Los Angeles, CA – In a world where streaming services have become the primary source for movie-watching, it can be frustrating when beloved films are difficult to find. A recent article by Joblo highlighted several well-known movies that are surprisingly hard to come by legally. These films range from cult classics like “Dogma” to action thrillers like “Shoot to Kill.” As readers chimed in with their own suggestions, it became apparent that there are even more challenging-to-find movies out there.
One such film that stands out is “Dogma,” directed by Kevin Smith. The reason for its scarcity stems from its complicated initial release in 1999. Originally made for Miramax Films, the movie was deemed blasphemous by Disney, the company that owned Miramax at the time. As a result, Harvey and Bob Weinstein, heads of Miramax, self-released the film through Lionsgate, retaining the rights. However, with Harvey Weinstein now in prison, the rights to “Dogma” remain in his possession, making a re-release unlikely unless the rights change hands.
Another hard-to-find gem is “Shoot to Kill,” a 1987 action thriller starring Sidney Poitier. Poitier plays an FBI agent who teams up with an expert tracker (Tom Berenger) to chase a serial killer in the Pacific Northwest. This Touchstone Pictures release is not available on Disney’s streaming services nor on Blu-ray, leaving fans eager for a re-release. What makes this film particularly noteworthy is Poitier’s impressive stunt work and his chemistry with Berenger.
Ken Russell’s controversial film “The Devils” is also a notable inclusion on the list. Based on a surreal account of a Catholic priest burned at the stake, the film has faced scrutiny and censorship. While it has garnered a cult following in the UK and occasionally appears on The Criterion Channel in the US, it has never received a disc release in North America. Warner Bros, the rights owner, has been reluctant to license the film out, despite interest from labels like Criterion.
“The Cannonball Run,” the third most popular film of 1981, is another surprisingly hard-to-find movie. The ensemble cast, including Burt Reynolds, Dean Martin, and Farrah Fawcett, made it a blockbuster hit at the time. However, the film’s independent financing separates it from its sequels, making it unavailable on many platforms. Notably, Roger Moore’s portrayal of a character resembling James Bond led to EON Pictures banning Bond actors from wearing tuxedos in non-Bond projects. The tragic accident that left stuntwoman Heidi von Beltz paralyzed during filming further adds to the film’s complicated history.
Lastly, “Wired,” a dramatization of John Belushi’s final days, sparked controversy upon its release in 1989. Friends and colleagues of Belushi criticized the movie, leading to strained relationships between cast members and Belushi’s inner circle. Michael Chiklis, who portrayed Belushi, faced backlash that almost derailed his career. However, a chance encounter with James Belushi years later allowed the two to mend their relationship. Despite the drama surrounding its release, “Wired” remains obscure and largely forgotten.
While streaming services offer a vast and convenient catalog of movies, the limited availability of certain beloved films can be disappointing. In the case of “Dogma,” “Shoot to Kill,” “The Devils,” “The Cannonball Run,” and “Wired,” fans must rely on physical media or hope for future re-releases to experience these hidden gems.