Lists
Lists
Distributed by Portrait Releasing, Inc.
Top 10 Most Disturbing Documentaries for the Spooky Season
The spooky season is upon us, so true crime, sinister deeds, and horrifying events are precisely what the doctor ordered to keep up the holiday spirit. These are the Top 10 scariest, most disturbing documentaries for your Halloween Season.
Oct 8, 2026
11:24 AM
Universal Pictures
10 Challenged Books and Their Screen Adaptations for Banned Books Week
Some of America's most frequently challenged books have also inspired memorable films and television adaptations, giving libraries and educators another way to introduce these stories.
Oct 4, 2026
12:00 AM
Focus Features
10 Must-Watch Films and Documentaries for LGBT History Month
October isn't just "spooky season"; it's LGBT History Month too!
Oct 5, 2026
12:00 AM
Warner Bros.
13 Horror Movies With Social Commentary
The horror genre has a deep history of social commentary, and there are lots of movies that are able to make you think about the world without sacrificing nail-biting terror.
Oct 1, 2026
12:00 AM
Canva
25 Movies to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Libraries and Classrooms
When culture is lost through assimilation, displacement, or generational distance, film, music, and art can work as time capsules. Through them, we can glean insight into communal identity even when that culture might not exist immediately around us.
Sep 29, 2026
11:43 AM
Fantastic Fest 2026 (Photo courtesy of fantasticfest.com)
Fantastic Fest 2026 Review Roundup: Horror, Sci-Fi, Animation, and More
Fantastic Fest is always an eclectic mix of horror, fantasy, animation, and a spontaneous mix of some of the most random, absurd, and all-out weird cinema from around the world. My goal this year was to try and write something about everything seen.
Sep 29, 2026
10:58 AM
Film Movement
7 Movies About Human Rights for College Classrooms and Libraries
A short list of films with strong human rights messages, important information from marginalized people and groups, and plenty of potential to engage students in meaningful discussions.
Sep 22, 2026
11:59 PM
Netflix
11 Coming-of-Age Movies About Growing Up and Finding Your Place in the World
Endearing, frustrating, relatable... these are 11 coming-of-age movies that offer a unique take on finding your place in the world.
Sep 23, 2026
12:00 AM
Kanopy
Top 10 Most-Watched Narrative Films on Kanopy in 2025
From indie standouts like Anora to psychological thrillers such as Longlegs and rediscoveries like Possession, this year’s top narrative titles reflect the wide range of interests among library audiences.
Dec 17, 2025
11:38 AM
Kanopy
Top 10 Most-Watched Documentary Films on Kanopy in 2025
Documentaries continue to be one of Kanopy’s strongest categories among U.S. public library users, reflecting a growing appetite for nonfiction storytelling that informs and inspires.
Dec 19, 2025
1:22 PM
Kanopy
Top 10 Most-Watched World Cinema Features on Kanopy of 2025
World cinema continues to be a cornerstone of Kanopy’s appeal for public library patrons, offering access to acclaimed international titles that broaden cultural awareness and showcase the diversity of global storytelling.
Dec 30, 2025
2:59 PM
20th Century Fox
Films about Scientists for Students
Young folks studying science and history need some understanding of who scientists are and their contributions to science and our world. We’ve compiled a list of movies about some of the scientists who shaped the world we live in today.
Aug 19, 2026
12:00 AM
Tim Curry (1978 A&M Records publicity photo)
Tim Curry's Top 10 Most SMASHING Films
Tim Curry (1946-2026) was a spectacular and decorated performer across theatre, film, and voice acting media.
Aug 31, 2026
11:11 AM
Dolly Parton - RCA Press Photo (1970)
Top 8 Dolly Parton Films that We Will Always Love
Dolly Parton was more than just a philanthropist or a musician—she was a storyteller. Although Dolly’s voice became an instantly recognizable comfort from the radio, she became an icon through her film and television performances.
Aug 27, 2026
10:46 AM
HBO
8 Woman-Directed Films for Women's Equality Day
All too often, the default image one retreats toward of an auteur film director, camera operator, or distinguished Hollywood writer is that of a man, but women of Hollywood are no small part of the tapestry of the industry.
Aug 24, 2026
2:55 PM
Photo by Jorge Franganillo on Unsplash
8 Must-Watch Documentaries on Misinformation and Media Literacy
In an age of algorithmic feeds, viral half-truths, and increasingly blurred lines between reporting, persuasion, and propaganda, documentaries about misinformation can do more than alarm viewers.
Apr 9, 2026
12:00 AM
Teaching the Civil War through Cinema
The history is gruesome, horrific and troubling but through these films we can begin to understand the progress our nation has made, even if we still have much further to go.
May 12, 2026
1:18 PM
Focus Features
Beyond Borders: 8 Films About Immigration, Identity, and Home
The films on this list explore immigration through a wide range of genres and perspectives, from animated family adventures and exuberant musicals to intimate dramas inspired by filmmakers’ own experiences.
Jul 28, 2026
12:00 AM
Canva
The 5 Blockbusters of 2025 Award Season
Outlined is a list of 5 of the biggest/blockbuster sized films that will play a role in the award season for 2025. Covering why they gained so much traction, who the films were catered towards, and what value they bring to the present film world.
Jan 8, 2026
1:22 PM
Canva
5 Films That Feel Like a Summer Vacation
Summer vacation movies have their own unique feeling. These films were picked because of how they relate to these specific feelings, positive and challenging.
Jun 9, 2026
12:00 AM
A24
New Releases Librarians Should Have on Their Radar
Whether you're refreshing your collection for the fall or planning programming around newer titles, this roundup highlights a diverse slate of 2025 and 2026 releases worth keeping an eye on.
Jul 9, 2026
12:00 AM
Photo by Crystal Tubens on Unsplash
Top 10 Films and Documentaries to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary
The United States is celebrating 250 years since its founding. Here's how you can revel with films.
Jun 18, 2026
12:00 AM
Photo by Madison Oren on Unsplash
Mental Health Matters: 5 Films for Wellness Programming and Student Support Initiatives
Not all films are perfect when it comes to depicting mental health but when carefully explained, analyzed and sifted through, films can be used as a resource to navigate the complexities that surround mental health.
May 5, 2026
12:00 AM
Canva
10 Great Films for Family Movie Night
Any night can be family movie night, whether you like the classic accompaniment of popcorn or prefer to live it up and have a charcuterie. Whether in a blanket fort or under the stars, there’s no wrong way to do a movie night.
Mar 30, 2026
1:06 PM
Photo by Raphael Renter | @raphi_rawr on Unsplash.
LGBTQ+ Films for Pride Month
As June approaches, you might be scrambling to spice up your library’s Pride Month offerings. Look no further!
May 26, 2026
1:04 PM
Photo by Adolfo Félix on Unsplash
Around the World in 10 Documentaries
Not every library can host a passport program, international performer, or cultural festival, but a great documentary can transport audiences just as effectively.
Jun 9, 2026
12:00 AM
Photo by Zhifei Zhou on Unsplash
Crowd-Pleasing Films for Community Movie Nights
There is something special about a movie night that brings a community together.
Jun 2, 2026
12:00 AM
Shout! Studios
10 Films for Kids Who Love Animals
These ten kid-friendly animal movies offer adventure, humor, heart, and memorable creatures for young viewers who cannot get enough of the animal kingdom.
May 21, 2026
11:24 AM
Canva
10 Great Films about Lebanon
Lebanon’s history has produced a rich and complicated body of cinema, ranging from intimate domestic dramas to war films, documentaries, comedies, and politically charged works about memory, exile, sectarian tension, and survival.
Apr 23, 2026
1:20 PM
Green Planet Films
Climate and Our Planet: 5 Environmental Films for Earth Day and Beyond
These five documentaries explore climate change, conservation, and sustainability from a range of perspectives, from coastal ecosystems and Arctic landscapes to the global fashion industry and air pollution.
Apr 21, 2026
12:00 AM
