Best Movies Now on Netflix
For as many streaming services as there is currently are, Netflix remains possibly the premiere platform to watch movies and television shows. The first mainstream streaming service there was, it’s a platform that continues to boast some of the finest and most noteworthy movies you’ll find anywhere.
With a streaming catalog mixed between Netflix original movies and endless amounts of well-known movies like Pacific Rim, X, and The Great Gatsby, there’s no shortage of potential viewing options when it comes to Netflix’s impressive lineup of movies.
Here are some of the movies you can currently find streaming on Netflix that we’d recommend checking out.
Updated: February 9.
Action: The Postcard Killings (2020)
Currently ranking as the most popular film on this week’s most-watched movies on Netflix is the 2020 action thriller, The Postcard Killings. An unsettling adaptation of a novel co-written by James Patterson, it’s among the better crime films on Netflix at the moment.
Investigating his adult daughter’s death, a New York detective (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) traveling abroad in Europe allies himself with a daring journalist (Cush Jumbo) in tracking the killer down.
Despite gaining little attention from movie-goers or critics back in 2020, The Postcard Killings has found a more adoring audience among contemporary viewers. While it’s certainly not the best Patterson adaptation to ever see a release, The Postcard Killings’ chilling tone and engaging performances make the film another satisfying edition to Patterson’s growing filmography.
Horror: X (2022)
Even by A24’s impressive standards, X may be one of the company’s absolute best horror films. An intelligent and loving deconstruction of the slasher genre, it’s every bit as bizarre and terrifying as it is intellectually engaging.
In 1970s Texas, a group of amateur filmmakers attempt to make an adult movie on the property of an elderly couple (Mia Goth and Stephen Ure)–although the couple soon develop an unhealthy obsession with the movie’s leading lady (also Goth).
Pushing the basic premise of such iconic slashers as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre in exciting new directions, X offers the same seemingly meta-aware spoof of the slasher genre as Scream, albeit in a completely new and original way.
Documentary: The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)
Another movie sitting on this week’s most-watched list, The Greatest Night in Pop documents the historic “We Are the World” concert in 1985–an event that saw some of the industry’s most famous figures appear on one massive stage.
In an effort to provide financial relief for starving families in Africa, calypso singer Harry Belafonte organized a massive concert recording in January, 1985, recruiting such stars as Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson.
Chronicling one of the most important moments in modern musical history, The Greatest Night in Pop also illustrates how some of the most iconic celebrities of the 1980s came together for a noble cause, setting aside personal time to collaborate on one massive project.
Thriller: Deep Fear (2023)
In 2023, the world received the deliberately over-the-top horror comedy, Cocaine Bear. Months later, yet another drug-fueled killer animal movie saw a release in the form of Deep Fear – a film that trades in a substance-abusing bear for a drug-abusing shark.
Rescuing a pair of castaways (Stany Coppet and Macarena Gómez) stranded in the Caribbean, an intrepid yachtswoman (Madalina Diana Ghenea) is forced to battle a massive great white shark that has ingested a large batch of cocaine.
If you go into Deep Fear expecting to see Jaws or Deep Blue Sea, you’ll be sorely disappointed. However, the unpretentious plot and kitschy action that makes up Deep Fear helps establish this overlooked 2023 thriller as a generally decent movie.
Crime: Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017)
Yet another film ranking among the most-streamed movies on Netflix right now, Brawl in Cell Block 99 hammer home the oppressive, extraordinarily dangerous conditions that characterize many American prisons.
When his kidnapped family’s lives are threatened by a merciless crime lord (Dion Mucciacito), an inmate in a maximum security prison (Vince Vaughn) reluctantly agrees to assassinate a fellow prisoner.
A hard-boiled love letter to ‘70s exploitation films, Brawl in Cell Block 99 has all the rugged violence and engaging plot points as a Quentin Tarantino film, propelling itself forward based on Vaughn’s powerhouse performance.
Award Nominee: Maestro (2023)
Meeting by chance at a party in 1946, up-and-coming composer Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) becomes romantically involved with theatrical actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan)—a romance that spans the better part of their lives.
A stunning biographical film centered around one the most famous composers of the 20th century, Maestro has already garnered widespread acclaim from critics following its initial release in late November.
Nominated for four Golden Globe Awards (Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Motion Picture), it’s a humbling testament to director and star Bradley Cooper’s proficient abilities both behind the camera, and in front of it.
Nature: Life On Our Planet (2023)
Of course, if you end up watching Jurassic Park, it’s also not a bad idea to watch one of the more recent documentaries on Netflix, Life On Our Planet (fittingly produced by none other than Steven Spielberg himself).
In contrast to most other nature documentaries, Life On Our Planet details how the Earth has evolved over millions of years, including specific episodes centered around dinosaurs and early mammals as well as the gradual rise of humanity.
Harking back to Jurassic Park’s immortal message of how life always “finds a way,” Life On Our Planet demonstrates the wondrous nature of existence itself, as shown by Earth’s numerous inhabitants over the past several million years.
Survival: Society of the Snow (2023)
Currently ranking as the second most popular movie on Netflix behind The Single Moms Club is the 2023 survival thriller, Society of the Snow. Based on a startling true story, the film dramatizes the horrific events of a 1972 flight disaster that claimed the lives of 29 people.
Crash-landing in the Andes Mountains in the early 1970s, the survivors of a brutal plane crash soon resort to desperate measures, spending a total of two months in the mountains as they await rescue.
Like most survival films, Society of the Snow features a harrowing portrait of individuals enduring hostile environmental conditions in order to survive. A fantastic thriller, it’s also among the finest recent arrivals to Netflix.
Intense: Lift (2024)
Currently sitting on top of this week’s most-watched movies list is the recent Netflix exclusive arrival, Lift. An action heist comedy with an all-star cast, the movie makes for another momentous addition to comedian Kevin Hart’s rapidly expanding filmography.
Arranging a talented crew of professional criminals, veteran thief Cyrus (Hart) and his team plan an ambitious heist on a passenger flight ferrying $500 million worth of gold bullion from the United Kingdom to Switzerland.
While it’s true that Lift is not without its fair share of problems–its story and pacing, in particular, leave much to be desired–the movie’s massive ensemble make it all worthwhile, as seen with the performances of Hart, Mbatha-Raw, and Billy Magnussen.
Anime: One Piece (1999)
There’s absolutely no denying the unexpected success of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s encyclopedic One Piece manga series. As incredible as the recent 2023 fantasy series is, though, viewers shouldn’t look past how utterly great the original 1999 anime version of One Piece is either.
In a nautical world filled with pirates, marines, and other seafaring adventurers, a young buccaneer with the power of elasticity embarks on a journey with his crew to find the fabled One Piece treasure.
With its 20th and most recent season arriving to Netflix this past month, anime fans can rejoice at the possibility of seeing their favorite buccaneers at it again in One Piece – whether they gravitate towards the mischievous Monkey D. Luffy or his far more responsible navigator, Nami.
Music: Mamma Mia! (2008)
It’s not an exaggeration to describe Mamma Mia! as one of the most universally loved musicals ever made. Alongside other genre entries like Grease or The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the movie’s cult following of fans serves as clear evidence of this fact.
As she prepares for her upcoming wedding, a young woman (Amanda Seyfried) invites her mother’s (Meryl Streep) ex-boyfriends (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård) to attend the ceremony, hoping to determine once and for all which of them is her biological father.
Though its overall story may be a bit melodramatic for some, Mamma Mia!’s addictive soundtrack and agreeable performances make this 2008 musical well worth seeing–because after all, who in their right mind doesn’t like ABBA?
Comedy: Queenpins (2021)
Another film ranking favorably on this week’s most-watched movies list on Netflix, Queenpins is a thrilling crime comedy film from 2021. In spite of its initial limited release, the movie has since obtained large viewership numbers upon its debut to Netflix this past month.
Desperately needing a thrill in her life, a bored housewife (Kristen Bell) and her best friend (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) begin an ambitious scheme collecting and selling coupons, leading them into conflict with two government employees (Vince Vaughn and Paul Walter Hauser).
Taking advantage of its notable lineup of actors, Queenpins manages to deliver an agreeable enough number of laughs in its rapid two-hour runtime–so much so that not even a sparse story prevents this movie from entertaining most viewers.
Mystery: Fletch (1985)
Following his exit from Saturday Night Live in the late 1970s, Chevy Chase became the prototypical breakout SNL star, transitioning towards a successful career in the film industry with his appearances in Caddyshack, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and 1985’s Fletch.
After he’s hired to take the life of a seemingly ill businessman (Tim Matheson), investigative journalist Irwin Fletch (Chase) looks into the case, discovering a vast criminal conspiracy in the heart of Los Angeles.
A lasting testament to Chase’s comedic potential, the titular character of Fletch fits Chase with remarkable ease, pairing perfectly well with the SNL icon’s signature preference for heavy-handed slapstick and dry-witted sarcasm.
Teen: My Life with the Walter Boys (2023)
The most-watched series on Netflix currently, My Life with the Walter Boys serves as a bold adaptation of Ali Novak’s self-published 2014 novel of the same name. Despite its less-than-enthusiastic reviews from critics, the series has managed to sustain most viewers through its generally affable representation of modern teenage woes.
In the wake of her parents’ death in a tragic car accident, a 15-year-old from New York (Nikki Rodriguez) moves into her new home in Colorado. As she bonds with her adoptive family, she also tries to rebuild her life in her new high school surroundings.
While its humor may be a little too niche for some, My Life with the Walter Boys tackles plenty of poignant themes–including trauma and the struggle to make new friends–that most teenage viewers can probably relate to.
Biopic: Dumb Money (2023)
Betting against the system, a group of amateur investors pour their savings into GameStop’s ailing stock, unknowingly triggering a rapid rise in the company that takes financial analysts completely by surprise.
In the early weeks of 2021, the economic landscape saw an unexpected new development. After a group of Reddit users began buying up seemingly worthless GameStop stock on the marketplace, the game supplier’s stock price suddenly soared.
All of this and more is covered in the 2023 biographical comedy, Dumb Money. Adhering to most of the facts surrounding the true-life story, Dumb Money focuses on how a group of financially struggling investors somehow found themselves making a fortune overnight on the market.
Stand Up: Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer (2023)
For the past 30 years, Dave Chappelle has maintained a respected status in American comedy, earning a significant reputation for his influential stand-up, sketch series (The Chappelle Show), and his controversial sense of humor.
Now, the Emmy Award-winning comedian returns with his latest stand-up special, The Dreamer, currently ranked as the most-watched series on Netflix. Like each of his previous specials, The Dreamer touches upon many of Chappelle’s recurring points of interest as a comic, detailing his own view on unfolding societal trends.
More so than most comedians, Dave Chappelle has the ability to either aggravate or delight audiences with his distinct brand of comedy. For this reason, he may not be the most universally popular comic, but those who enjoy his work are bound to love The Dreamer.
Sports: The Hill (2023)
Currently sitting at the top of this week’s most-watched movies list on Netflix is the 2023 biographical sports drama, The Hill. A dramatized account of baseball player Rickey Hill’s life and career, it’s among the most feel-good movies on the streaming platform at the moment.
Wanting to pursue a career in baseball against his family’s wishes, a young man suffering from a degenerative spinal disease (Colin Ford) undergoes a vigorous training regimen in the hopes of impressing a visiting talent scout (Scott Glenn).
To be sure, The Hill has its fair share of weaknesses, drawing on a cut-and-paste plot line found in most other inspirational sports movies before it. However, the film’s talented cast makes it all worthwhile, with The Hill featuring otherwise fine performances from Ford, Randy Quaid, Joelle Carter, and Glenn.
Family: The Croods (2013)
Like their foremost rivals at Disney, DreamWorks Animations have released just as many forgettable movies as they have memorable ones. Fortunately, their 2013 animated movie, The Croods, falls into the latter category, satisfying viewers with its warm comedy and impressive vocal performances.
In prehistoric times, a close-knit family of cavepeople navigate the often hostile world around them, befriending a genetically evolved human (Ryan Reynolds) who dazzles the family with his strange inventions.
Spawning its own multimedia franchise, The Croods have managed to rival other celebrated DreamWorks series as one of the best in the company’s history, delighting audiences with its imaginative story and immaculate visual design.
Fantasy: Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018)
Tarzan wasn’t the only well-known children’s story to receive a modern adaptation in the 2010s. In 2018, Rudyard Kipling’s famous short story collection, The Jungle Book, found itself adapted into the action fantasy film, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle.
In an effort to flee from the vindictive Bengal tiger Shere Khan (Benedict Cumberbatch), a young boy raised by wolves (Rohan Chand) tries to find his way back to a human village with the help of a protective panther (Christian Bale) and a wise bear (Andy Serkis).
Admittedly, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle may not be as singularly great as Disney’s live-action remake of The Jungle Book. Yet even then, the movie’s fantastic visuals, inspired vocal performances, and grittier tone helps set Mowgli apart as a one-of-a-kind Jungle Book adaptation.
History: The Crown (2016)
It’s official–after seven long and glorious years, the award-winning biographical drama series, The Crown, has come to an end. With the second half of the sixth and final season of The Crown seeing a release in mid-December, Netflix’s long-running study of the Royal Family comes to a definitive conclusion.
As an elderly Queen Elizabeth II (Imelda Staunton) ponders over her long reign as the head of Britain’s government, she also wonders about the future of the monarchy in the hands of her successors–especially her son Charles (Dominic West) and her grandson, William (Ed McVey).
A bittersweet farewell to one of Netflix’s premiere series, The Crown wraps up the all-inclusive reign of Elizabeth II in its entirety, jumping ahead in its chronological timeline to the cabinet administration of Tony Blair and the burgeoning romance between William and Kate Middleton.
Mystery: Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Like most popular writers, Agatha Christie’s work has provided numerous films, plays, and TV shows with a cohesive narrative premise. As many Christie adaptations have come out over the past decades, though, 1974’s Murder on the Orient Express might be the very best.
While traveling through a severe blizzard onboard the luxurious Orient Express, famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney) must discover which of his fellow passengers is responsible for a murder.
Setting the standard for all Christie-inspired films that followed, Murder on the Orient Express utilized a large cast of veteran actors to tell its central story, featuring countless silver screen icons like Sean Connery, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, and Vanessa Redgrave, among others.
Animated: Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)
It’s been 23 long years since the release of Chicken Run, one of the most widely-loved films ever released from Aardman Animations. Now, the famously escape-prone avians return with Aardman’s latest project, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.
Having escaped from Mrs. Tweedy’s (Miranda Richardsn) farm years prior, Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) and her absentminded husband Rocky (Zachary Levi) are forced to confront their former adversary when their daughter (Bella Ramsey) is kidnapped.
Earning as favorable a response as the original Chicken Run, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget utilizes its crisp stop-motion animation to optimal effect, winning audiences over with its impressive animation, imaginative story, and talented cast members.
Sci-Fi: Pacific Rim (2013)
Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro has always made a habit of alternating between mainstream sci-fi films and more intimate passion projects. Following his universally acclaimed work on Pan’s Labyrinth, for example, del Toro chose to direct two commercially successful films in a row – Hellboy II: The Golden Army and 2013’s Pacific Rim.
In a disturbing near-future where humanity wages war against an invading species of giant alien monsters, a veteran soldier (Charlie Hunnam) takes up arms once again to defend Earth from seemingly inevitable destruction.
With Pacific Rim, del Toro crafts a meticulous homage to some of his personal favorite pop culture genres, drawing ample inspiration from ‘60s kaiju films, ‘80s mecha sci-fi, and anime series like Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Romance: The Great Gatsby (2013)
Adapting one of the most famous novels of the 20th century for film was always going to be a challenge. Fortunately, director Baz Luhrmann was up to the task, crafting a sleek and stylish cinematic version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s magnum opus, The Great Gatsby.
In swinging 1920s New York, a World War One veteran (Tobey Maguire) settles into his new home on Long Island, interacting with his enigmatic new neighbor, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio).
To be fair, 2013’s The Great Gatsby tends to fall somewhat flat when measuring up to its source material, paling in comparison to the impeccable prose of Fitzgerald’s book. Yet even then, Luhrmann’s distinct visuals eloquently capture the beauty and grandeur of the Roaring Twenties.
Drama: Waves (2019)
As he tries to achieve an effective balance between his life at home and his time at school, a high school senior (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) navigates his increasingly tense relationships with both his father (Sterling K. Brown) and his girlfriend (Alexa Demie).
In more recent years, prominent indie film studio A24 has gained a reputation for crafting incredible horror movies, as seen with some of their more well-known releases (Hereditary, Midsommar, and X, to name just a few).
As many horror films as the company has put out in the past few years, A24 has released its fair share of more grounded drama films, such as 2019’s Waves. With its tender and relatable themes, the finished film serves up a moving meditation on family, loss, and the transformative power of grief.
Superhero: Hellboy (2004)
Pacific Rim is hardly the first Guillermo del Toro film that appeals to a mass audience of viewers. Before he was inserting his own creative vision for the traditional kaiju genre with Pacific Rim, del Toro was busy adapting Mike Mignola’s famed comic book series, Hellboy, for the big screen.
Refusing to follow his destiny and reign over Earth as its ungodly ruler, the kind-hearted superhero Hellboy (Ron Pearlman) and his fellow agents in the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.) protect humanity from the monstrous creatures seeking to destroy it.
Though it takes plenty of creative liberties regarding its comic book source material, del Toro infuses his own distinct sensibilities as a director into his version of Hellboy, paying respectful nods to everything from ‘30s Universal monster movies to Lovecraftian cosmic horror.
Underrated: Cowboys & Aliens (2011)
In 1870s New Mexico, a notorious outlaw suffering amnesia (Daniel Craig) helps a group of townspeople defend themselves against an invasive alien species.
Yes, Cowboys & Aliens fails to live up to its promising premise, talented ensemble cast (Craig, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell, and Olivia Wilde) and high-budget special effects. However, there’s still plenty to love about this forgotten 2011 Weird Western film.
Combining the Old Western landscape of the 1950s with the gleaming special effects of a large-scale action film, Cowboys & Aliens does a great job tossing together the sci-fi and Western genres, leading to plenty of worthwhile action sequences.
