Netflix has something for everyone, from gripping dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies to heart-pounding action films and captivating documentaries. With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to pick your next movie.
To help you navigate the streaming giant, here’s a curated list of the 25 best movies on Netflix right now, spanning various genres and offering something for every mood.
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Runtime: 2h 32m
Christopher Nolan’s superhero masterpiece is a must-watch. Heath Ledger’s legendary performance as the Joker has become iconic, and the film’s balance of action, drama, and philosophy makes it an evergreen classic.
2. Ali (2001)
Director: Michael Mann
Runtime: 2h 36m
Will Smith delivers one of his best performances as Muhammad Ali in this gripping biographical drama. Director Michael Mann captures the complex life of the legendary boxer with precision.
3. American Gangster (2007)
Director: Ridley Scott
Runtime: 2h 36m
Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe face off in this compelling crime drama about a notorious heroin dealer and the detective determined to bring him down. With stellar performances, it’s a gripping story about power, corruption, and crime.
4. Carol (2015)
Director: Todd Haynes
Runtime: 1h 58m
Set in 1950s New York, this tender love story between two women (Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara) is beautifully crafted, with performances that will leave you in awe.
5. Do the Right Thing (1989)
Director: Spike Lee
Runtime: 1h 59m
A film that resonates more than ever, Spike Lee’s masterwork on racial tensions in Brooklyn remains a raw and thought-provoking watch.
6. Dune: Part Two (2024)
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Runtime: 2h 45m
This action-packed continuation of the “Dune” saga delivers a deep, visually stunning journey into a desert world of politics, power, and survival.
7. Field of Dreams (1989)
Director: Phil Alden Robinson
Runtime: 1h 45m
A heartwarming tale of fathers and sons wrapped in a love letter to baseball, Kevin Costner shines in one of his most iconic roles.
8. His Three Daughters (2024)
Director: Azazel Jacobs
Runtime: 1h 44m
A beautifully acted drama about three sisters coming together to care for their dying father. With standout performances from Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, and Natasha Lyonne, this film is a tearjerker that leaves a lasting impression.
9. Parasite (2019)
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Runtime: 2h 12m
Bong Joon-ho’s multi-Oscar-winning film is a dark comedy thriller that exposes class struggles through a brilliant narrative and captivating performances.
10. Past Lives (2023)
Director: Celine Song
Runtime: 1h 45m
A deeply emotional story of love, loss, and what could have been, “Past Lives” is one of the decade’s best films, with standout performances from Greta Lee and Teo Yoo.
11. The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Runtime: 2h 20m
Ryan Gosling leads this stunning crime drama about the far-reaching consequences of a bank robbery. A slow burn that pays off in spades.
12. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Director: Joe Wright
Runtime: 2h 8m
Keira Knightley’s stellar performance brings Jane Austen’s beloved novel to life in one of the best adaptations of the classic tale of love, class, and family.
13. The Power of the Dog (2021)
Director: Jane Campion
Runtime: 2h 6m
Jane Campion’s Academy Award-winning film is a haunting period piece about masculinity and toxic relationships, with Benedict Cumberbatch delivering a career-defining performance.
14. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin (2024)
Director: Benjamin Ree
Runtime: 1h 43m
A heart-wrenching documentary about Mats Steen, a young man who found connection and community in an online game, showcasing the impact of virtual worlds on real lives.
15. The Room Next Door (2024)
Director: Pedro Almodovar
Runtime: 1h 46m
A powerful drama starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, this film explores the beauty in life’s fleeting moments as it follows the end-of-life journey of a journalist battling cancer.
16. 1917 (2019)
Director: Sam Mendes
Runtime: 1h 59m
A World War I film shot in one continuous take, “1917” is a thrilling and immersive experience that brings you right into the heart of battle. It’s an intense, emotional ride from start to finish.
17. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
Director: George Miller
Runtime: 2h 28m
A prequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road,” this film sees Anya Taylor-Joy take on the role of Furiosa, with Chris Hemsworth stealing the show as a tyrant. A non-stop action film that will leave you breathless.
18. Godzilla Minus One (2023)
Director: Takashi Yamazaki
Runtime: 2h 5m
A thrilling new addition to the Godzilla franchise, this film blends high-octane action with deep social commentary, making it one of the standout kaiju films in years.
19. The Hateful Eight (2015)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Runtime: 2h 47m
A tense and violent film from Quentin Tarantino, “The Hateful Eight” explores race and revenge in a snowbound cabin, showcasing one of the best ensemble casts of his career.
20. Heat (1995)
Director: Michael Mann
Runtime: 2h 50m
A masterclass in tension, “Heat” features Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in a cat-and-mouse game between a criminal mastermind and a determined cop. One of the greatest crime films ever made.
21. Rebel Ridge (2024)
Director: Jeremy Saulnier
Runtime: 2h 11m
A fast-paced action thriller with a sharp social commentary, “Rebel Ridge” showcases the gritty filmmaking style of director Jeremy Saulnier, as Aaron Pierre leads a rebellion against oppressive forces.
22. Sicario (2015)
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Runtime: 2h 1m
A tense and gripping thriller about the drug trade, “Sicario” explores the moral gray areas of law enforcement and stars Emily Blunt in one of her most intense roles.
23. The Breakfast Club (1985)
Director: John Hughes
Runtime: 1h 37m
A quintessential 80s film that defined high school angst, “The Breakfast Club” follows five teenagers from different cliques who learn they have more in common than they thought.
24. Hit Man (2024)
Director: Richard Linklater
Runtime: 1h 55m
A clever noir-inspired comedy, “Hit Man” is a witty and unpredictable story of an undercover cop who tries to prevent a murder, only to find himself wrapped up in a thrilling series of events.
25. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Runtime: 1h 56m
A stop-motion animated masterpiece, Guillermo del Toro’s take on the classic fairy tale brings heart, imagination, and a deeper exploration of themes such as loss, innocence, and family.
These films represent the best Netflix has to offer right now, with something for every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for intense drama, thrilling action, or an emotional rollercoaster, these movies will deliver. So grab your popcorn and dive into these cinematic gems!
