With its ever-changing library, ranking the “best” movies on Netflix can be subjective and temporary. However, here are 50 highly-rated and critically acclaimed films currently streaming on the platform, spanning various genres and release dates, that are sure to entertain and engage:
Action/Adventure:
- The Irishman (2019): Martin Scorsese’s epic gangster saga boasts stunning performances by Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci.
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015): A visually stunning and adrenaline-pumping post-apocalyptic chase film directed by George Miller.
- Extraction (2020): Chris Hemsworth shines in this action-packed rescue mission thriller directed by the Russo brothers.
- The Raid: Redemption (2011): Indonesian martial arts masterpiece with relentless action sequences and stunning fight choreography.
- Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018): Tom Cruise delivers another death-defying performance in this thrilling installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Comedy:
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): Absurdist humor and iconic scenes make this British comedy a timeless classic.
- The Big Lebowski (1998): The Coen brothers’ cult classic stoner comedy with Jeff Bridges’ iconic portrayal of “The Dude.”
- Knives Out (2019): An entertaining and hilarious whodunit murder mystery with an all-star cast.
- The Princess Bride (1987): A charming fairy tale adventure with witty dialogue and memorable characters.
- 21 Jump Street (2012): Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum bring comedic gold to this action-comedy about undercover cops.
Drama:
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994): A timeless story of hope and resilience within the walls of a prison.
- 12 Angry Men (1957): A gripping courtroom drama about a jury deliberating on a murder case.
- Schindler’s List (1993): Steven Spielberg’s powerful and moving historical drama about the Holocaust.
- Parasite (2019): Bong Joon-ho’s darkly comedic thriller about class disparity and social commentary.
- Roma (2018): Alfonso Cuarón’s visually stunning and intimate portrayal of a housekeeper’s life in 1970s Mexico City.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy:
- Blade Runner 2049 (2017): Denis Villeneuve’s visually stunning and atmospheric sequel to the sci-fi classic.
- Arrival (2016): A thought-provoking and intelligent sci-fi film about language and communication with aliens.
- Spirited Away (2001): Hayao Miyazaki’s visually stunning and imaginative animated film about a young girl’s journey into the spirit world.
- Dune (2021): Denis Villeneuve’s visually stunning and epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel.
- Ex Machina (2014): An intelligent and thought-provoking sci-fi film exploring the nature of consciousness and artificial intelligence.
Documentaries:
- Free Solo (2018): A breathtaking and Oscar-winning documentary about Alex Honnold’s free solo climb of El Capitan.
- My Octopus Teacher (2020): A heartwarming and Oscar-winning documentary about a filmmaker’s unlikely friendship with an octopus in a South African kelp forest.
- Icarus (2017): A gripping and award-winning documentary about doping in sports that takes an unexpected turn.
- Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018): A heartwarming and timely documentary about the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, host of the children’s TV show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
- Man on Wire (2008): A thrilling and Oscar-winning documentary about Philippe Petit’s high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
Thrillers/Horror:
- Get Out (2017): A thought-provoking and unsettling horror film about racial tension and societal commentary.
- The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017): A disturbing and psychological thriller from Yorgos Lanthimos.
- Parasite (2019): As mentioned earlier, this darkly comedic thriller also offers suspenseful moments and twists.
- Vertigo (1958): Alfred Hitchcock’s classic masterpiece about obsession and acrophobia.
- The Wicker Man (1973): A cult classic British horror film with a shocking finale.
Foreign Films:
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016): Sequel to the beloved martial arts film with stunning visuals and fight choreography.
- Cinema Paradiso (1988): An Italian classic about the love of cinema and a young boy’s relationship with a projectionist.
- Lagaan (2001): An epic Indian sports drama about cricket and colonial resistance.
- Amélie (2001): A charming and whimsical French film about a shy waitress who decides to improve the lives of others.
- Y Tu Mamá También (2001): A coming-of-age story and road trip movie from Mexico, known for its raw honesty and stunning visuals.
Animation:
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018): An innovative and visually stunning animated film with a fresh take on the Spider-Man franchise.
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010): A heartwarming and visually stunning animated film about a young Viking and his dragon companion.
- Spirited Away (2001): As mentioned earlier, this Hayao Miyazaki masterpiece is a must-watch for animation fans.
- Paprika (2006): A visually stunning and mind-bending anime film about dreams and technology.
- Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005): An hilarious and charming stop-motion animated film from Aardman Animations.
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The Power of the Dog (2021): Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a mesmerizing performance in this slow-burning neo-western drama about betrayal and repressed desire.
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Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022): Stop-motion animation maestro Guillermo del Toro crafts a visually stunning and darkly reimagined version of the classic fairy tale.
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Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022): Daniel Craig returns as the eccentric detective Benoit Blanc in this witty and entertaining sequel to the acclaimed murder mystery.
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May December (2023): This South Korean romantic drama explores the complexities of an age-gap relationship with tenderness and humor.
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Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021): Lin-Manuel Miranda’s directorial debut brings the story of Jonathan Larson, the creator of “Rent,” to life with vibrant musical numbers and emotional depth.
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The Lost Daughter (2021): Olivia Colman delivers a stunning performance in this psychological drama about a middle-aged woman haunted by her past.
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They Cloned Tyrone (2023): John Boyega stars in this sci-fi comedy about a Black man discovering he’s part of a government cloning experiment.
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Leave the World Behind (2023): Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke star in this suspenseful thriller about a family’s vacation interrupted by a mysterious event.
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Leo (2023): Emma Thompson shines in this heartwarming British comedy about a woman rediscovering her zest for life after an unexpected diagnosis.
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Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire (2023): Zack Snyder brings his action-packed aesthetic to this sci-fi fantasy epic about a young woman chosen to save her colony from a tyrannical ruler.
Remember, this list is just a starting point, and the “best” movies are ultimately subjective. Explore different genres, check out critically acclaimed films, and discover hidden gems on Netflix to curate your own unique and entertaining cinematic experience. Happy streaming!