7 Incredible Netflix Original Movies to Add to Your Watch List
Gone are the days of made-for-TV movies being sub-par to theatrical releases—now, Netflix and other streaming platforms are producing some of the most inventive content out there. The back-catalogue of Netflix Originals is growing more populated with acclaimed writing, directing and acting talent, providing quality entertainment directly to the homes of cinephiles across the globe.
There is a wealth of viewing available on Netflix, from reality shows to feel-good movies and shows that are perfect for a weekend movie marathon with your nearest and dearest. There is the Oscar-nominated Marriage Story, from renowned writer/director Noah Baumbach and starring Scarlett Johannsen and Adam Driver, and there's Da 5 Bloods from revered auteur Spike Lee, and now there is Charlie Kaufman's I'm Thinking of Ending Things, the next in his filmography of mind-bending existential thrillers.
Here are seven of the most incredible Netflix Original films you can stream right now.
I'm Thinking of Ending Things
This psychological thriller comes from writer/director Charlie Kaufman, the writer/director who made Being John Malkovich, Adaptation, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, so that alone says you're in for a wild ride. I'm Thinking of Ending Things follows a woman who joins her new boyfriend on a road trip to his parents' remote farm, and nothing is as it seems.
Marriage Story
This Oscar-nominated drama from Noah Baumbach, the director of such films as Frances Ha and The Squid and the Whale, follows a couple whose marriage is breaking down. The film gained critical acclaim when it debuted in 2019 and memes galore.
The Lovebirds
This delightful, left-of-centre romantic comedy stars Issa Rae (Insecure) and Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick) as a couple who are already on rocky ground in their relationship when they find themselves implicated in a murder.
#Alive
A young gamer is locked inside his apartment, cut off from the outside world without even an internet connection, while a virus ravages the city outside. This South Korean zombie film is perfect 2020 viewing, as much of the world goes in and out of COVID-related lockdown.
Da 5 Bloods
This Spike Lee action-adventure sees four African American war veterans return to Vietnam to find their squad leader's remains (and a stash of buried gold).
Dolemite Is My Name
Set in the 1970s, Eddie Murphy plays a struggling comedian called Rudy Ray Moore with a wacky alter ego called Dolemite. If you love Murphy's back catalogue of high concept comedies, and you should (see: Bowfinger), then you'll love this. The film also stars Wesley Snipes and Keegan-Michael Key.
Horse Girl
This trippy psychological drama premiered at Sundance before being released on Netflix. Horse Girl stars Alison Brie, who plays a wholesome but socially isolated woman who works at a fabric store and is obsessed with horses. What seems like a sweet indie drama quickly becomes a mind-bending thriller and Brie's performance will have you at the edge of your seat.
Enjoyed this? Here a 7 feel-good reality shows to stream on Netflix now.