While past decades, such as the 1980s, are revered for theirB-movies, the modern era often sees many gems getting overlooked among a sea of easy-to-stream services. This is a shame, considering there are many outstanding B-movies from the2020sthat manage to stay entertaining from start to finish, a feat that even big-budget movies struggle to achieve.
What entertains will vary depending on the viewer, but to help address this, we looked at multiple genres. So, whether you are into horror, comedy, action, or suspense, these 10 movies highlight the best B-movies from the 2020s that are entertaining from start to finish.
10’Glorious' (2022)
Read our ReviewWes (Ryan Kwanten) is looking to escape his recent heartbreak with a road trip, which brings him to a remote rest stop for a quick pit stop. Yet after entering a stall, he finds himself trapped, with an ancient deity called Ghatanothoa (voiced by J.K. Simmons) in the adjacent stall requesting help. Wes soon learns that there is a cosmic evil incoming that requires him to make a ghastly sacrifice to save the world.
Finding God in a Rest Stop
Single-location horror moviesrequire scenarios that can draw in viewers despite their inherent limitations.Gloriousplaces a god in a bathroom, delivers some gleefully absurd dark humor, and presents a Lovecraftian-level threat for one man to overcome. For a movie that is essentially one long conversation between Ryan Kwanten and J.K. Simmons, the clever script and tight runtime draw the viewer into the idea of a cosmic battle taking place at a rest stop.
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9’Life After Fighting' (2024)
Retired MMA fighter Alex Faulkner (Bren Foster) runs an MMA gym catering to both new and experienced fighters. Despite his own policy, Alex ends up falling for a single mother whose child is one of his students. This relationship leads to a series of tense encounters, made even worse when some of his students go missing and are presumed to be abducted. Alex soon finds himself the only man who can make things right.
Standing Up and Fighting For What Is Right
The story inLife After Fightingis very by-the-numbers and cliché. Yet,there is sometimes comfort in familiarity, especially if all elements of the production are honed to perfection. There is a definite sense of good vs. evil introduced right away, with lead actor Bren Foster being one of the nicest a**-kickers ever on film. The fight choreography under his direction is also top-notch, and the overall story is one of positivity and importance of values and discipline that often goes amiss in modern-day action films.
8’Slay' (2024)
Four drag queens—Mama Sue Flay, Robin Banks, Bella Da Boys, and Olive Wood—are booked for a gig in a small backwater town full of gruff men. At first considering canceling the event, the foursome decides to plow ahead despite some sneers from the more sheltered residents. None of this matters though, when vampires attack the small bar, and it becomes a fight for survival.
Death Drops and Dropping Dead
If you love drag queens in movies and TV,thenSlay,with its cast ofRu Paul’s Drag Racefavorites, will undoubtedly be entertaining from start to finish. At the same time,you don’t need to love drag to appreciate the comedic beats and over-the-top vampiric action on offer;though it may be a bit of a slow start if you are not into seeing fan favorites like Trinity the Tuck, Cara Melle, Heidi N Closet, and Crystal Methyd. Tubi originals often get overlooked, butSlayhighlights how the streaming platform can deliver b-level gems if you give them a chance.
7’The Passenger' (2023)
The Passenger
Read our Review
Randy Bradley (Johnny Berchtold) is a timid burger joint worker with no aspirations in life other than to be left alone, which also makes him a target of bullying by others. Yet, when one of his co-workers, Benson (Kyle Gallner), snaps and kills everyone except him, the event marks a turning point in his mundane life. Benson takes Randy with him, in an attempt to help the man finally come out of his shell. Unfortunately, riding shotgun with a killer can be an intense experience.
Friendship Under Duress
After a brief introduction to Randy,The Passengeropens with a brutal shooting scene that sets the tone for the uncomfortable ride along with a killer. The two form a peculiar, forced bond, both gradually getting to know each other despite a lack of trust.The Passengeris not a non-stop thrill ride, but it keeps consistently entertaining by building on the discomfort of the situation and the troubled past of both young men that brought them to this point.
6’Krazy House' (2024)
Krazy House
In a parody of ’90s American sitcoms,Krazy Housefollows a devout Christian family led by devout father Bernie (Nick Frost), a businesswoman wife Eva (Alicia Silverstone), who looks over their two kids, Adam and Sarah. After a mishap in the kitchen, Bernie hires russian contractors who soon start destroying the kitchen, getting his son addicted to drugs, and impregnating his daughter. The veil of wholesomeness soon washes away, and Bernie lashes back at the Russian men, who have their own dark secret they are hiding.
The Complete Breakdown and Bloody Reconstruction of the American Sitcom
The plot forKrazy Housedoes little to hint at the numerous subplots and absurdity throughout this Dutch dark comedy, action, and horror film.Krazy Houseis non-stop from start to finish,beginning as a ridiculous parody of sitcoms with laugh track and all, only to break down into some of the darkest and most violent deconstructions of the nuclear family. The film is an acquired taste, as it deliberately touches on multiple taboos that will make many uncomfortable. However, for those who want a no-holds-barred entertaining experience,Krazy Houseis unrelenting entertainment.
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5’Country Gold' (2022)
Country Gold
Rising country music star Troyal Brux receives an invitation from his idol, George Jones, to spend a night together in Nashville. Jones reveals to Brux his plans to undergo cryogenic freezing, with this night being one big last hurrah. As the two men share time and stories, the night becomes more chaotic, and the contrast between outlaw country and new, clean pop-country butts heads.
Finding Friends in Low Places
Director Mickey Reece crafts a deeply engaging one-night encounter that is equal parts sensationalism and fascinating conversation. This dark comedy stands out from the rest on the list, as the consistent entertainment comes from the meeting of two people at vastly different stages in their careers, with vastly different outlooks on the industry and life. Backed by phenomenal performances from Mickey Reece and Ben Hall,Country Goldis an oddly hypnotic and engrossing tale of one night descending into madness.
4’Frankie Freako' (2024)
Frankie Freako
Non-Stop Party Puppets
Director Steven Kostanski and his regular cohorts have a uniquely morbid comedic stylethat ensures almost every moment is absurd and highly quotable.Frankie Freakois silly from the start, but in its short runtime it jumps from plot point to plot point, ensuring viewers never settle into one tempo. The movie is also a loving homage to a time when gross reigned supreme among kids, in both its over-the-top gore effects and creature designs.
3’Baby Assassins' (2021)
Chisato Sugimoto and Mahiro Fukugawa are two highly skilled teenage assassins who can’t get a break, with their high success rate offset by the clean-up costs. To help supplement their income, as well as provide cover, the two attempt to get jobs. When a yakuza comes after them after learning of their identity, the two now have to balance their work lives and friendship while fighting off a new threat.
A Japanese Indie Success that Resulted in a Franchise
Given time,Baby Assassinsmay very well become one of the most revered action series of all time, with there already being two sequels and a TV series. Still, the first movie sets the groundwork for this indie hit series,with exciting, fast-paced choreography complemented by a dry yet adorable comedy style that keepsBaby Assassinsconsistently entertaining. The best part is that if you fall in love with the awkward duo of Chisato and Mahiro, there is plenty more content to check out.
2’Slaxx' (2020)
At a trendy clothing store called Canadian Cotton Clothiers (CCC), a new, smart pair of pants is looking to be unveiled, one that can conform to the users' shape perfectly. To protect both the tech and the reveal from prying eyes, its staff enters lockdown overnight in order to prepare for the big launch. However, shortly after lockdown, the employees soon discover that the pants have a murderous intent.
Killer Style
At 77 minutes,Slaxxis short, sweet, and straight to the point; killer pants! Why would you need exposition to back up that premise?Still, the movie is one of the best horror comedies to come out this decade, with some clever kills and a tongue-in-cheek comedy that mocks our obsessions with materialism, and, more importantly, influencer culture. It won’t blow you away, it is not trying to redefine the genre;Slaxxis just silly fun from start to finish.
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1’Late Night With the Devil' (2024)
Late Night With the Devil
Presented as a lost broadcast on Halloween night, 1977, the story centers on Jack Delroy, a late-night host struggling in the ratings and trying to drum up something sensational to keep him on air. This leads him to a 13-year-old girl named Lilly D’Abo and her psychiatrist. Lily, the soul survivor of a satanic cult, claims to be possessed by an evil entity; a claim Jack does not believe, but he thinks will make for great ratings.
Evil Climbing the TV Charts
Firstly, an entire movie focused on David Dastmalchian is bound to be continuous entertainment for fans of the eccentric and talented actor. Aside from Dastmalchian,Late Night with the Devilis a fully immersive experience, showing both in front of and behind the scenes of a cursed broadcast. Quick-paced, with a dark comedic edge and some amazing practical effects,Late Night with the Devilwill keep you entranced from start to finish.
