For a long time, movies that were released theatrically garnered the lion’s share of critical affection and financial success. As various home video formats (VHS, DVD, Blu-ray) became more popular, however, it also became common for movies that were still quite good to be released straight-to-video rather than to theaters first.
The best direct-to-video movies show that just because a movie isn’t released in cinemas, doesn’t mean that it lacks quality and shouldn’t be appreciated.
Absentia (2011) 5.8
The lack of a big budget can be a detriment to a horror movie but, despite its own shoestring budget, Absentia still manages to make the most out of its limited resources. In fact, it was funded in large part by a Kickstarter campaign, as mentioned by CraveOnline, and following a brief stint at film festivals, its small budget ensured that it was released straight to video.
The movie follows a woman and her sister who contend with a malevolent creature inhabiting a tunnel. It captures a brooding and sinister atmosphere and manages to make the creature a chilling entity whose presence ultimately becomes as terrifying for the people sitting in the audience as it is for the characters themselves.
Tremors II: Aftershocks (1996) 6.0
Tremors is one of the most underappreciated creature movies, and even now it still manages to pack a punch. The same is, somewhat surprisingly, also true of the sequel, which was released straight-to-video, even though it only features a few of the cast from the original movie. In large part, the decision to release it straight-to-video instead of theatrically was financial, as it was considered too much of a risk by the studio that produced the original, as mentioned by Stampede Entertainment.
What really allows it to succeed, however, is that it allows the creatures from the first movie to evolve, so it heightens the stakes of the original and also sets out in some new and fascinating directions.
Run Ronnie Run! (2002) 6.3
David Cross has established himself as one of the most unique comedic actors working in Hollywood, which largely explains the appeal of this direct-to-video movie. Run Ronnie Run! Is essentially a spin-off of the HBO series Mr. Show, in which Cross’s character, Ronnie Dobbs, gets his own television show as a result of his ability to get arrested and his undeniable appeal to the masses.
It manages to capture much of what made the original show appealing, and there’s a warmth to its comedy that is irresistible. Though it had the potential for some success, BobandDavid.com mentions conflicts at New Line led to not only an unsatisfactory final edit but also contributed to its direct-to-video release.
An Extremely Goofy Movie (2000) 6.4
There have been many very good straight-to-DVD Disney animated sequels, and An Extremely Goofy Movie is one of them. As the title suggests, it is a continuation of the story in the first movie, though in this case, it sees Goofy going to the same college as his son, Max.
Like the previous movie, this one has a great deal of emotion and it dives deeply into the complicated-but loving relationship that has always existed between Goofy and Max (and between fathers and their sons, more generally). Though the previous movie had been released theatrically, this one was released straight to video in keeping with Disney's practice of releasing most of its sequels to this market.
Stretch (2014) 6.5
Stretch is a bit of a strange movie, crossing as it does several genres, including comedy, action, and even a bit of film noir. There’s no question, though, that Patrick Wilson is at his best in the title role, a limo driver who slowly becomes more involved in a number of capers and violence.
Though the movie takes a little bit of time to finally find its story’s momentum, once it does so it becomes a genuine pleasure to watch. Even though the movie was originally supposed to be released theatrically, Collider reports that Universal ultimately pulled it from its schedule in favor of a direct-to-DVD release.
The Lion King 1 ½ / The Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata (2004) 6.5
The Lion King is widely regarded as one of the best animated movies ever made, and even today, it is a testament to what Disney can accomplish. While it spawned an actual sequel, The Lion King 1 1/2, which focuses on the backstory of Timon and Pumbaa, is, in some ways, considered even better. It has a light touch on the material and there’s no doubt that the dynamic between Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella is even more on display than in the original movie.
As was the case with An Extremely Goofy Movie, Disney kept with its established trend of releasing sequels directly to video rather than releasing them through theaters.
Free Enterprise (1998) 6.8
The 1990s was something of a golden age for romantic comedies, and there were quite a few that are considered the best in the genre. One that was released straight to video was Free Enterprise, which focuses on two men who try to make sense of their current lives and relationships while also holding onto the science fiction of their youth. It’s a charming movie and, what’s more, it has William Shatner performing as an exaggerated version of himself, which is always a delight.
Even though it was released to a small number of theaters, the attendance was, by the director's own admission and mentioned in USA Today, rather weak, which helps to explain why it was later released direct-to-video.
Stargate: Continuum (2008) 7.5
There are few science fiction movie franchises quite as influential or as successful as Stargate, and Continuum is no exception. Even with the limitations imposed by the fact that it was released straight to video, it still manages to capture much of what makes the rest of the franchise so enjoyable.
In particular, the fact that it is essentially a time-travel adventure in which various entities try to control the past and the unfolding of the future leaves the audience desirous of another adventure. The decision to release it straight-to-DVD (after a premiere at Comic-Con), was in keeping with other entries in the series.
The Boondock Saints (1999) 7.7
Although it saw a very brief and very limited run in theaters due to contractual obligations - five small screens for a week - it was only originally widely released direct-to-video via Blockbuster as part of the “Blockbuster Exclusive” direct-to-video film series (Movie Freak). The Boondock Saints is a movie that is clearly indebted to the visual style of directors like Quentin Tarantino.
There are times, in fact, when its emphasis on blood, violence, and vengeance can be difficult to watch. For all of that, however, there is still something searing and beautiful about the way that it captures the darkness that very often lurks in the human spirit, and the performances from its cast provide yet another reason for it to be regarded as one of the best direct-to-video movies.
Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker (2000) 7.8
This animated series revolving around Batman is regarded as one of the best iterations of the character, and with good reason. Both the animated series and the movies have a grittiness and a depth that isn’t always to be found in the medium. Given that it was a feature-length spinoff of a television series, its release straight to DVD rather than to theaters makes sense and is in line with standard industry practice.
Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker has many of the elements that made other entries in this series so compelling and, just as importantly, it also destroys The Joker himself. It’s a powerful bit of animation and a testament to the series’ enduring appeal.