Watching the best movies on Netflix can help you make the most out of your monthly subscription. With just a swipe or click of a button, you can conveniently browse through Netflix’s vast collection of timeless classics and newly-released films.
However, choosing what to watch from this film streaming platform can be quite challenging. Netflix’s massive library could easily overwhelm you, especially if you’re not an avid movie-goer.
Fret not! From the most touching feel good movies to the best horror movies on Netflix, we’ve got you covered in finding the best titles for your next movie night. Grab the popcorn, sit back, and relax as you stream these best movies on Netflix:
Best Romance Movies on Netflix
Romantic movies sure have a way of giving you butterflies and making you shed a tear or two. More than that, they make you believe in love as you witness two people going from strangers to soulmates. If you’re in the mood to indulge in an uplifting love story, here are some of the best movies to watch now:
50 First Dates
Let’s kick off this list with one of the best romantic comedy movies of all time. 50 First Dates is a 2004 rom-com movie directed by Peter Segall. It stars famous actors such as Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, and Rob Schneider. The film doesn’t feature a typical boy-meets-girl love story. Notably, its unexpected twist will also make you wonder, “How could they possibly make it work?” Don’t worry, we won’t spoil all the fun. Let’s just say, love truly is a funny yet powerful thing.
50 First Dates features the iconic Sandler-Schneider tandem that doesn’t fail to tickle anyone’s funny bones. Aside from the romantic plot and beautiful scenes set in Oahu, the film’s soundtrack was also a treat for the audience. Timeless classics such as “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys and “Do You Realize??” by The Flaming Lips will definitely make you want to fall in love and create a playlist of the best wedding songs for you and your future spouse.
Love, Rosie
Some romance movies highlight the reality of how the course of true love doesn’t always run smoothly. Love, Rosie is a 2014 film directed by Christian Ditter which also stars Lily Collins, Sam Claflin, Suki Waterhouse, and Christian Cooke. The movie was based on Cecelia Ahern’s novel, Where Rainbows End.
Love, Rosie depicts the story of two people joined at the hip who eventually fell in love. However, the film also illustrates how life could get in the way—as doubts cloud your judgments and priorities could affect your decisions. This movie could definitely give you a good cry and make you want to confess to your long-time crush.
Best Thriller Movies on Netflix
Most lists of the best Halloween movies include psychological thrillers and suspenseful films. They are perfect for when you want to get a chill to the bone or wish to celebrate the spooky season with a late night movie.
Some of the must watch movies on Netflix that would leave you sitting at the edge of your seat include:
Gerald’s Game
This 2017 film is one of the most thrilling Stephen King movies out now. Gerald’s Game revolves around the story of a kinky sex play that suddenly turns fatal. The unfortunate incident prompted the lead character, Jessie, to face both physical and psychological battles as she struggles to survive.
This horror-thriller film was directed by Mike Flanagan who perfectly brought Stephen King’s similarly-titled novel to life—all while preserving the original storyline. Indeed, this is one of the best Netflix movies that promises both haunting visuals and mind-blowing scenes.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Without a doubt, Godzilla: King of the Monsters is one of the best thriller movies that came out in 2019. The film was directed by Michael Dougherty who also co-wrote it with Zach Shields. Godzilla: King of the Monsters stars famous actors such as Millie Bobby Brown, Ken Watanabe, Vera Farmiga, and Kyle Chandler. This 2019 film depicts the suspenseful and exhilarating clash of the titans. At the same time, it also presents touching themes on family and the value of life. You will definitely feel immersed in all the thrill and excitement—all while sensing a hint of wonder at the awesome creatures in the film.
Best Action Movies on Netflix
For some people, relaxation equates to spending alone time with only peace and quiet as their company. On the other hand, others opt for thrilling, action-packed flicks to relieve stress. After all, there’s a certain satisfaction acquired from seeing crashing cars, shooting guns, and catching the bad guys.
Here are some of the best movies on Netflix that could definitely hype you up and have your adrenaline rush going:
Snowpiercer
This 2013 film is one of the best action movies you can stream today. Snowpiercer is directed by Korean director, Bong Joon-ho who is also famous for his other ground-breaking film, Parasite. Famous actors starred in Snowpiercer including Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Song Kang-ho, and John Hurt. The film is filled with riveting scenes as a revolution gradually develops within a train. More than the action, Snowpiercer also delivered eye-opening truths about social inequality and injustice. Indeed, it’s a feast for the eyes and a striking narrative for the mind.
Goldfinger
Without a doubt, James Bond movies are among the most timeless and best movies on Netflix. Goldfinger is a 1964 James Bond movie that delivered not only in visuals but also on a remarkable performance from its cast. The late Sean Connery portrayed his iconic role as an intelligence officer, James Bond, in a definitive and excellent manner. Indeed, whoever’s fated to be the new James Bond actor has to live up to the standards set by Connery.
While Goldfinger is filled with action, it also displays excellent production that helped it make its mark in the movie industry. The iconic spy gadgets could also have you looking forward to seeing more of the creative genius behind the story’s plot. Not to mention, Bond’s refined personality was correspondingly menacing in the face of danger and peril—making up for a suave and exciting action movie.
Best Fantasy Movies on Netflix
Space, magic, and robot movie titles have one thing in common—escapism. Fantasy movies can easily divert your attention to their ethereal worlds and fantastic elements. Indeed, the best movies on Netflix include fantasy films that always have a hold on the viewers’ interest. Moreover, they have the capacity to plunge you into their enchanting worlds.
Bring some magic into your day with these best fantasy films streaming on Netflix today:
Twilight
If you’re looking for a movie where romance and fantasy blend well, look no further. Twilight is one of the movies you must see. It features a lot of iconic lines and popular characters based on Stephenie Meyer’s novel of the same title.
Before Robert Pattinson became the new face of Batman, he first took on the role of Edward Cullen in Twilight and its sequels. He starred alongside other famous actors such as Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, and Dakota Fanning. Twilight took romance to the next level as it added fantasy creatures such as vampires and werewolves into its narrative. Indeed, it immerses you in the film’s suspenseful plot and distinct world.
Night at the Museum
Magic movies hold great power in enchanting viewers, no matter their age. Night at the Museum is a movie based on Milan Trenc’s book of the same title. The cast includes well-known celebrities such as Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilsons, Carla Gugino, and Rami Malek. Night at the Museum depicts a lot of historical figures and ancient creatures, including Egyptian mummies and the incredible T-rex dinosaur. It is also more than a fantasy film as it features important moral lessons on friendship, family, and even love.
Best Animated Movies on Netflix
Animation movies appeal greatly to children but even adult audiences could be captivated by a great storyline and creative visuals. Indeed, the genre caters to a wider range of viewers as they feature relatable morals while some even depict plots aimed primarily for older crowds.
Feast your eyes on some amazing animations with these films on Netflix:
Spirited Away
Many people rave over anime movies for their striking visuals and touching plots. Without a doubt, Spirited Away is one of the films that manifested those aspects perfectly. This Ghibli Studio animated film was directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki. It features the story of a young girl named Chihiro. As the story progresses, she braves an unexpected adventure where she comes across unusual creatures and visited majestic places. More than the great visuals and wonderful soundtrack, Spirited Away also offers relevant moral values for both young and old people. Moreover, this Ghibli classic is perfect for a late night movie binge due to its heartwarming story and relaxing cottagecore scenes.
Bee Movie
The 2007 DreamWorks Animation film, Bee Movie, is one of the best cartoon movies of all time. The movie has a notable cast, with Renée Zellweger as Vanessa Bloome and Jerry Seinfeld as Barry B. Benson. Bee Movie’s plot revolves around the story of Barry. In the film, Barry is a hardworking bee who aims to fight tooth and nail just to attain justice for his fellow bees. Aside from top-notch animations, the movie also highlights the importance of friendship, hard work, and shared responsibility when it comes to making the world a better place.
The Bee Movie script and story has also been an inspiration to a lot of online memes. Bee Movie memes did not just give internet users a good laugh. They also made the movie even more recognizable and popular to many people–making it a film that you definitely must see.
Best Family Movies on Netflix
Without a doubt, family movies are among the best movies on Netflix due to their heart-warming, lesson-filled stories. Watching them is also a great way to spend time and bond with your family members. So, set up a movie date with your loved ones and put on these films for everyone to love:
The Little Prince
Based on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novel of the same name, The Little Prince is a heartfelt family movie that both young and old audiences could enjoy. This 2015 film was directed by Mark Osborne. It stars Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, and Mackenzie Foy who lent their voices to the main characters of the film.
There’s so much to love about The Little Prince. The novel’s beautiful, majestic scenes were brought to life in an astonishing way. Moreover, the heart-warming life lessons that Saint-Exupéry depicted were perfectly captured in the movie. Indeed, The Little Prince’s sentimental yet moving story will certainly touch the hearts of all its viewers.
Barbie Dolphin Magic
Although Barbie movies generally cater to their young audiences’ movie preferences, people of all ages could definitely find them inspiring and entertaining. Barbie Dolphin Magic is one of the best kids movies that you and your little ones can enjoy. You could expect a lot of amazing twists and a promising adventure that will have your eyes glued to the screen. With Barbie Dolphin Magic, you can have fun as you learn new things and resonate with the film’s good moral lessons.
Best Sci Fi Movies on Netflix
Science fiction movies offer so much—from mind-boggling stories to outstanding technological developments. Moreover, sci fi movies depict creative plots that could leave you in awe even long after the film is through. Here are some of the best movies on Netflix that could please your eyes and blow your mind at the same time:
The Martian
The Martian is truly one of the most awe-inspiring space movies available on Netflix. This 2015 film was directed by Ridley Scott. Famous actors such as Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig, and Jessica Chastain were also featured in the movie. The Martian revolves around the story of an astronaut stranded on Mars due to complications. In turn, his battle for survival relied on his inventiveness and strong will. It’s worth noting that the film delivered not only on visuals that could take your breath away, but also on heartfelt themes on the value of life, friendship, and family.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Who said sci fi movies don’t go well with romance? Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind ventures beyond the familiar technological advancements in science fiction films; it also depicts real-life experiences and evokes various emotions. Jim Carrey stars in this movie as Joel Barish with Kate Winslet as his love interest, Clementine Kruczynski. Aside from these two, the notable cast also includes Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Kirsten Dunst, and Jane Adams.
The film follows the story of separated lovers who, with the help of technology, purged memories of their past relationship. As the story progresses, both love and pain could be felt as they find their way back into each other’s arms. Undoubtedly, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an outstanding science fiction film that features real-world implications that could resonate with anyone.
Best Comedy Movies on Netflix
We all deserve a good laugh, especially after a hard day’s work. By watching the best comedies, we can relieve stress and get entertained for hours. Take a break and watch these best movies on Netflix that could definitely tickle your funny bone:
Easy A
Inspired by The Scarlet Letter novel, Easy A is definitely one of the must-watch funny movies on Netflix. It stars La La Land actress, Emma Stone, who did an outstanding job in depicting her character. In Easy A, Stone portrays a high school girl named Olive who lied about losing her virginity at a party. Eventually, her story spread like wildfire — which gave her problems — but also life lessons along the way.
Aside from its witty lines and funny scenes, Easy A also features important moral values. It depicts the reality of hypocrisy, unsound judgments, and the value of a good heart. Whether you’re a high-schooler or not, this movie will definitely tug at your heartstrings — and tickle your funny bone, too.
Nacho Libre
When comedy is mentioned, one can’t help but think of the most hilarious comedians—undoubtedly, Jack Black is one of them. With the equally amusing performance of co-star Jared Hess, the pair took the Nacho Libre film to greater comedic heights.
Due to its absurd storyline and goofy scenes, Nacho Libre is easily one of the best comedy movies. The film was very good at combining ridiculously funny behavior with comical humor. Indeed, seeing an easy-going monastery chef turn into a violent, determined luchador is something you don’t see every day. Pair this absurd storyline with hilarious, witty puns and you get a comedy that will leave you rolling on the floor from laughing.
Best Christmas Movies on Netflix
As the holiday season approaches, people can’t help but feel the holiday cheer. Indeed, the Christmas spirit comes in many forms. These include the rush to buy holiday gifts, back-to-back Christmas dinner invites, and the yearly Christmas movies binge. Even outside of the Christmas season, holiday films are still captivating due to their heart-warming stories and important moral lessons.
Some of the best Christmas movies that you can enjoy all year round include:
Home Alone
If you haven’t watched this movie yet, then you’re totally missing out. Home Alone is one of the classic Christmas home movies that people have come to love, especially when Christmas rolls around. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film also features famous celebrities such as Macaulay Culkin, Daniel Stern, and Joe Pesci among many others.
Set at Christmas, Home Alone depicts the value of courage and strength of family values. Moreover, you could expect a good laugh from the absurd yet life-saving pranks that the young lead, Kevin McCallister, performs on strangers who attempt to break into their home.
Christmas Inheritance
Hallmark Christmas movies never fail to blend holiday spirit with romance well. Due to this, many people simply can’t resist their cheesy stories. Christmas Inheritance is a 2017 film starring Eliza Taylor as Ellen Langford and Jake Lacy as Jake Collins.
The movie follows the story of a socialite named Ellen (Taylor) who went on a trip to her late father’s hometown in order to inherit his company. Little did she know that she’s in for a surprise as she learns about the importance of kindness, generosity, and determination. On top of that, an unexpected love will blossom with Jake (Collins) whom she’ll meet on her trip.
Upon watching this film, you should expect a lot of banter and cheesy scenes that make up for an adorable romance movie. At the same time, you can indulge in the spirit of Christmas presented by the film’s themes on unconditional love for yourself and your family.
Best Drama Movies on Netflix
What makes dramas compelling are their real-life implications and relatable narratives. Tear-jerking lines that evoke pain and grief could resonate with audiences, especially if they’re going through similar experiences. Indeed, the inevitable act of feeling is part of human nature—and this is exactly what drama movies try to touch.
If you wish to binge some heavy yet inspiring films, try watching these best drama movies on Netflix:
Marriage Story
The drama film, Marriage Story, is one of the best Netflix original movies that came out in 2019. It stars famous actors such as Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Laura Dern. This Netflix film depicts emotions and experiences that are all too familiar. Beginning with a seemingly great start, the story eventually unearths the harsh realities behind some marriages that end in divorces. Moreover, the Marriage Story presents the role of pain, change, and courage in attaining a healthier outlook on life.
The Theory of Everything
If you’re looking for a drama film that could 100% bring you to tears, give The Theory of Everything a try. This 2014 film depicts the life of the late theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking. It follows the story of Hawking and his first wife, Jane Wilde, as they fall in love. Eventually, challenges present themselves as Hawking learns that he has motor neuron disease. As the story unfolds, more difficulties arise while life lessons were also acquired.
The Theory of Everything garnered critical acclaim as it won several awards for its cinematography, screenplay, and musical score. British actor, Eddie Redmayne, also received high praise for his portrayal of Hawking. He won Best Actor awards from The Golden Globe Awards and The Academy Awards. Felicity Jones, the actress who portrayed Jane Wilde, also received multiple nominations. Jones won Best Actress at The Golden Globe Awards as well.
Indeed, The Theory of Everything is an all-around great movie that also powerfully presents universal themes of pain, love, and healing.
Final Thoughts
It can be observed that a lot of other great movies still haven’t made their way to Netflix. Some were streamed for some time but eventually left the platform. These include classic Disney films that were pulled from Netflix and moved to Disney Plus.
Still, Netflix has a vast library of titles that are equally entertaining and remarkable. Without a doubt, the old classics and new movies offered in the streaming platform could definitely provide the charm and entertainment factor you need for your movie-binging needs.
