef Chico portrays different Filipino dishes in each of its eight episodes, but these meals are great side dishes to sous chef Ella’s journey in managing the Hain fine dining restaurant. Alongside this journey of self-discovery comes heartwarming stories from the Hain restaurant’s customers, the receptionist’s cheeky commentary, and sweet tracks from Leanne & Naara. They all mix into a lighthearted, if a tad bit familiar, cooking drama series, and it does so with the breezy and calm attitude of lead character sous chef Ella.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Alessandra de Rossi, Joel Saracho, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, Yesh Anne Burce

Director: Dan Villegas

Rating: TV-MA

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337. Mythic Quest, 2022

Mythic Quest is a workplace sitcom following the fictional video game studio Mythic Quest HQ. Created by the people behind It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the series is equal parts sentimental and funny, and with each episode running at more or less 30 minutes, it’s also a breeze to watch. This isn't to say that Mythic Quest doesn't have substance; on the contrary, one of its many strengths is its ability to parody the gaming industry. The show is laced with the kind of sharp wit that's found in the smartest of satires.

Gaming enthusiasts will surely find an instant liking to the series, but even those who aren’t familiar with the technicals won’t have any trouble connecting to the show’s sweet center.

Genre: Comedy

Actor: Ashly Burch, Charlotte Nicdao, Danny Pudi, David Hornsby, Imani Hakim, Jessie Ennis, Rob McElhenney

Rating: TV-MA

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338. Monsieur Spade, 2024

	
It takes Monsieur Spade some time to settle into its skin. The first few hours are dedicated to introducing as many side characters and backstories as possible, and though this could have been more elegantly executed, it eventually pays off. The main mystery, once you get to it, is layered and complex, and watching Spade physically and verbally spar with Philippe is its own kind of reward. Their curt but cutting dialogue harkens back to past noirs, and it’s a delight to see that tradition live on in the genre.Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Actor: Cara Bossom, Chiara Mastroianni, Clive Owen, Denis Ménochet, Jonathan Zaccaï, Louise Bourgoin, Matthew Beard, Rebecca Root, Stanley Weber
Rating: TV-MA

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339. Miracle Workers, 2023

	
What does corporate heaven, the Dark Ages, the Oregon Trail, and a post-apocalyptic world have in common? Nothing, except that they are all settings for each season of Miracle Workers. The eccentric comedy anthology series plays out somewhat like a set of extended Saturday Night Live skits, with one of its youngest writers Simon Rich running the show, but the absurd humor works as Rich juxtaposes today’s modern behavior in these novel settings each season. It’s quirky and light on its feet, focusing on silly situations, but through these short episodes, Miracle Workers do create miracles in the way Daniel Radcliffe, Steve Buscemi, and Geraldine Viswanathan’s characters resolve to make a meaningful change, despite terrible circumstances. It’s not as in-depth and profound as The Good Place, but it’s funny and surprisingly witty, dealing with ideas about what’s good and how to get the will to do it.Genre: Comedy, Drama
Actor: Daniel Radcliffe, Geraldine Viswanathan, Jon Bass, Karan Soni, Steve Buscemi
Rating: TV-MA

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340. Mary & George, 2024

	
After the likes of The Favourite six years ago, modern historical portrayals have now become more interested in the salacious side of real life deceased nobles, focusing on the sex, gore, and violence, so it’s unsurprising that James I, who was unpopular in part due to his alleged homosexuality, would eventually be depicted. Mary & George depicts this from the perspective of those who sought his favor, and while it is one of many of these modern period pieces, it is well done, with fantastic performances from the cast, and all the costumed social climbing that we enjoy. Mary & George is just great television.Genre: Drama
Actor: Adrian Rawlins, Alice Grant, Amelia Gething, Daniel Jordan, Jacob McCarthy, Julianne Moore, Laurie Davidson, Mark O'Halloran, Mirren Mack, Niamh Algar, Nicholas Galitzine, Nicola Walker, Rina Mahoney, Samuel Blenkin, Sean Gilder, Simon Russell Beale, Tom Victor, Tony Curran, Trine Dyrholm
Rating: TV-MA

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341. Manhunt, 2024

	
Everyone grows up learning about the theatric death of President Lincoln—while enjoying a play with his wife, the actor and Confederate soldier John Wilkes Booth shoots him straight in the head, dashes to the stage, and escapes into the wilderness before eventually getting caught. But most people tend to gloss over that last part when, in fact, Booth’s capture was a wild ride that involved the rabid participation of thousands of troops and civilians. Ironically, it united a nation that was still grappling with the loss brought by war. Through seven episodes, Manhunt zooms in on that moment in American history and closely follows the cat-and-mouse chase between Booth and Secretary of War Edward Stanton. It’s a powerfully performed piece, as one would expect from Emmy-winning actor Menzies, but the surrounding characters are just as colorful and impassioned. They capably bring life to a near-forgotten piece of history and make it feel just as urgent and important as the day it happened.Genre: Crime, Drama
Actor: Anne Dudek, Anthony Boyle, Brandon Flynn, Damian O'Hare, Glenn Morshower, Hamish Linklater, Lili Taylor, Lovie Simone, Matt Walsh, Tobias Menzies, Will Harrison
Rating: TV-MA

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342. Love Life, 2021

	
Love Life, like the Prime Video show Modern Love, is an anthology series featuring all sorts of romances and relationships. But unlike the latter,
which gives us wildly different characters and plotlines in each episode, Love Life dedicates an entire season to one person. It follows them from the moment they meet their first love up until they meet their forever person. We’re shown the many relationships, career opportunities, friendships, and fallouts that happen in between so that by the finale, we get a bigger picture of their growth as people. It’s breezy enough to follow, offers many nuggets of wisdom, and features some of the most charming leads to boot. My only gripe is that the length could be shorter than 10 episodes--in fact, I’m sure each season would work better as a movie--but it’s refreshing to see this deep a dive into modern romantic love. It’s a shame Max canceled the show after the second season and relegated it to streaming purgatory by erasing it from their catalog, but thankfully, the almighty Tubi has since picked it up and made it available to stream free.Genre: Comedy, Drama
Actor: Chris Powell, Jessica Williams, Keith David, Punkie Johnson, William Jackson Harper
Rating: TV-MA

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343. Line of Duty, 2021

	
Though it may be self-serious nearly to the point of parody, Line of Duty is that rare hard-boiled police show that actually works because of its commitment to being cold and clinical. As each season focuses on a new case of corruption within the police, it chooses not to focus on character but on packing as much meticulous detail as possible into its investigations. The result is a slower paced drama that may take some getting used to, but it's one whose every additional clue or revelation makes the nature of this modern police work feel that much more draining to the soul—a great change of tone from the heroic police shows we tend to see on TV.Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Actor: Adrian Dunbar, Claire Keelan, Craig Parkinson, Fiona Boylan, Gina McKee, Gregory Piper, Jessica Raine, Kate Ashfield, Keeley Hawes, Kelly Macdonald, Lennie James, Martin Compston, Neil Morrissey, Nigel Boyle, Owen Teale, Paul Higgins, Saffron Davies, Thandie Newton, Vicky McClure
Rating: Not Rated, TV-MA

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344. Lawmen: Bass Reeves, 2023

Knowing better than to dwell on its title character's early life in bondage, Lawmen: Bass Reeves grants him his freedom early on and establishes him as a man of inherent dignity and complex emotion. Even in the first two episodes watched for this review, Reeves (thanks to a stellar performance by David Oyelowo) is defined by a wide range of relationships and skills—all of which is unified in the character's realization that emancipation has not automatically led to peace, and that America remains a relatively lawless land. It's all handsomely mounted, with high production values and a willingness to breathe through quiet moments that give its somewhat obligatory western action the gravity it needs.

Genre: Drama, History, Western

Actor: Barry Pepper, David Oyelowo, Demi Singleton, Dennis Quaid, Donald Sutherland, Forrest Goodluck, Grantham Coleman, Lauren E. Banks

Rating: TV-MA

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345. La Máquina, 2024

	
After more than a decade apart on-screen, Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna finally reunite in La Máquina. While they maintained their friendship off-screen, it’s just so fun to see them take on a more comedic dynamic as they snipe at each other, get into trouble, and scramble to get things right. It’s the best part of this series, and with Gabriel Ripstein’s direction, the series is never boring, continuing to move in unexpected directions with swiveling camera movements and such a slick score. While there are some issues with the pacing, La Máquina is fun to watch, especially when focused on their leads.Genre: Comedy, Drama
Actor: Dariam Coco, Diego Luna, Eiza González, Gael García Bernal, Jorge Perugorría, Karina Gidi, Lucía Méndez
Rating: TV-MA

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