Netflix, with its ever-expanding library of movies, offers a plethora of choices. However, sifting through the extensive catalog can be quite a task. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled the absolute best Netflix original movies that you can enjoy today.
What’s particularly exciting about Netflix’s original film lineup is its diversity. For every high-octane action blockbuster featuring A-list actors, there’s a low-budget foreign art film. This wide range of offerings ensures that there’s something for everyone, but it also means that some hidden gems often go unnoticed. Surprisingly, the most-watched Netflix original movies aren’t always the best in their collection. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
You can also check out our recommendations for best gangster movies and best Hindi movies on Netflix.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)
 | Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022) | |
| Genre Drama, Fantasy, Musical | Runtime 1 hour 48 minutes | |
| Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson | 6.8/10 | |
| Cast Gregory Mann, Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Cate Blanchett, Finn Wolfhard, Tilda Swinton | ||
Guillermo del Toro‘s Pinocchio is a visually captivating departure from Disney’s rendition, hewing closer to the original tale by Italian author Carlo Collodi. Del Toro’s vision is a mesmerizing blend of stop-motion animation that won the 2022 Oscar for Best Animated Film. Be prepared for a darker and more mature take on the story, which begins with a tragic event that sets the tone for a fantastical and poignant journey.
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
 | Beasts of No Nation (2015) | |
| Genre War, Drama, Thriller | Runtime 2 hours 1 min | |
| Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga | 7.7/10 | |
| Cast Abraham Attah, Idris Elba, Kurt Egyiawan, Emmanuel Nii Adom Quaye, Opeyemi Fagbemi, David Gyasi | ||
Beasts of No Nation marked Netflix’s foray into original film production, and it still stands as one of their finest achievements. This gritty, unsettling film delves into the harrowing world of child soldiers caught in an African civil war. Abraham Attah’s performance as Agu, a child forced into a rebel army, is nothing short of mesmerizing. The film shines a harsh light on the grim reality of this subject matter, often overlooked by Western media.
The Two Popes (2019)
 | The Two Popes (2019) | |
| Genre Drama | Runtime 2 hours 02 minutes | |
| Directed by Fernando Meirelles | 7.9/10 | |
| Cast Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce, Juan Minujín, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Meryl Streep | ||
The Two Popes stars Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce as Pope Benedict and Cardinal Mario Bergoglio (the future Pope Francis), engaging in a dialogue that shapes the course of the Catholic Church. Directed by Fernando Meirelles, this talk-heavy drama might not sound enticing, but with such legendary actors at the helm, it becomes a must-watch experience. The film received three Oscar nominations, including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.
Marriage Story (2019)
 | Marriage Story (2019) | |
| Genre Drama | Runtime 2 hours 17 minutes | |
| Directed by Noah Baumbach | 7.8/10 | |
| Cast Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta | ||
Marriage Story offers a raw and realistic portrayal of modern marriage’s complexities and struggles. It delves into the disintegration of a relationship with all its accompanying strife, from heated arguments to infidelity, all while emphasizing the enduring love between two people. Director Noah Baumbach crafts a poignant cautionary tale about suppressing emotions and the often painful legal battles that ensue during divorce, particularly at the expense of a child’s emotional well-being.
The Irishman (2019)
 | The Irishman (2019) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama | Runtime 3 hours 29 minutes | |
| Directed by Martin Scorsese | 8.2/10 | |
| Cast Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Anna Paquin | ||
Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman may be considered lengthy by some, with a runtime of three-and-a-half hours, but it’s a deliberate and insightful exploration of real-life mob hitman Frank Sheerhan’s story. The film refrains from romanticizing the criminal world, offering a tragic narrative filled with regret and sorrow. While the use of CGI to de-age the actors is occasionally distracting, the performances more than compensate for it.
Narvik (2022)
 | Narvik (2022) | |
| Genre War, Drama | Runtime 2 hours 2 minutes | |
| Directed by Edzard Onneken | 6.8/10 | |
| Cast Tom Felton, Max Riemelt, James D’Arcy, Richard Madden, Iain Glen | ||
Set in 1940 during World War II, Narvik recounts the little-known story of Norway’s brave resistance against Germany’s attempt to capture the crucial port city of Narvik. Director Erik Skjoldbjærg portrays the valor of Norwegian soldiers and civilians trapped in the city, with a standout performance by Kristine Hartgen as a mother protecting her children. This riveting film, often overlooked, deserves more recognition for its gripping storytelling.
Roma (2018)
 | Roma (2018) | |
| Genre Drama | Runtime 2 hours 15 minutes | |
| Directed by Alfonso Cuarón | 7.9/10 | |
| Cast Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Marina Rodríguez, Carlos Peralta | ||
Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, draws from the filmmaker’s own childhood experiences to create an Oscar-winning masterpiece set in 1970s Mexico. Shot in stunning black and white, the film revolves around Cleo, a young maid working for an upper-middle-class family in Mexico City. What initially appears as a series of random events in the family’s life transforms into a beautiful narrative about duty, commitment, and the true essence of family. Yalitza Aparicio’s heartbreaking performance earned her an Oscar nomination, one of ten the film received, including Best Picture.
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
 | All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) | |
| Genre War, Drama | Runtime 2 hours 14 minutes | |
| Directed by Edward Berger | 7.3/10 | |
| Cast Louis Hofmann, Daniel Brühl, Andreas Schmidt, Adrian Grüner, Justus von Dohnányi | ||
While All Quiet on the Western Front has seen multiple film adaptations, Netflix’s 2022 version, directed by Edward Berger, surpasses its predecessors in delivering a realistic portrayal of World War I. Felix Kammerer’s portrayal of a patriotic German soldier quickly disillusioned by the brutality of war is both powerful and poignant. The film’s tragically ironic ending serves as a somber conclusion to one of Netflix’s most epic productions to date. Nominated for nine Academy Awards, it clinched four, including Best International Feature Film.
Wrapping it up!
So, there you have it—our carefully curated list of the best Netflix original movies that promise to captivate and entertain. Whether you’re in the mood for thought-provoking drama, heartwarming animation, or gripping tales of human resilience, these films have something to offer every movie enthusiast. So, grab your popcorn, settle into your favorite spot on the couch, and embark on a cinematic journey filled with emotion, intrigue, and unforgettable stories.
