Fact: Microwavable popcorn doesn't taste quite as delicious as it does out of buckets at the cineplex. Not that certain filmmakers got that memo this year.

More than ever, first-run movies are being made available for viewing solely in the privacy of one's own home. Take, for example Edward Burns' latest, 'Nice Guy Johnny,' which has never been in wide release; yet it will stream directly to your TV set via an exclusive deal with Comcast On Demand beginning October 26. Even more impressively, many of these movies are as good as those that you'll find in theaters.

A trip to the local movie house remains a fun experience, no doubt. But shifting audience expectations, more powerful home theater systems, and commitments by studios -- particularly HBO -- to create engaging films solely for the small(er) screen have made not-in-theater films a growing medium. And that's just fine to those millions of people who only want to plop down on the couch and watch some boob tube.

Don't believe us? Moviefone takes a look at a handful of non-traditional 2010 releases that have separated themselves from the pack. Did we miss any? Disagree with our selections? Sound off in the comments section below.