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25 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now (March 2024)

Top netflix movies to watch this month..

With over 1,500 original titles, Netflix continues to stay atop the streaming wars pyramid thanks to its exclusive content offerings. Netflix has something for everyone, covering every genre and target demographic imaginable. Sure, everyone knows about popular series like Stranger Things , Squid Games , or The Witcher , but when it comes to film, Netflix has some genuinely good original movies on the platform. With so many titles to choose from, it’s difficult sometimes to make heads or tails of what’s available, let alone what’s actually worth the sit down and stream. We’ve done the heavy lifting so you don’t have to and figured out the very best Netflix movies ready for your viewing pleasure in January 2024.

Please note: This list pertains to U.S. Netflix subscribers. Some titles may not currently be available on international platforms. This article is frequently amended to remove films no longer on Netflix and to include more original films that are now available on the service.

Moneyball (2011)

Getting a boost in quality from a few excellent actors and Aaron Sorkin’s high-brow script, Moneyball is based on a true event that fundamentally changed the recruitment process in modern baseball. Facing a financial inability to recruit any prime-time baseball players, Oakland A’s manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) recruits the young, Ivy-league grad Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) to statistically analyze a way to form a successful baseball team. While this movie is not only a wonderful baseball story, it also serves as a true David and Goliath take on the sporting industry.

The Batman (2022)

A darker, more modern take on the popular masked vigilante, The Batman provides a more human quality to the character than ever before. After two years of nocturnal crime-fighting in Gotham City, Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) must defeat a psychotic murderer who forces him to answer riddles with the consequence of innocent deaths. While there have been many, varied iterations of Batman, Matt Reeves’ character delves a bit deeper into the shady past of the Wayne family and what enemies such a power can create.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

In what is now known to be the highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a blast of action and comedy that is fun for the whole family. As is the plot in the video games: Mario (Chris Pratt) is a well-to-do hero in the Nintendo world, attempting to stop Bowser’s (Jack Black) evil plans to destroy everything and take Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) as his prize. While the critics groaned and nit-picked upon the release of this animated super-film, audiences were overjoyed with the arguably errant nostalgia dumps and references that make this movie as exciting as it is.

Read our review of The Super Mario Bros. Movie .

Whiplash (2014)

A tour de force of acting, cinematography, and unconventional plot pacing, Whiplash is a story of dedication, determination, and rhythm in every aspect of life. Devoted to a life of percussion and musical passion, Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) traverses a cutthroat musical conservatory with an unmerciful instructor bent on brutal perfection. The movie itself strives for perfection since the plot seems to follow the pacing of a jazz song: ramping up and slowing down at seemingly random intervals but most certainly intentionally.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

The visually stunning sequel to the animated smash hit, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse continues the uniquely comic-book-like movie style that captivated audiences worldwide. Faced with the aftermath of the interdimensional mess caused in the first film, an elite task force of Spider-People takes it upon themselves to hunt and capture interdimensional anomalies randomly cast into other dimensions. Between his struggles with his family, his education, his love life, his ‘nemesis’, and the multitudes of Spider-People, the juggling of many themes at once in this film is impressive enough without the astounding artistry.

Read our review of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse .

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

A smashingly successful sequel in the Puss in Boots series, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish takes a giant leap into the future of action animation and storytelling in a fantastic way. After living a life of adventure and reckless abandon and plowing through 8 of his 9 lives, Puss (Antonio Banderas) must go on a journey to find the mythical Last Wish: a sought-after gauntlet of personalized trials that will earn the victor a magical wish. Impressively improved animation aside, this movie does a fantastic job writing its narrative and characters, including Wolf (Wagner Moura), a villain claimed to be the best animated villain since Scar of The Lion King.

They Cloned Tyrone (2023)

While everyone was busy watching Barbie and Oppenheimer, Netflix sneakily released They Cloned Tyrone the same weekend. And although it was overshadowed by the collective power of Barbenheimer, They Cloned Tyrone desires a second look. In it, Jamie Foxx, John Boyega, and Teyonah Parris are forced to team up to investigate what appears to be a wide-ranging government conspiracy. Part mystery, part comedy, with just a touch of sci-fi flair, They Cloned Tyrone is a stylish and well-acted thriller that never takes itself too seriously. If you liked Sorry to Bother You, They Cloned Tyrone might be just up your alley.

Read our review of They Cloned Tyrone .

White Noise (2022)

Directed by Barbie co-writer Noah Baumbach, White Noise is an attempt at adapting Don DeLillo’s 1985 novel by the same name, which many have long considered to be unadaptable. It’s a dense book, full of meditative and philosophical asides that have little to do with its meandering, often abstract narrative. And yet, here it is, a stubborn little movie released on Netflix that tries to accomplish the impossible. Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig star as a pair of parents raising an unruly, hyper-talkative group of children. He’s a college professor, she’s an aerobics instructor with near-constant ruminations about death – they’re a match made in heaven. But their life gets a little more complicated when a nearby train crash unleashes what is called an Airborne Toxic Event, forcing them to flee their homes to escape the poisonous chemicals. More than a little weird but engaging enough if you’re willing to give it a chance, White Noise is the perfect choice if you want to try out something a little bit different.

Read our review of White Noise .

The Woman King (2022)

Set amidst the 19th-century African kingdom of Dahomey (located in present-day Benin), The Woman King revolves around the Agojie, a group of female warriors who have pledged to protect their people and their king (played by John Boyega). This army is led by the fierce Nanisca (Viola Davis) as she trains a new cohort of soldiers, including the strong-willed Nawi (Thuso Mbedu). The Woman King examines the power dynamics of African empires before European colonization, and it does so without sacrificing an ounce of thrilling action along the way. The fight sequences are bold and energetic, aided by vivid costumes and a powerful score. Viola Davis may have missed out on an Academy Award nomination for her performance in The Woman King, but that doesn’t make this film any less worthy of praise.

The Wonder (2022)

Science and religion are two warring philosophies, and they come into abrupt conflict in The Wonder , when a young nurse, Lib Wright, (played by Florence Pugh) is sent to Ireland to observe a bona fide miracle. Anna O’Donnell, an Irish child, allegedly hasn’t had a bite to eat in months, yet she still survives. A local board has been assembled to assess whether or not this little girl is a saint in the making, and to that end, they’ve hired the nurse and a local nun to watch her every hour of the day and report back on their findings. Lib expects to find a reasonable explanation for the girl’s strange behavior, her faith in science and medicine flying in the face of the religious fervor that otherwise grips the small rural community. Gorgeously shot by cinematographer Ari Wegner, The Wonder is a fascinating historical drama that examines the tensions between conflicting belief systems in 1860s Ireland.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

With 2019’s Knives Out , we have Rian Johnson to thank for single handedly bringing back the murder mystery. After it became a surprise hit, a sequel was all but assured, resulting in Glass Onion , which features an all-new cast of characters aside from its fan-favorite detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). In it, Blanc is invited to a murder mystery party on a private Greek island hosted by a tech billionaire and, predictably, chaos ensues. Glass Onion is just as clever and narratively satisfying as its predecessor, with Craig preventing Blanc from becoming a caricature and Janelle Monae stealing just about every scene she appears in. Here’s hoping for the Knives Out cinematic universe to have a long and healthy life!

See our guide to the best mystery movies for more films like Knives out .

Crimson Peak (2015)

Guillermo del Toro has made his directorial career by bringing to life nightmarish visions, but with Crimson Peak , he sets his sights on a gothic story that is as much based in romance as it is in horror. Tom Hiddleston stars as an English nobleman with a crumbling estate and a too-close relationship with his sister (Jessica Chastain) who marries Buffalo heiress Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) for less than honorable reasons. Blending ghostly elements, an atmospheric manor house, and a tragic love story, Crimson Peak may not be Guillermo del Toro’s most famous film (and its middling reception reflects an audience expecting something more in line with his other, more horror-focused projects), but it is one of his most beautiful.

One of the biggest global hits to come out of India in decades, RRR is an over-the-top extravaganza of violence, nationalism, and of course, epic dance numbers. It stars N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan as a pair of best friends who will do anything for one another. But their relationship becomes more complicated when it becomes clear that neither is being completely honest with each other.

Their conflict amidst their individual efforts to stay true to themselves provides the backbone of RRR, as duty tears them apart. The film is a little over three hours long, but it hardly feels it: When would you even have time to look at the time, when there are fight sequences with actual tigers and endlessly charming dance battles to watch instead?

See more of the best action movies on Netflix .

The King (2019)

Set in England during the 15th century, The King is the most recent film to explore the life of King Henry V. A story first dramatized by William Shakespeare in the late 1500s, we are given a glimpse of the king not as a proud and noble leader, but as a young man who still has some serious maturing to do.

Timothee Chalamet stars as Hal, the hard-partying son of King Henry IV who ascends to the throne reluctantly, uneager to take on the responsibilities of all of England. But he can’t hide from his fate, and he will be given an opportunity to prove himself at the now-legendary Battle of Agincourt. With strong performances from Chalamet and Joel Edgerton as the part-buffonish, part-wise Sir John Falstaff, The King is a respectable period drama that doesn’t fail to engage.

The Power of the Dog (2021)

The Power of the Dog is a meditative exploration of masculinity amidst the Old West. Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Phil Burbank, a grizzled Montana cowboy who runs a ranch alongside his soft-spoken brother George (Jesse Plemons), but has little patience for George’s new wife Rose (Kirsten Dunst) or her seemingly delicate teenage son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee).

As the story progresses, an aura of tension fills the ranch as Phil plays subtle mind games with Rose, upsetting the fragile balance of the homestead. Filled with top-tier performances from the entire cast and the stunning cinematography of traditional western landscapes from Ari Wegner, The Power of the Dog is a slow-burning visual feast that challenges conventional stereotypes of manliness, especially within the western genre.

tick, tick … Boom! (2021)

Up-and-coming Broadway playwright Jonathan Larson tragically died the night before RENT, the show that would redefine musical theater in the 1990s, premiered on Broadway. But before that, he was just another struggling artist in New York. Tick, tick … Boom! is the musical he wrote while grappling with his fear of growing older without having achieved his dreams.

Although Andrew Garfield has a background in theater, his performance here is nonetheless a huge leap of faith, as he showcases hitherto unexplored musical abilities in the lead role of Jonathan Larson himself. Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, tick, tick … Boom! is a love letter to theater fans everywhere, with more cameos from Broadway legends than you can shake a stick at.

13th (2016)

From groundbreaking director Ava DuVernay, 13th is a documentary analyzing the connection between the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery throughout the United States and ended involuntary servitude except as a punishment for conviction of a crime, and the mass incarceration of Black citizens in America.

13th is a gripping documentary showcasing how despite the “abolishment” of slavery, that the continued systemic oppression of Black Americans through things like Jim Crow laws, the school-to-prison pipeline, the war on drugs, and the prison industrial complex have all contributed to what is essentially “slavery with extra steps.” The film was later nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 89th Academy Awards, and won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)

We certainly have plenty of dreamy World War II-era romances floating around in film – but at this point, what’s the harm in one more? In The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (what a mouthful), Lily James stars as Juliet Ashton, a young writer who becomes fascinated by the war experiences of the inhabitants of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands that was occupied by the Germans. When she travels to the island, she discovers the horrors and small rebellions of people whose lives have been turned upside down. And in the process, she becomes drawn to one inhabitant in particular – Dawsey Adams, played by the always delightful Michiel Huisman. Their chemistry is undeniable, and goes a long way in helping The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society stand out in a crowded field.

I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)

The inside of Charlie Kaufman’s mind must be a fascinating and terrifying place to be. Based on Iain Reid’s novel of the same name, I’m Thinking of Ending Things feels like a waking fever dream of emotional duress and psychological torment. The story centers on a woman considering ending her relationship on the way to meet her boyfriend’s family, but that surface level synopsis does the film no justice.

Kaufman has a history of making idiosyncratic cinema, with films like Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Synecdoche, New York, but this feels like his least accessible venture yet, and that’s not a bad thing. This is one that you’ll be thinking about and over analyzing long after the credits roll, and possibly find yourself wandering into your own personal struggles of existential instability in a way that only Kaufman movies can.

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)

It seems impossible to make a romantic comedy these days now that the commonly accepted romcom tropes have all gone the way of the dodo, but Netflix’s film adaptation of Jenny Han's 2014 novel of the same name was so successful, it lead to a trilogy of films and an upcoming spin-off. The film centers on teenage Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) who writes secret, soul-baring letters to her five crushes, but never intends to send them.

After the letters get out (because of course they do), her entire world is thrown upside down and she must learn to navigate life, love, and being honest about her feelings. It’s a genuinely heartfelt look at teenage love in a way that never feels like it's talking down to its intended audience, and brings to life relatable characters you won’t regret cheering for in a decade. Lara Jean is the newest teen movie queen.

Marriage Story (2019)

The memes of Adam Driver punching a wall and crying are good, but the source material, Marriage Story , is great. If you’ve ever been in a relationship that has fallen apart, married or not, Marriage Story is downright gutting. Driver and co-star Scarlett Johansson star as a stage director and his actor wife as they struggle through a gruelling, coast-to-coast divorce that pushes them to their personal and creative extremes.

Laura Dern won the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 92nd Academy Awards for her performance as lawyer Nora Fanshaw, and although the film is not autobiographical, the personal touch Noah Baumbach brought after his own divorce from Jennifer Jason Leigh is downright palpable.

To Leslie (2022)

After premiering at Sundance in 2022, To Leslie seemed like it would join the extensive catalog of independent films that are well-received by critics but never get the kind of distribution deal that allows it to be seen by mainstream audiences. That is, of course, until Andrea Riseborough pulled off the ultimate Cinderella story, earning an Oscar nomination through a tiny (and to some, suspiciously executed) grassroots campaign. She plays the titular Leslie, a drug addict in recovery attempting to reconcile with her son (Owen Teague) and begin a new life with the help of a grumpy but soft-hearted motel owner (Marc Maron). Her performance is transformative, creating a character who is unlikeable but somehow sympathetic at the same time.

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Spike Lee really never misses, huh? In what is arguably his most ambitious film, Da 5 Bloods focuses on four Black veterans forced to battle the forces of man and nature when they return to Vietnam looking for the remains of their fallen squad leader and the gold fortune he helped them hide.

Part historical drama, part heist movie, and part political thriller, Lee weaves an intersectional masterpiece topped with an all-star cast featuring Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Johnny Trí Nguyễn, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Mélanie Thierry, Paul Walter Hauser, Jasper Pääkkönen, Jean Reno, and Chadwick Boseman.

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

Netflix’s main competitor in the streaming wars is Disney+, and the juggernaut company feels almost untouchable when it comes to animated fare … that is until Netflix and Sony released the best animated film of 2021, The Mitchells vs. the Machines. The Mitchells seem like your average, slightly dysfunctional American family, but they must put their strife aside when AI assistance robots begin to take over the world.

The premise sounds silly, but The Mitchells vs. the Machines is filled with so much heart it’s impossible not to fall in love with this family. Danny McBride, Abbi Jacobson, Alex Hirsch, Maya Rudolph, Michael Rianda, Olivia Colman, Fred Armisen, Eric Andre, and Doug the Pug all thrive in their voiceover roles, and this film proves that Netflix is a true contender in original animated programming.

If you're looking for more like this you can take a look at our list of the best sci-fi movies on Netflix right now.

Okja (2017)

Before Bong Joon-ho took home Oscars for Parasite, the South Korean director delivered Okja for Netflix. The film centers on a young girl named Mija, who has served as a caretaker and companion to the massive “super-pig” named Okja in the mountains of South Korea.

After a massive conglomerate takes Okja for themselves and transports the creature to New York City, Mija sets out on a rescue mission to find her friend, and stop the nefarious plans of the corporation’s image-obsessed CEO played by Tilda Swinton. Okja is easily one of Joon-ho’s best films, but there’s been little attention paid to it since its release in 2017. That needs to change. All hail the super-pig.

How We Choose the Best Netflix Movies

Netflix's Originals have become a force to be reckoned with in recent years, with the service going from a collection of other studios' films and popular TV shows to a genuine content-churning machine. We try to focus on the Netflix Originals that have proven to be popular favorites as well as those non-Netflix movies that scored well on aggregate sites like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. In some cases, we may pick more surprising titles that aren't as "buzzy" as some others on this list. The one common thread is that all these movies are truly worth your time.

In This Article

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Best Netflix movies: the 42 best films worth watching in March 2024

What are the best Netflix movies to stream today? TechRadar reveals all

Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter

This month's update sees a hatful of films leave the service, including Blonde , Call Me By Your Name , Dune , Don't Worry Darling , and La La Land . In their place, we've added Everything Everywhere All at Once , Elvis , Puss in Boots: The Last Wish , Jurassic Park , and Enola Holmes . We've also updated every other entry in this guide with the most important information about them, as well as adding in their official trailers.

Welcome to TechRadar's best Netflix movies guide. Below, we've compiled a list of the 42 best films to stream on Netflix , with all entries categorized by the primary genre they fall under. That way, you can simply use the navigation bar on the left side of this page to jump to the type of flick you enjoy the most. You're welcome.

There are tons of movies to watch on the world's best streaming service , though, so how have our entertainment experts picked out the 40-plus films to include in this article? It's simple: we selected them based on two big criteria: their Rotten Tomatoes (RT) score and/or how popular they've been with Netflix's worldwide audience. Armed with that data, we're confident that you'll agree with our choices below.

Want even more recommendations? Our new Netflix movies is home to all of the new movies that have joined the streaming giant in recent weeks. Bookmark that page for later, however, and continue reading on to see what the best Netflix movies are today.

Best action movies on Netflix

Army of the dead.

Age rating: R Runtime: 148 minutes Main cast: Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera, and Matthias Schweighofer Director: Zack Snyder RT score: 67%

Army of the Dead was Zack Snyder’s first feature following his increasingly acrimonious split with Warner Bros, and it’s everything that his DC Extended Universe ( DCEU ) superhero movies weren’t: bright, colorful, action-packed, funny, and topical, even if its 45-minute introduction is a little self-indulgent.

Dave Bautista leads a strong cast as Scott Ward, a former zombie-stomping war hero who’s approached with an intriguing proposal by casino owner Bly Tanaka (Hiroyuki Sanada). The assignment? Enter a zombie infested Las Vegas, break into Tanaka’s casino vault, escape with his $200 million assets, and Ward and his group will receive $50 million to split between them as a reward.

Yes, the movie is as chaotic as that plot makes it sound. And, with a sequel film and TV spin-off on the way, Army of the Dead is a must-watch for fans of gratuitous blood and gore.

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Extraction 1 and 2

Age rating: R Runtime: 118 minutes (Extraction 1); 123 minutes (Extraction 2) Main cast: Chris Hemsworth and Golshifteh Farahani Director: Sam Hargrave RT score: 67% (Extraction 1); 79% (Extraction 2)

Looking for an unrelenting thrill ride that's stuffed with some of the best action sequences we've seen in a long time? Netflix Original film series  Extraction is the one for you.

Marvel  star Chris Hemsworth stars as Tyler Rake, a black ops merc-for-hire with a complex backstory. In each movie, Rake is hired to rescue someone (or numerous individuals) from a seemingly impossible situation. Once he's acquired the package, he tries to lead them to safety as numerous thugs, gang members, and other characters attempt to kill Rake and those he's liberated.

Extraction 1  was a pretty good watch and its sequel is, in our opinion, even better thanks to its  21-minute-long, heart-pounding, intricately assembled, and dangerous one-shot sequence . Make sure you check out our  Extraction 2  review  for more on why it's one of the best Netflix movies around, and then read our exclusive chats with director Sam Hargrave about  why the film's one shot sequence took four grueling months to shoot  and  how he had Marvel to thank for that unexpected cameo .

John Wick 1, 2, and 3

Age rating: R Runtimes: 101 minutes ( John Wick 1 ); 122 minutes ( John Wick 2 ); 130 minutes ( John Wick 3 ) Main cast: Keanu Reeves, Lance Reddick, Ian McShane, and Laurence Fishburne Director: Chad Stahelski RT score: 86% ( John Wick 1 ); 89% ( John Wick 2 ); 89% ( John Wick 3 )

Few action film franchises have been as successful as this Keanu Reeves-starring movie series.

A story that begins with Reeves’ titular assassin tracking down those responsible for killing his dog (a gift from his deceased wife) and his beloved Mustang, John Wick soon evolves into an engrossing, expansive universe full of intriguing hitman-based mythos, betrayals, tragedy, underappreciated humor, and some of the most spectacular fight scenes we’ve seen in a long time.

The first three films – find out how to watch the John Wick movies in order – are now on Netflix. A prequel TV spin-off titled The Continental is also available on Peacock , while the Ana de Armas-fronted Ballerina , the franchise’s first movie spin-off, is one of 18 epic movies we can’t wait for in 2024 . 

Best animated movies on Netflix

Apollo 10 1/2: a space age childhood.

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 98 minutes Main cast: Jack Black, Bill Wise, Lee Eddy, Milo Coy, Zachary Levi, and Glen Powell Director: Richard Linklater RT score: 91%

If you’re keen to mix up your movie-watching diet, films don't come much more unconventional than Netflix’s Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood . Boyhood director Richard Linklater returns to filmmaking duties with this animated feature, which tells the story of the 1969 moon landing from multiple perspectives. 

The movie shares the visual style of Linklater’s previous animation, 2006's A Scanner Darkly , and features the voice talents of The Super Mario Bros. Movie 's Jack Black, Shazam! Fury of the Gods ' Zachary Levi, and Top Gun: Maverick star Glen Powell. Despite its needlessly lengthy title, Apollo 10 1/2 is a genuinely unique take on one of history’s most iconic moments, and serves as yet more proof of Netflix's willingness to invest in boundary-pushing storytelling. 

Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio

Age rating: PG Runtime: 121 minutes Main cast: Gregory Mann, Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Tilda Swinton, Cate Blanchett, and Finn Holfhard Directors: Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson RT score: 96%

Who says Netflix has lost its taste for originality? With  Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio , the streamer breathes new life into Carlo Collodi's beloved 1883 fairytale about a wooden puppet who longs to become a real boy. 

Shot entirely using stop-motion (in a manner akin to Netflix series  The House ), del Toro’s darker adaptation is set in 1930s Italy during Mussolini’s fascist regime and features a star-studded voice cast that includes Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Tilda Swinton, Christoph Waltz and Cate Blanchett. Indisputably one of the best Netflix movies in years.

The Mitchells vs The Machines

Age rating: PG Runtime: 114 minutes Main cast: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Michael Rianda, and Olivia Colman Director: Michael Rianda RT score: 97%

Originally intended for a theatrical release, Netflix bought this animated movie from Sony and producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller – best known as the minds behind The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street , and also part of the team behind the Spider-Verse movies. It's exactly as charming and funny as those movies, too. 

Katie Mitchell (Abbi Jacobson) is an aspiring filmmaker who's about to head to college – until her dad, conscious that they've been drifting apart, cancels her plane ticket and insists on a family road trip. Halfway through this fraught journey, an AI takes revenge on its billionaire creator and the world is suddenly under duress from smart robots. 

A lot of Spider-Verse 's visual touches cross over into this film, with 2D annotations and drawings on the already-pretty 3D visuals. Most of all, it's nice to see Netflix backing a family movie that's not just full of talking dogs and other hackneyed nonsense so often seen in CG kids' fare. 

Age rating: PG Runtime: 102 minutes Main cast: Chloe Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, and Frances Conroy Directors: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane RT score: 92%

Based on ND Stevenson's 2015 graphic novel of the same name, Nimona is a delightfully fun, action-packed, funny, and heartfelt flick that's also unapologetically queer.

Star Wars alumnus Riz Ahmed voices Ballister Blackheart, a futuristic knight who's framed for a crime he didn't commit. The only witness who can save him from a lengthy jail term is Nimona ( The Peipheral 's Chloe Grace Moretz), a shapeshifter who Blackheart is sworn to seek out and destroy. Cue a wild buddy cop-style adventure that teaches kids to have an open mind about people who are different to them in more ways than one.

Nimona has been lauded for its LGBTQ+ representation, subversive storytelling, and gorgeous visuals among many other positives. A truly worth entry in our best Netflix movies guide.

Age rating: PG Runtime: 95 minutes Main cast: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin Director: Paul King RT score: 97%

We're just going to say it: Paddington is one of the best family movies of all time.

Don't argue with us. At first glance, everyone's favorite, marmalade sandwich-eating Peruvian bear didn't seem like he'd be the star of a truly terrific family-friendly film. As it turns out, though, Paddington (voiced with a deftness, warmth, and stacks of humor by Ben Whishaw) is a bonafide movie star – and his first CGI-cum-live-action movie proves it.

You'll laugh yourself silly at its slapstick moments, you'll cry at its heart-wrenching (and heart-warming!) scenes, and shout "I didn't know they were in it!" at every big-name actor who appears. In short: go and watch it immediately.

Puss In Boots: The Last Wish

Age rating: PG Runtime: 102 minutes Main cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillen, Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Samson Kayo, Wagner Moura, and John Mulaney Director: Joel Crawford RT score: 95%

The second of Puss In Boots ' spin-off movies is, frankly, an absolute delight. Indeed, The Last Wish is a gorgeous-looking film, whose painterly visuals belie an existential tale with meaningful subject matter and making the most of the life (or lives, in Puss' case) that you have.

Banderas, who voiced the titular sword-wielding tabby cat in the Shrek films, returns to play Puss again once more. This time around, however, due to the life-threatening escapades he's gotten himself into, Puss is on his final life. To reinstate all nine lives, he'll need to find and then wish on a fallen star, all the while being pursued by a terrifying wolf (Moura) who's the personification of Death itself. A funny, moving, beautiful, and occasionally ominous movie.

The Sea Beast

Age rating: PG Runtime: 119 minutes Main cast: Karl Urban, Zaris Angel-Hator, Jared Harris, and Dan Stevens Director: Chris Williams RT score: 94%

The Sea Beast proved Disney doesn’t have a monopoly on layered, child-friendly storytelling upon its arrival in July 2022.

Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Chris Williams ( Moana , Big Hero Six ), the movie follows Jacob Holland (voiced by  The Boys ’ Karl Urban), a celebrated sea monster hunter whose life is upended when a young girl, Maisie Brumble (newcomer Zaris-Angel Hator), stows away on his ship. 

Charming, action-packed, and beautifully-rendered, The Sea Beast was praised by audiences and critics alike upon release, and serves as further proof that Netflix should think twice about scaling back its animation department . If it still is, that is. 

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Age rating: PG Runtime: 92 minutes Main cast: Chris Pratt, Anya-Taylor Joy, Jack Black, Charlie Day, Seth Rogen, and Keegan-Michael Key Directors: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic RT score: 59%

2023’s second-highest grossing movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie ’s success was fueled by nostalgia for Nintendo’s legendary video game series and its money-spinning ticket sales, rather than its overall quality.

But there’s more to the animated movie’s unprecedented box office performance than that. In our view, it’s funnier than some suggest, it's wonderful to look at, is packed with Easter eggs and other Mario references, and it gave us one of last year’s best earworms with Bowser’s humor-laced ‘Peaches’ love ballad.

Sure, its narrative is oft-times generic, its runtime is a little on the light side, and Chris Pratt’s Italian accent needed more refining. As a kid-friendly film that hits all the right notes where Nintendo’s passionate fanbase is concerned, though, this is one Mario movie we’ll enjoy for years to come. Read our review of The Super Mario Bros. Movie to learn more. 

Best comedy movies on Netflix

Age rating: 15 Runtime: 118 minutes Main cast: Adam Sandler, Juancho Hernangomez, Queen Latifah, and Robert Duvall Director: Jeremiah Zagar RT score: 93%

If you were a fan of 2019's Uncut Gems , listen up: Hustle , a surprisingly entertaining basketball drama, delivers more Adam Sandler-sized surprises. 

After discovering a once-in-a-lifetime player with a rocky past abroad, Stanley Sugerman (Sandler), a down-on-his-luck Philadelphia 76ers scout, takes it upon himself to bring the young phenom to the States without his team's approval. Against the odds, the pair must work to prove that they both deserve to make it big in the NBA. 

That synopsis might sound like standard sports drama fare, but Hustle earned unexpectedly glowing reviews ahead of its muted release. Trust us: this is no Jack and Jill .

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Age rating: PG Runtime: 92 minutes Main cast: John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, and Michael Palin Directors: Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam RT score: 96%

Monty Python and the Holy Grail did more for the satire and parody subgenres than many other comedies have done in the last 50 years.

A witty and biting take on the legend of King Arthur, Monty Python and the Holy Grail stars the titular and legendary British comedy outfit as King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable, who embark on a hilarity-infested quest to seek the Holy Grail.

If you're a fan of Monty Python , you'll likely have seen this one countless times over. First-time viewers, though, will cackle and guffaw their way through the film's rivetingly silly scenarios. The Black Knight scene, Knights of the Roundtable dance number, deadly Rabbit of Caerbannog sequence, and Knights Who Say "Ni!" moment are just four instantaneously classic moments waiting to be viewed. Just don't blame us if you end up endlessly quoting this flick long after the credits have rolled.

( NB: Monty Python's Life of Brian and Monty Python's Flying Circus are also available to stream).

The Nice Guys

Age rating: R Runtime: 115 minutes Main cast: Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, Angourie Rice, and Margaret Qualley Director: Shane Black RT score: 91%

Buddy comedies don't come much better than The Nice Guys . Director Shane Black's underappreciated action comedy stars Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe as a private eye and a tough enforcer, who team up to determine the whereabouts of a girl-in-hiding (Margaret Qualley) in 1970s Los Angeles. 

Reminiscent of Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights in both its setting and black humor, the movie is fast-paced, suitably adult, and a perfect example of how to elicit chemistry between two big-time leads. Gosling, in particular, is hilarious. 

Best crime movies on Netflix

Bullet train.

Age rating: R Runtime: 126 minutes Main cast: Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Joey King, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Bryan Tyree Henry Director: David Leitch RT score: 54%

An action-comedy crime caper that certainly drew inspiration from John Wick (more on this film series shortly), Bullet Train is a fast-paced, thrills-a-minute joyride that makes full use of its claustrophobic setting.

Brad Pitt plays Ladybug, an anxious assassin who’s tasked with retrieving a suitcase filled with cash for a shady organization from the titular high-speed passenger vehicle. In order to do so, however, he’ll have to fend off the advances of similarly skilled agents, with the likes of Aaron-Taylor Jonhson, Brian Tyree Henry, Joey King, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Michael Shannon playing some of those extremely well-trained foes.

Bullet Train wasn’t a big hit with critics upon initial release, but it’s found a new lease of life on Netflix. If you prefer your movies to be action-packed, occasionally gory, and humorous affairs, look no further. 

The Irishman

Age rating: R Runtime: 209 minutes Main cast: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino, and Anna Paquin Director: Martin Scorsese RT score: 95%

This threateningly long Martin Scorsese pic attracted attention for the extensive effects work used to de-age its old stars, and it's a creative decision that's sometimes distracting. But there's no denying the appeal of seeing Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino in the same movie together for likely the last time, and this life-spanning, mostly rewarding crime epic is a suitable tribute to their collective talents. 

The Irishman follows Frank Sheeran (De Niro) as he recounts his long association with the Bufalino crime family and infamous union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). It's a languid film – and not a patch on Goodfellas – but absolutely among the best Netflix movies the streaming service has financed to date. Find out where we ranked it in our best Martin Scorsese movies piece.

Best drama movies on Netflix

The hand of god.

Age rating: R Runtime: 130 minutes Main cast: Filippo Scotti, Tony Servillo, Teresa Sapoangelo, and Marlon Joubert Director: Paolo Sorrentino RT score: 83%

The Hand of God marks the movie-making return of beloved Italian director Paolo Sorrentino, and tells the semi-autobiographical tale of a young man (Filippo Scotti, standing in for a teenage Sorrentino) grappling with the pressures of growing up in 1980s Naples. 

As well as referring to the infamous goal scored by Argentine footballer (and Napoli legend) Diego Maradona at the 1986 World Cup, the film's title alludes to a tragic and life-affirming event that forces its protagonist to grow up quicker than he'd otherwise like. To say more risks spoiling The Hand of God 's most tender moments, though the movie's beautiful locations, hypnotic camerawork, and larger-than-life characters ensure it ranks among Sorrentino's best work. If you're a fan of Call Me by Your Name , add this one to your watchlist. 

Phantom Thread

Age rating: R Runtime: 130 minutes Main cast: Daniel Day Lewis, Vicky Krieps, Lesley Manville, and Camilla Rutherford Director: Paul Thomas Anderson RT score: 91%

Shortly after Licorice Pizza – director Paul Thomas Anderson's most recent flick – hit 2023's awards circuit, Netflix added his previous film Phantom Thread to its library. This one tells the story of a dressmaker (Daniel Day-Lewis) in 1950s London who falls for a young waitress (Vicky Krieps). 

That might sound like a potentially boring narrative, but Phantom Thread is actually masterfully-shot. It's also a poignant exploration of what it means to be an artist, combining Oscar-winning costume design with a stunning soundtrack (from Radiohead and frequent Anderson collaborator Johnny Greenwood) to rank among its director's finest work. One of the best Netflix movies, this certainly is.

Age rating: R Runtime: 134 minutes Main cast: Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira, Marco Graf, Fernando Grediaga, and Daniela Demesa Director: Alfonso Cuaron RT score: 96%

An astonishing ode to motherhood in all forms, Roma is the most personal film to date from visionary director Alfonso Cuarón ( Children of Men , Gravity ).

On paper, it's is not the easiest sell – a subtitled black and white film about a live-in housekeeper spoken almost entirely in Spanish and the indigenous Mixtec language. But Cuarón's 2018 critical hit is nonetheless riveting from a cinematic standpoint. More a series of vignettes than a traditional three-act story, it examines the life of a Mexico City family in the early 1970s during a time of great social upheaval.

Age rating: R Runtime: 122 minutes Main cast: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl, and Olivia Wilde Director: Ron Howard RT score: 88%

Rush is a biographical sports movie about the heated rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. The pair are played here brilliantly by Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl respectively in one of Ron Howard's best movies in recent memory. 

The film portrays their rivalry as lucky playboy vs hotheaded strategist, and while it might exaggerate real-life events somewhat, it's a riveting movie. Along with documentary Senna and dad-friendly flick Ford Vs Ferrari , Rush is one of the best Netflix movies about racing. 

Society of the Snow

Age rating: R Runtime: 145 minutes Main cast: Enzo Vogrincic, Augustin Padella, Esteban Bigliardi, and Simon Hempe Director: J.A. Bayona RT score: 90%

J.A. Bayona’s latest flick – based on real-life events – is a harrowing portrayal of human endurance and how our primal survival instincts assume dominance over our humanity.

Society of the Snow tells the tragic story of the 1972 Andes Air Disaster, which saw a Uruguayan rugby team crash-land in the freezing South American mountain range en route to a Chile-based tournament. Trapped in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, the 16 survivors are forced to take extreme measures in order to stay alive.

Netflix’s first movie hit of 2024 is a heart-breaking and grim tale of human morality, but one that equally shines an earnest, powerful light on surviving against all odds. One of the best Netflix movies, from a foreign language perspective, you’ll see all year. 

Age rating: R Runtime: 109 minutes Main cast: Florence Pugh, Tom Burke, Niamh Algar, and Elaine Cassidy Director: Sebastien Lelio RT score: 89%

Florence Pugh ( Black Widow , A Good Person ) proved her generational talent yet again in Netflix's unsettling drama-cum-horror The Wonder .  

Set in the Irish Midlands in 1862, the movie stars Pugh as an English nurse called to observe a young girl (Kíla Lord Cassidy) who remains miraculously alive and well despite not having eaten for four months. Ciarán Hinds, Niamh Algar, and Toby Jones also star in Sebastián Lelio’s period mystery.

As period dramas go, The Wonder is an absorbing and fantastic flick that confirms Pugh's ability to embody every role she plays.

Best fantasy movies on Netflix

Everything everywhere all at once.

Age rating: R Runtime: 132 minutes Main cast: Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Stephanie Hsu Directors: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert RT score: 94%

Thanks largely to Marvel 's cinematic juggernaut, multiverse films have exploded in popularity (among studios, not necessarily audiences) in recent years. This absurdist multi-genre flick, which garnered universal acclaim and a seemingly infinite number of trophies on the 2023 awards circuit, though, is one of the best we've ever seen.

Everything Everywhere All at Once ( EEAAO ) stars Yeoh ( The Witcher: Blood Origin , The Brothers Sun ) as Evelyn Wang, a Chinese-American immigrant who learns that she must connect with alternate reality versions of herself in order to stop a supremely powerful being from destroying the multiverse. Quan ( Loki season 2 , The Goonies ) plays Evelyn's husband Waymond and Hsu ( Joy Ride ) is Evelyn's daughter Joy.

An epic assault on the senses with tons of heart, spectacular visuals, and an mind-boggling appreciation for philosophical themes like existentialism, nihilism, generational trauma, and racial identity, EEAAO is a masterpiece that deserves every gong in its stuffed awards cabinet.

Age rating: TV-MA Runtime: 121 minutes Main cast: Ahn Seo -hyun, Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Giancarlo Espostio Director: Bong Joon-ho RT score: 86%

If you've enjoyed Bong Joon Ho's Oscar Best Picture winner Parasite , you might want to check out his previous movie, Okja , which is still one of the best Netflix movies on the platform.

It tells the bizarre tale of a young girl Mija and her best pal, an enormous creature called Okja, whose friendship comes under threat when a nasty CEO (Tilda Swinton) has evil plans for the titular animal. It's a refreshing movie with a nice angle of animal activism – a very different proposition to Parasite , for sure, but one that also demonstrates the director's ability to blend genres. 

Best history movies on Netflix

Age rating: R Runtime: 140 minutes Main cast: Timothee Chalamet, Robert Pattinson, Joel Edgerton, and Sean Harris Director: David Michod RT score: 71%

Another Netflix Original, The King stars Timothée Chalamet as Henry V, a young man forced to navigate the worlds of politics, war and treachery after unexpectedly becoming king of England in the 15th century. 

This one contains all the fanfare you'd expect from a modern medieval movie, and boasts an excellent cast including Robert Pattinson, Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris. For a reported budget of just $20 million (although you wouldn't know it), director David Michôd managed to produce one of the most engaging and visually stunning historical dramas around. Stick it on your watch list.

The Woman King

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 135 minutes Main cast: Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, and John Boyega Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood RT score: 94%

Set in the 1820s, this Viola Davis-fronted historical epic tells the tale of General Nanisca (Davis) and the wider Adojie tribe, the all-female warrior unit that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey across a 200-year period.

Starring a number of other terrific Black actors including Lashana Lynch, John Boyega, Thuso Mbedu, and Sheila Stim, The Woman King is a weighty, crowd-pleasing spectacle that many have likened to Braveheart in its action, tonality, and themes surrounding defiance in the face of invading forces. A splashy popcorn flick, sure, but one filled with substance, as well as deeper societal and historical subject matter.

Best horror movies on Netflix

The fear street movie trilogy.

Age rating: R Runtimes: 107 minutes ( Fear Street 1 ); 110 minutes ( Fear Street 2 ); 114 minutes ( Fear Street 3 ) Main cast: Kiana Madeira, Olivia Welch, Gillian Jacobs, Sadie Sink, Benjamin Flores Jr, Emily Rudd, and Ryan Simpkins Director: Leigh Janiak RT score: 84% ( Fear Street 1 ); 87% ( Fear Street 2 ); 88% ( Fear Street 3 )

Launched in July 2021 as part of a new Netflix horror movie binge watch experiment , the Fear Street movie trilogy looked to recapture the bold and innovative multi-film storytelling formula that other popular horror franchises had seemingly perfected.

And, in short, it did. Set across three flicks, the Fear Street series – itself based on R.L. Stine's books of the same name – told the story of a group of 90s-era teens as they attempt to break a curse that's loomed over their town for over 300 years. With lashings of the supernatural and witchcraft, R-rated slasher violence, an intriguing narrative, and more than a few notable faces – Stranger Things ' Sadie Sink and Maya Hawke are among its cast – the Fear Street movies are well worth watching.

Age rating: TV-14 Runtime: 93 minutes Main cast: Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu Director: Remi Weekes RT score: 100%

This Weekes-directed movie stars Mosaku ( Loki ) and Dirisu ( Gangs of London ) as Rial and Bol, a refugee couple from South Sudan who struggle to adjust to their new life in the UK. The overriding issue? The duo believe there's an evil supernatural force haunting their council home and the surrounding area.

His House might not sound all that thrilling, but you'll want to give it a chance, trust us. Mosaku and Dirisu deliver powerhouse performances in this occasionally terrifying movie that, like Get Out , has plenty of important things to say about cultural and sociopolitical divides. There's a reason why it holds a perfect 100% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes – and, overall, it's because it's a darn good film.

Age rating: R Runtime: 100 minutes Main cast: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Daniel Zovatto, Jake Weary, and Olivia Luccardi Director: David Robert Mitchell RT score: 95%

This Mitchell-directed film shouldn't be slept on – which, in some ways, is ironic, given the lengths its lead character Jay goes to in order to stay awake.

Why? Because, in It Follows , the titular character is pursued by a supernatural entity after it's passed onto her through a sexual encounter with her at-the-time boyfriend Hugh. The entity in question will constantly (albeit) slowly track the currently infected individual until it catches them, upon which time it'll kill them – and then work its way back up the chain to murder every other person who was infected.

It's a bit on the nose with its thematic exploration of sexually transmitted diseases, but It Follows is an otherwise terrifically terrifying and seriously underrated film that deserves more acclaim. A long overdue sequel is in the works, too, so best catch this one while you can.

Best musical movies on Netflix

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 159 minutes Main cast: Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge, and Helen Thomson Director: Bahz Luhrmann RT score: 77%

Austin Butler's breakout role came in this 2022 biopic about the world-famous rock 'n' roll star whose life was as eventful as they come.

Seen through the eyes of Hanks' slimy agent Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis charts the rise and fall of the Mississippi-born singer-actor who went on to become one of the most recognizable musicians of all-time. Packed with dazzling energy and animated style, and led by a stunning performance from its leading man in Butler, Elvis shook up the biographical film genre with its heady mix of melodrama and swashbuckling score.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Age rating: R Runtime: 94 minutes Main cast: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman, and Colman Domingo Director: George C. Wolfe RT score: 97%

Based on the play by August Wilson – and despite the gorgeous period set dressing and costume design, it definitely feels very stage-y – Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a fantastic watch.

Viola Davis stars as legendary 'Mother of Blues' Ma Rainey, with the film focusing on one fraught recording session with Ma and her band, and the tension between the musician and her white producers and management. 

The late Chadwick Boseman ( Black Panther ) stars as Levee, an innovative trumpet player who struggles to find his place in the music scene, amid bandmates who don't always take him seriously. It's a sad but insightful movie that explores how culture is worth protecting and valuing, in a world where it's easily taken and monetized, and the film truly comes to life in its amazing musical sequences.

Best mystery movies on Netflix

Enola holmes.

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 124 minutes Main cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, and Helen Bonham Carter Director: Harry Bradbeer RT score: 91%

Stranger Things ' Millie Bobby Brown started to expand her acting career with this period-set comedy-mystery flick that's both an adaptation of Nancy Springer's Enola Holmes Mysteries book series and a spin-off of the Sherlock Holmes legend.

Brown plays the titular character (and younger sister of Cavill's Sherlock), who travels to London to locate her missing mother. Unsurprisingly, she gets side-tracked, and finds herself teaming up with a runaway lord to get to the bottom of a particularly thrilling case that threatens the UK.

A breezy but fun-filled adventure flick, Enola Holmes bubbles away nicely with its more than entertaining narrative, which is ably led by Brown's effervescent Holmes. Its sequel is also available to stream on Netflix.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 141 minutes Main cast: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monae, Kathryn Hahn, Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, and Leslie Odom Jr Director: Rian Johnson RT score: 92%

Knives Out wowed fans and critics alike in 2019, so sequels were inevitable. 

The first of those – Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – is another elaborate and highly entertaining whodunnit from director Rian Johnson. Buoyed by its excellent ensemble cast and a confidence carried over from its predecessor’s success, Glass Onion is even showier and bolder than Knives Out – though the film proved exceptionally divisive among fans of Benoit Blanc's debut outing upon release.

Best sci-fi movies on Netflix

Jurassic park.

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 126 minutes Main cast: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Samuel L Jackson, Ariana Richards, and Joe Mazzello Director: Steven Spielberg RT score: 92%

Spielberg's iconic take on Michael Crichton's novel about an idyllic dinosaur park that goes awry is the kind of classic sci-fi movie that Hollywood simply doesn't make anymore.

Set on the fictional Isla Nublar, Neill, Dern, and Goldblum play scientists Alan Grant, Ellie Satler, and Ian Malcolm, who are invited to tour industrialist John Hammond's new dinosaur research and genetics HQ, which is well on its way to bringing back the ancient beasts from the dead. When slimy computer programmer Dennis Nedry throws a spanner in the works, though, the quartet – along with Hammond's grandchildren and the park's employees – are forced to fight for their lives amid attacks from a T-Rex and velociraptors to name just two.

One of the best Netflix movies (licensed ones, anyway) and a legendary, highly entertaining film overall, Jurassic Park is cinema at its absolute best. See if you can work out where it ranks in our best Jurassic movies list before seeing if you guessed correctly.

( NB: Jurassic Park: The Lost World and Jurassic Park III are also available to stream on Netflix).

They Cloned Tyrone

Age rating: R Runtime: 119 minutes Main cast: John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Parris Director: Juel Taylor RT score: 95%

This genre-bending sci-fi flick launched on the same day as the cultural phenomenon known as Barbenheimer, so its viewing figures weren't all that impressive in the first couple of weeks post-release.

However, given time, people have realized  They Cloned Tyrone  is an absolutely brilliant movie. To discuss its plot at length is to spoil its biggest surprises, but here's a brief synopsis to give you a flavor of what to expect: "A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio (Jamie Foxx, John Boyega, and Teyonah Parris) onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy in this pulpy mystery caper." 

We thoroughly enjoyed what it has to offer on multiple levels and our  exclusive chat with John Boyega is well worth reading  for a peak behind the curtain on its production. Once you're watched it, be sure to read our  ending explainer on  They Cloned Tyrone  for Boyega's thoughts on its surprising ending .

Best superhero movies on Netflix

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 176 minutes Main cast: Robert Pattinson, Jeffrey Wright, Zoe Kravitz, Paul Dano, and Colin Farrell Director: Matt Reeves RT score: 85%

The Christopher Nolan-directed Batman trilogy isn't available on Netflix anymore, but there is another top-tier Dark Knight film that's made its way onto the service in the form of The Batman .

Robert Pattinson stuns in his first turn as the Caped Crusader, with the Matt Reeves-helmed Bat-Flick proving to be even more dingy and gritty than many of its forebears. That it leans more heavily into the superhero's detective-based skills than what's come before – walking that fine line of being gruesome but not gratuitously violent – too, makes it an even more fascinating, crime-based Batman film than we've been used to.

With a stupendous supporting vast including Paul Dano, Zoe Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell, Andy Serkis, and John Tuturro, The Batman needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. See where it placed in our best Batman movies guide.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Age rating: PG Runtime: 140 minutes Main cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Jake Johnson, Luna Lauren Velez, Bryan Tyree Henry, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Mahershala Ali, and Jason Schwartzman Directors: Kemp Powers, Joaquin Dos Santos, and Justin K. Thompson RT score: 95%

We were delighted to see Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Vers e make its unexpected Netflix debut in October 2023. As a spectacularly assembled animated superhero film, there are few better than it in the genre space right now – both from animation and storytelling perspectives.

Set 14 months after Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse , viewers are reunited with Miles Morales, Gwen Stacey, and Peter B Parker as they embark on a new multiverse-spanning journey that, unlike its forebear, won't be such an easy one to navigate.

In our Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse review , we said it "fulfils its ambitious promise to deliver an amazing follow-up to its 2018 predecessor". Once you've watched it, read our Across the Spider-Verse ending explained article to see how it sets up its Beyond the Spider-Verse sequel. Then, see where it ranks in our best Spider-Man movies guide, or find out how to watch the Spider-Man movies in order .

Best thriller movies on Netflix

The good nurse.

Age rating: R Runtime: 123 minutes Main cast: Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne Director: Tobias Lindholm RT score: 74%

Netflix puts its penchant for true-crime storytelling to good use with The Good Nurse , which follows the murderous exploits of real-life serial killer Charlie Cullen (Eddie Redmayne). Jessica Chastain plays Cullen's co-worker, Amy Loughren, who would ultimately go on to expose the sadistic behaviour that led to the deaths of dozens of patients over a period of sixteen years. 

On the broad spectrum of Netflix movies, The Good Nurse is a lower-key affair than, say, Don't Look Up . However, its shocking story of gross criminal negligence is far more impactful than the big-budget drama of the streamer's recent blockbusters. Sure, it's far from an easy watch – but it'll stay with you long after its credits roll.

Best war movies on Netflix

All quiet on the western front.

Age rating: R Runtime: 148 minutes Main cast: Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Aaron Hilmer, and Moritz Klaus Director: Edward Berger RT score: 90%

It’s been a good few years since Dunkirk and 1917 reminded audiences of the horrors of war, but Netflix assumed that responsibility with shocking but beautifully-made WWI epic, All Quiet on the Western Front . 

Based on Erich Maria Remarque’s landmark novel of the same name (which was first adapted into a feature film in 1930), this award-winning German-language movie tells the story of a young German soldier (Felix Kammerer) whose naive expectations of fighting for his country are shattered by war’s harrowing reality. As you'd expect, All Quiet on the Western Front is brutal, vivid and poignant – just don’t expect to reach its credits feeling particularly joyous.

Beasts of No Nation

Age rating: TV-MA Runtime: 137 minutes Main cast: Idris Elba, Abraham Atta, and Kurt Egyiawan Director: Cary Fukunaga RT score : 91%

We won't beat about the bush – Beasts of No Nation is a tough watch. No Time to Die 's Cary Fukunaga directs this harrowing feature, which follows the journey of a young orphan (Abraham Attah) forced into becoming a child soldier by a fierce warlord (Idris Elba) during an unnamed African civil war. 

An adaptation of Uzodinma Iweala's novel of the same name, Beasts of No Nation is a masterfully-shot story documenting the human cost of conflict, and places the uncomfortable realities of war front and centre. This isn't one to watch with the kids, but sitting through its two-hour narrative is an enlightening, dare-we-say necessary movie experience.  

Best western movies on Netflix

The harder they fall.

Age rating: R Runtime: 139 minutes Main cast: Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo, and LaKeith Stanfield Director: Jeymes Samuel RT score: 88% 

Jeymes Samuel's feature film directorial debut wasn't expected to be this good. But The Harder They Fall , which stars the likes of Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz, and Regina King, is a superb Western that deserves your attention.

Jonathan Majors, who was recently found guilty of domestic abuse and whose career is effectively over as a result, plays Nat Love, an outlaw who discover his mortal enemy Rufus Black (Elba) is being released from prison. Unsurprisingly, Love takes the law into his own hands and assembles his crack team of gunslingers to stop that from happening. 

A stylized, gun-toting action flick that's somewhat predictable in its makeup, The Harder They Fall will have you whooping and hollering at the screen regularly.

The Power of the Dog

Age rating: R Runtime: 128 minutes Main cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kristen Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee Director: Jane Campion RT score: 94%

It’s safe to say that Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog was the critical hit – and one of the best Netflix movies – of 2021. Widely praised for its slow-burning psychological drama, it follows the story of a menacing rancher (Benedict Cumberbatch) who doesn’t take kindly to the arrival of his brother’s new wife (Kirsten Dunst) and her son (Kodi Smit-McPhee).

Cumberbatch arguably gives a career-best performance as the volatile Phil Burbank here, which undoubtedly made interesting prep for Doctor Strange 2 . It's a slow-burner, but The Power of the Dog is a masterful piece of filmmaking.

For more Netflix coverage, read our best Netflix documentaries guide. Yet to subscribe to the streaming giant? Read our guide on how to sign up to Netflix , too, or whether you should cancel Netflix .

As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

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The 30 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now

Netflix Movies by Category

This post is updated regularly as movies leave and enter Netflix. *New additions are indicated with an asterisk.

With hundreds of films from around the world on the streaming giant that changed the game, how does one even know what to watch when they fire up their Netflix? Start here! We’ve gone through the many films available on the platform and pared down the selection to 30 must-see titles, including acclaimed dramas , action films , comedies , horror flicks , and even stuff for the whole family , with Netflix Originals peppered in throughout, alongside its licensed films. No algorithm nonsense here: Our picks represent the personal favorites of seasoned movie critics, and they’re updated every week and month to include or remove films that join or depart from the streaming service. This list represents the best of Netflix’s movie offerings, and it starts with a new rotating critic’s pick of the week.

This Week’s Critic’s Pick

*marcel the shell with shoes on.

Year: 2022 Runtime: 1h 30m Director: Dean Fleischer Camp

Camp adapted his delightful short about a talking shell into an even-more-delightful feature film, one of the best kids movies of the current decade. It hasn’t been on streaming services before, so gather the family around for this wonderful story of a shell who is trying to find his family. It’s a beautiful, heartwarming, hysterical piece of work.

How We Pick Our Films

Critic Brian Tallerico watches and writes about movies and TV every day. To curate this list, he dives into Netflix’s catalogue to surface acclaimed, surprising, or otherwise noteworthy titles — using his taste and a lifetime of cinema study as his guide, instead of whatever the algorithm happens to be pushing. After triple-checking to make sure they’re still available, he watches each, organizes them by category, then writes his recommendation. We highlight more than just Oscar winners or popcorn flicks: These films present interesting ideas, made an impact on cinema, and changed our culture. Read on to find something to watch.

Year: 1974 Runtime: 2h 10m Director: Roman Polanski

Forget it Jake, it’s Chinatown. One of the best movies of the ‘70s, this Best Picture nominee (and Best Screenplay winner) tells the story of Jake Gittes, played unforgettably by Jack Nicholson, as he investigates an adulterer and finds something much more insidious under the surface of Los Angeles. It’s a must-see, as important as almost any film from its era.

The Conversation

Year: 1974 Runtime: 1h 53m Director: Francis Ford Coppola

One of the best directors of the ‘70s took a break from The Godfather movies to write, produce, and direct one of his masterpieces, a study in paranoia that gave Gene Hackman a chance to deliver arguably his best screen performance. The legendary actor plays a surveillance expert who stumbles onto what could be a potential murder, leading him down a rabbit hole of violence and paranoia. The Conversation is a must-see that’s as powerful today as when it was released.

Devil in a Blue Dress

Year: 1995 Runtime: 1h 41m Director: Carl Franklin

Carl Franklin wrote and directed one of the most underrated Denzel Washington performances of all time in this 1995 adaptation of the novel of the same name by Walter Mosley. Washington plays Easy Rawlins, a World War II vet in 1948 who gets drawn into a mystery that classic noir filmmakers would have adored. Charming and riveting, the only crime here is that there wasn’t a whole franchise of films with Washington playing Easy.

Glengarry Glen Ross

Year: 1992 Runtime: 1h 40m Director: James Foley

For a long time, it felt like David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1984 masterpiece was unfilmable, but Foley, working with the playwright as screenwriter, figured it out, assembling one of the best ensembles of the ‘90s to do so. Alec Baldwin notoriously steals his one scene, but the entire cast here is a stunner, especially Al Pacino (who was Oscar-nominated), Alan Arkin, and Jack Lemmon.

L.A. Confidential

Year: 1997 Runtime: 2h 17m Director: Curtis Hanson

Curtis Hanson directed this adaptation of James Ellroy’s epic crime novel of 1950s Los Angeles. Starring Guy Pearce, Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey, and Kim Basinger, it’s a perfect thriller and one of the best movies of the ‘90s. So many films since this one have tried to mimic the tough-talking thrills of it and fallen completely flat. It’s harder than it looks to be this cool.

Year:  2011 Runtime:  2h 13m Director:  Bennett Miller

One of the best baseball movies ever made was adapted from the 2003 book by Michael Lewis, which recounts the management of the 2002 season of the Oakland Athletics, and how they changed the way the game is run by bringing analytics into the mix. Brad Pitt gives one of his best performances as general manager Billy Beane, a man who knew he would have to find a new way to evaluate talent if the A’s were going to compete. This is a rich, smart, riveting movie that’s extra-interesting given what the Oakland franchise is going through in 2024.

May December

Year: 2023 Runtime: 1h 57m Director: Todd Haynes

Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman star in the latest from Carol and Far from Heaven director Todd Haynes, a stunning character study of an actress who discovers that some people are impossible to figure out. Portman plays a star who tries to get under the skin of Moore’s character, a woman who raped a child when she was a teacher, and later married that young man. Charles Melton is phenomenal as the now-grown victim, stuck in perpetual adolescence.

Year:  2021 Runtime:  1h 36m Director:  Lauren Hadaway

Isabelle Fuhrman is stunning in this drama about a young woman who becomes obsessed with her performance on the university rowing team. Sort of a variation on the committed intensity seen in  Whiplash , it’s a drama that plays almost like a thriller, and it earned five Independent Spirit nominations, including Best Film and Best Director. Don’t miss this one.

The Power of the Dog

Year: 2021 Runtime: 2h 6m Director: Jane Campion

The film that finally won an Oscar for Jane Campion for directing is one of the most acclaimed in the history of the streaming giant. Campion helmed this adaptation of the novel of the same name by Thomas Savage, the story of a vicious landowner (Benedict Cumberbatch) who torments the new wife (Kirsten Dunst) of his brother (Jesse Plemons). A drama that plays like a thriller, this gorgeously rendered period piece unpacks themes of toxic masculinity and manipulation in a way that makes it impossible to turn away. It’s not just one of the best Netflix Original films, it’s one of the best, period, of the 2020s so far.

Year: 2014 Runtime: 1h 46m Director: Damien Chazelle

Chazelle may still be startled by the divisive response to last year’s Babylon, but he can go back to the near-universal praise for the film that really broke him, earning one of its stars an Oscar and getting a nomination for Best Picture. Damien Chazelle’s drama about a perfectionist drummer and his militaristic teacher thrilled viewers from the minute it premiered at Sundance. It was a major piece of pop culture, a film that feels like it’s being referenced more every year.

*Everything Everywhere All at Once

Year: 2022 Runtime: 2h 19m Directors: The Daniels

After a brief stint on Amazon Prime, this is the first Netflix drop for the 2023 Best Picture winner, a movie that defies categorization as it tells a story of alternate realities and butt plugs. A film that debuted at SXSW, this daring piece of work built an audience through 2022 until it won multiple Oscars, including Best Picture and Director. It’s like nothing else. Anywhere.

Year: 2013 Runtime: 1h 30m Director: Alfonso Cuarón

Alfonso Cuarón’s Oscar winner has rarely been on streaming services so take this chance to watch his sci-fi masterpiece while you can. Sandra Bullock gives arguably her best performance as an astronaut who gets stranded in space, forced to find her way back to Earth on her own. Yes, it plays best in theaters, but it’s a movie worth watching in whatever manner possible.

Year: 2014 Runtime: 1h 41m Director: Chad Stahelski

The one that started it all! Actually, all of the first three films in the series about the assassin who destroys worlds when his dog gets murdered are on Netflix, just waiting for the excellent fourth film to join them. Have a marathon and admire the incredible stunt choreography and charismatic leading man work from Keanu Reeves. There’s not a bad film in this franchise.

Jurassic Park

Year: 1993 Runtime: 2h 6m Director: Steven Spielberg

An instant classic when it was released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s dinosaur blockbuster spawned a franchise that’s still humming almost three decades later with the 2022 release of the wildly successful Dominion . The first three films in the series, including Spielberg’s sequel The Lost World , are on Netflix right now, alongside the pretty fun Camp Cretaceous.

Year: 2003 Runtime: 2h Director: Park Chan-wook

It’s hard to explain to people how this movie moved through the film-loving world before Film Twitter was a thing. Recently restored for its 20th anniversary, Oldboy has now been dropped on Netflix again, and it’s lost none of its searing power. It’s the tale of a man who is kidnapped, and its genius is that it’s not a whodunit as much as a whydunit, forcing viewers and protagonists to wonder about a truly grisly motive until the final unforgettable act.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Year:  2023 Runtime:  2h 20m Director:  Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson

What a gift to Netflix subscribers for this to already be on the service, mere weeks after playing in theaters and landing on Blu-ray. This is how you do a big-budget blockbuster sequel, developing the themes of the first movie and setting up the stake for what now appears will be one of the best trilogies in superhero history. Packed with so much detail and creativity, it’s a film Netflix subscribers will want to watch over and over again. Do so while you still can.

The Woman King

Year: 2022 Runtime: 2h 14m Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Living legend Viola Davis stars in this retelling of the all-female warriors of the kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century. She plays General Nansica, who trains young women to follow in her footsteps, and leads a rock star ensemble of future stars that includes Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, and Sheila Atim. You’ll know all their names soon enough.

Blazing Saddles

Year: 1974 Runtime: 1h 32m Director: Mel Brooks

The ultimate “could they make that movie anymore” conversation piece remains one of the funniest films ever made. Cleavon Little plays the new Sheriff in town as Brooks and his team skewer Western genre conventions and race relations in a way that’s unforgettably hysterical. It’s quite literally one of the funniest movies ever made.

The Blues Brothers

Year: 1980 Runtime: 2h 12m Director: John Landis

One of the most beloved comedies of all time, this musical classic stars John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as Jake and Elwood Blues, characters they developed together on Saturday Night Live . The humor in John Landis’ classic has held up, but the music really holds it together, including appearances from James Brown, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, and Chaka Khan.

Year:  2017 Runtime:  1h 33m Director:  Greta Gerwig

The  Barbie  director’s last Best Picture nominee is one of the most personal and striking coming-of-age films in years. Saoirse Ronan stars as the titular character, a young Californian who longs for someplace cooler than her own hometown. It’s a heartfelt and very smart film, buoyed by great performances throughout, including Ronan, Tracy Letts, Timothee Chalamet, Lucas Hedges, Beanie Feldstein, and Laurie Metcalf, who was robbed of that Oscar.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Year: 1975 Runtime: 1h 29m Director: Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones

During a hiatus between the third and fourth seasons of Monty Python’s Family Circus , the gang of mega-talented comedians decided to make movie history. Inspired by the King Arthur legend, Holy Grail is a timeless comedy, the rare kind of film that will still be making people laugh hundreds of years from now. And while the Monty Python boys were already famous, this film took them to another level, cementing their place in movie history.

Pineapple Express

Year: 2008 Runtime: 1h 52m Director: David Gordon Green

Seth Rogen gives one of his best performances as Dale Denton, an average guy who just wants to get high. He visits his dealer (played perfectly by James Franco) on the wrong night as the pair cross paths with hitmen and a police officer on the wrong side of the law. This is an incredibly funny movie, and you don’t need to be high to love it.

School of Rock

Year: 2003 Runtime: 1h 49m Director: Richard Linklater

Richard Linklater directed Jack Black to the best comedy of his career in this movie about a guitarist who becomes a substitute teacher at a prep school and teaches the stuck-up kids there how to rock. It’s a smart, funny family comedy with a huge heart and one of Black’s most truly wonderful performances.

Step Brothers

Year: 2008 Runtime: 1h 37m Director: Adam McKay

The pinnacle of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s comedy career remains this modern classic, a movie that’s as rewatchable as anything you could possibly find on any streaming service. One of the reasons for that is the fearless joy with which Ferrell and John C. Reilly literally throw themselves into the roles of stepbrothers who start as enemies and end as family.

The Babadook

Year:  2014 Runtime:  1h 33m Director:  Jennifer Kent

One of the best horror films of the 2010s has not been widely available for streaming subscribers so take the chance to watch it again while it’s on Netflix. Jennifer Kent’s directorial debut centers on a mother (Essie Davis) who struggles to raise her problem child alone after the death of her husband. Oh, and there’s also a real monster in the boy’s room.

Gerald’s Game

Year: 2017 Runtime: 1h 43m Director: Mike Flanagan

Before he helmed The Haunting of Hill House , Mike Flanagan co-wrote and directed one of the best Netflix Original horror films in this adaptation of Stephen King’s 1992 novel of the same name. Carla Gugino is phenomenal as a woman who gets handcuffed to her bed by her toxic husband…and then he has a heart attack. As she tries to figure out how she will survive, she accesses the trauma of her past.

For Kids & Family

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Year: 2022 Runtime: 1h 56m Director: Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson

The Oscar-winning director took his visionary skills to stop-motion animation with this instant classic, a retelling of the beloved fairy tale about the wooden boy who longed to be real. With spectacular voice work, this version reimagines Pinocchio during the period before World War II, allowing del Toro to explore his themes of innocence and violence again. It’s a deeply personal, beautiful film.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Year: 2023 Runtime: 1h 42m Director: Joel Crawford

No one would have predicted that the presumed-dead Shrek franchise had another spin-off sequel of this caliber yet to be released, but December 2022 saw the critical and commercial success of arguably the best film in the entire series. Using a style more reminiscent of Into the Spider-verse than typical DreamWorks, The Last Wish is a gorgeous and surprisingly moving story of the title character dealing with something he never expected to face: mortality. It’s funny, clever, and memorable.

Wendell & Wild

Year: 2022 Runtime: 1h 46m Director: Henry Selick

The director of A Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline finally returned this year with this clever and twisted tale co-written by Oscar winner Jordan Peele. The comedian also co-stars as one of the title characters, the literal demons for a girl who blames herself for the death of her parents. Selick is a master of stop-motion animation and this project allows him to stretch his visual prowess in new, gross ways. It’s a new Halloween classic (that can be watched any time, of course!)

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The 29 best movies on Netflix right now

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What’s the best movie I can watch on Netflix? We’ve all asked ourselves this question , only to spend the next 15 minutes scrolling through the streaming service’s oddly specific genre menus and getting overwhelmed by the constantly shifting trend menus. Netflix’s huge catalog of movies continues to expand day by day, week by week, month by month. This makes the challenge of keeping up to date with best the service has to offer — let alone finding something the best of what to watch after a long day — a task that feels herculean at best and impossible at worst for someone not plugged into its inscrutable rhythms.

We’re here to help. For those suffering from choice paralysis in February, we’ve narrowed down your options to not only our favorite current movies on the platform, but the best movies Netflix has to offer.

If you’re looking for a specific genre, we’ve got the best action movies on Netflix , the best horror movies on Netflix , the best thrillers on Netflix , and the best comedy movies on Netflix ready for you. And for our readers across the pond, we have a list of the best movies on Netflix U.K.

We’ll be updating this list weekly as Netflix cycles movies in and out of its library, so be sure to check back next time you’re stuck in front of the app’s home screen. Our latest update added Alone as our editor’s pick and Jackie Brown .

This week’s editor’s pick: Alone

Director: John Hyams Cast: Jules Willcox, Marc Menchaca, Anthony Heald Where to watch: Hulu, Kanopy

A taut spine-chiller from John Hyams ( Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning) , Alone is your classic woman-on-the-run thriller. Jessica (Jules Willcox), a recent widow, is in the midst of moving. If that wasn’t enough stress, a creepy man (Marc Menchaca) appears to be following her on the road. After he slashes her tires, she crashes and wakes up in his basement. What follows is a tightly crafted thriller with great performances, outstanding direction, and enough tension to keep your heart pounding throughout the 98-minute running time. — Pete Volk

How we pick the best movies on Netflix

Polygon’s staff consistently keeps up with new Netflix originals and titles added to the streaming platform, adding to this list with the best movies across both Netflix productions and library titles. We prioritize quality, unique artistic vision, and variety — different genres, different eras, different vibes, different filmmaking nations — to make sure every reader finds multiple options that interest them, as well as movies they may have never encountered before.

The best movies on Netflix

Director: Romain Gavras Cast: Dali Benssalah, Sami Slimane, Anthony Bajon

One of the very best movies of 2022, Athena is an intense action thriller about the uprising of a French banlieue after repeated police harassment and violence. Told through the eyes of three brothers with very different perspectives on the conflict and how it should be resolved, Athena is a powerful story. But where it really shines is in its technical acumen. Music video director Romain Gavras, making his feature debut, brings breathtaking tracking shots, intricately choreographed blocking, and an absolutely electric energy. I have qualms with the ending, but I’ll never forget the jaw-dropping experience of watching Gavras cook on this movie. Whatever he does next, I’m there. — Pete Volk

Director: Mati Diop Cast: Ibrahima Traoré, Mame Bineta Sane, Amadou Mbow

It’s hard to talk too much about Atlantics without giving away what makes the experience of watching it so special. It’s a beautiful, haunting love story with a tangibly beating heart, touching on romance as well as grief, class, labor, and the lingering effects of oppression. Shot gorgeously by director Mati Diop and cinematographer Claire Mathon, it was the first movie directed by a Black woman to be featured in competition in Cannes (it won the Grand Prix award, losing out on the Palme d’Or to Parasite ), and is one of the most remarkable feature film debuts for a director in recent memory. — PV

Director: Joe Dante Cast: Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, Carrie Fisher

Suburban paranoia is as time-honored of an American tradition as baseball, apple pie, and redlining. In this 1989 horror comedy, Gremlins director Joe Dante taps into a wellspring of simmering communal tension and urban superstition and strikes gold. Tom Hanks stars as Ray Peterson, an overstressed homeowner trying to enjoy his weeklong vacation, if only everyone in the cul-de-sac of Mayfield Place would just leave him the hell alone. Unfortunately for him, the mysterious goings-on of his reclusive new neighbors have drawn the over imaginative ire of fellow suburbanites Art (Rick Ducommun) and Mark (Bruce Dern), who enlist Ray in a harebrained scheme to uncover what they’re absolutely certain is a murderous home-grown conspiracy.

Dana Olsen, the screenwriter for The ’Burbs, aptly summed up the film as “Ozzie and Harriet meet Charles Manson.” It’s a gleefully dark movie about a bunch of adults running around like grown-ass children, whipping themselves up into a frenzy with ever more outlandish theories while transforming into the very mirror image of their own tall tales. The script is fantastic, with memorable one-liners like “I’m gonna go do something productive; I’m gonna go watch television” delivered with an acerbic sense of wit by a cast of terrific actors who are all in on the joke. If you’re a fan of Joe Dante’s other films, like Small Soldiers, Innerspace, or, of course, Gremlins, you owe it to yourself to make the time to watch this bona fide cult classic. —TE

Director: Michael Mann Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tang Wei, Viola Davis

A sleek and sexy thriller that makes hacking look extremely cool, Michael Mann’s unfairly maligned Blackhat stands tall as a high mark in digital filmmaking. It is peak Mann — if you’re not a fan of the Heat director’s work, your mileage may vary. In the film, Chen Dawai (Wang Leehom), a captain in the PLA’s cyber warfare unit, is tasked with getting to the bottom of a computer attack that melts down a nuclear power plant in Hong Kong. While liaising with the FBI investigation, Chen insists on the aid of his old friend Nicholas Hathaway (Chris Hemsworth, who has never been hotter or cooler), an imprisoned genius hacker. When Hathaway and Chen’s sister (Tang Wei), a networking engineer also helping with the case, fall for each other, it adds an extra wrinkle to an already high stakes situation. Viola Davis and Holt McCallany feature as FBI agents who aren’t super happy to have to rely on a notorious criminal.

With sharp digital cinematography and unforgettable set pieces, Blackhat explores our changing global relationship to technology. Mann makes tangible the microscopic computer systems that run the world: an extreme close-up of internal wires leading to a motherboard like a vast interconnected highway; a computer fan that sounds like a jet engine. Events that in other films would be shown as a boring stroke of keys are instead depicted as hypnotic processes happening under the surface of the visible world. — PV

The Conversation

Director: Francis Ford Coppola Cast: Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Harrison Ford

Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation is a paranoia-inducing murder thriller starring Gene Hackman as Harry Caul, a surveillance expert — one who does actual spying! — whose professional integrity and personal morality are put in direct opposition when he suspects that he has eavesdropped on a couple who he believe are going to be murdered. Drawn into a plot of veiled conspirators and unsavory violence, Harry must search for the truth behind what he has witnessed while staying alive. Over the journey, Coppola creates an aura of paranoia with each passing scene, and David Shire’s piano score is a mood. — TE

Devil in a Blue Dress

Director: Carl Franklin Cast: Denzel Washington, Jennifer Beals, Don Cheadle

This scintillating neo-noir captures Denzel Washington as he was ascending the mountain of movie stardom, all in a brilliant story of postwar racial tensions in Los Angeles, featuring some of the best cinematography of the 1990s.

Denzel is Easy Rawlins, a vet in between jobs just looking to make enough money to keep paying his mortgage. When he’s recruited by a seedy PI for what seems to be a simple job, Easy gets pulled into a tangled web of lies and deception that proves to be very difficult to break out of. With incredible supporting performances by Don Cheadle, Tom Sizemore, and Jennifer Beals, Devil in a Blue Dress is a gem of a mystery thriller that does the excellent original novel justice. — PV

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart

Directors: Johnnie To, Wai Ka-fai Cast: Louis Koo, Daniel Wu, Gao Yuanyuan

Johnnie To is one of our great modern directors, equally adept in hard-boiled triad crime dramas and light-hearted romantic comedies alike. 2011’s Don’t Go Breaking My Heart falls in the latter category, and is one of the many high marks of the Hong Kong director’s legendary career. Fresh off the end of a long-term relationship, Chi-yan (Gao Yuanyuan) is an analyst for an investment bank who finds herself in the middle of a love triangle. On one side, there’s Sean (Louis Koo), a CEO who works across the street from Chi-yan and yearns for her through the tall corporate glass windows that separate them. On the other, there’s Kevin (the always-dreamy Daniel Wu), an alcoholic former architect who helps Chi-yan move on and is inspired by her to start creating again. What follows is a sincere, funny, and truly charming romantic time. —PV

Director: S.S. Rajamouli Cast: Sudeepa, Nani, Samantha

Eega is a delightful slapstick romantic comedy from the director of RRR , about a fly and his human girlfriend conspiring to ruin a man’s life and then murder him for vengeance. If that doesn’t sound up your alley, I’m not sure what will.

Eega tells the story of a man who is murdered by a wealthy businessman. After being reincarnated as a fly, he makes it his mission to exact vengeance on the man who killed him. As a fly.

With groundbreaking visual effects that pushes digital filmmaking forward, Rajamouli injects a delightful energy and lighter tone into the genre of “dark revenge thriller,” with thrilling set pieces (stakes include “our hero gets stuck on a tennis ball being used in a cricket match” and “our hero causes a traffic jam by buzzing in the ears of a crossing guard”) and plenty of visual gags inspired by slapstick and screwball comedies alike. It’s all balanced by a compelling romance that sells you on the movie’s emotional stakes in the first half hour, culminating in an experience unlike any other. Rajamouli is just special. — PV

Emily the Criminal

Director: John Patton Ford Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Theo Rossi, Gina Gershon

One of the smartest movies about the gig economy and our modern money struggles, Emily the Criminal was criminally (ayyy) underappreciated when it came out in 2022. The movie follows a debt-ridden woman (Aubrey Plaza) who gets involved in a credit card scam to pay off her student loans. This pulls her in the orbit of charismatic ringleader Youcef (the reliably handsome Theo Rossi), and also deeper and deeper into the world of crime, as she looks for a way out of her difficult situation.

It’s a career-best performance from Plaza, who is as funny and dry as ever, but Emily the Criminal ’s script allows her to use her dramatic chops in ways we’ve rarely seen outside of White Lotus and Ingrid Goes West (and even those are primarily comedies with dramatic elements). Relentlessly paced, constantly tense, and always centered on the terrific leading performance at its core, Emily the Criminal is one of the best American films of the decade, and its potency will only grow as the problems it shines a light on continue to be exacerbated. — PV

Ghosts of Sugar Land

Director: Bassam Tariq

Director Bassam Tariq recently got replaced on Marvel’s upcoming Blade movie , and it’s as good a reason as any to catch up with his masterful 2019 short. Best known for the hip-hop drama Mogul Mowgli starring Riz Ahmed, Tariq’s previous movie is an enthralling documentary well worth the 21-minute running time.

Ghosts of Sugar Land is about a young group of friends in the suburbs of Texas, and what happens when one of them becomes radicalized by ISIS. A compelling portrait of an America we don’t often get to see depicted on screen, Tariq offers no easy answers, instead leaning on the shock and despair of the friends left behind, and on the dangers of isolation and loneliness in a country that often seems on the brink of collapse. A winner of multiple festival awards, including the 2019 Sundance Short Film Jury Award, Ghosts of Sugar Land is not to be missed. —PV

Director: David Robert Mitchell Cast: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Olivia Luccardi

David Robert Mitchell’s breakout supernatural horror film centers on a young teenager, Jay (Maika Monroe), who, after a strange sexual encounter, finds herself stalked by a murderous entity that no one else but her can see. In order to stave off death, Jay and her friends must stay a step ahead of the creature while attempting to find a means of defeating it, or else resort to passing the curse on to another hapless unassuming victim herself. With a terrific score provided by Hyper Light Drifter composer Richard Vreeland (aka Disasterpeace), It Follows is a memorable, unique, and entertaining teen horror drama that flips the script on the genre’s traditionally puritanical framing of sexuality with terrific results. —TE

Jackie Brown

Director: Quentin Tarantino Cast: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster

There’s no better time than the present to watch the best Quentin Tarantino movie ever (and by some margin). I said it and I meant it.

Adapted from Elmore Leonard’s terrific novel Rum Punch , this crime thriller stars the unmatched Pam Grier as a flight attendant who is caught bringing back money from Mexico for an arms dealer (Samuel L. Jackson). When a bail bondsman (Robert Forster) is assigned to pick her up, the two forge an unlikely bond in the midst of a complex scheme.

There are many reasons to love Jackie Brown — Tarantino’s more annoying writing tics are significantly dampened by the fact that this is an adaptation, and the electric cast includes Robert De Niro, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, and a young Chris Tucker. But my favorite part of this movie is how damn romantic it is. The chemistry between Grier and Forster as two people in their middle ages unexpectedly falling for each other is electric, and it’s one of my favorite movie pairings to ever grace the screen. — PV

Jigarthanda DoubleX

Director: Karthik Subbaraj Cast: Raghava Lawrence, S.J. Suryah, Nimisha Sajayan

Movies about the Power of Cinema™ can be self-important, saccharine, and worst of all, boring. Jigarthanda DoubleX is none of those things. A sprawling tale of gangsters, movie stars, politicians, and the people caught between them, it’s one of my favorite movies of 2023, and a truly special film.

It’s the 1970s, and a coward who believes it’s his destiny to become a cop gets framed for a quadruple murder. He gets released from prison by a corrupt movie star/politician on the condition that he kills one of the lieutenants of that movie star/politician’s rival. Naturally, our coward poses as a movie director, because his target (a notorious gangster who loves Clint Eastwood) has made it his new mission in life to be the first dark-skinned movie star in India. While making their silly movie (a biopic of the gangster, of course), they fall in love with the magic of cinema and its transformative power on a personal and societal level.

Jigarthanda DoubleX is firing on all cylinders throughout its nearly three-hour run time, with superb direction, complex characters fully embodied by terrific actors, thrilling action sequences, and a surprising amount of emotional depth for a movie with this outlandish of a premise. Don’t miss it. — PV

Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids

Director: Jonathan Demme Cast: Justin Timberlake

In 1984, director Jonathan Demme made one of the finest concert films of all-time with the Talking Heads in the raucously triumphant Stop Making Sense . A little more than three decades later, Demme’s final feature film was another joyous concert movie.

Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids depicts the final show of a long tour for Timberlake and his excellent backing band at the gigantic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In typical Demme fashion, the staging and framing of the energetic pop numbers is electric, but he also takes time to show just how much work goes into setting up and breaking down such a large production.

Demme and Timberlake’s collaboration spurred from a mutual respect — Timberlake, like anyone else with good taste, is a massive fan of Stop Making Sense , and Demme reached out after watching The Social Network . The movie is dedicated to Prince, who died shortly before the movie’s release. — PV

Director: Ashutosh Gowariker Cast: Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley

Ashutosh Gowariker’s timeless sports movie classic stars Aamir Khan as Bhuvan, a confident young man from a village that is dealing with both British oppression and a long-standing drought. When the wicked Captain Russell (Paul Blackthorne, who is deliriously good in this) challenges the village to a game of cricket (which they do not know how to play) as a bet, with their owed taxes (which they cannot afford to pay) on the line, Bhuvan takes it upon himself to form a team and learn the game. What follows is a soaring sports drama with humor, heart, and a show-stopping match finale. Lagaan was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards. —PV

The Lost Bullet movies

Director: Guillaume Pierret Cast: Alban Lenoir, Stéfi Celma, Nicolas Duvauchelle

Both Lost Bullet movies are pure jolts of adrenaline, filled with vehicular mayhem and explosive action. The first movie is leaner, with a simple premise executed to perfection, while the sequel ramps things up with even more jaw-dropping stunts, led by car stunt coordinator David Julienne, who also worked on the incredible Athena and is the grandson of the great Rémy Julienne. — PV

May December

Director: Todd Haynes Cast: Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, Charles Melton

The Oscars are this weekend (or, at least, they are when I’m writing this), so I thought it would be fitting to recommend one of the bigger Oscar snubs of the year. Yes, May December got nominated for its (great) screenplay, but it is also one of the best films of 2023 and features three of the most outstanding performances of the year, none of which had room in a stacked nominations list .

The latest film from New Queer Cinema icon Todd Haynes ( Carol , Safe ) sees the legendary director reunite with frequent collaborator Julianne Moore for one of their most intriguing projects yet. May December follows an actor, Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), who travels to Georgia to prepare for a role based on Gracie (Julianne Moore), a woman who became a focus of national attention after sleeping with (and eventually marrying) Joe, a 13-year-old boy when their relationship first started.

It’s an uncomfortable setting, and Haynes leans into that discomfort, both through the patience of his camera and the excellence of his lead actors. As Gracie and Elizabeth attempt to suss each other out, their identities fluctuating and blending with each other (Haynes has been very vocal about the influence of Ingmar Bergman’s Persona on this film), caught in the middle is Joe. Melton’s performance is haunting, a boy in a man’s body still caught in his teen years, closer in age to his children than to his wife. It’s the kind of adult drama we don’t get enough of anymore, and I’m glad Haynes is still here to make these kind of movies. — Pete Volk

The Nice Guys

Director: Shane Black Cast: Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice

Shane Black’s other neo-noir, Los Angeles-set action comedy is a worthy spiritual successor to 2005’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and an uproariously hilarious movie in its own right. The story centers on Holland March (Gosling), an alcoholic single father and licensed PI, and Jackson Healy (Crowe), a muscle-for-hire freelancer. The two end up as an odd couple of idiot-genius sleuths whose respective investigations involving a missing girl converge to unveil a much larger and more sinister conspiracy involving Detroit automotive companies, government collusion, and organized crime.

Crowe and Gosling’s on-screen chemistry as two incorrigible, stubborn assholes with secret hearts of gold is terrific, as is Angourie Rice’s performance as March’s whip-smart daughter Holly. The Nice Guys may not surpass the pure comic genius of Black’s aforementioned classic starring Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer, but it confidently ranks as one of the director’s better films in recent memory. —TE

The Night Comes for Us

Director: Timo Tjahjanto Cast: Joe Taslim, Iko Uwais, Julie Estelle

The Night Comes for Us just fucking whips, OK? Why waste time on subtlety and preamble; the film certainly doesn’t! Indonesian action thrillers have been enjoying a renaissance period ever since Gareth Evans’ 2011 film The Raid kicked the door down and mollywhopped everything else in sight. Timo Tjahjanto’s 2018 film certainly follows in the footsteps of Evans’ own, with The Raid star Joe Taslim starring here as Ito, a gangland enforcer who betrays his Triad crime family by sparing the life of a child and attempting to flee the country.

Fellow The Raid star Iko Uwais shows up here as Arian, Ito’s childhood friend and fellow enforcer, who is tasked with hunting down Ito and recovering the girl. The action comes fast and frenzied here, with kinetic choreography and dazzling handheld cinematography that makes every punch, fall, and stab count. If you need to get your adrenaline pumping, throw this one on. —TE

Phantom Thread

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Lesley Manville, Vicky Krieps

Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2017 historical drama Phantom Thread follows the story of Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis), an irascible haute couture dressmaker in 1950s London whose carefully cultivated lifestyle is upset by his ongoing love affair with his muse Alma (Vicky Krieps), a strong-willed woman with ambitions and desires of her own. His final film role to date, Day-Lewis is unsurprisingly masterful in his portrayal of Woodcock as an artist whose capricious infatuations and fastidious inflexibility prove unbearable to all except Alma, who discovers a ... let’s say unconventional way of leveling the power dynamic in their relationship. Top that with exquisite score by Jonny Greenwood and beautiful costume designs by Mark Bridges and you’ve got what is undoubtedly one of Anderson’s finest films to date. —TE

Director: Gareth Evans Cast: Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Yayan Ruhian

There are action movies before The Raid , and then there are action movies after The Raid .

Gareth Evans’ Indonesian action thriller sent a 3000-volt shockwave throughout the world of cinema when it premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, garnering a reputation as one of the most electrifying and distinctive action films of its time. That reputation has not wavered one iota in the decade-plus since.

Iko Uwais stars as Rama, a rookie SWAT officer who joins a 20-man squad led by Sergeant Jaka (Joe Taslim) to assail a tenement complex run by a ruthless gang and apprehend their leader. When the leader catches wind of this plot, the squad is trapped inside the building and forced to fight their way out while completing their mission. Where The Raid may lack in narrative complexity, it in no way lacks in scintillating cinematography and unrelentingly abrasive action. If you’re looking for a viscerally entertaining action thriller with ample gore and dazzling martial arts choreography, The Raid is just the film you’re looking for. —TE

Director: S.S. Rajamouli Cast: N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn

Polygon’s favorite movie of 2022 , RRR is an epic bromance for the ages filled to the brim with jaw-dropping action sequences, unforgettable music numbers, and two guys just being dudes. If you can, you should consider watching it in the original Telugu language version on Zee5. If you can’t, the Hindi dub on Netflix is still well worth your time. — PV

Space Sweepers

Director: Jo Sung-hee Cast: Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Jin Seon-kyu

Space Sweepers: Set in the year 2092, Jo Sung-hee’s Space Sweepers follows the crew of freelance garbagemen in space who discover a strange child-like robot named Dorothy containing a nuclear device. Hoping to ransom Dorothy in exchange for enough money to escape their poverty-stricken lives, their plan quickly escalates into a chase to stay one step ahead of the military force of a corrupt corporation. Though it’s far from the most original of sci-fi premises, Space Sweepers is still a visually impressive film with great action and a likable cast of dysfunctional characters with great chemistry. — TE

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac

2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was a genuine before-and-after moment in the history of American animation. The film not only introduced a new generation of audiences to Miles Morales, but sent a shockwave through the entire industry through its pioneering approach to CGI animation that drew heavily from the texture and techniques of comic book storytelling. In short, it was a bona fide cultural phenomenon. How exactly do you top that ?

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse feels like an answer to that question on several fronts; visually, tonally, and technically. Miles is faced with a personal and moral dilemma in the form of the Spot, a dimension-hopping supervillain whose vendetta against Spider-Man threatens to endanger the entire multiverse. If that weren’t enough, Miles inadvertently runs afoul of Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac), the leader of a group of Spider-People from alternate universes, who believes Miles himself is the source of the problem.

From its spectacular fight sequences to its gorgeous multiversal vistas to its absolutely bangin’ soundtrack, Across the Spider-Verse steps up to the challenge of following up one of most acclaimed American animated films in years and nails it out of the park. It’s a genuine sight to behold. With one more movie on the way , the question circles back: How exactly are they gonna top this ? —TE

The Summit of the Gods

Directors: Patrick Imbert Cast: Lazare Herson-Macarel, Eric Herson-Macarel, Damien Boisseau

This 2021 French-language animated drama centers on Makoto Fukamachi, a tenacious reporter who accidentally stumbles upon the biggest mountaineering story of the century: Proof that George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, not Sir Edmund Hillary, were the first climbers to reach the peak of Mount Everest in 1924. However, his only lead to break the story — an elusive mountain climber known as Habu Joji — has been missing for several years. Poring over the details of Joji’s life in the years preceding his disappearance, Makoto finds himself inadvertently drawn by the very same sense of accomplishment and meaning that has compelled countless climbers to crest Everest themselves.

Based on Jiro Taniguchi’s 2000 manga series, The Summit of the Gods is a gorgeously animated drama about the elusive quest for personal and professional validation and the perils of hubris and selfishness. The backgrounds are spectacular, the character animation is impressive, and the film’s final moments are as exhilarating as they are profoundly edifying. Brace yourself for a film that exemplifies “adult animation,” not as a juvenile display of hyper-violence and superficial titillation, but as a story about what it means to move through the world as an adult and find one’s place and purpose in it. —TE

Train to Busan

Director: Yeon Sang-ho Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok

As far as horror movie premises go, it’s hard to get more fundamentally terrifying than “zombie outbreak on a train.” Yeon Sang-ho took that basic idea and ran with it to create a gory, pulse-pounding survival thriller about perseverance in the face of the apocalypse.

Train to Busan stars Gong Yoo ( Squid Game ) as Seok-woo, a workaholic fund manager who, wracked with guilt, agrees to take his estranged daughter on a train ride to Busan to celebrate her birthday. Unfortunately for him and everyone else on that train, a zombie epidemic brought about by a mysterious chemical spill has engulfed the nation. Aside from the core emotional arc between Seok-woo and his daughter, nearly every other character feels unique and compelling, from Ma Dong-seok’s portrayal as a doting husband-turned-brawler to Choi Woo-shik and Sohee’s performances as a high school couple trying to survive amid the chaos. It’s a well-crafted, compelling drama that devotes ample time to fleshing out the humanity of its cast as they fight tooth and nail to overcome a nightmare that threatens to tear them life from limb. In short: It’s the perfect movie to usher in the weekend and get your blood pumping. —Toussaint Egan

Director: Mélanie Laurent Cast: Mélanie Laurent, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Manon Bresch

There’s a place for movies like Alien , where a script written for a male lead character was left unchanged when a woman was cast in the role. But there’s also a place for movies like Wingwomen , an action comedy that thrives in its specificity around its characters and their experiences as women in our world.

In Wingwomen , Carole (director-star Mélanie Laurent of Inglourious Basterds ) has a very close and protective relationship with younger Alex (Adèle Exarchopoulos) — a found family situation. They are both caught in the web of crime lord Marraine (Isabelle Adjani) and looking for a way out. When they meet a new member of their team — skilled racer Sam (Manon Bresch) — they see an opportunity for one last score to break away from their life of crime and live peacefully together.

Fun, exciting, and endearing, you will not have more fun at the movies than watching Wingwomen . I wish for 20 more years of Laurent directing and starring in fun genre pictures — especially if they also star Exarchopoulos, who between this and Passages delivered two of the most memorable performances of 2023. — PV

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The 50 best movies on Netflix right now (March 2024)

There’s still an ongoing question about whether Lindsay Lohan will ever be a box office draw again, but Lohan’s comeback has now given her a hit movie on Netflix . Lohan’s new rom-com, Irish Wish , has unseated Damsel from the top slot on the list of the most popular movies on Netflix . Damsel remains strong in second place, with The Super Mario Bros. Movie holding in the third slot as the film approaches its fourth month on Netflix. Whatever Netflix is paying to stream that flick, it’s not enough.

The other major addition this week is A24’s horror comedy, Bodies Bodies Bodies , which originally played in theaters in 2022. Beyond that, Netflix only has a handful of films slated to premiere on the streamer before the end of March. But keep coming back every Friday for our weekly update of the best movies on Netflix right now, and you’ll always have something fun to watch.

Looking for something else? We’ve also rounded up the best shows on Netflix , the best movies on Hulu , the best movies on Amazon Prime , and the best movies on Disney+ . For Netflix fans, check out the 10 most popular movies on Netflix right now .

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Watching from abroad? Use a  Netflix VPN to access your country’s catalog from anywhere in the world. Want to watch on the go? We can show you how to download movies on Netflix .

Editor’s Pick

Irish wish (2024) new.

Maddie Kelly (Lindsay Lohan) makes a wish out of loneliness and heartbreak, she just didn’t expect it to come true. Irish Wish begins just as Maddie hopes to start a relationship with her crush, Paul Kennedy (Alexander Vlahos). But much to Maddie’s disappointment, Paul only has eyes for her best friend, Emma Taylor (Elizabeth Tan).

As Paul and Emma prepare to get married in Ireland, Maddie’s wish suddenly places her in Emma’s shoes as the new bride-to-be. And Maddie’s in for a rude awakening when she realizes how little she actually knows about Paul. Maddie also discovers that she may have more in common with the wedding photographer, James Thomas (Ed Speleers), than she does with her new fiancé.

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) new

The Acolyte ’s Amandla Stenberg co-headlines Bodies Bodies Bodies as Sophie, the girlfriend of Bee (Maria Bakalova). The couple attends a “hurricane party” at a mansion during a massive storm, where the group indulges in drugs and alcohol while playing games in the dark. The titular game is about finding a fake killer during a murder mystery.

Unfortunately for Bee, someone has actually killed David (Pete Davidson), and suspicion immediately falls on her since she isn’t part of this circle of rich friends. One dead body soon leads to a lot more, as even Bee and Sophie have reasons to doubt each other’s motives. By the time this storm is over, there may not be anybody left to go home.

Other Netflix Movies

Your lucky day (2023) new.

Winning the lottery should be one the best days in anyone’s life. But in Your Lucky Day , Sterling (Angus Cloud) didn’t actually win. He killed someone to get his hands on the winning ticket, and he left witnesses: Amir (Mousa Hussein Kraish), Abraham (Elliot Knight), and his girlfriend, Ana-Marlene (Jessica Garza).

Not even Sterling can kill that many people in cold blood, which is why he tries to bargain with them. He’ll share some of the money from the ticket if they help him hide his crime. There are multiple problems with this plan, but Sterling’s hostages and would-be accomplices simply can’t deter him from this course of action. He’s going to get this lottery money if it’s the last thing he does — and it might be.

Damsel (2024) new

In Damsel , life’s a fairytale for Princess Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown), a young woman who lives with her father, Lord Bayford (Ray Winstone), and her stepmother, Lady Bayford (Angela Bassett). Elodie doesn’t know much about the way of the world, but she’s smitten with Prince Henry (Nick Robinson), and quickly agrees to marry him.

Elodie doesn’t realize that Henry’s mother, Queen Isabelle (Robin Wright), only agreed to the union because her family can sacrifice Elodie’s life to an actual dragon to satisfy a debt. Now, Elodie can’t count on some handsome prince to save her. So she’ll just have to save herself.

Spaceman (2024) new

Adam Sandler has a rare dramatic turn in Spaceman , a sci-fi drama that casts him as a Czech astronaut named Jakub Procházka. Jakub is on a very long mission in the solar system and suffers from extreme loneliness. Back on Earth, Jakub’s wife, Lenka Procházka (Carey Mulligan), wants to leave him, but the mission controllers refuse to let her break up with him via transmission over fears that it could affect his mental state.

Perhaps it’s too late to save Jakub’s sanity, because he’s already conversing with an alien spider that he calls Hanuš (Paul Dano). It seems like Hanuš has a greater grasp on Jakub’s problem than he does, and Hanuš isn’t above emotionally torturing Jakub with some painful memories to get what he wants. And there may not be a happy ending on this mission for either Jakub or Hanuš.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) new

Until this year’s Oscar ceremony crowns a new winner, Everything Everywhere All At Once  is the reigning Best Picture from the Academy Awards. Outside of some Marvel and DC movies, no other film has so effectively used the multiverse as a storytelling device as this one did.

Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Jamie Lee Curtis all won Oscars for their performances in this movie, but it’s Yeoh’s Evelyn Quan Wang who serves as the film’s main character. Evelyn is about as far from heroic as it gets, and her relationship with her husband, Waymond Wang (Quan), and their daughter, Joy Wang (Stephanie Hsu), is incredibly strained. Regardless, poor and ordinary Evelyn is the only hope that the multiverse has to prevent a disaster. And she’ll have to step up or else the entire multiverse will collapse.

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023)

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken was a huge bomb in theaters, but it has found more popularity on Netflix than anyone could have predicted. Lana Condor provides the voice of Ruby Gillman, a 16-year old girl who has no idea that she’s secretly heir to the kraken throne held by her grandmother, Grandmamah (Jane Fonda).

Ruby’s mother, Agatha Gillman ( A24 horror movie queen Toni Collette), tried to keep the truth from her, but once Ruby went into the ocean to save her would-be love interest, Connor (Jaboukie Young-White), she began to physically change. The one upside of Ruby’s new normal is that she’s befriended a mermaid, Chelsea Van Der Zee (Annie Murphy), despite mermaids and krakens being mortal enemies. However, Chelsea has a secret of her own that may rock Ruby to her core.

Thanksgiving (2023)

Sixteen years after creating a fake Thanksgiving  trailer for Grindhouse , Eli Roth turned it into a real movie with all the elements of the holiday. It might be the best Thanksgiving horror film ever made, largely by default, since the rest are pretty bad. The story begins with a Black Friday rampage that goes horribly wrong and leaves several people dead.

One year later, someone is going around town dressed as one of the original Pilgrims, John Carver, and carving up people who were there on that fateful Black Friday. Whoever is under that mask is apparently out to kill as many people as possible, and even the cops seem powerless to stop the murders.

Ready Player One (2018)

We live in the age of nostalgia, but Ready Player One takes that to the next level. In Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Ernest Cline’s hit novel, the middle of the 21st century is such a hellhole that nearly everyone has retreated to the virtual world known as OASIS, where they can enjoy every bit of pop culture from the last century or more.

Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) is one of the best OASIS players in the world, and so is his new ally and crush, Art3mis (Olivia Cooke). But they aren’t the only ones vying for the ultimate prize that OASIS creator James Halliday (Mark Rylance) left behind. Whoever solves Halliday’s puzzle wins the OASIS itself, and IOI executive Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn) is willing to kill to ensure that his company walks away with everything.

American Assassin (2017)

American Assassin  features former Teen Wolf star Dylan O’Brien as Mitch Rapp, a young man who loses his fiancée, Katrina Harper (Charlotte Vega), to a terrorist attack. That’s why Rapp dedicates his life to getting revenge on the men who murdered Katrina, only to have his vengeance snatched away during a CIA raid.

CIA Agent Stan Hurley (Michael Keaton) soon realizes that Rapp is a potential asset, and he convinces him to join the CIA’s black ops team, Orion. And for the first time since Katrina died, Rapp has a purpose again. But Orion has plenty of enemies of its own, and one of the team’s ex-members, Ghost (Taylor Kitsch), has plans to unleash a nuclear nightmare on the U.S.

Orion and the Dark (2024)

Almost everyone is afraid of the dark when they’re a kid. The problem with Orion (Jacob Tremblay) is that he’s scared of everything, not just the dark. The animated adventure, Orion and the Dark , gives Orion a chance to conquer his fears alongside an unexpected companion: The living embodiment of Dark (Paul Walter Hauser).

Rather than let this kid lose years of his life to a laundry list of fears, Dark takes Orion out for a wild night to prove that he doesn’t have to be defined by the things that he’s afraid about. It’s a gesture of friendship from Dark, but can Orion finally let go of his phobias and embrace life?

X was one of 2022’s most acclaimed horror films , and it had a star-making turn by Mia Goth in the dual role of a young woman named Maxine and an elderly woman named Pearl. In the film, Maxine and boyfriend, Wayne Gilroy (Martin Henderson), attempt to make an adult film alongside their friends Lorraine Day (Jenna Ortega), Bobby-Lynne Parker (Brittany Snow), Jackson Hole (Scott Mescudi), and RJ Nichols (Owen Campbell).

However, the group didn’t clear their X-rated intentions with Howard (Stephen Ure) and his wife, Pearl. And they certainly didn’t expect Pearl to become amorous over their activities. But when the group rejects Pearl’s propositions, she makes sure that the young men and women suffer the consequences during her bloody rampage.

Dumb Money (2023)

The infamous GameStop short squeeze was dramatized for the big screen in Dumb Money . Paul Dano headlines the cast as Keith Gill, an armchair investor who notices that hedge funds and other big market players are betting that the video game retailer GameStop will go under. Instead of letting that happen, Gill and others like him drive up GameStop’s stock to unsustainable highs and cause the professional investors to lose millions.

There’s no shortage of stars in this cast, which includes Pete Davidson, Vincent D’Onofrio, America Ferrera, Myha’la Herrold, Nick Offerman, Anthony Ramos, Seth Rogen, Talia Ryder, Sebastian Stan, and Shailene Woodley. There are also plenty of shattered dreams, as many of the amateur investors lose everything they put into the GameStop stocks.

The Florida Project (2017)

The Florida Project is about as far from a Disney movie as you can get, but it’s never far from the shadow of Walt Disney World. Poor Things star Willem Dafoe stars as Bobby Hicks, the manager of a small tourist trap hotel that is designed for budget travelers to Disney’s theme parks. One of Bobby’s long-term residents is Halley (Bria Vinaite), the financially struggling mother of a six-year-old girl named Moonee (Brooklynn Kimberly Prince).

Although Bobby truly cares for Moonee’s well-being, he is rapidly running out of patience for Halley as she endangers her child and dips into sex work to survive. Not everyone can be happy in the self-proclaimed “happiest place on Earth.” And this is a story you won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Society of the Snow (2023)

Netflix may have a real Oscar contender on its hands with Society of the Snow , a Spanish thriller by Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom director J. A. Bayona. This film is not the first to tell the story of the survivors of 1972 Uruguayan plane crash, which was most notably the subject of the American film Alive in 1993.

However, Bayona’s movie goes to far greater lengths to be authentic than the previous adaptations, including bringing production to the actual site of the crash and utilizing the real accounts of the survivors. Most of the cast members are also newcomers, which works in the film’s favor because it keeps the audience in suspense about who will live, and how far they will go to survive.

The Equalizer 3 (2023)

Denzel Washington spends so much time sitting down and sipping lattes in The Equalizer 3  that you may start to wonder if the actor himself is injured, and not just his character, Robert McCall. After nearly getting himself killed while recovering stolen funds, McCall slowly recovers in a small town on the coast of Italy. McCall also becomes close to the doctor who saved him, Enzo Arisio (Remo Girone), as well as the police officer who brought him to safety, Gio Bonucci (Eugenio Mastrandrea).

As McCall grows to love the town and its people, he realizes that the Italian mafia is terrorizing his new friends. And if anyone’s going to be terrorizing bad guys in this franchise, it’s Robert McCall. If you’re evil, don’t make McCall stand up. His stuntman will kill you.

Gran Turismo (2023)

On the surface, the premise for Gran Turismo  sounds like pure wish fulfillment. It’s about a video game player who uses his Gran Turismo skills to become a pro racer. And yet it’s the mostly true story of Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), a young man who successfully applied what he learned in the Gran Turismo video game to race tracks in reality.

Stranger Things ’ David Harbour co-stars as Jack Slater, the head trainer for GT Academy. Jack’s got his hands full trying to take gamers and make them into racers. And despite some initial setbacks, Jack becomes convinced that Jann has what it takes to make it on the pro circuit. From there, the real test of Jann’s talent begins.

Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)

Viewers may find that a lot of things in Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire are very familiar. It has laser swords like Star Wars, a galactic empire like Star Wars, rebel freedom fighters like Star Wars, and a plot straight out of Battle Beyond the Stars , The Magnificent Seven , and Seven Samurai .

None of those similarities will matter if you just want to watch a big-budget sci-fi movie from the comfort of your own home. On that front, director Zack Snyder has delivered exactly what he was supposed to. The story follows a group of warriors led by Kora (Sofia Boutella) as they make their stand against Motherworld and the Imperium on the remote world of Veldt. These rebels may be outgunned and outnumbered, but they’re eager to fight for their freedom.

Maestro (2023)

Composer Leonard Bernstein has been dead for 33 years, but he may prove to be an important figure in next year’s Oscar race. Netflix’s Maestro was written and directed by Bradley Cooper, who cast himself as Bernstein opposite Carey Mulligan as his wife, Felicia Montealegre.

Before falling in love with Felicia, Bernstein was in an affair with David Oppenheim (Matt Bomer). However, Bernstein’s marriage with Felicia doesn’t mean that he plans to give up sleeping with other men. This places an incredible strain on their union, even though the love between Bernstein and Felicia is never in doubt.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)

Back in 2000, Chicken Run became a surprise hit with fans of all ages. So what if there was a mere twenty-three-year gap between films? It’s not like chickens can tell time! Although the extended period did leave some major roles to be recast, including Zachary Levi and Thandiwe Newton taking over as Rocky and Ginger from Mel Gibson and Julia Sawalha from the original.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget takes place not too long after the first film, but long enough for Rocky and Ginger to have a daughter named Molly (as voiced by The Last of Us ’ Bella Ramsey). The chickens may have escaped from Mrs. Tweedy (Miranda Richardson), but she’s far from through with them. If Ginger wants to keep her family safe, she will have to lead a team to break into Tweedy’s compound and discover what she has in store for them.

May December (2023)

Decades ago, Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore) was sentenced to prison for seducing Joe Yoo (Charles Melton) when he was a child, before marrying him when she was released. In May December , Gracie and Joe believe they can repair the damage to their reputations because a movie is being made about their lives.

Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman), the actress hired to portray Gracie, has other ideas. She’s less interested in redeeming the Yoos than in completely immersing herself in their lives to get a better performance. And Elizabeth is way too close to the subjects of this story.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

The Super Mario Bros. Movie  pulled off the Herculean feat of making audiences forget all about that live-action Super Mario Bros. film. Instead, Nintendo’s iconic characters, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), are right at home in this lavishly animated flick that updates their origin story and sets them on a path of adventure.

In the realm of the Mushroom Kingdom, Princess Peach ( Furiosa ‘s Anya Taylor-Joy) is preparing to defend her kingdom against Bowser (Jack Black), the king of the Koopas, who is weirdly infatuated with her. Peach doesn’t need Mario to rescue her, at least not a first. But Luigi could definitely use some help as he tries to survive as Bowser’s prisoner. And along the way, Mario can prove to himself that he has the heart of a hero.

For 74 years, the titular lizard of Leo has shared an enclosure with a turtle named Squirtle (Bill Burr) as the official pets of a fifth-grade classroom in Florida. However, Leo (Adam Sandler) comes to believe that he’s wasted his life in captivity, which is why he plots his escape.

When Leo makes his bid for freedom, he accidentally reveals his ability to speak to Summer (Sunny Sandler), one of the students in his classroom. Through Summer and the other students in the class, Leo discovers a new purpose in life while contending with mean substitute teacher Mrs. Malkin (Cecily Strong).

The Impossible (2012)

The Impossible is rising to the top on the Netflix movie chart, and not just because it’s the film debut of MCU Spider-Man actor Tom Holland. It’s also a harrowing tale of survival that is based on a true story. During the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Henry (Ewan McGregor) and Maria Bennett (Naomi Watts) are on vacation alongside their family when Thailand is struck by a massive wave.

In the aftermath, Maria is severely injured and left with her oldest son, Lucas (Holland), while Henry finds his two other sons in a separate location. With so many injured and dead, the Bennett family will need a few small miracles to make it through as the Thai people come together in the face of tragedy.

Minions (2015)

Before The Rise of Gru and Despicable Me , Minions chronicles the origins of the dim-witted yellow henchmen who live only to serve the most evil person alive. In 1968, that person was Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), the world’s first female supervillain.

The three primary Minions, Kevin, Stuart, and Bob (all three of whom are voiced by Pierre Coffin), are genuinely eager to please Scarlet and help her seize the throne of England. However, their incompetence and honest mistakes accidentally make Scarlet their nemesis even when they really want her to succeed.

The Killer (2023)

David Fincher’s latest thriller, The Killer , shows us that the life of a professional assassin, as played by Michael Fassbender, can be pretty mundane and boring … right up until he accidentally misses his target. From that point on, the assassin’s life is anything but boring. And suddenly, even his contact, Hodges (Charles Parnell), is ghosting him.

Not even fleeing the country is enough for the assassin to evade an international manhunt, as well as two rival assassins, The Expert (Tilda Swinton) and The Brute (Sala Baker), who have been hired to take him out.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

You could call Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse  “amazing, spectacular,” or “sensational” and it would still undersell just how terrific this movie is. Somehow, the team behind the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse topped themselves with an even more thrilling sequel that reunites Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld).

Unfortunately for the would-be couple, it’s not a happy reunion. Gwen is keeping secrets from Miles while running from a difficult family situation at home. As for Miles himself, he’s inadvertently created a new nemesis: The Spot (Jason Schwartzman). Miles has also been targeted by Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac), the Spider-Man of the year 2099. And if Miles can’t get home to his own world, then his life will never be the same.

No Hard Feelings (2023)

No Hard Feelings was Jennifer Lawrence’s comeback movie after spending a few years away from the big screen. And she certainly makes a memorable impression as Maddie Barker, a woman who is on the verge of losing her home and her car over her money problems.

That’s why Maddie accepts a bizarre job from Laird (Matthew Broderick) and Allison Becker (Laura Benanti). If Maddie can seduce their son, Percy Becker (Andrew Barth Feldman), and bring him out of his shell before he goes off to college then she can save herself from her financial black hole. Unfortunately for Maddie, Percy may be undatable and he is nearly immune to her obvious charms.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Bradley Cooper’s Pat Solitano Jr. is a man who wants to see the silver linings in life. That’s not so easy in Silver Linings Playbook , since Pat just got out of the mental hospital after an eight-month stint that was set off when he caught his wife, Nikki (Brea Bee), with another man. The only thing Pat wants is to rebuild his life and win Nikki back.

Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence) is the wildcard in Pat’s life. She is also battling mental problems following the death of her husband. But Tiffany’s plan to feel better about her life involves recruiting Pat as her partner in a dancing competition. In return, Tiffany offers to help Pat reconcile with Nikki, even though she is clearly feeling her own attraction to him. This is a wonderful movie, and you’ll see why Lawrence took home the Oscar for Best Actress after watching it.

Fair Play (2023)

Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) and Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) are secret lovers who work for a hedge fund in Fair Play . Their relationship is against company policy, which is why they’ve hidden it. However, their storybook romance starts to shatter when Luke believes that he’s getting a promotion that ultimately goes to Emily.

While Luke is initially supportive of Emily’s success, he soon displays his resentment both at home and at work. As Luke’s jealousy rises, he becomes more and more unstable until Emily can no longer be sure that she’s safe with the man she loves.

Reptile (2023)

Benicio del Toro headlines Reptile , an intense crime thriller that never lets the audience get too comfortable with its main character, Detective Tom Nichols (del Toro). In the film, a young woman named Summer (Matilda Lutz) has been brutally murdered, and her body was discovered by her boyfriend, Will Grady (Justin Timberlake). And it seems like there are several men in Summer’s life who could have meant her harm, including Grady himself.

As he is drawn further into the investigation, Nichols shares some of the case details with his wife, Judy (Alicia Silverstone). But even Nichols’ relationship with Judy may not be what it seems as he is forced to reexamine his own life while looking for the answers that could bring a killer to justice.

Big George Foreman (2023)

During the 1990s, George Foreman shocked the boxing world by becoming the oldest world champion nearly two decades after he had lost the title. Big George Foreman finally gives the legendary boxer his due with a biopic that chronicles his life story, from living in poverty to Olympic gold and an unmatched career in the ring.

Khris Davis headlines the movie as George Foreman, and the story largely focuses on Foreman’s brush with death and his subsequent reinvention as a devout minister. But after 10 years out of the ring, Foreman begins an unlikely comeback that cemented his place in boxing history.

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023)

Adam Sandler produced and co-stars in the new Netflix comedy You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah . However, Sandler only has a supporting role as Danny Friedman, the father of Stacy Friedman (Sunny Sandler). Stacy and her BFF, Lydia Rodriguez Katz (Samantha Lorraine), are in the middle of planning their epic Bat Mitzvahs when someone comes between them.

The person in question is Andy Goldfarb (Dylan Hoffman), one of the most popular boys in school. Both Stacy and Lydia want to romantically pursue Andy, and it puts such a strain on their relationship that their friendship may not be able to survive. But is a high school crush really worth throwing away years of friendship?

They Cloned Tyrone (2023)

Netflix has no shortage of star power in its new sci-fi comedy, They Cloned Tyrone . John Boyega, WandaVision ‘s Teyonah Parris , and Jamie Foxx headline the ’70s-era Blaxploitation throwback, and they give this film its bite. Boyega plays Fontaine, a local crime enforcer who gets gunned down before the neighborhood pimp, Slick Charles (Foxx).

At least that’s what Slick Charles believes happened, but he’s clearly shaken when Tyrone (Boyega) reappears to take Fontaine’s place. With the help of Slick Charles and his top prostitute, Yo-Yo (Parris), this trio is going to unravel the truth about Tyrone or die trying. Although death is definitely not their preferred outcome.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is the second installment of this Shrek spinoff series, and it opens with the title hero facing the greatest crisis of his heroic career. Puss in Boots ( Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny ‘s Antonio Banderas) has been able to live fearlessly because of his nine lives. But once Puss is down to his last life, he suddenly finds himself gripped by insecurity and even fear.

The only recourse for Puss is to find a legendary wishing star to restore his lost lives, which reunites him with his ex-fiancée, Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek Pinault), who has her own wish to make. Unfortunately for them, they aren’t the only ones after the wishing star. And Puss will have to put his last life on the line before all is said and done.

The Mother (2023)

It might be a bit late in her career for Jennifer Lopez to jump back into action films, but if it worked for Liam Neeson, then it can work for J-Lo. The Mother  casts Lopez as an unnamed assassin with a particular set of skills, none of which are particularly useful when it comes to being a parent.

But when the Mother learns that the daughter she gave up, Zoe (Lucy Paez), is in danger from her enemies, she drops everything in an attempt to save her from an old foe, Adrian Lovell (Joseph Fiennes). And nothing Lovell puts in the Mother’s way can stop her for long.

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)

The story of Whitney Houston is both a triumph and a tragedy. The late singer rose from obscurity to become one of the most famous women in the world, only to die suddenly at 48 years old. Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody doesn’t attempt to sugarcoat Houston’s history, as it follows her meteoric rise and equally epic fall.

In the film, Whitney (Naomi Ackie) is supported by her friend-turned-lover Robyn Crawford (Nafessa Williams) before hitting the music industry like a tidal wave. As Whitney’s fame grows, she marries Bobby Brown (Ashton Sanders) and descends into drug addiction that threatens her career and even her life. And yet it’s impossible not to root for Whitney to pull herself out of that spiral.

The Magician's Elephant (2023)

Netflix just took home the Oscar for Best Animated feature for Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio , and it’s already got another strong animated flick out this week. The Magician’s Elephant adapts Kate DiCamillo’s novel of the same name, and it tells the story of a young orphan named Peter (Noah Jupe). Peter’s only wish in life is to find his missing sister, Adele (Pixie Davies), Through a fortune teller, Peter is told that he has to find a Magician (Benedict Wong) who will summon an elephant.

Incredibly, the prophecy comes true. But before the elephant can lead Peter to his sister, he is forced to perform three impossible tasks. And the attempt will change Peter’s life forever.

Munich: The Edge of War (2022)

The sea beast (2022), enola holmes (2020), roald dahl's matilda the musical (2022), the ballad of buster scruggs (2018), glass onion: a knives out mystery (2022), guillermo del toro's pinocchio (2022).

One of Hollywood most visionary filmmakers turns his attention to one of the most beloved tales in children’s literature in Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio , a stop-motion animated adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s 1883 novel The Adventures of Pinocchio . Featuring the voices of Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, and Gregory Mann, as Jiminy Cricket, Gepetto, and Pinocchio, respectively, the film chronicles the marionette Pinocchio’s quest to become a living boy — a journey that brings him through one adventure after another.

The star-filled voice cast also includes John Turturro, Ron Perlman, Finn Wolfhard, Cate Blanchett, Tim Blake Nelson, Christoph Waltz, and Tilda Swinton, among others. Some reviewers have named it one of the year’s best films, animated or otherwise.

Always Be My Maybe (2019)

Tick, tick...boom (2021).

Andrew Garfield stars as Rent playwright Jonathon Larson in this semi-autobiographical film directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The musical drama chronicles Larson’s struggles to bring the rock musical he’s been working on for years to the stage while navigating love, friendships, and both personal and professional pressure in New York City.

Passing (2021)

The trial of the chicago 7 (2020), editors' recommendations.

• The 10 most popular movies on Netflix right now
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• The 50 best shows on Netflix in March 2024
• The best kids movies on Disney+ right now
• The best sci-fi movies on Hulu right now
• Streaming Guides
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There are thrillers and rom-coms galore on Netflix, but feel-good movies are a little harder to pin down to a single genre. That's because almost anything, from a drama or a comedy to a documentary, can be a feel-good movie. It has more to do with the response that the film gets from viewers than it does with the subject matter. And it often means more than just promising a happy ending because, in life, we have too few of those.

Our latest roundup of the best feel-good movies on Netflix includes the independently produced animation/live-action flick Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, the rom-coms Love At First Sight and Mamma Mia!, as well as a documentary that lives up to its title: The Greatest Night In Pop. And we have even more options for you below.

There are barren deserts in nature that offer more variety than Disney+ currently does for subscribers. The dramatic cost-cutting at Disney means that the streamer that was supposed to be a Netflix killer now has more filler than anything else. Even though March has the strongest lineup of Disney+ originals of the year to date, it still pales in comparison to the plethora of shows that debuted during the first few years of Disney+.

The big attraction this month is Marvel Studios' X-Men '97, the official continuation of the fan-favorite show, X-Men: The Animated Series. That series pairs nicely on Wednesdays with Star Wars: The Bad Batch, which will be running its final season through the beginning of May. The other notable additions for March include National Geographic's Queens, as well as Renegade Nell, a British series that will stream exclusively on Disney+. Keep reading for the rest of our picks for the best shows on Disney+ right now.

The harsh reality of television is as true today as it's ever been: Sometimes, your favorite shows are going to get canceled long before they can reasonably build up a fan following. If a series isn't a hit out of the gate, even Netflix will cancel it. This is ironic since Netflix is also home to many prematurely canceled shows that are hidden gems on the streamer.

Our monthly roundup of the best hidden gems on Netflix is meant to shine a light on the shows that still deserve to be watched even though they only had short runs. For March, we're taking a look at Happy!, a series from one of the co-creators of The Boys. We're also spotlighting the Australian comedy Fisk and a superhero parody, The Guardians of Justice. You can find those shows and more below in our list of the best hidden gems on Netflix.

The 41 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now

Our handy, extensive guide is updated weekly with all-new picks.

Spring is finally in the air, but that doesn't mean you can't still stay in and have a great movie night. As new plants start to grow, so does Netflix's movie selection, from romances like Love & Basketball and Set It Up to recent Oscar contenders like Rustin and Nyad . Whether you're looking for something deep and thought-provoking or light for the whole family, there are a plethora of incredible films on Netflix. With over 40 amazing movies on this list alone, it can be difficult to choose, but our carefully written recommendations will help you find just what you're looking for.

Rest assured, this list has been carefully considered and curated by seasoned Collider editors with decades of combined experience — not to mention a passion and enthusiasm for the medium. Only the crème de la crème has made the cut. Read on to discover the best movies to watch on Netflix right now.

For even more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows on Netflix , best comedies on Netflix , and best dramas on Netflix .

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.

'Love & Basketball' (2000)

Rotten tomatoes: 85% | imdb: 7.2/10, love & basketball.

Serving as the feature film directorial debut for Gina Prince-Bythewood ( The Woman King ), Love & Basketball is a cult classic sports romance, also written by Prince-Bythewood. The film co-stars Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps as Monica and Quincy, a pair of passionate athletes determined to achieve their dreams of playing basketball professionally. Supported by Alfre Woodard , Dennis Haysbert , and Kyla Pratt as young Monica, Love & Basketball follows the couple through the year as they pursue not only their respective basketball careers but their ardent relationship as well.

Love and Basketball provides an emotional look at the cost of perseverance and the ambition needed to keep dreams alive. An inspirational movie about working hard and loving fiercely, Love & Basketball continues to touch hearts over 20 years after debuting. - Yael Tygiel

Watch on Netflix

'Uncut Gems' (2019)

Rotten tomatoes: 91% | imdb: 7.4/10.

A film that features the best Adam Sandler performance to date, Uncut Gems is a stressful journey into gambling that is as comedic as it is chaotic. Sandler is Howard 'Howie' Ratner, a New York City jeweler who is facing a lot of debts and decides to make one last bet to make it all back. Sound easy? It very much isn’t. Howie will have to somehow talk his way out of more than one dangerous situation and keep his family together while also having an affair.

If it wasn’t clear, this is not the best of guys we’re dealing with, though it is watching him self-sabotage that it all becomes both frightening and fascinating. You may shout at the screen a couple of times in frustration, though there is nothing quite like it. By the time it arrives at its explosive conclusion, you’ll be short of breath as you can finally exhale from the wild ride you’ve been on. - Chase Hutchinson

'Elvis' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 77% | imdb: 7.3/10.

Read Our Review

Elvis , the biopic about the iconic singer, was one of the big films of 2023. Written, directed, and produced by film auteur Baz Luhrmann , who was behind the 2013 hit The Great Gatsby starring Leonardo DiCaprio . Elvis stars Austin Butler ( Dune Part 2 ) as the rock n’ roll singer who took the world by storm in the 1950s while maintaining a complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker . The film was a box office hit, grossing $288 million worldwide, and was praised by critics for its stunning visuals and its ability to capture Elvis’s larger-than-life presence while also managing to bring in new fans.

The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Butler, Best Costume Design, and the always coveted Best Picture. Elvis also stars Tom Hanks ( Cast Away ), Olivia DeJonge ( The Visit ) , Richard Roxburgh ( Van Helsing ), and Kelvin Jarrinson Jr. ( It Comes At Night ).

'American Symphony' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 94% | imdb: 6.9/10, american symphony.

Even if you just watch the trailer for American Symphony, you will be in tears. The documentary tells the story of Grammy winner Jon Batiste and his wife, Suleika Jaouad , as they live a life of drastic contrast. While Batiste continues to take over the music world, Jaouad goes through an intense battle with cancer. Jaouad begins chemotherapy on the same day Batiste is nominated for 11 Grammy Awards – an obviously unplanned detail that sums up the entire message of the film: that a wonderful thing and terrible thing can happen at the same time. Over the course of the documentary, Batiste is writing a composition that he plans to play for one night only at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival to great reviews, with Variety Magazine calling it “one of the best love stories seen on film.” Currently, American Symphony is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “It Never Went Away” by Batiste and Dan Wilson . - Emily Cappello

'Rustin' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 85% | imdb: 6.6/10.

Currently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Leading Actor for its star, Colman Domingo , Rustin tells the story of Bayard Rustin (Domingo), a civil rights activist heavily inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. Rustin sets out to organize the March on Washington against huge obstacles like racism and homophobia. Those familiar with the March on Washington, which occurred in 1963, know how paramount it was in the fight to end racial discrimination and that it concluded with Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The film follows these incredible historic events while highlighting Rustin’s passion and enthusiasm for civil rights.

The film also stars Aml Ameen ( The Maze Runner ) as Dr. King, Glynn Turman ( Super 8 ) as A. Philip Randolph , Chris Rock ( The Longest Yard ) as Roy Wilkins , and Audra McDonald ( A Raisin In The Sun ) as Ella Baker . Rustin was previously nominated for two Golden Globe Awards for Best Original Song by Lenny Kravitz and Best Performance by Domingo. - Emily Cappello

'Nyad' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 86% | imdb: 7.1/10.

Oscar winners Annette Bening and Jodie Foster dominate in the biographical sports drama Nyad . Directed by documentarians Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin , Nyad is their feature directorial debut, which benefits from their experience capturing authenticity. As expected from most sports dramas and biopics, Nyad shares a story of perseverance, the triumphs of determination, and a message of hope, showcased by the undeniable on-screen power of Bening and Foster.

The actors’ dedication to truth in storytelling, as well as their chemistry, shine alongside the smart script written by Julia Cox . Nyad engages the audience with its solid foundation while entertaining through grounded drama based on reality instead of relying on cheap cliches. - Yael Tygiel

'Society of the Snow' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 90% | imdb: 7.9/10, society of the snow.

In 1972, a Uruguayan flight crashed while carrying a rugby team on their way to Chile, and the survivors of the wreck had to work together to survive in the treacherously cold weather of the Andes. This real-life event is the subject of J.A. Bayona 's film Society of the Snow , which tackles the incredible story of the survivors and their attempts to survive for two months in the mountains. Director Bayona got the idea for the film upon discovering the book The Society of the Snow , which was written by Pablo Vierci , and used the same name for his film. The cast, largely composed of newcomers in the acting world, is completely composed of Uruguayan and Argentinian performers.

The film was nominated for two Oscars, including Best International Feature Film, a Golden Globe for Best Non-English Language Film, and a Critic's Choice Award for the same category. With a budget of 60 million euros, The Society of Snow is the most expensive Spanish film ever made. With music by Michael Giacchino , the film is acclaimed for its emotional undertone and important message. - Emily Cappello

'May December' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 90% | imdb: 6.9/10, may december.

While watching May December , I found myself laughing out loud almost as much as I was cringing. I also found myself looking online afterward to see if my reaction was “normal.” This kaleidoscope viewing experience shows the brilliance of May December and how its subject matter — a thirty-six-year-old woman entering into a relationship with a seventh grader and having his three children — will dramatically change depending on the person telling the story. The plot follows actress Elizabeth ( Natalie Portman ) as she shadows Gracie ( Julianne Moore ), the controversial woman (and sex offender) who inspired Elizabeth’s latest film role. Or, depending on your point of view, it’s about Gracie’s experience as Elizabeth enters and disrupts the parts of her she’s been able to keep hidden. Or it’s about Gracie’s much, much younger husband, Joe ( Charles Melton ), as he discovers what Elizabeth’s presence means about his own life.

Written and directed by Todd Haynes , the film was inspired by the real-life relationship between teacher Mary Kay Letourneau and her sixth-grade student, Vili Fualaau. The two had children together and eventually married upon Letourneau’s release from prison, as Gracie and Joe did in May December . While it seems impossible that, given these themes, the film would have any laugh-out-loud moments, Haynes has crafted the story in such a way that it’s aware of its own absurdity. And, perhaps, we would find humor in the smallest moments, like Gracie dramatically revealing they “need more hot dogs” just to forget the insanity of the situation we’ve found ourselves in as an audience. - Emily Cappello

'Maestro' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 79% | imdb: 6.7/10.

One of the most talked-about films of 2023, Maestro tells the story of American composer Leonard Bernstein ( Bradley Cooper ), his rise to fame, and how that fame affected his relationship with long-time love Felicia Montealegre ( Carey Mulligan ). Directed and co-written by Cooper alongside screenwriter Josh Singer , the film was produced by cinema heavy hitters Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg . The film won the American Film Institute (AFI)’ s “Movie of the Year” and was nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, including “Best Motion Picture, Drama,” “Best Director,” and “Best Performance by a Male Actor” for Cooper and “Best Performer by Female Actor” for Mulligan. It co-stars Matt Bomer ( In Time ), Vincent Amato ( Unbroken ), and comedian Sarah Silverman .

Leonard Bernstein began his career as an assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic and rose to fame when he filled in for the main conductor, who had fallen ill. Maestro follows Bernstein as he meets and marries Felicia Montealegre, who struggles with her new husband’s infidelity. While Bernstein goes on to compose some of the most famous music in American history, including West Side Story , he struggles with alcohol and other substances, causing more issues in his marriage. - Emily Cappello

'Set It Up' (2018)

Rotten tomatoes: 92% | imdb: 6.5/10.

Two corporate executive assistants hatch a plan to match-make their two bosses.

Read Our Review Anyone who knows me knows I’m a rom-com junkie — obsessed to the point of running a podcast on it, actually. So it’s no surprise that Set It Up , Netflix’s 2018 original film starring Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell , is easily my favorite movie the streamer has on offer, even five years after its premiere. While they’ve made plenty of other rom-coms since the film was released, the story of two down-on-their-luck executive assistants who attempt to set their bosses up with each other for a little free time is easily still their best.

While it’s not the first time Powell and Deutch starred together — that award goes to Richard Linklater ’s Everybody Wants Some!! — and both have gone onto much bigger projects, it’s a sweet and heartwarming film that’s easy to get into, even if the comedy’s a bit cringe-worthy. It’s rare to find rom-coms made after 2005 whose leads have such immediate, entertaining, and believable chemistry and even rarer to find a cast filled with heavyweights who are just as much fun — can you believe this film also boasts the likes of Lucy Liu , Taye Diggs , and Pete Davidson ? Not to mention it’s an easy hour and forty-five minutes, perfect for watching (and rewatching, as I do) whenever you want a little fun in your life. — Maggie Boccella, News Editor

'It Follows' (2015)

Rotten tomatoes: 95% | imdb: 6.8/10.

Read Our Review In a world filled with remakes and reboots, It Follows defied the norm by finding an original way to tell a mysterious horror story. The story follows Jay ( Maika Monroe ), a teenager who has sex with a guy named Hugh ( Jake Weary ), whom she doesn’t know very well. Afterward, Hugh tells her that she’s inherited a curse that he's now free of. Jay starts to be followed by a phantom who wishes her dead, and the only way Jay can get rid of the curse is if she sleeps with someone else, passing it along to them.

It Follows premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014, where it was then a part of a limited theatrical release before moving to a nationwide release in 2015. Written and directed by David Robert Mitchell ( Under the Silver Lake ), audiences raved about the movie not just for its originality but also for their different interpretations of the meaning behind the plot. Throughout its time in theaters, the film continually received great reviews for its terrifying scares and for its deeper meaning. As of October 2023, a sequel is in the works entitled They Follow . - Emily Cappello

'Burning' (2018)

Rotten tomatoes: 95% | imdb: 7.5/10.

Based on the short story “Barn Burning” by Haruki Murakami , Burning is a South Korean-Japanese thriller written and directed by Lee Chang-dong in his first film after an eight-year hiatus. The film focuses on Lee Jong-su ( Yoo Ah-in ) after he runs into an old classmate named Shin Hae-mi ( Jeon Jong-seo ), who asks him to feed her cat while she’s away. Jong-su obliges, but upon Hae-mi’s return with a mysterious man named Ben ( Steven Yeun ), things take an odd turn. When Ben admits his illegal and dangerous hobby to Jong-su, Jong-su becomes worried for Hae-mi’s safety. It's a story that knows how to heighten the tension little by little and, by the end, has viewers' hearts racing.

Burning premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018, where it won the International Critics’ Prize and was then released in South Korea and later in the United States. Perhaps more impressive, the film was voted as the best Korean film of all time on Korean Screen. Burning appeared on many critics’ “Top 10” lists for 2018, with critics at The A.V. Club and The Los Angeles Times rating it number one. The film also made some “Best Films of the Decade” Lists, proving the power of the writing, directing, and the three lead actors’ performances. - Emily Cappello

'Mobile Suit Gundam I' (1981)

Imdb: 7.9/10, mobile suit gundam i.

In outer space, an interplanetary war is raging. This is the story of Mobile Suit Gundam I , a Japanese animated action and adventure movie based on an animated series of the same name. While the battle rages on in the Solar System, there is hope in the form of a mobile battle suit named the “Gundam,” but there’s one problem: the only person able to pilot the massive machinery is a boy named Amuro Ray ( Toru Furuya ). Now, Amuro must fight alongside other kids to save themselves and their families as the war rages on. The film also stars Hirotaka Suzuoki , Toshio Furukawa , Kiyonobu Suzuki , and Shôzô îzuka .

The film, directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Ryoji Fujiwara , premiered in Japan in 1981 and acted as a compilation of episodes 1-13 of the popular Animated series Mobile Suit Gundam . Later dubbed in English and released on VHS tape in the United States in 1999, both the film and its original show material were suddenly popular worldwide, finding a completely new fanbase with English-speaking audiences. - Emily Cappello

'Miss Juneteenth' (2020)

Rotten tomatoes: 99% | imdb: 6.6/10, miss juneteenth.

Miss Juneteenth follows the story of single mother Turquoise ( Nicole Beharie , who won a Gotham award for Best Actress for the role) as she enters her fifteen-year-old daughter Kai ( Alexis Chikaeze ) into the Miss Juneteenth Pageant. Kai is rebellious and doesn’t follow the path her mother has laid out for her willingly, but she ends up making Turquoise proud nonetheless.

When Miss Juneteenth premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020, it received critical praise and a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize in the “Dramatic” category. The film continued its victory lap with wins at the SXSW Film Festival, where it won the Louis Black/Lone Star Award, as well as numerous other honors from different festivals across the US. The film had a prominent release date to video-on-demand: June 19, 2020: the 155th anniversary of the holiday Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The film tackles the significance of the holiday while also bringing in other themes within the characters’ lives. In January 2021, it was announced that Miss Juneteenth would be adapted into a television series with NBCUniversal, but it is still listed as “in development.” - Emily Cappello

'Paddington' (2014)

Rotten tomatoes: 97% | imdb: 7.3/10.

The filmmakers of 2014’s Paddington had big, fuzzy shoes to fill. Based on the beloved children’s books by Michael Bond that premiered in 1958, Paddington Bear was already known worldwide when he hit the big screen, putting a lot of pressure on the film’s creators to get him right. The story follows a computer-animated Paddington, voiced by Ben Whishaw , as he travels from Peru to London to find a home under the advice of his uncle (the late, great Michael Gambon ) and aunt ( Imelda Staunton , another Harry Potter alum). There, Paddington meets the Brown family, played by Hugh Bonneville ( Notting Hill ), Sally Hawkins ( The Shape of Water ), Madeleine Harris ( Man Down ), and Samuel Joslin ( The Impossible ), who take Paddington home with them. All is going swell until Paddington catches the interest of a taxidermist.

The film was widely critically praised, earning $282 million at the box office and generating a sequel that is regarded by some to be one of the best films ever made. The film is fun and light and also has a surprising amount of depth for what might be viewed as a “kid’s movie.” It contains an all-star cast, with additional stars like Julie Walters ( Billy Elliot ), Nicole Kidman ( The Hours ), and Matt Lucas ( Bridesmaids ), and an excellent score by Nick Urata . The film won awards from the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain and a British Screenwriters’ Award for Best Screenplay by Paul King. It was also nominated for two BAFTA Awards. No matter your age, Paddington is sure to put a smile on your face. - Emily Cappello

'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' (1975)

Rotten tomatoes: 96% | imdb: 8.2/10, monty python and the holy grail.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail follows the exploits of King Arthur of the Britains ( Graham Chapman ) as he tries to recruit knights to join his court at Camelot. He faces many obstacles in this journey, such as anarcho-syndicalist peasants and a stubborn Black Knight, but eventually, he recruits Sir Bedevere ( Terry Jones ), Sir Lancelot ( John Cleese ), Sir Robin ( Eric Idle ), Sir Galahad ( Michael Palin ) and Sir Not Appearing In This Film. They are then tasked by God (Graham Chapman) with retrieving the Holy Grail, an arduous task filled with perils they cannot imagine.

Though incredibly stressful on the cast and crew due to behind-the-scenes troubles, Holy Grail has become one of the most beloved comedies of all time. The Pythons already enjoyed a lot of success thanks to their unique brand of surrealism mixed with biting British whit, but Holy Grail adds a dash of antiquity by using Arthurian legend as its setting. In fact, there’s little action in the film: everything is carried by the camaraderie of the Pythons and the hilarity of their situations. Many of its jokes have become cemented in popular culture, ensuring that, even if audiences haven’t experienced Monty Python before, they'll be familiar with its comedy. - Tyler B. Searle

'Phantom Thread' (2017)

Phantom thread.

In the 1950s setting of Phantom Thread , Daniel Day Lewis ’s character, Reynolds, does everything by the book. He lives his life as structured and measured as he tailors clothing with great care and concentration. That is, until he meets Alma ( Vicky Krieps ), a woman who completely disrupts the order of his life. Complicating matters is Reynolds’s sister, Cyril ( Lesley Manville ), who runs the business side of Reynolds’s life. The introduction of Alma creates a ripple effect as Reynolds hires her to be his assistant while also making her his lover and muse. Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson ( There Will Be Blood ), Phantom Thread explores both familial and romantic relationships while delivering powerhouse acting performances from its leading trio of actors .

The film opened in 2018 to rave reviews despite its lackluster box office performance. It received five Oscar nominations and secured one win for Best Achievement in Costume Design by Mark Bridges . Bridges won this same award at the BAFTA Awards as well as the Critics’ Choice Awards . Also highlighted was the film’s hauntingly beautiful score by Jonny Greenwood , whose previous work with writer-director Anderson has proven they are a winning pair. - Emily Cappello

'Fair Play' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes 86% | imdb 6.4/10.

Read Our Review A tale of unraveling mystery is afoot in Chloe Domont ’s directorial debut, as successful New York couple Emily ( Phoebe Dynevor ) and Luke ( Alden Ehrenreich ) find their honeymoon-esque relationship challenged by their ambitious drive for success. After a career promotion is at stake in the financial industry, what was once a dreamy romance spirals into a cutthroat rivalry that will come to define their relationship.

For her first directorial outing, Domont impresses with a story bursting at the seams with thrills and deceit. A fascinating analysis of the shifting power dynamics of a relationship, anxiety is the order of the day, as Fair Play thrives thanks to the captivating chemistry of its lead couple. Supported by a talented ensemble, the movie is a whirlwind of paranoia from start to finish

Our critic Therese Lacson raved in her review that " Fair Play 's leads and fiery chemistry lend themselves to the genre more so than any other recent feature. A good thriller will ramp up the anxiety with each step as it hurtles towards its conclusion, and Fair Play does not let up until the very end, offering a twisted and toxic tale of a couple driven to the brink by a shift in power dynamics." – Jake Hodges

'The Fundamentals of Caring' (2016)

Rotten tomatoes 77% | imdb 7.3/10, the fundamentals of caring.

Read Our Review The 2016 Netflix original The Fundamentals of Caring is one of those movies I find myself inserting into any film conversation I’m having, and it’s unfortunately rare that someone has even heard of it, let alone seen it. Based on Jonathan Evison ’s novel The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving and written and directed by Rob Burnett , this charming, heartwarming road trip dramedy stars Paul Rudd as Ben Benjamin (yes, that’s his name), an unemployed writer searching for meaning in his life after an unfathomable tragedy. Hoping to remedy his situation, he enrolls in a caregiving class and is paired with Trevor ( Craig Roberts ), a darkly humored, cynical teenager with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy who is not exactly keen on leaving the house or having a caregiver.

This isn’t the typical type of Paul Rudd vehicle you might be expecting. Yes, he’s still hilarious when the story calls for it (the scene of him and Roberts in the car with a Slim Jim is Rudd-tastic), but for the most part, he isn’t the one quipping witty jokes — rather, he's leaning into his more vulnerable side as he fields Trevor’s insults and taking care of Trevor during their cross-country road trip. Along the way, they meet Dot, a fellow lost soul with a sharp tongue and an open mind, played beautifully by Selena Gomez . Just as these characters need each other, you need this movie in your life. The Fundamentals of Caring is the epitome of a hidden gem. – Emilly Bernard, Features Editor

'They Cloned Tyrone' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 95% | imdb: 6.6/10, they cloned tyrone.

Read Our Review This Netflix original story from director Juel Taylor follows drug dealer Fontaine ( John Boyega ), who, after waking up unharmed in his bedroom after being shot dead the night before, is encouraged to investigate how such a mind-boggling event could happen. With the help of friends Slick Charles ( Jamie Foxx ) and Yo-Yo ( Teyonah Parris ), the trio uncover the mysterious underbelly lurking beneath their neighborhood, where terrifying experiments are being performed on their black community.

A twisting narrative that seamlessly blends genres, They Cloned Tyrone alarmingly draws on real-life stories of black experimentation, using that and its homage to 70s blaxploitation movies to create a unique and entertaining style. Never far from a laugh, the movie is just as dramatic as it is funny, with the talented main ensemble thriving thanks to a stellar script from Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier . - Jake Hodges

Cord Cutting Guides, News, and Reviews

The 25 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now

‘Bridesmaids’ is a comedy classic that everyone needs to watch.

Although the days of Netflix having just about every movie title under the sun are gone with the rise of proprietary streaming services, that doesn’t mean it isn’t still one of the best stops to get your film fix. Netflix excels at consistently putting out new quality content, making it the streamer for you if you prefer fresh new movies to older films. It’s also great at providing content the whole family can enjoy together, making it a favorite of cord-cutters with kids.

We’ve chosen this list from critically acclaimed and popular films as well as our personal favorites. You’ll see plenty of Netflix’s best films of the past few years, as well as a good mix of beloved classics. Netflix puts out new original films every month, so we’ll be updating this list regularly to include the best new releases.

‘Maestro’ (2023) — Editor’s Top Pick

Rated: R | Genre: Romantic Biography | Run Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes | Director: Bradley Cooper

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10 | Metacritic Rating: 77

Cast: Carey Mulligan, Bradley Cooper, Matt Bomer

Watch the trailer for “Maestro”

Bradley Cooper’s passion project, “Maestro,” starring himself as legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, has already garnered him several Best Director nods this year. The film focuses on Bernstein's rise to fame, his significant impact on the world of classical music, and his tumultuous personal life, especially his complicated marriage to Costa Rican-American actress, Felicia Montealegre ( Carey Mulligan ). As a major fan of Mulligan’s work in “An Education” and Cooper’s in “Silver Lining’s Playbook,” I knew this was a film not to miss, tremendously showcasing the two actors' powerful and nuanced work. Cooper intricately captures Bernstein's charisma, musical genius, struggles with his family life and sexuality, and his relentless pursuit of artistic perfection, while Mulligan brings a relatable emotional lens to the pain and excitement of loving a genius.

The satisfyingly authentic mid-20th century period detail, as well as the film’s naturally brilliant score including Bernstein's most famous compositions, are also highlights. Beautiful cinematography, direction, performances, music, and detail have earned this emotional and thought-provoking biopic a slew of nominations in this year’s awards season.

Watch “Maestro” on Netflix

‘The Killer’ (2023)

Rated: R | Genre: Crime Thriller | Run Time: 1 hour and 58 minutes | Director: David Fincher

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10 | Metacritic Rating: 73

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Tilda Swinton, Charles Parnell

Watch the trailer for “The Killer”

The iconic director of “The Social Network” and “Fight Club,” David Fincher , lends his signature cinematography and choreography style to the story of an unnamed Killer ( Michael Fassbender ). Solitary and cold, methodical and unencumbered by scruples or regrets, the Killer dedicates himself to building the skills and meditative calm needed to make him succeed at his craft. While away on a job, his girlfriend Magdala ( Sophie Charlotte ) is targeted by thugs of a powerful employer. With the careful lines he’s drawn between his dangerous work and his personal life beginning to crumble, the Killer finds it harder than ever to keep his cool as he hunts down Magdala’s attackers.

This brutal and stylish noir exploring detached professionalism in a world without a moral compass is guaranteed to be a hit with fans of Fincher’s previous work.

Watch “The Killer” on Netflix

‘May December’ (2023)

Rated: R | Genre: Drama | Run Time: 1 hours and 57 minutes | Director: Todd Haynes

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 | Metacritic Rating: 83

Cast: Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman, Charles Melton

Watch the trailer for “May December”

“May December” unites Academy Award winners Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman in a dark, uncomfortable, and provocative story that gets at the heart of our moral ambiguities. Portman portrays an actress who, while studying for a role, lives with a married couple whose notoriously inappropriate age-gap romance gripped tabloids across the nation. The enigmatic Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore), who began her relationship with her younger husband when he was in seventh grade, is tested by the actress’ constant questioning of her choices. As old wounds are dragged to the surface, Joe Yoo ( Charles Melton ) is made to reexamine his relationship, taking a hard look at what love is. A seductively disquieting thought experiment, “May December” is one of the most critically acclaimed Netflix films of 2023.

Watch “May December” on Netflix

‘They Cloned Tyrone’ (2023)

Rated: R | Genre: Sci-Fi Comedy Mystery | Run Time: 2 hours and 2 minutes | Director: Juel Taylor

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10 | Metacritic Rating: 74

Cast: John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx

Watch the trailer for “They Cloned Tyrone” 

If you love films like “Pulp Fiction,” you’ll love this wickedly cool tribute to Blaxploitation crime films of the ’70s. Join an unlikely trio as they’re thrown together to save their neighborhood from a conspiracy. When local drug dealer Fontaine ( John Boyega ) wakes up unharmed after being shot and killed, it tips him off that something strange is going on in his neighborhood. With the help of a pimp named Slick Charles ( Jamie Foxx ) and a streetwalker called Yo-Yo ( Teyonah Parris ), he sets out to investigate the strange occurrences and ends up discovering a conspiracy deeper and darker than he could have imagined.

With the U.S. government running experiments on the local Black population, Fontaine decides he can’t stand back and watch. Things get even more complicated, however, when he realizes he’s not the real Fontaine but a government-controlled clone. “They Cloned Tyrone” is a witty, clever, and stylish social satire that’s one of the best woke films you will ever see.

Watch “They Cloned Tyrone” on Netflix

‘Nimona’ (2023)

Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Animated Sci-Fi Fantasy Comedy | Run Time: 1 hour and 39 minutes | Director: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 | Metacritic Rating: 75

Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy

Watch the trailer for “Nimona”

“Nimona” is a spunky and unconventional 2D animated anti-hero story that masterfully subverts and pokes fun at traditional fairy tale tropes. Nimona ( Chloë Grace Moretz ), a teen shape-shifter with a nefarious streak, wreaks havoc across her medieval futuristic kingdom. During a ceremony where a commoner is about to be knighted, the queen is murdered under suspicious circumstances. This leaves new knight Ballister Boldheart ( Riz Ahmed ) on the run from the authorities. Nimona, who agrees to partner up with him, is the only person who can prove his innocence. Unfortunately, she’s the monster he has sworn to destroy.

Between its lively action scenes and quirky style, “Nimona” is an instant family classic that speaks to universal themes of individuality, identity, and acceptance.

Watch “Nimona” on Netflix

‘Living’ (2022)

Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Drama | Run Time: 1 hour and 42 minutes | Director: Oliver Hermanus

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 | Metacritic Rating: 81

Cast: Bill Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood, Alex Sharp, Adrian Rawlins

Watch the trailer for “Living”

Mr. Williams ( Bill Nighy ) is a senior bureaucrat whose dedication to the daily grind has sucked all the joy out of his life and drained his empathy for the citizens he serves. Lonely and purposeless, Williams receives a medical diagnosis that guarantees his time is short. Unable to end his own life, he decides to start living it while he still can. With the help of a deviant writer and a vibrant young woman, he lets his hair down and even learns to do some good for others.

“Living” is Nighy’s magnum opus, earning him a Best Actor nomination. It’s a beautiful exploration of mortality, legacy, empathy, and purpose.

Watch “Living” on Netflix

‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021)

Rated: R | Genre: Western  | Run Time: 2 hours, 6 minutes  | Director: Jane Campion

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 89

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons

Watch the trailer for “The Power of the Dog”

Western psychological drama, “The Power of the Dog,” made a splash in 2021 when it earned 12 Oscar nominations and brought home a Best Director trophy for Jane Campion . In 1920s Montana, Phil Burbank ( Benedict Cumberbatch ), a brutal, charismatic, and influential rancher, exerts his power over everyone around him. When his sensitive brother George ( Jesse Plemons ) brings his new wife Rose ( Kirsten Dunst ) and her teenage son Peter ( Kodi Smit-McPhee ) to live on the ranch, the family becomes the target of Phil's cruel machinations. The heightened emotional situation grows even more tense when Peter forms an unlikely bond with Phil, learning ranching from him while also discovering some of the intimidating man’s dark secrets.

“The Power of the Dog” is a captivating slow burn, building tension and psychological complexity in its characters to a powerful and thought-provoking climax. The brooding American West provides a rich setting to explore identity, loneliness, and the destructive nature of unrealized masculinity, creating a pensive and haunting character study that will leave you pondering days later.

Watch “The Power of the Dog” on Netflix

‘Ma Rainey's Black Bottom’ (2020)

Rated: R | Genre: Music Drama | Run Time: 1 hour, 34 minutes | Director: George C. Wolfe

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 | Metacritic Rating: 87

Cast: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman

Watch the trailer for “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom”

Producer Denzel Washington brings us a vivid film adaptation of August Wilson's renowned play, “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom,” part of a 10-film deal to adapt the playwright’s works. In 1920s Chicago, a jazz band arrives at a recording studio, anxiously awaiting the arrival of “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey ( Viola Davis ), who arrives late making unreasonable demands. Ma Rainey's force-of-nature presence elevates tensions during the recording session, especially irking Levee ( Chadwick Boseman ), whose experiences with racial prejudice have long hindered his ambitions as a trumpeter and composer. Despite shared experiences of race, art, and exploitation, the musicians’ wildly different perspectives prevent them from being able to see eye-to-eye, with the session becoming ever more emotionally tense.

The film is true to Wilson's play, with evocative cinematography, Oscar-winning costumes and makeup, a killer soundtrack, and a powerhouse performance from Davis as the unapologetically brash Rainey. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” gets to the heart of differing Black experiences, exploring ambition and the system of exploitation that long plagued the roots of American music.

Watch “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom” on Netflix

‘Enola Holmes’ (2020)

Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Mystery Adventure | Run Time: 2 hours and 3 minutes | Director: Harry Bradbeer

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10 | Metacritic Rating: 68

Cast: Henry Cavill, Millie Bobby Brown, Sam Claflin, Helena Bonham Carter

Watch the trailer for “Enola Holmes”

This spirited and adventurous modern overhaul of the iconic tales of Sherlock Holmes focuses on Sherlock’s curious and rebellious teenage sister, Enola ( Millie Bobby Brown ). Clever, tough, and independent, Enola sets out to unravel the mystery behind her mother's disappearance. Along the way, she becomes embroiled in a larger conspiracy that challenges her own detective skills while forcing her to face the frustrating societal norms for women in Victorian England.

The ensemble cast includes Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes and Helena Bonham Carter as their unconventional mother. “Enola Holmes” is a family-friendly adventure that offers a charming and delightful mix of mystery, humor, and female empowerment.

Watch “Enola Holmes” on Netflix

‘The Social Dilemma’ (2020)

Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Docudrama | Run Time: 1 hour and 34 minutes | Director: Jeff Orlowski

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 | Metacritic Rating: 78

Cast: Tristan Harris, Jeff Seibert, Bailey Richardson, Joe Toscano

Watch the trailer for “The Social Dilemma”

For viewers who aren’t even big fans of documentaries, the docudrama, “The Social Dilemma,” is one of the most powerful pieces of work you can watch on Netflix. Through dramatic reenactments and discussions with tech industry insiders, the film looks at the hidden consequences of social media and the tech industry's influence on our lives. It explores how social media platforms are designed to capture our attention and manipulate our behavior for profit and raises important questions about the impact of technology on mental health, democracy, and the fabric of society.

“The Social Dilemma” serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the urgent need for ethical tech practices and the importance of being aware of the digital forces that shape our daily lives, making it a compelling and relevant documentary for anyone living in the digital age.

Watch “The Social Dilemma” on Netflix

‘Knives Out’ (2019)

Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Mystery | Run Time: 2 hours 10 minutes | Director: Rian Johnson

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10 | Metacritic Rating: 82

Cast: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas

Watch the trailer for “Knives Out”

Rian Johnson , now known as the visionary director behind “Poker Face,” had his major breakthrough in 2019 with “Knives Out,” an inventively modern twist on the classic whodunnit . Wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey ( Christopher Plummer ) has long supported his freeloading family, providing a beautiful home for them at his eccentric Victorian estate. When Harlan dies on the night of his 85th birthday, it is ruled a suicide, but Detective Blanc ( Daniel Craig ) isn’t convinced. His interviews with the residents reveal the web of secrets and lies spun by the dysfunctional family, portrayed by a brilliant ensemble cast including Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collete, Chris Evans , and Ana de Armas in her breakout Hollywood role.

Layers of anti-elitist satire add depth to the clever mystery full of unexpected twists, witty dialogue, dark comedy, and a thoughtful study of family dynamics. Johnson's direction is a reinvention of the murder mystery that became an instant staple of the genre, taking audiences by storm and inviting multiple sequels including “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” and another entry currently in development.

Watch “Knives Out” on Netflix

‘The Florida Project’ (2017)

Rated: R | Genre: Drama | Run Time: 1 hour and 51 minutes | Director: Sean Baker

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 | Metacritic Rating: 92

Cast: Brooklynn Prince, Bria Vinaite, Willem Dafoe

Watch the trailer for “The Florida Project”

A few miles down the road from the pastel facade of Orlando's Disney World is a run-down motel called “The Magic Kingdom” that’s plenty of adventure for six-year-old Moonee ( Brooklynn Prince ) who lives there. With her motel friends and troubled young mother, Halley ( Bria Vinaite ), she explores abandoned buildings, annoys the staff, and learns to take what she needs. The world through her innocent eyes is far removed from her mother’s drug habit, violent crowd, and the tricks she turns from out of their motel-room home.

A raw portrait of poverty and inequality amidst neon-lit tourist-trap glamor, “The Florida Project” features phenomenal performances, including a heart-wrenching one from child actress Prince, that drive home the uncomfortable truths about social inequality masked by sunshine and empty promises.

Watch “The Florida Project” on Netflix

‘Call Me By Your Name’ (2017)

Rated: R | Genre: Coming-of-Age Romantic Drama  | Run Time: 2 hours and 12 minutes | Director: Luca Guadagnino

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 94

Cast: Michael Stuhlbarg, Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Amira Casar

Watch the trailer for “Call Me by Your Name”

Nestled within the sun-drenched embrace of 1983's Northern Italy, the intoxicating coming-of-age romance “Call Me by Your Name” unfolds as a symphony of sensuality and deep emotion. With an idyllic backdrop, a fiery connection ignites between Elio Perlman ( Timothée Chalamet ), a precocious 17-year-old, and the magnetic Oliver ( Armie Hammer ), a graduate student collaborating with Elio's archaeologist father. As their entwined hearts journey ever deeper, they traverse the terrain of desire, embarking on profound voyages of self-discovery and surrendering to the intricate melodies of first love.

Lush cinematography paints the canvas, evocative storytelling weaves the tapestry, potent performances breathe life into the characters, and profound wisdom whispers between every frame. “Call Me by Your Name” stands as a poignant testament to a summer romance that captures the hearts of both its protagonists and its enraptured audience.

Watch “Call Me by Your Name” on Netflix

‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ (2016)

Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Adventure Comedy-Drama  | Run Time: 1 hour and 41 minutes | Director: Taika Waititi

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 81

Cast: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rima Te Wiata

Watch the trailer for “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”

“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is a rollicking roller coaster of laughs and adventure as we follow Ricky Baker ( Julian Dennison ), a foster child with more quirks than you can shake a stick at, and his stern foster guardian, Hec ( Sam Neill ). When Ricky decides to pull the ultimate disappearing act after his foster mom's passing and stages his own death, the last person you'd expect, Hec, embarks on a wild goose chase through the wilderness. Little did they know, they'd soon become the hottest items on New Zealand’s national wanted list.

A madcap dash through the bush, this oddball duo finds themselves dodging the long arm of the law, traversing treacherous terrain, meeting a motley crew of characters, and pulling off some wild stunts to stay incognito. With offbeat humor, heartfelt storytelling, and charming performances from Dennison and Neill, “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” guarantees a wild, wacky, and unforgettable escapade that celebrates the chaos of makeshift families and New Zealand's untouched, untamed wonders.

Watch “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” on Netflix

‘La La Land’ (2016)

Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Musical Romantic Comedy  | Run Time: 2 hours, 8 minutes | Director: Damien Chazelle

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10 | Metacritic Rating: 94

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Rosemarie DeWitt

Watch the trailer for “La La Land”

Vibrant and enchanting, “La La Land” is one of the most highly praised films among Netflix's offerings. This modern musical pays homage to the golden age of Hollywood with contemporary energy and style, largely via its charismatic leads. Mia ( Emma Stone ), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian ( Ryan Gosling ), a passionate jazz musician, meet in a traffic jam and cross paths again months later when Sebastian is playing piano. They bond over artistic expression, developing a deep and supportive relationship. However, the choice between their careers as artists and each other constantly threatens their relationship.

The dreamlike Los Angeles backdrop and catchy show tunes reflect the strange world they inhabit, while their relationship highlights the sacrifices one must make in the pursuit of artistic ambition. With dazzling cinematography, a memorable soundtrack, and an impactful blend of harsh reality and artistic fever dreams, “La La Land” captures the spirit of classic musicals with a story that speaks to the joy and heartache of following one's dreams.

Watch “La La Land” on Netflix

‘Carol’ (2015)

Rated: R | Genre: Romantic Drama  | Run Time: 1 hour, 58 minutes | Director: Todd Haynes

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 | Metacritic Rating: 94

Cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson

Watch the trailer for “Carol”

A perfect choice for a stylish and serious watch this holiday season, “Carol” is a masterful film by director Todd Haynes and based on Patricia Highsmith's 1952 romance novel, “The Price of Salt.” Set in New York in the ‘50s, the film follows the forbidden love story between two women from starkly different backgrounds. Therese Belivet ( Rooney Mara ) is a young department store clerk who dreams of a more fulfilling life as a photographer. While working, she meets the elegant and sophisticated Carol Aird ( Cate Blanchett ), who’s trapped in a loveless marriage. The tender but forbidden romance that grows between them defies the conservative norms of the time and puts both women at risk, testing their love for each other. “Carol” has exquisite cinematography, compelling performances, and emotional sensitivity that make it one of the most critically acclaimed films on Netflix.

Watch “Carol” on Netflix

‘The Imitation Game’ (2014)

Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Biographical Thriller | Run Time: 1 hour and 54 minutes | Director: Morten Tyldum

IMDb Rating: 8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 71

Cast: Keira Knightley, Benedict Cumberbatch, Matthew Goode, Charles Dance

Watch the trailer for “The Imitation Game”

The life of brilliant and historically under-recognized British mathematician Alan Turing ( Benedict Cumberbatch ), the father of computer science and artificial intelligence, is beautifully portrayed in “The Imitation Game.” The film looks at Turing's pivotal role during World War II in breaking the German Enigma code, a feat that greatly contributed to the Allied victory. It also follows Turing's personal struggles as a gay man in the 1950s, an offense for which he was arrested and chemically castrated, leading to his eventual suicide.

Combining historical drama, espionage, and Turing's tragic personal journey, the film highlights the under-recognized legacy of a genius taken too soon and what it can teach us about the devastating losses wrought by intolerance. The film is elevated by Cumberbatch's exceptional performance, a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of identity, power, love, prejudice, and the greater good.

Watch “The Imitation Game” on Netflix

‘Silver Linings Playbook’ (2012)

Rated: R | Genre: Romantic Comedy Drama | Run Time: 2 hours and 2 minutes | Director: David O. Russell

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 | Metacritic Rating: 81

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro

Watch the trailer for “Silver Linings Playbook”

After a violent incident triggered by the discovery of his wife's infidelity leads to an eight-month stay at an inpatient mental health facility, Pat Solitano Jr. ( Bradley Cooper ) returns to his childhood home. Frustrated and trapped, Pat becomes fixated on rekindling his relationship with his now ex-wife. His life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Tiffany ( Jennifer Lawrence ), an off-kilter widow struggling with her own mental health issues and grief from the loss of her husband.

As they form an unlikely bond, Tiffany proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement: She'll assist Pat in delivering a letter to his ex-wife if he joins her in an upcoming dance competition. They grow closer and learn new skills, finding that the competition has become a transformative journey for both of them. “Silver Linings Playbook” looks at relationships, mental health , and the chaos of life with dark humor and empathy that earned it eight Academy Awards nominations.

Watch “Silver Linings Playbook” on Netflix

‘Bridesmaids’ (2011)

Rated: R | Genre: Comedy | Run Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes | Director:  Paul Feig

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 75

Cast: Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Ellie Kemper

Watch the trailer for “Bridesmaids”

Annie Walker ( Kristen Wiig ) isn’t exactly racking up gold stars in the life department — her bakery's a flop, her boyfriend's bailed, and her self-confidence has taken a nosedive. Just when you think things couldn't get messier, her bestie, Lillian ( Maya Rudolph ), ropes her into the ultimate role of maid of honor at her wedding. With her life in shambles, Annie isn’t feeling very confident among Lillian’s competitive group of bridesmaids, especially the gorgeous, snobby, and perfectly coiffed trophy wife, Helen (Rose Byrne). As Annie attempts to outshine Helen's seemingly flawless existence, let's just say it's a recipe for hilarious disaster, involving some epic fails and cringeworthy moments that'd make anyone break into a sweat.

“Bridesmaids” is a roller coaster of friendship, rivalry, privilege, and the quest for self-acceptance — all served up with a side of uproarious female camaraderie.

Watch “Bridesmaids” on Netflix

‘Spider-Man’ (2002)

Rated: PG-13 | Genre: Superhero | Run Time: 2 hours and 1 minute | Director: Sam Raimi

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 | Metacritic Rating: 73

Cast: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco

Watch the trailer for “Spider-Man”

“Spider-Man,” a trailblazing blockbuster that influenced the fevered resurgence of the superhero genre, is an adrenaline-charged classic that set hearts racing and ignited the imaginations of a whole generation of superhero aficionados. Meet Peter Parker ( Tobey Maguire ), your average high schooler, until a bite from a genetically altered spider propels him into an extraordinary world of superhuman abilities. From that moment on, Peter transforms into the iconic, wall-crawling vigilante Spider-Man, determined to harness his newfound strength, agility, and gravity-defying arachnid powers to safeguard the bustling streets of New York City. Lurking in the shadows is the menacing Green Goblin ( Willem Dafoe ), and Peter's best friend, Harry Osborn ( James Franco ), becomes an unexpected adversary.

Juggling the high-flying feats of a superhero with the everyday challenges of his personal life, not to mention his blossoming love for Mary Jane Watson ( Kirsten Dunst ), “Spider-Man” hurtles headlong into a whirlwind of action, humor, and heartwarming storytelling. This web-slinging adventure looks at duty, the quest for paternal guidance, self-discovery, and the eternal battle between the forces of right and wrong.

Watch “Spider-Man” on Netflix

‘The Big Lebowski’ (1998)

Rated: R | Genre: Crime Comedy | Run Time: 1 hour and 57 minutes | Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 | Metacritic Rating: 71

Cast: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi

Watch the trailer for “The Big Lebowski”

Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski ( Jeff Bridges ) is a lovable Los Angeles slacker who’s got a busy schedule of bowling, smoking reefer, and drinking white Russians in his bathrobe. When sharing the same name with a millionaire leads to thugs peeing on his favorite rug, he asks the other Jeffrey Lebowski for some compensation, man . But, when the millionaire Lebowski’s trophy wife is kidnapped, The Dude and his comically unhinged bowling buddies, Walter ( John Goodman ) and Donny ( Steve Buscemi ), are pulled into a criminal plot they never asked for. With his unwavering nonchalant attitude, The Dude offers a valuable lesson in how to deal with life’s curveballs. “The Dude abides” is his mantra and has become a pop culture legend, reminding us to stay true to who we are regardless of how ridiculous of a situation we may find ourselves in. Multilayered, clever, memorable, and one of the funniest movies ever made, “The Big Lebowski” is a must-watch for movie buffs.

Watch “The Big Lebowski” on Netflix

‘Groundhog Day’ (1993)

Rated: PG | Genre: Fantasy Comedy | Run Time: 1 hour and 41 minutes | Director: Harold Ramis

IMDb Rating: 8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 72

Cast: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott

Watch the trailer for “Groundhog Day”

In the charming town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Phil Connors ( Bill Murray ), a cynical and self-absorbed weatherman, embarks on an assignment that will forever alter the course of his life. Tasked with covering the annual Groundhog Day event, he finds himself inexplicably ensnared in a relentless time loop, the hands of the clock forever frozen on a single day. As the cycle endlessly repeats, Phil's journey unfolds in a kaleidoscope of self-discovery and redemption, each repeated sunrise a canvas for his personal evolution and his impact on those who cross his path.

Seamlessly blending humor with a profound exploration of human growth and connection, “Groundhog Day” unearths the inexhaustible value of embracing each day to its fullest potential. Bill Murray anchors the film's clever premise in a symphony of laughter and poignant revelations that have solidified its status as an enduring classic.

Watch “Groundhog Day” on Netflix

‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)

Rated: R | Genre: Coming-of-Age Comedy-Drama | Run Time: 1 hour and 37 minutes | Director: John Hughes

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 66

Cast: Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy

Watch the trailer for “The Breakfast Club”

“The Breakfast Club,” an emblem of the ’80s, etched the names of director John Hughes and the Brat Pack into cinematic history. This iconic coming-of-age masterpiece sees an unlikely alliance form among five high school students. Hailing from disparate social spheres, the brainy nerd ( Anthony Michael Hall ), the rebellious delinquent ( Judd Nelson ), the popular princess ( Molly Ringwald ), the jock ( Emilio Estevez ), and the enigmatic outcast ( Ally Sheedy ) are brought together by the shared burden of a Saturday spent locked in the library for detention. Despite their initial disdain, their facade of stereotypes shatters, and teenage tumult gives way to the raw intricacies of adolescence.

The film evokes the quintessence of ’80s teenage life while bridging the generational gap to offer lessons in friendship, open-mindedness, and the impact of genuine connection.

Watch “The Breakfast Club” on Netflix

‘Rocky’ (1976)

Rated: PG | Genre: Sports Drama | Run Time: 2 hours | Director: John G. Avildsen

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 | Metacritic Rating: 70

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Carl Weathers, Talia Shire, Burt Young

Watch the trailer for “Rocky”

One of film history’s most iconic sports dramas, “Rocky” tells the story of Rocky Balboa ( Sylvester Stallone ), a small-time fighter from the gritty streets of Philadelphia clawing his way out of the shadows of obscurity. When destiny offers him a single, electrifying chance to square off against heavyweight champion Apollo Creed ( Carl Weathers ), a fire kindles deep within him. He transforms from an underestimated underdog to a relentless force, pushing himself to the limit in an exhilarating crescendo of physical and emotional growth.

With a training montage that has become the stuff of legend, a soundtrack that reverberates in your bones, and Stallone's Oscar-nominated performance, “Rocky” is an unforgettable ode to the indomitable spirit of the underdog. Since the first film’s release and through its many sequels, the character of Rocky Balboa has been beloved as a symbol of hope in the face of adversity, the antithesis of arrogant pride, and a reminder of the fruits of hard work and perseverance.

Watch “Rocky” on Netflix

‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ (1975)

Rated: PG | Genre: Comedy | Run Time: 1 hour and 31 minutes | Director: Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10 | Metacritic Rating: 91

Cast: Michael Palin, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle

Watch the trailer for “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”

“Monty Python and the Holy Grail” is a zany romp that's not just funny — it's a contender for the funniest flick ever to grace the screen. This wild farce has the Monty Python crew, including the likes of Terry Gilliam , John Cleese , Micheal Palin , and Terry Jones , donning the regal robes of King Arthur's court. In this madcap masterpiece, they've taken the Arthurian legend and cranked the absurdity up to 11. King Arthur and his hilariously inept knights embark on a quest for the Holy Grail, stumbling upon a parade of bizarre challenges and surreal hurdles that'll have you in stitches.

Expect slapstick antics, whip-smart wordplay, iconic one-liners, and surreal sight gags that showcase the team's signature comedic genius.

Watch “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” on Netflix

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23 highest-rated Netflix movies that are 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes

These Netflix movies are required viewing

Let’s be frank, Netflix movies don’t have the best reputation , especially the Netflix Originals. That little red “N” logo on a movie poster is often less of a seal of approval, and has become a warning to skip rather than stream. That doesn’t mean the streamer never gets it right. In fact, there are plenty of Netflix movies that aren’t just good, but downright great — a few are legit masterpieces. And, of course, Netflix's movies aren't just limited to those it produces, as we've just added two critically-acclaimed titles it licensed in.

Here at Tom’s Guide, putting together a list of our favorite Netflix movies involves days of debate — as our staffers disagree on many picks. And while we relish those polite arguments, sometimes it’s good to look at the bigger picture. In this case, that means taking a look at review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes , which offers a broad critical consensus that helps provide insight to help us pick the Netflix movies that truly deserve top billing. 

Once you're done with this list, though, peep the list of new Netflix movies in 2023 to see what's on deck and see what new Netflix titles to watch this weekend. As for what Netflix has just added, we've got the latest batch of the best new Netflix movies that are 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes based on February additions.

Now we’re not suggesting these are the only Netflix movies worth watching. For starters, I think crime thriller Windfall is hugely underrated (and it scored only 59% on RT). However, if you’re looking for something new to watch on Netflix you really can’t go wrong with any of these 23 options. So without any more preamble, these are the highest-rated Netflix movies with a high Rotten Tomatoes score that you watch right now.  

Call Me by Your Name (2002)

While not a Netflix Original (which means it's not likely to stay here forever), Call Me by Your Name a fantastic and critically acclaimed film that just recently returned to Netflix. Call Me By Your name was also the big break for director Luca Guadagnino, who's gone on to make similarly complexed and nuanced films.

Call Me by Your Name gives audiences the vantage point of young 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet), who is as inexperienced as he is pretentious. On vacation with his family in Italy — while his father (Michael Stuhlbarg) is working on his academic studies — Elio meets Oliver (Armie Hammer), a 24-year-old interning with Elio's father.

While Elio and Oliver don't click at first, they soon actually find a spark. Unfortunately, it doesn't end as well as both parties would prefer. – Henry T. Casey

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Genre: Romantic drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 94% Stream it on Netflix

The Woman King (2022)

The Woman King is based on the impressive and intimidating all-women army of the Agojie tribe, from the Dahomey Kingdom in West Africa. This film sees General Nanisca (Viola Davis) working both to prepare her new class of warriors to protect the region from colonizers, and disagreeing with King Ghezo (John Boyega).

We should note that The Woman King got hit with a boycott, with some arguing it glosses over the Dahomey Kingdom's involvement in the slave trade. That said, if you're going into The Woman King for a film that's less of a historical document than a feel-good action movie with some basis in reality, you'll be entertained. Davis and Boyega may be the stars, but Lashana Lynch and Thuso Mbedu earned critical applause for their supporting roles. – Henry T. Casey

Genre: Action/Drama Rotten Tomatoes: 94% Watch on Netflix right now

 Marriage Story (2019)

Inspired by the breakup of his own marriage, director/writer Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story is sort of like Kramer vs Kramer for the modern age. Carried by towering leading performances from Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, this emotionally charged film follows a theater director and his leading lady as their relationship dissolves. The filmmaking on display is excellent throughout, but it’s the nearly flawless screenplay that holds the whole picture together. – Rory Mellon

Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 95% Stream it on Netflix

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Spike Lee doesn’t do half-measures, and he goes all in on Da 5 Bloods. The film focuses on a group of Vietnam vets who return to the country in search of the remains of their fallen squad leader. The central foursome — Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters and Norm Lewis — are excellent, as is the late Chadwick Boseman as the leader of the Bloods in several flashback sequences. Commenting on both the past and the present, Da 5 Bloods is a gripping post-war movie that will have you laughing and crying throughout its lengthy 156 minute runtime. – RM Genre: War Rotten Tomatoes score: 92% Stream it on Netflix

The Irishman (2019)

Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman spent years in development hell and at one point it looked as if the project was destined to never see the light of day. Thankfully all that waiting, and perseverance from the famed director, was worth it. It may be almost three and a half hours long but The Irishman holds your attention throughout. Reuniting Scorsese with Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci, The Irishman tells the tale of a truck driver turned mobster with focus on his swift rise and inevitable fall. Although the digital de-aging tech is a mixed bag, it’s a gangster movie that hits hard.  – RM

Genre: Crime Rotten Tomaotes score: 95% Stream on Netflix

 Roma (2018)

A passion project for director Alfonso Cuarón, Roma is a semi-autobiographical recount of his own upbringing in Mexico City.  Cuarón rightly won Best Director at the Academy Awards for this deeply personal film about family, loss and growing up. Actress Yalitza Aparicio is truly phenomenal as Cleo, a maid helping a mother take care of her four children in the 1970s. If one film on this list is going to make you tear up, it’ll almost certainly be Roma.  – RM

Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 96% Stream it on Netflix

The Two Popes (2019)

Based on true events, The Two Popes is a real actors movie giving legends of the screen Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce the chance to shine. The film sees Hopkin’s play Pope Benedict XVI as he seeks to convince Jorge Mario Bergoglio (who is now the serving Pope) to reconsider his decision to resign as an archbishop. It might not sound the most thrilling concept on paper, but the interplay between Hopkin and Pryce keeps the film comfortably ticking along across its entire two-hour runtime. – RM

Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 90% Stream on Netflix

Beasts of No Nation (2015)

One of the first Netflix Original movies to make waves on the awards circuit, Beasts of No Nation sees Idris Elba play a fierce African warlord who takes in a young boy named Agu (Abraham Attah) in order to train him to fight in his guerrilla army. Director Cary Joji Fukunaga has since gone on to helm Daniel Craig’s last Bond outing, No Time to Die, and directed and produced the first season of HBO’s True Detective, but Beasts of No Nation arguably remains his best work.    – RM

Genre: War Rotten Tomatoes score: 91% Stream on Netflix

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019)

We definitely didn’t need a follow-up to Breaking Bad in the form of a feature-length movie, but El Camino proved there was another story worth telling in this universe. Serving as an epilogue to the original series, El Camino follows Jesse Pinkman as he seeks to evade the cops and leave New Mexico behind forever. The film’s narrative does spin its wheels a little, but the strength of the performances from Aaron Paul and Jesse Plemons are once again top-notch. And necessary or not, it’s nice to get some closure after Breaking Bad’s slightly ambiguous ending.  – RM

Genre: Thriller Rotten Tomatoes score: 92% Stream it on Netflix

Dolemite is My Name (2019)  

Dolemite is My Name sees Eddie Murphy play Rudy Ray Moore, the larger-than-life performer better known under his stage name, you guessed it, Dolemite. Murphy completely loses himself in the role and was rightly nominated for a Golden Globe for his work. The film’s unique comedy styling also helps set it apart. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself needing to pause Dolemite is My Name in order to compose yourself after some of its best gags.  – RM

Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 97% Stream it on Netflix

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Did we need another feature-film adaptation of the 1929 novel All Quiet on the Western Front? Probably not, the 1930 Best Picture-winning original is still a hugely powerful watch. Netflix’s effort from last year just about stands shoulder to shoulder with the older versions of this film. The movie follows an idealistic 17-year-old named Paul who enlists in the Imperial German Army during the First World War. His head stuffed full of propaganda and believing he's set to become a war hero, the brutal realities of the harrowing conflict soon rock the schoolboy to his core. This staunchly anti-war picture is a hard watch, but it’s also a timely reminder that in war there are no real winners.   – RM

Genre: War Rotten Tomatoes score: 91% Stream it on Netflix

Uncorked (2020)

Strained family relationships are something that many of us can relate to, and it’s those dynamics that Uncorked plays with. Mamoudou Athie plays Elijah, a wannabe sommelier struggling to deal with the expectations of his demanding father (Courtney B. Vance) who insists that Elijah will take over the family barbecue business. A deeply tender film about personal aspirations and growing into the person you want to be, much like a fine wine, Uncorked should be savored.  – RM

Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 92% Stream it on Netflix

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020)

Crip Camp is a Netflix documentary film that focuses on a summer camp in New York named Camp Jened. Described as a “loose, free-spirited camp designed for teens with disabilities,” the film focuses on the loveable cast of campers and their fight for stronger accessibility laws. Regardless of whether you’ve been to summer camp or not, Crip Camp is sure to strike a chord with you. And frankly there’s something refreshing about a Netflix doc that isn’t in the true crime genre.   – RM   

Genre: Documentary Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Stream it on Netflix

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

While some of the best Netflix movies are prestigious dramas, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is one of the best Netflix movies in ages and also very easy to watch. Almost akin to a bag of chips you can't stop eating, Glass Onion is a very fun watch. In it, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back with another mystery on his hands, but not the one he or you will expect. The mystery unravels in an incredibly modern situation — tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) has invited his merry band of influencers to a private island — and riffs on most aspects of modern culture. Kate Hudson (who plays the dim-witted Birdie) gets most of the best lines, which she delivers with a perfect lack of awareness. – Henry T. Casey

Genre: Comedy/Mystery Rotten Tomatoes score: 92% Watch it on Netflix

Descendant (2022)

While many an education included a history lesson or few on the slave trade, the story of Africatown is one that's gone under the radar for many. This region (found near Mobile, Alabama) is finally getting its spotlight thanks to director Margaret Brown's film Descendant. In it, the descendants of those aboard the last known ship to smuggle stolen Africans to America finally get the chance to tell their own story. An engrossing film that reminds us all of the need to pass down truths that haven't been told to a wider audience, Descendant is a must-see. – HTC

Genre: Documentary Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% S tream it on Netflix

The Lost Daughter (2021)

Helmed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, in her feature film directional debut, The Lost Daughter follows an older woman (Olivia Coleman) who becomes obsessed with a young mother (Dakota Johnson) and her daughter while holidaying alone. Coleman is truly phenomenal in the leading role and rightfully received a wave of awards nominations for her performance. But it should be noted that The Lost Daughter is actually a fairly divisive movie. While its RT score from critics is almost perfect, its audience rating is far less impressive at just 52%. So be mindful, this ambitious flick won’t be to everybody’s tastes. – RM

Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 94% Stream it on Netflix

Mudbound (2017)

Set in the American South during World War II, Mudbound is a story of two families made enemies by the social hierarchy of the times but bonded together by shared farmland in the Mississippi Delta. Packing an ensemble cast that includes Carey Mulligan, Rob Morgan, Garrett Hedlund, Jason Clarke, Jonathan Banks and Mary J. Blige, Mudbound boasts tour-de-force performances all over the place. But it’s the emotionally devastating ending that will truly stick with you. One of the earliest examples of a Netflix Original movie that really made waves. – RM

Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 97% Stream it on Netflix

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

Considering its produced by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who also worked on Spider-Man : into the Spider-verse and The Lego Movie, it should come as little surprise to learn that The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a delightfully fresh animated movie. Focused on the eponymous family, the zany flick sees the Mitchell's road trip vacation disrupted when the world's electronic devices come together to stage an uprising. It's now down to the bumbling family foursome (and their beloved pet pooch) to save the world. We're doomed!  – RM

Genre: Animation Rotten Tomatoes: 97% Stream it on Netflix

The Tinder Swindler (2022)

Netflix offered a tidal wave of true crime in 2022, and one of the streamer's most popular documentary offerings of last year was undoubtedly The Tinder Swindler. Centred on the exploits of conman Simon Leviev, it showcased how he was able to use the popular dating application to connect with various individuals across the world and manipulate them into supporting his lavish lifestyle. The Tinder Swindler is the perfect blend of shocking and compelling, and it's all packaged together with highly polished production values. After watching this feature-length true crime doc you just might find yourself deleting all your dating profiles. – RM

Genre: Documentary Rotten Tomatoes: 97% Stream it on Netflix

Hustle (2022)

Adam Sandler doesn't just make movies for Netflix that involve copious amounts of fart jokes. Hustle is a sports drama movie that sees Sandler play an NBA scout who discovers a raw but very talented basketball player in Spain (Juancho Hernangómez) and sets out to prepare him for that season's NBA draft. It's an against-type performance from Sandler that earned him his first Screen Actors Guild Award nomination, and a well-time reminder that while he may often plight his trade in toilet humor he's actually a very talented drama actor as well. – RM 

Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes: 93% Stream it on Netflix

Matilda the Musical (2022)

Based on the Tony-award-winning stage production of the same name, Matilda the Musical is an all-singing all-dancing retelling of the beloved Roald Dahl book. It sees Alisha Weir play the eponymous young child who is neglected by her parents and mistreated at school by the sinister Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson) but develops magical powers that help her overcome the obstacles in her life. With new songs written by original composer Tim Minchin, Matilda the Musical is sure to be a family favorite for years to come. – RM

Genre: Musical Rotten Tomatoes: 92% Stream it on Netflix

 Enola Holmes (2020)

Enola Holmes follows the teenage sister of world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes as she attempts to strike out on her own and prove herself equally adept at solving mysteries. But what starts out as a search for her missing mother soon becomes a whole lot bigger as a plot that threatens the entire United Kingdom comes to light. Millie Bobby Brown, most well-known for her role in Stranger Things, stars in the eponymous role while Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin and Helena Bonham Carter also feature. Plus, if you enjoy this zippy mystery film, it's now part of a franchise. Enola Holmes 2 was released on Netflix last year and pulled an even more impressive 94% on Rotten Tomatoes . – RM

Genre: Adventure Rotten Tomatoes: 91% Stream it on Netflix

Miss Americana (2020)

Taylor Swift continues to be one of the biggest stars in the world, and this 2020 documentary offers an exclusive sneak peek behind the scenes at her life. It primarily covers a tumultuous period of Swift’s career that saw her struggle against a sizeable social media backlash as well as voice her political opinions in public for the first time. There’s also a smattering of behind-the-scenes concert footage from Swift’s 2018 Reputation Stadium tour, and plenty of insight into the recording of her seventh studio album Lover. One of Netflix’s best biographical docs to date, this slickly-presented film just might convert you to a Swiftie, if you're not one already! – RM

Genre: Documentary Rotten Tomatoes: 92% Stream it on Netflix

Read next: I canceled Netflix for these three streaming services

Rory is an Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team. 

• Henry T. Casey Managing Editor (Entertainment, Streaming)

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The Best Horror Movies on Netflix

Looking for the best scary movies on Netflix? After a guided map of the most terrifying dingy dungeons, creaky manors, home-invaded houses, and deeply dark woods you can find on the streaming service? Then your search has led you to your glorious streaming doom: The Best Horror Movies on Netflix!

Not only does Netflix have a strong rotating library of scary movies, they sit along their horror original efforts, like Gerald’s Game , Fear Street , and Bird Box .

How did we whittle down our list of horror? We took every last scary movie on Netflix that had at least 20 reviews . What emerges is a portrait of which films unnerved and spooked out critics, have the potential to get audiences’ heart racing, and maybe even broke new ground and bones for the genre. So enough delaying the inevitable: Here are the best Netflix horror movies to stream and scream right now!

Velvet Buzzsaw (2019) 61%

Jaws 2 (1978) 62%

Unfriended (2014) 62%

Bird Box (2018) 64%

Before I Wake (2016) 67%

We Summon the Darkness (2019) 68%

The Perfection (2018) 71%

The Babysitter (2017) 71%

Piercing (2018) 72%

The Ritual (2017) 74%

Apostle (2018) 78%

Cult of Chucky (2017) 78%

The Platform (2019) 80%

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) 79%

The Conjuring 2 (2016) 80%

What Keeps You Alive (2018) 81%

Await Further Instructions (2018) 81%

Fear Street Part One: 1994 (2021) 84%

Girl on the Third Floor (2019) 82%

The Conjuring (2013) 86%

It Comes at Night (2017) 88%

#Alive (2020) 88%

The Ravenous (2017) 88%

Cargo (2017) 87%

Freaks (2018) 88%

Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021) 87%

Emelie (2015) 89%

Creep (2014) 91%

The Invitation (2015) 90%

Zombieland (2009) 89%

Fear Street Part Three: 1666 (2021) 88%

Vampires vs. The Bronx (2019) 90%

1922 (2017) 92%

Gerald's Game (2017) 91%

Hush (2016) 93%

Cam (2018) 93%

Sweetheart (2019) 93%

Pan's Labyrinth (2006) 95%

The Old Ways (2021) 95%

Jaws (1975) 97%

Under the Shadow (2016) 99%

Creep 2 (2017) 100%

His House (2020) 100%

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What to Watch on Netflix Right Now

New additions to netflix.

The following recently added movies and TV shows received a Metascore of 61 or higher (or are titles of interest that do not have a Metascore). Mediocre and poorly reviewed releases are omitted; this is just the good stuff added within the past few months to Netflix.

Added March 22

Added march 21, added march 20, added march 19, added march 18, added march 17, added march 15, added march 14, added march 13, added march 12, added march 11, added march 10, added march 9, added march 8, added march 7, added march 6, added march 5, added march 4, added march 3, added march 1, added february 29, added february 28, added february 27, added february 26, added february 24, added february 23, added february 22, added february 21, added february 20, added february 19, added february 16, added february 15, added february 14, added february 13, added february 12, added february 11, added february 9, added february 8, added february 7, added february 5, added february 3, added february 2, added february 1, added january 31, added january 30, added january 29, added january 27, added january 26, added january 25, added january 24, added january 23, last chance to stream.

The following movies now streaming on Netflix will leave the streaming service at 11:59pm on the dates indicated.

Leaving March 22

Leaving march 30, leaving march 31, leaving april 4, leaving april 6, leaving april 7, leaving april 8, leaving april 15, leaving april 22, leaving april 24, leaving april 25, leaving april 30, upcoming releases on netflix.

The following notable and/or well-reviewed movies and TV shows are scheduled to be added to Netflix within the coming weeks.

Coming March 25

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The 10 best new movies on netflix in 2023 (updated).

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BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 25: Gal Gadot attends Veuve Clicquot Celebrates 250th ... [+] Anniversary with Solaire Exhibition on October 25, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

As August draws to a close, it’s time to update my list for the best movies added to Netflix NFLX in 2023. Last month saw some great new entries, including 65 and They Cloned Tyrone , while many others were added to the “honorable mentions” of films you don’t want to miss. So what’s new this month? Which of Netflix’s latest additions qualify as some of the best the platform has to offer in 2023? And what movies had to be cut from the list?

In the first section of this article, I’ll detail which ten movies stand out the most. Then below that, you’ll find a long list of honorable mentions that have captivated audiences over the course of this past year. Several movies have come and gone from this list, but I’m hoping that, all in all, this article provides a comprehensive view of what 2023 has looked like for Netflix subscribers.

The 10 Best New Movies on Netflix in 2023

You are so not invited to my bat mitzvah.

Directed by Sammi Cohen, this vibrant tale of friendship, rivalry, and tradition dances around two besties, Stacy (Sunny Sandler) and Lydia (Samantha Lorraine). From girlhood, they've dreamt of legendary bat mitzvahs. But life, fueled by teenage whims and the charismatic Andy Goldfarb (Dylan Hoffman), tosses their plans into disarray. This heartwarming, comedic saga showcases not just Hebrew school drama but the true essence of friendship. Can they mend bridges in time? With Adam Sandler's stellar presence and a backdrop of traditional dances, it’s a touching ride through adolescence.

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Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, the pope’s exorcist.

Envision an atmospheric battle of good versus evil. Under Julius Avery's direction, Russel Crowe brilliantly embodies Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican's renowned exorcist. Over his lifetime, he's faced countless demons, having performed a staggering 100,000 exorcisms. This isn't your clichéd horror flick. Crowe brings a charisma that turns this eerie tale into an unexpectedly delightful journey. Accompanied by Daniel Zovatto, Alex Essoe, and Franco Nero, this film shows the powerful synergy between faith, drama, and relentless evil.

Heart of Stone

In a world of covert operations and high stakes, Gal Gadot emerges as Rachel Stone, an elite agent with secrets up her sleeve. Directed by the skilled Tom Harper, Stone isn't just another spy; she belongs to the Charter, an enigmatic group of top-tier agents. Their goal? Global peace. But peace comes at a price. The mysterious artifact, the Heart, can tilt the balance of world power. Enter Keya Dhawan (Alia Bhatt), with ambitions that threaten harmony. With Jamie Dornan supporting as MI6's Parker, the film becomes a ticking clock of action, intrigue, and heart-stopping moments.

The Magician’s Elephant

Wendy Rogers weaves a magical narrative where young Peter's quest to find his lost sister pivots around an enigmatic elephant and a magician. Guided by a seer's counsel, Peter's journey intertwines challenges with heart and charm. While Noah Jupe portrays the determined orphan, actors like Mandy Patinkin, Natasia Demetriou, and Benedict Wong create an enchanting world. This adaptation strikes a balance between whimsy and profound lessons about faith and self-belief.

Inspired by Akira Kurosawa's timeless classic Ikiru , Oliver Hermanus' Living is a poignant reflection on life, legacy, and fleeting time. As a civil servant diagnosed with a terminal condition, Bill Nighy delivers an Oscar-nominated performance, journeying from despair to purpose. With a supporting cast, including Aimee Lou Wood, Alex Sharp, and Tom Burke, the story revolves around the pursuit of lasting significance amid life's ephemeral nature.

What's more thrilling than being stranded millions of years in Earth's past? In Scott Beck and Bryan Woods' gripping tale, Adam Driver's Mills faces this nightmare. Following a cataclysmic crash, Mills, along with young survivor Koa (Ariana Greenblatt), navigates a primeval world teeming with predatory threats. A tight-knit thriller, the film offers a unique twist on survival against the odds.

The future unfurls a cybernetic tapestry in Yeon Sang-ho's vision. Amidst a cosmic civil war, an AI researcher strives to restore peace, cloning her heroic mother's brain. With Kang Soo-yeon at the helm, supported by Kim Hyun-joo and Ryu Kyung-soo, the narrative elegantly intertwines emotions, ethics, and cutting-edge technology in a poignant mother-daughter exploration.

Dive into a digital maze in this thrilling narrative directed by Will Merrick and Nick Johnson. When June's mother mysteriously vanishes during a Colombian vacation, a quest unfolds, revealing layers of international intrigue. From her LA base, June, played convincingly by Storm Reid, harnesses the digital realm to decipher the truth. With Joaquim de Almeida, Ken Leung, and Amy Landecker adding depth, the story transforms into a suspenseful odyssey, blurring the lines between reality and virtual deception.

Michael Morris introduces us to Leslie, a Texan mother trying to balance dreams and realities. Andrea Riseborough's Oscar-nominated portrayal delves deep into struggles, from a lottery windfall's fleeting ecstasy to the agonizing depths of addiction. Supported by Allison Janney, Andre Royo, and Marc Maron, this film showcases life's unpredictable oscillations between hope and despair.

The Woman King

Gina Prince-Bythewood crafts a powerful narrative set in 1800s Africa. This isn't just history; it's a testament to the all-female warriors of Dahomey, who showcased strength beyond imagination. As Gen. Nanisca, Viola Davis leads the charge, nurturing and preparing young warriors for a looming external threat. The challenge isn't just to protect their homeland, but to safeguard a legacy. With formidable talents like Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, and John Boyega by her side, it's a cinematic experience blending culture, combat, and charisma.

Honorable Mentions

Here are several other great movies that have been added to the Netflix library in 2023.

• A Man Called Otto - Grumpy widower Otto forms an unexpected bond with a spirited pregnant neighbor, Marisol, changing his perspective.
• Bird Box Barcelona - After a force causes mass suicides, Sebastián and Anna journey through Barcelona with other survivors, facing an even greater unseen threat.
• Chupa - In Mexico, a boy stumbles upon a juvenile chupacabra, a legendary creature, concealed in his grandfather's shed during a family vacation.
• Dog Gone - Rob Lowe headlines this poignant biopic about a young man's unwavering quest to find his beloved dog, lost amidst the vast wilderness of the Appalachian Trail.
• Extraction 2 - Tyler Rake embarks on a mission to rescue a Georgian gangster's family from prison, leading to a perilous venture in Bangladesh.
• Furies - This electrifying Vietnamese martial arts film zooms in on three relentless vigilantes who embark on a mission to dismantle a competing crime syndicate.
• Hunger - Aoy, a stir-fry noodle restaurant owner in Bangkok, receives an offer to join Thailand's top luxury chef team, questioning the essence of haute cuisine.
• Luther: The Fallen Sun - Idris Elba reprises his role as the infamous London detective John Luther, a hardened anti-hero forced to escape prison and track down a deranged serial killer.
• Marry My Dead Body - Policeman Wu Ming-Han finds himself betrothed to a deceased gay man, Mao Pang-Yu, after picking up a mysterious wedding envelope, leading them to seek justice together.
• Minions: The Rise of Gru - Explore the uproarious genesis of young Gru's journey to become the most formidable villain, steered by his endearing Minion cohorts, in this comical animated tale.
• Murder Mystery 2 - Private detectives Nick and Audrey are drawn into an international case when a friend is kidnapped.
• Pamela, a Love Story - Dive into this riveting documentary chronicling the exhilarating and tumultuous journey of Pamela Anderson, charting her vibrant life and illustrious career.
• Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food - This documentary uncovers food industry deceptions, examining foodborne illnesses and the dangers lurking in the American food supply.
• Seasons - After numerous relationship failures, two best friends decide to seek love again, only to realize they might be each other's perfect match. Romantic comedy.
• Take Care of Maya - A child's puzzling ailment leads to a diagnosis of medical child abuse, but it turns out the final diagnosis is a harmful mistake. Investigative documentary.
• The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die - After King Edward's death, Uthred (Alexander Dreymon) combats England's ensuing chaos, striving for unity in this thrilling spin-off.
• The Monkey King - Born with powers from a rock, Monkey aims to impress his peers by defeating all the land's demons, only to grapple with his own oversized ego.
• The Mother - Jennifer Lopez stars as a combat specialist drawn from obscurity to protect her child from lethal outlaws in this heart-pounding action movie.
• The Out-Laws - A bank manager about to get married suspects his future in-laws are the criminals who recently robbed his bank. Comedy.
• The Pale Blue Eye - In a snowbound village, detective Augustus Landor and poet Edgar Allan Poe collaborate to solve a mysterious murder, facing numerous sinister suspects.
• The Perfect Find - A 40-year-old woman balances her career and biological clock while diving into a risky secret romance that could shatter her second chance at life. Romantic comedy.
• The Raid 2 - Jakarta cop Rama, after a brutal gang fight, goes undercover in prison, befriending a crime kingpin's son to dismantle a criminal empire.
• The River Wild - A whitewater rafting trip turns perilous when secrets emerge, forcing the participants to battle treacherous currents and unforeseen threats.
• The Snowman - Detective Harry Hole hunts for the elusive "Snowman Killer" during the first snowfall, engaging in a tense cat-and-mouse chase to stop the murders.
• The Son - Peter's life takes a turn when his ex-wife reveals their son, Nicholas, is deeply troubled. He tries to mend their relationship, reflecting on his own past.
• The Tutor - A tutor at a mansion gets entangled with his student's obsessions, leading to threats and dark revelations. Psychological thriller.
• They Cloned Tyrone - A drug dealer's mysterious resurrection leads three individuals to uncover a conspiracy where experiments are conducted on the Black community. Mystery caper.
• True Spirit - A 16-year-old Australian girl embarks on a solo sailing journey around the world, confronting her deepest fears. Based on Jessica Watson's true story.
• Untold: Johnny Football - The documentary charts the rise and fall of footballer Johnny Manziel, covering his achievements, struggles, and personal challenges.
• Unknown: The Lost Pyramid - In the desert of Saqqara, two doctors hunt for an elusive pyramid and a tomb, diving deep into Egypt's ancient mysteries. Documentary.
• We Have a Ghost - Teen Kevin discovers a friendly ghost, Ernest, in his new home. When the ghost goes viral online, challenges arise.
• WHAM! - A documentary retracing the rise of Wham from childhood friends to 80s pop sensations, marking the 40th anniversary of their debut album.
• Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Chronicles the remarkable rise from anonymity to stardom of an epoch-defining vocalist, with Kasi Lemmons at the helm.
• You People - Ezra mistakenly hops into Amira's car, thinking it's his rideshare. Their budding relationship leads to comedic clashes between their families.
• Your Place or Mine - Debbie and Peter, opposites and best friends, switch houses for a week, leading them to reassess what they truly want in life.

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Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Will’ on Netflix, a Belgian World War II Drama Situated in an Awful Moral Quagmire

Where to stream:, will (2024).

• World War II

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The title of Belgian World War II drama Will (now on Netflix) has a double meaning: It’s about a man named Wil who struggles – mightily, I might add – to determine if he possesses the will to resist Nazi cruelty . This is an engrossing period piece and character drama highlighted by sudden bursts of upsetting violence, which our titular protagonist participates in on occasion while he’s smack in the middle of an impossible situation. The film’s subject matter and occasional graphic imagery makes it a tough watch, but is it worth gutting out the heavy drama? Let’s find out.

WILL : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: Wilfried Wils (Stef Aerts) and his friend Lode Metdepenningen (Matteo Simoni) are greenhorns on the Antwerp police force. It’s their first day on the job. Their uniforms are crisp and clean, unsullied with unsightly wear. They listen to their commanding officer’s orders: Their job is to be mediators between their fellow Belgians and the occupying Germans. The gist of it is, stand there and watch . Be passive. Do as you’re told. And that’s a problem if your moral compass is straight and true – the occupying Germans are psychotic racist Nazis, and I know that’s redundant phrasing, but I need to be clear and to the point, because from where Wil’s standing, the gray areas are wide and deep and expansive. It’s 1942.

Wil and Lode’s first assignment is to escort a Feldgendarmerie – the Nazi military police – to a home where Jewish occupants have “refused to work.” The Feldgendarm will arrest the Litzke family, a mother and a father and a young girl, and take them, well, nobody says where, but we can be sure it’ll be, well, fateful. And Wil and Lode know it. They stand by uncomfortably as the Feldgendarm pops pills and rages at the Litzkes, threatening them, roughing them up. Of course they’re unarmed, and of course the Feldengarm likens them to “rats,” and in a sudden fit of violent rage, Wil shoves the Feldgendarm and rams his face into a beam and he’s dead. He and Lode pry up a manhole cover and drop the body in, and Wil is now deep, deep into the gray expanse.

This isn’t the first time we’ll see Wil seemingly possessed by violence. It’s out of character for him – he’s young, slight of build and yearns to be an artist. But the world around him is changing, and he must change with it no matter how difficult the transition might be. He finds himself in a nowhere zone: His police superiors are squeezed by arrogant Nazi commandant Gregor (Dimitrij Schaad), who wants to know what happened to the now-missing Feldgendarm. Lode joins a secret Belgian resistance group led by the Professor (Jan Decleir), and whose ranks include Lode’s sister Yvette (Annelore Crollet), who shows romantic interest in Wil. On the other end is Felix Verschaffel (Dirk Roofthooft), a Nazi ally who Wil’s family is indebted to; Felix loves to paint, and sees Wil as a kindred spirit, and an easy recruit for bloody raids on Jewish neighborhoods. The investigation into the Feldgendarm persists; Wil is torn between the ideas of doing what’s right and doing what’s easy; his relationship with Yvette complicates his inner conflict. Meanwhile, he’s caught in a mighty internal tug-o’-war: Who is he? A passive observer or an aggressive man of action?

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: Some sequences of subterfuge in the presence of highly punchable Nazi faces recall Inglourious Basterds , although Will is a thoroughly poker-faced and tonally conventional movie. Otherwise, it has a similar aesthetic to other 20th-century war films produced by Netflix, e.g. Narvik and All Quiet on the Western Front .

Performance Worth Watching: Crollet is a magnetic presence here. She renders Yvette as a morally righteous individual whose simmering sexuality ignites a flame in Wil – even though he isn’t sure where and when he should let that flame burn.  

Memorable Dialogue: Wil comes to a harshly pragmatic conclusion about the times he’s living in: “This is about survival. A conscience is a luxury.”

Sex and Skin: Just some out-of-frame action, sans nudeness.

Our Take: Will ’s opening 10 minutes is gripping and intense, establishing a suspenseful tone for the rest of the film: Will Gregor and his sneering, speed-popping goons suss out Wil’s role in the case of the missing Feldgendarm? Will Yvette inspire Wil to stand up and fight the Nazis? Will peer and social pressure influence Wil to go with the fascist flow? Wil frustrates Yvette – and by extension, us – by wavering one way and then the other, torn between self-preservation and selflessness, between risk and his innate aversion to it. Standing pat and being Switzerland in this situation isn’t an option when you’re pulled between outside influences and the nagging conscience inside his head. The question, again, is whether he has the will to overcome his weaknesses.

The conclusion director and writer Tim Mielants – co-scripting with Carl Joos, adapting a novel by Jeroen Olyslaegers – arrives at isn’t definitive, and we shouldn’t expect it to be. Will ’s primary conflicts are far from cut-and-dried; it’s a bummer that the Nazis aren’t always derailed by their own overconfidence and the protagonists don’t always do what’s right and true. That’s the stuff of fantasy, and Mielants’ goal is to fashion a realistic and plausible rock-and-a-hard-place conundrum, and show us what happens when his characters veer between ethical poles. It’s disheartening to see Wil – who for the most part is a decent human being – enjoy a night out dancing with Yvette, and see it spoiled when the wily and suspicious Gregor turns up at the club to torment them. Great joy and great pain butt up against each other like ships too close in the harbor, and Wil is the seal between them, trying not to get squished. 

Mielants skillfully cultivates slow-burn tension, and Robrecht Heyvaert’s cinematography is handsome and memorable. The brunt of the film’s effectiveness lies in the performances, and our lack of patience with Aerts’ somewhat bland depiction of a meek man’s internal struggle is eventually enlivened by Crollet’s work; Wil truly comes to life when she’s on screen, and you’ll wish the screenplay spent more time developing her character. Sometimes it seems as if the core idea looms like a long shadow over the characters – the best of them have about two-and-a-half dimensions – but at least that idea is fraught and compelling enough to hold our attention. Be thankful this is more ambitious than yet another kick-the-Nazis’-asses action picture.

Our Call: All the big, sweeping stories of WWII seem to have been told over and over again; Wil wisely tells an absorbing small-scale story that keenly represents the big-picture conflict. STREAM IT.

John Serba is a freelance writer and film critic based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

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Movie Review: Bill Nighy, Michael Ward shine in Netflix’s Homeless World Cup crowd-pleaser

This image released by Netflix shows Micheal Ward, foreground left, and Bill Nighy in a scene from “The Beautiful Game.” (Alfredo Falvo/Netflix via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Bill Nighy in a scene from “The Beautiful Game.” (Alfredo Falvo/Netflix via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Micheal Ward, center, and Bill Nighy, left, in a scene from “The Beautiful Game.” (Alfredo Falvo/Netflix via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows, from left, Sheyi Cole, Micheal Ward, Bill Nighy, Kit Young and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor in a scene from “The Beautiful Game.” (Alfredo Falvo/Netflix via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows, from left, Sheyi Cole, Kit Young, Callum Scott Howells, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor and Robin Nazari in a scene from “The Beautiful Game.” (Alfredo Falvo/Netflix via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Callum Scott Howells in a scene from “The Beautiful Game.” (Alfredo Falvo/Netflix via AP)

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“ The Beautiful Game ,” a new movie starring Bill Nighy and Michael Ward, is about a real international soccer tournament called the Homeless World Cup .

Don’t go in expecting documentary realness or grit, however. This is a movie-movie (debuting on Netflix on Friday, tidily constructed to leave audiences feeling inspired and uplifted. Mind you, this isn’t a bad thing – verité authenticity has its place but so do well constructed, glossy fantasies that still evoke authentic emotion and get at some essential truths. “ The Beautiful Game ,” directed by Thea Sharrock, is firmly the latter. Just managing expectations.

The first Homeless World Cup was held in 2003, and in the past two decades, nearly 70 countries and 1.2 million people have participated. And yet, I suspect, its existence might come as a surprise to many (even soccer fans …excuse me, football). The foundation’s goals are noble, raising awareness for homelessness in major world cities and giving players a sense of pride and community.

Colin Farrell, who narrated the 2008 documentary about the games (“Kicking It,” currently streaming on Freevee ) and has since become an ambassador for the foundation, is one of the main producers on the film. Screenwriter Frank Cotrell-Boyce also worked with the foundation and past participants to inspire the characters he’d end up writing. It may be a movie, but it has legitimacy in its bones.

If you have a “Ted Lasso” shaped hole in your heart (or, less dramatically, viewing schedule), or are still feeling burned from Taika Waititi’s misfire “Next Goal Wins,” this might just do the trick. Ward is Vinny, a down-on-his-luck dad to a young girl who also happens to be an immensely talented player. But he’s not remotely ready to join any team, even one going to a real tournament in Rome, that has the word “homeless” in it.

Nighy plays Mal, a kind and soft-spoken (except when a ref makes a bad call) football legend who coaches the homeless England team: Nathan (Callum Scott Howells), Aldar (Robin Nazari), Kevin (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor), Cal (Kit Young) and Jason (Sheyi Cole). They all have stories of how they got where they were, but all are kind and eager and excited to play. Vinny is the stick in the mud, making things tense and awkward at every turn. Essentially, he thinks he’s better than his teammates on the field and off, which of course says more about him than the other guys.

While Vinny and the England team are the primary focus, there are b-plots given to Japan, a first-time team full of slightly older players and an ambitious young coach (Aoi Okuyama), America, a woman’s team with a star player (Cristina Rodlo), and to South Africa, the best of the bunch under the leadership of a shrewd nun Protasia (Susan Wokoma). For an ensemble as big as this, the story does an admirable job of giving most something meaningful to do. It’s not a bad travelogue for Rome either, and it’s also always nice to have a dash of Valeria Golino, who is leading the tournament.

Is it a little glossy and sanitized with a jaunty score? Sure. But it also thoughtfully explores themes of redemption, invisibility, pride and sportsmanship without being preachy or condescending. It’s PG-13 rating is a little puzzling — this does seem on the tamer end of the scale and appropriate for most ages. And, not for nothing, Sharrock and her team do a good job of showing just how exciting soccer can be (which is not a feat many movies have accomplished).

“The Beautiful Game,” a Netflix release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for “some language, a suggestive reference, brief partial nudity and drug references.” Running time: 125 minutes. Three stars out of four.

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Netflix’s ‘Story of Moses’ Is as Dry as the Desert, but Built to Tempt Next-Gen Believers

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“Well,” the bartender says, “I guess that settles it.” She picks up her phone, puts in her earbuds, and ignores the three wise men at the counter. Aghast, the priest says, “Excuse me, but what about our story?” The bartender turns to show them her screen, where a fading Netflix logo gives way to “ Testament: The Story of Moses .” “Don’t bother, my dudes. I’ve got it right here.” Related Stories ‘Quiet on Set’ to Expand with a New Episode: ‘Breaking the Silence’ Bob Marley and Shirley Chisholm Biopics Lead at Home: ‘Shirley,’ ‘One Love’ in Top 10 Charts

The above “joke” may not be funny (I’m sorry) and requires a few leaps in logic (like a priest would ever willingly wait for a drink ), but it does neatly sum up “Testament: The Story of Moses,” a new Netflix series that doubles as a religious study guide for its titular prophet. Recapping the Old Testament with scripted “recreations” and talking-head interviews, the three-part series isn’t a huge dramatic lift. There’s no nuance added or fresh perspective explored. The “Story” simply intends to spread God’s word via the world’s most popular streaming service. The multi-denominational telling may feel incomplete to priests, rabbis, and imams, but baptism by Netflix may prove more tolerable to today’s youth than traditional sermons. (And it will certainly become every substitute Sunday school teacher’s best friend.)

Each step across the desert follows a well-worn path, as “The Story of Moses” adheres to the main beats outlined by thousands of authors and interpreters over the past five centuries or so. Aside from its studio (Netflix), the only unique angle is its hybrid storytelling mode: Roughly half the scenes are staged — with a capable Avi Azulay playing Moses and passable VFX depicting various plagues and miracles — and the other half contains incurious interviews with priests, rabbis, theologians, and historians, whose views (clarified by an ominous opening title card) are meant to “enrich the narrative … not be understood as consensus.”

Besides the implication of forthcoming dissension, I cannot imagine any of the expert commentary stirring up much more than polite disagreement. (Of course, those with more faith than this lapsed Catholic lad can likely find reason to be riled up if they so choose.) What’s most upsetting is how easily the Netflix template gets mapped onto a two-thousand-year-old story, including a pre-credits teaser reel — you can practically hear the baritone trailer voice saying, “Keep watching to witness the parting of the red sea and a PLAGUE OF FROGS! ” — plus a flashback midway through Episode 1 that reveals how Moses ends up with a secret brother .

So rather than judge “The Story of Moses” as a wannabe docuseries any average viewer might watch on a Wednesday night — which seems unlikely, especially if they’ve already seen “The Ten Commandments” or, God forbid, went to eight years of Catholic school — perhaps it’s better to asses this “Testament’s” real purpose: catering to the converted. While your long-time churchgoers or seder guests may not find anything to chew on here, there is a concerted effort to appeal to a younger crowd; a generation who grew up on Netflix, or is at least more prone to watch a show about Moses than pick up an actual Bible, Torah, or Qur’an and practice the antiquated art of reading (ew).

“Testament’s” talking heads are quick to draw comparisons between Moses’ quest and modern causes that should appeal to progressive-minded kids (aka, the demo losing their religion ). Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn bluntly posits that “social justice began with Moses,” while Dr. Carol Meyers suggests you remember the Hebrew midwives’ defiant stand against their Pharaoh — you know, when they chose not to kill a bunch of newborn babies — “as the first act of civil disobedience.” There are also repeated attempts to elevate women in a story dominated by three male-presenting characters (Moses, the Pharaoh, and God Himself, voiced by Clarke Peters). Rabbi Maurice Harris emphasizes the “extraordinary” risks women took to protect Moses; Dr. Celene Ibrahim waxes poetic about how rare it is for a story about “a revolution” to begin with the main revolutionary’s birth , and thus, his mother ; then, in a huge break from traditional Biblical values , one of the staged scenes even shows Moses acting submissive to his wife.

“Testament: The Story of Moses” premieres Wednesday, March 27 on Netflix. All three episodes will be released at once.

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‘Road House’ Review: This Remake Amps Up the Action

Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a pro fighter turned bouncer at a juke joint in the Florida Keys, taking on Patrick Swayze’s role in the original.

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By Glenn Kenny

The 1989 blockbuster “Road House” was something of a pastiche. It delivered disreputable B-picture thrills with big-picture production value. The lead actor Patrick Swayze, playing a philosophizing roughneck, smirked with unshakable confidence while breaking arms and jaws, as cars and buildings blew up real good around him. The action was served up with glossy studio polish.

Hence, a remake of the film, some might argue, is destined to be a pastiche of a pastiche. But as we move further into the 21st century, we find the notion of authenticity ever more devalued. And who needs it when you’ve got Doug Liman directing the whole thing? He is, after all, the J. Robert Oppenheimer of lunatic action set pieces (“The Bourne Identity,” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” “Edge of Tomorrow” to name a few).

Taking on Swayze’s role, Jake Gyllenhaal plays the pro fighter turned bouncer Elwood Dalton, here protecting a juke joint that sits on a valuable piece of real estate in the Florida Keys. At his most winning despite his character’s lethal nature, Gyllenhaal keeps up the one-liners and drollery. In lieu of Swayze’s Zenlike musings, he gives us dry inquiries about whether his challengers have medical insurance before pummeling and delivering them to a hospital.

This movie delivers a lot of the same kicks as the first, but with contemporary tuneups like a villain played by Conor McGregor, the Ultimate Fighting Championship star who’s first seen stark naked, except for shoes and socks (so he can carry his phone). Though two hours long, the movie moves as swiftly as a greased ferret through a Habitrail and delivers hallucinatory action highs for its extended climax.

All this and a pretty funny “The Third Man” reference too.

Road House Rated R for violence and language. Running time: 2 hours 1 minute. Watch on Prime Video.

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“X-Men ’97,” a revival on Disney+ that picks up where the ’90s animated series left off, has faced questions after the firing of its showrunner  ahead of the premiere.

“3 Body Problem,” a science fiction epic from the creators of “Game of Thrones,” has arrived on Netflix. We spoke with them about their latest project .

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Aliens attack science in '3 Body Problem,' a new adaptation of a Chinese sci-fi novel

Eric Deggans

The new Netflix series brings to life a sprawling, successful Chinese novel outlining a new kind of alien invasion. Above, Zine Tseng in 3 Body Problem. Maria Heras/Netflix hide caption

The new Netflix series brings to life a sprawling, successful Chinese novel outlining a new kind of alien invasion. Above, Zine Tseng in 3 Body Problem.

My favorite kind of science fiction involves stories rooted in real science — much as I love a good lightsaber or phaser fight, there is something special about seeing characters wrestle with concepts closer to our current understanding of how the universe works.

That's why I enjoy so much of what happens in Netflix's 3 Body Problem , the TV series which brings to life a sprawling, successful Chinese novel rooted in science, outlining a new kind of alien invasion.

Book Reviews

'three-body problem' asks a classic sci-fi question, in chinese.

3 Body Problem actually starts with two problems. First, we meet investigators tackling a string of unexplained suicides by scientists, including one who had a bizarre countdown written on the walls of his home in blood with his eyes gouged out. (Fortunately, viewers only see the horrific aftermath.) Benedict Wong plays one of those investigators, continually lightening the show's ominous vibe with his spot-on portrayal of a world-weary gumshoe tracking the world's biggest mystery with a healthy dose of gallows humor.

Benedict Wong plays Da Shi in 3 Body Problem. Ed Miller/Netflix hide caption

Benedict Wong plays Da Shi in 3 Body Problem.

"One of the betting sites had him picked as a favorite for the next Nobel Prize in physics," Wong's assistant tells him of the scientist who died.

"You can bet on that?" Wong's character replies, looking over the gruesome scene.

Tracking why science is broken

The other problem which surfaces immediately is that science seems to have stopped working. Researchers are reporting results from experiments in supercolliders that make no sense, putting the lie to all our accepted theories of physics. Saul Durand — played by Jovan Adepo, Durand is one among a group of brilliant, young scientist friends at the center of the story — notes simply, "science is broken."

Jovan Adepo and Jin Cheng in 3 Body Problem. Ed Miller/Netflix hide caption

Jovan Adepo and Jin Cheng in 3 Body Problem.

This all adds up to a unique attack on humanity's scientific progress. But who – or what – is behind these bizarre occurrences, involving events which don't seem possible in the modern world?

Netflix's show takes its time unveiling the full scope of the story and answering these questions, which leads to the third problem here. It takes a while for the series' narrative to really gain momentum – my advice is to hang on through the first three episodes (yes, I also hate streaming shows which ask this of beleaguered viewers; but in this case, it's worth it).

The pacing may not be a surprise, given that two of the series' three creators are David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, former showrunners of HBO's Game of Thrones , which had its own problems with narrative flow at times (the third creator is former True Blood writer/executive producer Alexander Woo). Once the show does find its groove, the series builds into an epic science fiction tale with eye-popping special effects – the tragic destruction of a huge ship packed with people is one that stuck with me long after viewing — and a timeline stretching from China's 1960s-era cultural revolution to the present day.

Bringing a Chinese sci fi-literary triumph to TV

Netflix's 3 Body Problem is based on a 2008 novel from Chinese engineer and science fiction writer Liu Cixin; the original novel became a book series touted by big names like Barack Obama. It managed the neat trick of popularizing Chinese science fiction internationally while delivering compelling observations on the nature of humanity's societal and technological progress, some of which actually find their way into the TV show.

Cultural Revolution-Meets-Aliens: Chinese Writer Takes On Sci-Fi

It makes sense that a story like this — which crosses between Western and Chinese culture to tell the story of a planet under threat – would be cracked by Netflix. The streaming service has educated a generation of American customers to appreciate smart, entertaining TV from South Korea, Latin America, Europe and elsewhere across the globe.

So kicking off 3 Body Problem with a scene showing a young Chinese scientist watching an angry mob murder her father – who is also a scientist – during the purges of China's cultural revolution feels daring and entirely on brand. Later on, that younger scientist, fueled by hate and loss, will make a decision that puts the entire planet at risk, showing how disappointment in humanity's missteps can lead to desperate, misguided solutions.

Fans of the books will find some tweaks here to make for better television, amping up the thriller elements of the story to ask a compelling question: How to fight an alien enemy targeting the world's scientific progress?

As the characters in 3 Body Problem lurch toward answers, we all get to bask in an ambitious narrative fueling an ultimately impressive tale. Just remember to be patient as the series sets the stage early on.

Reviews of Lindsay Lohan's Netflix movie 'Irish Wish' are pretty scathing, but say it has a saving grace

• Netflix's latest rom-com, "Irish Wish," is set in Ireland and stars Lindsay Lohan.
• Critics have praised Lohan's chemistry with her costar Ed Speleers.
• However, they say the movie doesn't have many Irish actors and is filled with stereotypes.

Critics have mostly blasted Netflix's "Irish Wish," the new Lindsay Lohan movie on Netflix, saying it is hokey and not very Irish.

The movie follows Maddie (Lohan), an American editor, who visits Ireland to attend the wedding of her crush, Paul Kennedy (Alexander Vlahos), and her best friend, Emma (Elizabeth Tan).

Maddie makes a wish and finds herself in an alternate universe where she is engaged to Paul, and Emma is the bridesmaid. Ed Speleers plays another handsome suitor Maddie meets on her magical journey.

After "Falling for Christmas," "Irish Wish" is the second holiday-themed Netflix movie starring Lohan and has the same director, Janeen Damian. "Irish Wish" and an upcoming movie, "Our Little Secret," were part of a two-movie deal between Lohan and Netflix.

The current Rotten Tomato critic score for "Irish Wish" is 34%, and the audience score is 44%, but that doesn't mean the movie is unwatchable.

Some viewers said the chemistry between Lindsay Lohan and Speleers is a saving grace for the movie.

Here's what critics have said about "Irish Wish."

For a movie about Ireland, "Irish Wish" is not very Irish, according to critics.

"Irish Wish" is set in Ireland , features an Irish saint, and was released on St Patrick's Day. But if you want to learn something new about Irish culture, you should probably look elsewhere.

From Empire review editor John Nugent:

"As with its Irish-romcom forebears, it is chock-full of hoary clichés: establishing shots of rolling fields, fiddle-heavy folk music, a leprechaun-esque fantasy character, some live-laugh-love-esque fetishisation of Guinness, and an array of head-scratching accents (the main Irish character here is in fact played by a Welshman)."

Nugent and other critics also pointed out that very few Irish actors are in the movie.

Vlahos, who plays Paul, is Welsh, although Irish actors play Paul's brother and father.

Some critics also pointed out that the "Irish Wish" version of Saint Brigid doesn't match her personality from folklore.

"Brigid, the matron saint of Ireland, is known in legends for feeding the hungry and healing the sick," Johnny Oleksinski wrote for the New York Post . "Here, she's the genie from "Aladdin" and is costumed for a summer stock production of 'Brigadoon.'"

Critics agreed that the movie was formulaic, although not all critics thought it was a bad thing.

Many critics were critical of the movie's use of rom-com clichés, such as the love triangle or the lovers-trapped-in-a-storm trope.

Vulture features writer Rachel Handler went so far as to describe the movie as an "AI-generated harbinger of a doomed future where machines make facsimiles of art while humans do their terrible bidding."

Some critics were nicer, including Collider news editor Maggie Lovitt, who argued that rom-coms are meant to be formulaic.

"It's a fun romantic romp, filled to the brim with gorgeous scenery, gorgeous clothing, and beautiful people," Lovitt wrote. "Revel in the simplicity of the formulaic simplicity of yet another magically contrived rom-com, and rejoice that 'Leap Year' has been dethroned (during a leap year, no less) as the best rom-com set in Ireland."

Other critics, such as Nugent and Digital Spy Deputy Movie Editor Mireia Mullor, called it a comfort watch.

"Netflix rom-com can be a little 'seen one, seen them all,' which is both frustrating (is this the best we could do with the genre? Really?) and, paradoxically, blissfully comfortable," Mullor wrote.

Critics were conflicted on whether the views of the Irish countryside were gorgeous or cartoonish.

"Irish Wish" may not use the bulk of Ireland's acting talent, but it does take advantage of its scenery, from Lough Tay to the Cliffs of Moher. Some critics loved this part of the movie.

Indiewire 's Samantha Bergeson wrote: "The gorgeous imagery and lush scenery will likely make audiences forget all about other CGI-heavy features that skimp on using real places to make sudsy stories feel even remotely grounded in the real world."

However, some critics thought the vibrant colors made the movie seem cartoonish.

Oleksinski, the New York Post critic, wrote: "Whenever the characters venture outdoors, the sky is made to look so strenuously blue and the grass such a plutonium green, we expect Tinky Winky and the Teletubbies to enter any moment."

Critics said the chemistry between Lindsay Lohan and Ed Speleers was the best part.

While Lohan and Speleers' performance doesn't save "Irish Wish," it has been praised by many critics.

"Lohan and Speleers have sweet chemistry , and that alone would be enough to prove Maddie and James are the true love story," ScreenRant critic Rachel Labonte wrote.

Variety's chief film critic Owen Gleiberman also wrote: "The movie is as frothy as the foam on a pint of Guinness, as formulaic as the last disposable Netflix rom-com. Yet these two make you believe that they belong together, and not every romantic comedy does that."

Of the two stars, Speleers got the most fanfare from critics, with Gleibermann writing that he was the "most charismatic British actor I've seen in quite a while."

Bergeson from Indiewire also praised Speleers for his "A-lister-in-the-making charisma."

If you're wondering how Irish critics feel about "Irish Wish," Liam Fay, a critic for The Sunday Times Ireland, was not a fan.

The Sunday Times Ireland critic Liam Fay's main criticism is that the movie feels like "a bland fairy-tale set in a theme-park Ireland."

He said the acting was "cardboard stiff," the slapstick humor in the movie was overdone, and the film was not a true reflection of Ireland.

"Scenery is extensively deployed as filler, diversion and atmosphere-provider as there is precious little story and zero drama," Fay wrote at one point.

One of the few positive notes in Fay's review is that the movie captures Ireland's scenery well.

"'Irish Wish' is an excellent advertisement for a variety of Irish touchstones," he wrote before adding. "But, as a film, it's as dumb as a box of rocks."

Overall, "Irish Wish" is fun.

Screen Rant's Labonte said people looking for a cheesy rom-com would enjoy it.

Lovitt from Collider said the movie felt like a "grown-up Disney Channel Original Movie complete with outlandish magical elements, cookie-cutter perfection, and an utterly tame romance."

Indiewire's Bergeson wrote that "Irish Wish" isn't as great as Lohan's previous Netflix movie " Falling for Christmas " and feels more like a Hallmark Channel movie.

Overall, it seems "Irish Wish" has major flaws, but you may enjoy the movie if you come in with the right perspective.

Disclosure: Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Business Insider's parent company, Axel Springer, is a Netflix board member.

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“We are nothing without stories, and so we invite you to believe in this one.” Sebastian Lelio’s fascinating “The Wonder” opens with a prologue that includes this line, one that’s crucial to unpacking the film that follows. Working with co-writers Alice Birch & Emma Donoghue to adapt Donoghue’s novel, Lelio doesn’t just want you to passively watch the story of what’s to come. It’s not an invitation to hear or see this story, but to believe in this one. Lelio is less concerned about the practical truths and lies of “The Wonder” than he is about what they mean, what they say about humanity, and how they interrogate what we believe.

Pugh plays Lib Wright, an English nurse in the year 1862, a year when the mass famine of the 1840s has left scars across the Irish landscape to which she travels. She has been summoned there by a committee looking for answers about a local girl who appears to be a miracle—one that includes arguably underwritten characters played by Toby Jones , Ciaran Hinds , and Brian F. O’Byrne. Nine-year-old Anna O’Donnell (the excellent Kila Lord Cassidy) has not eaten in four months. She claims to subsist only on manna from heaven, and her survival has led to worshippers who want to confer with this potential saint. Her mother Rosaleen (Cassidy’s actual mother Elaine) insists that there is no trickery here, but Lib’s job will be to watch Anna to see if food is somehow being snuck into her bedroom. A journalist named William ( Tom Burke ) has also traveled there to fuel Lib’s skepticism, and it’s no coincidence that both the writer and the nurse have brought the grief of loss in their baggage.

Lib is constantly being told, “You are only here to watch.” She is the observer, just like us. There are fascinating bookends to this story that reaches too far in terms of form but it’s interesting to see a piece that’s about faith and skepticism in equal measure be so directly confrontational with its audience. Naturally, Lib’s instinct begins where most viewers would—doubtful that Anna isn’t eating and then increasingly concerned about her declining physical state. Pugh takes us on a journey with her from skepticism to concern and “The Wonder” becomes a study of empathy and action. How long can we be expected to just “watch” when the life of a child is in danger? How long can we stay inactive when faith is destructive enough to tear communities and families apart?

A drama this ambitious demands a fearless performer like Pugh, who knows exactly the tightrope to walk when it comes to the story’s delicate balance between realism and melodrama. Pugh can’t lean too far into the emotional or risk turning “The Wonder” into a more traditional melodrama, the kind of thing that’s easier to place in a box and walk away from. Lelio doesn’t want that. He wants viewers to feel as unsettled as Lib, who becomes increasingly unmoored as she realizes she has either been asked to bear witness to a miracle or the death of a child. Lib’s uncertainty is enhanced by an excellent score by Lelio’s regular composer Matthew Herbert that avoids the lilt common to period pieces in favor of something more uncomfortable. And the phenomenal Ari Wegner (“ The Power of the Dog ”) shoots the film with a gloomy, gray palette that almost makes it look like a horror flick.

There are times when Lelio is a bit unsure of his ambition, falling back on a more traditional pace and rhythm, but he always gets back to the more interesting version of “The Wonder” that ultimately comes together. Burke’s journalist character is also woefully underwritten, a part that's like a plot device here instead of a rich counterpart to Lib. He’s not bad but he's frustratingly stuck in terms of character. Burke is always an intriguing performer, but this film falters a bit when he’s around as if he’s invading the space between Anna and Lib instead of enhancing it.

Even if its questions of faith don’t intrigue Netflix subscribers, the performances will. Lelio has proven himself to be a consistently phenomenal director of actresses, drawing great work from Daniela Vega (“ A Fantastic Woman ”), Julianne Moore (“ Gloria Bell ”), and Rachel McAdams (“ Disobedience ”). We can now add Pugh (and Cassidy really) to that list as another woman who is consistently asked by the men of this film to step aside and merely observe. She starts merely watching, but she ends the movie with a different kind of resolve, one that comes from her unshakeable belief.

In limited theatrical release today and on Netflix on November 16 th .

Brian Tallerico

Brian Tallerico is the Managing Editor of RogerEbert.com, and also covers television, film, Blu-ray, and video games. He is also a writer for Vulture, The Playlist, The New York Times, and GQ, and the President of the Chicago Film Critics Association.

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Film credits.

The Wonder (2022)

Rated R for some sexuality.

108 minutes

Florence Pugh as Lib Wright

Kíla Lord Cassidy as Anna O'Donnell

Tom Burke as William Byrne

Niamh Algar as Kitty

Elaine Cassidy as Rosaleen O'Donnell

Toby Jones as Dr. McBrearty

Ciarán Hinds

Dermot Crowley

• Sebastián Lelio

Writer (based on the novel by)

• Emma Donoghue
• Alice Birch

Cinematographer

• Kristina Hetherington
• Matthew Herbert

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5 best movies to watch before they leave Netflix in March 2024

S adly, it's time for more great movies to leave Netflix. Each month, the popular streaming service adds a ton of new movies . But what the Netflix gods give us, they also taketh away, and that means there are some movies you need to watch right now before they're gone from Netflix for good. Or, at least gone for now.

This month, the best Netflix movies leaving the service include the criminally underrated "Jackie Brown" from Quentin Tarantino. We also say goodbye to some of the few good DC comics movies and one of my favorite action movies — nay, one of my favorite movies — of all time. Read on to see the five best movies you need to watch before they leave Netflix in March 2024.

'Wonder Woman' (2017)

One of three genuinely good DC movies leaving this month, "Wonder Woman" stars Gal Gadot as Diana Prince, aka the titular Wonder Woman. The entire movie is technically a flashback, but this origin story in essence starts with Diana's upbringing in Themyscira, the mythical home of the Amazonian race.

But part way through, the arrival of U.S. Air Army Corps pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) shatters Diana's perception of the world. What follows is a well-executed World War I period piece with a compelling villain (David Thewlis) and excellent on-screen chemistry between Gadot and Pine. The sequel to this movie is forgettable, but this is still a must-watch.

Watch on  Netflix  by March 31

'The Suicide Squad' (2021)

Speaking of forgettable movies, the original "Suicide Squad" from 2016 was forgettable , and that's being generous. The premise of both films? A group of criminals — led by Bloodsport (Idris Elba) in this edition — are assembled into Task Force X by Amanda Waller (Viola Davis). Their mission, which they're forced to accept or tiny bombs explode in their heads, is to infiltrate the island nation of Corto Maltese and to destroy the covert laboratory Jötunheim.

But while Margot Robbie and Joel Kinneman reprise their roles as Harley Quinn and Rick Flagg, respectively — yes, this is technically a sequel — you don't need to have any recollection of the original to watch James Gunn's version. And you should definitely watch Gunn's version. It's funny, it's irreverent and it's incredibly violent. It may honestly be my favorite movie of the DC Extended Universe. Come for the many on-screen deaths, stay for Peacemaker's (John Cena) completely unitentional deadpan humor.

'Shazam!' (2019)

To me, "Shazam!" is the "Ant-Man" of the DC Extended Universe. There's nothing groundbreaking about it, but it's well-paced, engaging and frankly underrated. If I was to pick a DC movie I could just start watching no question when it comes on cable, this would be toward the top of the list.

This origin story superhero movie stars Asher Angel as Billy Batson. Billy is a 14-year-old boy who's made his way through the Philadelphia foster care system and is still searching for his birth mother. One day, after defending his foster brother Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer), he's empowered with "the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury" by the wizard Shazam (Djimon Honsou). Now, all Billy needs to do is say the magic word — "Shazam!" — and he becomes a superhero (Zachary Levi) on par with any other.

'Jackie Brown' (1997) 

Speaking of underrated, Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown" is underrated . Is it as good as "Reservoir Dogs," "Pulp Fiction," "Kill Bill" or "Inglorious Basterds?" Well ... no, but that doesn't mean it isn't excellent! After all, this is Tarantino we're talking about. He's basically made one movie that wasn't great, and even then "Death Proof" is, at worst, fine.

This homage to 1970s blaxploitation films based on "Rum Punch" by Elmore Leonard (of "Justified" fame), this movie stars Pam Grier as the titular Jackie Brown. Jackie is a flight attendant who smuggles money from Mexico into the U.S. for gun runner Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson). After being caught by ATF Agent Ray Nicolette (Michael Keaton) and LAPD Detective Mark Dargus (Michael Bowen), they try to recruit her to turn on Robbie. Does that go according to plan? You'll have to watch to find out.

Watch on  Netflix  by March 30

'John Wick' (2014)

"John Wick" is one of the four greatest movies of all time. Period. This movie is a flawless execution of an action movie and runs just a mere 101 minutes. In that time though, we get incredible world-building and the creation of a now iconic character. There's no filler, and it's more grounded than the three movies that would follow.

The movie stars Keanu Reeves as the titular John Wick, a legendary assassin who has retired and is grieving the loss of his wife Helen (Bridget Moynahan). In her last act from beyond the grave, she sends him a beagle to help him cope with the loss. So when Russian mobster Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen) kills the dog and steals Wick's car, you know he's made a fatal mistake. Turns out, so does literally everyone else in this world but Iosef, and now they're cowering in fear as Wick — aka the Baba Yaga (a mythical Slavic spirit) — is out for revenge.

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