[Updated Dec. 21, 2024] …continued from Page 1 where we highlight the best 4k Blu-ray Discs of all time. These are movies and shows that display excellent video and audio presentations for your home theater. The best 4k releases are determined by the overall quality of the movie, video, audio, and bonus materials provided. This page is updated frequently as new titles are released, so please check back soon for updates. And, feel free to comment below if we’re missing any of your favorite 4k discs!
Selections are based on these 5 criteria:
- Movie Quality (Oscar-winners/nominees, etc.)
- 4k Ultra HD/HDR Video Quality
- Audio Quality/Soundtrack
- Bonus Material (including extras, packaging, presentation, etc.)
- + that immeasurable “Wow” factor that is hard to put in words.
The Best 4k Blu-ray Movies of All Time (Page 2)
Alien: Romulus (2024)
Alien: Romulus harkens back to the original film with intense moments that are accentuated in a home theater environment. The Dolby Vision HDR provides a wonderful expansion of the color depth and renders a beautiful range of color values, all within a color palette reminiscent of the franchise. The Dolby Atmos is an immersive experience that’s intensified in a surround sound environment, particularly when subwoofers are in action.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is another incredible feat of filmmaking that renders beautifully as home media. There are some stunning scenes in this movie, starting with the kidnapping of Furiosa after her mother Mary attempts to rescue her from the Dementus clan. The soundtrack is a thunderous representation of the action that never seems to stop, layered with high and low-frequency details.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
The Coen Bros.’ No Country for Old Men from The Criterion Collection represents a stunning improvement over the previous Blu-ray presentations. And it should, Director of Photography Roger Deakins supervised the 4K digital master which was derived from a digital intermediate of the original 35mm negatives. As far as audio, there is no “upgrade“ to the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix found in previous Blu-ray discs, but given the superb quality this soundtrack didn’t really need an upgrade to Atmos.
The Last Emperor (1987)
Bernado Bertolucci‘s The Last Emperor (1987) is one film that we’ve been begging for in 4K since the debut of the format in 2016. Criterion did an amazing job of restoring the theatrical version of the 9x Oscar-winning film in native 4k with Dolby Vision/HDR10. Colors emerge from the screen in a gorgeous palette captured by cinematographer Vittorio Storaro. The English audio is offered in simple DTS HD MA 2.0, but it’s an impressive mix with a wide dynamic range of frequencies underscored by a music composition by Ryuichi Sakamoto. The three-disc set also includes the TV version of the film on HD Blu-ray.
The Terminator (1984)
The Terminator is a huge improvement from previous Blu-ray editions, and is surely a great addition to your home theater library given the image quality (in 4k with Dolby Vision/HDR10) and sound quality in Dolby Atmos which extends sound effects to additional discreet channels, including height locations, that provide an immersive experience especially in the action scenes. The is a quality remaster from Warner Bros. Read Review
Aliens (1986)
One of three James Cameron films released simultaneously in early 2024, Aliens was finally given a 4k upgrade after years of waiting. The 4k presentation improves sharpness and color, but not without losing some of the natural film grain of the original film (preserved in previous Blu-rays). Video image aside, the Dolby Atmos soundtrack is reason enough to pick this movie up on 4k Blu-ray. If you don’t own Aliens on Blu-ray Disc, this upgrade is worth adding to your collection. Read Review
Akira (1989)
Funimation’s 4k Blu-ray edition of Akira (1988) presents the classic anime film like it’s never been seen before, with 4k resolution, HDR10 color improvement, and a 24-bit Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack remastered by Sound Director Susumu Aketagawa. Plus, the 3-disc edition includes a Blu-ray (with a 1080p version of the restored film) and bonus Blu-ray with 95 minutes of special features including the extra “AKIRA Sound Making 2019.” Read Review
Arrival (2016)
Denis Villeneuve’s Oscar-winning sci-fi Arrival (2016) has to be mentioned in this list. Nominated for a total of eight Academy Awards, the beautiful cinematography by Bradford Young and soundtrack by Jóhann Jóhannsson make this a great home theater experience, featuring HDR10 High Dynamic Range and a 7.1 channel DTS-HD Master soundtrack.
Avatar (2009)
We waited so long for James Cameron’s pioneering film Avatar (2009) to be upgraded to 4k Blu-ray. This isn’t native 4k, but the upscaled video detail and expanded color with HDR make it a huge improvement over the previous 1080p SDR Blu-ray editions. And, the Dolby Atmos upgrade brings a new level of audio enjoyment to the film. Plus, it’s a 3-disc set with the feature presentation on 4k Blu-ray and 2k Blu-ray, and over 3 hours of special features on a second 2k Blu-ray. Note: Avatar is also releasing in a 4-disc Collector’s Edition on Dec. 19, 2023.
Batman Begins (2005)
Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dark Knight Trilogy’ has grown the Batman fanbase beyond what it was previously, portraying a darker world than in the 90s films and early Batman TV series. The video quality in Batman Begins has a dark and earthy palette that looks great on 4k Blu-ray with HDR10, and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack will shake your home theater during the more intense moments with the Batmobile “Tumbler,” underscored by the music composition by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard.
Blue Planet II
Your home theater disc collection isn’t complete without one of the best nature series out there. BBC’s 7-episode Blue Planet II (2017) will have you watching in awe as nature’s brilliant colors come to life with High Dynamic Range and super sharp 4k resolution. This series is best viewed on large 4k TVs with a surround sound system to take advantage of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack. The 4k Blu-ray edition also includes the 54-minute “Into the Blue” feature with insights into the making of the series.
Casino Royale (2006)
The Bond film that introduced new 007 actor Daniel Craig to the franchise is nothing short of a classic, with a gritty take on the Ian Fleming character that had been lost in previous decades. We ranked No Time To Die the best 4k Blu-ray home theater experience of 2021, but Casino Royale is excellent in its own right with stunning visuals (including a black and white scene) and an excellent DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack that isn’t an upgrade from Blu-ray but nevertheless an almost-perfect and high-quality audio presentation.
Doctor Sleep
With beautiful cinematography by Michael Fimognari and hypnotic music created by The Newton Brothers, Doctor Sleep is a movie you may find yourself watching a few times in your home theater. A sequel to The Shining (which also ranks in our Best 4k Blu-ray List), Doctor Sleep was one of the year’s best in terms of audio experience. There is also a Director’s Cut, but only available as a Digital Bonus Feature. Read Review
Doctor Strange
Stunning imagery from cinematographer Ben Davis (Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron) and award-winning visual effects make this movie a great watch on your home theater system (the bigger the better!). And, the immersive and dynamic Dolby Atmos mix provides a spatial audio experience that will teleport you into the world of Doctor Strange.
Edge of Tomorrow: Live. Die. Repeat. (2014)
Edge of Tomorrow starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt has got one of the best Dolby Atmos soundtracks we’ve heard, with unrivaled surround and low-frequency effects during the many repeated battle scenes with Cruise’s character Major William Cage. The 4k video provides a very sharp presentation with a rich and deep color palette that is enhanced on HDR TVs. The movie is also lots of fun! Ranked in our Top 10 4k Blu-rays of 2022.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) introduces viewers to Newt Scamander in a pre-Harry Potter world created by J. K. Rowling. Sharp 2160p (4k) resolution at 2.4:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 color depth give this film high ranks in video quality. And, a great Dolby Atmos soundtrack offers spatial audio that contributes to an all-around immersive home theater experience.
Full Metal Jacket
Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket ranks as one of the best war movies of all time, remembered not only for the incredible performances by Matthew Modine and the rest of the cast, but also for the way Kubrick split the movie into two stories that eventually merge as the soldiers in training eventually meet up in battle. The 4k imagery and soundtrack (with hit music from the time period) only enhance the memorable screenplay written by Kubrick along with Michael Herr and Gustav Hasford. Read Review
Gladiator (2000)
Russel Crowe might be at his finest in Roman chest armor and yielding a short sword in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. Some critics of the video presentation cite usage of the 2010 Blu-ray master, and this might be true, but the Oscar-winning film still delivers a spectacular experience on both the video and the audio side, where the DTS:X mix with excellent clarity and immersive effect. The edition also includes 2 cuts of the movie!
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Ghost in the Shell on 4k Blu-ray really shows off the high-quality animation that was produced for the 82-minute feature released in 1995. The imagery has never looked so good than it does in 4k with HDR10. And, the beautiful soundtrack from composer Kenji Kawai is crisp and mesmerizing as the underscore. Better enjoyed in its native Japanese language, the Dolby Atmos audio upgrade is definitely an improvement over Dolby DTS-HD 5.1. Read Review
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire presents incredible sharpness in 2160p (4k) video, heightened with a deep color palette that’s just candy for the eyes. The soundtrack, offered in Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1, will shake your home theater with an onslaught of subwoofer action when the “monsters” appear on screen. The sound effects travel through rear and overhead speakers, putting viewers in an immersive audio space that intensifies the storyline. We also recommend other Godzilla and King Kong films for great home theater experiences.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
There are, of course, three Guardians of the Galaxy films now and each has its own redeeming qualities. But why not start with the first of the Marvel Studios franchise that introduces the characters to the big screen (or home theater screen) in a way that is unforgettable? On 4k Blu-ray, the 4k HDR10 video and Dolby Atmos sound gets as close as possible to the cinematic experience that wowed audiences in both 2D and 3D.
Joker (2019)
The surprise (and somewhat shocking) box office smash Joker from Director Todd Phillips and writer Scott Silver is just as impactful in home theaters as it is on the big screen. The psychological thriller is a quality production from Warner Bros. that was made for roughly a fourth of the cost of most blockbuster “superhero” films. It’s a film that can be watched many times over while still finding details to get absorbed in.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
The dinosaurs get better and better with every Jurassic Park/Jurassic World film, and even though the original movie may never be surpassed in terms of story, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is truly impressive in its presentation. Surround sound systems will not be wasted with the disc’s Dolby Atmos offering, and the visual effects will only make any 4k TV look better.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Mad Max: Fury Road starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron is a non-stop ride to hell that barely lets you take a breath to enjoy the spectacular imagery. The sound effects and percussive music composition surround viewers in a spatial experience like no other. Were you expecting anything less from Director George Miller? The film is also available in the Black and Chrome edition that strips all the color out and may even be a better film without it.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
All of the mission: Impossible films are great home theater experiences, but Ghost Protocol is so memorable for the cinematography in the skyscraper scene and following sandstorm where Ethan Hunt is chasing down the bad guy with little to no visibility. The sound design in the movie, notably in the sandstorm, make this film stand out in terms of immersive experience. But don’t just watch one M:I film, watch all 7 including Dead Reckoning – Part One releasing on Oct. 31, 2023.
Prey (2022)
Disney did a great job bringing the movie Prey which premiered on Hulu to a well-earned physical media release on Oct. 3, 2023. The 4k Blu-ray is so much richer in color and sharper with detail when compared to streaming. The HDR10 tends to deliver more details in the shadow areas than digital, no doubt because of the high bitrates that averaged between 60Mbps and 90Mbps. And, the 4k Blu-ray offers Dolby Atmos for the first time in the US, with an immersive soundtrack that underscores the movie’s beautiful imagery. Read Review
Psycho (1960)
There are so many Alfred Hitchcock movies that look great on 4k Blu-ray, and the classics have been compiled in several Hitchcock collections. But, if we were to only choose one it would probably be his classic horror film Psycho (1960) starring Anthony Perkins. With a gorgeous 4k restoration enhanced with HDR10, the black and white presentation is the best the movie has ever looked at home (and in theaters!). The DTS:X surround sound is also impressive with clean audio and sound. What more could you expect from this 4x Oscar nominated film?
Ready Player One (2018)
What a great concept for a book and film! Ready Player One directed by Steven Spielberg holds many truths to our own reality, and the 4k Blu-ray presentation makes it about as real as it can get at home. With a deep color palette in Dolby Vision and immersive Dolby Atmos experience, Ready Player One is another one of our top picks for anyone’s Ultra HD collection.
Seven Worlds, One Planet (2019)
There are many nature documentaries that look truly spectacular in 4k and HDR, but BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet stands out among the rest. The series takes viewers around the world through Africa, Antartica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America to experience nature in its most beautiful states.
Star Trek (2009)
The reboot of Star Trek by J.J. Abrams did, in our opinion, what it set out to do, and that is to invite a new audience to the franchise as well as satisfy existing franchise fans. The Paramount Pictures presentation of Star Trek stands out for its excellence in video and audio presentation, while delivering a quality story that’s worth going back to time to time. We kind of like those lens flares, too :)
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Some consider ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ to be a better film than ‘A New Hope.’ It could be, but one would not exist without the other. Regardless, the middle film in the Star Wars Original Trilogy has never looked so good as it does on 4k Blu-ray. Still though, the remastered video could look better in its grain structure, and for this reason we don’t rank it as high as ‘A New Hope.” But for the Star Wars fan, it’s a must-on on 4k Blu-ray.
The Godfather Trilogy
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Trilogy including The Godfather, The Godfather II, and The Godfather Coda The Death of Michael Corleone has been meticulously restored for release on 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray. The new 4k HDR video looks fantastic with improved sharpness and overall color depth. Shadow areas now contain more detail and color grading more realistic. The audio in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 isn’t an improvement over past BDs but still excellent quality. Read Review
The Matrix (1999)
A groundbreaking film for its time, The Matrix provides a great 4k home theater experience with intense colors and a dynamic immersive Dolby Atmos soundtrack from composer Don Davis. The movie has also retained its freshness over the years, one of those flicks that are hard to turn off when you come across playing on TV.
The Northman (2022)
Robert Eggers’ The Northman is an audio and visual home theater experience like no other. The subtle color palette reveals a depth that can only be achieved with Dolby Vision and HDR10, rendering excellent details in the shadow and highlight areas. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is reason enough to add this disc to your library, as arrows fly by your head and subwoofers roar under the intense and bloody battle scenes. Rated R
The Patriot (2000)
This Roland Emmerich Academy Award nominated film was a memorable (and heartbreaking) experience in theaters and is also at home. The Patriot has never looked so good as it does in 4k, with super sharp imagery derived from film negatives. And, the Dolby Atmos soundtrack is a huge upgrade from previous Blu-rays with LPCM 5.1. The Mel Gibson film sits up there with Braveheart as a must-have in your 4k Blu-ray home theater library.
Unforgiven (1992)
Unforgiven starring Clint Eastwood is a classic western that’s the “go to” film for many home cinema enthusiasts and fans of the genre. The 4k quality is impressive, although not as sharp and rich in color depth as other Ultra HD presentations. And, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio is somewhat limited in comparison to other films listed here. Nevertheless, the quality of this Oscar-winning and 8-time nominated film makes up for any dings in the presentation.
Westworld TV Series
This series has really got some great cinematography to show off your large screen 4k HDR TV, with an earthy palette contradicts the technological undertones. And, the Dolby Atmos audio adds another level of immersion the stories that seem almost too close to home. We posted Season One: The Maze here, but really The Complete Series delivers a consistently high quality presentation on 4k Blu-ray.
Also see our current 4k Blu-ray release dates and a complete list of 4k Ultra HD Blu-rays since 2006.