19 great OTT movies that deserved a theatrical release

Previously theatres were the only means to watch a new movie, now many movies have been released directly on the OTT platforms instead of theatres. With the change of time, streaming services have completely changed the way we consume media. Though it is convenient and comfortable to watch movies on OTT platforms, it can never be compared to the immersive experience that theater can provide. So in this list, we are going to talk about 19 great OTT movies that deserved a theatrical release.

1) Extinction

Extinction tells the story of Peter who is plagued by nightmares of alien invasion. He dreams of getting attacked by a mysterious technologically advanced enemy. Eventually, when the world faces an invasion Peter comes face to face with a shocking truth. The suspense and tension in the movie along with the visual effects would have made it a great theatrical release.

2) It's What's Inside

It’s What’s Inside tells the story of a group of friends who reunite for a pre-wedding party. However, a fun game suddenly turns into chaos as hidden secrets, desires, and grudges come up. The movie has an unpredictable plot along with a unique concept and tone. It would have been a great watch in the theatres according to the viewers.

3) The Tomorrow War

The Tomorrow War tells the story of Dan Forester, a high school teacher, as his life takes a dramatic turn when soldiers from the future arrive. They recruit present-day civilians to fight for a war against aliens. The movie is visually impressive and the elements would have amplified on a large screen.

4) Let Them All Talk

Let Them All Talk released in 2020, tells the story of Alice Hughes, a renowned author. She travels with two of her friends on a cruise to receive an award. As the journey continues they are confronted with their past, discuss their lives and the regrets that they have, and also rekindle old friendships. The COVID-19 pandemic was the reason behind it not being released in theatres. However, a theatrical release would have highlighted the film’s thought-provoking nature and intriguing storyline.

5) The Adam Project

The Adam Project tells the story of Adam Reed, a time-traveling pilot, as he mistakenly comes to a wrong timeline where he is confronted by his 12-year-old self. The future Adam along with his 12 year self must stop a powerful corporation from taking control. The film is filled with catchy lines and humorous banter between the two Adams. A theatrical release would have been a great opportunity for the viewers to enjoy this thrilling movie.

6) They Cloned Tyrone

The Cloned Tyrone tells the story of Fontaine, a drug dealer. Fontaine was shot but he woke up the next day without any injuries. This incident leads him to investigate where he goes down a rabbit hole to uncover a shocking government conspiracy. The film is a unique blend of science fiction and mystery along with a social commentary.

7) Apostle

Apostle revolves around Thomas Richardson as he travels to a remote island to rescue his sister. His sister was kidnapped by a mysterious cult. The movie delves into the themes of faith and fanaticism along with colonialism. The film is visually stunning and viewers have noted that the movie would have been a great theatrical release.

8) Kimi

Kimi is a thriller film that revolves around Angela Childs, the tech worker at the company behind the smart speaker Kimi. When Angela hears a recording of a violent crime during her routine check-ups she tries to report it. However, she is met with resistance from her company. The sense of claustrophobia and isolation that the movie focuses on would have amplified in a theatrical release and resonated with the viewers even more.

9) The Sea Beast

This animated film tells the story of Jacob Holland and Maisie Brumble. As Maisie and Jacob embark on an epic adventure they encounter magnificent creatures which makes them question their long-held beliefs about the monsters. The movie is engaging and filled with animation which has left an impact on the viewers.

10) To All the Boys I’ve loved before

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before tells the story of a high school student, Lara Jean. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her little sister sends out the love letters she wrote to her past crushes. As Lara is confronted with her feelings all of a sudden she has to navigate the awkwardness. The film has a huge fan base even with an OTT release, so a theatrical release would have resonated with the viewers even more.

11) The Mitchells Vs. The Machines

The Mitchells Vs. The Machine tells the story of a family as they find themselves in the middle of a robot apocalypse. However, their tech-challenged lifestyle makes them immune to the initial robot takeover and they embark on a journey to save the world. The film is lighthearted and filled with humor which a theatrical release would have an enhanced appeal.

12) Love and Monsters

Love and Monsters tells the story of the post-apocalyptic world focusing on Joel Dawson. Joel decides to brave the dangers of the world and go on a journey to reconnect with his girlfriend. The visual effects of the movie would have had a greater appeal in the theatres. The film’s themes of courage and self-discovery have resonated with the viewers.

13) Tick Tick Boom

Tick Tick Boom is a semi-autobiographical musical film. It tells the story of Jonathan Larson, the creator of "Rent". As navigates the challenges of pursuing a musical career fuelled by his ambitions he faces numerous challenges. Andrew Garfield gave a powerful performance in the movie and showcased the character's emotions. The catchy and memorable musical numbers have resonated with the viewers. Though the movie had a premiere at the AFI Fest it was mainly released on the OTT platform, Netflix.

14) All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet On The Western Front tells the story of Paul Baumer. Paul experiences a profound disillusionment when he witnesses the physical and psychological toll of war on himself and his comrades. This anti-war movie has an immersive cinematography which would have had a greater impact on the viewers had it been released in the theatres. The devastating impact of war has been delved into in this movie. The film serves as a historical document that has deeply resonated with the viewers.

15) Triple Frontier

Triple Frontier tells the story of a group of Special Forces operatives as they struggle to adjust to civilian life. However, when the group decides to do a heist things get complicated. The intense action sequences in the movie would have been thrilling to watch in the theater. The viewers appreciated the movie’s thought-provoking narrative along with compelling characters.

16) Bird Box

Bird Box is a horror thriller film that revolves around Malorie. Malorie is pregnant and finds herself in a house full of survivors who are trying to protect themselves from dying. The movie delves into Malorie’s journey as she tries to reach a safe haven away from the dangers. The suspense and atmosphere of the movie could have been amplified if it had a theatrical release.

17) Glass Onion

When Detective Benoit Blanc is invited to an island he gathers his closest friends for a weekend of relaxation and mystery games. However, things get complicated when someone dies and Blanc has to further investigate the guests to uncover the truth. Benoit has to uncover the truth by unraveling the mysteries, hidden agendas, and interconnected pasts to expose the killer. Glass Onion has a complicated plot enhanced by witty dialogue. The cinematic experience could have been enhanced in a theatrical release.

18) Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar

Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar tells the story of two best friends, Barb and Star as they decide to change their lives and have a vacation. When they impulsively book a trip to Vista Del Mar, an unexpected turn of events brings them into the middle of a villainous plan by Dr. Evil Bosco. The film is vibrant and lighthearted. The comedic timing and the whimsical escapist nature of the movie have been enjoyed by the viewers.

19) Bad Education

Bad Education tells the story of Frank Tassone and Pam Gluckin, the superintendent and the assistant superintendent of Roslyn Union Free School District in New York. Though they appear to be model educators they are corrupted. The film explores the themes of betrayal, ambition, and the abuse of power. The dramatic tension that the movie has along with the emotion would have resonated with the viewers in a theatrical release.