Netflix has made a name for itself in the cinematic world, releasing original films that have dominated industry awards shows like the Oscars and the Golden Globes. The streaming giant received 18 nominations for this year’s Academy Awards. Its new deal with Sony means that viewers will get to stream theatrical releases like Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and Godzilla Minus One. When you’re trying to settle in for movie night, it could be hard to choose, right?
That’s why we’re recommending 14 of the best movies you can watch on Netflix. If you’d rather go with a series, check out our picks for the best TV shows to watch on Netflix.
Read more: Where to Watch All the 2024 Oscar Winners
This biographical film nabbed seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Picture. Maestro tells the story of conductor Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) and his relationship with actor Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). In addition to starring in the romance drama, Cooper also directed and co-wrote the film, and produced it alongside Hollywood legends like Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
Ex Marine Terry Richmond heads into a small town to bail his cousin out of jail where local law enforcement illegally seizes his cash. Tensions mount and corruption reigns as he uncovers a deeper conspiracy that involves murder, collusion and greed.
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
Godzilla Minus One is an Academy Award-winning Japanese-language movie written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki. Set in 1945, the story centers Kōichi Shikishima, a young pilot dealing with PTSD in a post-World War II era. After surviving an encounter with Godzilla, he and others realize the kaiju is gearing up to attack Tokyo. The Sony film is available to stream on Netflix now.
Society of the Snow (2023)
The award-winning film, Society of the Snow, is based on true events and adapted from the book of the same name. In 1972, a rugby team from Uruguay boarded a plane to Chile for a game. The plane crashed in the Andes mountains, leaving survivors to contend with injuries, illness, cold temperatures and death. Not everyone makes it, and those facing death make agonizing choices to live.
This mobster film from director Martin Scorsese features a gripping (and gory) storyline, and stellar performances from lead actors including Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino. Based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses, the movie chronicles the life of truck driver Frank Sheeran (De Niro) in 1950s Philadelphia, who becomes a hitman for the Italian-American Mafia. It’s an epic that’s both fascinating and unsettling, and if you’ve got the patience for the 209-minute runtime, it’s worth a watch.
Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021)
Even if you’re not big on musicals, don’t be deterred by this film based on playwright Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical. It contains relatable themes on love, friendship and navigating career challenges, all while time is ticking by. By the end, you might even realize you appreciate the great musical numbers too.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
A standalone sequel to 2019’s hit film Knives Out, Glass Onion follows detective Benoit Blanc’s (Daniel Craig) mission to uncover a mysterious death, after tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) invites friends to his private Greek island. The film features fun plot twists, and is broken up by lighthearted humor and aloof characters played by an all-star cast.
Leave the World Behind (2023)
An absorbingly unsettling psychological thriller, Leave the World Behind chronicles the strange events that arise during a family’s getaway at an opulent rental home. A blackout renders their phones, TVs and other electronics useless, and two strangers show up at the door. TikTok has been flooded with clips and analyses of this apocalypse movie, with people reflecting on potential “hidden messages” and real-life parallels. Check it out and see what you make of it.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
This impactful film chronicles the real events surrounding the Chicago Seven, a group of people charged with conspiracy by the US government, in connection with an uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. It features an impressive cast, including Eddie Redmayne, Jeremy Strong, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
This animated drama, based on the graphic novel of the same name, is set in a futuristic medieval world, in which a knight (Riz Ahmed) is framed for a crime. A shapeshifting teenager named Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) — whom he’s been trained to destroy — may be his only hope for proving his innocence.
This biographical film tells the story of two sisters, Yusra (Nathalie Issa) and Sarah Mardini (Manal Issa), who escape war-torn Syria. Amid all the strife and upheaval, Yusra works toward her dream of swimming in the Olympics. It’s a touching narrative of hope and survival.
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
A World War I drama based on the classic novel of the same name, this epic depicts the horrors of war through the eyes of 17-year-old German soldier Paul Bäumer (Felix Kammerer). At first enthused about joining the army — in spite of his parents’ wishes — Bäumer gets a violent wake-up call. All Quiet on the Western Front was a dominating force at the 95th Annual Academy Awards, as it was nominated for nine Oscars and ultimately walked away with four, including Best International Feature Film.
A con woman and legal guardian (Rosamund Pike) makes a living swindling her elderly clients, until she meets her match. This comedy thriller is unique in that you’ll deeply despise the main character, but still want to stick around for the ride.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
This one’s a fun watch for the whole gang. When the quirky Mitchell family embarks on a cross-country road trip, things quickly go south as they find themselves in the midst of a robot apocalypse. Now, they face the not-so-small task of saving humanity. The writing is clever and humorous, and you’ll have fun identifying all the big-name cast members who lend their voices to characters.