75 Best Netflix Movies to Watch | Top Picks for 2020

Netflix is probably the most culturally impactful company of the 2010 save for Facebook and Twitter. It’s one of the reasons that VHS and DVD rental houses like Blockbuster have been killed off. There’s a wealth of content to be watched on enjoyed on Netflix. But sometimes, too many options isn’t a good thing. You’ll find yourself spinning your wheels on a Saturday night, unsure what to watch next.

While Netflix is primarily known for their series, they also have a wide variety of movies. While binging on a series is great, sometimes you want to view something that has a little less commitment. Netflix doesn’t just stream content, they also create and produce content of their own. In 2018, Netflix had spent over $8 billion on content. They have over 700 original TV series. While the number of movies on Netflix has decreased to make space for series, the list of movies is still pretty sizeable.

Before Netflix deletes more movies, you might want to watch them as soon as you can. That’s why we thought it was important to create this list.

List of Best 75 Movies on Netflix:

In this list, we thought we’d create a countdown. We’ll start at number 75 and end at number 1. Hopefully, you’ll come out of this list inspired with a few picks to watch on a boring rainy day. These are a mix of movies you’ll be able to rent from Netflix Instant and stream directly from them. Some are original Netflix movies while others are not. Enjoy…

75. War Machine

• Starring: Brad Pitt, Emory Cohen, RJ Cyler
• Director: David Michôd
• Genre: Drama, Comedy
• Year: 2017

A satirical war movie starring Brad Pitt as a charismatic and decorated general who tries to lead a re-building operation in Afghanistan. Along the way, he faces opposition from politicians, enemy soldier, and bureaucrats. The movie is full of dry humor. Don’t allow its position on this list to fool you, it’s definitely worth a watch if you’re not looking for anything too deep. A Netflix original.

74. Small Crimes

• Starring: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Robert Forster, Jacki Weaver, Molly Parker
• Director: E.L Katz
• Genre: Drama, action
• Year: 2017

2017 was a great year for Netflix originals. In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated movies you’ll find on Netflix. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau of Game of Thrones fame plays a disgraced ex-cop who has just been released from a six-year prison stint. You follow him as he resolves his past, tries to reconcile with his family while shaking off the gang-ties he established in prison. Another Netflix original.

73. The Incredible Jessica James

• Starring: Jessica Williams, Chris O’Dowd, LaKeith
• Director: Jim Strouse
• Genre: Comedy
• Year: 2017

This is another 2017 Netflix original where Jessica Williams (known for her work as a senior correspondent on the Daily Show) plays an aspiring playwright trying to recover from a messy breakup. She meets Boone, a guy recovering from a break-up of his own. Together, they spark a friendship and try to find themselves and each other in a post-relationship world. It’s a really charming movie. If you’re looking for a light rom-com, then this is worth checking out.

72. Little Evil

• Starring: Evangeline Lilly, Owen Atlas, Adam Scott, Marcus Terrell Smith
• Director: Eli Craig
• Genre: Comedy, Horror
• Year: 2017

Have you ever wondered if one of your children is the anti-Christ? In this dark comedy, Adam Scott plays Gary, a middle-aged man who marries Samantha played by the beautiful Evangeline Lilly. Deep into his marriage, he discovers that her son may actually be the anti-Christ. If you have a dark sense of humor, then this movie is up to your alley. Another Netflix original.

71. Barry

• Starring: Devon Terrell, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jason Mitchell, Ellar Coltrane
• Director: Vikram Gandhi
• Genre: Drama, Biopic
• Year: 2016

If you’ve ever been curious about the early life of the 44^th president of the United States, this movie gives you a peek into it. Barack Obama is played by Devon Terrel and explores Barry’s journey through New York in the fall of 1981, during his junior year of college. It shows his struggles to maintain his relationships with his parents while trying to navigate a foreign state and create new connections along the way. This is another Netflix original.

70. Tau

• Starring: Maika Monroe, Ed Skrein, Gary Oldman, Fiston Barek
• Director: Federico D’Alessandro
• Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
• Year: 2018

Netflix has a great collection of sci-fi, this is one of them. It follows the story of a woman (Maika Monroe) tries to escape a house that she’s trapped in by a scientist. I’m trying to keep the description as vague as possible because if I reveal too much about this movie, it may spoil it. Gary Oldman is always a joy to watch and Ed Skrein delivers a goosebump-inducing performance. Another Netflix original.

69. Stonehearst Asylum

• Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Jim Sturgess, David Thewlis, Brendan Gleeson
• Director: Brad Anderson
• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Horror, Thriller
• Year: 2014

This is the first non-Netflix original on this countdown. It’s a pg-13 horror/thriller with a surprisingly stellar cast. From Kate Beckinsale to Ben Kingsly. For their performances alone, this movie is worth watching.

The story follows a young doctor who takes up a post at a mental asylum. He soon finds himself attracted to one of his co-workers. As the story unfolds, he finds out that things aren’t what they seem at the asylum.

68. Tramps

• Starring: Callum Turner, Grace Van Patten, Michal Vondel, Mike Birbiglia
• Director: Adam Leon
• Genre: Comedy, Romance
• Year: 2016

Tramps follows the story of two aspiring criminals who fall in love. I feel as if it’s another situation where I have to leave as little detail out of the description as possible lest I ruin the movie and plot for you. Tramps has an approval rating of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 7/10 average on Metacritic. If you’re looking for something fresh and fun, you should definitely give this movie a try. Another Netflix original.

67. Stir of Echoes

• Starring: Kevin Bacon, Zachary David Cope, Kathryn Erbe, Illeana Douglas
• Director: David Koepp
• Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
• Year: 1999

If you want to re-visit the late 90s when Y2K fear was still on a high and Kevin Bacon’s ebbing popularity was still at its peak, then you should definitely check out Stir of Echoes. It follows a man (Kevin Bacon) who starts seeing supernatural visions and ghosts after being hypnotized by his sister in law. This movie is definitely an underrated gem from 1999. It’s a good murder mystery with heavy horror undertones.

66. Set it up

• Starring: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu, Taye Diggs
• Director: Claire Scanlon
• Genre: Comedy, Romance
• Year: 2018

Have you ever had a boss who is uptight, uncompromising and tough? If so, then you’ll relate to this movie where two overworked executive assistants try to match-make their bosses with hilarious results. It’s a charming light-hearted comedy. Another Netflix original. The cast puts on a truly great comedic performance.

65. It Follows

• Starring: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Olivia
• Director: David Robert Mitchell
• Genre: Horror, Mystery
• Year: 2014

This was one of the best horror/mystery movies of 2014. After a sexual encounter with her new boyfriend, a young teenager finds out that she’s being followed by a supernatural force. It turns out that she’s the victim of a curse that’s passed from victim to victim through sexual intercourse like a coital chain letter.

64. Triple Frontier

• Starring: Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund
• Director: J.C. Chandor
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime
• Year: 2019

If you’re looking for something a little more recent, then you should check Triple Frontier out. Ben Affleck leads a team of five former Special Forces operatives on a mission to rob a drug lord of his fortunes. Of course, this isn’t without its consequences. Things take a downward turn and spiral out of control. It’s a wild ride that will keep you on the edge of your seats.  It’s a 2019 Netflix original.

63. Housebound

• Starring: Morgana O’Reilly, Rima Te Wiata, Glen-Paul Waru, Ross Harper
• Director: Gerard Johnstone
• Genre: Comedy, Horror, Mystery
• Year: 2014

In this 2014 dark comedy, a blundering thief played by Morgan O’Reilly is caught and remanded to the custody of her estranged mother. It turns out that her mother’s house is haunted and you know what this means, right? Shenanigans upon shenanigans. It’s a New Zealand movie so expect a few accents that you may be unfamiliar with. It’s a great popcorn movie.

62. Gerald’s Game

• Starring: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Chiara Aurelia, Carel Struycken
• Director: Mike Flanagan
• Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
• Year: 2017

This Netflix original is based on a Stephen King novel of the same name. It follows the story of a married couple trying to spice up their sex life. The wife (played by Carla Gugino) inadvertently kills the husband (played by Bruce Greenwood) while tied to the bed frame. With no hopes of escaping or rescue, she must fight for her life and sanity as she begins to hallucinate and hear voices. It’s a truly trippy and chilling experience that will refuse to leave you even after the movie has ended. It’s another movie released during Netflix originals were on a boom.

61. The Iceman

• Starring: Michael Shannon, Chris Evans, James Franco, Winona Ryder
• Director: Ariel Vromen
• Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
• Year: 2012

The Iceman follows Richard Kuklinski, a notorious mafia hitman, nicknamed The Iceman for his stern and chilly demeanor. The story takes a turn when he is arrested in 1986. This comes as a shock to his family because neither his wife nor his daughter had a single idea of his actual profession.

This movie features a more laid back and reserved Michael Shannon performance as he plays the titular character. It’s a slow burner so if you’re a fan of good character work and dramas with a sluggish pace, this movie may tickle your fancy.

60. The Longest Day

• Starring: John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Richard Burton
• Director: Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton
• Genre: Action, Drama, History
• Year: 1962

While Netflix’s list of classic movies is dwindling, you may still find a gem or two, like the Longest Day. It’s a biographical movie that follows the events of D-day on a grand scale. It shows the experiences of the leaders and soldiers on the frontlines from both sides (Allied and German). If you’re a fan of a bit of nostalgia and old black and white films, you should definitely check this one out before it disappears from Netflix’s library.

59. I Saw the Devil

• Starring: Byung-Hun Lee, Min-sik Choi, Bo-ra Nam, Joon-Hyuk Lee
• Director: Jee-woon Kim
• Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
• Year: 2010

Netflix also has a fine collection of foreign films. I Saw the Devil is a 2010 South Korean Horror Thriller that follows a secret agent as he tortures and toys with a serial killer. It’s another one of those situations where I cannot reveal too much of the movie without ruining it for you. Screen Rant’s Kofi Outlaw described it as: “’I Saw the Devil takes the serial killer thriller and twists it into a meditation on the corrupting nature of evil that his both disturbing and engaging. This is not a film for squeamish viewers.” Another viewer was quoted as saying that it’s one of the vilest movies he’s ever seen but he still gave it an 8/10. If you’re looking for a great Korean flick to distract you for over two hours, then you should definitely check this movie out.

58. Bird Box

• Starring: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich, Sarah Paulson
• Director: Susanne Bier
• Genre: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
• Year: 2018

Not a lot of Netflix movies had the same impact as Bird Box did. It became a cultural phenomenon that reminded the public of Sandra Bullock’s greatness. While it’s considered to be one of the most overrated movies of that year, it’s still worth the watch if for nothing else but its symbolism. It’s also a really great survival horror flick.

The story follows a mother played by Sandra Bullock five years after a presence wipes most of society out. It follows her plight to find sanctuary and safety in an apocalyptic world where what you see can drive you to death. Now that the hype has died down, you can watch it without all the public influence ringing in your ear.

57. O Brother, Where Art Thou?

• Starring: George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, John Goodman
• Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
• Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Crime
• Year: 2000

A Coen’s brother production. This movie’s timelessness and charm are incomparable. It follows three escaped convicts during the 1930s as they try to find hidden treasure while simultaneously trying to avoid being recaptured by a relentless police officer. This movie is full of music, charm and unforgettable characters. Even if you’ve watched it before, it’s still worth a second, third and fourth viewing.

58. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

• Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ewa Fröling, Lena Endre
• Director: Niels Arden Oplev
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
• Year: 2009

This is the first movie in the Millennium Trilogy. It’s a Swedish film based on a novel of the same name by famed Swedish author Stieg Larsson. It follows the story of a female hacker as she helps a journalist uncover the mystery of a young woman’s death from forty years ago. This and the American remake are both worth checking out. The books aren’t bad either.

57. Blame!

• Starring: Takahiro Sakurai, Kana Hanazawa, Sora Amamiya, Mamoru Miyano
• Director: Hiroyuki Seshita
• Genre: Animation, Action, Drama
• Year: 2017

Something animated was bound to make it on this list eventually. Blame! is a sci-fi anime produced by Netflix. It is set up in a distant future where civilization has fully integrated with cyber technology. Unfortunately, a virus infects these cities causing them to kill humans and mark them as “illegal residents”. The story follows a group of scavengers who come across a strange man named Killy, who just may be the key to their’s and humanity’s survival.

56. Mr. Nobody

• Starring: Jared Leto, Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger, Linh Dan Pham
• Director: Jaco Van Dormael
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
• Year: 2009

If you’re into art-house movies that leave you pondering life and with some existential dread then this movie is up to your alley. Some may find it overly pretentious but Mr. Nobody features one of Jared Letos best performances ever.

In 2092 where humans have achieved immortality, the story follows the last remaining mortal human on Earth as he reflects on his past and all the decisions he’s made and could have made. It’s a story on reflection and how our choices shape us today.

55. Tallulah

• Starring: Ellen Page, Allison Janney, Tammy Blanchard, Evan Jonigkeit
• Director: Sian Heder
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
• Year: 2016

Ellen Page gives a riveting performance in this movie where a young woman takes a baby from an irresponsible mother who she was tasked to take care of the baby by. With no place to go or hide, she retreats to her mother’s place where she pretends that the baby is her granddaughter.

It’s a heart-warming comedy-drama with a lot of twists and turns.  Another Netflix original worth your time and bandwidth.

54. Calibre

• Starring: Jack Lowden, Martin McCann, Tony Curran, Ian Pirie
• Director: Matt Palmer
• Genre: Thriller
• Year: 2018

Calibre is a British thriller produced by and for Netflix. It follows two childhood friends that travel to a remote area in the Scottish Highlands to hunt. Well as with most thrillers, not everything is as it seems. Their loyalty, wit, strength is tested as they are forced to survive in a situation neither of them was prepared for. I know that this description may be a little too vague but once again, if I reveal too much, it will ruin the plot of the movie.

This movie is definitely worth your time. The 94% Rotten Tomatoes score should be enough to coax you into watching it.

53. Moonrise Kingdom

• Starring: Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray
• Director: Wes Anderson
• Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
• Year: 2012

This movie probably deserves to be further down the list. It was one of the best movies of 2012. It follows the journey of two pre-teens in love who decide to run away together. Unfortunately, a huge storm is approaching the island, forcing a group of adults to initiate a search party to find the two lovers. It’s a Wes Anderson movie, so expect a colorful pallet of characters, backdrops, and costumes. If you haven’t watched this movie before, please do as soon as you can.

52. Atonement

• Starring: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Brenda Blethyn, Saoirse Ronan
• Director: Joe Wright
• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Romance
• Year: 2007

In this classic 1940’s era romance epic, Keira Knightly and James McAvoy play lovers who torn apart when a lie is told that leaves James’ character in prison and Keira’s lost. If you’re into romantic British romantic movies, then this one will not disappoint you. It’s a multi-award winning picture and probably has some of the best acting Keira has ever done.

51. American Gangster

• Starring: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin
• Director: Ridley Scott
• Genre: Biography, Crime Thrillers, Drama
• Year: 2007

Another movie released in 2007. This one follows a burned out cop on a mission to bring down Frank Lucas, one of the most notorious drug lords in America. The movie is loosely based on real events. It was directed by Ridley Scott and stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. It even inspired a Jay Z album of the very same name.

50. The Big Short

• Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt
• Director: Adam McKay
• Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
• Year: 2015

This 2015 movie follows a group of investors who bet against the housing market during the 2006/7 collapse. They soon discover that the market isn’t as free as they initially thought. They uncover its corruption and flaws and expose those who are pulling the strings behind the scenes. The movie has a stellar cast replete with top-notch performances.

49. 1922

• Starring: Thomas Jane, Molly Parker, Dylan Schmid, Kaitlyn Bernard
• Director: Zak Hilditch
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Horror
• Year: 2017

Based on a short story by Stephen King of the same name and released in 2017, during Netflix’s boom in original movie production. The story follows a proud rancher who conspires to murder his wife for financial and personal gain. He also convinces his teenage son to partake in the scheme. Their actions have dark and unexpected results that leave the entire family torn apart. A chilling and dark tale that features an exceptional performance from Thomas Jane in the lead role.

48. The Hateful Eight

• Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins
• Director: Quentin Tarantino
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
• Year: 2015

This Quentin Tarantino movie follows a bounty hunter played by Kurt Russell and his prisoner, a leader of a notorious gang played by Jennifer Jason Leigh as they make their way to the town of Red Rock in post-Civil War America.

Along the way, they meet another a black civil war veteran and a man who claims to be a sheriff. Together they try to seek shelter from the wintery night at a stopover, located near a mountain pass. Unfortunately, things are not as they seem….

47. The Discovery

• Starring: Robert Redford, Mary Steenburgen, Brian McCarthy, Jason Segel
• Director: Charlie McDowell
• Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
• Year: 2017

The movie is centered on a near future where science has unequivocally proven the existence of an afterlife. This poses new existential questions. While others try to find a new meaning to life others have decided to commit suicide in an attempt to begin their lives anew. The movie follows Will (played by Jason Segal) as he tries to help a mysterious young woman break away from her past. If you like sci-fi, mystery and a little romance, you should check this movie out. Another Netflix original.

46. Sand Castle

• Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Logan Marshall-Green, Henry Cavill, Glen Powell
• Director: Fernando Coimbra
• Genre: Drama, War
• Year: 2017

This 2017 Netflix original follows a young soldier played by Nicholas Hoult as he tries to navigate his way through the 2003 American invasion of Iraq. The movie is based on actual events. You get to witness the horrors of war and what they do to the human psyche. If you’re into war dramas, then this one is definitely worth a watch.

45. Cargo

• Starring: Simone Landers, Martin Freeman, Marlee Jane McPherson-Dobbins, Lily Anne McPherson-Dobbins
• Director: Ben Howling, Yolanda Ramke
• Genre: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
• Year: 2017

If you like movies like Mad Max and enjoy video games like the Last of Us, then you’ll definitely enjoy Cargo. Cargo is a Netflix original produced in Australia that follows a father’s struggle to get his infant child to safety after a violent epidemic spreads all over the country.

44. Spectral

• Starring: James Badge Dale, Emily Mortimer, Bruce Greenwood, Max Martini
• Director: Nic Mathieu
• Genre: Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi
• Year: 2016

If you enjoy movies like Terminator Salvation or Edge of Tomorrow, then Spectral is definitely your cup of tea. In this military sci-fi movie, strange apparitions have overwhelmed New York. The story follows a team of special soldiers as they try to find a way to destroy the supernatural beings and save humanity.

43. The Babysitter

• Starring: Judah Lewis, Samara Weaving, Robbie Amell, Hana Mae Lee
• Director: McG
• Genre: Comedy, Horror
• Year: 2017

In this bubble-gum horror, a young boy discovers that his baby sitter is part of a satanic cult while spying her. Gory hilarity ensues. This movie has a 90s vibe so if you’re a fan of movies like Home Alone, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.

42. I Am Not an Easy Man

• Starring: Vincent Elbaz, Marie-Sophie Ferdane, Pierre Benezit, Blanche Gardin
• Director: Eléonore Pourriat
• Genre: Comedy
• Year: 2018

In this Netflix original comedy, a male sexist finds his world upside down when he wakes up in a matriarchal world now run by women – his worst nightmare. He has to learn how to navigate this new world and things turn for the worst when he finds himself in love with Alexandra, an influential novelist, and female chauvinist. If you love quirky French films, then you don’t want to miss this one.

41.  Benji

• Starring: Gabriel Bateman, Darby Camp, Kiele Sanchez, Gralen Bryant Banks
• Director: Brandon Camp
• Genre: Comedy, Family, Drama, Crime
• Year: 2018

In this light-hearted family drama, two boys discover an orphan puppy named Benji and befriend it. When the boys are kidnapped by seedy criminals, Benji recruits some of his furry friends and they go on a mission to rescue the boys. Netflix isn’t all violence and drama, there great family movies to be found and this happens to be one of them.

40. Wheelman

• Starring: Frank Grillo, Caitlin Carmichael, Garret Dillahunt, Shea Whigham
• Director: Jeremy Rush
• Genre: Action, Crime, Mystery
• Year: 2017

This crime movie follows a getaway driver who has been double-crossed during a bank robbery as he tries to get revenge and find out who betrayed him.  If you enjoy movies like Gone in 60 Seconds, Baby Driver and the first Fast and Furious, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one. You can also stream this movie on your TV using Sling tv Service. If you dont have paid subscription you can get free trial for 7 days.

39. Bright

• Starring: Will Smith, Joel Edgerton, Noomi Rapace, Edgar Ramírez
• Director: David Ayer
• Genre: Action, Crime, Fantasy
• Year: 2017

I believe that this movie gets a bad rep. Yes, it clumsily handles any symbolism it tries to present to the audience but it’s still a very entertaining movie. It’s basically a fantasy buddy cop movie where Will Smith plays a human cop who needs to partner up with an Orc to find a powerful magical wand. It’s a Netflix original and it’s unfortunate that it won’t be getting any sequels anytime soon.

38. Beats

• Starring: Khalil Everage, Evan J Simpson, Ashley Jackson, Ahmad Nicholas Ferguson
• Director: Chris Robinson
• Genre: Drama
• Year: 2019

Beats is a 2019 movie that follows a reclusive teenage prodigy as he sparks a relationship with a down and out music producer. They find therapy through music and their friendship. If you’re a fan of Hip-Hop or even music in general, then you’ll really enjoy this one. It’s a great coming of age story that’s worth your time.

37. 7 Años

• Starring: Juana Acosta, Alex Brendemühl, Paco León, Manuel Morón
• Director: Roger Gual
• Genre: Drama
• Year: 2016

In this 2016 Netflix original, four friends must make a sacrifice to save the company they started. I wish I could give you further details on the plots, however, I must keep it as vague as possible, lest I spoil the movie for you. If you love Spanish films with great acting, then you should check this one out.

36. Before Midnight

• Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick, Ariane Labed
• Director: Richard Linklater
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Year: 2013

In this sequel to the critically acclaimed Before Sunset, long time romantic partners Jesse and Celine, spend the last of their vacation in Greece reminiscing about the past and their lives together. It’s one of the best Richard Linklater movies. If you’re into romance and philosophy, you should give this movie a try.

35. Imperial Dreams

• Starring: John Boyega, Rotimi, Glenn Plummer, De’aundre Bonds
• Director: Malik Vitthal
• Genre: Drama
• Year: 2014

Imperial Dreams follows a young father played by John Boyega after his release from prison. He returns to the same environment that was conducive to what put him in prison in the first place. His resolution is tested as he tries to prove to himself and his family that he has changed.

34. Moon

• Starring: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey, Dominique McElligott, Rosie Shaw
• Director: Duncan Jones
• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
• Year: 2009

Moon follows Sam Bell (played by Sam Rockwell) on his last day on a moon base mine. He’s eager to return to his family when suddenly, his health takes a turn for the worst as he starts to lose his mind. He sees visions and hallucinations. He even meets a young boy who appears to be a clone of himself. He must get a grip on his sanity and unlock the mysteries that surround him before the mining company arrives. If you’re a fan of the science fiction works of authors like Philip K Dick, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one.

33. Hot Fuzz

• Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Bill Nighy
• Director: Edgar Wright
• Genre: Action, Comedy, Mystery
• Year: 2007

In this movie, a former top cop is assigned to a small sleepy British village. He finds it hard to adjust until he discovers that the town is hiding a dark secret that will pit him and his partner against the whole village. It’s the second entry in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy. If you’re an Edgar Wright fan, you know what you’re getting with this movie. Sharp shots and even sharper comedy.

32. To the Bone

• Starring: Rebekah Kennedy, Lily Collins, Dana L. Wilson, Ziah Colon
• Director: Marti Noxon
• Genre: Drama
• Year: 2017

In this movie, Lilly Collins plays a troubled 20-year old with anorexia. After years of working through numerous recovery programs, she finally meets a doctor who inspires her to change and get well. It’s a great coming of age movie and a Netflix original.

31. Boyhood

• Starring: Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Elijah Smith
• Director: Richard Linklater
• Genre: Drama
• Year: 2014

Another Richard Linklater master class. Filmed over the span of 12 years, this movie collects vignettes to document a boy’s life from childhood into early adulthood. It’s a holder of multiple awards and has a perfect Metascore. For these facts alone, it’s worth checking out.

30. Nightcrawler

• Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton, Riz Ahmed
• Director: Dan Gilroy
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
• Year: 2014

This movie follows Louis Bloom, a loner and a con man who decides to become an independent crime journalist. He finds that the life of a video journalist is a lot more competitive than he thought. He goes from trying to capture stories to influencing them. This features an unnerving and sharp performance from Jake Gyllenhaal. Watch it before Netflix permanently purges it from their archives.

29. The Sea Inside

• Starring: Javier Bardem, Belén Rueda, Lola Dueñas, Mabel Rivera
• Director: Alejandro Amenábar
• Genre: Biography, Drama
• Year: 2004

This underrated Spanish gem follows a man’s plight to try to end his life on his own terms. He runs a campaign that spans over three decades in favor of euthanasia so he and people like him can end their lives – legally. Javier Bardem gives a stunning performance.

28. The King’s Speech

• Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi
• Director: Tom Hooper
• Genre: Biography, Drama, History
• Year: 2010

This movie covers the story of King George IV who hires a speech therapist to help him get over his stutter, so he can deliver a speech during his sudden and unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in the late 1930s. If you’re a history buff that’s fond of Oscar-winning dramas, then this one is for you.

27. Dallas Buyers Club

• Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Steve Zahn
• Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
• Genre: Biography, Drama
• Year: 2013

Based on a true story, this movie follows Ron Woodrof, an electrician who gets infected and diagnosed with HIV. He tries to circumvent the health care system while helping himself and people like him find alternative forms of more effective treatment. Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto give riveting performances. This is a great watch for fans of modern history and drama.

26. Our Souls at Night

• Starring: Judy Greer, Robert Redford, Matthias Schoenaerts, Jane Fonda
• Director: Ritesh Batra
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Year: 2017

Who doesn’t love a story about two old people finding romance? This movie follows a widow and a widower who form a platonic relationship to alleviate their shared grief. A relationship that begins as a friendship deepens into something more. The movie stars Judy Greer and Robert Redford as the old lovers. It’s a heart-warming movie filled with hope and nostalgia.

24. The Other Side of the Wind

• Starring: John Huston, Oja Kodar, Peter Bogdanovich, Susan Strasberg
• Director: Orson Welles
• Genre: Drama
• Year: 2018

This movie is a bit of an anomaly. It’s an experimental Hollywood movie that has been stuck in production for over forty years before its final release in 2018, 33 years after the death of its director. The movie is a satire that uses a film in a film format to tell the story of an exiled director who tries to make his return to Hollywood with his comeback movie titled – ‘The Other Side of the Wind’. This movie is a cinematic time capsule and an important part of film history. For these things alone, the movie is worth at least one viewing.

23. Blood Diamond

• Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly, Kagiso Kuypers
• Director: Edward Zwick
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Thriller
• Year: 2006

In this modern day classic, the story follows a South African mercenary and smuggler, played by Leonardo DiCaprio on his quest to find a rare diamond that will hopefully change his life. On his journey, he meets a local fisherman who is also in search of the gem. The story shows how damaging and destructive colonialism, as well as the illegal diamond trade, was to Sierra Leone’s national welfare.

22. I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore

• Starring: Melanie Lynskey, Chris Doubek, Marilyn Faith Hickey, Jared Roylance
• Director: Macon Blair
• Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
• Year: 2017

This is one of the best original Netflix movies, produced during its boom of 2017. It was a testament that Netflix can produce quality short-form content. The story follows a young woman who is robbed. With the help of her quirky neighbor, she decides to track down and find her valuables as well as the perpetrators. She soon discovers that she is way over her head as she comes face to face in a situation with some very dangerous criminals.

21. The Meyerowitz Stories

• Starring: Adam Sandler, Grace Van Patten, Dustin Hoffman, Elizabeth Marvel
• Director: Noah Baumbach
• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• Year: 2017

Adam Sandler still proves that he can make a good movie as he teams up with Ben Stiller in this charming movie where they play brothers who meet up in preparation for a celebration of their father’s lifelong artistic work.

Michael O’Sullivan of the Washington Post described was quoted as saying: “The acting is impeccable all around, and there is an undeniable, if perverse, appeal to spending time with these damaged but entertaining individuals.”

20. Always Be My Maybe

• Starring: Ali Wong, Randall Park, James Saito, Michelle Buteau
• Director: Nahnatchka Khan
• Genre: Comedy
• Year: 2019

In this hilarious 2019 Netflix original, Ali Wong and Randall Park play childhood sweethearts who have a falling out and end up breaking up for 15 years before meeting up again as adults and sparking a new relationship. They try to make it work despite being massively different now. The movie features a number of exciting cameos from Keanu Reeves. As a matter of fact, the movie is worth watching just for the cameos.

19. The Outlaw King

• Starring: Chris Pine, Stephen Dillane, Rebecca Robin, Billy Howle
• Director: David Mackenzie
• Genre: Action, Biography, Drama
• Year: 2018

Netflix doesn’t have many history based originals. However, for what it’s worth, The Outlaw King is can be chalked up as a success. It follows the story of the 14^th Century Scottish King Robert the Bruce as he uses his wits and courage to formulate a strategy that will defeat a much larger and better armed British army. If you like movies like Braveheart, then you’ll appreciate this one too.

18. The Imitation Game

• Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech
• Director: Morten Tyldum
• Genre: Biography, Drama, Thriller
• Year: 2014

This biographical movie tells the story of the brilliant mathematician Alan Turing as he is hired to crack Nazi German codes during World War II. He and his team succeed in what many thought was impossible by cracking the German code, Enigma. He accrues recognition and fame for his feats but 12 years later, he jailed and humiliated for being homosexual.

17. Sometimes

• Starring: Prakash Raj, Ashok Selvan, Nassar, Shreya Reddy
• Director: Priyadarshan
• Genre: Drama
• Year: 2016

In this Indian Netflix original, seven strangers await their HIV test results. They decide that they can no longer wait and bribe the clinic receptionist to release them to them early. They discover that one of them is HIV positive but they don’t know who.

Only Netflix? Get Prime Video 30 days Trial for free.

16. First They Killed My Father

• Starring: Sareum Srey Moch, Phoeung Kompheak, Sveng Socheata, Mun Kimhak
• Director: Angelina Jolie
• Genre: Biography, Drama, History
• Year: 2017

In this Angelina Jolie directed Netflix original, Loung Ung, a journalist, and famed activist recounts all the trauma she experienced as a young child under the rule of the Khmer Rouge. She recounts how she was trained as a child soldier and forced away from her family home at the age of six, while her siblings were sent off to labor camps. This movie may upset sensitive viewers.

15. To All the Boys I’ve loved

• Starring: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart
• Director: Susan Johnson
• Genre: Romance, Drama
• Year: 2018

In this movie, a teenage girl’s worst nightmare comes true as her secret love letters are exposed for the whole world to see. It’s one of the best young adult movies you’ll find on the streaming service. If you’re in the demographic or you want to revisit the tumultuous years of your adolescence, you should definitely check this movie out.

14. Private Life

• Starring: Kathryn Hahn, Paul Giamatti, Gabrielle Reid, Amy Russ
• Director: Tamara Jenkins
• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• Year: 2018

This 2018 Netflix original follows the struggles of a couple trying to conceive. The wife played by Kathryn Hahn, goes through multiple fertility therapies which put a strain on her relationship with her family and husband as it becomes an obsession.

13. The Siege of Jadotville

• Starring: Kathryn Hahn, Paul Giamatti, Gabrielle Reid, Amy Russ
• Director: Tamara Jenkins
• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• Year: 2018

If you’re a fan of intense action and drama based on real events, then you should check this movie out. It depicts an Irish commander’s and his 150 strong battalion’s struggle to withstand a siege from 3000 Congolese troops. A movie about courage, togetherness and the strength of good leadership.

12. Her

• Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara
• Director: Spike Jonze
• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• Year: 2018

A movie where a lonely man, heartbroken after the failure of his marriage, falls in love with an AI inside of his phone. The movie stars Joaquin Pheonix as the protagonist and Scarlett Johansson as the AI’s voice.

11. Apocalypse Now

• Starring: Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest
• Director: Francis Ford Coppola
• Genre: Drama, War
• Year: 1979

If you’re into the classics, then this one is right up your alley. It is considered to be one of the greatest war movies of all time. The movie follows a young officer stationed in Vietnam, tasked with assassinating a once-promising Colonel who has completely gone insane. If you’ve never seen this one before and you have 2 hours and change to spare, then you should definitely give this one a visit.

10.   City of God

• Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele, Phellipe Haagensen
• Director: Fernando Meirelles,
• Genre: Crime, Drama
• Year: 2002

This is considered another modern-day international classic. It follows the story of two young men with diverging goals but who need each other. One is a photographer while the other is an aspiring drug kingpin. The movie was shot in the poorest neighborhoods of Rio. It’s an expose of poverty, crime, and addiction.

9. The Pianist

• Starring: Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Emilia Fox
• Director: Roman Polanski
• Genre: Biography, Drama, Music
• Year: 2002

This movie both introduced Adrien Brody as a serious actor and bagged him a well-deserved Oscar. It follows the story of a Jewish musician trying to survive Nazi Germany during World War II. You watch as he consistently evades doom as Warsaw collapses. It’s a wild ride and a rewarding watch.

8.  Old Boy

• Starring: Min-sik Choi, Ji-tae Yu, Hye-jeong Kang, Dae-han Ji
• Director: Chan-wook Park
• Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery
• Year: 2003

In this enveloping revenge tale, a man is held prisoner for fifteen years, by an unknown entity. Upon being freed, he is invited to find his jailer in less than five days. It’s a very polarizing movie and critically lauded by many but it may not be your cup of tea if you’re a sensitive viewer. Discretion is advised.

7. Room

• Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Wendy Crewson
• Director: Lenny Abrahamson
• Genre: Drama, Thriller
• Year: 2015

In this indie film, a woman and her son are trapped in a room for seven years. They finally manage to escape, granting the child an opportunity to experience the outside world for the first time ever. It won the Academy Award for best actress and was nominated for best picture.

6. Pan’s Labyrinth

• Starring: Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú
• Director: Guillermo del Toro
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, War
• Year: 2006

From the director of movies like Hell Boy and The Shape of Water, comes Pan’s Labyrinth, a movie about a girl who escapes from her sadistic step-father into a world of magic and whimsy.

5. The Fundamentals of Caring

• Starring: Craig Roberts, Paul Rudd, Selena Gomez, Alex Huff
• Director: Rob Burnett
• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• Year: 2016

One of the most underrated movies of 2016. It stars Paul Rudd as a writer who becomes a disabled teen’s caregiver after suffering a family tragedy. Their resolve and strength are tested as they go on an unplanned road trip. It’s a heart-warming tale that shows us that hope still exists after every ending, no matter how devastating it is.

4. Coco

• Starring: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach
• Director: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
• Year: 2017

It’s unfortunate that Netflix doesn’t have an abundance of good family orientated animated content. But at least it does have a Coco. It follows the story of a young aspiring musician whose family has banned music. He enters the land of the dead in an attempt to find his great-great-grandfather in an effort to lift the ban and prove himself as a musician. It’s a truly charming animated feature filled with music, adventure, laughs, and color. If you haven’t seen this one, I suggest that you do as soon as possible.

3. Pulp Fiction

• Starring: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis
• Director: Quentin Tarantino
• Genre: Crime, Drama
• Year: 1994

This is the second film on this countdown directed by Quentin Tarantino. It’s considered to be one of his best films and one of the all-time greatest films of the 90s. It tells for interconnected tales of violence, crime, and drug abuse.

2. Okja

• Starring: Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano, Seo-hyun Ahn, Jake Gyllenhaal
• Director: Joon-ho Bong
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
• Year: 2017

Some may see it fit dub Okja as a movie pushing the vegan agenda but it’s more than that. It follows the story of Mija who is the friend and caretaker of huge peaceful hippo/pig-like beast named Okja. After Okja is taken by a large conglomerate, Mija strives to rescue her friend and bring her back to South Korea.

1. Beasts of No Nation

• Starring: Abraham Attah, Emmanuel Affadzi, Ricky Adelayitor, Andrew Adote
• Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga
• Genre: Drama, War
• Year: 2015

One of the first highly publicized Netflix originals and also one of the best Netflix movies of all time. The story follows Agu as he is trained as a child soldier by a ruthless warlord played by Idris Elba. It’s been nominated and has won many picture awards. If you haven’t watched it yet, I recommend that you do before it’s too late.

Final Word

Phew! There you have it, if you’ve made it all the way to the number one spot, I have to applaud you. Well done, you now have a list as a reference for the next time you’re bored. In this guide, we covered the 75 best movies on Netflix. With each entry, I gave you a short summary while trying not to spoil the entire movie for you. I hope you find this list helpful. Thank you for reading.

Make sure you always use Antivirus while using PC or Laptop. You can check our Windows Defender vs Avast Review before you buy.