By 2011, over 25 million people were subscribing to Netflix, more than three times the subscribers the service had in 2008. As online video streaming exploded in popularity, Netflix was facing rising costs from studios, who demanded more money in their licensing deals to stream their content. In response, the streaming service announced plans to begin producing its own content, seeking to break its reliance on outside studios for films and television series. It didn’t take long for original Netflix content to make an impact. In 2013, the celebrated House of Cards was the first original series to premiere on the service. In 2015, the very first Netflix Original Film, Beasts of No Nation, made its debut and marked the beginning of a major shift in strategy for content.
As of today, Netflix’s catalog includes over 1,000 original films (Netflix doesn’t provide an exact number). The diverse mix of films produced by Netflix means that there is something for everyone. For every action blockbuster with an A-list cast, there is a modestly budgeted foreign art film. That means some great films don’t get noticed, and often, the most-watched Netflix Original Movies of all time aren’t the best films they have produced. Below, we’ve ranked the best Netflix Original Movies that are available to watch right now.
50 The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
After making full-fledged features for over a decade, the Coen Brothers decided to do things differently and deliver six tales of the Old West set in post-Civil War America. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, as an anthology, centers around various characters and their contrasting stories – like a cheerful cowboy, an aspiring bank robber spewing stories until he lands his first big loot, a group of stagecoach passengers on their lonesome way, and more – but they all give a similar glimpse into the shaky ground of the frontier era.
A United Anthology
Only the Coen Brothers could turn this Western anthology into one that tells contrasting stories but still finds a whimsical common ground. The idea of dividing a Western into parts has remained untapped so far, with this movie paving the way for endless potential. The gorgeous cinematography and haunting score set the tone of this strange scenario, and actors like Liam Neeson, Zoe Kazan, James Franco, and Tim Blake Nelson lend their talents to make the film splendid. Each chapter contains dark humor and vivid storytelling, with their effectiveness and world-building being felt all along.
49 Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
Starring Viola Davis in the lead role with Chadwick Boseman and Colman Domingo, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is an award-winning drama about an iconic blues singer in 1920s Chicago. The legendary pioneer of blues music, Ma Rainey, and her band gather at a recording studio in the city for a tense session in the film. Ma, with her immense talent and poise, asserts her power while conflicts between her producer and her players rise. We also see the prejudice faced by Black artists during the period.
A Powerful Movie About a Powerful Figure
No matter what role she’s playing, Viola Davis always delivers a powerhouse performance and carries her film with her searing persona and unmatched energy. The film is an adaptation of a stage play, and in chronicling some of Black history’s most seminal moments, it also renders complex characters and brilliant storytelling. Under the sublime direction of George C. Wolfe, the movie showcases how musicians were wrestling America and its artistic constraints at a time when the country wasn’t ready to hear their truths. In a way, it honors the titular character as well as the unsung souls of music history.
48 The Gray Man (2022)
Sierra Six, or the titular Gray Man portrayed by Ryan Gosling, was once a skilled CIA operative but is now known as the agency’s most wanted rogue asset. Backing up a bit, Six was on a mission for the agency when he happened to uncover its secrets and landed with information that could destroy the CIA. When Six refuses to hand it over, a former colleague and psychopathic agent hunts him across the globe and stops at nothing to take him down.
Exciting and Engaging Action Fare
The Gray Man is directed by the Russo brothers, and it is their first project after the critically acclaimed and fan-favorite Avengers movies. Bringing the same blockbuster fun and big-budget spectacle to the small screen, this action thriller is a rollercoaster of entertainment from start to finish. Gosling is perfectly cast as the strong and silent Gray Man, with Chris Evans as the ideal villain and Ana de Armas as the smoldering ally. The vast set pieces, epic action sequences, hand-to-hand combat scenes, and lavish production make this movie great enough to be turned into a franchise.
47 The White Tiger (2021)
Based on the 2008 novel of the same name written by Aravind Adiga, The White Tiger is a Hindi-language comedy-drama that takes you to the poverty-stricken areas of India, where a young and ambitious Balram Halway lands a job at a wealthy household as a driver. After using his wits and betraying those around him, he gains the trust of his employers, especially Pinky, who was raised in America. After mastering how the rich live and learning how to climb the ladder toward success, Balram ventures on his own and becomes an entrepreneur. But at what cost?
A Successful Blend of Genres
Despite being branded as a comedy-drama, The White Tiger actually takes you to the darkest corners of corruption and crime by tearing off the veneer of accumulated wealth and flashy success. The story looks like it was taken straight from newspaper headlines because of its unflinching portrayal of class divides. Adarsh Gourav is brilliant as the conflicted anti-hero who simply wants to break free. The movie also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Rajkummar Rao, two renowned Bollywood actors. Plus, the direction by Ramin Bahrani makes this adaptation more harrowing and insightful.
46 May December (2023)
Directed by Todd Hayes, May December is a film that expertly walks the line between dark humor and intense drama. The story revolves around Gracie Atherton-Yoo, a woman who was involved in a tabloid romance with 13-year-old Joe Yoo and was sent to prison. After her sentence, she gave birth to his child and they got married. Now, 23 years later, a Hollywood actress, Elizabeth Berry, arrives in the small town of Savannah to closely examine Gracie’s life because she will be playing her in an independent film.
Stunning, Uncomfortable Performances
Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore are two of the industry’s most versatile actresses. Their ability to disappear into the roles they play is beyond appreciation. They pour the same dedication and intensity into the roles of Elizabeth and Gracie, two vulnerable and manipulative women who can make you feel deeply uncomfortable by just being in the room. Charles Melton also deserves great applause for his heartbreaking performance and for adding a jarring physicality to Joe. Moreover, Haynes’ direction sheds a glaring yet subtle light on the film’s narrative, making it worth a watch.
45 Hustle (2022)
Hustle
- Release Date
- June 10, 2022
- Director
- Jeremiah Zagar
There haven’t been a lot of sports dramas in the current decade, but when we count down the best ones so far, Hustle definitely deserves a spot on the list. It centers around a hapless basketball scout who may be reputable in the profession but has had a rough run scouting players for the U.S. and getting approval from the board. Now that a rugged but inexperienced once-in-a-lifetime player from Spain has emerged, will Stanley pave his path to the NBA?
A Surprising Sports Role From Sandler
Adam Sandler leaves his comedic comfort zone behind to deliver an exceptional performance in the movie. Apart from the superb basketball sequences and that iconic training montage, Hustle also ponders on more important themes like racism and work-family balance by diving deep into its characters’ backstories. Like any sports genre film, this one also has just the right amount of drama and intrigue to add to its appeal.
44 Passing (2021)
Passing
- Release Date
- November 10, 2021
Adapted by Rebecca Hall from a story written by Nella Larsen, Passing is a movie that follows two light-skinned Black women named Claire and Irene, who can easily “pass” as white but choose to live on opposite sides of the color line. The decade is the 1920s and Harlem isn’t exactly an inclusive place yet. So, when the lives of these two women collide, Clare’s presence in Irene’s life threatens her identity and marriage.
Unforgivably Underrated and Under-Seen
Passing is a film that stays in your mind after you’ve finished consuming it. Hall directs it with a sensitive attitude towards race, identity, and repressing of the era. As for the performances, Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga are truly outstanding as two women who are not only competitive and dissatisfied but also harbor secrets and desires of their own. Intimate, influential, and simply gorgeous, Passing is a must-watch for all.
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43 The Lost Daughter (2021)
In The Lost Daughter, Leda is an unsuspicious middle-aged woman on a solo beach vacation, trying to have a good time. But when she becomes intrigued (or obsessed) with a young woman tending to her little daughter on the same vacation, she soon finds herself deep down, in a lake of memories from her own early motherhood. The spiral sends her into fear and leads her into committing an act that may disrupt Nina’s peace and her daughter’s safety.
An Unflinching Exploration of Motherhood
The Lost Daughter is directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, who adapts it from Elena Ferrante’s beautiful novel. Because of the serene backdrop and soft score, the film manages to exquisitely submerge its viewers into Leda’s psyche. Olivia Colman is undoubtedly brilliant as the lead, leaving the audience torn between supporting her intentions or justifying her acts. The film explores womanhood and parenting in a way we haven’t seen before.
42 Someone Great (2019)
On a much lighter note, we have Someone Great. The movie stars Gina Rodriguez as Jenny Young, a music journalist who has recently been dumped by her long-term boyfriend right before her cross-country move to San Francisco. After moping for a bit, she and her two best friends decide to go on one last, unapologetic, and outrageous adventure in New York City to make her last night memorable.
A Joyful Ode to the Power of Friendship
Someone Great is Kaytin Robinson’s directorial debut, and suffice it to say, we cannot wait to see more rom-coms and female-led drama from the director. Apart from Rodriguez, the film also stars DeWanda Wise and Brittany Snow, whose funny and heartfelt performances are an ode to female friendships. The authentic detailing, subjects of building your self-worth, and valuing sisterhood above all else is what makes this modern film a cult status.
41 Army of the Dead (2021)
A functional marriage between the zombie and heist genre, Zack Snyder’s film finds Dave Bautista and his oddball team of crooks undertaking a suicide mission through a Vegas casino that’s overrun with zombies.
The Snyder Take on Zombies
Despite having an ensemble of some Hollywood heavyweights, the real stars of Snyder’s film are the undead villains, who’ve managed to attain some form of decorum and are ruled by a zombie king and his queen (a reanimated zombie tiger). Packed with Synder’s staple sense of cheesy dialogues and over-the-top action sequences, Army of the Dead is a fast-paced action film with a fresh take on the conventional zombie genre.
40 The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)
The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society tells a gentle and breezy story by transporting you to the historically lush Guernsey Island, which was occupied by Germany during World War II. At the center of it all is a London-based author, who first begins to exchange letters with the residents of the island, then decides to visit the place, their book club, and the members, to understand their lives and romances better.
Perfect Sunday Afternoon Viewing
There is something distinctly alluring about period drama. Whether it is the glorious romance or the polite details, the movies simply nourish your soul and spirit. This movie, based on the novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, is utterly charming. Stars like Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Matthew Goode, and Penelope Wilton breathe life into a time that was just getting over tyranny and experiencing liberation. Wholesome but not too sweet, the film is a meaningful journey.
39 Athlete A (2020)
This shocking documentary reveals the truth about what happens behind closed doors with the young gymnasts at the USA Gymnastics. Athlete A exposes Dr. Larry Nasaar, a man who sexually abused several athletes. A group of brave reporters from The Indianapolis Star took the initiative of not only bringing the truth about these toxic practices but also sending Nassar behind bars.
A Difficult But Important Watch
Netflix has produced several documentaries, and they all strike a chord with the viewers. Part of the reason is the heart and authenticity of the narrative. For those who have little knowledge of its subject matter, the documentary film layers the scenes with sensitivity. But on the other hand, it doesn’t shy away from being graphic in depicting the sheer brutality of the acts.
38 Bo Burnham: Inside (2021)
Inside
- Release Date
- May 30, 2021
Throughout the years, we’ve seen Bo Burnham perform on stage as a vulnerable, unashamed, and quick-witted comedian. Bo Burnham: Inside translates the same personality in a setting we all experienced at the same time. The movie features day-to-day indoor activities, a variety of songs, and sketches. Filmed alone in his room as the world unraveled outside, Burnham’s songs act as a mirror to our modern lives.
A Reflection of Pandemic Turmoil
The COVID-19 pandemic had us all in a weird place mentally. So to have one of the best comedians bring out that feeling of anxiety and isolation to the screen in such a relatable and hilarious fashion was but a blessing. Burnham’s keen perspective and talent for comedy act as a meditation on our mental health. He pushes his creativity to an extreme and uses dazzling lighting, music mixes, and courageous writing. Overall, the comedy musical makes you laugh and cry at the same time.
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37 Enola Holmes (2020)
You have seen the iconic detective, Sherlock Holmes, in several film and television iterations. But this is the first time that Sherlock’s teen sister, the titular Enola Holmes, makes it to the screen. Possessing a wit and charm of her own, Enola tries to outwit her brothers while searching for her missing mother and helping a runway lord escape without a trace.
Delightful and Refreshing Fun
Featuring a stunning ensemble cast of Millie Bobby Brown, Sam Clafin, Henry Cavill, Louis Partridge, and Helena Bonham Carter, the movie is wildly entertaining and full of thrills that come from its mysterious plot. The action sequences, the characterization, and the hugely enjoyable storyline are definitely a win for the movie. But what makes Enola Holmes so great is Millie Bobby Brown, who nails the smart and talented character and directly engages the audience by breaking the fourth wall.
36 The Half of It (2021)
The Half of It encapsulates the awkwardness of being a teenager through the eyes of its protagonist, a 16-year-old straight-A Chinese-American student named Ellie Chu, who agrees to write a love letter for a jock so that he can impress his crush. However, what Ellie does not expect is to become best friends with this guy and also fall in love with his crush.
A Refreshing Take on the Cyrano Story
The movie is quite thoughtful and sweet for a queer coming-of-age romance. It puts a refreshing twist on teen comedies by infusing the scenes with empathy and feeling. Leah Lewis gives a stellar breakout performance in her role as Ellie, who is just discovering her own identity and dealing with the environment of her home. Funny, moving, and utterly beautiful, the movie is a gem that reminds us some risks are worth taking.
35 Love At First Sight (2023)
Based on the beautiful novel, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, written by Jennifer E Smith, this Netflix Original is a strangely profound love story of Hadley and Oliver, who meet and fall in love over six hours and forty-eight minutes while on a plane from New York to London. The two have different reasons for visiting the city, but their hearts tell another story.
A Hidden Rom-Com Gem
Considering the romantic comedies that were released in 2023, Love At First Sight is refreshingly nice. It is directed by Vanessa Caswill, who infuses an offbeat yet heartfelt momentum into the conversations and scenes. Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy elevate the meet-cute premise with their easily likable personalities. Moreover, the Shakespeare references and repeated Jameela Jamil jump scares only make the film fun to watch.
34 1922 (2017)
1922
- Release Date
- October 20, 2017
- Director
- Zak Hilditch
Based on Stephen King’s 2010 novella of the same name, Zak Hilditch’s film revolves around a farmer named Wilfred ‘Wilf” who conspired to kill his wife after realizing she wanted to sell her part of the farmland and move to the city. Trapped and left with no choice, Wilf manipulates his teen son Henry by forcing him to conspire with him using the boy’s love for a neighborhood girl as emotional blackmail, eventually committing the act and thereby beginning Wilf’s descent into madness.
Calling All Stephen King Fans
Playing on King’s staple theme of men choosing murder over reason, 1922 paints a bleak picture that eventually transitions from claustrophobic to insane. With some solid performances from Thomas Jane, Dylan Schmid, and Molly Parker, 1922 is essential Stephen King viewing.
33 Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021)
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical masterpiece is a love letter to the world of classical music that’s based on composer, playwright, and lyricist Jonathan Davis Larson’s life. An incredible ode to the trials and tribulations of being an artist, Tick, Tick…Boom! follows Jon (Andrew Garfield), a gifted artist who’s on the cusp of turning 30, an event that forces him to reflect on his unfruitful career along with his complicated relationships and anxieties.
A Heartfelt Celebration of Jonathan Larson
Ending on a bittersweet note after the dizzying rapture of show business, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s film presents the viewers with artistic traits and their oddities before offering some form of consolation that one day a life of unending slog might just be worth it. Tick, Tick…Boom! earned itself two Oscar nominations, which unsurprisingly included Best Actor for Garfield who received unanimous praise for this showstopping performance.
32 The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is based on the real-life protests against the Vietnam War that shook the constitutional foundation of America in 1968. What started as a normal peaceful protest soon turned into a national emergency, leading to violent riots and a subsequent fallout between the protestors and government institutions.
Sorkin’s Classic Blend of Seriousness and Humor
Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, The Trial of the Chicago 7 has an abundant flow of snappy dialogue and heartfelt moments of friendship between the leaders of the protest, Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen) and Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong). Sorkin brilliantly underscores important issues of basic human rights and the nature of violence with humor in his tense yet hilarious courtroom drama.
31 Malcolm & Marie (2021)
A day of celebration turns into a day of emotional reckoning for filmmaker Malcolm Elliot (John David Washington) as he’s forced to confront the cracks in his relationship with his girlfriend Marie (Zendaya). Despite some issues with pacing, Malcolm & Marie oozes style, having been shot by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson during the lockdown.
Stylish and Stifling
Levinson leverages black-and-white cinematography to create a film that’s stylistically rich and intriguing to the eye. Malcolm & Marie perfectly encapsulated the feeling of claustrophobia and tension that most relationships go through, making it a painful, yet relatable film to watch. Moreover, the one-location setting both shows its lockdown-era roots as well as pulling the viewer back to that time, and immersing us in the couple’s stifling relationship.
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