FXM is in free preview on Sling through May 29th, and with their massive movie library, we’re highlighting eight of our favorite films on the network — everything from drama to comedy to kids to horror. To discover even more great movies on FXM, check out our curated ribbon on the Sling app.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
Remember Frances McDormand’s epic speech when accepting the 2018 Oscar for Best Actress? That was for her performance in this intense drama. In Three Billboards, Mildred Hayes’ (McDormand) daughter is brutally raped and murdered. No leads or arrests have been made, so a frustrated Mildred (McDormand) decides to get involved. She rents out three billboards - “RAPED WHILE DYING” and “STILL NO ARRESTS?” and “HOW COME, CHIEF WILLOUGHBY?”. This creates a war between her and the town, as they don’t appreciate her not-so-subtle approach. Despite all of the above, Three Billboards is also bleakly funny. Sam Rockwell also won an Oscar for his role, so if you're into thoughtful, well-crafted films, I can't recommend it enough.
The Martian (2015)
Based on the best-selling sci-fi novel from Andy Weir, The Martian stars Matt Damon as Mark Watney, an astronau twho gets left behind on Mars when his team’s mission goes awry. Forced to survive on his own Mars-grown potatoes and the few supplies he has left, Mark takes a humorous approach to his less-than-fortunate situation. The planned rescue mission is expected to be extremely dangerous, but it’s his only hope of returning to Earth. Supported by a star-studded ensemble including Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, and Kristen Wiig, The Martian rockets off to interplanetary enjoyment.
Rough Night (2017)
Scarlett Johansson, Zoe Kravitz, Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, and Kate McKinnon star in this comedy about drifting college friends who reunite for a bachelorette party. When a male stripper arrives, the excitement turns deadly when he's accidentally killed. The rest of their night is spent attempting (key word: attempting) to conceal the cumbersome crime. It's no surprise that the shining light of this movie is McKinnon, who stars as Johansson's too-much-to-handle Australian study abroad friend. Rough Night is the feature debut from Broad City writer and director Lucia Aniello.
The Greatest Showman (2017)
When you accept the fact that The Greatest Showman isn’t exactly a factual biopic on the life of circus giant P.T. Barnum, it’s actually quite enjoyable. Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Zendaya all shine in this fun and exciting musical. We see the rise of the revolutionary Barnum’s American Museum in New York City, where the ringmaster isn’t afraid to push the envelope to attract audiences. One of the most breathtaking scenes is when Jenny Lind (Rebecca Ferguson) — better known as the Swedish Songbird — takes the stage. The performance is a thunderous highlight but all of the numbers by the cast are well choreographed, energetic, and inspirational.
Don’t Breathe (2016)
If you’re a horror fan and missed this, it can’t be recommended enough. This is the type of hold-your-breath, adrenaline-pumping film that so many thrillers aspire to be. Three delinquents break into a home in a run-down Detroit neighborhood and because the man living there is blind, it appears to be an easy heist. But, similar to a certain superhero, his blindness brings heightened hearing, and the three robbers have to adjust their strategy. Every noise, footstep, and breath is terrifying here. This home invasion thriller received rave reviews and justly so. Don’t Breathe is one of the most impressive horror films of the last decade.
Rio 2 (2014)
Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathoway return to voice this animated sequel from the creators of Ice Age. After the now-happy macaw couple take a family trip to the Amazon to explore their wild roots, they encounter a community of animals skeptical of their big-city lifestyle. But with the jungle animals facing a threat to their habitat, Blu and Jewel must decide if they are willing to risk everything to help their new friends. Unlike the best Pixar films — which often equally appeal to children and their parents — Rio 2 is geared squarely for kids. But with colorful animation and a sweet message, the little ones are sure to enjoy it.
Joy (2015)
Jennifer Lawrence was absolutely blowing up around the time Joy was released, and she kept her winning streak going at the box office with this drama. Real-life inventor Joy Mangano holds over 100 patents including the Miracle Mop, and this film loosely tells her history. Her rags to riches story doesn’t come without a handful of struggles along the way, from her unstable parents to a parasitic ex-husband. Is there a limit to how many collaborations we need between Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper? If you answered no and haven’t already seen Joy, now’s your chance.
The Heat (2013)
Following her breakout role in 2011’s Bridesmaids, Melissa McCarthy reunited with director Paul Fieg for this hilarious action comedy, the second of their four film collaborations. Sandra Bullock co-stars as an arrogant, difficult FBI agent who’s forced to team up with McCarthy’s Boston beat cop to solve a case. Bullock has always been an underrated comedic actress and her chemistry with McCarthy gives the movie a fun and unpredictable electricity.
