In 1997, Netflix began as a small operation, selling and renting movie DVDs. It is now one of the biggest streaming platforms for movies, documentaries, and episodic programming. The company has also expanded in the filmmaking game, even producing original films.
Content is the name of the game, and Netflix is working endlessly to bring its viewers entertaining and informative content on demand. Among its vast digital media library, we have gems made exclusively by Netflix.
15. Set It Up (2018)
It’s frustrating to hear there are no good romantic comedies when ‘Set It Up’ is right around the corner. Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell play overworked assistants in this Netflix original rom-com. They plan an elaborate ruse to set up their bosses with each other, but everything becomes a complicated marry-go-round. Often overlooked, ‘Set It Up’ brings an upbeat energy to a dying genre with an endearing cast.
Related: Top 25 Romantic Comedy Movies, Ranked
14. Gerald’s Game (2017)
A couple’s ‘tie me up’ session goes south with deadly consequences. Carla Gugino is Jessie, left untied with no help in sight. Soon, a night booked for fantasies becomes a living nightmare. Stephen King fans must visit this house of horror, which is a rollercoaster ride of thrilling twists and turns.
13. To All The Boys I’ve Ever Loved (2018)
With the ‘To All The Boys’ trilogy, Netflix hit the mark with its young-adult demographic. Based on Jenny Han’s books, it is the story of Lara Jean’s epistolary romance, which comes alive when all her wishful letters reach their perspective receivers. Lana Candor plays Lara Jean with a refreshing geniality that would ring hollow in the hands of a less capable performer.
12. The Power Of The Dog (2022)
After constantly tussling with undisclosed desires, a ruthless rancher experiences a newfound kindness in his nephew. ‘The Power Of The Dog‘ is an enthralling examination of masculinity. It features a deeply chilling performance from Benedict Cumberbatch, with a terrific screenplay and direction from Jane Campion.
11. Tick, Tick…BOOM! (2021)
Lin-Manuel Miranda does ‘All That Jazz.’ Netflix original ‘tick, tick…BOOM!’ plays like a great ‘Where’s Waldo’ for musical theatre nerds, but don’t knock it as an immensely great work of art. Even the non-musical theatre crowd will appreciate what Lin-Manuel is doing with this movie. Andrew Garfield is a true force of nature here.
10. The Lost Daughter (2021)
For her writing-directing debut, Maggie Gyllenhaal picks Elena Ferrante’s novel ‘The Lost Daughter,’ a harrowing tale about motherhood and mistakes. Gyllenhaal’s writing and direction successfully capture the novel’s melancholy to an extent. Olivia Colman is splendid, but Dakota Johnson is compelling as never seen before.
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9. Don’t Look Up (2021)
This dark comedy starring the best of Hollywood’s talents like Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jonah Hill, among others, dares to answer what the end of the world might look like. Sure, it’s over over-the-top and at times shallow, but that’s the modern world we live in. So, when humanity reaches the brink of extinction, we might be too busy to actually notice the end.
8. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
The sequel to ‘Knives Out,’ this Netflix whodunnit brought back the eccentric detective, Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig. The case took him to a remote estate of a tech billionaire where the sheen of money, fame, and power intermingled to create a grisly murder mystery.
7. Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Eddie Murphy is back, not that he went anywhere. The ‘Delirious’ stand-up gives a knockout, career-best performance as Rudy Ray Moore. Rudy wants to be in showbiz and finds his calling in filmmaking! What follows is his journey to create ‘Dolemite,’ a memorable symbol of the Blaxploitation film industry.
6. Private Life (2018)
‘Private Life‘ is one of those movies that Hollywood studios wouldn’t gamble on, but they certainly shine on Netflix. We meet a couple in their 40s struggling with fertility issues. It’s a slow, everyday kind of movement full of small joys and frustrating fights. But, once hope arrives for a prospective child, the emotions run deep and the movie gives off real warmth.
5. Beasts Of No Nation (2014)
Netflix’s foray into original film content remains one of its most decisive creative choices. ‘Beasts Of No Nation’ follows the life of a West African boy groomed to become a child soldier. Idris Alba, as Commandant, gives an unflinching performance.
4. Trial Of The Chicago 7 (2020)
With an A-list star cast giving power-packed performances to Aaron Sorkin’s writing, ‘Trial of the Chicago 7‘ was bound to make a huge impact on Netflix’s slate. The story is an unflinching portrayal of the protests against the Vietnam War and the massive political turmoil that followed. The violence, the call for peace, and the nation’s sensibilities were what we saw tried in court.
3. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
Based on Erich Maria Remarque’s 1929 book, this German movie is an essential anti-war epic directed by Edward Berger. Set during World War I, the gritty storytelling centers on 17-year-old Paul Bäumer who joins the Imperial German Army. But, fighting for the nation isn’t what propagandists dole out. It’s about human suffering and a system that breaks every spirit for power.
2. The Irishman (2019)
For his Netflix original film ‘The Irishman,’ Martin Scorsese brought together the holy trifecta of Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci. Based on ‘I Heard You Paint Houses,’ the movie looks into the “disappearance” of Jimmy Hoffa. It is an engaging crime drama that is a reflection of life and the choices we make.
1. Marriage Story (2019)
Watch it alone for his/her perspective of reasons for being in love. Noah Baumbach makes a divorce movie that hits home for many of us, feeling the weight of our ambitions not meeting the reality of our lives. ‘Marriage Story’ dissects marriage and love through a prism of understanding and empathy. It is equal part hilarious and equal part devastating.
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