El Camino, 7.3
Television viewers were a bit gutted after the final season of Breaking Bad premiered as they felt some of the characters didn't get quite the send-off they deserved. Luckily, the movie El Camino came along to rectify a few things.
Actor Aaron Paul's performance as narcotics expert Jesse is the glue that holds this film together, and he takes us on the thrilling final journey of a man ruined by his habits and PTSD. This cinema piece brings everything about it and questions posed by the television show to a very satisfying close!
His House, 6.4
If you're looking for a very good all-around horror movie, then you won't have to go further than His House. It starts out as a story about two immigrants who leave their home in search of a better life in England, but end up getting way more than they bargained for as their new haunt, is, well, haunted!
Actors Mosaku and Sope Dirisu anchor this film with relatable and epic shows of talent and give us an unexpected little masterpiece of cinema that will bring the scares required by this genre in a very unique and unexpected way!
The Trial of the Chicago 7, 7.9
Courtroom dramas were all the rage at one point, but this subset of films has played out fairly often. That is until director Aaron Sorkin brought us The Trial of the Chicago 7. Instead of the usual run-of-the-mill experience, we embark on an emotional journey portraying the famous Chicago Seven trial proceedings of 1989.
The strong cast delivers off the chart performances, and with stars like Sacha Baron Cohen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in the driving seats, this isn't unexpected, but very welcome. All in all, it's hard to believe how well this film resonates with happenings of today, despite being set in the late eighties!
Enola Holmes, 6.6
Sherlock Holmes has seen many iterations throughout the years, and most of them have been quite thrilling, especially when portrayed by the likes of Robert Downey Jr and Benedict Cumberbatch. Enola Holmes, however, brings a unique flair to the characters, as it follows the story of the super sleuth's little sister, set on making a name for herself as a detective as well!
Milly Bobby Brown from Stranger Things fame delivers a stunning portrayal as the quirky little teenager who seeks to rival her brother's detective skills, and the whole film is a lighthearted piece of cinema that's perfect for you to enjoy at home!
The Devil All The Time, 7.1
In this film, director Antonio Campo brings us a screen adaptation of Donald Pollock's famous novel, The Devil All The Time, and although it pays homage to the book, this cinematic marvel is far enough removed from the literature to hold its place as a shocking, yet intriguing Southern Gothic masterpiece.
Tom Holland, Sebastian Stan, and Robert Pattinson play their roles to perfection, and their performances along with the time-bending story and plot will leave you at the edge of your seat trying to make sense of it all, even after the film ends. It's a harrowing watch but well worth the effort!
I'm Thinking of Ending Things, 6.7
If tightly-written horror dramas are your thing, then you simply cannot miss I'm Thinking of Ending Things! The screen adaptation of Charlie Kaufman's gripping book will surely make you ask many questions right from the very beginning and probably leave you wanting more of it.
It follows the story of a woman, who might or might not be called Lucy, and her boyfriend as they find themselves in a time-shifting universe. There are bizarre musical sequences, creepy parents, and a dog that is incessantly trying to dry itself - the perfect movie for a Friday evening!
Atlantics, 6.7
It is a spooky tale that follows the life of the 17-year-old Senagalese, Ada, and Souleiman, a construction worker who ventures into the sea in pursuit of work. Eventually, he does return to his hometown, albeit not in the same old state!
While it seems like a usual ghost story with its suspense and portrayal of characters, there are many more layers to this beautiful romance. Mati Diop perfectly captures the plight of the country’s workers, a love story, and some beautiful shots in a short span of 106 minutes. Atlantics is worth the while!
The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected), 6.9
You need to watch The Meyerowitz Stories irrespective of whether you like Adam Sandler! The Noah Baumbach film is all about an overwhelming number of emotions that include loads of laughter. In the words of a film critic, It is an intergenerational dramedy that follows the lives of a New York-based family.
Besides Sandler, we have many stars like Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, and Elizabeth Marvel, who seem to be placed in tailor-made roles. After watching the film, you’ll admit that Baumbach has certainly put all that experience of working with Wes Anderson to some good use.
Okja, 7.3
With Paul Dano, Tilda Swinton, and other supremely talented stars, Okja is a film that could leave a lasting impression on you. For a sci-fi adventure, it sure does raise a lot of social questions, such as the ethics pertaining to meat production.
It makes a strong case for the fact that Netflix has successfully managed to break the language barrier for the entire world. Besides, you have an Academy Award-winning director in the form of Bong Joon-ho, whose amazing body of work makes you want to hit the play button right now!
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, 7.3
We will never do away with the genre of western films, will we? In fact, Netflix pulled a coup to get the Coen brothers' movie from television to the platform. Before the streaming giant intervened, it was supposed to be a collection of six short films about the West.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is certainly brilliant like any other Coen brothers film, but its ease of watching makes things even better. You can pull out that sofa and consume it in one sitting or watch it on your way to work in parts without losing the plot!
Da 5 Bloods, 6.5
Spike Lee is a director who has been close to the theme of racial tensions since the ‘80s! While his works like Chi-Raq and BlacKkKlansman received their due credit, Da 5 Bloods completely flew under the radar.
In the film, four veterans set out to Vietnam to find their squad leader’s remains and end up portraying a fierce and fascinating picture along the way. It is true that the verdict on this movie is mixed, but there’s no denying the fact that there are many soul-stirring moments with raw emotions.
Marriage Story, 8.0
What happens when a theatre director who is also a huge control-freak and an actress looking for a big break in showbiz get married? Marriage Story explores the murky details of divorce like none other, and the fact it has two fantastic lead actors makes things look even more real.
Interestingly, Noah Baumbach formulated this script when he was attending proceedings of his own divorce. On that note, you can take a raincheck on this film if you don’t want to watch a couple fighting through troubles in their marriage!
The Irishman, 7.9
You saw this masterpiece coming, didn't you? The powerful combination of Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino has probably made it to all the lists of greatest films by now. At the outset, it feels like a usual gangster drama until the plot pivots to aspects like friendship and betrayal.
Besides the engaging plot, the wow factor lies in watching de-aged actors, reminiscing the good old classics like Scarface and The Godfather. It is films like these that make us believe that the Scorcese-De Niro combination is Hollywood's gift that doesn't stop giving - The Irishman is a must-watch!
Roma, 7.7
Roma is among those enthralling films in which not having a star-studded cast helped the plot shine on its own merits. Atmospherically set in the Mexican capital during the '70s, the story follows how different classes and cultures intertwined using some breathtaking shots.
His upbringing inspires Alfonso Cuaron's opus in the city, so the man clearly knew how to make the movie work, even if it meant bringing in CGI. Don't watch it because the film won three Oscars, but instead for the ingenuity of its storyline and the brilliance actors' unforgettable performances in it!
The Social Network, 7.7
Yes, you read it right! It is the Jesse Eisenberg-starring vehicle The Social Network, not the 2020 documentary Social Dilemma. In this period of disruptions and with Facebook cementing its positions as a tech giant, it is high time for us to revisit where it all started.
While many startup geeks and Harvard alumni disagree with the events depicted in the film, it is as close as it gets to reality. Besides, some genuinely talented artists like Rooney Mara and Andrew Garfield add to this biographical film's overall appeal. Add this one to your watch list for sure!
Uncut Gems, 7.4
2020 has been quite a strange year, but Netflix has managed to ground us and bring the most needed entertainment for us to take a break from all the depressing stuff. One of the year's blockbuster movies is Uncut Gems, a masterpiece by the Safdie brothers who directed the film.
Adam Sandler plays Howie, a Jewish jeweler based in New York City and has a huge gambling problem and at the same time owes a lot of money to lots of people. This movie will keep you at the edge of your seat, with your favorite actor doing all the wrong things giving the film a nervy ending.
Dolemite Is My Name, 7.3
Eddie Murphy's performance as Rudy Ray Moore in Dolemite Is My Name is a sight to behold, and the legendary actor should have at least won an Oscar for this film. The movie tells the story of Moore's life as a kung-Fu fighting actor struggling to make comedy films and albums and the lack of high levels of fame he wanted to attain.
In Dolemite Is My Name, Eddie Murphy outdid himself, and it is one of his best performances as a comedian with punchlines that he weaves into the scenes seamlessly. Wesley Snipes also appears as director D'urville Martin, and he is quite brilliant in the role.
Beasts of No Nation, 7.7
Set in a fictional African country, Beasts of No Nation was one of the very first movies by Netflix and it was a bold one. The film is about a child soldier instructed by a harsh commandant, and when you finish watching it, you will feel emotionally drained and quite conflicted morally.
Legendary actor Idris Elba plays the commandant, and watching him groom a child soldier is as terrifying as it is thrilling, and despite that, you would find yourself rooting for him. Cary Joji Fukunaga directs the film, and it’s a brilliant piece that is a must-watch!
Private Life, 7.
Private Life is the perfect blend of comedy and drama, with everyone in the cast doing an exceptional job of bringing it to life. Kathryn Hahn and Paul Giamatti play a married couple who are trying to have a baby. While they are short on time, they try using several ways of assisted reproductions before Sadie enters their life, changing everything.
The movie’s success is in its authentic script, and director Tamara Jenkins seamlessly mashes the middle-age conflict plot with New York indie concepts. Giamatti’s performance is a charming addition to the whole production, and it is no wonder it has such a high rating.
Mudbound, 7.4
Mudbound is a dramatic thriller set in Southern US post-World War II. The story is about cultural segregation that was still rampant at the time, a century after abolishing slavery - The film explores the war's traumatic experiences. Garrett Hedlund and Jason Mitchell put in the best performances in their careers yet, and it's an exceptional movie Netflix has produced.
The film's an epic war drama that is very relevant today, with its themes of diversity and volatile nature of the south pretty strong. We would recommend that you put this one on top of your to-watch list.
Other Side of the Wind, 6.8
In what is probably one of the best movie openings, Other Side of the Wind introduces you to the last day of Jake Hannaford, (played by John Huston) an old Hollywood director. The movie-within-a-movie idea features Hannaford hosting a telecast of his new film of the same name and it meshes the Golden Age of Hollywood, with the 1960s experimental cinema.
This lost Orson Welles movie is a fantastic piece of creativity that combines history, classic and modern cinema in perfect harmony. To top it off, it comes with a They’ll Love Me When I’m Gone documentary that makes for ultimate binge-watching content.
The Little Prince, 7.7
While Netflix is free to work on more adult-themed films, it doesn’t only concentrate on such productions but sometimes makes family-friendly movies, and The Little Prince is the perfect example. Based on a French novella from 1943, this animated movie is about a lonely young boy who escapes to another world through magical stories told to her by his neighbor, and her journey brings with it discovery and change.
The Little Prince might not be high-paced as what we have become used to in the world of cinema, but it’s a welcome addition to help us bring back some fun and calm in our lives!
Zodiac, 7.7
After carefully mastering the crime story-telling skills, director David Fincher went all out searching for Zodiac and did not leave any stone unturned. With an all-star cast of Mark Ruffalo, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Robert Downey Jr, the movie unfolds in San Francisco Chronicle's newsroom, where Zodiac's first victims, correspondence, and ciphers are analyzed.
The film's conclusion is not a typical one; writer James Vanderbilt decides to leave you on a cliffhanger, with the Zodiac never being found. However, somehow, it ends in its own harrowing way, and we must say it is one of the best of Fincher's work.
High Flying Bird, 6.2
If you are a fan of sports, then you will enjoy watching High Flying Bird. This sports drama is about Ray, a young sports agent representing an exceptionally skilled player and has found himself in the middle of a power battle between the owners and the players.
In a bid to make things better, he fights the system that suppresses players' opinions, and it evolves into a risky game of power, money, and ratings. The movie blends conversation with high-octane action scenes, and what makes it even more intriguing is that it was all shot on the iPhone. What a comeback by semi-retired director Stephen Soderbergh!
Monty Python and the Holy Grail, 8.2
When it comes to comedy, whether you like satire or you're inclined to physical humor, watching Monty Python and the Holy Grail will no doubt get your ribs cracking. This movie has everything, from surrealism, dead-pan delivery, innuendos, and cool shenanigans, which have inspired many modern comedians.
The medieval setup is the perfect ground for Monty Python's jokes, with Graham Chapman as 'King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Temple' ride away to look for the titular object. This film is as absurd as it's funny, and the cast wholesomely did an outrageously splendid job.
Groundhog Day, 8
We understand how difficult it must be for many people to find a good movie and have some laughs. Well, we have done the hard work for you and present to you Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day is a masterpiece in which the iconic funny leading man stars as a reporter who lives the same day again and again. And Believe us, it does not matter how many times you have seen it because it’s a treat to watch it every time.
With extraordinary performance, excellent script, and an outstanding cast, the film never fails to get a few good laughs. Thank us for this later!
The Old Guard, 6.6
Who does not like to watch Charlize Theron in action? We think almost everyone agrees that it’s a treat to watch her, and you’ll love her role in Netflix’s film The Old Guard. She is playing an out-of-the-world warrior who is fed up with the world and fights the bad guys.
Even though this new high-budget thriller might not be the level of Marvel or DC, it is definitely an interesting watch. Besides, if you are a person who is crazy about comics, then we would recommend you watch it immediately. We bet that you’ll love Charlize’s bad-ass fighter character!
I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore, 6.9
The name of the movie shows that it follows the misadventures of two neighbors as they try to track down the thief who stole a silver spoon that belonged to one of the protagonist's grandmother. Doesn't it sound interesting, right?
I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore is indeed among the best Netflix films ever produced because it is equally cynical and humorous. It also echoes almost everyone's disaffection with the world. Besides that, it is always interesting to watch people take on a self-centered society, albeit with somewhat unexpected results.
The Two Popes, 7.6
The Two Popes has to be among the best films in a while. Primarily because of its outstanding screenplay, casting, and the genre of the movie. The narrative follows Pope Benedict and Pope Francis, these two friends have very different views on running the church, and their discussion in the film is fascinating, with a little touch of decent comedy.
Even if you are a non-religious type of person, this is the right film for you. The Two Popes has also to offer as it paints a thought-provoking picture of two friends at odds coming to an understanding.
Nightcrawler, 7.9
With increasing crime in the city of Los Angeles and a race by big media houses to break fearful news to the residents, Lou Bloom is willing and ready to gore up the dark streets. In the film, he chases crime scenes and ambulances for morning news footage, giving people a frisson of anxiety and fear.
We think that you will like Nightcrawler for all the obvious reasons. Most importantly, you get to witness the outstanding performances by Riz Ahmad and Jake Gyllenhaal. Besides, the cinematography and feel of the film will mesmerize you. So, what are you waiting for?
The Half of It, 6.9
Netflix scored true gold with The Half Of It. You see, it is not a typical boy meets girl, become friends, fall in love kind of story. The plot is far more interesting and is a fascinating narrative that beautifully portrays unconditional love and fate.
About the storyline itself, a boy meets a girl, and he wants to go old school and write love letters. Then he gets the help of a female pal to write the messages for him, then, (brace yourself) the female pal meets the girl. And guess what? They fall for each other, and the guy stans their love; how heartwarming is that? Wait till you watch it!
The Boys In The Band, 6.8
It is always fascinating when the stage comes to screen, which is why we think that Joe Mantello did a great job when he decided to bring up a 2020 version of the 1980's hit stage play with even the same name: The Boys In The Band.
And what better way to make sure the drama is brought well to life than have the entire cast restate their parts from the famous 2018 Broadway revival? Spoiler Alert, the storyline itself talks about the bitter-sweet experiences a gay man had to go through in 1968 New York, albeit beautifully told.
Eurovision, 6.5
When endeavoring musicians, Sigrit and Lars find themselves with a chance to represent their respective countries in a contest; in the biggest singing competition in the whole world, the duo proves that any goal worth having is worth achieving. Also, most importantly, worth fighting for to the bitter end!
Eurovision has everything, from senseless European singalongs to ruinous mythical creatures like murderous elves. Oh, and did we mention Will Farell in a flowy blond wig, fooling around, with a laugh-out-loud-funny accent? Everything to keep us laughing through all the chaos we have been going through in recent times, this film has!