AMC Scene

Brilliant Focus Features Films

January 23rd, 2024

In the more than 20 years since Focus Features started distributing independent and foreign films, the company has released dozens of brilliant and beloved movies, some of which have received Academy Awards® and scores of other accolades. As we look toward the company’s 2024 lineup coming to AMC Theatres, which includes the highly anticipated Amy Winehouse biographical drama titled BACK TO BLACK, now’s a great time to take a look back and celebrate some of those previous movies that made us laugh, cry and feel all kinds of emotions.

From early 21st-century classics like LOST IN TRANSLATION and ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND to more recent offerings like PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN and THE HOLDOVERS, there are plenty of brilliant Focus Features films to celebrate.

Lost In Translation (2003)

Sofia Coppola’s LOST IN TRANSLATION tells the story of an unlikely friendship that blossoms between two Americans from different walks of life who meet and start an incredible exploration in Japan. Bob Harris (Bill Murray), a washed-up actor who has resorted to filming Japanese whisky commercials, and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a new bride traveling with her photographer husband, immediately make an impact on each other’s lives in this wonderfully shot and beautifully told film.

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

Directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman, ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND follows two former lovers as they go to great lengths to let go of the trauma of their broken relationship, even if it means wiping all memories of one another. What follows is some of Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet’s best work as Joel Barish and Clementine Kruczynski, respectively, as they dive deep into their pasts and experiences in the hope of finding happiness.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Ang Lee’s BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN took the world by storm in 2005 with its sprawling and emotional story about two cowboys who attempt to hide their romantic relationship from the outside world, including their own families. Told over 20 years, the tale of Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) is one filled with triumph, tragedy, happiness and sorrow, as the two secret lovers explore their intense bond and their respective places in society.

BlacKkKlansman (2018)

The 2018 Spike Lee joint, BLACKKKLANSMAN, tells the story of Detective Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), a Colorado Springs police officer who infiltrates the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan only to reach the top of the organization. Together with Detective Philip "Flip" Zimmerman (Adam Driver), who impersonates him during the in-person interactions with the group, Stallworth attempts to bring the whole thing down before the hate group led by David Duke (Topher Grace) can reach mainstream appeal.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2019)

Morgan Neville’s excellent documentary film, WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?, tackles the life, legacy and philosophy of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” children’s show. Through interviews with Rogers’ family, friends, colleagues and even the people whose lives were changed by his show, Neville explores the impact of kind acts, the importance of empathy, and the characteristics that made the TV host an American treasure. Moving, humorous and stunning in every way, this documentary is a must.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

Emerald Fennell immediately put herself on the map with her 2020 feature directorial debut, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN, a stunning black comedy about a woman who attempts to get over a traumatic event by getting revenge. Cassandra "Cassie" Thomas’ (Carey Mulligan) tireless crusade to find and punish men who take advantage of women leads her to some tense situations that only escalate the deeper she gets. Humor, drama, violence and the struggle for forgiveness can all be found here.

Belfast (2021)

In 2021, Kenneth Branagh gave the world BELFAST, a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age drama about a young boy growing up at the beginning of “The Troubles,” a 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland. Starring Jude Hill as the young Buddy, the movie paints a loving portrait of a family trying to make sense of the madness of the world while also trying to make a better life for themselves. With an outstanding script, superb direction and a miraculous cast that includes Caitríona Balfe, Jamie Dornan, Judi Dench and Ciarán Hinds, there’s a lot to love.

The Holdovers (2023)

Alexander Payne’s THE HOLDOVERS burst onto the scene in late 2023 and took the world by storm with its perfect blend of humor and drama and joy mixed with sorrow. This touching film stars Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa and Da’Vine Joy Randolph as a teacher, student and school cook, respectively, as they find themselves stuck at a New England preparatory academy over the holidays. Life lessons, empathy, and wonderful music are not in short supply in this instant classic.

Get Tickets to THE HOLDOVERS

Each of these brilliant Focus Features films highlights the strengths of the company and its commitment to sharing engrossing stories with moviegoers. And, with upcoming Focus Features movies like BACK TO BLACK coming to AMC Theatres throughout 2024, that trend will hopefully continue for quite some time.

BACK TO BLACK opens May