5 Films to Transport You to Other Worlds
Sometimes, we need an escape from reality and the world of cinema makes for a good candidate, with realms upon realms waiting to be explored.
Instead of catching what’s showing in theatres or subscribing to an expensive streaming service, discover a wide range of films on Kanopy and Kanopy Kids, a new NLB eResource that streams free video content on demand. With your myLibrary ID, you’ll be able to access full-length movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films and educational videos on the platform.
Here are 5 film picks on Kanopy to transport you to unique worlds, from a silent film thriller to an Oscar-winning animated short film.
1. Hellboy
Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy throws you headfirst into a world where the line between humanity and the underworld is razor-thin. The 2004 American superhero film is a comic book adaptation that follows the titular Hellboy, a gruff yet lovable demon summoned from the fiery depths.
Raised by humans, Hellboy now works for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Development (BPRD), battling monstrous creatures and otherworldly threats to protect the world from supernatural mayhem.
Del Toro’s vision for Hellboy is a vibrant blend of fantasy and wry humor. The film boasts a stellar cast, with Ron Perlman perfectly capturing Hellboy’s sardonic wit and surprising vulnerability. The true star, however, is the world itself. From the gothic headquarters of the BPRD to the fantastical creature lairs, Hellboy is a visually stunning spectacle that will leave you wanting more.
Watch it on Kanopy here.
2. Les Vampires
Take a trip back to the dawn of cinematic adventure with the French masterpiece, Les Vampires, released between 1915–1916. The serial, directed by Louis Feuillade, unfolds over ten episodes and revolves around a journalist named Philippe Guérande and his efforts to thwart a notorious criminal gang known as the Vampires, led by the enigmatic Irma Vep.
The blend of crime, mystery and adventure weaved together with Feuillade’s innovative use of cinematic techniques is a landmark in early cinematic storytelling, and continues to fascinate and inspire audiences and filmmakers to this day.
Watch it on Kanopy here.
3. Moon Garden
This dark fantasy horror film written and directed by Ryan Stevens Harris, plunges viewers into the subconscious world of a young girl named Emma. After a fall leaves her in a coma, Emma finds herself navigating a strange, industrial dreamscape. This unsettling realm is haunted by a monstrous creature that feeds on her tears, forcing Emma to confront her fears and fight her way back to consciousness. As Emma ventures deeper into the Moon Garden, she encounters fantastical creatures and distorted reflections of herself, representing the emotional struggles she faces.
The film explores themes of trauma and family dysfunction through its imagery. With its blend of imaginative visuals and unsettling horror elements, Moon Garden offers a unique cinematic experience.
Watch it on Kanopy here.
4. Litterbugs
Directed by Peter Stanley-Ward, Litterbugs tackles the theme of cyber-bullying through Alice, the film’s protagonist. A quiet but brilliant inventor, she finds herself the target of three mean girls who humiliate her with an online video. Enter Stanley, a quirky kid with superhero dreams who vows to defend Alice, leaving her feeling obliged to protect him.
When Stanley is overpowered by the bullies, three mechanical flying creatures, secretly controlled by Alice, fly to the rescue. The young inventor and a pint-sized superhero defeats the town bullies and find an unexpected friendship.
Watch it on Kanopy here.
5. Mr Hublot
Enter a world of meticulous order and clockwork precision with Mr Hublot, an Oscar-winning animated masterpiece directed by Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares. This charming short film delves into the life of Mr Hublot, a man of routine and order, reflected through the meticulously arranged clocks and perfectly straight pictures in his apartment. But the world, as it often does, throws a curveball. Enter a tiny puppy-like robot, who upends Mr Hublot’s regimented life.
The magic of Mr Hublot lies not just in the story, but in the details. The animation brings to life a world that feels strangely familiar yet wonderfully whimsical. The film’s heart lies in its exploration of deeper themes. It delves into the loneliness that can permeate even the most ordered lives, the unexpected beauty of human connection, and the transformative power of embracing the unexpected.
Watch it on Kanopy here.
Hopefully, this list encourages you to check what else is available on Kanopy. Click here to sign up with your MyLibrary ID. If you need help, you can download a guide here.
