Netflix’s recommendation algorithm tries its best, but it often suggests the same old movies that you’ve scrolled past countless times. There must be something good to watch, right?
That’s why I’ve rounded up this list of excellent movies, all of which I’ve watched and are available to stream on Netflix now. Whether you fancy a comedy, a heartfelt animation, or a classic thriller, there’s something for everyone.
2023
Runtime
2 hours 14 minutes
Dungeons & Dragonsmay make a great tabletop game, but previous attempts at converting the iconic fantasy franchise to the big screen have proven less than fruitful. That’s why I approachedHonor Among Thieveswith caution. Thankfully, this movie wisely ignores everything that came before, and stands strong as an enjoyable adventure that will appeal whether you’ve rolled a 20-sided die or not.
Chris Pine plays a bard, clearly having a great time, leading a pack of misfits as they set out on their quest. This is a movie that isn’t afraid to have fun, unlike many fantasy flicks that lean dark, though it has heart too. The pace is snappy, the action is slick, and there are plenty of genuinely funny moments (shout out to Jarnathan)—when you considerHonor Among Thievesis from the directors of the unexpectedly greatGame Night, it makes sense.
2016
1 hour 55 minutes
You may have consumed many Happy Meals in your time, but do you know the history behind the fast food giant McDonald’s? Michael Keaton stars as Ray Kroc inThe Founder, a salesman who discovers the success of a Californian burger restaurant ran by two brothers, Dick and Mac (Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch, on strong form). Kroc is taken by the pair, with their lean menu and speedy service, and convinces them to put him in charge of franchising—a decision that, as we see play out over the course of the movie, has incredible consequences.
The Founderis not a glossy commercial for McDonald’s. Rather, it’s an interesting portrayal of how a driven yet ruthless man turned a small-time family-run establishment into a corporate giant. Keaton plays the lead role perfectly, infusing him with just the right levels of charm, desperation, and greed. It might be a straightforward biopic, but it keeps you hooked—and will perhaps give you pause before you next roll up to the golden arches.
2024
1 hour 42 minutes
The Wild Robotis a delightful animation that can be appreciated by all ages. It’s about a robot called Roz who finds herself on an island inhabited only by animals. Roz is designed to help, but the wildlife is initially very wary of her. Over time, the critters come to accept Roz, and she becomes an adoptive mother to a goose after accidentally breaking all but one egg in a nest. The film follows these growing relationships and Roz’s struggles about whether she should return to the tech company that lost her.
There is an all-star cast doing great work, like Lupita Nyong’o as the caring Roz, Pedro Pascal as the devious fox, and Kit Connor as the orphaned goose. Plus it’s always great to hear Matt Berry in anything, here playing a beaver. The real standout, though, is the animation, which combines traditional CGI with a hand-painted style. It lends itself well to the movie’s natural setting and makes the mechanical, glowing presence of Roz seem suitably out of place.
1954
1 hour 51 minutes
Alfred Hitchcock is one of the world’s most influential film directors. He’s responsible for some undeniable classics likePsychoandVertigo, and a small selection of his work landed on Netflix this month. It’s tricky to choose my favorite from his filmography, butRear Windowhas to be up there. Despite being released over 70 years ago, the mystery thriller still stands up as an utterly engrossing watch.
Rear Windowtakes place during a heatwave, as photojournalist Jeff is stuck in his apartment recovering from an injury. He watches his neighbors to while away time, and becomes convinced that one of them has been murdered. Despite the fact we witness nearly everything from Jeff’s confined perspective, the film is gripping, such is Hitcock’s master of suspense. Plus, when you’ve got two iconic actors of the era at the helm, James Stewart and Grace Kelly, what’s not to love?
2019
1 hour 59 minutes
I know, there have been a million and one war films. Do you really want to watch another? Well, if you haven’t seen1917, the Sam Mendes-directed epic, the answer to that should be “yes”.
It’s set during World War I, as George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman play two British soldiers who are tasked with delivering a message to call off an attack due to take place the next day. With the clock ticking, they battle through all manner of horrors; this is far from a film that glamorizes war.
1917is special in many ways, but it’s particularly noteworthy for its use of long takes. With cinematography from the legendary Roger Deakins, you feel right there with the young men as they navigate the claustrophobic trenches and set out across no man’s land. It’s horrifically beautiful, with the real-time aspect making everything even more tense, and the big set pieces even more impressive. It’s a film that will stay with you.
There are plenty ofgreat Netflix exclusives that make a subscription worthwhile, but as this list demonstrates, the service also has some brilliant licensed movies that are sure to satisfy you this week.
Netflix
Stream all of these great movies, along with plenty more original and licensed programming, with a Netflix subscription.
