Netflix has come a long way from being a small video rental business in 1997 that delivered DVD movies by mail. It eventually amped its business strategy by also providing Blu-Ray films to its customers.
However, modern times and advanced technology call for a far more progressive service and process. The business, of course, had to move with the times as well.
Now, Netflix is the biggest subscription-based online streaming media service and has over 100 million paid members as of April 2019. Its huge number of paid subscribers speaks for its popularity not just in the US but in other international countries.
This is why Netflix opened its doors to foreign members. It offers an immense collection of films and television shows from any country and region.
Netflix also doesn’t slow down in its release of content. It provides daily fresh content, which makes it hard even for the movie and TV show binge-watchers to keep track of the titles that have been added, removed, and put back.
It’s a good thing that there are sites, including Men’s Gear’s Netflix Tool, that keep tabs on these changes on a daily basis.
The year 2012 marked a big leap for the streaming giant when it became active in sourcing and producing content, which it aptly labels as “Netflix Original.” These originals can be a movie, a documentary, TV show, or a stand-up special.
With the way things are progressing, it seems there is no slowing down for this entertainment magnate as it continues to release in-house media to its increasing number of loyal subscribers. We are already in 2023 and the number of Netflix Originals continues to pile up instead of going south.
Which brings us to the list below. Call it a guide or review if you will. The list contains the titles of the Netflix Original movies that have recently come out.
However, these are not just any or all of the movies released since the start of the year. They are by far the best based on storyline, audience impact, and cinematography. You may have seen these titles pop up in your Netflix homepage or in your recommendation page every now and then.
Movies such as the Triple Frontier, which oozes with so much machismo that women automatically click Play when they see Ben Affleck and Charlie Hunnam on the screen before they could even see the preview or read the synopsis.
Then a quick scroll through the collection of movies gives you a film that stars Jake Gyllenhaal, who this time plays a bisexual art critic and not a homosexual brokeback cowboy. And since you don’t want to miss the opportunity to see another of his fine performances, then you watch him peruse and write about art in Velvet Buzzsaw.
You also happen to see a new title from filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, who has since repeatedly expressed his desire to retire from directing. You give High Flying Bird a go not because it might be the Oscar-winning director’s last film, but the fact that it was shot entirely through a smartphone intrigues you.
Then you click Play on Chiwetel Ejiofor’s directorial debut to see how good and compelling of a filmmaker and writer he is as he is an actor in 12 Years A Slave. Suffice to say, there are plenty of praise-worthy movies on Netflix and there are bound to be a few more additions in the coming days and months.
But for now, we have compiled for you ten of the best Netflix Original movies of any genre. We have action, comedy, drama, sci-fi, and biopic. These films are definitely worthy of your time and attention, so better check them out before it disappears on the streaming service (cross fingers that this doesn’t happen).
Velvet Buzzsaw
When it comes to versatility in acting, you can bet that Jake Gyllenhaal is among the veteran actors who can pull off any character. He’s been in every film genre there is and has been a prince, a warrior, a boxer, a love and sex addict, a homosexual, and the list goes on.
It seems there’s nothing he can’t do. This July, he graces theatres with his performance as Marvel’s Mysterio in Spider-Man: Far From Home.
However, he certainly looks nothing like a superhero in the Netflix original film Velvet Buzzsaw, where he plays a bisexual art critic, a character who’s not remotely heroic but nonetheless important in the story.
This film is part thriller, mystery, and horror and revolves around the dangerous allure of art– specifically the paintings of a mysterious deceased artist.
Supernatural accidents transpire after greedy art profiteers attempt to sell his works. Mysterious occurrences and tragic events ultimately befall those who sell or own his works.
Suffice to say, that his paintings were not meant to be sold or showcased to the public. Instead, per the owner’s instruction prior to his death, they were supposed to be burned to ashes. Serves the greedy ones right for trying to claim what’s not rightfully theirs in the first place.
What’s misleading about this movie though is its title. It doesn’t have any relevance to the whole story aside from it being the name of the band from which one of the art profiteers is a former member.
Director: Dan Gilroy – Screenplay: Dan Gilroy – Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Zawe Ashton, John Malkovich – Run Time: 1h 53m
High Flying Bird
In this age of modern times, you’d think that the only means of capturing good cinematography and coming up with high-quality film is by using high-tech video equipment. Well, Steven Soderbergh’s work is proof that you can make a movie out of anything that can capture movements.
The Oscar-winning director continues to test the limits of creative filmmaking technology, as he has done in the past with Unsane (shot by iPhone 7+). He filmed the entirety of High Flying Bird using an iPhone 8+ equipped with an anamorphic lens from Moondog Labs.
The movie gained positive reviews when it premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival not just for its unique cinematography, but also for its story, which teaches a valuable lesson about power and race in the NBA.
The premise follows sports agent Ray Burke (André Holland) who pitches a rookie basketball client in the midst of a pro basketball lockout. His action prompts a question of authority when he manages to outmaneuver all the power players. High Flying Bird makes up for the lack of action with smart and witty dialogues to drive the story forward.
Director: Steven Soderbergh – Screenplay: Tarell Alvin McCraney – Cast: André Holland, Melvin Gregg, Eddie Tavares – Run Time: 1h 30m
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Chiwetel Ejiofor directs and writes the screenplay about the real-life boy who harnessed the wind and saved his family and village from famine.
The film is based on the inspiring true story of William Kamkwamba from Malawi, who at 14-years old, built a wind turbine from recycled parts. His interest in physics and his ingenuity allowed him to create the machine out of old batteries and bicycle parts.
His creation powered an electric water pump that saved his family’s crops in the midst of a drought. The windmill still stands to this day outside his home.
This movie is a promising directorial debut for Ejiofor who manages to mellow scenes of conflict among families, neighbors, and politicians with a gentle nudge of humor here and there. There are a few of these scenes though as the story mostly focuses on the boy, his thirst for knowledge, and his determination to help his family.
Overall, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a heartwarming and emotional movie full of depth and inspiration. It is a great eye-opener about the practices and strife in other cultures and countries, which makes it a relevant film to watch among those with environmental and corporate themes.
Director: Chiwetel Ejiofor – Screenplay: Chiwetel Ejiofor – Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Maxwell Simba, Felix Lemburo – Run Time: 1h 53m
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
Joe Berlinger’s take on the infamous Ted Bundy story is not an introduction into the man and his murders. It’s more of an added info or a companion story about the serial killer since it explores his personal life.
The film is not even your typical serial killer flick in that it doesn’t rely on graphic violence, gruesome imagery, or any of the usual horror-ish trope. Instead, it’s a movie about Bundy’s love life and about his relationship with his family and the media, to which he tirelessly tries to convince of his innocence as he presents himself as a charming man in court, far from the stereotypical character of a serial killer.
The movie provides a look into the criminal’s life inside his prison walls. It gives a unique perspective into Bundy’s life through the eyes and experiences of his former girlfriend Elizabeth Kloepfer (Lily Collins), the very same woman who told the authorities about her suspicions of her longtime boyfriend being a murderer during a widespread manhunt for a serial killer whose victims are all women.
It’s a fitting view of the narrative given that Kloepfer’s memoir, The Phantom Prince: My Life with Ted Bundy, is an inspiration for the film.
The film has its weak moments since it doesn’t really tell the horrors of Bundy’s murders but only the reaction to his actions. It also doesn’t dig into the killer’s motivations, instead, it glamorizes him.
Moreover, Zac Efron, who plays Bundy, tries his very best to impart his knowledge about the killer through his performance. He comes out looking more like a wild maniac though when he opens his eyes wide, which make for a rather amusing sight rather than being terrifying.
However, Efron’s striking physical resemblance to the actual killer is downright disturbing, which in some way, helps make for a convincing portrayal as the charismatic, shrewd, yet belligerent and damaged Bundy.
Director: Joe Berlinger – Screenplay: Michael Werwie – Cast: Lily Collins, Zac Efron, Angela Sarafyan – Run Time: 1h 50m
The Wandering Earth/ Liú làng dì qiú
Hope and trust in humanity and sacrifice for the greater good drives the message of The Wandering Earth, an epic of a sci-fi film about the survival of humankind when faced with an unavoidable disaster.
The sun is dying and Earth is under threat of being devoured by a red giant. Ten-thousand stellar engines are created to propel Earth to another solar system. It’s a 2,500 year-long journey with the planet wandering and becoming vulnerable to unexpected dangers along the way.
This is not your typical superhero sci-fi movie where one unique person sacrifices his life for the sake of others, although it features the very same type of people in every sense of the word.
In this story, we have ordinary people entrusted with a huge duty to become superheroes in their own way in order to save humanity from extinction. They all give their best and choose to hold on to the hope of survival despite all the odds thrown against them.
The Wandering Earth is one of those films that leave you holding your breath as you watch the tension unfold and build. It also takes a lot to ponder on storywise especially when it begs the serious question of what you would do when faced with an irresistible danger.
Regardless, the amazing visual effects that fill up much of the death-defying sequences should be enough to entertain and sit you through the entire two-hour run.
Director: Frant Gwo – Screenplay: Frant Gwo, Gong Geer, Junce Ye, Yang Zhixue, Yan Dongxu – Cast: Jing Wu, Chuxiao Qu, Guangjie Li – Run Time: 2h 5m
Triple Frontier
Testosterones run high in this star-studded, action-packed film about five former Delta Force operatives who go on a mission this time not for their country but for their selves.
They carry out a heist job of a South American drug lord. The plan seems simple enough: steal the cash as stealthily as possible, leave few to zero casualties, and escape unnoticed.
However, trouble is bound to happen when someone in the group becomes greedy. Ultimately, the plan backfires and events take an unexpected turn and threaten to spiral out of control. The men find themselves battling for their lives in unknown territories in their efforts to keep as much of the stolen wealth as possible.
Triple Frontier starts out slow but gets pretty exciting moving forward. It has strong acting from a stellar cast, beautiful landscape cinematography, and action scenes packed with tension.
The film is a treat for fans of shoot-’em-up sequences since it has plenty of them. It’s good entertainment if you dig the heist genre (although this film goes beyond that) and if you find excitement in chase scenes, plane crashes, jungle firefights, and other action mayhems that inspire your inner risk-taker.
Director: J.C. Chandor – Screenplay: Mark Boal, J.C. Chandor – Cast: Ben Affleck, Garrett Hedlund, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Pedro Pascal – Run Time: 2h 5m
Paddleton
Ray Romano returns to the big screen as his equally lovable character in the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond in Paddleton, a dramatic comedy that revolves around the friendship of two neighbors.
Romano plays Andy, who goes through great lengths to delay his neighbor Michael’s (Mark Duplass) wish to die following his cancer prognosis. He wants a quick death through medication so the pair takes the six-hour trip to the closest pharmacy.
They spend the final moments together on some fun and adventure and they learn more about each other along the way. Andy eventually comes to terms with the fact that his only friend is dying and must respect his wishes to have a pain-free death.
Paddleton moves slowly and may be excruciating for some but the wait is indeed worth it. The first hour intends to drown the reality of sorrow through laughter but it eventually reaches a poignant conclusion that is both harrowing and tender.
Romano and Duplass make the movie entertaining and deeply moving. They have such strong chemistry together that it delivers the film’s message loud and clear: that what better balm can there be to loneliness than an encompassing friendship.
Director: Alex Lehmann – Screenplay: Mark Duplass, Alex Lehmann – Cast: Christine Woods, Mark Duplass, Ray Romano – Run Time: 1h 29m
The Highwaymen
Bonnie & Clyde’s exploits made headlines in the 1930s and even up to this day, stories about the duo always become a cinematic influence. They remain an inspiration in films and TV because of their daring heists made sensational by the media.
However, behind every notorious criminal are those who uphold the law and vow to capture criminal offenders no matter the stakes. This is what The Highwaymen is about, which tells the untold story of two legendary detectives who come out of retirement just to bring down the outlaws.
The film follows former Texas Rangers Frank Hamer (Kevin Costner) and Benjamin Maney Gault (Woody Harrelson), who are called by the FBI to assist in the arrest of the infamous pair, which has become a very daunting task as the days pass. The two men must rely on their gut instincts and old school knowledge to track, lure, and successfully capture the criminals.
The Highwaymen gives a fresh take on the infamous Bonnie & Clyde account and may as well be a companion story. As with other detective films, it too has its potholes but its eye-catching moments and tension make up for the lack of character buildup and of chemistry between the two male stars.
Nevertheless, it’s a must-watch and an entertaining film for anyone who follows the Bonnie & Clyde history.
Director: John Lee Hancock – Screenplay: John Fusco – Cast: Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Kathy Bates, John Carroll Lynch – Run Time: 2h 12m
Walk. Ride. Rodeo.
As far as inspirational true stories go, Walk. Ride. Rodeo. is a must-see for its theme on perseverance and courage. It drives a good message about getting back up after a fall and pushing forward despite the odds.
The story follows professional barrel racer and now motivational speaker Amberley Snyder, who at nineteen became a paraplegic after she got into an automobile accident from which she nearly survived.
Told that she would never walk again, let alone ride her horse, Snyder defied her prognosis to reclaim her place in the sport she loves. With her determination, the support of her family, friends, and physical therapy, she was back in the saddle to compete in just 18 months after the accident.
This film becomes even more inspiring knowing that the real Amberley was part of the production. She performed her own stunts on the horse and played a stunt double in the post-accident scenes.
Director: Conor Allyn – Screenplay: Sean Dwyer, Greg Cope White – Cast: Spencer Locke, Missi Pyle, Bailey Chase, Corbin Bleu – Run Time: 2h 12m
The Breaker Upperers
When two brokenhearted women decide to make a profit out of their situation, hilarious consequences and life-changing events ensue that would test the limit of their friendship.
The Breaker Upperers is a New Zealand romantic-comedy film about these two friends who run an agency for people who need help breaking up with their significant others. They use various creative methods including but not limited to impersonation, deception, and other dangerous means like kidnapping.
However, their methods soon land them in real trouble and in disagreements when one of them falls for a client and befriends the other. Soon the agency becomes a mess.
But as with other friendship stories, the two eventually reconcile. Their experiences taught them that relationships can have both scenarios–breaking up and making up.
The Breaker Upperers is a witty, fun, and laugh-out-loud buddy movie filled with energy from its smart-mouthed performers. Co-stars Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek make you want to dance, sing, and laugh in stitches with every breakup deliveries and at the same time, makes you cringe in anticipation for their next attempt at a breakup song.
Director: Conor Allyn – Screenplay: Madeleine Sami, Jackie van Beek – Cast: Madeleine Sami, Jackie van Beek, James Rolleston – Run Time: 2h 12m
I Am Mother
In a post-apocalyptic world where humans have become extinct, a kindly robot devotes its time in an underground lab taking care of human embryos in a quest to repopulate the earth. The highly intelligent robot, known only as “Mother,” carefully selects the “first” human it wants to care, teach, and mold into the perfect human being.
In this film, we follow the growth of her daughter from a baby, a toddler, then to a teenager. We see how Mother interacts with her as any parent would to her child (she bottle feeds her, reads her bedtime stories, feeds her, tucks her into bed, and assumes the role of a teacher).
Mother warns her daughter of the dangers of the outside world, that the air is contaminated, and that she would only put herself in danger should she attempt to step outside. Through the years, they have formed a unique and special bond that seemed unbreakable.
However, certain events test their bond and the daughter’s trust in her mother. She sees a mouse inside the base and suspects that the outside is already habitable. Then a stranger arrives with stories to tell about other people living outside and tells her that the robot she calls mother is the real reason for mankind’s extinction.
This Netflix original movie doesn’t need several characters to make a compelling and entertaining story. The thrill and element of surprise are there, and the plot twist literally leaves you open-mouthed.
From the start, the relationship between mother and daughter draws you. It still leaves a certain emotional pull even when you see the reality of their situation.
Director: Grant Sputore – Screenplay: Michael Lloyd Green, Grant Sputore – Cast: Luke Hawker, Rose Byrne, Clara Rugaard, Hilary Swank – Run Time: 1h 53m
Murder Mystery
Murder Mystery gives a subtle Murder on the Orient Express vibe although the murder mystery unfolds through the adventures of two unlikely investigators, married couple Nick and Audrey Spitz.
Nick and Audrey embark on their long-overdue honeymoon in Europe but change plans at the last minute when they receive a generous offer from Charles Cavendish, an opulent stranger they meet on the plane.
The next thing they know, they are on a yacht, embroiled in Charles’ family affairs, and on the run from the police after they’re framed for the murder of his billionaire father. It’s up to the couple to find the real killer before the police catch up to them and put them behind bars.
The film couldn’t have cast a better tandem in Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. They make a hilarious team and they keep the story engaging through their dialogues and actions.
Despite its lackluster reviews, the movie has just enough mystery to stay true to its title. The jokes are also well-placed and kinda takes you back to the good old Adam Sandler days.
Director: Kyle Newacheck – Screenplay: James Vanderbilt – Cast: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Luke Evans, Gemma Arterton, Terence Stamp, David Williams, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Shioli Kutsuna – Run Time: 1h 37m
The Red Sea Driving Resort
Inspired by real-life events, the film chronicles the daring rescue of thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel. It tells the incredible story of a group of Mossad agents and courageous Ethiopians who used an abandoned holiday retreat in Sudan as their covert hideout.
The rescue wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of the brave local Kabede Bimro (Michael Kenneth Williams) and the charismatic Ari Kidron (Chris Evans).
The film tells the harrowing and thrilling true story of the mission, famously known as the Operation Brothers mission, which transpired from 1979 to 1984. Despite the criticisms, the movie has its uplifting points as a historical drama.
Chris Evans does a good job with his role, but critics claim he fails to step out of his Captain America character nonetheless. If you’re looking for an emotional and well-written film about saving refugees from crimes against humanity, then The Red Sea Driving Resort may not be what you should watch. It’s an entertaining enough film though to keep you occupied through its entire 2-hour run.
Director: Gideon Raff – Screenplay: Gideon Raff – Cast: Chris Evans, Alessandro Nivola, Greg Kinnear, Haley Bennett, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michiel Huisman, Mbulelo Grootboom, Motsi Tekateka – Run Time: 2h 9m
Elisa & Marcela
This biographical drama is a true account of the love story between two women, Marcela Gracia Ibeas and Elisa Sanchez Loriga, who tried to get married in Spain in 1885. In the course of their friendship, their feelings for one another blossomed into romance.
However, they live in a society and period that shuns same-sex relationships so they must keep their feelings for one another and their relationship a secret. Marcela’s parents suspect something is going on between the girls so they eventually send her to study abroad.
However, her feelings for Elisa only grew the more time they spent apart. When they reunited two years after Marcela returns, they eventually decide to live together and map out a plan to get married, one which involves deception and lies.
They carry out their plan so well that they were able to marry, with Elisa disguised as Mario on June 8, 1901, in Spain, right after the Roman Imperial era happened. But their lie soon catches up to them and as with any forbidden love, the lovers must brave the gossips and social pressure in order to keep their life together.
Director: Isabel Coixet – Screenplay: Ardwight Chamberlain, Isabel Coixet – Cast: Natalia de Molina, Greta Fernández, Sara Casasnovas, Tamar Novas, Lluís Homar – Run Time: 1h 58m
Falling Inn Love
City girl Gabriela’s seemingly perfect life takes a drastic change when she loses her job and realizes her boyfriend wants to control everything in their relationship, even including what she has to eat for dinner.
So when she spontaneously enters an online contest and wins a rustic New Zealand inn, she considers it as her sign to start fresh. She packs up her bag, leaves her apartment to her best friend, and ventures on a new adventure.
However, not everything that appears online is true including the beauty of the inn. To her horror, the place is a wreck and needs a total makeover before she can profit from it. Determined to restore the inn to its natural beauty, Gabriela enlists the help of a contractor and befriends the local people. She not only gains an inn worthy to be on the front cover of Country Homes magazine, but she also finds a new family and a new love.
“Falling Inn Love” is a light-hearted romance and comedy. It’s not cheesy and not melodramatic. It’s fun to watch and makes you think back on those classic and innocent love stories. It’s a cute feel-good romantic movie.
Director: Roger Kumble – Screenplay: Elizabeth Hackett, Hilary Galanoy – Cast: Christina Milian, Adam Demos, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapma – Run Time: 1h 38m
Between Two Ferns: The Movie
If you’re looking for a film with a good sense of humor with a dose of reality and fantasy combined, then “Between Two Ferns” should be on your to-watch Netflix original movie.
The story follows talk show host Zach Galifianakis, who plays as himself, as he asks a list of Hollywood celebrities (from John Legend, Keanu Reeves, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, and more) nonsensical questions in his show called “Between Two Ferns.” When their studio gets flooded due to a clogged pipe he is left with no choice but to take his show on the road.
Together with his oddball crew, they go on a road trip to complete a series of high-profile interviews under a strict schedule. Along the way, they learn things about each other and learn to value each other’s friendships.
Zach Galifianakis is a pro when it comes to mastering the poker face. Anyone in his position would crack at a mere question but he manages to hold his laughter in. Although, I suggest you stick around for the bloopers after the credits roll to see how he and the cast were able to handle themselves during the interview.
Director: Scott Aukerman – Screenplay: Scott Aukerman, Zach Galifianakis – Cast: Zach Galifianakis, Matthew McConaughey, Lauren Lapkus, Ryan Gaul, Jiavani Linayao, Rekha Shankar, Olivia Mekdara– Run Time: 1h 22m
The King
This historical drama film based on several plays from William Shakespeare’s “Henriad” follows the story of Hal, the estranged son of King Henry IV. Disgusted by his father’s war policies, he has turned his back on royal life and lives among the people.
However, he is crowned King Henry V after his father dies and is forced to embrace the life he left behind. He tries to call for peace and conciliation instead of war despite naysayers who thought of his actions as showing weakness.
Then an attempt at his life by an assassin supposedly sent by King Charles VI of France forces Hal to declare war against the country. He sets sail for France with the English army and him at the forefront. However, he later realized that he was being played by his advisor and so punished him with death.
“The King” is a captivating film with great sound, cinematography, and superb acting from the stellar cast. Despite it being over two hours long, the movie shows a compelling story about a king struggling to come to terms with his duty which goes against the desires of his heart.
Director: David Michôd – Screenplay: Joel Edgerton, David Michôd – Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Tom Fisher, Sean Harris, Robert Pattinson, Lily-Rose Depp – Run Time: 2h 20m
Always Be My Maybe
This romantic comedy follows the story of two best friends, Sasha and Marcus, whom everyone just assumed that they would end up together, except for themselves. The two are inseparable until they crossed the boundaries of their friendship at the back of Marcus’ car. They soon drifted apart and move on with their separate lives.
Fast forward 15 years, Sasha is a successful restaurateur and is engaged to be married. Meanwhile, Marcus is a complacent musician who still lives with his dad and works for him. Their paths crossed during a random job call and old memories and long-forgotten feelings are rekindled.
However, Marcus must fix his life and find what he wants to do before he can settle in with Sasha. Sasha, on the other hand, must realize what is important: career or love.
This is a nice film and not so overly dramatic. It is a love story that teaches us the importance of valuing our emotions and ourselves for us to be able to find our true calling in life.
Director: Nahnatchka Khan – Screenplay: Michael Golamco, Randall Park – Cast: Ali Wong, Randall Park, James Saito, Michelle Buteau, Keanu Reeves, Vivian Bang, Daniel Dae Kim – Run Time: 2h 20m
