From thrilling dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, Netflix‘s vast library offers something for everyone. With so many choices, picking the perfect movie can be overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’ve curated a list of the top films currently streaming to make your decision easier.
Wicked Little Letters
Set in 1920, this film, based on true events, takes place in the serene English town of Littlehampton. The wealthy Swan family begins receiving abusive letters, and suspicion falls on Irish immigrant Rose Gooding, known for her unruly behavior. As the scandal grows, only one overlooked police officer, Gladys Moss, believes in Rose’s innocence. With standout performances by Oscar-winner Olivia Colman and the fiery Jessie Buckley, this film is a must-watch for fans of dark comedies.
Lumberjack the Monster
From director Takashi Miike, known for his shocking horror films, comes Lumberjack the Monster, a gruesome thriller not for the faint-hearted. The film follows Akira Ninomiya, a ruthless lawyer who becomes the target of a masked serial killer. Filled with over-the-top gore and surreal elements, this movie is a return to form for Miike and a thrilling watch for horror fans.
The Long Game
Inspired by a true story, The Long Game tells the tale of J.B. Peña, a WWII veteran who turns a group of Mexican-American teens into a championship-winning golf team in 1950s Texas. Battling racism and exclusion, this film focuses on the determination and resilience of these young players, delivering a heartfelt narrative that breaks away from typical underdog sports tropes.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Eddie Murphy returns as Axel Foley in this long-awaited sequel, bringing back the charm and wit that made the original a classic. Axel F successfully balances nostalgia with fresh energy, featuring a mix of old and new characters. With thrilling chase sequences and practical effects, this film is the best entry in the series since the original.
The Imaginary
This beautifully animated Japanese film, The Imaginary, tells the story of Amanda and her imaginary friend Rudger, who faces the threat of disappearing as she grows older. Directed by Yoshiyuki Momose and produced by Studio Ponoc, the spiritual successor to Studio Ghibli, this film is a touching exploration of imagination and friendship, wrapped in stunning visuals.
Under Paris
In this outrageous French creature feature, marine specialist Sophia Assalas hunts down a mako shark that has mutated to survive in the freshwater Seine. As Paris prepares for a triathlon, the city becomes a buffet for the man-eating sharks. Under Paris is a wild ride that offers pure, mindless entertainment — perfect for those in the mood for a campy creature flick.
Hit Man
Hit Man tells the story of Gary Johnson, a philosophy professor who moonlights as a fake contract killer for the New Orleans Police Department. When Gary starts falling for a client looking to off her abusive husband, things take a dangerous turn. Director Richard Linklater’s smart script and sharp character development elevate this action-comedy beyond typical genre fare.
Godzilla Minus One
Director Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One goes beyond the typical kaiju spectacle, grounding the story in the lives of its human characters. The film follows a deserter kamikaze pilot and a bombing survivor as they try to rebuild their lives amidst the chaos brought by Godzilla. This film, which earned the King of Monsters its first Oscar for Best Visual Effects, is a powerful exploration of post-war Japan.
The Dig
The Dig brings to life the true story of the 1939 Sutton Hoo excavation in England. When landowner Edith Pretty hires archaeologist Basil Brown to dig up mysterious mounds on her property, they uncover an ancient ship burial site. With its slow-burn narrative and strong performances, this film is a fascinating look at a lesser-known chapter of history.
City Hunter
City Hunter is a modern take on the classic 1985 manga, following the antics of Ryo Saeba, a private detective with a penchant for trouble. When his partner is killed, Ryo teams up with the victim’s sister to seek revenge, uncovering a vast criminal conspiracy along the way. With action-packed sequences and a charismatic lead, this film is a delightful homage to ’80s action movies.
Suzume
Suzume is an animated adventure that blends magical realism with heartfelt storytelling. Following the journey of a young girl and a mysterious stranger as they chase a runaway keystone across Japan, this film explores themes of loss, community, and resilience. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, Suzume is a visual and emotional feast.
Maboroshi
In the peaceful rural town where Masamune resides, life seemed fairly typical—until an explosion at the local steelworks froze the town in time, creating a mysterious bubble where aging halts entirely. The community, grappling with this odd phenomenon, starts to fear any form of change, initially assuming they must remain exactly as they were when the world outside left them. Over time, this fear grows, eventually stifling new relationships. But everything begins to unravel when Masamune’s peculiar classmate, Mutsumi, introduces him to a wild girl at the heart of the ill-fated steelworks—a girl who shouldn’t exist in their frozen world. This otherworldly tale explores the struggles of adolescence, the stifling nature of routine, and the fear of transformation. “Maboroshi”—meaning “illusion”—is a visually stunning follow-up by director Mari Okada, whose 2018 debut Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms received global acclaim. This film firmly establishes her as a standout creator in the animation industry today.
His House
Bol and Rial, refugees escaping the horrors of war-torn South Sudan, find themselves in a deteriorating house on the outskirts of London. As they try to settle into their new lives, they are haunted by both the memories of their past and strange, possibly supernatural occurrences within their new home. The ghostly visions of their deceased daughter, Nyagak, blur the lines between reality and the trauma they carry. Directed by Remi Weekes, His House combines elements of horror with the stark realities of the immigrant experience, creating a film that is as chilling as it is thought-provoking.
Always Be My Maybe
This heartwarming romantic comedy, written by and starring Ali Wong and Randall Park, tells the story of Sasha Tran, a successful celebrity chef, and Marcus Kim, her childhood friend who never left their hometown. Despite their deep connection, life took them on different paths—Sasha’s career skyrocketed, while Marcus remained close to home, working in his father’s small business. Years later, fate (and a memorable cameo by Keanu Reeves) brings them back together, leading to a hilarious and touching exploration of love, friendship, and second chances.
Nyad
At the age of 64, long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad set out to conquer the treacherous 110-mile stretch of ocean between Cuba and Florida, a feat that had eluded her for years. Nyad, directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, captures this extraordinary journey, with Annette Bening delivering a powerful performance as Nyad, driven by an unwavering determination to succeed. Jodie Foster stars as Bonnie Stoll, Nyad’s steadfast friend and coach, providing a counterbalance to Nyad’s intense resolve. The film is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the power of determination, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Leave the World Behind
What starts as a tranquil getaway for Amanda, Clay, and their children at a luxurious vacation rental quickly descends into chaos following an unexplained blackout. When the property’s owner, George, and his daughter, Ruth, show up unexpectedly, tensions rise. Strange events, including a herd of deer and failing vehicles, force the families to band together as they confront the possibility that the world as they know it is ending. Based on Rumaan Alam’s novel, this suspenseful film keeps viewers in the dark alongside its characters, leaving lingering questions long after the credits roll. The star-studded cast includes Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
Wes Anderson’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is a delightful cinematic experience. Benedict Cumberbatch shines as Henry Sugar, a wealthy man who discovers a unique ability and ultimately uses it to better the world. With Anderson’s signature style and a stellar cast including Dev Patel, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley, this short film is a testament to the magic of storytelling. Although brief, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is part of a series of four short films by Anderson, each bringing Dahl’s stories to life in his distinctive style.
Rustin
Directed by George C. Wolfe, Rustin sheds light on the life of Bayard Rustin, a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement who was openly gay at a time when this was both rare and dangerous. Rustin, played by Colman Domingo, was instrumental in organizing the 1963 March on Washington but faced significant challenges due to his sexuality, which was seen as a liability by many within the movement. The film provides a much-needed spotlight on Rustin’s contributions and the personal sacrifices he made in the fight for equality.
Orion and the Dark
Orion is a young boy who is terrified of the dark—until the embodiment of darkness itself comes to visit him. Instead of a frightening tale, this charming animated feature from DreamWorks follows Orion as he embarks on a journey with Dark and other nocturnal figures like Sweet Dreams and Insomnia. Together, they show him that the night is nothing to fear. This exploration of childhood anxieties and the process of overcoming them is reminiscent of Inside Out, making it a heartwarming choice for families.
The Black Book
Paul Edima thought he had left his violent past behind, but when his son is framed and killed by corrupt police, he is forced to return to his former life as a highly trained special agent. Directed by Editi Effiong, The Black Book is a gripping Nollywood action-thriller that takes viewers on a journey of vengeance, as Paul uses his lethal skills to seek justice. With its raw energy and fresh take on the action genre, this film has garnered attention far beyond its Nigerian roots, even topping charts in South Korea.
Eldorado: Everything The Nazis Hate
Centered around the vibrant Berlin nightclub Eldorado, this documentary explores the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals during the interwar years, as the world descended into the horrors of World War II. Through a mix of archival footage, recreations, and personal accounts, Eldorado: Everything The Nazis Hate paints a vivid picture of the joy, freedom, and experimentation that characterized this period, as well as the devastating impact of the Nazi regime on these communities. The film serves as both a tribute to what was lost and a reminder of the resilience of those who lived through such dark times.
Conclusion
This was our handpicked selection of the best movies currently available on Netflix, curated by the TechLoot team. We hope you enjoy these films and find them as captivating as we did. Going forward, we’ll be releasing our top Netflix movie picks on the last day of each month, ensuring you always have a fresh list of must-watch titles. Stay tuned!
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 31st August 2024