Watch what’s the Best Netflix Original Movies and Series to Watch featuring genres like family, drama, comedy, action, thriller, documentary, horror, crime, and animation.
Discover the best films from recent years that you can stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime. From heart-wrenching dramas to thrilling action, there’s something here for every movie lover. Dive into this curated list to find your next great watch!
Dramas
1. Beasts of No Nation (2015)
Synopsis: Follow Agu, a young boy forced into becoming a child soldier in a brutal African civil war.
Good For: Powerful performances and a gripping, emotional story.
Rating: R, 7.7/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
2. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
Synopsis: A caregiver’s new perspective on life blossoms through a road trip with a teenage boy suffering from muscular dystrophy.
Good For: Heartfelt comedy with a touch of drama.
Rating: R, 7.3/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
3. Barry (2016)
Synopsis: A look into the early life of U.S. President Barack Obama and his transformative college years.
Good For: Insightful drama with strong performances.
Rating: R, 6.0/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
4. The Siege of Jadotville (2016)
Synopsis: An Irish commander’s heroic defense against mercenaries during the Congo crisis of the 1960s.
Good For: Intense historical drama with thrilling action.
Rating: R, 7.2/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
5. Tallulah (2016)
Synopsis: A young woman’s decision to babysit a child leads to unexpected consequences in her own life.
Good For: Emotional storytelling and strong performances.
Rating: R, 6.7/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
Comedies
1. The Ridiculous 6 (2015)
Synopsis: An outlaw teams up with his half-brothers to find their missing father in this comedic western.
Good For: Light-hearted fun with a star-studded cast.
Rating: PG-13, 4.9/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
2. Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016)
Synopsis: Pee-wee Herman embarks on his first-ever holiday adventure after meeting a mysterious stranger.
Good For: Quirky humor and nostalgic fun.
Rating: PG, 6.1/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
3. Mascots (2016)
Synopsis: A mockumentary exploring the competitive world of sports mascots.
Good For: Hilarious and unique comedic insights.
Rating: PG-13, 5.8/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
4. The Do-Over (2016)
Synopsis: Two friends fake their deaths and start over, only to find themselves in even bigger trouble.
Good For: Classic Adam Sandler comedy with plenty of laughs.
Rating: R, 5.7/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
5. Special Correspondents (2016)
Synopsis: A radio journalist and his technician fake a kidnapping, leading to hilarious consequences.
Good For: Satirical comedy with Ricky Gervais’ trademark humor.
Rating: R, 5.9/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
Thrillers and Sci-Fi
1. Spectral (2016)
Synopsis: A special-ops team fights against supernatural beings in a gripping sci-fi thriller.
Good For: High-octane action with a supernatural twist.
Rating: PG-13, 6.3/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
2. ARQ (2016)
Synopsis: Trapped in a time loop, a couple defends a new energy source while dealing with masked raiders.
Good For: Innovative sci-fi with tense action sequences.
Rating: R, 6.3/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
3. I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)
Synopsis: A young nurse tends to an elderly author in a haunted house, leading to eerie discoveries.
Good For: Atmospheric horror with a chilling narrative.
Rating: R, 4.6/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
4. Rebirth (2016)
Synopsis: A weekend of self-discovery turns into a nightmare when a man attends a mysterious retreat.
Good For: Psychological thriller with intense suspense.
Rating: R, 5.0/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
Miscellaneous
1. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016)
Synopsis: A legendary sword and a chance at redemption drive this action-packed story.
Good For: Stunning martial arts choreography and epic storytelling.
Rating: PG-13, 6.1/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
2. Brahman Naman (2016)
Synopsis: A college quiz champion’s quest for knowledge leads to awkward and humorous situations.
Good For: A nostalgic nod to ’80s teen comedies with a fresh twist.
Rating: TV-MA, 5.5/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
3. True Memoirs of an International Assassin (2016)
Synopsis: An author’s fictional assassin novel turns into a real-life adventure, testing his survival skills.
Good For: Action-packed comedy with Kevin James’ charm.
Rating: R, 5.9/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
4. Mercy (2016)
Synopsis: Estranged brothers reunite at their dying mother’s bedside, uncovering hidden tensions.
Good For: Dramatic family interactions with a compelling narrative.
Rating: R, 4.2/10 on IMDb.
Watch on: Netflix
Explore these diverse films for a range of experiences, from emotional dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies to gripping thrillers and sci-fi adventures. Whether you’re curling up for a movie night or seeking something new, this list has got you covered!
Drama and Thriller
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
A powerful story of Agu, a child soldier caught in a brutal civil war.
- Year: 2015
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
Imperial Dreams (2014)
A reformed gangster struggles to stay on the straight and narrow while returning to his old neighborhood.
- Year: 2014
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 6.7
The Siege of Jadotville (2016)
Irish soldiers face mercenaries in a harrowing standoff during the Congo crisis.
- Year: 2016
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
Sand Castle (2017)
A young soldier’s experience during the 2003 Iraq invasion is both harrowing and illuminating.
- Year: 2017
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 6.3
Burning Sands (2017)
A pledge at a fraternity faces intense hazing and must decide whether to stay silent or stand up.
- Year: 2017
- Age Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Rating: 6.0
Small Crimes (2017)
A former cop, fresh out of prison, tries to rebuild his life but gets entangled in his past mistakes.
- Year: 2017
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 5.8
Before I Wake (2016)
An adopted child’s dreams and nightmares become real, testing the family’s limits.
- Year: 2016
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 6.2
Comedy
The Ridiculous 6 (2015)
A humorous Western about an outlaw discovering his five half-brothers and going on an adventure.
- Year: 2015
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 4.9
Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016)
Pee-wee Herman embarks on his first holiday adventure after meeting a mysterious stranger.
- Year: 2016
- Age Rating: PG
- IMDb Rating: 6.1
The Do-Over (2016)
Two friends fake their deaths to start new lives but end up in more trouble than expected.
- Year: 2016
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 5.7
Sandy Wexler (2017)
A quirky talent manager tries to navigate his career and personal life in 1990s LA.
- Year: 2017
- Age Rating: 12
- IMDb Rating: 5.2
Mindhorn (2016)
A former TV detective must help solve a crime when a killer only wants to talk to his fictional character.
- Year: 2016
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 6.3
Mascots (2016)
A hilarious look into the competitive world of mascots and their eccentric lives.
- Year: 2016
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 5.8
Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Spectral (2016)
A special-ops team battles supernatural entities in a high-stakes sci-fi thriller.
- Year: 2016
- Age Rating: 12
- IMDb Rating: 6.3
iBoy (2017)
After an accident, a teenager gains superpowers from his smartphone fragments and struggles to return to normal life.
- Year: 2017
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 5.9
The Discovery (2017)
In a world where the afterlife has been scientifically proven, a man helps a woman with a troubled past.
- Year: 2017
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 6.2
Crime and Mystery
Girlfriend’s Day (2017)
A down-on-his-luck romance card writer tries to revive his career by creating a new holiday.
- Year: 2017
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 5.2
Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie (2017)
An LA detective solves crimes while grappling with his own personal issues.
- Year: 2017
- Age Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Rating: 5.2
The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
A caregiver’s class changes his life and his relationship with a young man with muscular dystrophy.
- Year: 2016
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
The Most Hated Woman in America (2017)
The story of Madelyn Murray O’Hair, a controversial figure in American atheism.
- Year: 2017
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 6.1
Adventure and Family
The Little Prince (2015)
A young girl discovers the enchanting world of the Little Prince through her reclusive neighbor.
- Year: 2015
- Age Rating: PG
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2016)
A middle schooler and his friend break all the rules to get back at a tyrannical principal.
- Year: 2016
- Age Rating: PG
- IMDb Rating: 6.1
Deidra & Laney Rob a Train (2017)
Two sisters turn to train robbery to support their family after their mother is jailed.
- Year: 2017
- Age Rating: 12
- IMDb Rating: 6.0
Coin Heist (2017)
Four high school students plan a daring heist to steal from the U.S. Mint.
- Year: 2017
- Age Rating: PG
- IMDb Rating: 4.8
Tramps (2016)
Two strangers fall in love while trying to complete a shady deal in New York.
- Year: 2016
- Age Rating: 15
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
Enjoy exploring these diverse films, whether you’re in the mood for drama, comedy, sci-fi, or a heartwarming family story. Each movie offers something unique, making your streaming experience both entertaining and memorable!
Action & Adventure
- Okja (2017)
- Synopsis: A young girl risks everything to save her best friend, a genetically modified super pig, from a powerful corporation. Rating: 7.3, Age Rating: 15
- Sand Castle (2017)
- Synopsis: Follow a young soldier’s harrowing experiences during the 2003 Iraq invasion. Rating: 6.3, Age Rating: 15
- War Machine (2017)
- Synopsis: Brad Pitt stars as an eccentric general navigating the challenges of military operations in Afghanistan. Rating: 6.0, Age Rating: 15
Thriller & Mystery
- Shimmer Lake (2017)
- Synopsis: A sheriff investigates a botched bank heist in a crime thriller told in reverse. Rating: 6.3, Age Rating: 15
- Wheelman (2017)
- Synopsis: A getaway driver uncovers a betrayal and races against time to find the traitor. Rating: 6.4, Age Rating: 15
- Clinical (2017)
- Synopsis: A psychiatrist faces her own trauma while helping a new patient with a dark past. Rating: 5.1, Age Rating: 15
Drama
- Imperial Dreams (2014)
- Synopsis: A reformed gangster struggles to build a future for his family after returning to his old neighborhood. Rating: 6.7, Age Rating: 15
- First They Killed My Father (2017)
- Synopsis: A gripping portrayal of a child’s experience under the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. Rating: 7.2, Age Rating: 15
- The Meyerowitz Stories (2017)
- Synopsis: An estranged family reunites in New York City to celebrate their father’s artistic legacy. Rating: 6.9, Age Rating: 15
Comedy
- The Babysitter (2017)
- Synopsis: A teen discovers his babysitter is part of a satanic cult, leading to a night of chaos. Rating: 6.4, Age Rating: 15
- Naked (2017)
- Synopsis: A man must relive his wedding day repeatedly until he gets it right. Rating: 5.4, Age Rating: 12
- The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
- Synopsis: A New York playwright navigates love and heartbreak while meeting a new friend. Rating: 6.5, Age Rating: 15
Romance
- Our Souls at Night (2017)
- Synopsis: Jane Fonda and Robert Redford star as neighbors who develop a deep bond later in life. Rating: 6.9, Age Rating: PG
- A Christmas Prince (2017)
- Synopsis: A reporter goes undercover as a tutor and ends up finding love in a royal family. Rating: 5.8, Age Rating: PG
Horror & Sci-Fi
- Gerald’s Game (2017)
- Synopsis: A woman must fight to survive and escape from a remote lake house after her husband dies unexpectedly. Rating: 6.5, Age Rating: 18
- Death Note (2017)
- Synopsis: A high school student uses a supernatural notebook to rid the world of criminals. Rating: 4.5, Age Rating: 18
- What Happened to Monday (2017)
- Synopsis: In a dystopian future, septuplets must hide from a government that enforces a one-child policy. Rating: 6.8, Age Rating: 15
Family & Kids
- Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2016)
- Synopsis: A middle schooler rebels against his strict principal by breaking school rules. Rating: 6.1, Age Rating: PG
- Coin Heist (2017)
- Synopsis: Four high school students plan a heist to save their school’s financial crisis. Rating: 4.8, Age Rating: PG
Each of these films offers a unique experience, whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, a heartfelt drama, or a good laugh. Dive into these movies on Netflix and Amazon, and enjoy a diverse range of stories from the past couple of years!
Action & Adventure
- Bright (2017)
- Synopsis: In a world where magic and modern-day policing collide, a detective teams up with an Orc to stop dark forces from obtaining a powerful wand. Rating: 6.3, Age Rating: 15
- The Ritual (2017)
- Synopsis: A group of friends embarks on a dangerous hike in Sweden, only to encounter a sinister presence. Rating: 6.3, Age Rating: 15
- Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
- Synopsis: Detective Hercule Poirot solves a murder mystery aboard the famous train. Rating: 6.5, Age Rating: 12
Thriller & Mystery
- The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
- Synopsis: Scientists aboard a space station face a dark alternate reality while trying to solve an energy crisis on Earth. Rating: 5.5, Age Rating: 15
- Annihilation (2018)
- Synopsis: A biologist joins a secret expedition into a mysterious zone where nature’s rules no longer apply. Rating: 6.8, Age Rating: 15
- The Open House (2018)
- Synopsis: A mother and son face terrifying threats after moving into a new home. Rating: 3.3, Age Rating: 15
Drama
- Mudbound (2017)
- Synopsis: Two World War II veterans return to Mississippi and grapple with racism and post-war life on a rural farm. Rating: 7.4, Age Rating: 15
- Irreplaceable You (2018)
- Synopsis: A couple destined to be together faces a tragic twist, testing their love and commitment. Rating: 6.4, Age Rating: 12
- At Eternity’s Gate (2018)
- Synopsis: Explore the life and struggles of Vincent van Gogh during his time in France. Rating: 6.9, Age Rating: 12A
Comedy
- The Polka King (2017)
- Synopsis: Polka legend Jan Lewan’s scheme to get rich takes a shocking turn. Rating: 6.0, Age Rating: 12
- El Camino Christmas (2017)
- Synopsis: A search for his father leads a young man into a chaotic standoff in a small town. Rating: 5.7, Age Rating: TV-MA
- Game Over, Man! (2018)
- Synopsis: Three friends try to save their video game project when their investor is taken hostage. Rating: 5.4, Age Rating: 15
Romance
- Love Per Square Foot (2018)
- Synopsis: Two individuals in need of a home enter a marriage of convenience. Rating: 7.1, Age Rating: PG
- When We First Met (2018)
- Synopsis: After being friend-zoned, a man uses a time machine to win over the girl of his dreams. Rating: 6.4, Age Rating: 12
Family & Kids
- Benji (2018)
- Synopsis: A brave puppy named Benji helps rescue two kids kidnapped by robbers. Rating: 6.3, Age Rating: PG
- Christmas Inheritance (2017)
- Synopsis: An heiress learns valuable life lessons while delivering a Christmas letter incognito. Rating: 5.7, Age Rating: PG
Each of these films brings something special to the table, whether it’s intense action, emotional drama, or family-friendly fun. Explore these options on Netflix and Amazon for a memorable movie night experience.
Action & Sci-Fi
- The Titan (2018)
- Synopsis: A military family participates in a risky experiment for space exploration and genetic evolution. Rating: 4.8, Age Rating: 15
- Anon (2018)
- Synopsis: In a world where privacy is nonexistent, a detective’s life is upended by a mysterious woman. Rating: 6.1, Age Rating: 15
- Cargo (2017)
- Synopsis: Amidst an epidemic in Australia, a father searches for someone to protect his daughter. Rating: 6.3, Age Rating: 15
Drama
- Roxanne Roxanne (2017)
- Synopsis: Follow the rise of hip-hop legend Roxanne Shanté, navigating the dangers of street life in Queens. Rating: 6.2, Age Rating: 15
- First Match (2018)
- Synopsis: A teenage girl joins a boys’ wrestling team to reconnect with her estranged father. Rating: 6.4, Age Rating: TV-MA
- Kodachrome (2017)
- Synopsis: A father and son set out to save the last roll of Kodachrome film before a lab closes. Rating: 6.8, Age Rating: TV-MA
Comedy
- The Week Of (2018)
- Synopsis: Two contrasting fathers must survive a week together as they prepare for their children’s wedding. Rating: 5.2, Age Rating: 15
- Happy Anniversary (2018)
- Synopsis: On their third anniversary, a couple debates whether to stay together or go their separate ways. Rating: 5.7, Age Rating: TV-MA
- Ibiza (2018)
- Synopsis: A trio of friends heads to Spain to find a hot DJ and ends up on an adventure. Rating: 5.2, Age Rating: 15
Romance
- Alex Strangelove (2018)
- Synopsis: A high schooler, planning his first sexual experience with his girlfriend, finds himself confused after meeting a new guy. Rating: 6.3, Age Rating: 15
- Set It Up (2018)
- Synopsis: Two overworked assistants set up their demanding bosses in hopes of improving their own work lives. Rating: 6.5, Age Rating: 15
Family & Kids
- Duck Duck Goose (2018)
- Synopsis: A bachelor goose bonds with two lost ducklings while they journey south. Rating: 5.7, Age Rating: PG
- The Kissing Booth (2018)
- Synopsis: A high school student faces her secret crush at a school kissing booth. Rating: 5.9, Age Rating: 12A
Documentary & Biographical
- Come Sunday (2018)
- Synopsis: An evangelist faces rejection from his church after questioning the existence of Hell. Rating: 6.0, Age Rating: TV-14
Teen & Young Adult
- Dude (2018)
- Synopsis: High school friends navigate their senior year and prepare for the transition to adulthood. Rating: 5.1, Age Rating: 15
- Candy Jar (2018)
- Synopsis: Competing high school debaters must balance their rivalry with their dreams of college. Rating: 5.8, Age Rating: TV-14
From intense dramas and sci-fi adventures to laugh-out-loud comedies and family-friendly flicks, this list offers something for everyone. Find these films on Netflix and Amazon to enhance your next viewing experience. Enjoy!