In the age of streaming entertainment, it can be hard to muster the motivation to leave the couch. But movie theaters still offer a special experience for those willing to get out of the house.
Want to see what's out there? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around New York City.
Read on for the highest rated films to catch, based on critical scores sourced from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. (Movie descriptions courtesy The Movie Database; showtimes via Fandango.)
The Hitch-Hiker
Ray and Gilbert's fishing trip takes a terrifying turn when the hitchhiker they pick up turns out to be a sociopath on the run from the law. He's killed before, and he lets the two know that as soon as they're no longer useful, he'll kill again. The two friends plot an escape, but the hitchhiker's peculiar physical affliction, an eye that never closes even when he sleeps, makes it impossible for them to tell when they can make a break for it.
Boasting a 100 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this old-school film has made a lasting impression.
It's screening at Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Brooklyn (445 Albee Square West) on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
The World Before Your Feet
For over 6 years, Matt Green, 37, has been walking every street in New York City – a total of more than 8000 miles. The World Before Your Feet tells the story of one man’s unusual quest and the journey of discovery, humanity, and and wonder that ensues.
Boasting a critical approval rating of 100 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The World Before Your Feet" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on November 21.
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at Quad Cinema (34 W. 13th St.) through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Meet Me in St. Louis
In the year before the 1904 St Louis World's Fair, the four Smith daughters learn lessons of life and love, and even as they prepare for a reluctant move to New York.
Boasting a critical approval rating of 100 percent and an audience score of 87 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1944 classic from director Vincente Minnelli has been a true crowd-pleaser.
Get a piece of the action at City Cinemas Village East (181-189 Second Ave.) on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
The Third Man
Set in postwar Vienna, Austria, "The Third Man" stars Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins, a writer of pulp Westerns, who arrives penniless as a guest of his childhood chum Harry Lime, only to find him dead. Martins develops a conspiracy theory after learning of a "third man" present at the time of Harry's death, running into interference from British officer Maj. Calloway and falling head-over-heels for Harry's grief-stricken lover, Anna.
Boasting a critical approval rating of 99 percent and an audience score of 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1949 film has been a favorite of critics and audiences alike.
According to the site's critical consensus, "This atmospheric thriller is one of the undisputed masterpieces of cinema, and boasts iconic performances from Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles."
It's playing at Quad Cinema (34 W. 13th St.) through Monday, Dec. 10. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
When bestselling celebrity biographer Lee Israel is no longer able to get published because she has fallen out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack.
Boasting a 98 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 85 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on October 19. Both lead actress Melissa McCarthy and supporting actor Richard E. Grant have received Golden Globe nominations for their performances.
The site's critical consensus? "Deftly directed and laced with dark wit, 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?' proves a compelling showcase for deeply affecting work from Richard E. Grant and Melissa McCarthy."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at City Cinemas Village East (181-189 Second Ave.) through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
