If the April showers keep you indoors this month, here are some good movies to indulge. Each of these titles will be leaving Netflix by the time May begins.

10. “Scrooged” (1988):

When it comes to Bill Murray movies, I think this is the most underrated.

Murray plays the infamous Scrooge, giving the role his trademark charm to its fullest in this retelling of the “The Christmas Carol”.

The story takes place in a 1980s business world, and is beautifully parodied by director Richard Donner. It combines the era’s sensibility with the intelligence of the source material.

On a list of most underrated Christmas movies, this would be close to the top.

9. “Cujo” (1983):

Stephen King adaptations can be hit or miss. “Cujo” marked its territory, serving as a horror fan’s best friend.

It plays on our fears of the things we love turning against us, paralleling the destruction of family life with the titular Cujo’s transformation into a monster.

There are much better King movies, but this film presents a tale that will connect with plenty of viewers.  

8.“Chaplin” (1992):

Before Robert Downey Jr. became  the A-list star he is now, he was a method actor, blending into any role he played.

“Chaplin” is Downey at his finest as an actor, playing the silent film star Charlie Chaplin.

While a flawed story, it presents an entertaining look into the film legend.  

7. “V for Vendetta” (2005):

Anarchy and Guy Fawkes masks rarely look this good.

This film serves as both the best non-Matrix Wachowski film and possibly the best Alan Moore adaptation around, even though it deviates from Moore’s version.

Those looking for an example of Hugo Weaving’s talent should look no further, portraying V with the right amount of villainy, vigilance and vigor needed for the character, while being behind a mask the whole film.

6. “The Princess Bride” (1987):

“The Princess Bride” is one of the most quotable and loveable movies of all time. 

The film is a staple of so many childhoods and so many people’s lives, that it’s always a surprise to learn someone has never seen it.

It’s one of the best romantic films of all-time, because it is not just a romantic film. The movie combines action, comedy and adventure as well, all to a perfection rarely seen.

5. “Best in Show” (2000):

“Best in Show” continues the legacy of comedy director Christopher Guest.

This mockumentary takes a comedic look into the world of dog shows and the type of people who participate in them.

With a cast including Eugene Levy, Fred Willard and Michael McKean, all at their best, it is hard to go wrong.   

4. “Mystic River” (2003):

This movie is an example of the brilliance Clint Eastwood can bring to a film as a director.

With the help of the trio of Sean Penn, Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon, this film shows a harrowing tale of death and the loss of innocence.

From top to bottom, there are few times this film fails. It won two acting Oscars, with Penn and Robbins nabbing those for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, and was nominated for Best Picture in 2004.

3. “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994):

Here is possibly the best Stephen King adaptation of all-time. It’s so good, people tend to not even believe it was taken from the master of horror.

The tale of Andy Dufresne and his attempt to escape from prison reaches almost anyone, the massages of the film hitting you no matter your experience. 

This movie plays so frequently on TV that any other movie would get boring and stale.  Viewers can watch “The Shawshank Redemption” many times and still feel the raw emotion.

2. “The Right Stuff” (1983):

Putting a space-related movie in the top two of this list seems cheap, but not putting classic films like “The Right Stuff” and “2001: A Space Odyssey” would make this list incomplete.

This is a movie full of talent. Characters actors like Ed Harris and Scott Glenn, adapted from a Tom Wolfe novel; “The Right Stuff” has talent seeping out of it.

Anyone trying to get into the film business should take a crash course lesson from this seminal classic.

1.“2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968):

Realism-based science fiction has been incredibly influenced by “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

The tension and intensity Stanley Kubrick brings to this film makes it one of the most mysterious film experiences around.

It is the type of movie that only gets better with each watching.

Jacob Pierce can be reached at [email protected] or 618-536-3325.