Discover the best of Canadian cinema, film, and television

Discover the definitive list of popular and critically-acclaimed movies and TV shows from Canada. Find your next binge-watch, streaming on Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Prime Video, and other top services!

The cinema of Canada

Canadian cinema is a story of incredible versatility, a film culture that has mastered everything from high art to blockbuster comedy, all while standing proudly next to the Hollywood giant. Its roots run deep, anchored by the legendary National Film Board of Canada (NFB). For decades, the NFB championed groundbreaking animation and documentary filmmaking, fostering a spirit of artistry and experimentation that defines the nation's creative soul. What makes Canadian cinema truly unique is its two distinct, brilliant streams. Quebec cinema is an artistic powerhouse, producing visionary directors like Denis Villeneuve and Xavier Dolan, whose films are celebrated for their emotional intensity and visual flair. Meanwhile, English-language Canada gave the world the mind-bending genre cinema of David Cronenberg and a specific, self-deprecating humour that feels utterly unique. In recent years, this comedic genius has conquered the world. The heartwarming global phenomenon Schitt's Creek perfectly captured a smart, kind-hearted humour that has become a beloved Canadian export, following a rich tradition of brilliant sketch and sitcom television. It’s a cinema of quiet confidence, famed for its thoughtful dramas, sharp wit, and for being the creative engine room known as 'Hollywood North'. Canada doesn’t just export stars; it exports stories with a character all their own.

Best Canadian series

  • Poster for Vikings

    Vikings 2013

    The adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, the greatest hero of his age. The series tells the sagas of Ragnar's band of Viking brothers and his family, as he rises to become King of the Viking tribes. As well as being a fearless warrior, Ragnar embodies the Norse traditions of devotion to the gods. Legend has it that he was a direct descendant of Odin, the god of war and warriors.

    Amazon
    84
  • Poster for Battlestar Galactica

    Battlestar Galactica 2004

    When an old enemy, the Cylons, resurface and obliterate the 12 colonies, the crew of the aged Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony, Earth.

    Syfy
    87
  • Poster for Stargate SG-1

    Stargate SG-1 1997

    The story of Stargate SG-1 begins about a year after the events of the feature film, when the United States government learns that an ancient alien device called the Stargate can access a network of such devices on a multitude of planets. SG-1 is an elite Air Force special operations team, one of more than two dozen teams from Earth who explore the galaxy and defend against alien threats such as the Goa'uld, Replicators, and the Ori.

    Syfy
    86
  • Poster for Schitt's Creek

    Schitt's Creek 2015

    Formerly filthy rich video store magnate Johnny Rose, his soap star wife Moira, and their two kids, über-hipster son David and socialite daughter Alexis, suddenly find themselves broke and forced to live in Schitt's Creek, a small depressing town they once bought as a joke.

    CBC Television
    82
  • Poster for Continuum

    Continuum 2012

    The series centers on the conflict between a group of rebels from the year 2077 who time-travel to Vancouver, BC, in 2012, and a police officer who accidentally accompanies them. In spite of being many years early, the rebel group decides to continue its violent campaign to stop corporations of the future from replacing governments, while the police officer endeavours to stop them without revealing to anyone that she and the rebels are from the future.

    Showcase
    77
  • Poster for Stargate Atlantis

    Stargate Atlantis 2004

    With the Ancients' city of Atlantis discovered in the Pegasus Galaxy by Stargate Command, Dr. Elizabeth Weir and Major Sheppard lead a scientific expedition to the ancient abandoned city. Once there, the team not only find themselves unable to contact Earth, but their explorations unexpectedly reawaken the Ancients' deadly enemies, The Wraith, who hunger for this new prey. Now with the help of newfound local allies like Teyla Emmagan, the Atlantis Team sets about to uncover their new home's secrets even as their war of survival against the Wraith begins.

    Syfy
    83

Best Canadian movies

  • Poster for Catch Me If You Can

    Catch Me If You Can 2002

    A true story about Frank Abagnale Jr. who, before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars worth of checks as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor. An FBI agent makes it his mission to put him behind bars. But Frank not only eludes capture, he revels in the pursuit.

    81
  • Poster for Elysium

    Elysium 2013

    In the year 2159, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Secretary Rhodes, a hard line government official, will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium. That doesn’t stop the people of Earth from trying to get in, by any means they can. When unlucky Max is backed into a corner, he agrees to take on a daunting mission that, if successful, will not only save his life, but could bring equality to these polarized worlds.

    68
  • Poster for Source Code

    Source Code 2011

    When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.

    75
  • Poster for The Cabin in the Woods

    The Cabin in the Woods 2012

    A group of teens journey to a remote cabin in the woods where their fate is unknowingly controlled by technicians as part of a worldwide conspiracy where all horror movie clichés are revealed to be part of an elaborate sacrifice ritual.

    72
  • Poster for Insurgent

    Insurgent 2015

    Beatrice Prior must confront her inner demons and continue her fight against a powerful alliance which threatens to tear her society apart.

    66
  • Poster for Allegiant

    Allegiant 2016

    Beatrice Prior and Tobias Eaton venture into the world outside of the fence and are taken into protective custody by a mysterious agency known as the Bureau of Genetic Welfare.

    65