The Best Movies to Watch on Netflix Right Now

As a film critic with a deep appreciation for stories that delve into the complexities of human experiences, I have been fortunate enough to watch some truly remarkable films over the years. Among them are three gems that have left an indelible mark on me – “The Half of It,” “The Irishman,” and “Mudbound.”

1. From different perspectives, Netflix can be seen as an endless stream of intriguing content or an overwhelming deluge of options that might seem daunting rather than abundant at times. But don’t worry, we’re here to assist! Here’s a continually updated list of approximately two dozen films – some are exceptional, others entertaining, and there may even be a few that captivate you in the simplest way possible – all worth your valuable viewing time.

1. How was our selection process? Well, it’s not based on any specific mathematical formula; instead, we spent a significant amount of time browsing through various genres to ensure diversity. Personal preference played a role as well – my favorites might differ from yours. However, this approach also allows for the exciting possibility of you finding something new or revisiting an old classic with fresh eyes. In essence, our selection serves as a refreshing and invigorating source, much like a fountain.

Just Plain Great Watches

The Young Victoria (2009)

Initially, Britain’s longest-serving queen was an unmarried teenage royal, unfamiliar with the concept of an arranged marriage, but later became a dowager in black. However, before that, she already knew the man who would be her husband, Albert. At first, she was reluctant about their match, but young Albert turned out to be charming – and Rupert Friend portrays him as such in Jean-Marc Vallée’s film, “The Young Victoria.” It’s hard not to be captivated! Emily Blunt plays the young queen in this movie, demonstrating her signature blend of determination and mischief, adding yet another delightful aspect to this engaging film.

Emily the Criminal (2022)

In this version, an young artist and waitress from Los Angeles, burdened by heavy debts including student loans, unknowingly joins a gang of criminals who hire individuals to purchase goods using counterfeit credit cards. Aubrey Plaza portrays Emily, a complex character who is both tough-as-nails and evokes sympathy as she gets entangled in this deceitful and perilous scheme due to her dire financial situation. John Patton Ford delivers a contemporary thriller that also serves as a powerful critique of the economic disparities between the affluent and underprivileged in America.

The Gift (2015)

1. In his first feature film, Joel Edgerton delved into a subtle, chilling thriller that highlighted one of our exceptional actresses, Jason Bateman starred as Simon, a rising businessman who relocates his vulnerable wife, portrayed by Rebecca Hall, from their Chicago apartment to a spacious modern home in California. While Simon is purchasing household items at a store, a quiet acquaintance from the past, played by Edgerton himself, introduces himself as Gordo, an old classmate. Over time, Gordo manages to infiltrate the couple’s life, causing both subtle and overt unease (rest assured, their dog remains unharmed). Initially appearing as a typical “when bad things happen to good people” thriller, The Gift evolves into an exploration of human guilt, remorse, and empathy. Hall delivers a remarkable performance as a woman gradually recognizing her situation without fully understanding it herself. Despite being less than a decade old, The Gift is the kind of well-crafted, understated thriller that’s increasingly rare today.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Before the controversy surrounding director Taika Waititi arose on the Internet, this talented New Zealander created an exceptional, insightful comedy. In this film, entitled “Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” we follow the story of a Maori boy named Julian Dennison who is unwanted and finds himself under the care of a gruff foster father, Sam Neill. Though their bond develops gradually, it ultimately becomes unbreakable. Based on Barry Crump’s 1986 novel “Wild Pork and Watercress,” this film moves swiftly with humor that may not initially appear to be a critique of New Zealand’s colonial history, yet Waititi’s intention was clear. We hope his skills will endure despite any potential annoyance he may cause us in the future.

Wild Things (1998)

In the steamy and excessively dramatic setting of South Florida, an 18-year-old wealthy girl named Kelly, portrayed by Denise Richards, makes passes at her guidance counselor, Sam, who is known for his moral uprightness (Matt Dillon). After being rejected, she falsely accuses him of rape. Another student, Suzie, a goth outcast played by Neve Campbell, also comes forward with an accusation. The situation seems dire for Sam, but as crusty detective Ray Duquette, portrayed by Kevin Bacon, gets involved in the investigation, things become more complicated. However, not everything is as it appears. Director John McNaughton masterfully keeps the story full of unexpected twists moving at a fast pace. The film “Wild Things” may be considered outdated and difficult to produce today, but this says more about the loss of certain creative freedoms than about societal progression.

Stone-Cold Classics

Oldboy (2003)

Park Chan-Wook’s cinematic work, a gripping modern revenge thriller, stands as an iconic masterpiece in contemporary Korean cinema and beyond. Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), a seemingly ordinary Seoul businessman, encounters a bizarre fate – being held captive for 15 years in a cell resembling a disreputable hotel room, subsisting on nothing but fried dumplings. Upon his sudden release, he crosses paths with the charming sushi chef, Mido (Kang Hye-jeong), who aids him in piecing together his life and uncovering the truth behind his imprisonment. Spike Lee’s remake in 2013 falls short of capturing the raw yet humorous essence of Park’s narrative. Despite rumors that Park is developing an English-language TV adaptation, for now, the original Oldboy remains the definitive Oldboy.

Slap Shot (1977)

1. The potential closure of a steel mill in Pennsylvania threatens the existence of the local minor league hockey team, the Charlestown Chiefs. Reggie Dunlop, played by Paul Newman and both coach and player for the team, recognizes that aggressive play on the ice attracts more spectators; however, Ned Braden (played by Michael Ontkean), the team’s MVP, objects to this approach. Upon its initial release, director George Roy Hill’s comedy, with its dry humor and explicit language, did not achieve significant success; but over time, it has earned its due recognition. In his later years, Newman frequently acknowledged that the role of Dunlop was one of his favorites; the performance, full of raw, vulgar charm, is captivating to watch, making it no surprise that Newman cherished the experience.

Directorial Debuts

Aftersun (2022)

In 2022, one of the most remarkable films was “Aftersun” by Scottish filmmaker Charlotte Wells. This moving story follows Paul Mescal as Calum, a father with struggles, taking his 11-year-old daughter Sophie (Frankie Corio) on an uncommon vacation to Turkey. Although Calum isn’t the ideal father – dealing with personal issues hinted at in the movie, such as a cast he later removes himself – Sophie deeply cherishes him. However, it is evident that she is starting to distance herself from him, a common experience for adolescent and teenage girls separating from their fathers. This film beautifully explores the mysteries of the adult world that confound children, as well as the efforts parents make, despite their shortcomings, to provide the best care possible. It’s only in hindsight that we realize the extent of their struggles and how deeply their failures impacted them.

The Mustang (2019)

1) In Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre’s first feature film, Matthias Schoenaerts portrays a convict in a Nevada prison who struggles with his own aggressive tendencies. However, when he joins a program that teaches him to tame untamed horses, his character undergoes a transformation. This film, which explores how animals can inspire our best qualities, even when we think we’re empty, is both touching and confidently directed.

Atlantics (2019)

At the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, French filmmaker Mati Diop’s “Atlantics” received the Grand Prix award. This captivating, haunting film portrays the experiences of women whose husbands and fiancés departed from Senegal for Spain in a boat that never reached its destination. “Atlantics” masterfully explores the harsh realities of migration while delving into the ambiguous territory between life and death, as well as the powerful allure of young romance.

Miss Juneteenth (2020)

As a film enthusiast, I’d rephrase it this way: Mother-daughter disputes may be commonplace, but they can be particularly poignant when you’re right in the midst of one. In her impressive directorial debut, Channing Godfrey Peoples delves into the complexities of a single mother-daughter conflict, while painting a vivid picture of an entire community. I was drawn into the world of Fort Worth, where the strong-willed Turquoise (Nicole Beharie), a former Miss Juneteenth titleholder, dreams of her daughter Kai (Alexis Chikaeze) continuing her unfulfilled dream by participating in the pageant. Kai, however, has other plans – she’s set on making the dance team instead. Their histories and those of their ancestors seem to have created conflicting currents that threaten to pull them apart. This is a humble film, rich with authentic characters and nuanced details, that ultimately offers so much more than the sum of its parts.

The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

Adolescence naturally brings a certain level of self-centeredness. however, to mature fully, you must break free from this mindset. This is the core theme in Kelly Fremon Craig’s brilliantly humorous and insightful debut film, “The Edge of Seventeen.” In this movie, Hailee Steinfeld portrays Nadine, a grumpy, impulsive, and critical high school student. She has only one friend, Krista, played by Haley Lu Richardson, who is more empathetic. Nadine has valid reasons for her anger: her beloved father passed away during her teenage years, leaving her unable to move on. Instead, she uses her anger as a barrier and weapon against the world. “The Edge of Seventeen” explores the importance of letting go of unproductive defenses; it’s an original, funny, and raw take on growing up.

Brevity Theater: 90 Minutes or Less

Frances Ha (2013)

1. Noah Baumbach serves as the director for this vivid portrayal of a young, free-spirited woman navigating through New York City’s harsh yet beautiful landscape. However, it is Greta Gerwig, who stars and co-writes the movie, that truly breathes life into it. The protagonist, Frances, dreams of becoming a dancer, but the reality is she may struggle to earn a living from it. Her nomadic lifestyle isn’t by choice but rather by circumstance; her roommate is moving out, forcing Frances to find a new place to settle down. The film, titled “Frances Ha“, beautifully captures the essence of those transitional periods in life when even basic necessities like affordable housing and fair compensation seem elusive. It’s a stunningly heartwarming and compact production.

Tangerine (2015)

Sean Baker’s third movie, filmed using an iPhone with anamorphic lenses, may seem simple technically. However, its emotion is profound. On Christmas Day at a Los Angeles doughnut shop, best friends Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) and Alexandra (Mya Taylor), who are transgender women and prostitutes, reunite. Sin-Dee has just been released from jail, while Alexandra must share devastating news: her boyfriend was unfaithful during her incarceration. The duo embarks on a rowdy revenge mission, but the film’s tenderness leaves you in a state of laughter and tears. That’s Baker’s unique style.

She’s Gotta Have It (1986)

In 1983, Spike Lee had already directed a film, but his debut feature-length project, about a graphic artist from Brooklyn (Tracy Camilla Johns) who enjoyed multiple boyfriends without committing to any of them and cherishing her freedom, was the first one that hit the screens. Lee took charge of writing, producing, editing, and directing this film, as well as playing a role in it. The movie arrived with great enthusiasm, attracting widespread attention – many watched it, while others discussed it even if they hadn’t seen it yet. It remains an impressive early work from one of our most daring and innovative directors.

Documentaries

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017)

As a movie critic, I’d say: You might be aware that Hedy Lamarr, the radiant silver-screen beauty, was more than just a Hollywood star; she was also a groundbreaking inventor, collaborating with George Antheil on frequency hopping technology. This innovative method of radio signal transmission was instrumental in guiding Allied torpedoes during World War II. Despite this, Alexandra Dean’s captivating documentary, Bombshell, offers fresh insights, delving into Lamarr’s relationships with influential figures like Louis B. Mayer and Cecil B. DeMille in Hollywood, as well as her later secluded life. Often overlooked, Lamarr was a woman of intrigue, intellect, and immense talent. Bombshell, with its treasure trove of archival footage and compelling narrative, finally brings her genius to light.

Four Daughters (2023)

Kaouther Ben Hania’s powerful documentary weaves together personal testimonies and reenactments to portray the tale of a Tunisian family of women bound by maternal love, yet influenced by cultural, religious, and ethical differences. Olfa Hamrouni, portrayed by both Olfa herself and actress Hind Sabri, has instilled strong moral values in her four daughters, including strict rules regarding sexual conduct. However, she fears her older daughters, Rahma and Ghofrane, will defy her by fleeing to Libya to embrace Islamic extremism. Ben Hania employs an unconventional method to narrate this story: Olfa appears as herself in certain scenes, while Hind Sabri portrays her in others, recreating events that are too distressing for Olfa to relive. Olfa’s younger daughters, Eya and Tassir, appear as themselves, while Ichraq Matar (Ghofrane) and Nour Karoui (Rahma) depict the missing daughters. Four Daughters is a poignant exploration of a family fractured by religious extremism and entrenched misogyny. It also underscores our inability to dictate the lives of those closest to us, no matter the consequences.

Is That Black Enough for You?!? (2022)

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but sing praises for Elvis Mitchell’s stirring scrapbook documentary, “Is That Black Enough for You?!?” This thought-provoking piece not only honors but dissects the rich history of Black cinema in the ’70s, skillfully weaving it into a broader historical tapestry. The film features insightful interviews with heavyweights like Harry Belafonte, Charles Burnett, Whoopi Goldberg, and Samuel L. Jackson. However, it’s Elvis Mitchell’s engaging, witty, and incisive narration that truly breathes life into this documentary. Overlaid with a treasure trove of clips, his commentary is the heart and soul of this masterpiece. In essence, “Is That Black Enough for You?!?” serves as a compact, two-hour, 15-minute film class, offering an enlightening journey through the world of ’70s Black cinema.

Crip Camp (2020)

If you saw hippies merely as carefree youth adorned with love beads from the 1960s and ’70s, the film “Crip Camp,” produced by Nicole Newnham, Jim LeBrecht, and released under Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground banner, will challenge that perception. This insightful documentary reveals that many hippies were passionate activists whose efforts significantly impacted society. The film highlights the struggle of these activists with disabilities for the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. However, their movement’s origins can be traced back to Camp Jened, an upstate New York summer camp for disabled teenagers that ran from the early 1950s until 1997. The film primarily focuses on Judy Heumann, a Camp Jened counselor who rose to become a key figure in the disability civil rights movement. “Crip Camp” is not only a documentary about a particular cause; it’s a reflection on what it takes to bring about change and how initial successes can pave the way for larger, more comprehensive victories.

So Bad They’re Good

Cats (2019)

1. Tom Hooper’s movie adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s whimsical and purring musical spectacle is infamously disastrous, but a film can captivate without being genuinely excellent, and that’s the charm of Cats. The visual spectacle of cat-like beings seemingly devoid of clothing, adorned with fur that appears to have been digitally added, is a bold display of audacity in itself. Moreover, the production design by Eve Stewart showcases a genuine, sincere marvel as it blends ’70s nostalgia for the ’20s, echoing Ken Russell’s The Boy Friend, or the iconic Big Biba store in London – an ephemeral fantasyland of lavishly decorated, themed departments. Can’t you just envision sipping a cup of something delightful at an art deco-inspired milk bar?

The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)

1. Join us as we delve into the questionable-yet-likely-not-entirely-false tales of a genuine exorcist! The film, set in Spain around 1987, features Russell Crowe portraying Father Gabriel Amorth, a Vatican expert in exorcisms, who is summoned to rid an American child’s body of demons. In the process, he uncovers a long-hidden Church secret. This movie is both intriguing and somewhat disrespectful; it’s a cheeky blend of dorkiness and sacrilege. Notably, for fans of Camelot and Django, Franco Nero takes on the role of the Pope!

Netflix Originals Worth Revisiting

Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

1. In an outstanding portrayal, Eddie Murphy embodies the true-life figure of Blaxploitation comedian, early rapper, and film star Rudy Ray Moore, whose character Dolemite was essentially a funky beatnik minstrel with martial arts skills and flamboyant clothing. Director Craig Brewer provides ample opportunity for Murphy and an impressive ensemble cast – including Snoop Dogg, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Wesley Snipes – to excel. The film isn’t merely a tribute to the DIY spirit; it delves into the transformative power of determination and resilience.

The Half of It (2020)

1. In Alice Wu’s charming teen romantic comedy, set in a nondescript town in the Pacific Northwest, Leah Lewis portrays Ellie, a model student who supplements her family’s income by writing papers for fellow students. One day, a popular athlete named Daniel Diemer’s Paul requests Ellie to pen a love letter in the style of Cyrano de Bergerac for a girl he admires – smart, kind, beautiful, and bookish Aster (Alexxis Lemire). The twist is that Ellie harbors feelings for Aster as well. As it navigates the complexities of adolescent love and friendships, The Half of It takes unexpected turns. Its empathetic approach towards its characters leaves a lingering, nostalgic warmth behind.

The Irishman (2019)

Young gangsters lead exciting lives filled with power, wealth, and temporary troubles. Their jobs may include violent acts, betrayals, and moments of loyalty, but these challenges are fleeting. They have comforts like mistresses, special tables at clubs, cigars, and champagne to enjoy, with no concern for the future. However, what awaits old gangsters is a different story. In Martin Scorsese’s film “The Irishman,” Robert De Niro portrays real-life mobster Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran, who confessed to killing Jimmy Hoffa, the former Teamsters union president who vanished in 1975. Al Pacino brings Hoffa to life with a mix of exuberance and melancholy in the film’s flashback sequences. Scorsese meticulously unfolds this tale, with a runtime of approximately three and a half hours. As you watch, it feels like experiencing life alongside the characters instead of just observing them. The end result is a poignant, bittersweet movie about acknowledging the significance of one’s life and recognizing that perhaps it has been filled with insubstantial things rather than valuable treasures.

Mudbound (2017)

As a movie buff, I’d describe Dee Rees’ masterful film adaptation of “Mudbound” as my personal perspective: This intimately epic movie sets the scene in the Mississippi Delta during the 1940s, where two farming families – one Black and one white – work the land. The McAllans, portrayed by Jason Clarke and Carey Mulligan, appear to be the rightful owners of the land, but they lease a portion to the Jackson family, headed by Hap (Rob Morgan) and Florence Jackson (Mary J. Blige). Their ancestral ties to this land run deep; they should own it, yet lack the legal proof.

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2024-07-30 19:10