The Conclusion of Oak Street: 4 Must-See Movies to Enjoy Now
Kicking off with The Devil Wears Prada 2 in May and carrying through July and August, the box office has seen a wave of successes including The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. (We can just overlook Supergirl – it seems everyone else has.)
As summer begins to fade, there remains one guaranteed hit – The End of Oak Street. The sci-fi adventure featuring Ewan McGregor and Anne Hathaway has surprised both audiences and critics alike, and is set to rake in significant earnings over the remainder of the month.
Experiencing the film, or even learning about its narrative centered on a family sent back in time to battle dinosaurs, may spark your interest in more films of a similar ilk.
If that’s the case, Watch With Us has a lineup of fantastic movies for you to stream after viewing The End of Oak Street.
‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)
Many critics of The End of Oak Street hail it as the finest dinosaur film since Steven Spielberg’s classic, Jurassic Park, making its inclusion here timely. Released in 1993, this pioneering film features the late Sam Neill as Alan Grant, a paleontologist astounded to discover that dinosaurs have once again roamed the earth at the soon-to-open Jurassic Park. However, as Jeff Goldblum’s character Ian Malcolm famously quipped, life finds a way to get chaotic, and soon these genetically-engineered creatures escape their confines, unleashing pandemonium.
Chances are you’ve seen Jurassic Park – it was a massive success in 1993 and continues to have a significant cultural impact. The film’s groundbreaking special effects have evolved over time, showcasing realistic visuals of a Tyrannosaurus rex pursuing a speeding vehicle. While the action scenes stand the test of time, it’s the film’s profound sense of wonder in witnessing these ancient beings coexist with humans that makes it unforgettable – and yes, even touching.
Jurassic Park is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and other digital platforms.
‘Jumanji’ (1995)
In the 1960s, wealthy child Alan (Adam Hann-Byrd) vanished after engaging with a mysterious board game known as Jumanji. Fast forward 26 years, and siblings Judy and Peter (Kirsten Dunst and Bradley Pierce) stumble into the same game, inadvertently awakening Alan (Robin Williams), who is now a ragged and nearly deranged adult. They also unleash a series of exotic beasts and monsters from the game, causing chaos in their town and endangering everyone. The only way to quell the chaos is to finish the game Alan began years earlier, and he’ll need the assistance of his former companion, Sarah (Bonnie Hunt).
Unlike the recent sequels starring Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black, the original Jumanji is primarily a family film that emphasizes the journey of a fractured family trying to come together while evading frightening creatures. Similar to Oak Street, Jumanji successfully combines impressive special effects (you’ll believe a hippo can casually crush a car like it’s an empty soda can) with heartfelt moments, creating an enjoyable adventure for all ages that makes you long for your childhood.
Jumanji is currently streaming on Netflix.
‘The Goonies’ (1985)
Young Mikey (Sean Astin) discovers a treasure map belonging to One-Eyed Willy in his attic, convinced that it’s the solution to saving his home from foreclosure. He rallies his friends, the Goonies, to assist in the quest, but they aren’t without competition. The unscrupulous Fratelli family also wants the treasure and is willing to eliminate anyone in their way. Will Mikey, his big brother Brand (Josh Brolin), and best friend Data (Ke Huy Quan) uncover Willy’s treasure before the Fratellis do?
When it comes to ‘80s adventure films, nothing compares to The Goonies. Directed by Richard Donner, this beloved classic from 1985 continues to resonate with Gen X and millennials alike, remaining just as entertaining today as it did 41 years ago. A significant part of its charm is its exploration of a universal childhood desire – to embark on a secret adventure without adult interference. The Goonies not only prove capable of outsmarting adults like Mama Fratelli (Anne Ramsey), but they also manage to save the day.
The Goonies is available for free streaming on The Roku Channel.
‘65’ (2023)
Time travel? Dinosaurs? An exciting sci-fi concept with an unpredictable ending? This could describe The End of Oak Street, but it also fits 65, an underrated film from 2023 featuring Adam Driver. Driver portrays Mills, an astronaut who loses control of his vessel and crash-lands on a planet that seems alien. Along with fellow survivor Koa (Ariana Greenblatt), they soon discover that this planet is known as Earth! However, it is a prehistoric world teeming with dinosaurs that are eager for their next meal. If Mills and Koa can’t figure out how to return home, they might just become the main course.
65 makes excellent use of its modest budget, successfully bringing to life a vivid landscape filled with towering trees and threatening dinosaurs. Similar to Oak Street, 65 skillfully executes its intriguing storyline with creativity and sophistication, delivering a captivating adventure laced with heartfelt moments, reminiscent of The Last of Us.
