These are the 66 best movies on Netflix Right Now
This handy and comprehensive guide is regularly updated with new picks.
It can be difficult to choose the right movie on Netflix. It's happened to all of us. It's clear that you want to watch some. Netflix has everything you need, even the list of movies that have been saved to your favorites for later. There's also the matter of choosing. It's important to find the right thing for you, your companion or friend. It takes hours of searching before you find the right one.
Don't worry, Collider has a guide that will help you locate the ideal Netflix movie in your area. Our team has scanned the entire library to compile a list with the top streaming movies, including hidden gems, classics, and new releases. The Netflix list of best movies is constantly updated with new choices. Make sure you return to this page whenever you are looking for something amazing to watch.
Dog Power
Image from NetflixDirector/Writer: Jane Campion
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Kodi Smit-McPhee
The Power of the Dog is slow and sly. It shows you tenderness in gentle, measured moments that go beyond the usual grits, cruelty, and crutchiness. Jane Campion is the awards contender. He plays Phil Burbank, a bitter and gruff cowboy, who immediately takes umbrage to Rose ( Kirsten Dulst). Her son Peter ( Kodi McPhee), takes a liking to her, and is determined to protect his mom. This sets the stage for interesting, subtle power games, dynamic shifts, as this new family tries to get settled in. You can expect stunning shots, beautiful glimpses of small moments of vulnerability and a film that is as impressive as any Campion film. However, The Power of the Dog also presents a difficult, sometimes caustic, movie about the effects of toxicity. This isn't your typical Neo-western film, so you shouldn't expect standoffs or shootouts. However, The Power of the Dog has a powerful impact and seems to hit all at once.
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Beale Street could talk
Photo via Annapurna PicturesDirector:Barry Jenkins
Author: Barry Jenkins and James Baldwin
Cast: KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Regina King, Teyonah Parris, Colman Domingo
Barry Jenkins’s stunning If Beale Street could Talk is the film to watch. The film is based on the book of the same title by the legendary James Baldwin and it could not have been a more fitting tribute to his legacy. It is a beautiful cinematic experience that also has a lot of compassion for the characters who are trying to make a better life. Set in 1970s Harlem, it centers on Tish (KiKi Layne) who is about to have a child with her artist fiancé Alonzo Hunt (Stephan James). Alonzo Hunt is charged with a crime that he didn't commit. The couple dreams of a bright future, but their hopes for it are crushed. Layne and James provide a moving glimpse into the tragic nature of everyday life. Your film becomes an acting masterclass from the start when it has a support cast that includes Regina King , who was nominated for an Oscar for playing Tish’s mother and Coleman Domingoas Tish’s father.
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Argo
Directed By:Ben Affleck
Written by: Chris Terrio
Cast: Ben Affleck, John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, Tate Donovan, Scoot McNairy
Ango is one of the Best Picture Winners that has received more criticism due to its popularity. While it may not have deserved to take home the top prize over Lincoln, Zero Dark Thirty, or Django Unchained, Argo is hardly a safe crowd pleaser like The Artist or Green Book. Ben Affleck tells the amazing story of Tony Mendez who was a true CIA agent and ran a rescue operation for American Embassy workers in Iran. Mendez pretends that the hostages are part of a science-fiction movie crew, but he also uses Hollywood names to make his premise plausible. Affleck also includes a lot of Hollywood humor, despite the intense tension.
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The Nice Guys
Image by Warner Bros.Director: Shane Black
Authors: Shane Black, Anthony Bagarozzi
Cast: Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer. Margaret Qualley. Keith David. Kim Basinger
Between Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang and The Nice Guys, writer/director Shane Black has proven himself to the be the king of crackling neo-noir. The Nice Guys has private eye Holland March ( Ryan Gosling), and fixer Jackson Healy . They are working together to solve the case of a missing young girl ( Margaret Qualley). But it is all about Black's ability to play with film tropes and genre conventions in order to continually upend our expectations. Gosling is hilarious as ever. In an alternative universe, the Nice Guys could have made a huge hit, making it an incredible comic series. We have the movie as it is, but we still can cherish March and Healy.
Tick, Tick... Boom!
Image via NetflixDirector: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Authors: Jonathan Larson, Steven Levenson
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesús, Joshua Henry, Judith Light, Vanessa Hudgens
Hamilton and In the Heights creator Lin-Manuel Miranda directs the long-awaited film adaptation of RENT creator Johnathan Larson's Tick, Tick... Boom! The result is an excellent movie musical that's every bit a love letter to theater itself as much as it is to Larson and his tragic tale of short-lived genius. Which is perhaps what makes Miranda such an exceptional fit for the material in his filmmaking debut, and not just because his every-damned-award-winning musical Hamilton is all about capturing the beauty and tragedy of short-lived genius: the Broadway polymath has also been vocal about how Tick, Tick... Boom! He was influenced by the show and even played a role in it. Andrew Garfield is equally at home as Larson, with his incredible singing voice and another exceptional performance. He will inspire you, lift your spirits, and then break your heart. This film is a stunning tribute to people who love to perform, are open to ambition and truly believe they have the ability to make a difference in their lives.
Hell or High Water
Photo via LionsgateDirector: David Mackenzie
Writer: Taylor Sheridan
Cast: Chris Pines, Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham. Dale Dickey. William Sterchi
is one of the best heist films. David Mackenzie and Taylor Sheridan are both voicing a strong critique of corruption and classism in the American financial system. Graffiti and billboards portray the poverty and despair that many Americans struggle with across the nation. Despite the themes being universally applicable, the movie's Midland setting and southern accents give it a distinct tone. Ben Foster, Chris Pine shine in their roles as brothers with different personalities, functions, and character. The fraternal affection between them is both silly and tender. Jeff Bridges with his partner Gil Birmingham churn and chew through conversation about crime, history, and life in a way which charms and delights. They have a natural and funny chemistry. Their calm approach to the chase contrasts sharply with the unpredictable, adrenaline-pumping actions of the Howard brothers during their bank-robbery binge.
Big Fish
Image via Columbia PicturesDirector: Tim Burton
Author:John August
Casting: Ewan MacGregor, Albert Finney and Billy Crudup. Jessica Lange. Helena Bonham Carter. Alison Lohman. Marion Cotillard.
Although Tim Burton is most well-known for his whimsical films and/or darkly comical movies, Big Fish 2003 is his greatest dramatic achievement. Burton made this movie immediately after his father died, adding emotional weight to the tale of an old man ( Albert Finney), telling his story to his son ( Billy Crudup). Or does the father embellish everything?Flashbacks show Ewan McGregor as his younger self, embarking on an array of fantasal adventures. The film ends with a truly emotional ending that will leave you in tears.
Collateral
Image via DreamWorks PicturesDirector: Michael Mann
Writer: Stuart Beattie
Cast: Jamiefoxx, Tom Cruise and Jada PinkettSmith, Mark Ruffalo and Peter Berg. Bruce McGill is also in the cast. Javier Bardem
Tom Cruise is so rare to play 'the villain', that his appearance in Michael Mann’s 2004 masterpiece Collateral has remained a thing of beauty. It takes place in Los Angeles on a single night. An average taxi driver is Jamie Foxx and gives rides to an elegantly dressed man ( Tom Cruise). He soon realizes that he was an assassin who just drove him to his hit. These two men's fates are intertwined but Mann adds beauty to the film, making it more than just an "assassin flick" and turning it into one of 21st-century's best movies.
Skyfall
Director: Sam Mendes
Writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, John Logan
Cast: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris
Just when you think you've seen it all in the James Bond franchise,Skyfallcomes along. Director Sam Mendes, as well as the writers, came through with a great third installment starring Daniel Craig in the role of 007. From the opening sequence the film set itself apart—Bond was part of a team, and Bond was not invincible. It is thrilling to see the twists and turns that follow. While the action scenes can be jaw-droppingly impressive, it is the characters that keep you interested. While there is no doubt that this film has its own misogyny but the movie also takes chances that you wouldn't have expected from the 23rd installment. Mendes brings together the finest Bond actors to create a great film. Skyfall doesn't just make a fantastic James Bond film, but it is a wonderful movie!
Watch Skyfall On Netflix
The Imitation Game
Image via The Weinstein CompanyDirector: Morten Tyldum
Author: Graham Moore
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. Matthew Goode. Rory Kinnear. Charles Dance. Mark Strong.
One of the best-loved films of 2014 was The Imitation Game. However, has largely disappeared into insignificance over the years. It is actually a great film, which is unfortunate. The Imitation Game paints a picture of Alan Turing's life, times and achievements. He was one of the greatest scientists of all time. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing. This documentary shows how the British government recruited the mathematician, computer scientist to break the German Enigma code in World War II. Perhaps more important, it shows that Turing, despite all his achievements, was marginalized and suffered a terrible fate when it was discovered that he was gay. It is accurate in historical accuracy. It's not, however this Academy Award winning film is a fantastic watch that brings Turing’s story to an international audience.
It's time to end all things
Image from NetflixWriter/Director: Charlie Kaufman
CastJessie Buckley and Jesse Plemons. Toni Collette. And David Thewlis.
Charlie Kaufman is no stranger to films that make you feel like your brain is leaking out of your head, like with his directorial debut Synecdoche, New York, or with screenplays like Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. With I'm Thinking of Ending Things, Kaufman adapts Iain Reid's novel of the same name, in which Jake (Jesse Plemons) brings his girlfriend (Jessie Buckley) to meet his parents (Toni Collette and David Thewlis). Of course, no Kaufman film could ever be so simple. I'm Thinking of Ending Things is a strange and fascinating experience like none other. I'm Thinking of Endearing Things is one of Kaufman’s most remarkable and outrageous achievements, and that's saying a lot.
Phantom Thread
Director/Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson
Cast: Daniel Day Lewis, Lesley Manville and Vicky Krieps
Some ofPaul Thomas Anderson's finest films have focused on captivating pairings, such as The Master, Punch-Drunk Love, or his first collaboration with Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood. The story of Day-Lewis' second Anderson/Day-Lewis movie, Phantom Thread was about a rich and sometimes hilarious love story between Reynolds Woodcock ( Vicky Krieps). Phantom Thread is a breathtaking Anderson movie. Day-Lewis' performance was exceptional, and Krieps and Lesley Manville provide outstanding supporting roles.
Phantom Thread on Netflix
It's cloudy with a chance of meatballs
Image by Sony Pictures AnimationWriters/Directors: Phil Lord, Chris Miller
Cast: Bill Hader. Anna Faris. James Caan. Andy Samberg. Bruce Campbell. Mr. T. Benjamin Bratt. Neil Patrick Harris
Before filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller upended convention with wildly entertaining films like The LEGO Movie and the Jump Street films, they wrote and directed the delightful 2009 animated featureCloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. It's a wonderful movie that gives you a feeling of well-being. The film follows the exact same path as Lord and Miller's previous films. A mix of hilarious humor, brilliantly complex jokes and inventive visuals and, most importantly, genuine compassion makes it a fantastic feel-good movie. Bill Hader voices a wannabe scientist named Flint who lives in a tiny town called Swallow Falls, which is thrown into peril when one of Flint's wild inventions starts turning water into food, at which point it literally starts raining all sorts of delicious—and gigantic—treats. This film is a wonderful movie for everyone, and it's science-positive.
Keep your eyes closed
Image by Warner Bros.Director/Writer: Stanley Kubrick
Cast: Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Sydney Pollack and Marie Richardson.
Divisive, controversial, erotic, meandering—all of these adjectives and more could accurately describe filmmaking giant Stanley Kubrick's final film, but it's a must-watch regardless of the divided opinion. Eyes Wide Shutfinds Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman—still married at the time—playing a couple in New York City working through some issues of their own, when an admission from Kidman's character that she's thought about infidelity leads Cruise's character on a sexual odyssey of insecurity. This film doesn't take much literally. Kubrick creates something that is more like a nightmare or daydream, and the subsequent watch only adds to the movie's many themes and motifs. It all makes sense. What is the right answer? Let the jury decide. This one has the most sexy genitalia on the planet.
Nightbooks
Image via NetflixDirector: David Yarovesky
Authors: Mikki Daaughtry and Tobias Iaconis
Cast: Winslow Fgley, Krysten Ratter, Lidya Jwett
The Daybooks film is an enjoyable 'gateway to horror' movie for all ages (well, not just the very kids). It's based on the novel of the same title and features two children trapped by a wicked (but fantastic) witch demanding a different scary story every night. Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23 and Jessica Jones star Krysten Ritter is giddily glamorous and genuinely menacing as the big bad witch in question, and director David Yarovesky (Brightburn) does a fantastic job translating horror staples into family-friendly fare, making for a film that's genuinely spooky, but still a whole ton of fun. Another credit goes to Yarovesky. Nightbooks, one of the most distinctive-looking Netflix originals of recent memory, is also one that's stylishly built out its universe of horror and magic with style. Style aside, Ritter's glimmering costumes are worthy of a whole novel. Nightbooks is a creative, creepy treat.
It's worth it
Image via NetflixDirector: Sara Colangelo
Writer: Max Borenstein
CastMichael Keaton and Amy Ryan. Tate Donovan and Lauren Benati.
I understand that a drama about 9/11 can be difficult to sell. Worth however, is undoubtedly one of the most memorable films of 2021. It is based on a true story. The film follows an attorney from Washington D.C., who has to figure out how much each victim's family will get in insurance payouts. He literally decides each person's value. His interactions with victims' families and their families are touching and challenging. Amy Ryan and Michael Keaton give great performances, while Stanley Tucci steals the scene.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Image via NetflixDirector: George C. Wolfe
Writer: Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Cast: Viola Davis (Chadwick Boseman), Glynn Turman and Colman Domingo.
2020's Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom will be a powerful showcase of the acting talent of everyone involved. Chadwick BOseman gives his last live-action performance. The film is based on the play. It chronicles the day Ma Rainey, an iconic recording artist, gathers her band to record new albums on a scorching summer day in 1927. As Boseman, Boseman's trumpeter dreamed of becoming a millionaire on his own, while Ma Rainey is feisty and unsure about what lies ahead for him, tensions build between the various characters. It is a great performance-driven drama.
The Lost Daughter
Image via NetflixDirector/Writer: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Casts: Olivia Colman (Dakota Johnson), Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Ed Harris.
Maggie Gyllenhaal makes her directorial debut. She has to balance the telling of Leda Caruso's story ( Olivia Colman). Leda goes on a vacation to Greece with Nina ( Dakota Johnson), and after seeing her little girl, Leda thinks back about her motherhood struggles. In adapting Elena Ferrante, Gyllenhaal portrays a character who is impulsive but can easily be mistaken for selfishness. Instead, Gyllenhaal, Colman and Gyllenhaal present Leda to be a complex and complicated character. The Lost Daughter is not only another outstanding Colman performance but also a great introduction to Gyllenhaal's commanding filmmaker skills.