Netflix provides its viewers with an array of titles to choose from, encompassing everything from classic films to the latest releases. With the seemingly infinite selection, deciding what to watch can be daunting. To make things easier, this guide outlines the best movies on Netflix. From heart-wrenching dramas to rom-coms, from biopics to comedic masterpieces, this list has something for everyone.
Top 10 Go-To Movies on Netflix
The following are some of the best movies available to watch on Netflix.
- Marriage Story (2019)
A powerful divorce drama written and directed by Noah Baumbach, Marriage Story stars Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver as a married couple navigating the dissolution of their relationship. The film is filled with moments of pain and joy, making viewers sympathize with both the narrator and the characters.
- The Irishman (2019)
The Irishman is a crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese. Robert DeNiro stars as Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran, a real-life gangster and hitman in the mid-20th century. As he narrates his story to a priest, viewers are taken on a stunning journey through the decades.
- Parasite (2019)
The winner of four Oscars, including Best Picture, is a gripping South Korean thriller from acclaimed filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. Set in two distinct worlds, it follows the story of a poor family who attempts to infiltrate an upper-class home with deceptive tactics.
- Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Director Luca Guadagnino’s coming-of-age romance stars Timothée Chalamet as Elio and Armie Hammer as Oliver, two young men who develop a passionate summer love affair. With its captivating performances, gorgeous cinematography, and subtle commentary on homosexuality, it has become a timeless classic.
- Roma (2018)
This black-and-white drama, written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is a masterful portrait of life in Mexico City in the 1970s. An homage to his childhood, it follows a housemaid who works for a middle-class family. This emotionally raw, beautiful film earned critical acclaim and cemented Cuarón as one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation.
- Moonlight (2016)
This gripping coming-of-age drama from Barry Jenkins follows Chiron’s story from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to discover his identity in the face of toxic masculinity, drugs, financial hardship, and social prejudice. It won the Oscar for Best Picture and is one of the most important films in recent years.
- Her (2013)
This science fiction romance stars Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore and Scarlett Johansson as Samantha, the voice of an operating system. Her seamlessly blends the genres of comedy and romance, exploring questions of identity, artificial intelligence, and relationships in the digital age.
- The Social Network (2010)
Directed by David Fincher, this biopic tells the story of Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg). With its gripping plot and captivating performances, The Social Network won multiple awards and is considered one of the best films of our era.
- The Godfather (1972)
Considered one of the greatest films of all time, The Godfather is the epic crime drama from Francis Ford Coppola. It stars Marlon Brando as Don Corleone and Al Pacino as Michael, his son and heir. This powerful, brilliantly performed film has become a beloved classic.
- The Big Short (2015)
The Big Short is an Oscar-winning comedy-drama directed by Adam McKay, based on a true story. It follows several financial investors who try to predict and profit off the impending 2008 financial crisis. With its talented cast and inventive storytelling, it’s both entertaining and educational.
The Best Documentaries on Netflix
Although Netflix offers a variety of narrative films, their collection of documentaries is also worth exploring. The following are some of the best documentaries currently streaming on Netflix.
- Making a Murderer (2015)
Making a Murderer is an Emmy-winning series that follows the stories of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey, two men from Wisconsin accused of murder. Through real-life accounts from key players, the series examines the complicated details of the case and shines a light on the challenges of the judicial system.
- My Octopus Teacher (2020)
My Octopus Teacher is a heartfelt and inspiring story of a naturalist who bonds with an octopus during a year of diving near the Cape of Good Hope. This heartwarming film immerses viewers in a magical underwater journey and offers an intimate look at a life beneath the surface.
- The Beatles: Eight Days a Week (2016)
Ron Howard’s documentary chronicles the Beatles’ phenomenal rise to fame. Featuring unseen footage and interviews with celebrities and family members, the film follows the group’s incredible journey as they become popular icons of the 1960s.
- Waco: The Rules of Engagement (1998)
Directed by Herbert J. Schlosser and Michael McNulty, this documentary investigates the government’s actions in the Waco siege of 1993, which led to the death of 86 people, including 25 children. It utilizes expert testimony to shed light on the ATF and FBI operation and to challenge the government’s official version of events.
- 3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets (2015)
Directed by Marc Silver, this gripping film follows the trial of Michael Dunn, who, in 2012, shot and killed an unarmed African American teen in Florida. Through vivid court testimonies and interviews with the key players, the film exposes the deep racial divide in America and provides an emotional look at a tragedy that could have been prevented.
- 13th (2016)
13th is a powerful documentary from Ava DuVernay (Selma) that takes an in-depth look at the prison system in the United States. The film explores the concept of race and mass incarceration and examines its history in America and the laws that uphold and enable it.
- Icarus (2018)
This Academy Award-winning documentary from Bryan Fogel follows an amateur cyclist as he takes a deep dive into the world of doping in professional sports. The film quickly takes a shocking turn after he inadvertently uncovers one of the biggest scandals in sports history.
- Last Chance U (2016-2020)
This Emmy-nominated documentary series offers an up-close look at athletes in the world of junior college football. It focuses on the players’ stories of hardship, resilience, and dedication as they pursue their dreams of playing professional football.
Netflix is a great way to discover the world of film. With the various genres and styles, there’s something for everyone. The movies included in this list represent some of the best films available on Netflix, from masterworks of cinema to documentaries that delve deep into important topics. Whether you’re looking for a drama, comedy, or a documentary, these films offer a perfect way to spend a night in.