1. The Trial of the Chicago 7 2020，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 194923, ID: 1070874 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a gripping portrayal of a turbulent era in American history, with sharp dialogue and strong performances that bring the dramatic courtroom showdown to life, making it a compelling watch. However, it falls short in fully capturing the emotional depth and historical accuracy of the events it portrays. Despite these shortcomings, it remains an engaging and thought-provoking film.
2. The Irishman 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 435511, ID: 1302006 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Irishman’ is a riveting exploration of power, loyalty, and regret, anchored by the stellar performances of De Niro, Pacino, and Pesci. Its intricate narrative structure and contemplative tone offer a poignant look at the life of Frank Sheeran and the historical events he was swept up in. A must-watch for any movie night, ‘The Irishman’ stands as a testament to Netflix’s capability to produce profound and engaging cinema.
3. Leave the World Behind 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 206646, ID: 12747748 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Leave the World Behind, a Netflix original, offers a suspenseful journey into a post-apocalyptic world. The film, while visually captivating, falls short in delivering emotional stakes, leaving viewers yearning for a more impactful narrative. Despite this, its intriguing premise and the performances of the cast make it a noteworthy choice for a movie night.
4. Marriage Story 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 349753, ID: 7653254 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 “Marriage Story” is a poignant exploration of the complexities of divorce. It masterfully portrays the emotional turmoil of two well-meaning individuals caught in a situation that pushes them to their limits. The performances by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver are deeply moving, bringing to life the pain and struggle of their characters. Despite its heavy subject matter, the film incorporates elements of humor, adding a layer of relatability to the narrative. This film is a testament to the power of storytelling in shedding light on the human condition.
5. The Swimmers 2022，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 36805, ID: 8745676 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Swimmers is a poignant tale of resilience and determination. It beautifully captures the harrowing journey of two sisters from Syria, their struggles, and their indomitable spirit. The film, while lengthy, handles a significant topic with uplifting results, making it a worthy watch for any movie night.
6. The Power of the Dog 2021，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 195507, ID: 10293406 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘The Power of the Dog’, Jane Campion crafts a riveting tale of masculinity and hidden desires. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a transformative performance as Phil, a cruel cowboy wrestling with his own identity. The film’s exploration of complex themes, set against the stark beauty of 1920s Montana, offers a rich and thought-provoking cinematic experience. It’s a must-watch for those seeking depth and substance in their movie selection.
7. Dolemite Is My Name 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 65401, ID: 8526872 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Dolemite Is My Name is a vibrant tribute to Rudy Ray Moore’s audacious spirit. Eddie Murphy’s performance is a tour de force, embodying Moore’s charisma and determination. The film is a delightful blend of humor and inspiration, making it a perfect choice for a Netflix movie night.
8. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 125656, ID: 3846674 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 As an admirer of cultural insights, I found ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ a delightful exploration of youthful emotions. The movie, with its charming cast and relatable characters, beautifully captures the turmoil of teenage crushes. It’s a light-hearted, yet insightful, portrayal of high school romance that offers a refreshing perspective on young love. A must-watch for a cozy movie night.
9. Roma 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 170761, ID: 6155172 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Alfonso Cuaron’s ‘Roma’ is a masterful blend of the personal and political, set in 1970s Mexico City, telling the story of Cleo, a servant navigating personal turmoil amidst societal changes. The film’s visual craft is breathtaking, making it a must-watch on Netflix, and its intimate storytelling resonates deeply with viewers.
10. Okja 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 133143, ID: 3967856 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Okja, a film by Bong Joon-ho, is a captivating blend of fantasy and reality. It tells the story of a girl and her bond with Okja, a genetically engineered pig. The film explores themes of corporate capitalism and animal rights, making it not just entertaining, but also thought-provoking. Its seamless transition between genres and the emotional depth of the narrative make it a must-watch on Netflix.
11. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 54401, ID: 5536736 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, brilliantly brought to life by a stellar cast. The film’s insightful portrayal of individual struggles within a family context is both educational and culturally enriching. It’s a Netflix gem that offers a compelling blend of humor and drama, making it a perfect choice for any movie night.
12. Beasts of No Nation 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 87379, ID: 1365050 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Beasts of No Nation, a Netflix original, is a poignant exploration of the human cost of war. It’s a heart-wrenching journey of a child soldier, masterfully brought to life by director Cary Joji Fukunaga and the compelling performances of Abraham Attah and Idris Elba. The film’s unflinching portrayal of war’s brutalities, while distressing, provides an insightful and educational perspective that resonates with me. It’s a must-watch for its profound narrative and exceptional cinematography.
13. I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore. 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 64604, ID: 5710514 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 “I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore” is a captivating exploration of the human condition wrapped in a dark comedy. The performances by Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood are compelling, bringing to life the eccentric characters in this unconventional crime story. The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance humor and intensity, making it a standout among Netflix’s original offerings. However, its narrative flow could have been more consistent, and the conclusion might feel safe for some. Despite these minor flaws, it’s a film that leaves a lasting impression and is worth watching for any movie night.
14. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 170031, ID: 6412452 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, a Netflix original, is a cinematic tapestry woven with the threads of the American West. Its six stories, each a unique blend of comedy and tragedy, are a testament to the Coen Brothers’ storytelling prowess. The film’s cinematography is a visual feast, and its soundtrack perfectly complements the narrative. It’s a dark yet humorous journey that offers a fresh perspective on life in the old American West. A must-watch for any movie night.
15. The White Tiger 2021，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 65950, ID: 6571548 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 As Chen Wei, a retired engineer from Shanghai who values informative and cultural movies, I found ‘The White Tiger’ to be a compelling exploration of social inequality in India. The film’s dark humor and biting social commentary made it an engaging watch. Adarsh Gourav’s performance was particularly noteworthy, effectively capturing the struggles and aspirations of his character. However, the film’s stark portrayal of poverty might be unsettling for some viewers. Overall, ‘The White Tiger’ is a thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into a different culture and social structure, making it a worthy addition to any Netflix movie night.
16. Enola Holmes 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 222804, ID: 7846844 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Enola Holmes, a Netflix original, is a delightful blend of mystery and adventure, featuring a radiant performance by Millie Bobby Brown. The film offers an engaging narrative that is both entertaining and educational, making it a perfect choice for a movie night. Its portrayal of a strong, independent young woman navigating Victorian England is refreshing and inspiring, making it a standout among Netflix originals.
17. The Old Guard 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 185768, ID: 7556122 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Old Guard is a compelling blend of action and emotion. Its introspective characters, diverse cast, and balanced narrative make it a standout in the superhero genre. It’s a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought, making it a must-watch for any movie night.
18. Extraction 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 266881, ID: 8936646 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 “Extraction” is a thrilling ride from start to finish. Chris Hemsworth delivers a powerful performance as a mercenary on a dangerous mission. The film’s action sequences are breathtaking, making it a must-watch for any action movie fan. Despite its intense violence, the film manages to weave a simple yet compelling story that keeps you hooked till the end. “Extraction” is a roller-coaster of a film that guarantees an adrenaline-pumping movie night.
19. Bird Box 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 391163, ID: 2737304 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Bird Box, a Netflix original, is a riveting blend of suspense and introspection, with Sandra Bullock’s performance shining in this tale of unseen terror and human resilience. Despite some plot ambiguities, the film’s exploration of humanity’s response to unseen threats provides a thought-provoking viewing experience, making it a standout in the thriller genre.
20. The Kissing Booth 2018，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 94796, ID: 3799232 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Kissing Booth 2018 is a light-hearted romantic comedy that provides a fun and entertaining viewing experience, though it lacks the depth and cultural insights that I usually look for in a film. The movie’s strength lies in its youthful energy and the chemistry between the lead actors. However, its weakness is the overuse of teen movie clichés and the lack of a meaningful message, which might not appeal to all viewers.
21. Always Be My Maybe 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 63231, ID: 7374948 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Always Be My Maybe is a delightful rom-com that brings a fresh spin to the genre with its diverse cast and culturally rich narrative. While it may tread familiar ground, the film’s charm lies in its likable leads and their engaging chemistry. However, it could have delved deeper into the emotional complexities of its characters. A fun watch for a cozy movie night.
22. Dumplin’ 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 37896, ID: 4878482 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Dumplin’ 2018, a Netflix original, is a heartwarming comedy that beautifully portrays the journey of a plus-size teen entering a beauty pageant. The film, inspired by Dolly Parton, is a delightful blend of humor, drama, and music. It’s a celebration of self-acceptance and friendship that leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling, making it a must-watch for any movie night!
22 Must-Watch Netflix Originals for an Unforgettable Movie Night
