All about the Streaming Wonder that is Netflix
As Netflix continues to dominate the film and television streaming platforms, it’s become an often sought-after destination for entertainment. The streaming giant has given users access to a wide range of content and genres, making it one of the most successful services in this sector. From old classics to exclusive new releases, Netflix has something for everyone.
Finding a great movie to stream on the platform can often be a difficult task, so we created a list of the best Netflix movies to help you out. Read on to discover what we consider to be the best films to stream on the popular platform.
History and Growth of Netflix
Netflix began in 1997 as a DVD-by-mail service, and it has since gone on to become the world’s top streaming service. The subscription-based model targeted cities and regions, where customers could rent self-coded DVDs, with Netflix as an innovator .As the digital landscape changed, so did Netflix and the business quickly shifted from its DVD-based roots to an instant streaming service. The transition began in 2007 with the launch of Netflix streaming.
Netflix streaming is now the company’s main way of delivering films and television shows to customers. The platform has a wide range of licensed content, in-house shows and films, HBO content, and exclusive films that are only available on the Netflix platform. Due to its success, the streaming service has become the top destination for filmmakers and television creators who have generally had trouble finding an outlet for their projects. The platform has also opened up a wealth of opportunities for creators from all backgrounds, helping them to get their stories seen by a wide audience.
Our Criteria for Discovering the Best Movies on Netflix
Our editors used their years of experience in the film industry to come up with our list of the best Netflix movies. We opted for films that, on the whole, were accessible, featured great performances and gave viewers something to think about. We also included films from different genres, with some balancing technical brilliance with engrossing storytelling.
We also took into account films from emerging filmmakers, classic films and re-releases, and films that are sure to become cultural classics. Netflix is full of films to interest viewers, no matter their taste. Furthermore, we looked for films that, while not necessarily critically-acclaimed in their time, are now considered to be cult films or hidden gems. It’s fair to say that Netflix has a great selection of films, and so to narrow it down to the top films was no easy feat.
Best Netflix Movies: The Top Films to Stream on the Popular Platform
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Roma: Alfonso Cuarón’s 2018 black-and-white drama follows Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a housekeeper in the Roma neighborhood of Mexico City. Roma won the Oscar for Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film. It is a semi-autobiographical take on Cuarón’s upbringing, exploring class divisions and life in the early 1970s.
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Mank: David Fincher’s Mank was nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. The black-and-white drama follows Herman Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman) as he works on Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane. Fincher takes a look at classic Hollywood and the people behind Citizen Kane – one of the greatest films ever made.
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Marriage Story: Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story tells the story of Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver). Both a comedy and drama, Marriage Story looks at the breakdown of their marriage and the impact it has on their family. The film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress and Best Actor at the 2020 Oscars and has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews.
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Parasite: Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite tells the story of a poor family who get entangled in the lives of a wealthy family. The dark comedy is an exploration of the class divide, with masterful storytelling and a darkly comic edge. Parasite won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and became the first South Korean movie to win the Oscar for Best Motion Picture.
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The Irishman: Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman sees Robert De Niro as mob hitman Frank Sheeran. The gangster epic follows Sheeran’s life as he grows from a young man to an older, retired individual, and it’s packed with dark humor and heartbreaking moments. The Irishman received nominations for Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Picture at the 2020 Oscars and was viewed over 26 million times in its first week of release.
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The Hurt Locker: Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker tells the story of a US bomb disposal unit during the Iraq War. Explosive and intense, the film won six Oscars, including Best Director and Best Picture. A critical and commercial success, the film won over audiences with its complex characters and honest portrayal of war.
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The Social Network: A biopic of Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg, The Social Network is an unflinching look at the rise of the social media giant. David Fincher crafts a film that is funny, thought-provoking, and downright uncomfortable at times. The Social Network was nominated for eight Oscars and won three, including Best Adapted Screenplay.
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Roma: Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma follows Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a housemaid from Mexico City’s Roma district. Haunting and beautifully shot in black-and-white, the film follows Cleo and her employer’s family as they navigate a difficult time in Mexican history. Roma won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, as well as Best Director.
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Moonlight: The story of a young black man growing up in Miami, Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight follows Chiron (Alex R. Hibbert) as he navigates the struggles of his identity. The film was nominated for eight Oscars and won three, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. A devastatingly beautiful exploration of sexuality and identity, Moonlight remains essential viewing.
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The Lord of the Rings: Trilogy
The Lord of the Rings is one of the most beloved and iconic film trilogies of all time. Directed by Peter Jackson, the films faithfully adapt J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy books, telling the epic tale of Frodo’s quest to destroy the One Ring. An incredible cast and breathtaking set pieces make this trilogy an unforgettable experience. -
Harry Potter: The Harry Potter series is one of the most beloved franchises of all time. Directed by Chris Columbus and David Yates, the films follow the story of a teenage wizard and his friends as they battle evil forces. Spectacular special effects and a wonderful cast make this only Harry Potter adaptation an excellent experience.
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Kill Bill: Volumes 1 and 2
Quentin Tarantino’s homage to martial arts films follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge on her former rival. The two-part film is a bloody, stylish journey through cinema’s past, with some of the most epic action sequences ever put on screen. Kill Bill: Volumes 1 and 2 were nominated for two Oscars and three Golden Globes, and won numerous other awards. -
Sympathy for Lady Vengeance: Park Chan-wook’s Sympathy for Lady Vengeance follows a woman (Lee Young-ae) who is released from prison after years wrongfully imprisoned. Though a dark revenge tale, the film has a mesmirizing visual style and a heart, exploring the darkness of self-imposed powerlessness. It is considered to be one of Park’s best films, and is a must-see.
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Wall-E: This Pixar classic follows a robot as he embarks on a mission to save the planet and find love. Directed by Andrew Stanton, Wall-E is an emotionally powerful film, with a unique visual style and stunning animation. The movie was nominated for Best Picture at the 81st Academy Awards, and won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
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The French Connection: William Friedkin’s The French Connection follows two New York detectives as they investigate a drug smuggling ring from France. This gritty crime drama won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. With intense action sequences and outstanding performances, The French Connection remains a classic noir film.
Netflix has an ever-growing library of films, and it can be difficult to know where to start. We’ve compiled a list of the best movies available on the streaming platform, so you can kick off your bingeing session with the best of the best. From epic fantasies to dark comedies, you’ll find the perfect film to stream on Netflix. So, fire up your favorite device and enjoy the range of options available to you.
