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The massive collection of All-time classic films on Netflix will never let you run out of watching movies. The sheer volume of films can make finding a genuinely great film difficult.
To help minimize spending your time scrolling through categories, we’ve tracked down the “Best 15 Movies” that you can watch on Netflix.
Here are the 22 best movies on Netflix right now:
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Genre: Comedy
Director: Adam McKay
Runtime: 2h 18m
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) is an astronomy grad student, and her professor Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) make an astounding discovery of a comet orbiting within the solar system. The problem is that it is on a direct collision course with Earth. The other problem is that no one really seems to care. Turns out warning mankind about a planet-killer the size of Mount Everest is an inconvenient fact to navigate.
The Conjuring (2013)
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Director: James Wan
Runtime: 1h 51m
Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
In 1970, paranormal investigators and demonologists Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) and Ed (Patrick Wilson) Warren were summoned to the home of Carolyn (Lili Taylor) and Roger (Ron Livingston) Perron. The Perrons and their five daughters have recently moved into a secluded farmhouse, where a supernatural presence has made itself known. Though the manifestations are relatively benign at first, events soon escalate horrifyingly, especially after the Warrens discover the house’s macabre history.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
Director: James Cameron
Runtime: 2h 16m
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegge, Linda Hamilton
IMDB Rating: 8.5/10
In this sequel set eleven years after “The Terminator,” young John Connor (Edward Furlong), the key to civilization’s victory over a future robot uprising, is the target of the shape-shifting T-1000 (Robert Patrick), a Terminator sent from the future to kill him. Another Terminator, the revamped T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger), has been sent back to protect the boy. As John and his mother (Linda Hamilton) go on the run with the T-800, the boy forms an unexpected bond with the robot.
KUNG FU PANDA (2008)
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Kids & Family, Comedy
Director: John Stevenson
Runtime: 1h 31m
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Po the panda (Jack Black) works in his family’s noodle shop and dreams of becoming a kung-fu master. His dream becomes a reality when, unexpectedly, he must fulfill an ancient prophecy and study the skills with his idols, the Furious Five. Po needs all the wisdom, strength, and ability he can muster to protect his people from an evil snow leopard.
The Social Network (2010)
Genre: Biography, Drama
Director: David Fincher
Runtime: 2h 0m
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
IIn 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer genius Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) began work on a new concept that eventually turned into the global social network known as Facebook. Six years later, he is one of the youngest billionaires ever. Still, Zuckerberg finds that his unprecedented success leads to both personal and legal complications when he ends up on the receiving end of two lawsuits, one involving his former friend (Andrew Garfield). Based on the book “The Accidental Billionaires.”
Read more: Best Movies on Hulu of all time
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Kids & Family, Fantasy
Director: Dean DeBlois, Tom Owens
Runtime: 1h 42m
Cast: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Five years have passed since Hiccup and Toothless united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting the island’s unmapped territories. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons — and a mysterious dragon rider who turns out to be Hiccup’s long-lost mother, Valka (Cate Blanchett). Hiccup and Toothless find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior named Drago.
The Invisible Guest (2016)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Director: Oriol Paulo
Runtime: 1h 46m
Cast: Mario Casas, Jose Coronado
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
A young businessman wakes up in a locked hotel room next to the body of his dead lover. He hires a prestigious lawyer to defend him, and throughout one night, they work together to find out what happened.
Léon: The Professional (1994)
Genre: Crime, Action, Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Director: Luc Besson
Runtime: 1h 46m
Cast: Jean Reno, Gary Oldman
IMDB Rating: 8.5/10
Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is only 12 years old but is already familiar with the dark side of life: her abusive father stores drugs for corrupt police officers and her mother neglects her. Léon (Jean Reno), who lives down the hall, tends to his houseplants and works as a hired hitman for mobster Tony (Danny Aiello). When her family is murdered by crooked DEA agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman), Mathilda joins forces with a reluctant Léon to learn his deadly trade and avenge her family’s deaths.
Casino Royale (2006)
Genre: Adventure, Mystery & Thriller, Action
Director: Martin Campbell
Runtime: 2h 24m
Cast: Daniel Craig, Eva Green
IMDB Rating: 8/10
After receiving a license to kill, British Secret Service agent James Bond (Daniel Craig) heads to Madagascar, where he uncovers a link to Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), a man who finances terrorist organizations. Learning that Le Chiffre plans to raise money in a high-stakes poker game, MI6 sends Bond to play against him, gambling that their newest “00” operative will topple the man’s organization.
Shutter Island (2010)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Director: Martin Scorsese
Runtime: 2h 18m
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
The implausible escape of a brilliant murderess brings U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner (Mark Ruffalo) to Ashecliffe Hospital, a fortress-like insane asylum located on a remote, windswept island. The woman appears to have vanished from a locked room, and there are hints of terrible deeds committed within the hospital walls. As the investigation deepens, Teddy realizes he will have to confront his dark fears if he hopes to make it off the island alive.
A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016)
Genre: Romance, Anime, Drama
Director: Naoko Yamada
Runtime: 2h 9m
Cast: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
After being bullied mercilessly, a grade school student transfers to another school. Years later, one of her former tormentors sets out to make amends.
The Town (2010)
Genre: Crime, Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Director: Ben Affleck
Runtime: 2h 4m
Cast: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) leads a band of ruthless bank robbers and has no real attachments except for James (Jeremy Renner), who is like a brother despite his dangerous temper. When James briefly takes a hostage, everything changes for Doug, bank employee Claire Keesey. Learning that she lives in the gang’s neighborhood, Doug seeks her to discover what she knows, and he falls in love. As the romance deepens, he wants out of his criminal life, but that could threaten Claire.
Django Unchained (2012)
Genre: Western, Action, Drama
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Runtime: 2h 45m
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
Two years before the Civil War, Django (Jamie Foxx), an enslaved person, finds himself accompanying an unorthodox German bounty hunter named Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) on a mission to capture the vicious Brittle brothers. Their mission successful, Schultz frees Django, and together they hunt the South’s most-wanted criminals. Their travels take them to the infamous plantation of shady Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), where Django’s long-lost wife (Kerry Washington) is still enslaved.
300 (2007)
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Action
Director: Zack Snyder
Runtime: 1h 57m
Cast: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
In 480 B.C., a state of war existed between Persia, led by King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), and Greece. At the Battle of Thermopylae, Leonidas (Gerard Butler), king of the Greek city-state of Sparta, leads his badly outnumbered warriors against the massive Persian army. Though certain death awaits the Spartans, their sacrifice inspires Greece to unite against their common enemy.
Hell or High Water (2016)
Genre: Action, Western, Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Director: David Mackenzie
Runtime: 1h 37m
Cast: Ben Foster, Jeff Bridges
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Toby is a divorced father trying to make a better life for his son. His brother Tanner is an ex-convict with a short temper and a loose trigger finger. Together, they plan a series of heists against the bank that’s about to foreclose on their family ranch. Marcus is standing in their way, a Texas Ranger who’s only weeks away from retirement. As the siblings plot their final robbery, they must also prepare for a showdown with a crafty lawman who’s not ready to ride off into the sunset.
Do Revenge:
Genre: Comedy
Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Runtime: 1h 58m
Cast: Camila Mendes, Maya Hawke
IMDB Rating: 6.3/10
This is the stuff that makes for a perfect adolescent comedy. Do Revenge follows the story of former popular girl Drea and new student Eleanor, played by Camila Mendes of Riverdale and Maya Hawke of Stranger Things scene teasers. When one of them has been mistreated by a friend or ex, the other comes up with the right solution: they decide to assist the other person get vengeance. This is a generation-defining picture in the vein of Heathers and Mean Girls, with unexpected story twists, hilarious writing, and a soundtrack that will have you singing along.
The Last Forest:
Genre: Documentary, Drama
Director: Luiz Bolognesi
Runtime: 1h 17m
Cast: Devi Kopenawa, Daucriene Yanomami, and Ehuana Yaira Yanomami
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
The Last Forest is an eye-opening look at an Indigenous community’s fight against the corrupting (of mind and body, due to drugs and COVID-19) influence of capitalist greed, using a compelling mix of mythical reenactments and slice-of-life video. The pursuit of riches still brings out the worst in some foreigners exploring the Brazilian Amazon. Bolognesi paints the scene with beautiful pictures full of green and yellow. Then, as Kopenawa tells their stories, smoke and sounds cover them up. The Last Forest is the result of all of their work together. It is a rhythmic and liminal protest that may easily draw you in with its well-crafted feelings. Even though the movie has an ethereal quality at times, Bolognesi’s technical skill in capturing motion and process should not be overlooked. For example, his camera does an artistic and satisfying job of showing a couple relaxing in a hammock while their child sits on their lap. There’s no better way to garner sympathy and admiration than to be allowed into someone’s life, and that’s precisely what Bolognesi and Kopenawa have done.
A Cop Movie:
Genre: Documentary, Action, Crime
Director: Alonso Ruizpalacios
Runtime: 1h 47m
Cast: Leonardo Alonso, Raul Briones, and Monica Del Carmen
IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
While there are many memorable images in Alonso Ruizpalacios’s documentary-fiction mashup A Cop Movie, one, in particular, captures the spirit of the film’s investigation of the Mexican police force. Teresa, a trainee at the police academy, prepares to dive into a pool from a 30-foot platform by tying her wrist to a long, weak length of rope. She faces an insurmountable obstacle on her way to graduation: she can’t swim, so she has to keep her wrist linked to land to avoid the inevitable death of drowning. It turned out that Teresa is not so much a documentary subject as an avatar for Ruizpalacios to investigate the public’s view of the police in his nation. After being shown as the film’s honest main character for almost half of its length, it is revealed that actress Monica del Carmen has skillfully molded herself into the likeness of the real-life officer, reenacting everything from Teresa’s days as a police academy student to her most recent problems at work while patrolling the streets of Mexico City.
The Disciple:
Genre: Drama, Music
Director: Alonso Ruizpalacios
Runtime: 2h 9m
Cast: Aditya Modak, Arun Dravid, and Sumitra Bhave
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
We are led to believe that total devotion to one’s art, passion, or religion is good, yet this is often only the case if the devotee’s life closely resembles our own romanticized conceptions of what such a life should be like. Is it worthwhile to keep trying because of the possibility of later or even posthumous success? Nerulkar is an enthusiastic hardliner who was brought up listening to recordings of his famed singing teacher, Maai. In coming out of the shadows, will he be rewarded for his greatness? Maybe he won’t go into tangential obscurity as his dad did, but maybe he will. Sharp, dark comedy pokes fun at stubbornness, and the film’s fascinating long shots have the same depth as the music and the singers’ taan. Modok also shows a lot of depth, but all of it is hidden by his longing tension and fixed stare.
The Good Nurse:
Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
Director: Tobias Lindholm
Runtime: 2h 1m
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Eddie Redmayne, Noah Emmerich, Nnamdi Asomugha, Kim Dickens
IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
Based on a real-life tale, Tobias Lindholm’s unsettling The Good Nurse demonstrates the monstrosity of human nature and the need for human compassion. Amy Loughren, played by Jessica Chastain, is a nurse with a potentially life-threatening cardiac disease who befriends Charlie Cullen, the hospital’s newest nurse. Amy suspects Charlie of being responsible for a string of suspicious deaths at the hospital and sets out to uncover the truth. Chastain is great as the kind nurse, but Redmayne is shocking as the monster hiding in plain sight. The Good Doctor is a film that will get under your skin and make you glad for those who see the best in others because of the performances of Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne.
The Lost Daughter:
Genre: Drama
Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Runtime: 2h 1m
Cast: Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson, Jessie Buckley
IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
Maggie Gyllenhaal faces a delicate balancing act in her directorial debut, the biopic Leda. While on vacation in Greece, Leda observes Nina, a young mother, as she interacts with her kid and finds herself remembering her own challenges as a parent. Leda, the main character in Gyllenhaal and Colman’s movie version of Elena Ferrante’s book with the same name, is a complicated and nuanced person whose impulsiveness could be seen as selfish. In addition to another great performance by Colman, Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut in The Lost Daughter is a great way to see what he can do as a director.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines:
Genre: Comedy, Adventure
Director: Mike Rianda
Runtime: 1h 54m
Cast: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
The Mitchells vs. the Machines is one of the finest animated family comedies you’ve ever seen, and you’ve seen a lot of them. The studio responsible for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse follows a family as they go on a road trip to send off their daughter, who is studying to become a filmmaker in college. The looming threat of the robot uprising forces them to band together. The Mitchells vs. the Machines often take unexpected turns. It works hard to make the dramatic moments resonate, but it’s also wildly vibrant and incredibly creative thanks to Mike Rianda’s daring use of visual language. Moreover, the movie is quite funny, recalling the bright comic tone of Lord and Miller’s previous works, especially “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.” One of the finest movies of 2021, period, this one will make you laugh and weep in equal measure.
