6 must-watch Woody Allen Films on streaming platforms

Woody Allen, a filmmaker, actor and comedian all rolled into one, is among the most distinguished and unique personalities in the New Hollywood wave of auteur films. His creative career, which is spread out over six decades, has produced nearly 63 films beginning with the 1965 comedy What's New Pussycat?, where he took on the roles of both writer and performer. Allen’s films have a self-referencing and self-deprecating quality which mirrors his own timid yet intellectual brand of humour – as seen in Deconstructing Harry and Bananas. Allen also maintains a mature and introspective quality to his dramas, such as Annie Hall or Vicky Christina Barcelona. A recipient of numerous accolades such as the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award and even a Grammy Award, Woody Allen is a highly influential figure for filmmakers. On his 88th birthday, we have curated a list of his best films available on streaming platforms.

Hannah and Her Sisters (Prime Video)

Siblings Hannah, Lee, and Holly are thick as thieves although Lee and Holly are directionless, Hannah has unwavering loyalty towards them. As the trio gather together for a family Thanksgiving Day dinner, Hannah discovers a bitter truth that unravels her world before her eyes. As the emotional backbone of the family, her turmoil becomes everyone’s turmoil and the party gives away a three-act narrative on the sister’s lives and relationships with each other. The 1986 American comedy-drama is written and directed by Allen and stars an ensemble cast consisting of Michael Caine, Mia Farrow, Carrie Fisher, Barbara Hershey, Lloyd Nolan, Maureen O'Sullivan, Daniel Stern, Max von Sydow, and Dianne Wiest.

Manhattan (Prime Video)

A successful but divorced New York comedy writer is dating a high-schooler named Tracy but her youth and naivety begin to bore him. In a concerning turn of events, he is enamoured with his best friend’s mistress. Manhattan is Woody Allen’s love letter to the city where landscape, music, and humour combine to tell the story of the complicated woes of a semi-biographical protagonist. The film stars Diane Keaton, Michael Murphy, Mariel Hemingway, Meryl Streep and Anne Byrne in lead roles with music by George Gershwin, including Rhapsody in Blue which served as an inspiration for the film.

The Purple Rose of Cairo (Amazon Prime VOD)

After getting fired from her job, Cecilia decides to watch her favourite film The Purple Rose of Cairo to take her mind off things. However, things get unexpectedly strange when the charming archaeologist from the film, Tom Baxter, leaves the film and enters the real world. A puzzled Cecilia soon realises that Baxter isn’t real but the problem is now worse, as Baxters from theatres around the city are walking off the film into reality. Allen’s 1985 fantasy romantic comedy, which is also titled The Purple Rose of Cairo, is inspired by films such as Sherlock Jr., Hellzapoppin' and Pirandello's play Six Characters in Search of an Author and stars Mia Farrow, Jeff Daniels, and Danny Aiello.

Bananas (Amazon Prime VOD)

In this slapstick comedy flick, Allen features as a clueless New Yorker who follows his ex-girlfriend and social activist, Nancy to a fictional Latin American country experiencing political turmoil to impress her. Once he arrives in the foreign country, he quickly becomes part of the ongoing rebellion. The film is partly inspired by the book Don Quixote, U.S.A. by Richard P. Powell and is bound to leave you in stitches with its witty humour. Woody Allen, Louise Lasser, Howard Cosell, Carlos Montalban and Natividad Abascal play important roles in the movie.

Husbands and Wives (Amazon Prime VOD)

In what is considered a classic Woody Allen film, Husbands and Wives is a defining comedy-drama featuring two marriages that are on the brink of tumultuous change and perhaps, collapse. In a documentary-style interview format, Allen captures the spouses pondering about the meaning and direction of marriage, fidelity, love and trust. The film stars Allen, Mia Farrow, Sydney Pollack, Judy Davis, Lysette Anthony, Juliette Lewis, Liam Neeson, and Blythe Danner in major roles and was nominated for two Academy Awards, Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Screenplay.

Crisis in Six Scenes (Prime Video)

Finally, we wrap up with Woody Allen’s attempt at a TV miniseries Crisis in Six Scenes which follows a middle-class couple in the 1960s, Kay and Sid as they open their home to a hardcore beatnik named Lennie as she experiences social persecution during the height of the beat generation. A well-meaning gesture soon turns into a tightening noose around the couple’s neck as they realise that Lennie is wanted by the FBI. The single-season show is a quick binge starring Woody Allen, Miley Cyrus, Elaine May, Rachel Brosnahan, and John Magaro.

Well that's all for this episode, until the next one it's your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho.

Written by Vajra Zayara