Netflix is the proverbial 800-pound gorilla of the streaming game, with nearly 4,000 titles available to stream and new ones being added all the time. That’s a lot of content! We screened hundreds of movies to pull these entertainment gems out of the rough, including entries in various genres, Netflix originals, and brand new titles on the service. Go grab the popcorn!
I Care a Lot (2020): Best Dark Comedy About a Gangster Granny
Marla (Rosamund Pike) and her partner-in-crime Fran (Eiza González) are professional gifters who specialize in draining the elderly of their financial resources. Unfortunately for them, their latest victim, Ms. Peterson (Dianne Wiest), is more of a gangster than they could ever hope to be.
IMDb Rating: 6.4
While there are no good guys in I Care a Lot; you’ll want to keep watching just to see how dark the humor gets. Rosamund Pike’s ghoulish performance earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.
The Conjuring (2013): Scariest Modern Haunted House Story
Professional demonologists Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson) and his wife Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) are called to a farm in Rhode Island that appears to be haunted by a supernatural entity. The further they investigate, the more convinced they become that the only solution is an exorcism.
IMDb Rating: 7.5
The Conjuring obviously has its roots in movies like The Amityville Horror, but it boasts a much bigger budget, which is well put to use. You can also catch the sequel, The Conjuring 2, on Netflix. Now is the perfect time to catch up since a new movie, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, has been announced for later this year.
Pelé (2021): Most Inspiring Sports Documentary About a National Hero
American sports fans might not be familiar with Brazilian soccer player Pelé, but to the rest of the world, he’s one of the greatest footballers of all time. Through never-before-seen interviews and archival footage, this documentary covers the life, career, and legacy of a sports legend.
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, led his team to three World Cup victories between 1958-1970, a record that has never been broken. More importantly, he became a national hero in a time when Brazil was in desperate need of one.
Outside the Wire (2021): Best Sci-Fi Action Netflix Original
In a split-second decision, American drone pilot Lt. Thomas Harp (Damson Idris) defies an order to hold fire, saving dozens of his fellow soldiers while killing two. For his insubordination, Harp gets deployed to the frontlines under the command of robotic super-soldier Captain Leo (Anthony Mackie), whose mission is to thwart a nuclear strike.
IMDb Rating: 5.4
The movie was met with a lukewarm reception from critics in the first week of its release, but if you’re into near-future sci-fi action movies like the many Matrix and Terminator sequels, Outside the Wire will hit the spot.
Fatima (2020): Best Religious Movie About Having Faith in Your Convictions
Fatima is the true story of the supposed “Miracle of the Sun,” which drew thousands of believers to Portugal in 1917 after three children reported seeing an angel. Church and government officials try to silence young Lúcia dos Santos (Stephanie Gil) and her cousins, but their prophecies inspire people all over the world.
IMDb Rating: 6.5
Fatima is definitely aimed at religious audiences, but anyone can enjoy the story. Highlights include the original song “Gratia Plena” and real-life footage of the 100th Anniversary Mass in Fátima led by Pope Francis in 2017.
Hook (1991): Best Modern Day Follow-Up to a Childhood Classic
In this live-action sequel to Disney’s Peter Pan, the boy who never wanted to grow up is now a middle-aged man in denial about his past in Neverland. When Peter (Robin Williams) finally returns home, he finds that his old nemesis Caption Hook (Dustin Hoffman) is still terrorizing the Lost Boys.
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Hook was nominated for several Oscars, and although it didn’t win any, the film remains a treasured memory for kids who grew up in the 90s, ever more so than the animated original. Three decades later, it’s still a fun fairytale for the whole family.
Eddie Murphy: Raw (1987): Raunchiest Stand-up Comedy Performance
The Eddie Murphy of the 80s was very different from the Eddie Murphy of today. If you haven’t seen any of his earlier stand-up, you may be taken aback by the raunchy jokes in Eddie Murphy: Raw. Then again, if that’s what makes you laugh, you might like this version of Murphy more than the one you’re familiar with.
This performance at Madison Square Garden broke several records, becoming the highest-grossing concert film ever made. It also held the distinction of containing more swear words than any other movie until it was beaten by Goodfellas in 1990.
Enter the Dragon (1973): Best Martial Arts Movie Starring Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee’s last film is one of his best known, and for a good reason. The martial arts legend plays Mr. Lee, who is sent to participate in a tournament run by a drug lord to collect intel and bring down the criminal enterprise.
The influence of Enter the Dragon cannot be understated. The film can be credited for making martial arts mainstream. Without this film, there may be no Karate Kid or Power Rangers. Considered one of the best films of all time, Enter the Dragon was preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry in 2004.
Hillbilly Elegy (2020): Most Somber Memoir About the American Dream
Based on the popular book of the same name, Hillbilly Elegy tells the story of J.D. Vance (Gabriel Basso), a law student who is forced to return home to care for his drug-addicted mother. As he struggles to hold his family together, this film adaptation follows J.D. as he reflects on the history of his hometown and the circumstances that keep people in poverty. Not exactly comedic fare but it is actually a realistic yet sobering (pardon the pun) look at the ‘whys’ behind the actions desperate people take.
The film version didn’t get the same critical praise that the book received, but Glenn Close and Amy Adams drop in pretty solid character portrayals, as usual, although they come across occasionally as overacting. Still, the entire drama offers insight into the modern history of Appalachia, which is rarely portrayed honestly in cinema, and the changing economic dynamics in America.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020): Best Should Be Required to Watch American Political Historical Drama
In 1968, seven anti-war protestors were arrested at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and charged with conspiracy by the U.S. government. The Trial of the Chicago 7 follows the ensuing political fallout of this important American civil rights case.
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Don’t run to the bathroom during this one. To keep up, you have to play close attention to the facts and historical details that fly by. The film is completely riveting, sometimes unbelievable, and definitely frightening as the farce of the (mostly) true story unravels.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 debuted to universal praise for its strong performances and historical accuracy. It should be required viewing for history students and anyone who has forgotten that America’s version of democracy has long been riddled with missteps.
Batman: The Killing Joke (2016): Finally, Batman Meets a Challenge
Animated in the style of the 1990s Batman series, The Killing Joke brings Batman (Kevin Conroy) and the Joker (Mark Hamill) together for another game of cat and mouse. Who’s the cat, and who’s the mouse? That’s up to interpretation, but let’s just say that Batman might have finally met his match.
The Killing Joke is based on a 1988 graphic novel of the same name. After premiering at San Diego Comic-Con in 2016, the movie attracted so much attention that it received a limited theatrical release.
Over the Moon (2020): Best Netflix Original Animated Musical Headed for the Moon
Over the Moon is a Netflix exclusive computer-animated musical about a girl named Fei Fei who is determined to get to the moon. So, what does she do? She builds a rocket ship and flies there, of course.
IMDb Rating: 8.2
Don’t dismiss this movie as a low-budget Disney knock-off. The animation, voice acting, and music are all top-notch. Featuring original songs and a terrific cast that includes comedian Margaret Cho, Over the Moon will easily keep the attention of kids and adults.
The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020): Best Netflix-Exclusive Horror Sequel
Killer Queen is a sequel to the 2017 Netflix exclusive horror movie The Babysitter. Two years after witnessing the death of his babysitter (Samara Weaving), Cole (Judah Lewis) once again finds himself the target of a demonic cult out for his innocent blood.
IMDb Rating: 5.9
The Babysitter: Killer Queen does everything a good horror sequel should. It brings back familiar characters while introducing some new twists, and it maintains the humorous tone of the original. You’re more likely to laugh than scream in fear, but that’s the point.
The Devil All the Time (2020): Most Twisted Psychological Thriller With an All-Star Cast
The Devil All the Time is a big-budget adaption of a popular novel by Donald Ray Pollock, who provides narration from the film. The plot jumps back and forth through time, interweaving stories about greed and corruption in small-town America.
IMDb Rating: 7.2
As expected, the stellar cast carries this dark movie. Robert Pattinson is particularly devilish as the swindling charlatan preacher Preston Teagardin. There’s a lot of religious hypocrisy in the movie, but it’s not a criticism of religion itself, just the people who misuse their power.
Freaks – You’re One of Us (2020): Quirkiest Foreign Superhero Story
This Netflix exclusive from Germany is a weird superhero origins story about a fry cook named Wendy (Cornelia Gröschel) who discovers that the medication she’s been prescribed since childhood has actually been suppressing supernatural abilities. Everything changes when she meets a homeless man named Marek (Wotan Wilke Möhring), who convinces her to embrace her natural talents.
IMDb Rating: 5.3
Freaks – You’re One of Us (Freaks – Du bist eine von uns in German) hits most of the notes you’d expect for a story of this kind, but the storytelling is more subdued than your typical Hollywood spectacle. The movie is dubbed in English, so you don’t have to worry about subtitles.
High&Low The Movie (2016): Best Action Movie Based on a Japanese TV Show
High&Low is a popular Japanese action TV series that inspired half-a-dozen movies, and you can now watch them all on Netflix. Like the show, the movie follows five dueling gangs competing for supremacy of the streets of Tokyo.
IMDb Rating: 6.6.
If you’re not familiar with the world and characters of High&Low, you might feel a little lost. However, there’s less emphasis on character development and more focus on fighting, so you’ll be satisfied if that’s what you’re looking for.
The Blue Elephant 2 (2019): Best Egyptian Psychodelic Horror Sequel
Still haunted by the death of his first wife, Dr. Yehia (Karim Abdel Aziz) is now married to Lobna (Nelly Karim). When he meets a new psychiatric patient who prophesizes the death of his new family, Yehia decides to take the mysterious Blue Elephant pill once again to alter reality.
IMDb Rating: 8.3
This sequel to The Blue Elephant became the highest-grossing Egyptian movie of all time upon its release in 2019. While the original movie was based on an Arabic novel, the sequel features an original plot.
Class of ‘83 (2020): Best Hindi-Language Crime Drama
Class of ‘83 is based on a book by the same name by crime journalist Hussain Zaidi. Set in 1980s Bombay, a former cop (Booby Deol) seeks to clean up the corruption in the force when he takes over as dean of the police academy. Can he work within the system to change it?
This Hindi-language crime drama is a Netflix exclusive. It paints an accurate picture of the time period and serves as an inspirational tale about being the change you want to be in the world.
Dolemite is My Name (2019): Best Over-the-Top Biopic
This Netflix-exclusive biopic introduces Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) as a struggling comedian. It catches fire as he creates the titular Dolemite character, puts out a successful comedy record, and subsequently gets in way over his head attempting to finance and produce a movie.
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Murphy is fantastic in the role of Moore, capturing both the bombastic nature of the Dolemite character and Moore’s more human moments when he doffs the wig and homburg hat.
Along the way, he picks up a fantastic supporting cast of characters, including a writer (Keegan Michael Key), a co-star and protege (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), and a director and antagonist (Wesley Snipes). Snipes, in particular, turns in a delightfully over-the-top performance as he attempts to hold together the ramshackle production.
Lingua Franca (2019): Best LGBT Themed Film About Immigration in America
An undocumented transwoman named Olivia (Isabel Sandoval) takes a job in New York taking care of an elderly Russian woman. Unable to obtain legal status, she begins to pursue a relationship with the woman’s grandson (Eamon Farren).
Lingua Franca is a semi-autobiographical story from director and lead actress Sandoval. Featuring an original script and relevant themes, it’s likely to present a fresh perspective to audiences.
Night Comes On (2018): Best Intense Emotional Thriller With a Young Cast
After getting released from juvenile detention on her 18th birthday, Angel LaMere (Dominique Fishback) vows to take care of her 10-year-old sister and avenge their mother’s death. The emotionally gripping plot and energetic young cast will have you hooked until the grisly final scene.
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Into the Spider-Verse (2018): Best Animated Superhero Gut Punch
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse isn’t just the best-animated superhero movie on Netflix right now. There’s a strong argument that it might be the best Spider-Man movie ever, animated or otherwise. The animation might seem jarring at first, but that’s intentional, so stick it out. The overall effect, once you get used to it, is visually stunning.
IMDb Rating: 8.4
Beyond technical excellence, Into the Spider-Verse tells a gripping story on a few different levels. As a familiar Spider-Man (Chris Pine) fades away, teenage Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) rises to take his place, and a glut of other web-slingers from other worlds descend on New York. This is Miles’ story, though, and it’s a beautifully told gut punch that weaves themes of family and responsibility into a truly great superhero film.
The Perfection (2019): Best Romantic Psychological Thriller With LGBT Characters
In the beginning, The Perfection appears to be a sweet story about a budding relationship between two young musicians named Lizzie (Logan Browning) and Charlotte (Allison Williams). However, things quickly go from cute to creepy when Lizzie begins having disturbing hallucinations about bugs crawling under her skin.
IMDb Rating: 6.1
The horror genre is notorious for lacking complex LGBT characters, so The Perfection feels like a breath of fresh air in that regard. If you’re not a fan of horror, though, you should definitely skip this one.
Septembers of Shiraz (2015): Best 20th Century Historical Drama
Based on a 2007 novel by Dalia Sofer, Septembers of Shiraz takes place in Iran during the 1979 revolution. In the early months of the uprising, a Jewish scientist named Isaac Amin (Adrien Brody) is imprisoned and stripped of his fortune. After enduring torture, he is released from prison and allowed to flee with his wife (Selma Hayek).
You won’t learn much about the history of Iran, but it’s a nice tale about the perseverance of the human spirit.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): Most Bewitching Fairy Tale For Adults
This mutation of the Alice in Wonderland mythos is a fairy tale that’s definitely not for kids, if the rating wasn’t enough of a clue. Director Guillermo del Toro brings us a visually arresting world, seamlessly entwining an overgrown mythical labyrinth with a real world rooted firmly in post-civil war Spain. It won three Oscars and dozens of other awards.
Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) is the young step-daughter of a cruel officer in the fascist Falange regime (Sergi López). Faced with a terrible reality, she retreats into a world populated by fantastic creatures, such as a demonic faun and a creature with eyes in the palms of its hands, but Ofelia’s fantasy world is mirrored darkly by the real world.
Les Misérables (2012): Best Musical Adaptation on Netflix
One of the most famous musicals of the modern era, Les Misérables was originally based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel. It’s the story of Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), who is on the run for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister. His brush with the law results in a political transformation, and he eventually gets swept up in the Paris Uprising of 1832.
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Whether you’ve seen the play or not, the movie is worth a watch. With a powerhouse cast and iconic soundtrack, it’s no wonder that the film took home three Golden Globe Awards, four British Academy Film Awards, and numerous Oscar nominations.
The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020): Jolliest Santa Sequel
Kurt Russell returns as Santa in The Christmas Chronicles 2, this time with Mrs. Claus (Goldie Hawn) by his side. Darby Camp also returns as young Kate, who must revive her Christmas spirit to save the holiday for everyone.
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Like the original, it hits all the familiar notes of a classic Christmas movie: There’s family conflict, hokey humor, and a sinister plot to foil Santa’s trip around the world to deliver toys to all the girls and boys. Despite the story’s lack of originality, the movie is self-aware and well-acted.
The Block Island Sound (2020)
Something lurks off the coast of Block Island, silently influencing the behavior of fisherman, Tom Lynch. After suffering a series of violent outbursts, he unknowingly puts his family in grave danger.
The film is impressive crafted and brilliantly scary. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a feature that shocks and surprises when you least expect it.
Moxie (2021)
Fed up with the sexist and toxic status quo at her high school, a shy 16-year-old finds inspiration from her mother’s rebellious past and anonymously publishes a zine that sparks a school-wide, coming-of-rage revolution.
This teen dramedy can be a bit slow but it does have charm and … well, moxie in the way it tackles the white male world and related sexism issues. All in all, hanging out with this generation of teenagers in angst is not a bad way to spend a few hours.
The Last Blockbuster (2020)
This documentary on the last remaining Blockbuster Video in Bend, Oregon is a charming, feel-good look at how one video store is keeping old-school movie-watching alive and well.
This movie is a sweet love letter to not-so-old tradition as well as a gentle warning about how the even the most popular businesses can crash and burn in the digital age.
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