Best movies to watch on Netflix right now

Of course as well as including several of its own original movies, the streamer retains an impressive catalogue of films from years gone by – from the Coen brothers' 2007 Oscar-winning hit No Country For Old Men to Martin Scorsese's sumptuous period drama The Age of Innocence.

And if you've recently been blown away by Cillian Murphy's tremendous performance in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, you can check out a much earlier role for the Irish actor in the 2005 thriller Red Eye, directed by Scream and Nightmare on Elm Street's Wes Craven.

Last year's Matilda the Musical, which proved a hit with viewers of all ages, is now available to stream on Netflix as well as other hits film like high-octane action sequel Extraction 2, all eight Harry Potter films, and two of the three Fantastic Beasts films.

What's more, if you enjoyed Wes Anderson's new film Asteroid City in cinemas recently, why not check out one of the director's earlier efforts, Fantastic Mr Fox, which is available on Netflix now?

Other recent originals added to Netflix's library include Luther: The Fallen Sun, The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, and Bird Box Barcelona - with plenty more still to come throughout the rest of this year.

If you're wondering which of the streamer's offerings to watch right now, RadioTimes.com has compiled a list of Netflix recommendations to suit all.

Read on for our latest picks of the best films on the streaming service below – updated weekly – or head over to our guides to the best series on Netflix and best comedies on Netflix.

Alternatively, check out our helpful list of Netflix secret codes which help you unlock hidden movies and TV shows.

Updated 27th July 2023.

What are the best movies on Netflix to watch right now?

No Country For Old Men (2007)

2007 is considered one of the best years for movies since the turn of the century – and the Coen brothers' adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's 2005 novel ranks among the very finest films released last year, taking home the Oscar for Best Picture. More serious in tone than some of the Coens' previous works – but retaining some of their trademark black humour – the film focuses on the fallout of a drugs deal gone wrong and three men who get caught up in the aftermath.

Those three men are opportunistic hunter Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), psychopathic assassin Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), and world-weary sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) all three of whom become embroiled in a bloody pursuit across the West Texas desert. A bleak film with an undoubtedly nihilistic worldview, it's an extremely well-written and directed film that finds Bardem at the top of his game as one of the most chilling villains to ever grace the silver screen.

Red Eye (2005)

Cillian Murphy is currently dominating the headlines thanks to his astonishing central performance in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, and the Peaky Blinders star puts in another memorable – if very different – turn in this 2005 thriller from the late Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream director Wes Craven.

Across a tense and tightly paced 90-minute runtime, Murphy plays a terrorist agent who shares a red-eye flight with overworked hotel manager Lisa (Rachel McAdams). After initially charming her, he reveals his sinister side when he forces her to help him complete his mission to assassinate a government figure staying at her hotel. Brian Cox also stars as Lisa's father, who the terrorist organisation will kill if she doesn't adhere to his demands. It's a gripping thriller bolstered by two brilliant lead performances and strong direction from Craven.

The Deepest Breath (2023)

Would you be willing to risk your life and dive more than 300 feet deep into the ocean? Well, while you may not have to consider such a feat in your own life, you can watch from the comfort of your own sofa how champion free-diver Alessia Zecchini takes on the task. Netflix know how to do a gripping documentary but here, we follow Alessia as she takes on all the risks and rewards in order to break the world free-diving record.

But as is often the case of a Netflix film, the documentary also explores the relationship between Alessia and Irish record-setting free-diver Stephen Keenan, who she enlists the help of. Will Alessia reach her ultimate career goal? You'll have to wait and see.

Bird Box Barcelona (2023)

If you cast your mind back to five years ago, it's hard to believe that Bird Box premiered and took Netflix by storm. The smash hit film, which starred Sandra Bullock, went on to become a viral sensation but now, this new spin-off sees a new group of people having to navigate a similar – and very scary – situation to Bullock in the first film.

The mysterious and monstrous entity that causes people who look at it to instantly kill themselves is the stuff of nightmares, but if you're looking for a horror to keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a surefire hit.

Eldorado: Everything The Nazis Hate (2023)

This historical documentary is an extraordinary look into one of Berlin's decadent nightclubs that offered offered a refuge to LGBTQ+ people, unlike any other city in Germany. But that was before Nazi rule.

This documentary explores what was lost and how Eldorado was a space of contradictions, where some of its openly gay visitors arrived in their Nazi uniforms. Not only are the true stories of this nightclub and the people who frequented it enlightening, but the film itself uses state-of-the-art re-enactments to truly take you there.

Blending together biographical stories, archival footage, as well as renowned historians and the last generation of first person witnesses and family members, this documentary will surely unlock a slice of pivotal LGBTQ+ history that not many people know about.

Wham! (2023)

This year has been a big one for all-access music documentaries - first we had Netflix's own Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now, then we got Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All on Disney Plus, both of which went down a storm with the artists' fans and with fans of the genre itself.

Now, Netflix has given us Wham!, an in-depth look at the iconic pop duo made up of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. The film features footage from the personal archives of both Michael and Ridgeley, as well as rare and previously unheard interviews.

The film leans into the joy of the duo's music, for better or worse - it means that fans looking for a more in-depth analysis of some of the hardships they faced may leave feeling shortchanged, but for others it's an fun and affectionate tale of friendship which holds its subjects in the utmost regard.

Matilda the Musical (2022)

There was plenty of hype for this adaptation of Tim Minchin's musical play, itself an adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's book, ahead of it's arrival. It's therefore a good thing that this not only met, but exceeded many fans' expectations.

As in the book and previous adaptations, the film focusses on Matilda Wormwood, played here by Alisha Weir, who is neglected by her parents and is sent to Crunchem Hall school, ruled over by the tyrannical headteacher Miss Agatha Trunchbull (Emma Thompson).

The film is an anarchic jolt of pure fun, with Weir doing a stellar job in the title role and Matthew Warchus excelling behind the camera. However, it's really the songs which are the star of the show here, with each toe-tapping tune being used for excellent effect.

Extraction 2 (2023)

This sequel does exactly what an action sequel should - it ups the ante, with some incredibly choreographed action sequences which will make you gawp at the screen.

Once again, the plot and characters really aren't the focus here. Everything is perfectly serviceable, there is emotion present and the performances are good, but they aren't what viewers are tuning in for.

They're turning up for the bloody, intense action, the incredible stunt work and the intense pacing. Meanwhile, Idris Elba's inclusion makes for a hugely fun addition, and he will hopefully get more to play with in the already-announced Extraction 3.

The Big Short (2015)

For many people, The Big Short remains director Adam McKay's magnum opus - while his earlier comedy films have huge fanbases, and later efforts Vice and Don't Look Up certainly have their own supporters, The Big Short is arguably his tightest and most visceral film to date.

It's impressive not just because of how it manages its sprawling cast, how it envelopes you in its frantic visuals or how searingly funny it is - it's also impressive because it manages to take as complex a subject as the 2007 housing market crash and explain it in a way that is informative without being patronising.

It's a seriously smart piece of writing which will leave you both more informed, and far angrier with global financial institutions than you were before.

Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)

One of Wes Anderson's most celebrated films, Fantastic Mr Fox is also the director's only adaptation of someone else's work to date, with Anderson giving his spin on Roald Dahl's classic book.

The animation is gorgeously realised in impressive stop-motion, while the vocal performances are typically Andersonian - emotionally detached, verbose and being spoken by some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

It's one of Anderson's funniest efforts to date which manages to somewhat bridge the gap between his quirky aesthetic style and the classic tale it is adapting. It still won't be for everyone, but at the very least viewers will surely be blown away by the meticulously designed imagery on screen.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)

As soon as people heard the premise of this movie, many of them were immediately sold. A film in which Nicolas Cage plays a heightened version of himself getting caught up in action comedy scrapes - what's not to love?

This is really a film made for Cage super-fans, with more nods and winks at his film canon than you can shake a stick at. However, that doesn't mean it's not a fun ride for more casual movie-goers, and a lot of that is down to the movie's other ace in the hold - Pedro Pascal.

Pascal has of course been steadily gaining in prominence over the years, but here he really excels, threatening to steal the entire thing from Cage himself. Pascal plays a billionaire playboy who may or may not be up to no good, but is definitely a Cage super-fan. Cage, recruited by the CIA, has to befriend him and find out.

RRR (2022)

This Indian blockbuster enraptured viewers all over the world when it was unleashed last year. Set against the backdrop of the brutal British Raj, RRR is a thrilling tale of revenge, which also chronicles a charming fictional friendship between real-life revolutionaries Komaram Bheem (NT Rama Rao Jr) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan).

Audiences were wowed by the incredible action sequences staged by director S S Rajamouli, while the film's musical elements also attracted high praise – including the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Don't be daunted by the three-hour runtime! The film flies by, never failing to surprise as it bounces between several different genres – you'll laugh and cry on this utterly unique emotional rollercoaster.

Note: Netflix only has rights to the Hindi dubbed version of RRR. The movie was filmed in the Telugu language, making it a production of Tollywood (not Bollywood).

People Just Do Nothing: Big in Japan (2021)

With all of the People Just Do Nothing series also available to stream on Netflix, you can now binge watch the entire back catalogue of Kurupt FM on the streamer.

This follow-up film sees the boys heading to Japan, after they find out their song has gone viral in the country due to its usage in a popular gameshow.

The film is just as funny as the series ever was, with an outrageous number of gags per minute and a real heart at the centre of it. Mostly, you'll just be glad to be spending time with Grindah, Beats, Steves, Decoy and, of course, Chabuddy again, and will find yourself praying for a sequel by the end.

F9: The Fast Saga (2021)

Celebrate the release of Fast X by revisiting the previous entry in Vin Diesel's long-running action franchise. The actor returns as Dom Toretto, with WWE legend John Cena stepping up to play his long-lost brother, Jakob.

Suffice to say, their reunion is not a happy one as the rogue sibling has become embroiled in a plot that puts the world at risk. Can the siblings reconcile their differences before it's too late? Dom is a big believer in family, after all.

Though it doesn't rank with the best this series has to offer, there's still fun to be had with F9: The Fast Saga, which opens with Dom's car swinging from a vine like Tarzan and later features a foray into outer space. Seriously.

Old (2021)

Writer/director M Night Shyamalan has long carried a reputation for blending wacky premises and crazy twists – often with mixed results – and this 2021 effort was a worthy addition to his filmography.

Adapted from a Swiss graphic novel titled Sandcastle, the film follows a group of holidaymakers who find themself trapped on a beach which mysteriously makes them age at an alarmingly rapid rate, leading to all sorts of drastic consequences.

Featuring some expertly executed virtuoso camerawork and impressive sound design, it's a film that slowly notches up the tension as the various characters attempt to avoid their fate – with some grisly set pieces interspersed throughout the runtime. Meanwhile, the ensemble cast all give enjoyable performances, with Alex Wolff and Thomasin McKenzie especially impressive.

The Harry Potter series

All seven films from the Harry Potter series are now available on Netflix, alongside the first two Fantastic Beasts films. With news that the books are to be adapted again as a Max original, seven-season series, it seems fans still are nowhere near done with the original film franchise.

The series not only proved to be the ultimate jumpstart for stars such as Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, it also featured stunning performances from acclaimed actors such as Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon and Alan Rickman.

The Fantastic Beasts films may not have caught fire the way the original series did, but when it comes to those seven films, they truly did manage to captivate a generation as they were released between 2001 and 2011.

In the Earth (2021)

This 2021 sci-fi horror film was shot during the pandemic, using almost entirely outside sets and capitalising on the eerie nature of the moment we were all living through. It comes from director Ben Wheatley, and stars Joel Fry, Reece Shearsmith, Hayley Squires and Ellora Torchia.

With its plot seeing a scientist looking to explore a mysterious forest area, the film leans into classic tropes of the genre but in the best way, building tension until it reaches breaking point. Mileage will vary on the final, psychedelic act, but it's a truly unique, haunting film which feels truly of its moment.

Moonage Daydream (2022)

Filmmaker Brett Morgen charts some of the highs and lows of David Bowie's extraordinary career in this wide-ranging documentary film that includes many of the legendary musician's greatest hits.

Designed as a two-and-a-half-hour immersive experience and including a raft of never-before-seen footage and interviews, Moonage Daydream mainly focuses on the mythology of Bowie as a performer and an artist, with less time given to his personal life. But it's an insightful and consistently enjoyable look at one of the 20th century's most important cultural figures.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die (2023)

Alexander Dreymon returns to the role of Uhtred of Bebbanburg for one final adventure, in this follow-up/swansong to the BBC and Netflix's The Last Kingdom. In the new film, Uhtred rides to support his former ward and protégé Athelstan in his bid for the throne, but finds he has fallen under a dark influence, and must decide where his loyalties lie.

The shorter run-time might mean that certain relationships and plot-lines are glossed over or seem as though put through a speed-run, but the increased budget and the chance to say a final farewell to Uhtred will surely make it a ride worth going on for fans.

Ad Astra (2019)

Brad Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones star in this 2019 sci-fi film about an astronaut who ventures into space in search of his lost father, who went missing on a mission to find intelligent alien life. It's directed by James Gray and also stars Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler and Donald Sutherland.

It is, at times, a bit of a hodge-podge of a film, veering wildly between a more existential, quiet reflection on the nature of existence and an all-out space action thriller. It's in the former where the film is more assured, but some impressive performances make sure it is still an entertaining, thoughtful watch throughout.

Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)

Jack Black returns as Po in this third and most recent Kung Fu Panda film. In the movie, Po is reunited with his father and discovers a secret Panda Village, but soon finds he must master his chi in order to defend it, as a spirit warrior called Kai is on the way.

As with the previous two films, Kung Fu Panda 3 remains a fun time throughout, with Black bringing the laughs and the rest of the all-star cast – including Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, Jackie Chan and Bryan Cranston – putting in engaging work. It might not be the best of the trilogy, but when it counts you'll find it has heart to spare.

Fall (2022)

This survival thriller from director Scott Mann follows best friends Becky and Hunter as they embark on a daring climbing expedition – designed to distract the former from her grief-stricken state brought about by the tragic death of her husband a year before.

Naturally, things go horribly awry when they get stranded at the top of a 2,000ft-high radio tower with little hope of getting down. Cue a nerve-shredding 100 minutes full of genuinely heart-in-your-mouth moments that will be just about the worst nightmare for anyone with a fear of heights.

Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)

Idris Elba reprises his role as DCI John Luther in this feature-length spin-off from the hit TV series. The film finds the title character breaking out of prison to confront maniacal cyber-criminal and serial killer David Robey (Andy Serkis) who has been taunting him for some time and continues to pose a major threat.

Trading the detective procedural genre for something more akin to an action thriller in the vein of old-school James Bond, this is a high-octane affair – with plenty of grisly set pieces along the way as the sheer evil of Robey becomes increasingly clear. Elba is magnetic as ever in the lead role, while Serkis relishes his part as a sort of pantomime villain.

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

For fans of nature documentaries who have found themselves enrapt by the brilliant Netflix original series Chimp Empire, there's never been a better time to revisit the Oscar winning 2020 film by the series's co-director, My Octopus Teacher.

The film is a fascinating look at one of the world's most distinct and unknowable creatures, as it follows a man who, when finding himself burned out and depressed, started to explore underwater world of the kelp forest off the coast of his hometown in South Africa. The film documents a truly unique friendship between Craig and the common octopus he meets, which is spectacular and unbelievable to behold.

Zombieland (2009)

This 2009 zombie comedy remains a true highlight of the era, teaming up stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin for a well-paced, quick bite of zombie action which works from both a comedy stand-point and a horror/action stand-point perfectly.

The story follows four individuals living in a zombie-invested world who are on a cross-country road-trip to reach a zombie-free safe haven. It may not be the most original premise, but its tone and the play between the lead actors is where it really works, slimming down the plot so its gives the characters space to breathe and have fun.

Cloverfield (2008)

With a direct sequel currently in the works, and director Matt Reeves going from strength to strength with The Batman, there has never been a better time to revisit the original Cloverfield film. A found-footage monster movie, the original Cloverfield surprised audiences with its stylish design, old-school thrills and emotional heft when it first arrived in 2008.

Since then the original film may have been slightly forgotten, in the shadow of its excellent (10 Cloverfield Lane) and terrible (The Cloverfield Paradox) shared universe films, but with fantastic performances from the likes of Lizzy Caplan, Michael Stahl-David and Jessica Lucas, it is still very much worth a watch.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

If you've enjoyed Guillermo Del Toro's recent projects such as Cabinet of Curiosities, Pinocchio or The Shape of Water, now's your chance to go back to one of his most acclaimed films: Pan's Labyrinth. The film takes places in Spain in 1944, and follows the main character Ofelia as she meets strange and magical creatures.

The film perfectly blends the gothic, the fantastical and serious drama to create a truly original and unique film experience. It is poetic without being inaccessible and brings the fairytale to an adult audience, while the stunning production design and costuming will have you enrapt until the credits roll.

Nobody (2021)

If you're used to seeing Bob Odenkirk in comedic roles, or know him only as Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul, then prepare to see him in a whole new light in this John Wick-style action-er which sees him as a family man pushed to the limits who returns to his violent past.

Odenkirk excels in the central role, both believably bringing the action thrills while also grounding the character in real pathos and humanity. The stunt choreography may not be as electric as the John Wick movies, but the film still feels as though it has real stakes, with viewers feeling every punch during the visceral brawls.

A Quiet Place Part II (2021)

After a serious delay due to the pandemic, A Quiet Place Part II was finally released in 2021, and proved itself to be both worth the wait for the big-screen experience and also a worthy follow-up to director John Krasinki's original horror-thriller.

While Emily Blunt continues to make her presence felt with a hugely impressive performance, this outing in the franchise about a world where making even the slightest noise could see you killed, really belongs to Millicent Simmonds, whose character Regan takes centre stage alongside newcomers including Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou. Just like the first, this film is tense, well-paced and terrifically well-shot and acted, making for a thrilling time all round.

Spotlight (2015)

If you're feeling bereft at the end of this year's awards season and are looking to enjoy watching or re-watching winners past, then why not check out Spotlight, the Best Picture winner from 2016's ceremony which is now available on Netflix? The film stars Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams, and tells the story of investigative journalists looking into a shocking history of abuse by Catholic priests in Boston.

It's not an easy or light watch and the film is steadily but not innovatively staged, but by the time you reach the end you will find yourself shocked by the harrowing true story and in awe of the work of the real-life journalists at the centre of it.

The Hunger Games (2012)

The full Hunger Games series is now available on Netflix, with all four films available to watch ahead of the release of prequel/spin-off The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes later this year.

Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen, a young woman in a dystopian future world who volunteers as tribute for a brutal tournament called The Hunger Games, in order to save her younger sister. The series may be a somewhat bumpy ride with some chapters working better than others, but the performances of Lawrence and her co-stars such as Woody Harrelson and Josh Hutcherson are strong, and the heartfelt storyline and strongly staged action sequences are compelling.

The House (2022)

This offbeat British stop-motion animated film flew somewhat under the radar when it first emerged on Netflix in 2022. It's an anthology of stories, all told around one location (unsurprisingly, a house) across many years, with characters varying from mice to cats to humans.

It's a seriously quirky endeavour and the different parts vary in quality. The strongest is the first, a truly unsettling sequence which will stay with you long after you've finished watching. However, there are still things to like about each of the other two segments, with strong vocal performances from well-known actors and a fascinating clash of tones, from the macabre and creepy to the hilarious and hopeful.

Arrival (2016)

This Oscar contender from 2016 remains of the finest sci-fi films of the past decade, featuring a stellar turn from Amy Adams and further marking out director Denis Villeneuve as a serious talent. It follows Adam's Louise Banks, a linguistics professor who is called in by the US army to translate an alien language when spaceships appear across the globe.

It's one of the most seemingly-realistic and detailed takes on what an alien encounter might look like, with a stunningly emotional centre which will doubtless leave many viewers in tears come the film's deeply satisfying end.

Step Brothers (2008)

In the mid-2000s, there was a very specific type of comedy that no one did better than Will Ferrell. Step Brothers is one of the most clear embodiments of that, and if you're not a fan of silly pratfalls, crude jokes and grown men acting like children, then this won't be for you.

However, for anyone else this is a hugely fun time, as it follows Ferrell and John C Reilly's fully grown step brothers as they find a way to live together and even become friends. It ends in one of the most ridiculous culminations of any comedy film, and features a hugely memorable scene with Adam Scott and Kathryn Hahn singing Sweet Child of Mine. What more could you ask for?

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

If you need any assurances as to why you should watch this new adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's classic novel, then look no further than the 14 BAFTA nominations and nine Oscar nominations it was just awarded with. The German language Netflix original film comes from director Edward Berger and is set in the closing days of the First World War.

It's a searing anti-war epic which is visceral and disturbing, so not one to watch for a gentle time in front of the TV or a pick-me-up. However, if you go along with it, the film is hugely powerful, with some stunning performances and an unflinching script.

Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)

If the awards season has got you in the mood to watch some past nominees and winners then Netflix has a treasure trove of options, including Quentin Tarantino's Hollywood epic Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, and follows a fading star and his stunt double around LA in 1969, as they have encounters in the movie industry and come across the Manson Family.

If you're looking for plot-centric movies, then this isn't it - this is very much a hangout movie, right down to its core, where you get to explore and live in the world, spend time with the characters and soak up the atmosphere. With characters and sets this enjoyable, that's no bad thing. In fact, it makes for one of Tarantino's most complete and best ever efforts.

The Age of Innocence (1993)

Legendary director Martin Scorsese is perhaps best known for his epic crime films, but his long career has been exceptionally varied and this wonderful period drama ranks up there with the very best of his work. Adapted from an Edith Wharton novel of the same name and boasting an exceptional cast that includes Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Winona Ryder in the lead roles, it recounts a tragic love triangle that develops in a wealthy New York estate in the 1870s.

It's an exquisitely made film with a brilliantly-judged melancholic tone, and the impressive cast members are all at the top of their game. Scorsese's direction is stunning, if less bombastic than in his gangster pictures, and there are several standout romantic moments – including an especially memorable scene that involves the removal of a glove.

The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

This gothic murder mystery sees Christian Bale take on the starring role of detective Augustus Landor – who is drafted in to help solve an extremely baffling case at West Point military academy in 1830. During the course of his investigations, he strikes up an alliance with a certain Edgar Allan Poe, who was a young cadet at the time and who is brilliantly played in the film by The Queen's Gambit and Harry Potter star Harry Melling.

Based on a novel of the same name by Louis Bayard, it's an atmospheric and intriguing film that should make for perfect viewing on a cold wintry night – with red herrings aplenty and a terrific supporting cast that includes the likes of Timothy Spall, Gillian Anderson, Lucy Boynton, Toby Jones and Industry's Harry Lawtey.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

Viewers who enjoyed the quirkiness of the first Knives Out will delight at seeing it turned up to 11 in follow-up Glass Onion, which introduces another colourful cast of characters, who become suspects in a mysterious murder. Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back to unravel the mind-bending events that take place on the private island of eccentric billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton).

This all-star cast is firing on all cylinders, with Janelle Monáe, Kate Hudson and Craig being highlights, the latter clearly still relishing a less action-centric role than the extremely demanding James Bond. Writer-director Rian Johnson, who delights in subverting expectations, does so again here – delivering a story packed with intriguing twists that keeps surprising until the very end. Also, keep an eye out for a few delightful cameo appearances.

Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)

If you're put off by the idea of another adaptation of this classic story, after Disney's live action version was released only earlier this year, never fear - Guillermo Del Toro will not disappoint. The acclaimed director has filled this latest version with his own passion, incredible stop-motion filmmaking and a devastating emotional core which won't leave a dry eye in the house come the movie's end.

You all know the story. Geppetto makes a puppet which comes to life and becomes his son, with the pair then getting tangled up in adventures alongside a talking cricket. However, this new version of the film certainly doesn't follow the Disney blueprint, and instead laces its narrative with profound meditations on grief, death, religion and authoritarianism. It's a truly beautiful and visually sumptuous piece of work.

Knives Out (2019)

The original film in Rian Johnson's Knives Out franchise has arrived on the streamer – giving fans the chance to catch up with Daniel Craig's original outing as enigmatic Southern detective Benoit Blanc. In the film, he's hired to get to the bottom of the murder of prolific crime novelist Harlan Thrombey on the night of his 85th birthday – with several members of the extended family falling under his suspicions.

With an ensemble cast to rival that of just about any film of the last decade – including Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, and Toni Collette – the mystery plays out at a perfect pace, with as many laugh-out-loud gags as there are gasp-worthy twists. It's a film so purely entertaining that it's no surprise Netflix was happy to shell out huge sums of money to bag exclusive rights to the follow-ups.

Sr. (2022)

One of the standout emotional film hits of this week has to be Sr., an intimate exploration into the life and career of maverick filmmaker Robert Downey Sr.

While many of us are more than familiar with the work of Robert Downey Jr, this explores the somewhat turbulent relationship between him and his father. The result is a film that is confronting and endearing in many different ways and veers into territory that hones in on art, mortality and healing generational dysfunction.

Film maker Downey Sr passed away during the making of this documentary, which leaves the film feeling even more emotionally-charged, but it's an affectionate tribute and an interrogation into complicated father-son relationships and family ties.

Lady Chatterley's Lover (2022)

This brand new adaptation of the steamy novel by DH Lawrence is getting rave reviews from critics, retelling the forbidden love affair between an upper class woman and her working class gamekeeper. This time, it's The Crown breakout star Emma Corrin and The North Water's Jack O'Connell playing the lead roles, with much being said of their electric chemistry in the film.

But of course, there's far more to this story than mere romance – although that's a crucial component – as director Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre also deftly examines its themes of feminism and the class divide. A must-watch and major awards contender.

The Wonder (2022)

Florence Pugh stars in this adaptation of The Wonder, the 2016 novel by Room writer Emma Donoghue. Pugh plays Nightingale Nurse Lib Wright who is sent from England to the Irish Midlands in 1862 in order to conduct an examination. The devout community there believe an 11-year-old girl has not eaten for four months, but need Lib to determine whether it is truly a trick or a miracle.

Director Sebastián Lelio keeps the audience in suspense, as the film takes on weighty topics such as how faith and scientific reason clash. It's a slow burn thriller, driven along by a phenomenal performance from Pugh, mesmerising visuals and a haunting musical score.

Wendell & Wild (2022)

When it comes to stop-motion, Henry Selick has certainly carved out a name for himself, not least because he is the director behind smash-hit Halloween/Christmas musical The Nightmare Before Christmas. Selick hasn't directed a film since 2009's Coraline, but here he is back behind the camera, with a screenplay he wrote alongside Jordan Peele.

Peele also stars in the film with his old comedy partner Keegan-Michael Key, in a story which sees a young orphaned girl discover she's a hell-maiden, able to raise demons from the underworld. Meanwhile, Key and Peele's titular demon duo hatch a cunning plan to exploit her for their own gain. It's a funny, moving, visually impressive work, which will keep the whole family entertained at any time of the year, but also seems destined to become a Halloween cult classic.

I, Tonya (2017)

Margot Robbie has plenty of impressive performances to her name by now, yet perhaps none more-so than in her role as Tonya Harding in this quirky biopic. Directed by Craig Gillespie as a mockumentary comedy, the film charts the true story of Harding's life and connection with the 1994 attack Nancy Kerrigan, but utilises unreliable narrators to do so.

The film is fast-paced and gripping, proving just as funny as it is often tragic, while Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney provide superb supporting performances.

The Good Nurse (2022)

Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne star in this chilling true crime drama – which is by no means your stereotypical serial killer thriller. It follows Charles Cullen, a nurse who moves from hospital to hospital in New Jersey and Pennsylvania harbouring a dark secret, only for his friend and colleague Amy Loughren to slowly come to the realisation that he's up to something deeply sinister.

Eschewing sensationalism in favour of a more realistic, fact-based approach, screenwriter Krysty Wilson-Cairns and director Tobias Lindholm ensure that the film is never anything short of gripping – while Redmayne's often understated performance is haunting and mesmeric. A compelling case study that isn't afraid to criticise the authorities that let Cullen get away with it for so long.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

One of the very best films to have been released in the last few years, French filmmaker Celine Sciamma's period romantic drama was a prize winner at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it opened to glowing reviews. Set in France in the late 18th century, the film follows the romance that develops between a reluctant bride-to-be and the artist hired to paint her portrait.

Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel are luminous in the lead roles, and the whole film is superbly put together by Sciamma, who directs the piece with subtlety and intelligence. Certain scenes will linger long in the memory, none more so than the heartbreaking final shot.

Blonde (2022)

To say that Andrew Dominik's new Marilyn Monroe movie Blonde has had a divisive reaction would be a major understatement – but the film has certainly caused quite a splash since it was added to the streamer in October 2022. Based on Joyce Carol Oates's 2000 biographical fiction novel of the same name, the film is not so much a truthful biopic as a brutal exploration of Hollywood exploitation and the nature of celebrity.

Ana de Armas is simply superb in the lead role, and although some sections of the near-three-hour film undoubtedly work better than others, there is plenty to admire – not least the stunning cinematography, some uncanny recreations of iconic images, and a terrific Nick Cave and Warren Ellis score. It certainly won't be for everyone – and is about the furthest from a feel-good film you could possibly get – but as a horror fever dream, it is undeniably effective.

Do Revenge (2022)

When it comes to comedies, Netflix loves to churn out fluffy teen titles to the extent that it's a hard task highlighting the few that are worth any streaming time. Do Revenge – the platform's brand new black comedy – is one of the exceptions within the dense genre thanks to its sharp script, surprising twists and satirical tone reminiscent of classic 90s films like Clueless.

Featuring the stars of nearly every hit teen drama – from Riverdale's Camila Mendes and Euphoria's Austin Abrams to 13 Reasons Why's Alisha Boe and a short but sweet cameo from Game of Thrones's Sophie Turner – Do Revenge is a loose adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers of a Train, following unlikely friends Drea (Mendes) and Eleanor (Maya Hawke). When the pair meet after being betrayed by their ex's, they decide to team up and, as the title suggests, do revenge.

While the stylish flick takes a somewhat left climactic turn that may put off viewers, it manages to find its way back to being the fun, rompy comedy that ultimately teaches you that you don't want to get on the bad side of a teenage girl.

Annihilation (2018)

In 2022, Alex Garland's latest film Men provoked some strong and highly divided reactions. It perhaps shouldn't have been a surprise - he's never been one to go for the safe and easy route. Annihilation was Garland's second directorial effort following Ex Machina, and follows Natalie Portman's Lena, a biology professor and army veteran. When her husband returns from a mysterious zone called the Shimmer and goes into a coma, Lena leads a group on an expedition to uncover the truth.

This film could have played out as a traditional sci-fi action film, but instead treads into far more thematically rich and interesting territory. With elements of horror sprinkled throughout it consistently defies categorisation, and at times becomes more of a mind-bending trip than anything else. A final big sequence may have audiences divided, but whatever your stance, it's undeniable that Annihilation is a hugely ambitious film which is well worth experiencing.

Prisoners (2013)

Before there was Dune, Blade Runner 2049 or Arrival there was Prisoners, the thriller that marked director Denis Villeneuve's first foray into English language filmmaking. It stars a killer cast including Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis and Paul Dano, and is a hugely tense and disturbing film that gets under your skin from the word go.

Jackman is Keller Dover, a man whose daughter, along with his neighbour's daughter, is abducted, while Gyllenhaal plays the detective trying to find the girls. He arrests intellectually disabled man Alex Jones (Dano), but when he is released due to lack of evidence, Dover takes matters into his own hands. It's a thriller that's not for the faint of heart and includes some truly shocking acts of violence, but it's utterly gripping, affecting and creates an atmosphere which will stay with you in a way all the best thrillers do.

Okja (2017)

Bong Joon-ho may now be known primarily for his Oscar-winning drama Parasite, but only a few years back he made an equally powerful film for Netflix - Okja. A co-production between South Korea and the United States starring an ensemble cast including Jake Gyllenhaal and Tilda Swinton, the film tells the story of Mija, a young girl who raised a genetically modified 'super pig', the titular Okja.

Tragedy strikes when Okja is taken to the US, and it's fair to say that from then on the film isn't an easy watch. A heartbreaking and brutal assessment of the meat industry, while also touching on capitalism and other prescient themes, make sure you're in the right frame of mind to watch this one - if you are, it's a stunningly thoughtful and powerful film.

Benediction (2021)

This Siegfried Sassoon biopic from legendary British filmmaker Terence Davies, which premiered at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, was one of the very best films to have been released in UK cinemas in 2022. A beautiful but melancholy portrait of the wartime poet, the film explores some of the obstacles he faced as a gay man in the first half of the twentieth century, charting his marriage to Hester Gatty and eventual conversion to Catholicism.

Despite often being a deeply sad piece of work, Davies also injects some real wit into proceedings, and the film is anchored by two absolutely superb performances from Jack Lowden and Peter Capaldi, who play the poet at different stages of his life. There are some stunning scenes that feature extracts from Sassoon's celebrated poetry, and the final shot is one for the ages.

Enola Holmes (2020)

With an Enola Holmes sequel afoot, what better time than to catch up on the original?

Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown plays Sherlock Holmes's sleuth younger sister in this Netflix Original, alongside the likes of Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin. It's a role she'll reprise in Enola Holmes 2, which wrapped filming back in January 2022 and will likely release later this year.

Based on American author Nancy Springer's novels of the same name, Enola Holmes stars Brown as the titular character, a smart and perceptive young woman who sets out to find her eccentric mother (Bonham Carter), who disappears on the morning of her 16th birthday.

While avoiding her strict older brothers, who try to place Enola in a finishing school for "proper" young ladies, the amateur detective finds herself becoming involved in a much bigger mystery surrounding fellow runaway Viscount Tewkesbury.

Featuring a star-studded cast, including Killing Eve's Fiona Shaw and Chewing Gum's Susie Wokoma, this Netflix film isn't one to miss, especially considering Henry Cavill's "softer" take on the iconic Sherlock. And it has proved a real hit with Netflix viewers.

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019)

If you're waiting on tenterhooks for the final episodes of Better Call Saul but dreading the series ending like the rest of us, then why not dive back into the Breaking Bad universe with this feature-length spin-off El Camino? Picking up after the end of the Breaking Bad finale, El Camino focuses on Jesse Pinkman as he attempts to make his way to freedom and a new life.

The lack of a clear-cut ending for Jesse was one of the very few gripes fans had about the Breaking Bad finale, with this film picking up the pieces and tying up loose ends in satisfying fashion. It may not be the most thrilling chapter in the Breaking Bad story, and it can be distracting how much some cast members have visibly aged in flashbacks, but overall it's a solid story and, as always, Aaron Paul is absolutely mesmerising in his role as Jesse.

In The Loop (2009)

If you're a fan of Armando Iannucci's The Thick of It then you'll love this big screen spin-off from 2009. It stars Tom Hollander as Simon Foster, the Secretary of State for International Development who finds himself embroiled in political games on both sides of the Atlantic, as the UK and the US navigate a potential upcoming war in the Middle East.

The film features an array of The Thick of It cast members (although not all of them in their original roles) but, as always, the stand-out is Peter Capaldi as Malcolm Tucker – the scariest and sweariest comic creation from recent years. Whenever Tucker's on screen, you just know the laughs won't be letting up, and at just over an hour-and-a-half, the film hits that perfect comedy sweet-spot of not outstaying its welcome.

Hustle (2022)

Adam Sandler returns to Netflix in Hustle – a basketball drama produced by LeBron James. In this brand new film, the Happy Gilmore star plays Stanley Sugerman, a scout for the Philadelphia 76ers who is becoming disenfranchised with his career and the frequent time spent away from his family when he discovers Bo Cruz, a man playing on the streets of Spain with extraordinary talent.

With a stellar cast featuring Hairspray's Queen Latifah, X-Men's Ben Foster, The Twilight Zone's Robert Duvall, Saturday Night Live's Heidi Gardner and countless cameos from basketball stars, Hustle is a charming sports drama with a lot of heart and a slam-dunk of a performance from Sandler.

Don't Look Up (2021)

Netflix film Don’t Look Up by director Adam McKay (Anchorman) is a biting satire about the world's response when it faces an imminent apocalypse.

When Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence leading the Don’t Look Up cast) discovers a comet is on its way to Earth, her professor Dr Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) discovers it will wipe out most of life on Earth unless action is taken. However, US President Janie Orlean (Meryl Streep) is apathetic about tackling the crisis.

As our own Don’t Look Up review notes, the film "has all the sledgehammer subtlety you’d expect from an apocalyptic satire about a world-ending comet, but it does manage to deliver some good laughs – and enjoyable performances – along the way.”

Boiling Point (2021)

If you don't want to be kept on the edge of your seat, this one might not be for you. But if you're up for a breathless thrill-ride through the stressful world of a restaurant, you really could do no better. Stephen Graham shines as Andy, the head chef of an up-market London restaurant, and is surrounded by a stellar supporting cast including Vinette Robinson and Jason Flemyng. The film was shot in just one take, with four attempts taken to get the finished article that you see on screen. It's a phenomenal technical achievement, and well worth checking out even just to marvel at how they accomplished it.

The Power of the Dog (2021)

It's been over a decade since Jane Campion last released a feature film – although she did create acclaimed TV series Top of the Lake in that time – and The Power of the Dog is a brilliant return to moviemaking for the former Oscar winner. Equal parts Western and psychological thriller, the film is based on Thomas Savage's 1967 novel of the same name, and deftly delves into issues including toxic masculinity and repressed homosexuality.

This is an impeccably crafted film, complete with a superb Jonny Greenwood score and a terrific cast – including a career-best turn from Benedict Cumberbatch as brutish rancher Phil Burbank and equally accomplished performances from Kodi Smit-McPhee, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons. The film bagged a hatful of Oscar nominations, and don't be too surprised to see some involved walking away with a golden statuette.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

Barry Keoghan is on his way to Hollywood superstardom, with his rise fuelled by recent roles in both the Marvel and DC cinematic universes, playing Eternals member Druig and a certain Batman role respectively. If you're curious to see more from the acclaimed Irish actor, consider watching this gripping psychological thriller from Yorgos Lanthimos, the filmmaker who also brought Olivia Colman to international attention with his pitch black comedy The Favourite.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer chronicles the unusual relationship between an accomplished heart surgeon and a teenage boy, who he invites to stay with his family for reasons that aren't initially clear. Keoghan gives a chilling performance as unwanted house guest Martin, playing brilliantly off the seemingly perfect married couple Steven and Anna, played by Colin Farrell (The Batman) and Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos) respectively.

The Lost Daughter (2021)

Maggie Gyllenhaal makes an accomplished directorial debut with this brilliant adaptation of Elene Ferrante's novella of the same name – which finds a college professor reflecting on her past when she encounters a young mother struggling with her child while on holiday in Greece.

The performances across the board are sublime – with Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley particularly shining as older and younger versions of the lead character as she confronts the difficult choices she faced when raising her children Bianca and Martha. The Lost Daughter has provoked plenty of interesting discussions since release, recently picking up three nominations at this year's Academy Awards (for Colman, Buckley and Gyllenhaal).

The Gentlemen (2020)

After a decade spent crafting Hollywood blockbusters, director Guy Ritchie went back to his roots for this star-studded gangster flick. The Gentlemen follows marijuana kingpin Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey), who has decided he wants out of his dangerous line of work for a quiet retirement with wife Rosalind (Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery). Of course, it's not as simple as handing in your notice, especially with so many rival organisations eyeing his market share.

The Gentlemen stands out as one of the more overtly comedic crime flicks Ritchie has produced, with each character more eccentric than the last and a script overflowing with risqué quips. Fortunately, this results in a riotous and unpredictable ride that absolutely flies by, featuring standout performances from Charlie Hunnam (Pacific Rim), Henry Golding (Snake Eyes), and Hugh Grant (The Undoing) as sleazy private investigator Fletcher.

Tick, Tick...BOOM! (2021)

Lin-Manuel Miranda has already achieved monumental success as a writer, performer, composer and musician, but new film Tick, Tick...BOOM! marks new territory for the Hamilton creator – his first film as a director. Based on Rent composer Jonathan Larsen's semi-autobiographical musical of the same name, the film essentially serves as a biopic of Larson's life while he was writing his high concept sci-fi musical Superbia in between waiting tables at the Moondance Diner, and includes several catchy songs including acapella number Boho Days.

Andrew Garfield steals the show with an all-singing, all-dancing performance in the lead role, perfectly capturing the nervous energy of a man determined to write a masterwork before it's too late, and is helped by some great supporting turns from the likes of Robin De Jesus as his best friend Michael and Alexandra Shipp as girlfriend Susan. And there are lots of special treats in store for Broadway fans – with a glut of stage legends making cameo appearances in the film, especially during the Stephen Sondheim-inspired number Sunday.

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

The directorial debut of Mike Rianda, this animated family film boasts The Lego Movie's Phil Lord and Christopher Miller among its producers and has already been singled out as one of the best feature animations of recent years. Telling the story of a dysfunctional family who suddenly find themselves tasked with staving off a robot uprising during a road trip, the film packs plenty of visual gags, stellar voice performances, and playful comments on the nature of technology into its runtime. Above all, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is supremely entertaining and should pretty much guarantee some big laughs for the whole family.

The Hand of God (2021)

The latest film from esteemed Italian director Paolo Sorrentino is his most autobiographical work to date – telling the story of Fabietto, a teenager growing up in Naples during the 1980s.

In the first half, the film sketches a very realistic and hugely enjoyable portrait of adolescence, as we get to know Fabietto, his extended family, and their various eccentricities – but in the second half, the tone changes somewhat when a tragic event casts a dark cloud over Fabietto's life. Many aspects of the film are taken directly from Sorrentino's own life and as a result it is a film that feels intimate and personal, while there are several standout scenes throughout the runtime – including overt nods to master Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini.

As the title would suggest, Argentine footballing legend Diego Maradona also has a key role to play in the narrative – although for the most part the Napoli superstar only appears in the background, as a focal point for Fabietto's conversations with those around him.

Passing (2021)

BAFTA-winning actress Rebecca Hall makes her directorial debut with this thoughtful period drama, which is based on a 1929 novel by Nella Larsen. The story follows childhood friends who meet again later in life and discover they have taken radically different paths in life. Irene Redfield (Tessa Thompson) has stayed true to her African-American roots, while Clare Bellew (Ruth Negga) has taken steps to "pass" as a white woman, making their experiences in a deeply prejudiced society very different.

Passing has received acclaim from critics, some of whom pitch it as a major awards contender, with Hall praised for her delicate handling of a sensitive topic as both writer and director. Negga could be on track for her second Oscar nod following 2016's Loving, while Tessa Thompson continues to balance bold independent work with her blockbuster appearances. The supporting cast includes Moonlight alum André Holland and True Blood's Alexander Skårsgard. Netflix acquired the film after it generated serious buzz at the Sundance Film Festival – now you can find out why.

The Harder They Fall (2021)

The Harder They Fall was always bound to be a hit with one of the strongest casts of any movie this year. The star-studded line-up includes Jonathan Majors (Loki), Idris Elba (Luther), Zazie Beetz (Atlanta), Regina King (Watchmen), Delroy Lindo (Da 5 Bloods), and Lakeith Stanfield (Judas and the Black Messiah) among others, teaming up for a Western revenge story with a distinctly modern feel to it.

The story kicks off as Nat Love (Majors) discovers his mortal enemy Rufus Buck (Elba) is being released from prison, bringing his gang together to track him down and seek vengeance for the murders of his parents many years earlier. However, Buck catches on to the plot and has allies of his own to fall back on, setting the two groups on a collision course that can only end in an epic confrontation.

Singer-songwriter and music producer Jeymes Samuel makes his directorial debut with The Harder They Fall, which features real historical figures as its main characters (albeit within the confines of a fictional story). The filmmaker wished to draw attention to the fact that Black cowboys did exist in the Old West, a fact that has been widely ignored by many earlier entries in the genre. The film's glowing reviews suggest he has done to great success.

Fear Street trilogy (2021)

Ever wondered what Stranger Things would look like if it were a full-on slasher horror? The answer is probably very similar to Fear Street: Part 1: 1994, the first of a trilogy based on the classic teen horror novels by Goosebumps scribe R.L. Stine. Always one to shake up how we watch movies, Netflix has marked a streaming first by releasing the entire trilogy over a three week period, eliminating the usual years-long wait for sequels and serving a triple treat of scares all within one murderous month.

Part 1: 1994 acts as an homage to the slasher movies from the film's '90s setting, with echoes of Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer complete with plenty of era-appropriate songs. While not a direct adaptation of any of Stine's novels, the film instead draws inspiration from the whole series, including the Shadyside location where a group of teenagers discover the cause of a curse that has been plaguing the area for 300 years – further explored in the following entries.

Appropriately enough, several Stranger Things stars appear in this nostalgic horror also – Robin actress Maya Hawke appears in a brief but key scene in Part 1, while Sadie Sink can be seen in Part 2: 1978. The final entry takes us all the way back to the year 1666, where the terror began.

Paddington (2014)

With the continued improvement of CGI and special effects, it's perhaps unsurprising that a beloved IP such as Paddington got a big-screen adaptation - what is surprising, however, is just how good the finished product ended up being. Paddington, of course, follows the polite Peruvian bear as he travels to London, and is adopted by the Brown family after getting lost at Paddington station. However, the bear's misadventures in the city are soon under threat - with Nicole Kidman's taxidermist villain determined to add him to her collection.

Paddington could easily have been a soulless cash-grab relying solely on the public's affection for the classic character, but instead director Paul King has crafted a film that is an absolute delight. Retaining the humour and charm of the books but also giving the bear's story a slight 21st Century update, Paddington sneaks in a gentle message about xenophobia and fitting in for an endlessly wholesome experience that's as sweet as a bottle of marmalade.

A talented cast helps also, with James Bond star Ben Whishaw lending his voice to the famous Bear and Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins as his adopted parents Mr. and Mrs. Brown. A who's who of British acting legends rounds out the cast, including the likes of Julie Walters, Peter Capaldi, Jim Broadbent and Imelda Staunton. A sequel starring Hugh Grant in a rare villain role is just as good and perhaps even better - and briefly held the honour of being the top film on Rotten Tomatoes - with Paddington 3 also in the works.

Army of the Dead (2021)

It's been a busy year for Zack Snyder – first, he finally got to release his long-awaited cut of the Justice League movie, and now he's made his first film for Netflix in the shape of zombie thriller Army of the Dead. It was in this genre that the director first made his name with his 2004 Dawn of the Dead remake, and this is largely a successful return for Synder – an imperfect film perhaps, but one with enough gore and new ideas to keep horror fans happy. The film is set in the aftermath of a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, following a group of surviving mercenaries as they prepare for a daring heist, and it overcomes its slight tonal imbalance to deliver a compelling piece of cinema with a likeable ensemble cast and some excellently executed horror moments.

Love and Monsters (2021)

This enjoyable adventure film was an unlikely Oscar nominee – in the best visual effects category – and has proved to be a big success since arriving on the streamer in April. The film concerns Joel Dawson (Dylan O’Brien) and his dangerous attempts to reach his high school sweetheart seven years after they were separated at the outset of the 'Monsterpocalypse'. As is to be expected by the title, his journey is not without danger – and Joel must fight off all manner of monsters if he is to truly reconnect with his love interest. This is an unpretentious family-friendly romp that provides two hours of excellent escapist fun.

Shirley (2020)

Elisabeth Moss turns in a fine performance in this fictionalised biopic of legendary horror fiction writer Shirley Jackson – one of the best new films of 2020. Taking inspiration from the work of Jackson herself, this is a dark, sometimes unnerving film that works as much as a psychological thriller as a traditional biopic . It tells the story of Fred and Rose Nemser, a newlywed couple who are taken in by Jackson and her husband – eventually providing inspiration for the writer's latest book.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Everyone has a different favourite Quentin Tarantino film, but this gloriously violent World War Two tale will feature near the top of a lot of people's lists. Starring Brad Pitt as a lieutenant leadining a troop of righteously vengeful Jewish-American soliders, and an Oscar-winning Christoph Waltz as the chilling Nazi villain Hans Landa, the film is electric throughout – from the unberably tense opening scene to the immensely cathartic conclusion. Complete with plenty of Tarantino's trademark dialogue and a handful of perfectly constructed set pieces – including one of the most suspenseful card games ever seen on film – this two and a half hour epic is the writer/director at the very top of his game.

Bad Trip (2021)

Starring comedians Eric André (The Lion King) and Lil Rel Howery (Get Out), this hidden-camera comedy follows best friends Chris and Bud as they take a road trip from their small town in Florida to New York City so that Chris can declare his love for his high school sweetheart Maria (Michaela Conlin). However, with Bud's criminal sister Trina (Tiffany Haddish) on their tail after escaping prison, the two find themselves in a number of sticky situations as actual members of the public look on in shock. With Bad Trip currently one of the most-watched flicks on Netflix, this 80-minute film is worth the watch for André and Howery's stellar chemistry and a stand-out performance from Haddish.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before trilogy (2018-21)

Based on Jenny Han’s bestselling novels, this is a set of sweet romcoms, which also serve as an homage to the best films of the genre from the 1980s and 90s. Lana Condor stars as Laura Jean Covey, a Korean-American high-schooler whose world is turned upside-down when a box of private love letters that she penned to her crushes is distributed to its intended recipients. The first film was a massive hit, catapulting Condor and co-star Noah Centineo to superstardom, while it was followed by two sequels: PS I Still Love You and Always and Forever, also streaming on Netflix.

News of the World (2021)

Tom Hanks reunites with director Paul Greengrass for the first time since the Oscar-nominated Captain Phillips in 2013 in this brand new feature – but it's a rather different affair from the pair's last collaboration. The western drama sees Hanks star as a traveling non-fiction storyteller in the post-Civil War USA, who finds an unlikely traveling companion in 10-year-old child Johanna – who had been raised by the Kiowa people as one of their own.

Pele (2021)

Feature-length documentary film Pele follows the rise of the Brazilian footballing legend as he goes from teenage prodigy to global superstar, set against the backdrop of a turbulent period in Brazilian political history. Including archive footage, brand new interviews and access to Pele himself, the film sheds new light on a player often regarded to be the best to have ever played the game.

The Dig (2021)

Based on the John Preston 2007 novel, The Dig focuses on the events of the famous 1939 excavation of the Sutton Hoo burial site, and features an all-star cast with the likes of stars Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James, EMMA.'s Johnny Flynn. Mulligan plays British landowner Edith Pretty, on whose property the excavation takes place.

The White Tiger (2021)

Netflix's latest original film is an adaptation of Aravind Adiga's novel of the same name, which follows the story of Balram Halwai (Adarsh Gourav) as he attempts to escape poverty and rise to the highest levels of society. Produced by Priyanka Chopra, who also appears in a supporting role, The White Tiger has been widely praised by critics, who have been particularly impressed by its stylish direction by 99 Homes helmer Ramin Bahrani as well as the compelling performances across the board.

Pieces of a Woman (2020)

Netflix original film Pieces of a Woman stars The Crown's Vanessa Kirby as Martha, a pregnant young woman who suffers a traumatic home birth, leading to the death of her newborn daughter. Together with her husband (Shia LaBeouf), Martha learns to live with her unbearable grief whilst taking her midwife to court.

With a star-studded cast featuring the likes of Ellen Burstyn (Requiem for a Dream), Molly Parker (Lost in Space) and Sarah Snook (Succession), this harrowing exploration of bereavement is undoubtedly a career high for Kirby, who delivers one of her best performances to date.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom stars Viola Davis as the real-life “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey, opposite the late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman in his final on-screen performance as the mercurial trumpeter Levee.

Based on August Wilson’s play of the same name, the action takes place during a claustrophobic recording session, in which tempers flare, truths are revealed, and jealousies named. Inspired by real-life themes from the time, you can find out more about Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom true story here.

Mank (2020)

David Fincher's first film in six years, Mank is a stylish black and white drama that reevaluates Golden Age Hollywood through the eyes of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz – known to his friends as Mank. The film specifically deals with the issue of the authorship of seminal Orson Welles film Citizen Kane, which Mank claimed he should have had the sole screenwriting credit for.

The stellar cast includes Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Tuppence Middleton, Tom Burke, and many more, and the film is already winning rave reviews from critics. It is also something of a passion project for Fincher – the script was written by his late father, Jack, and he has reportedly been trying to get the film made for more than twenty years.

Oxygen (2021)

Maybe not one to watch to unwind - or if you're claustrophobic - most of Oxygen takes place in a box no bigger than a coffin. The film follows a woman who wakes up in a medical cryogenic chamber with no memory of who she is or how she got there. With oxygen starting to deplete, time is running out to rebuild her shattered memories to discover who she is, and find a way out of this nightmare.

Netflix has long helped bring acclaimed foreign films to mainstream attention, and this American-French co-production is one of the latest international showcases following the likes of The Platform and Under the Shadow. Thrillers don't get more tense than this with Elizabeth's panic at being trapped in a small space terrifyingly relatable, with the very limited cast outside of flashbacks adding to the isolation. There may also be a few twists along the way...

The film features a terrific French cast - Mélanie Laurent (6 Underground) deserves the highest praise as she spends the bulk of the screentime alone, with only Mathieu Amalric's (Quantum of Solace) robotic M.I.L.O. for company.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

This factual drama comes from acclaimed screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, whose past work includes television series The West Wing and Mark Zuckerberg biopic The Social Network. Here, he turns his attention to a 1969 trial that dominated the US news cycle as it unfolded, charging seven anti-Vietnam War protestors with conspiracy and crossing state lines with the intention of inciting riots.

Originally planned for a cinema release before the coronavirus pandemic quashed those plans, The Trial of the Chicago 7 boasts a truly magnificent cast. Recent Emmy winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen), Sacha Baron Cohen (The Spy), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception), Michael Keaton (Spider-Man: Homecoming) and Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) are among the names assembled, all of whom are on top form.

Packing some powerful messages that remain highly relevant to this day, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is another smart drama from Sorkin that is likely to be a major awards contender this year.

The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020)

An African-American woman approaching middle age rediscovers her talent for rapping in the knockout debut of writer/director Radha Blank, who also stars. Beautifully shot in monochrome, the film follows Blank's struggling playwright, who channels her frustrations into some sublime rhymes, , speaking her truth with lyrical aplomb and backed by the beats of collaborator D (Oswin Benjamin). Dodging cliché at every turn, Blank's elegant, edgy The Forty-Year-Old Version expertly challenges sexist and ageist assumptions while shining a light on patronising notions of cultural authenticity. The result is funny and formidably wise, and shows you really can be fresh at 40.

I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020)

Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adapation) has established a track record as one of the most innovative writer/directors in Hollywood, and his latest - adapted from Iain Reid's novel of the same name - is a nightmare journey into the psyche of a young woman who is taken by her boyfriend to meet her family in a secluded farm.

With a terrific cast that includes Jesse Plemons, Jessie Buckley, Toni Collette and David Thewlis, I'm Thinking of Ending Things this is about as unconventional as it gets - but will be sure to leave you both haunted and scratching your head...

The Old Guard (2020)

Charlize Theron stars in this fantasy flick about a group of immortal warriors who have been fighting covert wars in humanity's best interest for hundreds of years. But with a sharp rise in surveillance over the past few decades, their activities are becoming harder to cover up and they soon become the target of a ruthless businessman wishing to harness the secret behind their eternal life.

While not revolutionary, The Old Guard is a highly entertaining and stylishly executed film, with some excellent action sequences that showcase Theron at her very best. The cast also includes KiKi Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Doctor Strange) and Marwan Kenzari (Aladdin).

• The Old Guard locations guide: Where was the Netflix movie filmed?

Chicken Run (2000)

Aardman Animation has built up a reputation for consistently churning out high-quality stop-motion showcases, and outside of the phenomenally popular Wallace and Gromit series Chicken Run may well be their most successful. The highest-grossing stop-motion film of all time, Chicken Run follows the inhabitants of a chicken farm who see a chance to escape when rooster Rocky seemingly flies into their pen. They implore Rocky to teach them how to fly - before Mrs. Tweedy's pie machine is ready...

Aardman Animation's trademark sharp humour and attention to detail are on full display here, with several visual gags hidden within some of the painstakingly crafted frames. The film's critical acclaim also led to the introduction of Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, as well as leading to future feature films from Aardman such as Flushed Away, the Shaun the Sheep movies and The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. The stop-motion hit has arrived on Netflix ahead of the belated Chicken Run sequel, which is being made in collaboration with the streaming service.

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

The latest Spike Lee joint seems to have flown under the radar somewhat, but that's a crying shame as it truly is a superb and timely watch.

Da 5 Bloods follows a group of Vietnam war veterans as they return to the country in the present day, searching for the remains of their fallen commander and the treasure he left behind. It's an emotional journey that will see them confront their traumatic memories of the brutal conflict and the men it turned them into, while also exploring broader themes about the experiences of black people in the United States.

Delroy Lindo (The Good Fight), Clarke Peters (The Wire), Norm Lewis (Scandal), Isiah Whitlock Jr (BlacKkKlansman) and the late and much-missed Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther) play the original Bloods, with Jonathan Majors representing the next generation. It's a fantastic ensemble cast that provide strong performances across the board, some of which should have been recognised during the 2021 awards season - so get ahead of the curve and watch Da 5 Bloods now.

Marriage Story (2019)

On the face of it, Marriage Story shouldn’t be as an enjoyable watch as it is, given that it’s about a relationship falling apart and all the emotions that come with that. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver play the couple who decide to get divorced in this award-winning masterpiece from writer/director Noah Baumbach and put in some of the best performances of their career, which really deserved more award attention than they got.

It will make you laugh. It will make you smile. And if you are married, it will make you pray that you never get divorced…

The Irishman (2019)

A passion project long in the making, Netflix’s The Irishman sees director Martin Scorsese reunited with Robert De Niro for their ninth collaboration. The gangster biopic centres on Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran (De Niro), who recalls his involvement in the disappearance of his longtime friend Jimmy Hoffa (played by Al Pacino). The film was constantly in the news up to its release; from its CGI de-aging used on De Niro, Pacino and Joe Pesci, to the sheer unwieldy length of this epic (it's a whopping 3 hours 30 minutes, so you'll need plenty of popcorn).

13th (2016)

Following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and subsequent Black Lives Matter protests across the world, Netflix recently made racial inequality documentary 13th free to watch to non-Netflix subscribers, which has seen a 4,000% increase in streams.

The title of this potent film refers to the 13th Amendment: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States.” "Punishment for crime" is the key qualifier here, as Ava DuVernay's (When They See Us) documentary explores the injustices at the heart of America’s penal system.

13th secured Netflix its first BAFTA.

Uncut Gems (2020)

We should probably start by warning you you’re in for a tense and stressful two hours if you choose to watch Uncut Gems in one sitting. The Safdie brothers’ (Good Time) film takes funnyman Adam Sandler and turns him into a New York City jeweller risking everything to banish his debts and escape the collectors after him. Sandler is unrecognisable, but that’s no bad thing. We’d go as far as to say he was robbed in the 2020 awards season.

Looking for something else to watch? Check out our best series on Netflix, best Netflix comedies and best Netflix horror movies.

Want to see what's on the other streaming sites? Take a look at our best Disney Plus shows guide or best Disney Plus movies.

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