Unlock the Treasure Trove of Netflix Movies

Best new movies on Netflix (December 2024)

"Superbad" (2007) is a coming-of-age film that defines the millennial/Gen Z cuspers. With its authentic portrayal of male teen bonding, it remains a classic. Michael Cera, Jonah Hill, and Emma Stone shine in this breakout role. The movie spends more time on a hero's journey as Seth and Evan try to get alcohol for a party. It's a film that captures the unglamorous and awkward aspects of high school life.Watch "Superbad" on Netflix

"Whiplash" (2014) tells the story of a toxic teacher-pupil relationship. Miles Teller as Andrew, a young jazz drummer, and J.K. Simmons as Professor Fletcher create a powerful dynamic. Director Damien Chazelle's use of camera movement to the rhythm of the music adds depth to the story. We see Andrew's commitment to an egomaniacal monster and how their relationship evolves towards a climactic performance.Watch "Whiplash" on Netflix

Best movies on Netflix: Drama

"Aftersun" (2022) is a semi-autobiographical tale that follows Sophie on vacation with her dad. Charlotte Wells layers on melancholy as Sophie realizes her father's struggles. The film's finale packs an emotional punch and still lingers in our hearts. Frankie Corio and Paul Mescal give outstanding performances.Watch "Aftersun" on Netflix

"Call Me by Your Name" (2017) is a work of intoxicating beauty. Luca Guadagnino tells the story of a summer fling between Elio and Oliver. Timothee Chalamet is transcendent, and Michael Stuhlbarg as Elio's father adds depth. The film leaves us with a sense of yearning for the Italian countryside and a past summer love.Watch "Call Me By Your Name" on Netflix

"His Three Daughters" (2024) hits close to home for many. Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon play sisters dealing with their father's illness. Their stilted conversations reveal the truth about familial bonds. Watching them spar and bond is both heartbreaking and affirming.How to watch: "His Three Daughters" is streaming on Netflix.

"Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992) is an unsympathetic look at the capitalist system. Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, and others play desperate real estate salesmen in a high-stakes contest. David Mamet's crackling dialogue and the rogue's gallery of screen legends make this a must-watch.Watch "Glengarry Glen Ross" on Netflix

"The Irishman" (2019) follows Frank Sheeran's life from driving trucks to leading a union. Martin Scorsese goes deeper and darker, examining a gangster's life and his contemplation of its meaning. Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci deliver outstanding performances.Watch "The Irishman" on Netflix

"The Lost Daughter" (2021) is another masterful performance by Olivia Colman. In this psychological drama, she plays a college professor on vacation who inserts herself into a young mother's life. Maggie Gyllenhaal's direction and Colman's acting make this one of 2021's best.Watch "The Lost Daughter" on Netflix

"Maestro" (2023) showcases Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein. His magnetic presence and Carey Mulligan's performance as Felicia Montealegre create a captivating story. We see Bernstein's complex personality and his relationship with music.Watch "Maestro" on Netflix

"May December" (2023) is a tightrope act of dark comedy and psychological thrills. Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore give outstanding performances as Elizabeth and Gracie. Todd Haynes plumbs the fragile psyche of the couple and shows the callousness of Hollywood.Watch "May December" on Netflix

"Phantom Thread" (2017) is Daniel Day-Lewis's final film. As Reynolds Woodcock, he delivers subtle performances that devastate those around him. Vicky Krieps shines as his new muse, creating a passionate partnership.Watch "Phantom Thread" on Netflix

"The Power of the Dog" (2021) centers around two ranch-owning brothers. Benedict Cumberbatch and Jesse Plemons give powerful performances, and Kodi Smit-McPhee is a revelation. Campion's film is dark and unmissable.Watch "The Power of the Dog" on Netflix

Best movies on Netflix: Comedy

"Easy A" (2010) made Emma Stone a star. It's a clever modernization of "The Scarlet Letter" as Olive Penderghast faces judgment for false rumors. Amanda Bynes and Stanley Tucci add to the supporting cast, making it endlessly rewatchable.Watch "Easy A" on Netflix

"Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" (2022) is more madcap and funny than the original. Daniel Craig returns as Detective Benoit Blanc, and Edward Norton shines as Miles Bron. Kate Hudson gets the most laughs, and the film's setting shifts to a new-money vacation compound.Watch "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" on Netflix

"Not Another Teen Movie" (2001) is a parody that spoofs coming-of-age films. Chris Evans plays a self-absorbed jock, and Chyler Leigh is the quirky girl. It's a fun take on the genre, with references to "She's All That" and other classics.Watch "Not Another Teen Movie" on Netflix

Best movies on Netflix: Horror

"Gerald's Game" (2017) is a Stephen King adaptation directed by Mike Flanagan. Carla Gugino's performance is gutsy as she tries to escape a remote lake house. The film unlocks memories and builds tension, standing out in the horror genre.Watch "Gerald's Game" on Netflix

"Jaws" (1975) is the movie that started it all. Steven Spielberg's masterpiece turns Martha's Vineyard into a film set and creates terror. The opening scene with the skinny dipper is unforgettable, and the suspense builds until the high seas showdown.Watch "Jaws" on Netflix

"Psycho" (1960) was not well received initially but has become a landmark. Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates sets the standard for serial killers, and Janet Leigh's shower scene is iconic. Bernard Herrmann's score adds to the horror.Watch "Psycho" on Netflix

Best movies on Netflix: Action

"Godzilla Minus One" (2023) follows Koichi, a former kamikaze pilot, on his journey of redemption. Set in 1950s Tokyo, the film tells a hero's tale that doesn't follow Western standards. Godzilla still smashes and roars, looking great on a budget.Watch "Godzilla Minus One" on Netflix

"Hit Man" (2024) is based on a true story about a college professor who moonlights as a hit man. Glen Powell carefully modulates his performance as Gary and Rod, and Adria Arjona is alluring. The film explores love, hate, and self.Watch "Hit Man" on Netflix

"The Killer" (2023) subverts expectations as Michael Fassbender plays a contract killer. He seems suave at first but has a hidden side. The film shows that even assassins are like Uber drivers in a gig economy.Watch "The Killer" on Netflix

"Rebel Ridge" (2024) is a tale of revenge. Aaron Pierre is a magnetic leading man as Terry tries to handle corrupt police. Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne adds to the tension. You'll root for Terry to take on the force.Watch "Rebel Ridge" on Netflix

Best movies on Netflix: Documentary

"Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution" captures the activist spirit of the 1960s. Disabled in Action held protests that led to reforms for disabled people. The documentary shows how they were treated like human beings.Watch "Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution" on Netflix

"Descendant" follows the descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship. The discovery of the ship's remnants affects their heritage and self-knowledge. It's a powerful documentary about history and identity.Watch "Descendant" on Netflix

"Dick Johnson Is Dead" is a darkly comic documentary about Kirsten Johnson's father's cognitive decline. She films him dying in various situations, showing different grieving processes.Watch "Dick Johnson Is Dead" on Netflix

"Will & Harper" follows Will Ferrell and Harper Steele on a cross-country road trip. Harper wants to understand her identity, and Will supports her. There are moments of self-reflection and understanding.Watch "Will & Harper" on Netflix

Best movies on Netflix: For Kids

"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" (2023) is an animated sequel that continues the Spider-Man story. Miles Morales struggles with isolation but finds hope in a multiverse task force. The art style is gorgeous, and the script is clever.Watch "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" on Netflix

"The Mitchells vs. the Machines" was originally slated for theaters but ended up on Netflix. Danny McBride and Abbi Jacobson star as a family on a road trip that turns into a fight against a rogue AI. The animation is beautiful and appeals to all ages.Watch "The Mitchells vs. the Machines" on Netflix

"Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio" is a unique take on the classic fairy tale. With stop-motion visuals and an intriguing undercurrent of fascism, it's a relevant watch for adults while still entertaining kids.Watch "Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio" on Netflix