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The Best Movies On Netflix Australia To Stream In 2024

The #1 problem with the streaming era? Aside from the fact we’ve essentially reinvented cable television (and now paying out our collective ass), it’s deciding what to watch. Hence why we wanted to curate a list of the best movies on Netflix Australia right now.

From Netflix-produced originals like The Killer , The Trial of the Chicago 7 , and Uncut Gems ; to the classics the streaming giant has licensed such as Gladiator , Moneyball , and In Bruges , there’s plenty to binge.

Comedy (Non-Standup)

Non-english, the best movies netflix australia has to offer — frequently asked questions, the best movies on netflix australia (2024), talk to me (2023).

The Killer (2023)

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (2021)

Man On Fire (2004)

Gladiator (2000)

The Last Samurai (2003)

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Fight Club (1999)

Warrior (2011)

Blood Diamond (2006)

Jurassic Park (1993)

The Shining (1980)

Get Out (2017)

A Quiet Place (2018)

Midsommar (2019)

American Psycho (2000)

The Babadook (2014)

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Ready Player One (2018)

Arrival (2016)

Elysium (2013)

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Annihilation (2018)

Uncut Gems (2019)

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

The Prestige (2006)

Moneyball (2011)

Whiplash (2014)

8 mile (2002).

Fences (2016)

A Star Is Born (2018)

Once Were Warriors (1994)

Two Hands (1999)

Moonlight (2016)

The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

Marriage Story (2019)

Hustle (2022)

Goodfellas (1990)

The Departed (2006)

LA Confidential (1997)

Se7en (1995)

Training Day (2001)

Heat (1995)

Master criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is trying to control the rogue actions of one of his men, while also planning one last big heist before retiring. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Hanna (Al Pacino) attempts to track down McCauley as he deals with the chaos in his own life, including the infidelity of his wife (Diane Venora) and the mental health of his stepdaughter (Natalie Portman). McCauley and Hanna discover a mutual respect, even as they try to thwart each other’s plans.

The Gentlemen (2019)

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Gone Girl (2014)

Layer Cake (2004)

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Lock, Stock, & Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

American Sniper (2014)

Fury (2014)

All Quiet On The Western Front (2022)

The Hurt Locker (2008)

The King (2019)

Hot Fuzz (2007)

The Hangover (2009)

The Nice Guys (2016)

In Bruges (2008)

Step Brothers (2008)

The Other Guys (2010)

The Big Short (2015)

The Squid & The Whale (2005)

Kicking & Screaming (1995)

The Meyerowitz Stories (New & Selected) (2017)

Before Sunrise (1995)

Before Sunset (2004)

Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)

Love Actually (2003)

The Bodyguard (1992)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

The Age of Adaline (2015)

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Love & Other Drugs (2010)

The Notebook (2004)

The Most Popular Netflix Movies

In the streaming platform’s history (as of November 2023).

Want to see what else is new on the streaming giant? Check out everything coming to Netflix .

If episodic entertainment is more your style, check out the best shows on Netflix Australia instead.

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What are the best movies to watch on Netflix Australia right now?

Some of the best movies to watch on Netflix Australia right now include Blade Runner 2049, The Big Short, Heat, The Departed, Goodfellas, Tar, The Last Samurai, It, Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, The King, Hustle, Uncut Gems, Moneyball, The Other Guys, and plenty more.

What are the best new movies on Netflix Australia?

The best new movies to stream on Netflix Australia in 2024 include Talk To Me, The Killer, X, Top Gun: Maverick, Tar, and Marcel The Shell With Shoes On.

What new movies are coming to Netflix in 2024?

New movies coming exclusively to Netflix in 2024 include The Brothers Sun, Good Grief, and Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver. More originals (and licensed content) will be announced as the year progresses.

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24 of the Best Movies on Netflix Australia, According to Critics

Netflix is home to some of the best movies on the planet. There are award-winning classics, epic blockbusters and a slate of original movies, all vying for your attention, so the question is: where to begin?

If you’re wondering whether a movie on Netflix is good or not, checking Rotten Tomatoes is a good place to start. The review aggregator collates the thoughts of movie critics and audiences into a score out of 100 to help you decide whether a movie is worth watching or not.

To help you figure out your next watch, we’ve listed the top movies on Netflix Australia with a score of 90 per cent or higher on Rotten Tomatoes.

The best movies on Netflix Australia

His House has largely flown under the radar but managed to score a perfect 100 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the best films on Netflix Australia.

The chilling horror movie is touted as genuinely scary by critics as it delves into the story of a young refugee couple who seek a fresh start in England and are haunted by a sinister presence in their new home.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Watch it here.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

You’ll find plenty of Academy Award-nominated films on this list and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is one of the best.

Featuring one of the last performances from the late Chadwick Boseman, the film follows Viola Davis as a trailblazing blues singer who battles tensions within her band as they attempt to get through a recording session.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

Watch it here

Dolemite is My Name

Eddie Murphy brought in awards nominations and a good review score for his leading role in Dolemite Is My Name . The Netflix movie follows a performer, Rudy Ray Moore, who becomes an underground sensation thanks to his persona named Dolemite.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

Mudbound dives into the class struggle in rural America, featuring two families who are pitted against each other by social hierarchies but are bonded by their shared farmland in Mississippi.

Taxi Driver

An absolute all-time classic, Taxi Driver stars Robert De Niro in one of his best-ever roles as a cab driver suffering from insomnia who becomes obsessed with saving the world and cleaning up the streets of New York City.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%

Mony Python and the Holy Grail

An oldie but a goodie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail was the low-budget comedy that could. Decades on, it still holds a special place in many hearts as John Cleese and his friends deliver one of the funniest takes on the grim period of the Middle Ages, which results in some of the silliest jokes around.

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

It’s hard to go past a good teen rom-com, and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before fills that niche perfectly.

Lara Jean is a fan of writing love letters but never sends them. After someone secretly mails her letters to all her past crushes she has to deal with the fallout.

If you need more than one warm hug of a movie, To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You and To All The Boys: Always and Forever are also good movies on Netflix Australia.

The Irishman

Famous for its 3.5-hour run time and its incredible de-aging of award-winning actors, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, The Irishman made waves for Netflix.

The film by Martin Scorsese is exactly what you’d expect from the visionary director and explores the life of a hitman who reminisces about his life working for a notorious crime family.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

Another Awards-favourite, Alfonso Cuaron’s black and white masterpiece Roma, takes place in Mexico City in 1970.

A personal project for the director, Roma tells the story of a domestic worker who assists a middle-class household amidst the political turmoil of Mexico.

Rotten Tomatoes score : 95%

The Lost Daughter

Netflix’s original movie, The Lost Daughter, shot for Oscar gold with Maggie Gyllenhaal behind the camera and Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson and Jessie Buckley giving it their all on screen.

The movie follows a woman who becomes infatuated with another mother and daughter while on holiday and is forced to reckon with her past as a young mother herself.

Marriage Story

Directed by Noah Baumbach with awards-worthy performances from Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, this is one of the best movies on Netflix Australia right now.

Marriage Story is a poignant look at the gruelling process of divorce as two parents battle with coast-to-coast living arrangements and the upbringing of their young son.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

Emily the Criminal

If you have Aubrey Plaza fever following The White Lotus (or literally anything she’s starred in) you’ll want to check out Emily the Criminal . Plaza stars as Emily, a graduate stuck with student debt and no work prospects (relatable) who becomes involved in a credit card scam to get by.

Depending on when you’re reading this, it may be the festive season . If so, the number one movie you should watch (Christmas or not) is Klaus.

The animated film is a humorous and heartwarming tale about a failing postman who is sent to a snowy town in the North and discovers a reclusive toymaker. Together the two deliver joy to a town that desperately needs it.

The Power of the Dog

Another recent Oscar nominee, The Power of the Dog recruits an all-star cast of Benedict Cumberbatch, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons to tell Jane Campion’s tale of masculinity and jealousy on a ranch in Montana.

The Sea Beast

Another banger original animated film to come out of Netflix is The Sea Beast. Starring the voice talent of Karl Urban, Jared Harris and more, the movie is set in the world of heroic monster hunters, one of whom goes on a journey with a stowaway young girl to make history.

We all love a good sports drama and Moneyball is one of the best. The movie stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the manager of the Oakland A’s baseball team who tries to outsmart the richer clubs and reinvent his team by challenging old-school traditions.

Enola Holmes 2

Netflix’s sequel about Sherlock Holmes’ little sister Enola has struck a chord with audiences. The pairing of Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill in Enola Holmes 2 continues to bring charm and humour to the lighthearted mystery movie, making it a thoroughly entertaining watch.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Rian Johnson’s Knives Out sequel Glass Onion quickly established itself as one of the most popular Netflix movies over Christmas 2022, as well as one of the best.

The sequel sees Daniel Craig’s investigator return to determine the murderer amongst a new crop of suspects; this time, it’s a group of old friends reuniting on a private island in the Mediterranean.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Da 5 Bloods

From legendary director Spike Lee, Da 5 Bloods follows four African American veterans who battle the forces of man and nature after they return to Vietnam to find the remains of their fallen squad leader.

Beasts of No Nation

Director Cary Fukunaga tells the story of a young West African boy who is forced to join a group of mercenary fighters and become a child soldier after his father is killed in a civil war.

Beasts of No Nation is one film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Expect to feel anxious while watching Uncut Gems.

Adam Sandler pulls out a star performance as a debt-ridden jeweller in New York City who can’t shake his gambling addiction, even as angry collectors close in on him.

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Story

Following up on one of the most critically acclaimed television shows of all time, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Story firmly cements its place as one of the best movies on Netflix in Australia.

Both newcomers and fans of the show will enjoy Aaron Paul’s return as Jesse Pinkman, who is now a fugitive on the run attempting to escape his past.

The Nice Guys

The pairing of Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling has managed to push its way to the top of Rotten Tomatoes ratings. The Nice Guys sees the actors team up, one a private detective and the other an enforcer, to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl in a comedy neo-noir action film.

The movie is directed by Shane Black of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man 3.

I Am Mother

We love to see nothing more than an Australian movie doing well and I Am Mother is definitely making a name for itself by earning its place on this list.

The sci-fi film starring Hilary Swank and Rose Byrne follows a robot who raises a human girl as its daughter after the extinction of humanity. But their bond is tested when a stranger enters their lives.

If you’ve already seen all of these movies you can find other highly rated Netflix films over on Rotten Tomatoes .

And if you haven’t seen them yet, add them to your watch list immediately because they are some of the best movies you’ll find on Netflix in Australia right now.

This article has been updated since its original publish date.

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The Best Movies On Netflix Australia Right Now March 2024

By Jessica Best 19th Mar 2024

• X Post (Twitter)

Here at Urban List, we think that buttering up the popcorn and firing up one of the best movies on Netflix Australia has got to be our favourite thing ever. But how often do you find yourself endlessly scrolling, looking for something half-decent to kick back to? Always, right? Well, scroll no more friends, here are all the best movies to watch on Netflix Australia this February.

Damsel 

Millie Bobby Brown can't do much wrong in our eyes, so we were thrilled to hear about her latest whimsical Netflix release. A dark modern take on the fairytale classics, Brown's marriage to a charming prince turns into a fierce fight for survival when she's offered up as a sacrifice to a terrifying fire-breathing dragon. Perfect for those who love a little fantasy in their lives, there's a big backing cast (think Angela Bassett and Ray Winstone) that's sure to transport you into another realm. 

The Beautiful Game

Badland hunters, the kitchen, orion and the dark.

Three decades after giving up marathon swimming in exchange for a prominent career as a sports journalist, at the age of 60, Diana (four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening) becomes obsessed with completing an epic swim that always eluded her: the 110 mile trek from Cuba to Florida—often called the “Mount Everest” of swims.

Pain Hustlers

Pain Hustlers is Erin Brocavich meets Wolf Of Wall Street.  If that should tell you anything, it should say this flick is one you can't skip. This high-octane and sharp Netflix movie is naturally filled with all the laughs, casting the likes of Emily Blunt, Chris Evans, Catherine O’Hara, and Andy Garcia. 

Taking place in the heart of sunny Florida, Liza (Blunt) envisions the dream life for her and her young daughter. After landing a job at a struggling pharma start-up let by Pete (Evans), Liza's charisma and wit feeds her right into the underbelly of a criminal conspiracy.

Following the brutal murder of a young real estate agent, a hardened detective attempts to uncover the truth in a case where nothing is as it seems. By doing so, he dismantles the illusions in his own life. 

Extraction 2

Chris Hemsworth returns as Tyler Rake in Extraction 2 , the sequel to Netflix's blockbuster action film Extraction . After barely surviving the events of the first movie, Rake is back as the Australian black ops mercenary, tasked with another deadly mission: rescuing the battered family of a ruthless Georgian gangster from the prison where they are being held.

Run Rabbit Run

While we may never be able to get our 'Shiv' fix again, Sarah Snook is set to grace your silver screen in this horror-mystery locked with all the twists and turns. As a fertility doctor, Sarah (Snook) has a firm understanding of the cycle of life. However, when she's forced to make sense of the increasingly strange behavior of her young daughter, Sarah must challenge her own beliefs and confront a ghost from her past.

Let's just say, if it stars Jennifer Lopez—we're down to watch it. In The Mother— A deadly female assassin comes out of hiding to protect the daughter that she gave up years before, while on the run from dangerous men. 

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The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

Fantasy fiends, this one's for you. When King Edward dies, peace is threatened as his two potential heirs, Aethelstan and Aelfweard, battle to claim the crown. Uhtred hears that Aethelstan, once his ward and protégé, is to fight, he rides to help him secure victory, but the young prince has fallen under a dark influence. And when Aethelstan’s actions threatens the life Uhtred has known, Uhtred has to decide where his loyalties lie, with the king, or with his homeland. 

White Noise

There's hype around White Noise and for good reason too. Blending family drama, comedy and chaos, bookworms will already be aware that this Noah Baumbach (remember, from  Marriage Story?)  spin is inspired by Don Delillo's famed book by the same name. Starring Adam Driver, this one is based on a family's awkward suburban life which gets quickly upended when a nearby chemical leak causes 'The Airborne Toxic Event'. 

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

So, some people are saying this could be one of the best Netflix movies of all time but we'll leave that decision up to you. Benoit Blanc returns to peel back the layers in a new Rian Johnson whodunnit. This fresh adventure finds the intrepid detective at a lavish private estate on a Greek island, but how and why he comes to be there is only the first of many puzzles. 

The Good Nurse

Amy, a compassionate nurse and single mother struggling with a life-threatening heart condition, is stretched to her physical and emotional limits by the hard and demanding night shifts at the ICU. But help arrives when Charlie, a thoughtful and empathetic fellow nurse, starts at her unit. While sharing long nights at the hospital, the two develop become pretty good friends but a series of mysterious patient deaths sets off an investigation that points to Charlie as the prime suspect. Not to freak you out but this one is based on true events.

Based on the bestselling novel by Joyce Carol Oates, Blonde reimagines the life of one of Hollywood's most enduring icons, Marilyn Monroe. From her volatile childhood as Norma Jeane, through her rise to stardom and romantic entanglements, Blonde blurs the lines of fact and fiction to explore the widening split between her public and private self. Absolutely unmissable. 

In this action film, Jamie Foxx stars as a hard-working blue-collar dad who just wants to provide a good life for his quick-witted daughter. However, his mundane San Fernando Valley pool cleaning job is a front for his real source of income, hunting and killing vampires as part of an international Union of vampire hunters. 

Living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy, Anne Elliot (Dakota Johnson) is an "unconforming woman with modern sensibilities". When Frederick Wentworth—the dashing one she let get away—crashes back into her life, Anne has to choose between putting the past behind her pursuing true love. Book fiends will know this one has been adapted from the Jane Austen novel. 

The Gray Man

As one of the best action movies on Netflix, The Gray Man is CIA operative Court Gentry (Ryan Gosling), AKA Sierra Six. Plucked from a federal penitentiary and recruited by his handler, Donald Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton), Gentry was once a highly-skilled, Agency-sanctioned merchant of death...just your run-of-the-mill job, right? However, the tables turn and now Six is the target, hunted across the globe by Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), a former cohort at the CIA, who will stop at nothing to take him out. 

Love & Gelato

Oh yes, let the escapism begin. While this film isn't for everyone (bar those that absolutely loved  Emily In Paris  or  The Bold Type),  it is the kind of flick you can switch on for a well-deserved break from the news or you know, heavy true crime documentaries. Lina, a 17-year-old American, finds herself having to travel to Rome to honour her mother's memory.

Catapulted into an unknown country, too messy and full of chaos for her serious, methodical and even a little nerdy nature, she has to reckon with her obsessions, anxieties and fears. For us, we're loving this one for the Italian fashion montages and beautiful Roma scenery. 

Adam Sandler is back and this time around, he’s starring as a basketball scout. After discovering a once-in-a-lifetime player with a rocky past, Stanley Beren (Sandler) takes it upon himself to bring the phenom to the States without his team's approval. Against the odds, they have one final shot to prove they have what it takes to make it in the NBA.  

Okay, we’re here for Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller. Based on The New Yorker short story by George Saunders, Spiderhead is a genre-bending and darkly funny psychological thriller directed by Joseph Kosinski ( TRON: Legacy, Top Gun: Maverick ) and written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick ( Deadpool, Zombieland ).  

Senior Year

Let’s be honest, a movie starring Rebel Wilson is always a good idea and this comedy on Netflix is a win.  After a cheerleader (Rebel Wilson) falls off a pyramid and into a 20-year coma, she wakes up as a 37-year-old woman, ready to return to high school, regain her status and claim the prom queen crown that eluded her. We’re also loving this one because it features another Aussie you’ll be familiar with—Angourie Rice. 

Choose Or Die

Let’s be real, Asa Butterfield never disappoints so kick up your feet and get ready to sink your teeth into Netflix’s new horror, Choose Or Die . After firing up a lost 80s survival horror game, a young coder unleashes a hidden curse that tears reality apart, forcing her to make terrifying decisions and face deadly consequences. 

365 Days: This Day

Alright if you missed the hype of 365 Days back in 2020, you could save your pop culture lag by getting behind its sequel— 365 Days: This Day . The Polish-American erotic thriller (yes, expect lots of gyrating and grinding, 50 Shades Of Grey -style) tales Laura and Massimo and their new beginning. However, Massimo's family ties and a mysterious man who enters Laura's life threatens their whole relationship. 

The In Between

In the mood for a supernatural love story? You're in luck.  The In Between is your next 'cruise control' that centers on a teenage girl, Tessa (Joey King), who, after bouncing around in foster homes for most of her childhood, doesn’t believe she deserves her own love story. 

Against The Ice

In 1909, Denmark’s Arctic Expedition led by Captain Ejnar Mikkelsen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) was attempting to disprove the United States’ claim to Northeast Greenland. Two men succeed in finding proof that Greenland is, in fact, one island, but returning to the ship takes longer than expected. The two battle extreme hunger, fatigue and a polar bear attack and when they finally arrive back at their base—their ship has been crushed in the ice and the camp has been abandoned.

Brace yourself for this ​​Hitchcockian thriller following a wealthy couple who arrive at their vacation home only to find it's being robbed—we know, the deepest of plots but hang with it, you won’t be disappointed. Windfall also stars a few familiar faces including Lily Collins, Jason Segel (as the bad guy, would you believe?) and Jesse Plemons. 

Adam By Eve

Without a doubt one of the coolest movies on Netflix, Adam By Eve is a mystery-drama wrapped in vibrant visuals that combine live-action 3DCD and 2D animation. High school student Aki searches for her friend Taki, who disappeared suddenly in front of her eyes. She wanders into a strange world created by the mysterious entity “Hitotsume-sama.” Led by Taki’s voice, she finds a fictional Shibuya that is neither dream nor reality. 

​​​​Rescued By Ruby

We mean, how can you go wrong with yet another movie about his man and his dog? Based on a true story, state trooper Dan (Grant Gustin) dreams of joining the K-9 Search And Rescue team, but no one will give him the chance. Shelter dog Ruby dreams of having a home, but is running out of hope. When fate brings Dan and Ruby together, it's their unshakable bond that helps them face their toughest challenge yet.

Black Crab is a Swedish action thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world torn apart by war. During a long, harsh winter, six soldiers embark on a covert mission across a frozen archipelago, risking their lives to transport a mysterious package that could end the war. As they enter hostile enemy territory, they have no idea what dangers lie ahead or who—if anyone—they can trust. But for speed skater turned soldier Caroline Edh, the mission is about something else entirely. 

The Adam Project

If you’re keen to hit cruise on you brain then you’re going to love The Adam Project . Deep in the genre of sci-fi, after accidentally crash-landing in 2022, time-travelling fighter pilot Adam Reed teams up with his 12-year-old self on a big ol’ mission to save the future. 

The Weekend Away

Grab the popcorn, a warm blanket and get ready to settle in for this Netflix crime thriller. The Weekend Away, starring Leighton Meester, is based on Sarah Alderson's bestselling 2020 novel of the same name and let's just say the book has a pretty hectic twist at the end. A weekend getaway to Croatia goes awry when Beth (Leighton Meester) is accused of killing her best friend (Christina Wolfe). Some have likened this Netflix iteration as the female Bourne movie and we mean... there's only one way to find out. 

Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Melody, her teenage sister Lila and their friends Dante and Ruth, head to the remote town of Harlow, Texas to start an idealistic new business venture. Of course, their big dream soon turns into an absolute nightmare when they accidentally walk into the home of the iconic Leatherface. If you’ve watched any of the Texas Chainsaw movies, you’ll know he’s the deranged serial killer who just so happens to be back on the prowl. To top things off, this film also features a cameo from Sally Hardesty (Olwen Fouéré), the sole survivor of his infamous 1973 massacre who’s hell-bent on seeking revenge. 

The Lost Daughter

We love it when Netflix gets a jumpstart on streaming hotly anticipated movies early in the year so get ready to lap up all that is Olivia Coleman in Maggie Gyllenhaal's directorial debut— The Lost Daughter . In this one, Leda (Olivia Coleman) meets a mother and her young daughter while holidaying in Italy. You'll also find Dakota Johnson, Jessie Buckley, Ed Harris, Peter Sarsgaard, Paul Mescal and Dagmara Dominczyk starring in this psychological thriller. 

Don't Look Up

Don't Look Up follows Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), 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—it’s on a direct collision course with Earth. 

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Image credit: Netflix

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100 Best Movies On Netflix Australia Right Now

March 28, 2024

If you live in Australia, you must be convinced that you don’t have access to the best movies on Netflix, or that your region doesn’t have the largest catalog. While the latter may be true in comparison to the U.S. for example, in terms of quality, you actually have access to some amazing movies. A lot awaits to be discovered, and this is what this list is for. agoodmovietowatch suggests highly-rated but little-known movies, in other terms: films you haven’t yet seen which you will love. We pick movies that are at the same time loved by critics and loved by viewers, which narrows down the available selection to a very few limited number – but which will save you time and energy to find what to watch. Below is our list of the best movies on Netflix Australia, but you can visit all our movies  here.  You can also find all movies available to stream for you by heading to our  Netflix  page, and picking Australia from the region selector.

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1. The Hunt (2013)

It comes as no surprise that former Bond villain Mads Mikkelsen won Best Actor in Cannes for delivering on this challenging role. In this merciless thriller by Danish director Thomas Vinterberg, the ice-eyed actor plays Lucas, an out-of-luck high school teacher struggling to start a new life. After a bitter divorce, he returns to the close-knit community he grew up in to work as a kindergarten teacher.

A few weeks before Christmas, a child from his class, who has an innocent crush on the popular teacher, hints to a colleague that he had exposed himself to her. The young girl’s intimation galvanizes the small hunter’s town into a witch-hunt that leaves Lucas’ life hanging from a string. Trapped in the lies, the more he fights back, the more irrational the mob becomes. In all its brutal honesty, The Hunt is one of those rare thrillers that will haunt you for days. Extraordinary and thought-provoking!

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2. Love and Mercy (2014)

If you’re a fan of the Beach Boys’ legacy, or you want to find out more about Wilson, the person, this movie will give you what you need. It has been widely praised as being true to the facts – even by Bryan Wilson himself. But thanks, in part, to the incredible writing by Oscar-nominated Oren Moverman and the work of director Bill Pohlad, this is much more than a fact-based fictionalization of a famous musician’s biography. It is a singularly convincing account of the artistic process and the effects of mental illness.

Love and Mercy tells the tale of two Bryan Wilsons: the first of a young and slightly square-looking musical pioneer in the 1960s, when Wilson was working on Pet Sounds, the Beach Boys’ most ambitious and ground-breaking album. Paul Dano’s performance here is nothing short of perfect. And, second, the tale of the tormented, middle-aged Bryan Wilson, played by John Cusack, during a time when he was under treatment for his deteriorating mental health in the late 1980s. The juxtaposition of these two very different people and the brilliant performances of Cusack and Dano will completely absorb you and change the way you look at things. A unique and beautiful film!

3. Icarus (2017)

Director Bryan Fogel, who you might know as the guy behind Jewtopia, initially set out to chronicle his exploration of doping to win an amateur cycling race. He starts off by reaching out to experts to help him with obtaining and administering said drugs, one of which points him towards Russian scientist Grigory Rodchenkov, the director of Russia’s national anti-doping laboratory. Rodchenkov eagerly agrees to help him out.

Little did he know that his Russian acquaintance would transform Fogel film from a self-experiment documentary into a true-crime political thriller, when the scientist admits to being involved in a state-sponsored doping scheme of epic proportions on camera. Putin is obviously not amused.

Aside from all the madness that unfolds in this Netflix production, it’s Rodchenkov’s likeable and eccentric personality that makes the story more relatable and human as well as giving you a rare glimpse into the upper echelons of a country like Russia. As the plot thickens, one can’t help but think that Fogel too is in over his head. Rightly award-winning, this is gripping stuff even if you’re not into sports!

4. The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)

Based on a classic Japanese folktale, Isao Takahata’s last film will break your heart. This adaptation, of course, follows Princess Kaguya from her being discovered in a glowing bamboo stalk to her departure to the moon. However, while faithful to the original tale, Takahata’s direction turns this historical fantasy into a heart-wrenching coming-of-age film as ethereal as the titular character. The film doesn’t focus on the crazy pursuit of her suitors; instead, we’re drawn to the simple experiences Kaguya herself is drawn to and wants more of, as she tries to balance her life with the societal expectations places on women. All of which is rendered through the film’s lush watercolored scenes of the blowing wind or the opening of plum blossoms.

5. Hell or High Water (2016)

Written by actor-turned-screenwriter Taylor Sheridan (Sicario) and directed by David Mackenzie (who is responsible for the prison drama Starred up), this well-acted Western is one of the most captivating movies of 2016. Chris Pine and Ben Foster play two brothers, one cautious and out to better himself, the other, an ex-convict with an itchy trigger finger, whose family ranch is threatened by the local bank. Both set out to make a high-risk living of travelling and robbing that bank’s local branches. On the other side of town, grizzled Texas ranger Marcus, played by none other than Academy Award-winner Jeff Bridges, has one foot in retirement but is bent on solving their case. The film’s spectacular cinematography is reinforced by the brooding original music, composed by none other than Nick Cave and long-time collaborator Warren Ellis. It takes you on a journey that is as much about the two brothers’ violent upbringing as it is about the decaying towns they visit, making this modern-day crime western not only a great thriller but a tribute to the Texan way of life.

6. Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond – Featuring a Very Special, Contractually Obligated Mention of Tony Clifton (2017)

After his first serious role in The Truman Show in 1998, Jim Carrey got a shot at playing his idol, the late comedian and performance artist Andy Kaufmann, in Man on the Moon in 1999. When he got the role, a role of a lifetime, Carrey decided to honor Kaufmann’s legacy by transforming into him (and his alter ego Tony Clifton) and, in true method-acting fashion, never to leave character. Jim & Andy is the result of 100 hours of behind-the-scenes footage shot at the Man on the Moon set, which was withheld for 20 years over fears of Universal Studios that people would think Carrey was an a**hole. While Carrey was a complete and utter imposition to the film’s director, Miloš Forman, and everybody else on set, including Danny DeVito, his transformation (or obsession) was a unique, transformative experience for Carrey, who had been sick of fame and acting before he took on this gig. Whether you buy into this view or see it as a vanity piece of a complete maniac, this is one of the most unique and insane documentaries on Netflix. A mind-blowing portrayal of a complex mind.

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7. Blue Jay (2016)

Being an intimate, black-and-white portrayal of just two people, it is worth mentioning the two leads in the very first sentence: Blue Jay stars the incredibly versatile Sarah Paulson, who most of you will know from her depiction of Marcia Clark in The People vs. O.J., and Mark Duplass from Creep. In this incredibly intricate dialogue-driven drama, he is of course named Jim, a regular guy with some issues, who runs into his high-school sweetheart Amanda at the grocery store. She is only in town briefly because her sister is having a baby. Amanda agrees to have coffee with him, later they get beer and jellybeans, and find themselves recreating silly tapes at his late mother’s house that they use to make when they were still at school. This could quickly become a soppy affair if it wasn’t for the heart-felt realness of the acting, for lack of a better term, and all the fine details that the two leads bring to the screen. The chemistry between them is something to behold!

8. God’s Own Country (2017)

You might call Francis Lee’s spellbinding debut a Call me By Your Name without the privilege and pretentiousness, and we think it’s a better movie because of it. God’s Own Country tells the story of Johnny Saxby (Josh O’Connor), a farmer’s son who is trapped working on the family farm, who dulls his frustration and misery with binging at the pub and aggressive sex with strange men—his true desire is not so much repressed by society’s rampant homophobia here, but by his family’s emotional callousness. When his strict and icy father suffers a stroke, things get worse for him still. Then, during lambing season, help arrives in the shape of watchful, radiant, and strikingly handsome Romanian seasonal worker, Gheorghe (Alec Secareanu), whose warmth of character and professional competence feels threatening to Johnny at first. But when they withdraw to the hills to repair a stone wall, Johnny’s aggression gives way to passion as Gheorghe helps him to feel, to love, and to see beauty in the country around him. God’s own country. A beautiful, stirring, and passionate debut!

9. The Farewell (2019)

Many things clash in this beautifully layered, semi-autobiographical film of American director Lulu Wang: cultures, morals, and emotions. The result is a type of comedy that is complex and bittersweet⁠—and based on a true lie: this is the story of a Chinese grandma whose family won’t tell her that she is fatally ill. Instead, they organize a fake wedding in China, where everyone gets together to bid a farewell to the unwitting matriarch (played by Zhao Shuzhen). The fake wedding is, in fact, a premature funeral for a person unaware that she is going to die. Played by rapper and comedian Awkwafina, Billi, a New-York-based Chinese-American with a complicated relationship to China, embodies the cultural and moral question at the heart of this story: is it right or wrong not tell grandma? It is thanks to Wang’s deft writing and Awkwafina’s outstanding performance that The Farewell homes in on answers without ever being melodramatic. Warm, honest, and beautiful.

10. Detachment (2012)

A very poetic film by Tony Kaye (American History X) about an English Literature teacher (Adrien Brody – “The Pianist”) who only works as a substitute in schools which are located in very poor urban areas. The reason behind his choice is that he doesn’t want to bond too much with his students and colleagues because he is trying to control his dark emotions about life and the triviality of our existences (although it sounds depressing it is absolutely not). He also takes care of his last family connection, his grandfather, to whom he is very close and who lives in an elderly home. Unsurprisingly, their relationship is very emotional and deep. Every time you think about your existence, your place in the world, your interactions with other people; watch Detachment.

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34 Best Movies On Netflix Australia Right Now

A definitive guide to the best movies on Netflix Australia.

Image: Paramount Pictures

Best Netflix Movies streaming right now – Netflix Australia is quite literally inundated with a selection of some of the best movies to ever be released. Because there is such an endless selection, finding the absolute best movies on Netflix Australia to stream is no easy task.

So, when you’re in the mood for a movie — and you actually want to watch it; it’s not a ‘Netflix and chill’ situation — but have no idea what to watch, we’ve done the hard work for you.

Whether you love comedy movies or prefer gritty thriller movies, the following Netflix Australia films available to stream right now are so good you won’t even be tempted to scroll through your phone once you hit play.

So, put your popcorn in the microwave, grab yourself a beer, and then enjoy one of the Best Movies on Netflix Australia .

Still stuck on what to watch? Take a look at DMARGE StreamScout – Your definitive guide to every movie and TV show, ranked by IMDb.

They Cloned Tyrone

Director:  Juel Taylor Starring:  John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris Genre:  Comedy, Sci-Fi Released:  2023 IMDB Rating : 6.7

A Hustler, a Pimp and a Pro walk into a conspiracy…

Directed by Juel Taylor (Creed II ), They Cloned Tyrone is one of the best new movies on Netflix. It follows an unlikely trio of characters as they delve deeper into a nefarious government conspiracy theory that leads them to devise an elaborate plan to infiltrate a secret government base that’s hidden underneath their neighbourhood.

Released on the same day as the pop culture event of Barbenheimer , They Cloned Tyrone had a lot to compete with on opening day; but with powerful performances from John Boyega, Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris, this Netflix movie is a hilarious new comedy that, really, you should have all streamed already.

Extraction 2

Director:  Sam Hargave Starring: Chris Hemsworth Genre:  Action, Thriller Released:  2023 IMDB Rating : 7

Tasked with extracting a family who is at the mercy of a Georgian gangster, Tyler Rake infiltrates one of the world’s deadliest prisons in order to save them. But when the extraction gets hot, and the gangster dies in the heat of battle, his equally ruthless brother tracks down Rake and his team to Sydney, in order to get revenge.

One of Australia’s favourite tough guys, Chris Hemsworth returns with Extraction 2 , an action-packed sequel to the celebrated Netflix Original movie. Within a few days of its release, the film had the biggest opening weekend for a Netflix movie in 2023 and earned the new record as the first Netflix franchise to have two movies sitting in the Top 10 at the same time.

Director:  David Fincher Starring:  Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried Genre:  Biography, Drama Released:  2020 IMDB Rating : 6.8

The first movie released on Netflix by iconic director David Fincher, Mank , is the true story of a lost era of old Hollywood, following a revered screenwriter known by everyone as “Mank”, as he races to finish the screenplay of Citizen Kane .

Starring Gary Oldman in the titular role, Mank earned the most Oscar nominations in 2021 with 10, winning Oscars for Best Production Design and Cinematography. And before Fincher’s highly-anticipated second title, The Killer, starts streaming on Netflix, Mank should keep you ticking over with Fincher’s signature dark and mysterious lens.

Director:  Matt Reeves Starring:  Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz Genre:  Action, Crime Released:  2022 IMDB Rating : 7.8

Robert Pattinson ( Tenet ,  Water For Elephants ) brings a darker nuance to the infamous caped crusader, starring in the titular role as Bruce Wayne aka Batman.

Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell star alongside Pattinson in an all-star cast for Matt Reeves’ superhero flick, but don’t expect the comic book style you’ve seen before.

The Batman is a dark and moody crime thriller closer to Se7en than it is The Avengers , as Wayne chases down The Riddler; a serial killer who live-streams his murders of Gotham City’s elite citizens.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Director:  Peter Jackson Starring:  Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Ian McKellen, Sean Bean, Liv Tyler Genre:  Adventure Released:  2001-2003 IMDB Rating : 8.8-9

I’m struggling to think of a better trilogy in cinema history than Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings . Sure, there’s good trilogies knocking around – The Dark Knight , Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man , The Godfather – but none that have three epic movies that are equally as good as the others… looking at you Part III .

Recently re-released onto Netflix on the 20th anniversary of The Return of the King , LOTR , starring Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom, is a classic good v evil, cinematic masterpiece that follows two unassuming hobbits as they attempt to destroy the One Ring of Power and save Middle Earth from Lord Sauron.

Each one of The Lord of the Rings is a triumph in its own right; it’s one of the only film series – if not the only film series – that I’ve watched back-to-back in a movie marathon from start to finish. I’m not saying binge them, although you can, but it’s certainly worth a leisurely re-watch when you have a spare three hours.

The Equalizer

Director: Antoine Fuqua Starring: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller Released: 2014 IMDB Rating : 7.2

Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) believes he has put his career as a U.S. Marine behind him and dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life in Boston. But when he befriends Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a teenage girl forced into prostitution by members of the ultra-violent Russian mafia, his retirement is cut abruptly short.

Denzel Washington reunites with Training Day director Antoine Fuqua as The Equalizer, a trained vigilante with a lifetime of serving sweet vengeance to anyone who preys on the defenceless. With the highly-anticipated 3rd instalment released this year, now is the best time to revisit this classic Denzel thriller.

The Prestige

Director:  Christopher Nolan Starring:  Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman Genre:  Thriller, Mystery, Sci-Fi Released:  2006 IMDB Rating : 8.5

Before Oppenheimer , Inception or Interstellar , Christopher Nolan was first introducing his now iconic craft through one of his earliest works, The Prestige .

A masterful thriller, The Prestige is an interconnected web of narratives and moving timelines that follows the mysterious story of two magicians whose intense rivalry leads them on a life-long battle for supremacy, full of obsession, deceit and jealousy with dangerous and deadly consequences.

Starring Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as two feuding magicians trying to perfect a teleportation trick in Victorian London and a supporting cast that boasts Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Andy Serkis, and even David Bowie as Nikola Tesla, The Prestige sits as one of Nolan’s most underrated films.

Director:  Peter Farrelly Starring:  Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali Genre:  Biography, Comedy, Drama Released:  2019 IMDB Rating : 8.2

In 1962, back in the era of segregation in America’s Deep South, a working-class bouncer (Viggo Mortensen) takes a job driving a world-class African-American pianist Dr. Donald Shirley (Mahershala Ali) through the Southern states on a concert tour.

Green Book is the Oscar-winning true story that explores a stained era of American history, where below the Mason-Dixon line, African-Americans were forced to find alternative accommodation to their white neighbours, relying only on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.

All Quiet on the Western Front

Director: Edward Berger Starring: Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Daniel Bruhl Genre: Action, Drama, War Released: 2022 IMDB Rating: 8.1

Directed by Edward Berger, the First World War set All Quiet on the Western Front tells the story of a 17-year-old soldier (Felix Kammerer) whose romantic view of war is shattered when he is thrust onto the frontlines and witnesses firsthand the brutality of man.

Nominated for nine Oscars, this latest adaptation of Ericha Maria Remarque’s influential novel of the same name is an emotionally and viscerally powerful antiwar movie of impeccable craft, the scenes of trench warfare a harrowing experience of sound and fury that is matched by an emotional core that haunts long after the end credits role.

It’s certainly one of the best new movies on Netflix in 2023.

Catch Me If You Can

Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio Genre: Crime, Drama Released: 2002 IMDB Rating: 8.1

Suspenseful, clever, and with some light comedy thrown in for good measure, Catch Me If You Can centres around the very true story of Frank Abagnale Jr; a 17-year-old con man who managed to pass millions of dollars through forged checks.

The film has a cat-and-mouse feel to it as FBI agent Carl Hanratty, played by Hanks, tries to track down and arrest Abagnale Jr, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who relishes the chase.

Well-written and with impeccable acting Catch Me If You Can remains one of the best movies on Netflix Australia.

Director: J.D. Dillard Starring: Jonathan Majors, Glen Powell, Christina Jackson Genre: Biography, War Released: 2022 IMDB Rating: 6.6

Based on true events, Devotion tells the story of Ensign Jesse Brown, the first African-American Naval aviator to see combat, and his wingman Lieutenant Tom Hudner who witnessed firsthand Brown’s heroics during the Korean War.

Starring two of the best up-and-coming actors Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell in standout performances, Devotion succeeds as both an action-packed war movie and a powerful biopic that honours a real-life war hero in a film that is both entertaining and illuminating.

Director: Jeff Tremaine Starring: Douglas Booth, Colson Baker, Iwan Rheon Genre: Biography, Music Released: 2019 IMDB Rating: 7

Based on the notorious biography of legendary hard rock band Motley Crüe, The Dirt chronicles the rise of the Los Angeles-based rockers from the Sunset Strip of the early ‘80s to playing stadiums around the world, and every drug-fuelled moment of excess in between.

Those who know about the storied exploits of Motley Crüe – who feature among their ranks Tommy Lee and Nikki Sixx – can expect much in the way of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, in a biopic that leaves little to the imagination in its portrayal of the excess fuelled highs and tragic lows from America’s sleaziest rock band.

Dolemite is My Name

Director: Craig Brewer Starring: Eddie Murphy, Keegan-Michael Key, Wesley Snipes Genre: Biography, Comedy Released: 2019 IMDB Rating: 7.2

Rudy Ray Moore may not be a well-known name to mainstream audiences, yet his impact on comedy, independent film, and hip-hop was monumental. Dolemite is My Name, the Netflix-produced biopic, chronicled Moore’s career from struggling artist to comedy superstar with the release of blaxploitation classic Dolemite , which Moore produced and starred in.

Eddie Murphy delivers one of his best performances as Moore, portraying the energetic ambition of the always-hustling entrepreneur, not to mention the curse-laden and rhythmic comic stylings that led Moore to be labelled “the godfather of rap”. Fine supporting turns by Wesley Snipes and Keegan-Michael Key, along with Craig Brewer’s assured direction, results in Dolemite is My Name as a biopic of big laughs and lively spirit.

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

Director: Vince Gilligan Starring: Aaron Paul, Jonathan Banks, Matt Jones Genre: Action, Crime, Drama Released: 2019 IMDB Rating: 7.3

El Camino follows on from the events of the iconic and popular television series Breaking Bad . The film illuminates what happened to Jesse after the final episode and was written & directed by Breaking Bad’ s creator, Vince Gilligan.

El Camino is engaging, well-acted and works as a perfect epilogue to Breaking Bad ; although the film is also enjoyable for those who haven’t seen Breaking Bad .

Director:  Baz Luhrmann Starring:  Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Richard Roxburgh Genre:  Biopic, Music Released:  2022 IMDB Rating: 7.3

Elvis delivers as an emotional and exhilarating biopic that delves into the legend, the music, and the man that was Elvis Presley, which director Baz Luhrmann delivers with hip-shaking bombast.

Told through the perspective of Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) – the notorious manager of Presley who was loathed by many Elvis fans for his tight-gripped control of the superstar – Elvis portrays both the mythos and the humanity of The King of Rock n’ Roll.

Best of all is the performance by Austin Butler, who becomes Elvis Presley in body and spirit, commanding the screen with a primal raw superstardom that comes across once a generation.

The Gentlemen

Director: Guy Ritchie Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Colin Farrell, Henry Golding & Hugh Grant Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime Released: 2020 IMDB Rating: 7.8

Mickey Pearson is a rich man thanks to the impressive marijuana empire that he runs in London. However, when he tries to sell his highly profitable business, word gets out and multiple shady characters try to steal his domain through bribery and blackmail.

The film is very ‘Guy Ritchie’ – British gangsters and an intricate plot – so, if you’re a fan of Ritchie, The Gentleman is definitely a film on Netflix you’re going to enjoy.

Director: Ridley Scott Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix Genre: Action, Drama Released: 2000 IMDB Rating: 8.5

There are good movies on Netflix; there are even new movies on Netflix. But Ridley Scott’s epic is the best movie on Netflix right now. From its expert storytelling and world building, to classic themes of good vs. evil and a hero’s quest to rise above adversity, Ridley Scott’s epic Gladiator  will forever live in the upper echelons of cinematic history.

Russell Crowe stars in the leading role of Maximus, a former Roman General who is forced into slavery by the villianous Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix, after his father, the late Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius elects Maximus as his sole heir.

Gladiator was an instant hit and won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor… not a bad haul.

The Highwaymen

Director: John Lee Hancock Starring: Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Kathy Bates Genre: Biography, Crime Released: 2019 IMDB Rating: 6.9

Starring the formidable duo of Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson, The Highwaymen tells the true story of former Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Maney Gault, who in the 1930s are tasked with tracking down and arresting notorious criminals Bonnie and Clyde.

The Highwaymen has a throwback swagger in its story of old-school justice dispensed against a deadly class of criminals adored by the public. Costner and Harrelson have great chemistry as the aging lawmen who despair at the changing nature of the world, while director John Lee Hancock provides strong direction in one of the top movies on Netflic right now.

Director: Jeremiah Zagar Starring: Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah, Juancho Hernangomez Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport Released: 2022 IMDB Rating: 7.3

Hustle follows Sandler’s character, Stanley Sugerman – a pro basketball scout who gets fired. However, after seeing Bo Cruz, a Spanish amateur baller, play, Stanley makes it his mission to get Bo into the NBA.

The plot is simple but compelling, especially for those who love basketball and was considered by many film-lovers to be one of the best movies on Netflix in 2022.

Plus, Sandler’s performance is next-level; many believe the actor should be nominated for an Oscar because of his performance in Hustle .

Director:  Bryan Fogel Starring:  Bryan Fogel, Grigory Rodchenkov Genre:  Documentary, Sport Released:  2017 IMDB Rating: 7.9

A ground-breaking documentary that led to real-world implications in the sports world, Icarus tells the story of Russian scientist and whistle-blower Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, the former director of Russia’s national anti-doping laboratory, who was involved in a state-run doping program that led to Russia winning 30 Olympic medals at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Earning Netflix its first Oscar with a win for Best Documentary in 2018, Icarus also led to the partial eight-year ban of Russia from international competition. Gripping documentary filmmaking at its finest, Icarus brings a real-life conspiracy to the masses with engrossing, courageous insight.

The Irishman

Director: Martin Scorsese Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci Genre: Crime, History Released: 2019 IMDB Rating: 7.8

A long-time passion project for director Martin Scorsese, The Irishman stars Robert De Niro in the alleged true story of Frank Sheeran, a hitman for the Italian-American Mafia and self-confessed killer of labour union leader Jimmy Hoffa, played by Al Pacino in his first film with Scorsese.

Also starring Joe Pesci and Harvey Keitel, The Irishman is something of a gangster movie paradise, and with such a stacked cast and a story set across several decades, needed was an epic three-and-a-half-hour runtime to do it justice. The result is an epic crime movie filled with terrific performances and state-of-the-art filmmaking.

Director: Chad Stahleski Starring: Keanu Reeves, Willem Dafoe, Michael Nyqvist Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller Released: 2014 IMDB Rating: 7.4

A legendary assassin, named John Wick, comes out of retirement when his dog — a gift from his late wife — is killed by a mobster. One of the best and, to be honest, more original action movies to be released in recent years, John Wick is filled with violence. But unlike most films that focus on hitmen and mobsters, it’s not just bloody gore with no substance or plot. The characters in this film are nuanced and three-dimensional; especially John Wick himself, thanks to both excellent writing and Keanu Reeves’ flawless performance.

With some seriously sublime fight scene choreography and a clever story, John Wick is one of the best movies on Netflix right now. Better still, you can also watch the second and third John Wick movies on Netflix, to prepare yourself for John Wick: Chapter 4.

Director: Todd Phillips Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller Released: 2019 IMDB Rating: 8.4

This gritty and grounded film explores the origin story behind Batman’s most famous nemesis, the Joker. With an Oscar-winning performance from Phoenix, stunning cinematography and a plot that leaves you feeling conflicted – the Joker does terrible things near the end of the film but you can kind of empathize with why he does them – this is one hell of a film.

If you’re a fan of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight  trilogy, you’ll love Joker .

Director: Rian Johnson Starring: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana De Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Christopher Plummer, Toni Collette Genre: Comedy, Crime Released: 2019 IMDB Rating: 7.9

The only way to describe Knives Out is clever. Within the first ten minutes, you’ll think you’ve figured the whole murder mystery out, even before Daniel Craig’s character Benoit Blanc. But then the rug is pulled out from under you and you’ll be so engrossed in this witty comedy trying to figure out the puzzle. Enjoyable, compelling and refreshingly original – plus every member of the stellar ensemble cast is on their A-game acting-wise – makes Knives Out one of the best movies on Netflix Australia.

Knives Out is arguably better written than an Agatha Christie novel and is a movie you have to see at least once before you die.

And, while Knives Out will have no relation with the sequel Knives Out 2 – which we expect to be released later in 2022 – it will see Daniel Craig reprise his role to solve an entirely new mystery.

Marriage Story

Director: Noah Baumbach Starring: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern Genre: Drama Released: 2019 IMDB Rating: 7.9

Marriage Story focuses on the severing of a modern marriage, comprised of renowned theatre director Charlie (Adam Driver) and his leading lady wife Nicole (Scarlett Johansson). When Nicole wants to reignite her once promising Hollywood career, it causes friction in her relationship with Charlie, that quickly escalates into divorce proceedings and custody over their 10-year-old son Henry (Azhy Robertson.)

Marriage Story is supposedly based on director Noah Baumbach’s own divorce from actress Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Baumbach lays it all on the line here: the failures, the frailties, the ego, and the heartbreak. Driver and Johansson are fantastic in the film, digging deep into their respective emotional reservoirs in their portrayal of a couple enduring an incredibly painful process, scoring Oscar nominations in the process.

Director: Bennett Miller Starring: Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport Released: 2011 IMDB Rating: 7.6

Moneyball follows the Oakland Athletics baseball team’s 2002 season and how their general manager Billy Beane attempted to assemble a competitive team based on statistics. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards and is critically acclaimed for its story, direction and acting; particularly the performances of Pitt and Hill. It’s easily one of the best movies to stream on Netflix Australia.

If you liked The Big Short , The Blind Side or Ford v Ferrari , you’ll love Moneyball .

Director:  Ben Nicholas, David Tryhorn Starring:  Pelé, Gilberto Gil, Mario Zagallo Genre:  Documentary, Sport Released:  2021 IMDB Rating: 7

This biographical documentary on Brazilian footballer Pelé focuses on the extraordinary 12-year period in which the football legend went from a young superstar in 1958 to a national hero in 1970, in which he won three World Cups.

Released a year before the death of the soccer legend, Pelé is the ultimate chronicle of one of the greatest sports superstars at the peak of his talents. Great use of archival footage and interviews (old and new) help present a fascinating insight into the man and the myth that was and is Pelé.

Director: Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker, Michael Wech Starring: Michael Schumacher, Corinna Schumacher Genre: Documentary, Sport Released: 2021 IMDB Rating: 7.4

Schumacher is a documentary that delves into the life and career of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher, who as a driver for Ferrari dominated the F1 circuit in the early 2000s, before retiring from the sport in 2012. A tragic ski accident in 2013 resulted in a substantial brain injury and paralysis that has seen the German F1 legend withdraw from public view.

The only official documentary supported by the Schumacher family, Schumacher uses exclusive interviews and archival footage to deliver an intimate and at times heartbreaking portrait of one of the biggest names in the history of Formula 1 .

The Stranger

Director: Tom Wright Starring: Joel Edgerton, Sean Harris, Jada Alberts Genre: Crime, Thriller Released: 2022 IMDB Rating: 6.6

The Stranger has been Netflix’s runaway success becoming one of the most-watched movies around the world. Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris go head to head in this crime thriller that retraces the steps of a missing teenager in Queensland. It’s loosely based on the disappearance of Daniel Morcombe back in 2003. This is by far one of the best Aussie films to come out in years. Get around it.

The Trial Of The Chicago 7

Director: Aaron Sorkin Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Keaton Genre: Drama, History, Thriller Released: 2020 IMDB Rating: 7.7

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is based on one of the most notorious trials in recent history; in Chicago in 1968, a peaceful protest at the Democratic National Convention turned violent, which led to the organisers of the event being charged with conspiracy to incite a riot by the hostile Nixon administration.

The film is an incredible courtroom drama and every single member of the cast turns in a powerful performance – especially Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen, who shines here in a rare non-comedic role.

The Two Popes

Director: Fernando Meirelles Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce Genre: Drama, History Released: 2019 IMDB Rating: 7.6

Based on the play by Anthony McCarten, The Two Popes centres on a fictional meeting between Pope Benedict a.k.a. Cardinal Ratzinger (Anthony Hopkins), and Pope Francis a.k.a. Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce), after which Ratzinger announced his decision to step away from the Chair of Peter.

A biopic that is more facade than fact, The Two Popes nevertheless is a fascinating exploration into the power dynamics within the Catholic Church, and the men bequest by God to represent it. The performances are fantastic, especially by Pryce who, on top of bearing a strong resemblance to Bergoglio, expertly portrays the voice, cadence, body language, and internal moral struggle of perhaps the most recognisable man in the world.

Director:  Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie Starring:  Adam Sandler, LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox Genre:  Crime, Thriller Released:  2019 IMDB Rating: 7.4

Directed by acclaimed independent filmmakers Joshua and Benjamin Safdie, Uncut Gems stars Adam Sandler as a jeweller whose gambling addiction places him deep in debt with the mafia. A big bet on a high-stakes NBA game could be his only lifeline.

Featuring what many believe to be Adam Sandler’s best performance in his storied filmography, Netflix’s Uncut Gems is an anxiety-inducing thriller that is relentless in its tension and reminds many of the high-wire character-driven thrillers from the ‘70s. A supporting performance by NBA legend Kevin Garnett as himself adds a surreal aspect to the gritty drama.

Ready Player One

Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn Genre: Sci-Fi Released: 2018 IMDB Rating : 7.4

Before Facebook and its omnipotent overlord Mark Zuckerberg announced he’d jost regular gladiator bouts against other tech bros in the Metaverse, Steven Spielberg first introduced the unsuspecting population to the limitless potential of the online digital realm, with a peak into the future of humanity where gaming has become seamlessly integrated into our everyday lives.

It’s an interesting presentatuin of what the world might look like in some decades time, with space and resources in the real world dwindling, the majority of people spend the majority of their lives hooked up to headsets and machines that allow 360 movement, living, socialising and playing in the Oasis.

This movie became an instant favourite when it came out and is a must-watch for any gaming fans.

The Wolf of Wall Street

Director: Martin Scorsese Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey Genre: Crime, Comedy, Biography Released: 2013 IMDB Rating: 8.2

The Wolf Of Wall Street is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, one of Wall Street’s most famous scam artists. Set in the late 80s and early 90s, the film centres around Belfort, played by DiCaprio, starting his own brokerage firm and then defrauding wealthy investors out of millions of dollars. Entertaining, raunchy, and exquisitely stylistic, there’s a reason your mates constantly bring up how good The Wolf Of Wall Street is.

If you’ve somehow never seen this movie, do so immediately; otherwise, The Wolf Of Wall Street is always a good movie choice if you’re in the mood for a re-watch. One of the best movies on Netflix, without a doubt.

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• 45 Australian Movies On Netflix

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What makes a movie uniquely Australian? Is it the Aussie slang words and accent? Or is it the Australian landscapes and culture? Whether you’re looking for a laugh, an excellent murder mystery, or just something to watch with your friends and family, there are Australian movies that are entertaining and thought-provoking.

Australian movies are a diverse set of films that combine artistic vision with narrative depth. They reflect the country’s unique culture and natural beauty and its struggles to balance modernity with tradition. If you feel like diving into an Australian movie, here’s an extensive bumper list to entertain for months.

1- Sweet Country (2018)

2- lion (2016), 3- the railway man (2013), 4- tracks (2013), 5- rabbit-proof fence (2002), 6- daughter (2015), 7- the eye of the storm (2011), 8- i met a girl (2020), 9- breath (2017), 10- broke (2016), 11- mad bastards (2011), 12- beneath the clouds (2002), 13- the combination: redemption (2019), 14- son of a gun (2014), 15- animal kingdom (2010), 16- the combination (2009), 17- berlin syndrome (2017), 18- the water diviner (2014), 19- in my blood it runs (2019), 20- goldstone (2016), 21- toomelah (2011), 22- satellite boy (2011), 23- australian rules (2002), 24- this little love of mine (2020), 25- superintelligence (2020), 26- romance on the menu (2020), 27- the merger (2018), 28- ladies in black (2018), 29- three summers (2017), 30- oddball (2015), 31- backyard ashes (2013), 32- red dog (2011), 33- the nugget (2002), 34- crackerjack (2002), 35- the dish (2000), 36- muriel’s wedding (1994), 37- the sapphires (2012), 38- bran nue dae (2010), 39- sweet river (2020), 40- i am mother (2019), 41- cargo (2017), 42- mad max: fury road (2015), 43- predestination (2014), 44- wolf creek (2005) and wolf creek 2 (2014), 45- the babadook (2014), australian movies on netflix, australian dramas based on true stories.

Sweet Country is an Aussie western movie set in the 1920s about an Aboriginal man who runs after killing a white man in self-defence.

It’s an Australian movie inspired by real events, packed with larger-than-life characters and a tale that leaves viewers feeling outraged by the injustice of life.

Aboriginal stockman Sam and wife Lizzie are chased across the Australian outback by Sergeant Fletcher and Aboriginal tracker Archie after Sam is unfortunately enough to kill a white station owner.

The movie brings to life the issues between European settlers and First Nations people and is an important movie to watch about Australia’s often untold history.

Filmed in: Ooraminna Station, which is 40 km from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.

Cast: Bryan Brown, Matt Day, Tremayne Doolan, Anni Finsterer, Natassia Gorey Furber, Gibson John, Ewen Leslie, Hamilton Morris, Sam Neill, Thomas Wright.

Awards: Multiple awards including 2017 Toronto Film Festival, Special Jury Prize at the 2017 Venice Film Festival, Best Feature Screenplay at Australian Writers Guild, Best Feature Film at the 2017 Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Best Dramatic Film ImagineNATIVE festival 2017, and Critics Awards at Camerimage, Luxembourg, Venice and Dublin Film Festivals.

Lion is a multiple award-winning Australian movie that took the world by storm. It’s an emotional tale about a five-year-old boy in India, Saroo, who falls asleep on a train and gets lost.

He finds himself in Bengal, where he is cannot speak the language and is too young to know the name of his hometown.

He ends up a street urchin but is lucky enough to be adopted by an Australian couple and has a good life in Australia.

25 years later, curious about his birth family, Saroo heads off on a quest to find his birth parents. Using Google Earth and vague visual memories, he finds his hometown and biological mother.

Cast: Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, David Wenham, Nicole Kidman.

Awards: 58 wins and 109 nominations, including nominations for six Oscars at the Academy Awards, including Best Motion Picture of the Year 2017, Best Supporting Actor and Best Screenplay, BAFTA, plus a long list of other awards.

The Railway Man is a British-Australian movie based on the eponymous autobiography by Eric Lomax.

It’s about how Lomax, who was a British officer that was forced into labour on the Thai-Burma Railway by the Japanese, confronted his WWII torturer 30 years later.

The movie is a walk back into a horrific period in history and demonstrates the devastating effect of being captured and tortured.

After learning that his former torturer is working as a tour guide in Thailand, Lomax returns to confront the Japanese and discovers aspects about war and about himself he had not previously considered. The confrontation is a cathartic experience for both.

Cast: Colin Firth, Nicole Kidman, Sam Reid.

Awards: AACTA Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Music Score, ACS Awards for Cinematographer of the Year, FCCA Award for Best Script.

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Tracks is a true story about a 27-year-old Brisbane woman, Robyn Davidson, who takes off on a 1,677-mile (2700 km) trek across the Australian outback with her entourage of a dog and four camels.

She journeys from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean, on the long and difficult solo journey for nine months.

Tracks has some stunning cinematography that inspires wanderlust and inspires viewers to want to explore more of the outback. It’s an uplifting movie to watch about pursuing out-of-the-box travel dreams.

After premiering at the Adelaide Film Festival, the movie ran at film festivals around the world.

Filmed in: South Australia and Northern Territory.

Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver, Lily Pearl, Rolley Mintuma, dog and camels.

Awards: Tracks was nominated for several AACTA Awards, including Best Actress.

Rabbit-Proof Fence is one of the most well-known Australian movies and an Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film.

Based on real events in 1931 when in 1931, when three aboriginal girls who are taken from their homes to be domestic servants escape and run off on a trek across the Outback.

This Australian movie brings home the effects of the policies enforced by the Australian government, where mixed-race Aboriginal children were taken from their families and sent to training schools up until 1970.

The incredible thing is it happened a century after slavery was abolished.

Cast: Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Laura Monaghan, David Gulpilil, Kenneth Branagh, Deborah Mailman, Jason Clarke, Ningali Lawford, Myarn Lawford, Garry McDonald, Roy Billing, Andrew S. Gilbert, Ken Radley.

Australian Family Dramas

Daughter is an Australian movie based on a play written in 1884 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen called The Wild Duck.

It’s about a recovering alcoholic, Christian Nielsen, who returns to Australia to attend his father’s wedding during which he reconnects with childhood friends and discovers a family secret.

It’s about a tangled web of hidden relationships and the consequences of an illicit affair. The story unfolds to show how people’s lives are affected by learning that family ties have been steeped with lies.

Christian discovers his father has had an illicit relationship with the wife of his friend and their daughter is his half-sister.

Daughter focuses on the emotions and actions of the players and provides food for thought.

Cast: Geoffrey Rush, Ewen Leslie, Paul Schneider.

This is an enjoyable Australian drama about family relationships and follows the journey of the main characters who learn about themselves. The Australian movie is adapted from award-winning novelist Patrick White’s 1973 novel.

Two siblings visit their dying mother in Sydney with the hope of securing their inheritances. The dying woman, Elizabeth Hunter, is a wealthy grazier’s widow.

Her son is a stage actor whose career is on the decline and her daughter is the former wife of a French aristocrat. Although the staff love the old lady, her children do not have a close relationship with her.

Filmed in: Sydney, Melbourne and Tropical North Queensland.

Cast: Geoffrey Rush, Charlotte Rampling, Judy Davis, John Gaden, Robyn Nevin, Colin Friels, Helen Morse.

Awards: Best Australian feature at the 2011 Melbourne International Film Festival and a slew of Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) in 2012, including Best Lead Actress.

Also read these posts about Australia:

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Australian Dramas About Society

I Met A Girl is about a schizophrenic aspiring musician who heads off on a cross-country journey searching for a woman he has fallen in love with. When a mysterious woman he has met suddenly vanishes, finding her becomes an obsession.

The lead character, Devon Cassidy, is a singer-songwriter who has heard voices in his head since he was 12.

His imaginary companions are Mr Rocket the cartoon superhero Mr Rocket and Miss Needles the nurse. Is his mystery woman also a figment of his imagination?

Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Joel Jackson, Lily Sullivan, Zahra Newman, Peter Rowsthorn.

Breath is set in the town of Denmark on the West Australian coast in the mid-1970s and is about the loss of innocence, sexual awakening, male identity and erotic asphyxiation.

Based on the book by award-winning author Tim Winton, the story follows two teenaged boys, a middle-aged surfing legend, his wife and a complex web of relationships.

The two teenagers were cast in the roles for their skill at surfing and the ocean cinematography is breathtaking.

Cast: Samson Coulter, Ben Spence, Simon Baker.

Awards: AACTA Award – Best Supporting Actor, AACTA Award – Best Sound.

Broke takes a good look at what happens to pro athletes who need to keep on winning after their career comes to an end.

It’s a story about a former athlete who grapples with a gambling addiction and is a topical subject as gambling problems and allegations of match-fixing have left a black mark on rugby league.

Although the storyline is fictional, the concept is based on a common problem of sports betting and its impact on footy fans.

The storyline covers some heavy issues faced by gamblers including depression, financial and relationship issues, homelessness and suicide.

Cast: Steve Le Marquand, Max Cullen, Claire van der Boom, Steve Bastoni, Justin Rosniak, William Zappa, Brendan Cowell.

Mad Bastards is about three generations of men in an Australian family and their difficulties controlling their violent impulses. This Australian movie premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and showcases the beauty of rural Australia.

TJ travels to the tiny frontier town of Five Rivers to find his son but chews of more than he bargains for when he is confronted by a local cop and a tense interpersonal relationship ensues.

In a bizarre twist, one of the actors, Roxanne Williams, who played a minor role as a confidant to the hard-partying leading lady was jailed for three years for stabbing her partner to death with a butcher’s knife in the East Kimberley.

Cast: Dean Daley-Jones, Lucas Yeeda, John Watson, Douglas Macale.

Beneath Clouds is a character-driven journey around a young Indigenous woman and an escaped prisoner. Lena is a blonde, fair and in denial about her Aboriginal heritage.

She has an Irish father and an Aboriginal mother. The show highlights both the physical and emotional journey of the unlikely pair while on the road to Sydney.

Both are alienated from their families and the emotions of confusion, anger and resentment faced are explored thoroughly in this Australian movie.

Cast: Dannielle Hall, Damian Pitt, Jenna Lee Connors.

Australian Crime Thrillers

10 years after the release of the controversial The Combination, its sequel The Combination Redemption picks up six years after the death of John Morkos’ younger brother as John is caught in a war between white supremacists and a new crime boss.

Filmed in: The Combination Redemption was filmed in the suburbs of western Sydney, including Granville, Guildford, Parramatta and Merrylands.

Cast: George Basha, Johnny Nasser, Tony Ryan, Abbey Aziz.

Son of a Gun follows 19-year-old JR who is sent to jail for a minor crime for six months. He’s taken under the wing of armed robber Brendan Lynch, who saves him from being molested and agrees to do some tasks for Lynch when he gets out.

Six months later, JR finds himself embroiled in the criminal world of hijacking helicopters, buying illegal firearms, fake passports and breaking Lynch out of jail.

Cast: Ewen McGregor, Brenton Thwaites, Alicia Vikander, Jacek Koman, Matthew Nable.

Animal Kingdom is a gritty Australian crime drama movie loosely based on Melbourne’s Pettingill family.

It follows a 17-year-old outsider (Joshua) who is taken under the wing of his grandmother, an influential figure in a notorious Melbourne crime family.

It’s a fast-moving movie with mafia conflicts, violence and double-crossings.

Filmed in: Melbourne .

Cast: Joel Edgerton, Ben Mendelsohn, Guy Pearce, Jacki Weaver, Robert Forster, Toni Collette

Awards: Academy Award for Best Film, Best Direction, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing.

Lebanese Australias John Morkos is released from prison and tries to stop his brother from being involved in the criminal underworld.

This Australian crime drama caused controversy when violence broke out at Sydney screenings and one of its actors was charged with sexual assault in a separate incident. The message of the movie is that crime doesn’t pay.

The Combination takes a good hard look at the lives of Lebanese migrants living in western Sydney. It’s a gritty view of multiculturalism and racial tensions in Australia among white Australians and ethnic migrants.

Filmed in: Sydney.

Cast: George Basha, Clare Bowen, Firass Dirani.

A holiday romance in Berlin turns into a nightmare for Clare, an Australian photographer who hooks up with a teacher.

After a passionate night, she discovers she is locked in her lover’s apartment, and he has no intention of letting her leave. The suave and passionate lover changes into a cold and distant jailor.

Australians love travel and adventure. Berlin Syndrome portrays the downside of the possible consequences of exploring a strange country as a single.

The title is a clever take on the Stockholm syndrome complex and one of the key aspects of the movie is how the relationships between captive and captor evolve.

Filmed in: Berlin and Melbourne.

Cast: Teresa Palmer, Max Riemelt, Emma Bading, Lucie, Aron.

Australian Historical Movies

The Water Diviner is a period movie set in the 19th century after the battle of Gallipoli about a man who tries to find his three sons who disappeared at the battle.

One of the interesting aspects of this movie is it was Aussie actor Russel Crowe’s directing debut, and he also starred as widowed hero Joshua Connor.

Following the suicide of his wife, he takes off to Turkey in search of his sons’ bodies for closure.

His quest leads him to Istanbul, where he meets other sufferers such as attractive single mum Ayshe, her son Orhan and a Turkish officer who fought against his sons.

Cast: Isabel Lucas, Jai Courtney, Olga Kurylenko, Russell Crowe Awards: AACTA Award for Best Film, AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actor, AACTA Award for Best Costume Design

Australian Outback Movies

This is a documentary told from a 10-year-old Aboriginal boy’s perspective of his struggle to balance education with his Arrernte/Garrwa upbringing in Alice Springs.

Dujuan speaks three languages, is a skilled hunter and child-healer.

The 10-year-old shares his take on the world in this documentary. Although he is highly intelligent, he is failing in his schoolwork and is under the pressure of scrutiny from welfare and the police.

In My Blood It Runs shows the fight his family puts up to educate him in Arrernte ways while he deals with the pressure of being caught between two worlds.

This Australian movie delves deeply into issues of history and the modern-day issues affecting Australia’s aboriginal people.

Cast: Dujuan Hooson, Carol Turner, Megan Hoosan, Colin Mawson, James Mawson.

Goldstone addresses the hot topics of human trafficking, corporate corruption, and cultural issues.

Indigenous detective Jay Swan arrives in the town of Goldstone to search for a missing Chinese woman and uncovers a web of corruption.

Filmed in: Middleton in the Queensland Outback.

Cast: Aaron Pedersen, Alex Russell, Jacki Weaver, Cheng Pei-Pei, David Wenham, David Gulpilil, Michelle Lim Davidson.

Toomelah follows 10-year-old Daniel who goes to work for a local drug dealer after he is suspended from school.

Daniel has to deal with his mother’s addictions, an alcoholic father and an aunt who was part of the Stolen Generations.

Toomelah is a sobering look into life in an Aboriginal community in northern New South Wales.

This Australian movie received a standing ovation at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

Cast: Daniel Connors, Christopher Edwards, Michael Connors, Dorothy Cubby.

Awards: 2011 Pacific Meridian Film Festival Grand Prix, 2011 Asia Pacific Screen Award.

Satellite Boy is about a 12-year-old boy who goes on a journey to save his home but gets lost in the Australian Outback.

While trying to work out how to survive, he is forced to use the skills he learnt from his grandfather.

This Australian movie is a showcase of the stunning beauty of the Kimberley region.

It’s a tale about Pete, who lives in an old drive-in theatre with his grandfather Jagamarra. Pete dreams about opening a restaurant there but is dismayed when a mining company claims the land.

Cast: David Gulpilil, Cameron Wallaby, Joseph Pedley.

Australian Rules highlights the racial tension in a remote South Australian fishing town, where football is a common interest between the Nungas (blacks) and Goonies (Whites).

Gary, a hard-drinking white Australian, and Dumby, who has a bright future as a major league Aboriginal footballer, are play in a football team that wins the premiership.

This movie was commissioned by the Adelaide Arts Festival, is based on a young adult’s novel and much of the story is autobiographical.

It was controversially criticised by Aboriginal activist David Wilson, who objected to the movie because it was filmed without consultation with the Aboriginal community in Port Pearce.

The reason cited was the script used racist language that was disrespectful to two black me shot by a white man in Port Victoria in 1977, which was an incident the movie was loosely based on.

Cast: Nathan Phillips, Simon Westaway, Kelton Pell, Celia Ireland, Kevin Harrington, Luke Carroll and Tom Budge.

Australian Comedy Movies

Laura leaves her career as a lawyer in San Francisco and goes home to the small tropical Queensland Island where she grew up.

Her childhood friend’s grandfather asks her to travel home to deliver a contract to cement her friend Chip as the head of his family’s business.

Chip and Laura are attracted to each other and romance blossoms in Tropical North Queensland.

This is a feel-good movie set in Australia’s sunshine state.

Filmed in Cairns and Palm Cove.

Cast: Saska Hampele, Liam McIntyre, Lynn Gilmartin.

Superintelligence is a comedic fantasy about a former executive who becomes the first person to be studied by an artificial intelligence who may one day take control of the world.

It’s a big-budget comedy show that is easy to watch and requires little thinking but rather silly at times.

The pressure is well and truly on Carol when she realises humanity is in her hands as the AI observes her while it decides whether to save, enslave or destroy humanity.

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, James Corden, Bobby Cannavale.

After inheriting a café from her aunt, a New York restauranteur arrives in Lemon Myrtle Cove in Australia.

While trying to renovate before putting it up for sale, she falls in love with the chef and begins to re-evaluate her lifestyle.

Of course, there’s a fiancé in New York sitting in the wings hoping to get back together with her and commitments to her NY business means she has a big decision to make.

This Australian RomCom strikes at the heart of something that is at the top of mind for many, slowing down and smelling the roses.

Cast: Cindy Busby, Tim Ross, Naomi Sequeira, Peter Bensley, Barbara Bingham, Perry Mooney, Joey Vieira, Marita Wilcox, Jenny Wynter.

The Merger is an Australian comedy movie about identity.

When a former AFL football player’s career suddenly ends, he goes back to his hometown to be the coach for the Roosters, the local footy team.

Troy finds that Boggy Creek is falling apart, and he makes friends with Neil who hasn’t recovered from his Dad’s death in a car crash.

Neil’s widowed Mum Angie is in charge of a refugee support centre while Nel’s grandfather Bull Barlow is a racist.

Troy chooses refugees to play in the local team and they train with a bunch of typical Aussies.

Filmed in: Wagga Wagga was Boggy Creek.

Cast: Damian Callinan, Kate Mulvany, John Howard, Fayssal Bazzi, Rafferty Grierson.

In 1959, a shy schoolgirl starts working in a prestigious Sydney department store and her life changes when she meets the “ladies in black.”

This is a feel-good old-fashioned Australian movie that has good vibes yet sends a message about the topical subject of immigration.

Based on a short novel by Madeleine St John, also called The Women in Black, the movie offers fascinating insights into Sydney’s Hungarian community of educated and cultured refugees.

The status of refugees housed offshore on Nauru island has been a controversial subject for years.

Ladies in Black makes a statement about the positive effects of immigration and what can happen when communities integrate well.

Cast: Angourie Rice, Julia Ormond, Vincent Perez, Susie Porter, Rachael Taylor, Ryan Corr, Celia Massingham, Shane Jacobson, Nicholas Hammond, Noni Hazlehurst.

Three Summers is a RomCom centred around a folk festival in WA called Westival, where a country fiddle player Keeley meets composer, Roland.

The two fall in love, and over a period of three summers, they keep crossing paths.

Westival is based on the Fairbridge Festival and the movie has a subplot as one of the supporting characters is a racist who learns the errors of his thinking.

Filmed in: Western Australia’s Peel region.

Cast: Robert Sheehan, Rebecca Breeds, Michael Caton, Magda Szubanski, Deborah Mailman, John Waters.

Oddball is an Australian movie about how a chicken farmer and his granddaughter train their dog to protect a penguin sanctuary against foxes.

Set on-off the Warrnambool coast on Middle Island where small Fairy Penguins have found a home, this is a feel-good movie for families.

Cast: Shane Jacobson, Coco Jack Gillies, Sarah Snook, Alan Tudyk.

Awards: FCCA Awards for Best Performance By A Young Actor, Mill Valley Film Festival Audience Award for Best Family Film, Traverse City Film Festival Stuart Hollander Prize for Best Kids Film and nominated for other awards.

Backyard Ashes is about a series of comedic events between two neighbours that leads to the accidental incineration of a prized cat and a backyard cricket match.

The conflict between an Aussie cricket fan and his new neighbour from England, who is a snob, lays the groundwork for scenes that are funny.

Sporting fans will love that the movie recognises Wagga Wagga as the sporting capital of Australia.

It’s a low budget movie that is Australian through and through.

Cast: Andrew S. Gilbert, John Wood, Waseem Khan, Damian Callinan, Rebecca Massey.

Red Dog is an Australian comedy-drama movie about the adventures of a dog who hits the road to search for his master.

Red makes friends along the way, brings communities together and worms his way into people’s hearts.

This feel-good Australian movie is based on the true story of an Australian cattle dog who travelled through Western Australia in the 1970s, uniting a local community along the way.

It’s one of the best dog movies to watch and is an emotional tale.

Cast: Koko, Josh Lucas, Racheal Taylor, John Batchelor, Noah Taylor, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Loene Carmen, Luke Ford.

Awards: AACTA Awards for Best Film, Golden Collar Awards for Best Dog in a Foreign Film, Inside Film Awards for Best Feature Film, Best Actor, Best Narrative Film, Best Script, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Music.

The Nugget provides a good laugh about three road workers who find a massive gold nugget worth millions.

The bumbling three discover how winning a fortune can change the lives of working-class men but not necessarily in a positive way.

It’s a hilarious watch and after arguing about how to split their fortune, they have bigger problems trying to keep it.

Cast: Eric Bana, Stephen Curry, Dave O’Neil.

Crackerjack is a movie about how a community pulled together to save their local bowling club.

In Melbourne, where parking is expensive, three members have the rights to car-parking spaces at their inner-city bowling club.

Jack makes an extra income to top up his earnings as a call-centre worker and has a cushy deal going that is turned upside down when the club calls his services.

Cast: Mick Molloy, Bill Hunter, Monica Maughan.

The Dish is based on actual events but portrays fictional characters, a team of scientists who are responsible for managing a satellite dish at the Parkes Observatory.

NASA uses the satellite radio dish as a backup transmitter for the 1969 moon mission and the eccentric Australian scientists overcome a series of mishaps.

The Dish is a comical representation of the different cultural attitudes between the USA and Australia.

Filmed in: Forbes (33 km from Parkes), Old Parliament House in Canberra .

Cast: Sam Neill, Patrick Warburton, Tom Long, Kevin Harrington, Roy Billing.

Muriel’s Wedding is a classic Australian comedy-drama movie about an ABBA-obsessed ‘ugly duckling’ called Muriel who is ridiculed by her trendy friends.

Despite having a mundane life and a psychologically abusive father, she dreams of marrying the man of her dreams.

After moving to Sydney, she learns about disappointment and the harsh realities of life.

Filmed in: Tweed Heads, Coolangatta, Gold Coast , Moreton Island, Tugun, Darlinghurst, Surfers Paradise, Sydney.

Cast: Toni Collette, Bill Hunter, Rachel Griffiths, Genevieve Picot, Sophie Lee.

Australian Musical Movies

The Sapphires is another Australian movie comedy musical based on a stage show and is loosely based on a true story.

It’s about three sisters – Gail, Cynthia and Julie – whose career skyrockets after they go on a singing tour to entertain U.S. troops in Vietnam.

Set in 1968, the girls were discovered at the Globe Hotel’s annual talent quest by an Irish promoter and head off to an audition in Melbourne.

The Sapphires has a boppy soundtrack, colourful costumes and is a light-hearted happy watch.

Cast: Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell and Chris O’Dowd.

Awards: Won multiple awards including the 2013 AACTA Awards for Best Film, Best Direction, Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design.

Bran Nue Dae is a musical comedy that covers several hot themes: Aboriginal reconciliation, family and the act of forgiving.

Set in 1965, the tale follows Aboriginal teenager, Willie, is shipped off to boarding school far away from his life in laid-back Broome in Western Australia.

Willie finds it difficult to settle into the school and after being punished by the priest he runs away from the mission and hooks up with old Uncle Tadpole.

The two, along with a couple of hippies embark on a 3,000 km road trip through the absolutely breathtaking outback on their way to Broome.

Bran Nue Dae is an Australian movie version of the first Aboriginal musical written by Broome creator Jimmy Chi.

Cast: Phillip Rocky McKenzie, Jessica Mauboy, Ernie Dingo, Missy Higgins, Geoffrey Rush, Magda Szubanski.

Australian Horror Movies and SciFi

Sweet River is an Australian thriller movie about a woman who goes to a small town called Billins to search for the body of her son, who went missing and was the victim of a serial killer.

Years later, she takes up the search to get emotional closure as all the other children’s remains were found except for her sons.

In the process, she uncovers the town’s dark secret.

This is an Australian movie with a moody tone with a slow-burn approach set in sugar cane farming region.

Filmed in: Tweed Valley.

Cast: Lisa Kay, Jack Ellis, Jeremy Waters.

I Am Mother is a creative Australian movie with several twists in the plot.

The movie is set several years after a mass extinction event where humanity has been wiped out.

The story only has three characters, a teenage girl, a robot finds and a strange woman.

It’s a well-told story about the dangers of AI and worth a watch.

Cast: Hilary Swank, Rose Byrne.

Cargo is an apocalyptic horror drama about the aftermath of a pandemic, a virus that turns humans rabid.

It follows the desperation of an infected father, who is desperately trying to find a way to protect his baby.

Cast: Martin Freeman, Simone Landers, Anthony Hayes, Susie Porter, and Caren Pistorius.

Awards: Nominated for AACTA Best Film and other awards.

Mad Max: Fury Road is a follow on from the 1979 Australian cult action movie Mad Max.

It’s set 50 years after the apocalypse when civilisation has crumbled, and Australia is a wasteland.

The cult leader of the War Boys, Immortan Joe, has captured Max and are using him as a living blood bag for one of their sick War Boys.

Imperator Furiosa has escaped with Immortan Joe’s five wives and the War Boys are hot on their tail.

Max escapes and tries to steal Imperator Furiosa’s Rig but is forced to take her and the five wives along on this fast-paced chase.

The famous star of the first three movies, Mel Gibson, who was the original Max was replaced by a younger actor to keep Max the same age as the previous movies.

Filmed in: Namibia.

Cast: Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy.

Awards: 88th Oscar Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, Best Make-Up and Hair, Best Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Production Design.

Predestination is an imaginative Australian movie based on a short story by Robert A. Heinlein, written in 1959. It follows the adventures of a temporal agent on a time-travelling assignment. The agent is tasked with preventing an elusive criminal from launching an attack that ends up with thousands of people dying.

It’s a clever storyline that’s well-executed, with plenty of colour and creativity in the sets. It’s one of those movies you’ll need to pay attention to follow the storyline.

Filmed in: Melbourne’s Docklands Studios with some scenes in Melbourne CBD and Abbotsford.

Cast: Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, Noah Taylor.

Awards: AACTA for Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Production Design, ACS Award, FCCA Awards for Best Actress, Best Editing, Best Production Design, Toronto After Dark Film Festival Special Award for Best Sci-Fi Film.

Wolf Creek is a chilling tale about two British backpackers and their Australian friend who buy an old car to go on a journey from Broome to Cairns.

They don’t make it very far, breaking down in Wolf Creek National Park, and are rescued by a man who takes them to his camp and pretends to fix their car.

It turns out, they’ve fallen into the clutches of a serial killer, Mick Taylor. In Wolf Creek 2, the focus is on Mick Taylor who stalks a tourist across South Australia.

Filmed in: South Australia.

Cast: Nathan Phillips, Cassandra Magrath, John Jarratt, Kestie Morassi.

The Babadook is a suspenseful Australian horror movie that follows Amelia, a widow in Adelaide who is bringing up her six-year-old son on her own.

Sam becomes obsessed with an imaginary monster and asks his mum to read him a storybook called Mister Babadook. Soon after, strange things start happening such as doors opening and closing, creepy sounds and glass in their food.

Amelia starts believing the Babadook is haunting her, becomes paranoid and starts hallucinating.

Filmed in: Adelaide.

Cast: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Daniel Henshall.

Awards: AACTA for Best Film, Best Direction, Best Original Screenplay, Fangoria Chainsaw Awards and New York Film Critics Circle Awards for Best First Feature.

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• Entertainment

'The Stranger' on Netflix: The True Story That Inspired the Unsettling Thriller

The suspenseful movie is based on the complex real-life scheme to finally snare the perpetrator in a high-profile child abduction case.

• Third place film critic, 2021 LA Press Club National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards

Joel Edgerton (left) plays an undercover cop and Sean Harris a suspected child killer in gripping Netflix drama The Stranger. 

At the beginning of the dark, enthralling Netflix thriller The Stranger, the words "based on a true story" flash on the screen. By the end of the movie, viewers will likely want to know more about that real-life tale and how closely the film reflects it. 

Read on to find out more, but be warned: Spoilers for The Stranger up ahead. 

Basics of The Stranger 

The Stranger is a 2022 Australian crime thriller written and directed by Thomas M. Wright. English actor Sean Harris stars as Henry Teague, a man suspected of the abduction and murder of a teenage schoolboy. Australian actor Joel Edgerton, also one of the film's producers, plays Mark Frame, an undercover cop tasked with getting the truth out of Teague years after the crime. That happens via an elaborate police sting operation that recruits Teague into a fake drug-running ring, promising a hefty payout and a place for the jobless drifter to belong. 

The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May and had a limited Australian release before it began streaming Oct. 19 on Netflix, where it's spent two weeks on the global top 10 list . The film is a spare, perfectly paced psychological thriller that explores the uneasy friendship between Teague and Frame, as well as the formidable burden and cost of keeping one's true identity a secret, as both men do. 

The Stranger was nominated for 11 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards this year , including best film, best direction, best lead actor, best supporting actor, best supporting actress and best cinematography, a much deserved recognition of the movie's lyrical visuals, which build the moody suspense.    

What true story is The Stranger based on? 

The Stranger is a fictionalized account of the massive real-life manhunt for the killer of 13-year-old Daniel Morcombe, who was abducted on Queensland's Sunshine Coast in 2003 while on his way to buy Christmas presents for his family at a local shopping mall. He was later murdered. Eight years later, his killer, known pedophile Brett Peter Cowan, was finally arrested and charged.   

The film is based on crime reporter Kate Kyriacou's book The Sting: The Undercover Operation That Caught Daniel Morcombe's Killer . The book details the covert scheme that ultimately led to a secretly recorded confession by Cowan, an original person of interest in the high-profile case who had earlier denied any involvement in the boy's disappearance. Days after Cowan confessed to killing the child and was charged --  you can watch a remarkable short video clip of the actual arrest here  -- law enforcement finally found the evidence they'd hoped for to push forward a prosecution: Morcombe's remains.  

The Stranger changes the names of those involved in the Morcombe case but sticks close to many details -- both Morcombe and his movie counterpart James Liston are the same age and were abducted from a bus stop under a Queensland overpass, for example, and a real-life undercover agent did befriend Cowan and pull him deeper into the pretend crime ring. But the movie focuses more on the sting operation than on the horrific crime itself. 

Where is Brett Peter Cowan now? 

Cowan, now 53, was sentenced to life in prison in 2014 , with the judge describing his crime as "entirely abhorrent." "You have tragically and pointlessly snuffed out a young life," Justice Roslyn Atkinson of Brisbane's Supreme Court said at the time .  

In 2016, a fellow inmate at the high-security Wolston Correctional Centre in Wacol threw a bucket of boiling water on Cowan , landing him in the hospital with burns over 15% of his body, including his head, chest and legs. In 2018, another fellow prisoner stabbed the pedophile in the neck with a sharpened toothbrush. 

Who was the real Mark Frame? 

Edgerton, who plays the character, told the Sydney Morning Herald he's never met or spoken with the real Frame "because we were investigating the truth, taking that truth and telling a fictionalized version of it, which is about protecting everyone involved."

A real undercover cop known as Paul "Fitzy" Fitzsimmons (likely not his actual name) did develop a friendship with Cowan over the course of the sting and testified against him during his trial. Because the real Frame's identity remains a mystery for safety reasons -- it was suppressed during the trial -- we don't know how the investigation impacted him or whether he has a son like Edgerton's character does in The Stranger. That detail adds emotional urgency to Frame's quest to extract a confession from the likely child killer.   

In The Stranger on Netflix, Joel Edgerton plays Mark Frame, an undercover cop who finds himself getting close to someone who may have committed an unspeakable crime.  

What's the reaction to The Stranger been? 

The film currently sits at 94% on Rotten Tomatoes . But as we've seen with Dahmer , another true-crime offering on Netflix, such grim retellings can renew trauma for victims. Morcombe's parents Denise and Bruce have strongly criticized The Stranger .   

"The movie The Stranger is not supported by the Morcombe family," Denise Morcombe tweeted in July . "Individuals who make money on a heinous crime are parasites … We find the making of the movie morally corrupt and cruel."  

The boy's parents rejected the idea that the movie is fiction. "The actual predator looks exactly like Brett Peter Cowan," Bruce Morcombe told Australia's ABC News . "Of course, it's not a fictitious story. Only an idiot would suggest that."

Daniel Morcombe's parents run the Daniel Morcombe Foundation to educate children about staying safe in physical and online environments. The red T-shirt Daniel wore on that December day he went missing has become a symbol of child safety awareness in Australia. People dress in red for an annual National Day of Action for Child Safety, held on the last Friday in October. The event's called Day for Daniel.

Members of the Sunshine Coast community wear red as a symbol of child safety awareness on this year's Day for Daniel. 

The best original streaming shows

Bottom Line

• High-quality original programming
• Excellent apps and features
• Offline downloads on mobile
• Free mobile games
• Ad-based tier doesn't include full library
• Little to no information about changes to the availability of content

Netflix's streaming service started as a niche offshoot of the company's disc-mailing service. Of course, it has since become much more than that, with a reliable core catalog and excellent original programming. It works on virtually any device, allows offline downloads on mobile platforms, and features 4K content. And an ad-supported option now helps it better compete with more affordable rivals. Thanks to its varied, top-notch content and capable apps, Netflix is an Editors' Choice winner for on-demand video streaming services .

What's in Netflix's Catalog?

Netflix has an extensive catalog of video content, but it changes all the time. Shows available one day may be gone the next. It's difficult to state authoritatively what is in Netflix's catalog at any given moment, but that's all part of the fun, right? Innumerable third-party websites, including PCMag, offer articles with titles like Everything Coming to Netflix This Month (as well as Everything Leaving Netflix ), so that's one way to stay in the know. Note that Netflix has already lost many of its most-watched shows, including The Office (to NBC's Peacock), Friends (to Max), and several Marvel movies (to Disney+). This means that Netflix must heavily on its original content in the coming years.

The TV shows available on Netflix are season-complete, which isn't always the case for competitors. Hulu sometimes only has the most recent handful of episodes of a show, making it impossible to catch up if you fall too far behind. On the other hand, Netflix only adds shows a season at a time. Hulu offers at least some of its shows within a day or two of broadcast, so you can be within striking distance of the cultural zeitgeist if you're a cable cutter. Want to know what other people are watching on Netflix? The service now maintains lists of the top shows and movies on the platform .

Netflix is in a good position with its original productions , with many titles becoming pop culture phenomenons. This impressive list includes shows like Black Mirror , Bojack Horseman , Dead to Me, Locke and Key, Never Have I Ever, Orange Is the New Black , Ozark, Russian Doll , Stranger Things, The Crown, The Stranger , The Umbrella Academy, and The Witcher. Many of these productions won awards, including I Care A Lot , Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom , The Crown , The Trial of the Chicago 7 , and The Queen’s Gambit . Netflix also earns a top spot in our roundup of the best video streaming services for celebrating Black art .

For those looking for something more self-contained, Netflix also produces feature films , comedy specials, and documentaries. For example, Netflix's El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie received good reviews. Martin Scorsese's The Irishman is another example. If you are a fan of watching films, check out our roundup of the top movie streaming services . Many of the services in that category, including The Criterion Channel and Filmatique , are notable in that they curate their collections.

However, Netflix no longer enjoys its once-untouchable status when it comes to original programming. Amazon Prime Video offers many top-tier shows and adaptations in its library, including Bosch , Fleabag, Good Omens, Hunters, Jack Ryan, Patriot, The Boys, The Expanse, The Man in the High Castle, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Undone. Hulu may be better known for its broadcast television lineup. Still, with original productions such as Castle Rock , Casual , Catch-22 , Harlots, The Handmaid's Tale, and the continuation of Veronica Mars , it too is becoming competitive. Apple TV+ and Disney+ also promise tons of upcoming original content, with respective entries such as For All Mankind and The Mandalorian. Even Paramount+ has original shows, including Halo , Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, The Good Fight, and Why Women Kill .

Other, primarily on-demand streaming services are starting to offer select live sports coverage, which is something Netflix can't match. For instance, Prime Video streams Thursday Night Football games, Paramount+ has all the sports that air on national CBS stations, Peacock's premium tiers include Premier League soccer matchups, and Max may soon broadcast live NHL games.

Documentaries on Netflix

Netflix specializes in big-name, blockbuster documentaries on household names that rack up award nominations. From Miss Americana: Taylor Swift to Becoming , a documentary about Michelle Obama, to Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning Homecoming , there are plenty of behind-the-scenes documentaries that delve into the lives of celebrities. Of particular note is Netflix’s Black Lives Matter Collection, which features the Oscar-nominated What Happened Miss Simone? , Grammy-winner Quincy , The Two Killings of Sam Cooke , and 13th . There are also nature documentaries like the controversial Blackfish and conversation starters such as Being Elmo and FYRE , a documentary about the disastrous Fyre Festival.

There’s also a wealth of true crime documentaries, including Amanda Knox , American Murder: The Family Next Door , and Long Shot. If you’re looking for something a little more uplifting, Netflix offers titles such as My Octopus Teacher and The Speed Cubers , a documentary about Rubik's Cube competitors. Sports fans should watch the multipart documentary The Last Dance , which covers Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls.

Anime on Netflix

On another front, Netflix has quietly built itself into an excellent source for streaming anime . It does a particularly good job with older series, such as Inu Yasha , Little Witch Academia, Robotech , and Rurouni Kenshin . Netflix has brought its considerable production clout to anime as well, including rebooting the venerable Voltron and She-Ra series and developing Castlevania .

The trouble with Netflix's anime collection is the same as with the rest of its content: It comes and goes unpredictably. Crunchyroll offers a much larger and industry-leading content library of anime titles. Hulu is another option for anime fans, with a collection of over 400 classic and critically acclaimed anime shows and movies such as Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell .

How Much Does Netflix Cost?

Netflix has consistently raised its prices over time, with the latest price hike streamlining the plans. There is no longer a cheap, ad-free Basic option. Instead, you now start with our recommended $15.49-per-month Standard plan (previously $13.99 per month) that includes HD streaming, support for two simultaneous streams, and the ability to download titles on up to two devices at a time. For families or groups of friends looking to share accounts, the $22.99-per-month (previously $19.99 per month) Premium plan might be a more feasible option. It unlocks Ultra HD ( 4K ) streaming, four concurrent streams, and the ability to download titles on up to four devices.

If you no longer want to pay for Netflix (or want to pay less), follow our guide on how to cancel or modify your subscription . Note that Netflix no longer offers a free trial option.

With these plans, Netflix presents its content free of ads, except for its previews of in-house content across its apps. On the upside, you can now disable those previews. Amazon Prime Video and Max advertise their original content similarly. Note that even Hulu's ad-free plan still includes limited commercials in rare instances.

However, Netflix offers a cheaper, ad-supported plan at $6.99 per month. Netflix says ads should run about four or five times per hour. It's disappointing, even for a budget tier. The resolution caps out at 720p, you can only stream on one device at a time, and you lose offline mobile downloads. More alarming is that the ad tier doesn't feature the full Netflix library. Perhaps due to licensing deals, it's missing major shows , such as Arrested Development , Breaking Bad , and The Crown . Introducing an ad-supported tier is a nice way to give folks a cheaper way to enjoy Netflix, especially if the company starts cracking down on password sharing . However, this tier may not be worth it to many viewers.

Hulu charges $7.99 per month for its base plan (with ads), though you can pay $14.99 per month for virtually no ads. Peacock costs $5.99 per month, Apple TV+ costs $6.99 per month, Disney+ is $7.99 per month, and Prime Video costs $8.99 per month. Those services support simultaneous streams and 4K streams; Netflix makes you pay extra for those features. Max's Premium plan ($19.99 per month) is on par with Netflix's Premium plan. Netflix's Premium tier costs close to the price of some live TV services like entertainment-focused Philo , which costs $25 per month.

If you do not want to pay for your entertainment, try out one of the best free video streaming services . Our top pick for the category is Tubi because of its lineup of mainstream TV shows and movies.

In addition to its web interface, Netflix offers apps for Android and iOS ; media streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Roku; and game consoles such as the PlayStation and Xbox. It even has a desktop app in the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and one for Facebook's Portal device.

What Happened to Netflix DVDs?

Netflix began as a DVD-by-mail service; that's how it killed Blockbuster. The company offered physical discs from an expanded library as a separate subscription from the Netflix streaming service. However, Netflix has ended its DVD mailing service . New services like Scarecrow are attempting to revive the DVD-by-mail rental model. But if you truly care about physical media, you should invest in building out your Blu-ray library rather than spend money on streaming.

Games on Netflix

Between shows like Cowboy Bebop , Daredevil , and The Witcher , Netflix proudly courts a geeky audience. Castlevania and Resident Evil are straight-up video game adaptations . So it’s not too surprising to see Netflix introduce mobile games as part of its streaming package. If you’re a Netflix subscriber with an iOS or Android device, you can play Netflix games for free with no ads. Access these games either within the Netflix app itself or by manually downloading them from the App Store or Google Play Store.

There are casual time-wasters among the games: poker-themed Card Blast, finicky basketball game Shooting Hoops, and ball-balancing arcade game Teeter Up. If you’re looking for something a little more substantive and a lot more on brand, you can also play retro-styled Stranger Things adventure games: Strangers Things 1984 and Stranger Things 3 The Game. You can even play acclaimed indie hits like Immortality and Into the Breach.From streaming Telltale’s Minecraft: Story Mode game to funding a Dark Crystal tactics game to acquiring talented indie studios, we believe Netflix genuinely wants to explore and expand its gaming offerings. And over time, Netflix’s in-app games have gone from a limited test to a genuine initiative. You'll definitely appreciate them as a bonus for your existing subscription. Just don’t think this is the next Xbox Game Pass .

Netflix on the Web

Netflix's web interface uses a dark background, white text, and large media thumbnails. It looks elegant and is easy to navigate via the top menu's sections: Home, TV Shows, Movies, Recently Added, and My List. In the upper right-hand corner, you can use the search bar, manage your profiles, access account settings, and open Netflix's help center. Account settings go beyond what most other video streaming services offer, with options for email communications, closed captions, parental controls, and playback settings. You can also view recent viewing (content watched) and streaming activity (devices used and when). We didn't experience any performance issues with Netflix's web interface.

The Home tab highlights current noteworthy content at the top. It displays a slightly overwhelming number of horizontally scrolling lists of shows and movies across categories, such as New Releases, Popular on Netflix, and Trending Now. Mousing over any content triggers a video preview with sound; we find these annoying and would like the option to turn them off. If you click on an entry, you can view more detailed information, available episodes, and a percentage recommendation based on your watching history. You can also give content thumbs-up (or down) ratings. Finally, you can add content to My List to save shows and movies you want to watch.

Netflix lets you broadly sort the Shows and Movies sections by genre and filter the lists of content further based on recommendations, the release year, and alphabetical order. Oddly, there is no dedicated category in the TV Shows or Movies genre lists for Netflix's originals. Instead, you need to scroll down to one of the horizontally scrolling sections to find them all in one place. Given Netflix's constantly changing library, information on how long things will be available would be helpful, along with an option to add reminders for those expirations.

Netflix runs a site called Tudum , with companion content for its original shows and movies, but recent layoffs have impacted its ability to build online communities. Max already offers some companion podcasts for its original content, but Netflix's initiative seems more to replicate the community features of Mubi . That service encourages conversations between members and includes lots of supporting editorial content, including interviews and long-form features.

Netflix on Mobile

We had no issues installing or logging in to Netflix's Android or iOS on our test devices. The app looks and performs fine and closely resembles the web interface.

You navigate the app via five menu icons at the bottom of the screen: Home, Search, Extras, Downloads, and More. Netflix's iPhone app offers all the same features as its Android counterpart and looks nearly identical, albeit with some insignificant navigational changes. For instance, the iOS app lacks the Extras icon in the bottom menu bar.

Netflix lets you download select titles for offline viewing, a now common feature among on-demand video streaming services. The Downloads tab shows everything you have designated for offline viewing, but there's no search function. When we tested download speeds over PCMag's fast Wi-Fi network, it took less than two minutes to download a 50-minute episode of Planet Earth II in high quality. Note that some titles expire after 48 hours, and others can only be downloaded a certain number of times.

The Home tab lets you sort by TV Shows or Movies and access My List entries. The Extras section shows previews of new and notable content based on your viewing history. The More tab hosts all the essential app settings, including Netflix's Smart Downloads feature, which is helpful for binge-watching . Once you finish watching a downloaded episode, Netflix deletes that episode and automatically downloads the next one. In testing, this feature worked as advertised. You can set network streaming preferences and manage profiles from this section.

Netflix Playback and Streaming

Netflix's playback screen is among the best we've tested. In addition to the standard 10-second rewind and fast-forward buttons, you can also browse a list of all episodes of a show by season, adjust the audio and subtitle language, change playback speed, and jump to the next episode. The progress bar also shows content previews as you scrub. Yet another useful feature, which several other video streaming services have since copied, is a Skip Intro button. We hope Netflix eventually implements a tool like Prime Video's X-Ray feature, which identifies actors, actresses, and music in a scene. We would also like an option to control the playback resolution.

We tested playback performance on the web over a home Ethernet connection (200Mbps download) by streaming an episode of Bojack Horseman . We didn't come across any stuttering or lag. We previously streamed an episode of Planet Earth II on an Android test device and experienced crisp video and clear audio over PCMag's Wi-Fi network (15 Mbps download). Sadly, Planet Earth II has long since left Netflix.

Accessibility and Extras

Although Netflix lets you change the audio and subtitle language from the playback screen, you need to head to the web app to customize subtitles. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video , Apple TV+, and Disney+ all offer Audio Descriptions for some programming. Netflix explains audio descriptions as vocal narration that "describes what is happening on-screen, including physical actions, facial expressions, costumes, settings, and scene changes." You can find the complete list of Netflix titles that support Audio Descriptions on The Audio Description Project's website.

Netflix is one of the only on-demand video streaming services we've reviewed that restricts simultaneous streams and streaming resolutions based on your subscription tier; others offer a single tier with all available features. For instance, Disney+'s only plan allows for four simultaneous streams, which matches Netflix's highest tier. BritBox outclasses them all with support for five concurrent streams. As mentioned, Netflix also requires you to subscribe to its Premium plan to stream shows in 4K, whereas Apple+, Disney+, and Prime Video don't make users pay extra for this capability.

Netflix, along with those same three services, all support the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos standards for select titles and on supported devices. Apple TV+ has the advantage here since it can ensure a higher percentage of its content supports these standards in the future. To find 4K content on Netflix, you can search for 4K and UHD directly; detail pages of shows and movies also have this information.

Netflix offers lots of family-friendly content, as well as specific content for young children. In your account settings on the web, you can block content of specific ratings behind a PIN code or do the same for individual shows and movies. Netflix is notable in that it allows you to create profiles for up to four different users. In addition to the content control benefits, profiles enable Netflix to better tune its recommendations for whoever is watching. Disney+ supports up to seven profiles.

Can You Watch Netflix With a VPN?

Netflix's available catalog varies greatly by your locale, and you may not be able to watch some shows at all, depending on which country you live in. Likewise, if you travel abroad, you may suddenly find that you can't continue watching certain shows. In some cases, you can rectify this with a virtual private network (VPN) service . However, Netflix has been working hard to block VPN access to maintain location-based content restrictions.

We tried to access Netflix from our test desktop and mobile devices, both of which were connected to a US-based Mullvad VPN server. We were not able to stream content on either device.

If you are insistent about finding a VPN that works with Netflix, start with the entries in our roundup of VPN services that worked with Netflix as of the time of our last testing. Note that a VPN that works with Netflix today may be blocked tomorrow. We recommend choosing a VPN based on other factors, such as its security practices, value, and performance.

What's Next for Netflix?

Netflix stocks an enormous array of quirky and quality TV shows, cult hits, family favorites, and trendy original programming. It also offers offline downloads for mobile devices and convenient features such as Smart Downloads. However, its price has crept up over the years, and while we appreciate its more affordable ad-based alternative, the new tier isn't quite strong enough to fully stave off ascendant streaming rivals. We still give it an Editors' Choice award for on-demand video streaming, considering its excellent original content and vast library. But if you want a genuine cable replacement , try Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV.

For more on streaming, check out five reasons you may want to ditch your video subscription and  keep cable , read how streaming has ushered in a new  trash TV golden age , and learn why companies must  preserve their streaming catalogs . In addition, check out our recommended  streaming video guides  if you don't know what to watch. 

Kim Key contributed to this review.

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2008, Adventure/Drama, 2h 45m

What to know

Critics Consensus

Built on lavish vistas and impeccable production, Australia is unfortunately burdened with thinly drawn characters and a lack of originality. Read critic reviews

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Australia   photos.

With the globe on the brink of World War II, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) travels from Britain to Australia to inspect a cattle ranch she inherited. Reluctantly joining forces with a rugged local known as the Drover (Hugh Jackman), she sets out on a cattle drive across hundreds of miles of harsh terrain to save her ranch. But when they finally reach the town of Darwin, they must contend with the same Japanese bombers that just rained death upon Pearl Harbor.

Rating: PG-13 (Brief Strong Language|A Scene of Sensuality|Some Violence)

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Romance, War, Western

Original Language: English

Director: Baz Luhrmann

Producer: G. Mac Brown , Baz Luhrmann , Catherine Knapman

Writer: Baz Luhrmann , Stuart Beattie

Release Date (Theaters): Nov 26, 2008  wide

Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013

Box Office (Gross USA): $49.6M

Runtime: 2h 45m

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Production Co: Bazmark Films

Cast & Crew

Nicole Kidman

Lady Sarah Ashley

Hugh Jackman

David Wenham

Neil Fletcher

Bryan Brown

King Carney

Jack Thompson

Kipling Flynn

David Gulpilil

King George

Brandon Walters

Essie Davis

Cath Carney

David Ngoombujarra

Ben Mendelsohn

Capt. Dutton

Administrator Allsop

Kerry Walker

Myrtle Allsop

Gloria Carney

Ursula Yovich

Lillian Crombie

Angus Pilakui

Jacek Koman

Sgt. Callahan

Ray Barrett

Baz Luhrmann

Screenwriter

Stuart Beattie

G. Mac Brown

Catherine Knapman

Mandy Walker

Cinematographer

Film Editing

Michael McCusker

Catherine Martin

Production Design

Costume Design

David Hirschfelder

Original Music

Ronna Kress

Nikki Barrett

Supervising Art Direction

Beverley Dunn

Set Decoration

News & Interviews for Australia

RT on DVD: Exclusive Australia Scene, Beverly Hills Chihuahua and More!

Broadcast Film Critics Name Critics’ Choice Winners

Box Office Guru Wrapup: Four Christmases has a lot to be thankful for this weekend

Critic Reviews for Australia

Audience reviews for australia.

bugger me, good baz luhrmann. it hurts usually to watch his stuff but this one's quintessentially not all about the glam & focuses on embracing family values, the need to be there for your fellow man otherwise we're just animals... the scenes with the marauding japs attacking by air or land were genuienely freaky and although the acting left something to be desired the visuals were bonza & the sheer epicness was most definitely a mazzzzive plus!!

It's not awful, but it certainly lacks the tongue-in-cheek spark of other Baz Luhrmann films, thus rendering the emotion quite melodramatic. I wouldn't say the movie could've ended three times (in that it was too long and repetitive), but new plot points just kept building on and on. There's always more. This must have been when Nicole Kidman was Botoxing it cuz her face is a bit plasticky, and she overmugs to compensate. Brandon Walters as the half-Aborigine boy, Nullah, is plucky and exuberant. Hugh Jackman is rough and gruff on the outside, marshmallows and puppy dogs on the inside.

It's a very theatrical Baz Luhrmann film starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, so how in the world did this film make it out without being a musical? This does seem to be Luhrmann tricking these big talents into his film, because I'd imagine Hugh Jackman was in on the idea of doing a Baz Luhrmann musical, until he found out that it's not actually a musical, whereas Nicole Kidman was in on the idea of finally returning to her Australian roots, only to end up playing an Englishwoman visiting Australia. I'd imagine Kidman is dying to go back to Aussie, because even her country musician husband is Australian, so you know that she's got to be getting tired of the foreign life. Eh, I think that this film is Australian enough for her to not mind too much, because make no mistake, this film is so Australian it's not even funny, mate. Okay, well, maybe some of the comic relief is a little bit chuckle-worthy, though not quite in the way it was hoping for. I like this film quite a bit and all, but yeah, maybe Luhrmann should stick with Shakespeare and, well, musicals, because he seriously needs to save all of this melodrama for his mama... as well as Shakespeare and musicals... and "The Great Gatsby". Of course, until then, we're stuck with this, which I suppose I don't mind too much, because, hey, it's still a good epic, and I do enjoy a good epic, though I tend to enjoy the epics that this one should have been as good as a little bit more, for although this film makes a hit for every miss, it still has to miss before it can "come back for that hit" (Really forced boomerang joke, anyone?). On paper, this film seems as though it's going to present something of a challenge to those looking for full assurance that this, in fact, a Baz Luhrmann film, but really, this film practically wastes no time in reminding you of Luhrmann's presence as director, as the early parts of the development segment are, well, to put it bluntly, embarassing, dashing through characterization and hurrying through exposition at an insanely rapid pace, made worse by frenetically flashy tone that cheeses up and hurries out one development point after another. After the development segment, things get a little bit more comfortable, yet Baz Luhrmann's problematic stylistic touches certainly don't slow down, for although substance and style mostly goes hand-in-hand, there are quite a few occasions in which Luhrmann overwhelms with style, leaving substance to either fall flat or go enhanced to the point of bearing down, typically in a cheesy fashion. Still, it's not like it's only Luhrmann's direction that's cheesy, for although the cheesy directorial executions certainly worsen the sting of the cheesiness within the writing, the fact of the matter is that much cheesiness dates as far as the scripting stage, when Luhrmann and his fellow writers (If this many writers couldn't get Luhrmann to calm down and man up, then they must have been in on it) tainted this film with occasions of improvable dialogue and corny and rather predictable comic relief, as well as such cheesy consistent concepts as a narration by the little, broken English-speaking mulatto native child and, worst of all, histrionics. Baz Luhrmann sure loves his melodrama, yet this is no "Romeo + Juliet" or "Moulin Rouge!".... or "The Great Gatsby" (It better be good, Baz), and all of the overblown histrionics and other faulty dramatic approaches found here drench the drama in profound unsubtlety, made worse by thin characterization, which, in and of itself, is made worse by the characters' being among the many trite components to this film's considerable genericism. In many surprising ways, Baz Luhrmann seems fit for a film of this type, yet in many more expected ways, he doesn't fit, being unprepared to handle a film of this type, and for goodness' sakes, he's producer, writer and director, and even the creator of this story that he messes up with such awkwardness in his execution of such strong story, which deserves better. The subject matter and certain parts of the story structure, it's fairly clear that Baz Luhrmann wanted this to be the Australian "Gone with the Wind", and it's not at all like he's a rather incompetent filmmaker, because he is a very good filmmaker, it's just that he's been conditioned to stay within his element, concise and flashy melodramas, and when presented with this more sprawling, restrained and realist epic drama, he chokes a bit under pressure and inexperience and turns what should have been a stellar, if rather conventional epic into an uneven and overblown unrealized ambition. That being said, note my earlier statement that Baz Luhrmann is a very good filmmaker, for although his limited diversity limits this film and leaves it to fall short of potential, what Luhrmann does right her does as well as you would expect him to, and just enough for this film to hit much more than miss and ultimately reward by the end, partially because of the very style that actually weakens the film as well. As far as filmmaking style and certain dramatic aspects are concerned, you better believe that Baz Luhrmann soars over the top, yet on the whole, when it comes to reality and overall world structuring, Luhrmann takes relative restraint, so don't go in expecting this film's production designs to be anything close to "Moulin Rouge!" mind-blowing, yet do go in expecting Luhrmann's tastes to deliver nonetheless, as always, for although the production and costumes aren't especially upstanding, they construct this film's dynamic and grand world with authenticity and attractive slickness, made all the more attractive by Mandy Walker's contributions. Again, the production designs aren't at all as flashy as they are in other Baz Luhrmann efforts, nor does Mandy Walker seem quite as skilled in the photographic arts as Donald McAlpine, so it's not like the cinematography on this film is consistently breathtakingly colorful, yet it is still consistently colorful and detailed with an attractive brightness, as well as a certain broadness in scope that supplements this film's epic sweep, and by extension, engagement value. This photographic skill, as well as the strong production and technical value (We'll forget about how off-putting quite a few visual effects get to be) and generic yet grand score work by David Hirschfelder, certainly come in handy during the action sequences, which are, I must say, pretty excellent, with dyanmic staging and grand sweep that not only dazzles, but plunges you into the heat of the moment and delivers on intensity that may not always form full-on golden moments in this film, yet definately raise consequence, thus giving this story the weight that it needs, yet doesn't always get. Still, as messily handled as the story often is in this film, no matter how much its been done and redone, it remains worthy, with themes and depths that often go undercut by the missteps made in this film, yet remain potent enough to bypass the faultiness of their translation and create a default degree of intrigue, intensified by colorful performances. Our performers have little to work with, and what material they do have is as stock as the characters our performers stand behind, yet at the end of the day, this is still a colorful cast of talents, all of whom, to one extent or another, charm, with leads Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman particularly doing what they can to stretch out their thin character the most, to the point of giving our leads some layers and depth to go with charisma, as well as some sharp chemistry. The performers aren't asked to do much, and do just that, yet they do help in keeping the film going, with one of the most significant talents who help in bringing this film to life being the very performer who hurts this film so much: the performer who sits behind the camera, for although Baz Luhrmann gets very much out of hand, when it's all said and done with, I would still fancy him a strong director who may not have the experience or sensibilities to handle a film of this type, yet manages to hold his own with certain aspects that are universal and have very much been explored by the talented director time and again, and with success almost every time, including here, as Luhrmann keeps the film, if nothing else, consistently lively and entertaining with charm and spirit spawned from both ambition and competent storytelling, while finding occasions in which he pinpoints genuineness and depth through all of the dramatic faultiness and strikes, maybe not quite as deeply as did in "Romeo + Juliet" and "Moulin Rouge!", being that this film's dramatic aspects are diluted by the histrionics and melodrama that fit in other Baz Luhrmann efforts that were much less grounded, yet to where he leaves the film to resonate as much as it can and deliver on much of what it needs to when it needs to most, whether it be epic sweep within the film's scope, tension within the action, or, yes, even emotion within the drama, particularly during the unexpectedly riveting later acts (Ending got kind of corny again, though). This film deserves to be better, and certainly deserves better then what Baz Luhrmann all too often gives it, yet for every mistake Luhrmann makes that reminds us that he's still not quite ready to take on film of this type, there are strengths that range from commendable to golden and remind us that Luhrmann still has the talent to do a film of this type right one day, and while that day was not this film's day, there's still enough inspiration behind this faulty epic to make it sometimes powerful, consistently engaging and ultimately worthwhile. When you get downunder-I mean, down to it, this should-be more restrained film goes tainted by Baz Luhrmann's fluffy overstylizing and cheesiness, as well as ceaseless genericisms, limited character layers and, of course, a profound lack of subtlety within the melodrama and histrionics that plague this film's dramatic aspects and help in leaving Luhrmann's worthy vision quite a ways away from what it should have been, yet not so far that you don't see glimpses of a stronger film, many of the components of which are far from distant, whether they be upstanding production designs and handsome cinematography, dazzling and intense action sequences or, of course, a story strong enough to lay down a degree of default intrigue, brought to life by performances more colorful than the characters themselves are written to be - with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman particularly stretching their characters out as much as they can, partially through compelling chemistry -, as well as by what is done right in Baz Luhrmann's direction, which provides consistent entertainment value and charm, broken up by the occasions of emotional effectiveness and epic sweep that help in making Luhrmann's "Australia" an often engaging and generally rewarding effort, faulty though, it may be. 3/5 - Good

I'm really giving this film 4.25 stars in my mind...I feel that 4 isn't enough, but 4.5 is a bit too much. I think it's better to underrate a film than to overrate it, however. Anyway, this is a really good film chronicling the lives of the three main characters. It really feels like parts of several different films all rolled into one, which is good because it keeps each specific sequence from getting boring. You'll understand what I mean when you see this film. You have to keep in mind that this is a ridiculously long film, coming in at 2 hours and 45 minutes basically. This is my main problem with this movie...it's much longer than it needs to be. Don't get me wrong, almost every scene is done really well, but there's obviously a point where it's gonna drag, especially if you're watching it in one sitting at home. I don't know if it would've been fun to watch in the theater or outright torture after the two hour mark. Throw in some previews and getting there early to get popcorn or whatever, and you would've been looking at a 3 and a half hour experience, which is Lord of the Rings-esque. The problem is, nobody warns you that this is nearly a three hour film. And it was marketed incorrectly...if anyone remembers the previews at all, there was never a clear idea what the movie was about, just that it was set in Australia. To be fair, this is kind of a hard movie to categorize: it has so many different elements of it, and it doesn't help that the title makes you believe that the film is completely about Australia. Yes, that's where it's set, and it does have to do with a lot of the country's history, but the subject matter changes throughout the film. The first part of the film is kind of like a murder mystery, another part deals with prejudice against the aboriginals in Australia, the next is an adventure story of sorts, with one part that's completely romance-based, and then the final part of the film plays out like a war film, detailing the town's bombardment by the Japanese during World War II. Confused yet? The different elements of this film come and go, as do characters and faces. It's enough to give the audience whiplash. I wouldn't recommend watching this movie in one sitting. It's really good, but when the mood changes in the film, it feels kinda like you just put a new movie on. While this is interesting, it kinda makes you feel that you just finished a movie and don't want to watch another one, as silly as that sounds. Watch Australia in a couple of different sittings, and you'll be good...just don't watch it all in one go.

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Netflix review: Still one of the best

With killer original content and an exceptional UI, Netflix is still the market leader.

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The best evidence for the quality of Netflix Australia is just how ubiquitous it has become in a relatively short period of time. Over  14 million Australians have access to a Netflix account , and it’s so popular and normalised that we hardly notice it anymore.

Netflix Australia does have the occasional weak spot – particularly in the way of recent release movies, regular price hikes and a brutal crackdown on password sharing– but the UI, picture quality and functionality (made even better by third parties ) are reason enough for its industry-leading status. Throw in some of the best original content out there and signing up becomes a no-brainer.

Though not as expansive as American Netflix, with a library of almost 4,000 movies and nearly 2,000 TV shows, Netflix Australia has more content than any of us could (or should) consume in a lifetime. If you can fight off the evening-long bouts of overwhelmed indecision, you’ll find everything from blockbuster action films, quirky cooking shows, true crime documentaries, trashy (yet addictive) reality series, cute kids cartoons, and must-watch exclusive programs.

Still, it’s now one of many  streaming services available in Australia , and you might be on the fence about whether or not it’s worth the monthly fee. In our review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Netflix, and how it compares to similar services.

You can’t watch it all, so we watch it for you.

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Netflix Australia price

• $6.99 for Basic with Ads
• $10.99 for Basic
• $16.99 for Standard
• $22.99 for Premium
• No free trial

When it first launched in Australia in 2015, Netflix offered three plans, ranging in price from $8.99 to $14.99. Though the three plans are essentially the same, after a number of incremental price increases in recent years, those monthly fees look quite different. Now, the cheapest entry point is $6.99, while the most expensive stands at $22.99.

Now that Netflix's password-sharing crackdown has reached Australia, each Netflix plan can get a little more expensive if you want to add extra members to your account from a different household. Standard subscribers can add one extra member, while Premium users can add two. Either way, it will cost you an extra $7.99 per month for every extra user you add to your account. If you'd rather not pay an extra $7.99 per month, cancelling Netflix couldn't be easier. 

Here’s what each  Netflix plan will cost you .

Netflix free trial

Netflix used to offer a 30-day free trial to new subscribers, but in March 2020, that trial was scrapped for good. Now, if you want to “try” Netflix, you’ll have to pay at least $6.99 for the privilege.

Free Netflix with Optus plans

You might not be able to get a free trial of Netflix but if you sign up to an NBN or 5G Home Entertainer plan through Optus, you will get Standard Netflix ($16.99) included. Here's a list of popular plans that include free Netflix Standard: 

Netflix vs Stan, Binge, Prime Video and more

Netflix app, ui and accessibility.

As one of the first streaming services ever, Netflix pretty much set the bar for every one of its competitors when it came to user experience and accessibility. As such, it’s had plenty of time to refine that bar, and to this date remains perhaps the most user-friendly streaming service around.

Regardless of what platform you’re accessing Netflix through, the user interface is clean, elegant, and responsive. Shows and movies are presented as large thumbnails, and divided into simple categories like “action”, “thriller” and “comedy”. Hover too long over a selection and a trailer will start playing, which isn’t always ideal, but it’s a minor annoyance at worst.

To keep the content glut manageable, only a fraction of the library is displayed on your home screen. Netflix caters this selection to your personal tastes, surfacing content it “thinks” you’ll like and burying stuff you’d likely ignore. The algorithm behind this is solid but occasionally tends to be a little unimaginative (“Because you  watched  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , you might like…  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets !”). The upside to the heavy curation, though, is a manageable UI that doesn’t scroll horizontally until the end of time, *cough*  Stan  *cough*.

There’s also plenty of accessibility features to ensure that everyone can use Netflix. There are fantastic closed captioning options and support for assisted listening systems for people who are hard of hearing, and screen reader support and optional audio descriptions that describe what’s happening on-screen (like facial expressions and body language) for those who have impaired vision. Additionally, users can control the playing of content through keyboard shortcuts and increase or decrease playback speed.

You can set up multiple profiles on a single account to preserve the usefulness of these recommendations, and for parents, there’s a default “Kids” profile that walls off inappropriate content and surfaces eons of talking trains and singing Lego bricks and other wholesome nonsense.

Offline downloads are also supported on portable devices, so you can hoard everything you want to watch while you’re connected to the internet, and then binge to your heart’s content even out in the middle of Woop Woop.

Netflix Australia content

It’s hard to deny that Netflix is home to some of the  best TV shows  and  best movies  on offer. The crown jewel and major point of difference with competing streaming services, however, is its original programming. Think big-budget productions with recognisable-if-not-quite-A-listers-at-their-peak casts, largely shot in gorgeous 4K. These productions have gone a long way to obliterating the stigma that previously surrounded straight-to-home video releases, raking up dozens of awards in the process.

Though Netflix Original feature films can be quite decent ( Marriage Story ,  The Mitchells vs The Machines  and  I’m Thinking of Ending Things , to name a few), the TV series are often the best thing you can watch on any screen.  Stranger Things , in particular, reached the same cultural saturation point usually reserved for the likes of Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad.

The Witcher ,  The Crown ,  Black Mirror ,  Queer Eye ,  Making A Murderer ,  House of Cards ,  Ozark ,  Sex Education  and  Bridgerton  all attracted similar levels of hype.

Admirably, Netflix also uses the Originals label to provide a platform for international productions: some of the best content under the moniker is produced outside of Hollywood with Netflix’s guidance (and money).  Dark  is an enthralling supernatural horror series produced in Germany, while  Kingdom , a Korean production, is the best, most original take on the zombie apocalypse in years (think  House of Flying Daggers  crossed with  The Walking Dead ). Australian productions are even starting to appear, notably sci-fi thriller  I Am Mother  and the crude, hilarious sketch comedy,  Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun .

Outside of Netflix Originals, content tends towards the slightly older variety, but there are still thousands of quality films and series to absorb. A quick perusal of my auto-generated “blockbuster movies” category yielded bangers like  Tenet ,  The Dark Knight ,  Step Brothers ,  The Lord of the Rings  trilogy,  Blade Runner 2049  and  Jurassic Park .

Netflix is decent at securing classic TV shows, too. If you feel like bingeing all of  Star Trek: The Next Generation ,  Schitt’s Creek ,  How I Met Your Mother  or  Peaky Blinders , no problem.

Where the service falters is in the recent movies department. If you’re old enough to remember video stores, think of Netflix Australia as your local Video Ezy except you’re confined to the weeklies section. If you’ve missed the cinema run of a big-budget blockbuster, don’t count on it arriving on Netflix Australia anytime soon. If you want to keep up with Hollywood’s latest, you’ll need to pair a Netflix subscription with cinema tickets or the odd Google Play rental.

Which devices are compatible with Netflix in Australia?

Basically, if you can read this review you can watch Netflix. It’s available on just about any web browser, mobile platform, smart TV or  streaming device  you can think of, providing a cohesive and smooth experience no matter where you’re watching.

Here’s a breakdown of the devices that are compatible with Netflix:

• iPhone and iPad
• Android devices
• Windows devices
• PC and Mac via most web browsers
• Google Chromecast (and Chromecast with Google TV)
• Hisense Smart TV
• LG Smart TV
• Panasonic Smart TV
• Philips Smart TV
• Samsung Smart TV
• Sony Smart TV
• PlayStation 3
• PlayStation 4
• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X | S
• LG Blu-ray player
• Samsung Blu-ray player
• Sony Blu-ray player

How much data does Netflix use?

The amount of data used by Netflix depends on the resolution at which you’re watching. Here’s how much data each plan (or more specifically, each streaming resolution) will eat up, and the recommended internet speed.

If you’re a regular Netflix user and finding your stream is constantly buffering, it’s worth taking another look at your NBN plan. We’d recommend going no slower than NBN Basic II speed, which clocks in at up to 25Mbps. However, unless you live alone, we’d suggest opting for an NBN Standard plan which, at speeds of up to 50Mbps, should be more than enough to give everyone in the household a smooth and snappy internet experience.

Here are the cheapest NBN 50 plans right now.

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Best Netflix movies: the 42 best films worth watching in March 2024

What are the best Netflix movies to stream today? TechRadar reveals all

Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter

This month's update sees a hatful of films leave the service, including Blonde , Call Me By Your Name , Dune , Don't Worry Darling , and La La Land . In their place, we've added Everything Everywhere All at Once , Elvis , Puss in Boots: The Last Wish , Jurassic Park , and Enola Holmes . We've also updated every other entry in this guide with the most important information about them, as well as adding in their official trailers.

Welcome to TechRadar's best Netflix movies guide. Below, we've compiled a list of the 42 best films to stream on Netflix , with all entries categorized by the primary genre they fall under. That way, you can simply use the navigation bar on the left side of this page to jump to the type of flick you enjoy the most. You're welcome.

There are tons of movies to watch on the world's best streaming service , though, so how have our entertainment experts picked out the 40-plus films to include in this article? It's simple: we selected them based on two big criteria: their Rotten Tomatoes (RT) score and/or how popular they've been with Netflix's worldwide audience. Armed with that data, we're confident that you'll agree with our choices below.

Want even more recommendations? Our new Netflix movies is home to all of the new movies that have joined the streaming giant in recent weeks. Bookmark that page for later, however, and continue reading on to see what the best Netflix movies are today.

Best action movies on Netflix

Army of the dead.

Age rating: R Runtime: 148 minutes Main cast: Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera, and Matthias Schweighofer Director: Zack Snyder RT score: 67%

Army of the Dead was Zack Snyder’s first feature following his increasingly acrimonious split with Warner Bros, and it’s everything that his DC Extended Universe ( DCEU ) superhero movies weren’t: bright, colorful, action-packed, funny, and topical, even if its 45-minute introduction is a little self-indulgent.

Dave Bautista leads a strong cast as Scott Ward, a former zombie-stomping war hero who’s approached with an intriguing proposal by casino owner Bly Tanaka (Hiroyuki Sanada). The assignment? Enter a zombie infested Las Vegas, break into Tanaka’s casino vault, escape with his $200 million assets, and Ward and his group will receive $50 million to split between them as a reward.

Yes, the movie is as chaotic as that plot makes it sound. And, with a sequel film and TV spin-off on the way, Army of the Dead is a must-watch for fans of gratuitous blood and gore.

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Extraction 1 and 2

Age rating: R Runtime: 118 minutes (Extraction 1); 123 minutes (Extraction 2) Main cast: Chris Hemsworth and Golshifteh Farahani Director: Sam Hargrave RT score: 67% (Extraction 1); 79% (Extraction 2)

Looking for an unrelenting thrill ride that's stuffed with some of the best action sequences we've seen in a long time? Netflix Original film series  Extraction is the one for you.

Marvel  star Chris Hemsworth stars as Tyler Rake, a black ops merc-for-hire with a complex backstory. In each movie, Rake is hired to rescue someone (or numerous individuals) from a seemingly impossible situation. Once he's acquired the package, he tries to lead them to safety as numerous thugs, gang members, and other characters attempt to kill Rake and those he's liberated.

Extraction 1  was a pretty good watch and its sequel is, in our opinion, even better thanks to its  21-minute-long, heart-pounding, intricately assembled, and dangerous one-shot sequence . Make sure you check out our  Extraction 2  review  for more on why it's one of the best Netflix movies around, and then read our exclusive chats with director Sam Hargrave about  why the film's one shot sequence took four grueling months to shoot  and  how he had Marvel to thank for that unexpected cameo .

John Wick 1, 2, and 3

Age rating: R Runtimes: 101 minutes ( John Wick 1 ); 122 minutes ( John Wick 2 ); 130 minutes ( John Wick 3 ) Main cast: Keanu Reeves, Lance Reddick, Ian McShane, and Laurence Fishburne Director: Chad Stahelski RT score: 86% ( John Wick 1 ); 89% ( John Wick 2 ); 89% ( John Wick 3 )

Few action film franchises have been as successful as this Keanu Reeves-starring movie series.

A story that begins with Reeves’ titular assassin tracking down those responsible for killing his dog (a gift from his deceased wife) and his beloved Mustang, John Wick soon evolves into an engrossing, expansive universe full of intriguing hitman-based mythos, betrayals, tragedy, underappreciated humor, and some of the most spectacular fight scenes we’ve seen in a long time.

The first three films – find out how to watch the John Wick movies in order – are now on Netflix. A prequel TV spin-off titled The Continental is also available on Peacock , while the Ana de Armas-fronted Ballerina , the franchise’s first movie spin-off, is one of 18 epic movies we can’t wait for in 2024 . 

Best animated movies on Netflix

Apollo 10 1/2: a space age childhood.

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 98 minutes Main cast: Jack Black, Bill Wise, Lee Eddy, Milo Coy, Zachary Levi, and Glen Powell Director: Richard Linklater RT score: 91%

If you’re keen to mix up your movie-watching diet, films don't come much more unconventional than Netflix’s Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood . Boyhood director Richard Linklater returns to filmmaking duties with this animated feature, which tells the story of the 1969 moon landing from multiple perspectives. 

The movie shares the visual style of Linklater’s previous animation, 2006's A Scanner Darkly , and features the voice talents of The Super Mario Bros. Movie 's Jack Black, Shazam! Fury of the Gods ' Zachary Levi, and Top Gun: Maverick star Glen Powell. Despite its needlessly lengthy title, Apollo 10 1/2 is a genuinely unique take on one of history’s most iconic moments, and serves as yet more proof of Netflix's willingness to invest in boundary-pushing storytelling. 

Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio

Age rating: PG Runtime: 121 minutes Main cast: Gregory Mann, Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Tilda Swinton, Cate Blanchett, and Finn Holfhard Directors: Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson RT score: 96%

Who says Netflix has lost its taste for originality? With  Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio , the streamer breathes new life into Carlo Collodi's beloved 1883 fairytale about a wooden puppet who longs to become a real boy. 

Shot entirely using stop-motion (in a manner akin to Netflix series  The House ), del Toro’s darker adaptation is set in 1930s Italy during Mussolini’s fascist regime and features a star-studded voice cast that includes Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Tilda Swinton, Christoph Waltz and Cate Blanchett. Indisputably one of the best Netflix movies in years.

The Mitchells vs The Machines

Age rating: PG Runtime: 114 minutes Main cast: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Michael Rianda, and Olivia Colman Director: Michael Rianda RT score: 97%

Originally intended for a theatrical release, Netflix bought this animated movie from Sony and producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller – best known as the minds behind The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street , and also part of the team behind the Spider-Verse movies. It's exactly as charming and funny as those movies, too. 

Katie Mitchell (Abbi Jacobson) is an aspiring filmmaker who's about to head to college – until her dad, conscious that they've been drifting apart, cancels her plane ticket and insists on a family road trip. Halfway through this fraught journey, an AI takes revenge on its billionaire creator and the world is suddenly under duress from smart robots. 

A lot of Spider-Verse 's visual touches cross over into this film, with 2D annotations and drawings on the already-pretty 3D visuals. Most of all, it's nice to see Netflix backing a family movie that's not just full of talking dogs and other hackneyed nonsense so often seen in CG kids' fare. 

Age rating: PG Runtime: 102 minutes Main cast: Chloe Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, and Frances Conroy Directors: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane RT score: 92%

Based on ND Stevenson's 2015 graphic novel of the same name, Nimona is a delightfully fun, action-packed, funny, and heartfelt flick that's also unapologetically queer.

Star Wars alumnus Riz Ahmed voices Ballister Blackheart, a futuristic knight who's framed for a crime he didn't commit. The only witness who can save him from a lengthy jail term is Nimona ( The Peipheral 's Chloe Grace Moretz), a shapeshifter who Blackheart is sworn to seek out and destroy. Cue a wild buddy cop-style adventure that teaches kids to have an open mind about people who are different to them in more ways than one.

Nimona has been lauded for its LGBTQ+ representation, subversive storytelling, and gorgeous visuals among many other positives. A truly worth entry in our best Netflix movies guide.

Age rating: PG Runtime: 95 minutes Main cast: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin Director: Paul King RT score: 97%

We're just going to say it: Paddington is one of the best family movies of all time.

Don't argue with us. At first glance, everyone's favorite, marmalade sandwich-eating Peruvian bear didn't seem like he'd be the star of a truly terrific family-friendly film. As it turns out, though, Paddington (voiced with a deftness, warmth, and stacks of humor by Ben Whishaw) is a bonafide movie star – and his first CGI-cum-live-action movie proves it.

You'll laugh yourself silly at its slapstick moments, you'll cry at its heart-wrenching (and heart-warming!) scenes, and shout "I didn't know they were in it!" at every big-name actor who appears. In short: go and watch it immediately.

Puss In Boots: The Last Wish

Age rating: PG Runtime: 102 minutes Main cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillen, Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Samson Kayo, Wagner Moura, and John Mulaney Director: Joel Crawford RT score: 95%

The second of Puss In Boots ' spin-off movies is, frankly, an absolute delight. Indeed, The Last Wish is a gorgeous-looking film, whose painterly visuals belie an existential tale with meaningful subject matter and making the most of the life (or lives, in Puss' case) that you have.

Banderas, who voiced the titular sword-wielding tabby cat in the Shrek films, returns to play Puss again once more. This time around, however, due to the life-threatening escapades he's gotten himself into, Puss is on his final life. To reinstate all nine lives, he'll need to find and then wish on a fallen star, all the while being pursued by a terrifying wolf (Moura) who's the personification of Death itself. A funny, moving, beautiful, and occasionally ominous movie.

The Sea Beast

Age rating: PG Runtime: 119 minutes Main cast: Karl Urban, Zaris Angel-Hator, Jared Harris, and Dan Stevens Director: Chris Williams RT score: 94%

The Sea Beast proved Disney doesn’t have a monopoly on layered, child-friendly storytelling upon its arrival in July 2022.

Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Chris Williams ( Moana , Big Hero Six ), the movie follows Jacob Holland (voiced by  The Boys ’ Karl Urban), a celebrated sea monster hunter whose life is upended when a young girl, Maisie Brumble (newcomer Zaris-Angel Hator), stows away on his ship. 

Charming, action-packed, and beautifully-rendered, The Sea Beast was praised by audiences and critics alike upon release, and serves as further proof that Netflix should think twice about scaling back its animation department . If it still is, that is. 

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Age rating: PG Runtime: 92 minutes Main cast: Chris Pratt, Anya-Taylor Joy, Jack Black, Charlie Day, Seth Rogen, and Keegan-Michael Key Directors: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic RT score: 59%

2023’s second-highest grossing movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie ’s success was fueled by nostalgia for Nintendo’s legendary video game series and its money-spinning ticket sales, rather than its overall quality.

But there’s more to the animated movie’s unprecedented box office performance than that. In our view, it’s funnier than some suggest, it's wonderful to look at, is packed with Easter eggs and other Mario references, and it gave us one of last year’s best earworms with Bowser’s humor-laced ‘Peaches’ love ballad.

Sure, its narrative is oft-times generic, its runtime is a little on the light side, and Chris Pratt’s Italian accent needed more refining. As a kid-friendly film that hits all the right notes where Nintendo’s passionate fanbase is concerned, though, this is one Mario movie we’ll enjoy for years to come. Read our review of The Super Mario Bros. Movie to learn more. 

Best comedy movies on Netflix

Age rating: 15 Runtime: 118 minutes Main cast: Adam Sandler, Juancho Hernangomez, Queen Latifah, and Robert Duvall Director: Jeremiah Zagar RT score: 93%

If you were a fan of 2019's Uncut Gems , listen up: Hustle , a surprisingly entertaining basketball drama, delivers more Adam Sandler-sized surprises. 

After discovering a once-in-a-lifetime player with a rocky past abroad, Stanley Sugerman (Sandler), a down-on-his-luck Philadelphia 76ers scout, takes it upon himself to bring the young phenom to the States without his team's approval. Against the odds, the pair must work to prove that they both deserve to make it big in the NBA. 

That synopsis might sound like standard sports drama fare, but Hustle earned unexpectedly glowing reviews ahead of its muted release. Trust us: this is no Jack and Jill .

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Age rating: PG Runtime: 92 minutes Main cast: John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, and Michael Palin Directors: Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam RT score: 96%

Monty Python and the Holy Grail did more for the satire and parody subgenres than many other comedies have done in the last 50 years.

A witty and biting take on the legend of King Arthur, Monty Python and the Holy Grail stars the titular and legendary British comedy outfit as King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable, who embark on a hilarity-infested quest to seek the Holy Grail.

If you're a fan of Monty Python , you'll likely have seen this one countless times over. First-time viewers, though, will cackle and guffaw their way through the film's rivetingly silly scenarios. The Black Knight scene, Knights of the Roundtable dance number, deadly Rabbit of Caerbannog sequence, and Knights Who Say "Ni!" moment are just four instantaneously classic moments waiting to be viewed. Just don't blame us if you end up endlessly quoting this flick long after the credits have rolled.

( NB: Monty Python's Life of Brian and Monty Python's Flying Circus are also available to stream).

The Nice Guys

Age rating: R Runtime: 115 minutes Main cast: Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, Angourie Rice, and Margaret Qualley Director: Shane Black RT score: 91%

Buddy comedies don't come much better than The Nice Guys . Director Shane Black's underappreciated action comedy stars Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe as a private eye and a tough enforcer, who team up to determine the whereabouts of a girl-in-hiding (Margaret Qualley) in 1970s Los Angeles. 

Reminiscent of Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights in both its setting and black humor, the movie is fast-paced, suitably adult, and a perfect example of how to elicit chemistry between two big-time leads. Gosling, in particular, is hilarious. 

Best crime movies on Netflix

Bullet train.

Age rating: R Runtime: 126 minutes Main cast: Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Joey King, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Bryan Tyree Henry Director: David Leitch RT score: 54%

An action-comedy crime caper that certainly drew inspiration from John Wick (more on this film series shortly), Bullet Train is a fast-paced, thrills-a-minute joyride that makes full use of its claustrophobic setting.

Brad Pitt plays Ladybug, an anxious assassin who’s tasked with retrieving a suitcase filled with cash for a shady organization from the titular high-speed passenger vehicle. In order to do so, however, he’ll have to fend off the advances of similarly skilled agents, with the likes of Aaron-Taylor Jonhson, Brian Tyree Henry, Joey King, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Michael Shannon playing some of those extremely well-trained foes.

Bullet Train wasn’t a big hit with critics upon initial release, but it’s found a new lease of life on Netflix. If you prefer your movies to be action-packed, occasionally gory, and humorous affairs, look no further. 

The Irishman

Age rating: R Runtime: 209 minutes Main cast: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino, and Anna Paquin Director: Martin Scorsese RT score: 95%

This threateningly long Martin Scorsese pic attracted attention for the extensive effects work used to de-age its old stars, and it's a creative decision that's sometimes distracting. But there's no denying the appeal of seeing Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino in the same movie together for likely the last time, and this life-spanning, mostly rewarding crime epic is a suitable tribute to their collective talents. 

The Irishman follows Frank Sheeran (De Niro) as he recounts his long association with the Bufalino crime family and infamous union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). It's a languid film – and not a patch on Goodfellas – but absolutely among the best Netflix movies the streaming service has financed to date. Find out where we ranked it in our best Martin Scorsese movies piece.

Best drama movies on Netflix

The hand of god.

Age rating: R Runtime: 130 minutes Main cast: Filippo Scotti, Tony Servillo, Teresa Sapoangelo, and Marlon Joubert Director: Paolo Sorrentino RT score: 83%

The Hand of God marks the movie-making return of beloved Italian director Paolo Sorrentino, and tells the semi-autobiographical tale of a young man (Filippo Scotti, standing in for a teenage Sorrentino) grappling with the pressures of growing up in 1980s Naples. 

As well as referring to the infamous goal scored by Argentine footballer (and Napoli legend) Diego Maradona at the 1986 World Cup, the film's title alludes to a tragic and life-affirming event that forces its protagonist to grow up quicker than he'd otherwise like. To say more risks spoiling The Hand of God 's most tender moments, though the movie's beautiful locations, hypnotic camerawork, and larger-than-life characters ensure it ranks among Sorrentino's best work. If you're a fan of Call Me by Your Name , add this one to your watchlist. 

Phantom Thread

Age rating: R Runtime: 130 minutes Main cast: Daniel Day Lewis, Vicky Krieps, Lesley Manville, and Camilla Rutherford Director: Paul Thomas Anderson RT score: 91%

Shortly after Licorice Pizza – director Paul Thomas Anderson's most recent flick – hit 2023's awards circuit, Netflix added his previous film Phantom Thread to its library. This one tells the story of a dressmaker (Daniel Day-Lewis) in 1950s London who falls for a young waitress (Vicky Krieps). 

That might sound like a potentially boring narrative, but Phantom Thread is actually masterfully-shot. It's also a poignant exploration of what it means to be an artist, combining Oscar-winning costume design with a stunning soundtrack (from Radiohead and frequent Anderson collaborator Johnny Greenwood) to rank among its director's finest work. One of the best Netflix movies, this certainly is.

Age rating: R Runtime: 134 minutes Main cast: Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira, Marco Graf, Fernando Grediaga, and Daniela Demesa Director: Alfonso Cuaron RT score: 96%

An astonishing ode to motherhood in all forms, Roma is the most personal film to date from visionary director Alfonso Cuarón ( Children of Men , Gravity ).

On paper, it's is not the easiest sell – a subtitled black and white film about a live-in housekeeper spoken almost entirely in Spanish and the indigenous Mixtec language. But Cuarón's 2018 critical hit is nonetheless riveting from a cinematic standpoint. More a series of vignettes than a traditional three-act story, it examines the life of a Mexico City family in the early 1970s during a time of great social upheaval.

Age rating: R Runtime: 122 minutes Main cast: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl, and Olivia Wilde Director: Ron Howard RT score: 88%

Rush is a biographical sports movie about the heated rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. The pair are played here brilliantly by Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl respectively in one of Ron Howard's best movies in recent memory. 

The film portrays their rivalry as lucky playboy vs hotheaded strategist, and while it might exaggerate real-life events somewhat, it's a riveting movie. Along with documentary Senna and dad-friendly flick Ford Vs Ferrari , Rush is one of the best Netflix movies about racing. 

Society of the Snow

Age rating: R Runtime: 145 minutes Main cast: Enzo Vogrincic, Augustin Padella, Esteban Bigliardi, and Simon Hempe Director: J.A. Bayona RT score: 90%

J.A. Bayona’s latest flick – based on real-life events – is a harrowing portrayal of human endurance and how our primal survival instincts assume dominance over our humanity.

Society of the Snow tells the tragic story of the 1972 Andes Air Disaster, which saw a Uruguayan rugby team crash-land in the freezing South American mountain range en route to a Chile-based tournament. Trapped in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, the 16 survivors are forced to take extreme measures in order to stay alive.

Netflix’s first movie hit of 2024 is a heart-breaking and grim tale of human morality, but one that equally shines an earnest, powerful light on surviving against all odds. One of the best Netflix movies, from a foreign language perspective, you’ll see all year. 

Age rating: R Runtime: 109 minutes Main cast: Florence Pugh, Tom Burke, Niamh Algar, and Elaine Cassidy Director: Sebastien Lelio RT score: 89%

Florence Pugh ( Black Widow , A Good Person ) proved her generational talent yet again in Netflix's unsettling drama-cum-horror The Wonder .  

Set in the Irish Midlands in 1862, the movie stars Pugh as an English nurse called to observe a young girl (Kíla Lord Cassidy) who remains miraculously alive and well despite not having eaten for four months. Ciarán Hinds, Niamh Algar, and Toby Jones also star in Sebastián Lelio’s period mystery.

As period dramas go, The Wonder is an absorbing and fantastic flick that confirms Pugh's ability to embody every role she plays.

Best fantasy movies on Netflix

Everything everywhere all at once.

Age rating: R Runtime: 132 minutes Main cast: Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Stephanie Hsu Directors: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert RT score: 94%

Thanks largely to Marvel 's cinematic juggernaut, multiverse films have exploded in popularity (among studios, not necessarily audiences) in recent years. This absurdist multi-genre flick, which garnered universal acclaim and a seemingly infinite number of trophies on the 2023 awards circuit, though, is one of the best we've ever seen.

Everything Everywhere All at Once ( EEAAO ) stars Yeoh ( The Witcher: Blood Origin , The Brothers Sun ) as Evelyn Wang, a Chinese-American immigrant who learns that she must connect with alternate reality versions of herself in order to stop a supremely powerful being from destroying the multiverse. Quan ( Loki season 2 , The Goonies ) plays Evelyn's husband Waymond and Hsu ( Joy Ride ) is Evelyn's daughter Joy.

An epic assault on the senses with tons of heart, spectacular visuals, and an mind-boggling appreciation for philosophical themes like existentialism, nihilism, generational trauma, and racial identity, EEAAO is a masterpiece that deserves every gong in its stuffed awards cabinet.

Age rating: TV-MA Runtime: 121 minutes Main cast: Ahn Seo -hyun, Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Giancarlo Espostio Director: Bong Joon-ho RT score: 86%

If you've enjoyed Bong Joon Ho's Oscar Best Picture winner Parasite , you might want to check out his previous movie, Okja , which is still one of the best Netflix movies on the platform.

It tells the bizarre tale of a young girl Mija and her best pal, an enormous creature called Okja, whose friendship comes under threat when a nasty CEO (Tilda Swinton) has evil plans for the titular animal. It's a refreshing movie with a nice angle of animal activism – a very different proposition to Parasite , for sure, but one that also demonstrates the director's ability to blend genres. 

Best history movies on Netflix

Age rating: R Runtime: 140 minutes Main cast: Timothee Chalamet, Robert Pattinson, Joel Edgerton, and Sean Harris Director: David Michod RT score: 71%

Another Netflix Original, The King stars Timothée Chalamet as Henry V, a young man forced to navigate the worlds of politics, war and treachery after unexpectedly becoming king of England in the 15th century. 

This one contains all the fanfare you'd expect from a modern medieval movie, and boasts an excellent cast including Robert Pattinson, Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris. For a reported budget of just $20 million (although you wouldn't know it), director David Michôd managed to produce one of the most engaging and visually stunning historical dramas around. Stick it on your watch list.

The Woman King

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 135 minutes Main cast: Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, and John Boyega Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood RT score: 94%

Set in the 1820s, this Viola Davis-fronted historical epic tells the tale of General Nanisca (Davis) and the wider Adojie tribe, the all-female warrior unit that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey across a 200-year period.

Starring a number of other terrific Black actors including Lashana Lynch, John Boyega, Thuso Mbedu, and Sheila Stim, The Woman King is a weighty, crowd-pleasing spectacle that many have likened to Braveheart in its action, tonality, and themes surrounding defiance in the face of invading forces. A splashy popcorn flick, sure, but one filled with substance, as well as deeper societal and historical subject matter.

Best horror movies on Netflix

The fear street movie trilogy.

Age rating: R Runtimes: 107 minutes ( Fear Street 1 ); 110 minutes ( Fear Street 2 ); 114 minutes ( Fear Street 3 ) Main cast: Kiana Madeira, Olivia Welch, Gillian Jacobs, Sadie Sink, Benjamin Flores Jr, Emily Rudd, and Ryan Simpkins Director: Leigh Janiak RT score: 84% ( Fear Street 1 ); 87% ( Fear Street 2 ); 88% ( Fear Street 3 )

Launched in July 2021 as part of a new Netflix horror movie binge watch experiment , the Fear Street movie trilogy looked to recapture the bold and innovative multi-film storytelling formula that other popular horror franchises had seemingly perfected.

And, in short, it did. Set across three flicks, the Fear Street series – itself based on R.L. Stine's books of the same name – told the story of a group of 90s-era teens as they attempt to break a curse that's loomed over their town for over 300 years. With lashings of the supernatural and witchcraft, R-rated slasher violence, an intriguing narrative, and more than a few notable faces – Stranger Things ' Sadie Sink and Maya Hawke are among its cast – the Fear Street movies are well worth watching.

Age rating: TV-14 Runtime: 93 minutes Main cast: Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu Director: Remi Weekes RT score: 100%

This Weekes-directed movie stars Mosaku ( Loki ) and Dirisu ( Gangs of London ) as Rial and Bol, a refugee couple from South Sudan who struggle to adjust to their new life in the UK. The overriding issue? The duo believe there's an evil supernatural force haunting their council home and the surrounding area.

His House might not sound all that thrilling, but you'll want to give it a chance, trust us. Mosaku and Dirisu deliver powerhouse performances in this occasionally terrifying movie that, like Get Out , has plenty of important things to say about cultural and sociopolitical divides. There's a reason why it holds a perfect 100% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes – and, overall, it's because it's a darn good film.

Age rating: R Runtime: 100 minutes Main cast: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Daniel Zovatto, Jake Weary, and Olivia Luccardi Director: David Robert Mitchell RT score: 95%

This Mitchell-directed film shouldn't be slept on – which, in some ways, is ironic, given the lengths its lead character Jay goes to in order to stay awake.

Why? Because, in It Follows , the titular character is pursued by a supernatural entity after it's passed onto her through a sexual encounter with her at-the-time boyfriend Hugh. The entity in question will constantly (albeit) slowly track the currently infected individual until it catches them, upon which time it'll kill them – and then work its way back up the chain to murder every other person who was infected.

It's a bit on the nose with its thematic exploration of sexually transmitted diseases, but It Follows is an otherwise terrifically terrifying and seriously underrated film that deserves more acclaim. A long overdue sequel is in the works, too, so best catch this one while you can.

Best musical movies on Netflix

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 159 minutes Main cast: Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge, and Helen Thomson Director: Bahz Luhrmann RT score: 77%

Austin Butler's breakout role came in this 2022 biopic about the world-famous rock 'n' roll star whose life was as eventful as they come.

Seen through the eyes of Hanks' slimy agent Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis charts the rise and fall of the Mississippi-born singer-actor who went on to become one of the most recognizable musicians of all-time. Packed with dazzling energy and animated style, and led by a stunning performance from its leading man in Butler, Elvis shook up the biographical film genre with its heady mix of melodrama and swashbuckling score.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Age rating: R Runtime: 94 minutes Main cast: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman, and Colman Domingo Director: George C. Wolfe RT score: 97%

Based on the play by August Wilson – and despite the gorgeous period set dressing and costume design, it definitely feels very stage-y – Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a fantastic watch.

Viola Davis stars as legendary 'Mother of Blues' Ma Rainey, with the film focusing on one fraught recording session with Ma and her band, and the tension between the musician and her white producers and management. 

The late Chadwick Boseman ( Black Panther ) stars as Levee, an innovative trumpet player who struggles to find his place in the music scene, amid bandmates who don't always take him seriously. It's a sad but insightful movie that explores how culture is worth protecting and valuing, in a world where it's easily taken and monetized, and the film truly comes to life in its amazing musical sequences.

Best mystery movies on Netflix

Enola holmes.

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 124 minutes Main cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, and Helen Bonham Carter Director: Harry Bradbeer RT score: 91%

Stranger Things ' Millie Bobby Brown started to expand her acting career with this period-set comedy-mystery flick that's both an adaptation of Nancy Springer's Enola Holmes Mysteries book series and a spin-off of the Sherlock Holmes legend.

Brown plays the titular character (and younger sister of Cavill's Sherlock), who travels to London to locate her missing mother. Unsurprisingly, she gets side-tracked, and finds herself teaming up with a runaway lord to get to the bottom of a particularly thrilling case that threatens the UK.

A breezy but fun-filled adventure flick, Enola Holmes bubbles away nicely with its more than entertaining narrative, which is ably led by Brown's effervescent Holmes. Its sequel is also available to stream on Netflix.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 141 minutes Main cast: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monae, Kathryn Hahn, Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, and Leslie Odom Jr Director: Rian Johnson RT score: 92%

Knives Out wowed fans and critics alike in 2019, so sequels were inevitable. 

The first of those – Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – is another elaborate and highly entertaining whodunnit from director Rian Johnson. Buoyed by its excellent ensemble cast and a confidence carried over from its predecessor’s success, Glass Onion is even showier and bolder than Knives Out – though the film proved exceptionally divisive among fans of Benoit Blanc's debut outing upon release.

Best sci-fi movies on Netflix

Jurassic park.

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 126 minutes Main cast: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Samuel L Jackson, Ariana Richards, and Joe Mazzello Director: Steven Spielberg RT score: 92%

Spielberg's iconic take on Michael Crichton's novel about an idyllic dinosaur park that goes awry is the kind of classic sci-fi movie that Hollywood simply doesn't make anymore.

Set on the fictional Isla Nublar, Neill, Dern, and Goldblum play scientists Alan Grant, Ellie Satler, and Ian Malcolm, who are invited to tour industrialist John Hammond's new dinosaur research and genetics HQ, which is well on its way to bringing back the ancient beasts from the dead. When slimy computer programmer Dennis Nedry throws a spanner in the works, though, the quartet – along with Hammond's grandchildren and the park's employees – are forced to fight for their lives amid attacks from a T-Rex and velociraptors to name just two.

One of the best Netflix movies (licensed ones, anyway) and a legendary, highly entertaining film overall, Jurassic Park is cinema at its absolute best. See if you can work out where it ranks in our best Jurassic movies list before seeing if you guessed correctly.

( NB: Jurassic Park: The Lost World and Jurassic Park III are also available to stream on Netflix).

They Cloned Tyrone

Age rating: R Runtime: 119 minutes Main cast: John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Parris Director: Juel Taylor RT score: 95%

This genre-bending sci-fi flick launched on the same day as the cultural phenomenon known as Barbenheimer, so its viewing figures weren't all that impressive in the first couple of weeks post-release.

However, given time, people have realized  They Cloned Tyrone  is an absolutely brilliant movie. To discuss its plot at length is to spoil its biggest surprises, but here's a brief synopsis to give you a flavor of what to expect: "A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio (Jamie Foxx, John Boyega, and Teyonah Parris) onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy in this pulpy mystery caper." 

We thoroughly enjoyed what it has to offer on multiple levels and our  exclusive chat with John Boyega is well worth reading  for a peak behind the curtain on its production. Once you're watched it, be sure to read our  ending explainer on  They Cloned Tyrone  for Boyega's thoughts on its surprising ending .

Best superhero movies on Netflix

Age rating: PG-13 Runtime: 176 minutes Main cast: Robert Pattinson, Jeffrey Wright, Zoe Kravitz, Paul Dano, and Colin Farrell Director: Matt Reeves RT score: 85%

The Christopher Nolan-directed Batman trilogy isn't available on Netflix anymore, but there is another top-tier Dark Knight film that's made its way onto the service in the form of The Batman .

Robert Pattinson stuns in his first turn as the Caped Crusader, with the Matt Reeves-helmed Bat-Flick proving to be even more dingy and gritty than many of its forebears. That it leans more heavily into the superhero's detective-based skills than what's come before – walking that fine line of being gruesome but not gratuitously violent – too, makes it an even more fascinating, crime-based Batman film than we've been used to.

With a stupendous supporting vast including Paul Dano, Zoe Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell, Andy Serkis, and John Tuturro, The Batman needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. See where it placed in our best Batman movies guide.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Age rating: PG Runtime: 140 minutes Main cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Jake Johnson, Luna Lauren Velez, Bryan Tyree Henry, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Mahershala Ali, and Jason Schwartzman Directors: Kemp Powers, Joaquin Dos Santos, and Justin K. Thompson RT score: 95%

We were delighted to see Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Vers e make its unexpected Netflix debut in October 2023. As a spectacularly assembled animated superhero film, there are few better than it in the genre space right now – both from animation and storytelling perspectives.

Set 14 months after Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse , viewers are reunited with Miles Morales, Gwen Stacey, and Peter B Parker as they embark on a new multiverse-spanning journey that, unlike its forebear, won't be such an easy one to navigate.

In our Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse review , we said it "fulfils its ambitious promise to deliver an amazing follow-up to its 2018 predecessor". Once you've watched it, read our Across the Spider-Verse ending explained article to see how it sets up its Beyond the Spider-Verse sequel. Then, see where it ranks in our best Spider-Man movies guide, or find out how to watch the Spider-Man movies in order .

Best thriller movies on Netflix

The good nurse.

Age rating: R Runtime: 123 minutes Main cast: Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne Director: Tobias Lindholm RT score: 74%

Netflix puts its penchant for true-crime storytelling to good use with The Good Nurse , which follows the murderous exploits of real-life serial killer Charlie Cullen (Eddie Redmayne). Jessica Chastain plays Cullen's co-worker, Amy Loughren, who would ultimately go on to expose the sadistic behaviour that led to the deaths of dozens of patients over a period of sixteen years. 

On the broad spectrum of Netflix movies, The Good Nurse is a lower-key affair than, say, Don't Look Up . However, its shocking story of gross criminal negligence is far more impactful than the big-budget drama of the streamer's recent blockbusters. Sure, it's far from an easy watch – but it'll stay with you long after its credits roll.

Best war movies on Netflix

All quiet on the western front.

Age rating: R Runtime: 148 minutes Main cast: Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Aaron Hilmer, and Moritz Klaus Director: Edward Berger RT score: 90%

It’s been a good few years since Dunkirk and 1917 reminded audiences of the horrors of war, but Netflix assumed that responsibility with shocking but beautifully-made WWI epic, All Quiet on the Western Front . 

Based on Erich Maria Remarque’s landmark novel of the same name (which was first adapted into a feature film in 1930), this award-winning German-language movie tells the story of a young German soldier (Felix Kammerer) whose naive expectations of fighting for his country are shattered by war’s harrowing reality. As you'd expect, All Quiet on the Western Front is brutal, vivid and poignant – just don’t expect to reach its credits feeling particularly joyous.

Beasts of No Nation

Age rating: TV-MA Runtime: 137 minutes Main cast: Idris Elba, Abraham Atta, and Kurt Egyiawan Director: Cary Fukunaga RT score : 91%

We won't beat about the bush – Beasts of No Nation is a tough watch. No Time to Die 's Cary Fukunaga directs this harrowing feature, which follows the journey of a young orphan (Abraham Attah) forced into becoming a child soldier by a fierce warlord (Idris Elba) during an unnamed African civil war. 

An adaptation of Uzodinma Iweala's novel of the same name, Beasts of No Nation is a masterfully-shot story documenting the human cost of conflict, and places the uncomfortable realities of war front and centre. This isn't one to watch with the kids, but sitting through its two-hour narrative is an enlightening, dare-we-say necessary movie experience.  

Best western movies on Netflix

The harder they fall.

Age rating: R Runtime: 139 minutes Main cast: Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo, and LaKeith Stanfield Director: Jeymes Samuel RT score: 88% 

Jeymes Samuel's feature film directorial debut wasn't expected to be this good. But The Harder They Fall , which stars the likes of Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz, and Regina King, is a superb Western that deserves your attention.

Jonathan Majors, who was recently found guilty of domestic abuse and whose career is effectively over as a result, plays Nat Love, an outlaw who discover his mortal enemy Rufus Black (Elba) is being released from prison. Unsurprisingly, Love takes the law into his own hands and assembles his crack team of gunslingers to stop that from happening. 

A stylized, gun-toting action flick that's somewhat predictable in its makeup, The Harder They Fall will have you whooping and hollering at the screen regularly.

The Power of the Dog

Age rating: R Runtime: 128 minutes Main cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kristen Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee Director: Jane Campion RT score: 94%

It’s safe to say that Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog was the critical hit – and one of the best Netflix movies – of 2021. Widely praised for its slow-burning psychological drama, it follows the story of a menacing rancher (Benedict Cumberbatch) who doesn’t take kindly to the arrival of his brother’s new wife (Kirsten Dunst) and her son (Kodi Smit-McPhee).

Cumberbatch arguably gives a career-best performance as the volatile Phil Burbank here, which undoubtedly made interesting prep for Doctor Strange 2 . It's a slow-burner, but The Power of the Dog is a masterful piece of filmmaking.

For more Netflix coverage, read our best Netflix documentaries guide. Yet to subscribe to the streaming giant? Read our guide on how to sign up to Netflix , too, or whether you should cancel Netflix .

As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot .

Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across. Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.

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5 best Netflix movies you (probably) haven't watched yet

Don’t skip these overlooked Netflix movies

The best Netflix movies include box office hits, Oscar-winning favorites and blockbuster originals led by A-list stars, but underneath the flicks that dominate the streamer’s “most popular” category is a library of equally fantastic movies that you (probably) haven’t watched. 

These overlooked Netflix movies span multiple genres, and often feature some pretty well-known stars. However, without the name recognition of the biggest franchises, these films tend to fly under the radar. That’s why I’m here to pick out 5 of my favorite Netflix movies that deserve to be seen by a wider audience. 

Below you’ll find a crime thriller that sees comedic actress Aubrey Plaza play against type, a slick and sexy drama set in the world of corporate finance, and a fresh take on the slasher genre — and that’s not all. Here are 5 Netflix movies you (probably) haven’t watched, but really should. 

'Emily the Criminal' (2022) 

Aubrey Plaza has brought many memorable comedic characters to the screen, but “Emily the Criminal” allows her to show a different side as — you’ve guessed it — she plays a criminal named Emily. Although, Emily doesn’t aspire to a life of crime, at least at first. The movie opens with her trying to make an honest living, but her massive pile of student debt, and her inability to land a well-paying job due to a criminal record from a past mistake leave her with no choice but to resort to crime. 

To make enough cash to keep her head above water, Emily agrees to take part in a credit card scam under the watch of a charismatic criminal named Youcef (Theo Rossi). But after dipping her toes in these seedy waters, rather than being wary of the consequences, Emily is increasingly drawn into a world where she can make not just quick money, but enough ill-gotten riches to live the high life. A compelling thriller, with a refreshing lead performance from Plaza, “Emily the Criminal” is certainly no time-thief. 

Genre: Thriller Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94% Stream it on Netflix

'Fair Play' (2023) 

Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) both work at the same cutthroat Manhattan hedge fund, but unbeknownst to their colleagues, the pair are engaged in a passionate affair. After getting engaged in secret, and overhearing that Luke is due for a big promotion at work, the couple are blissfully happy. That is until Emily is offered the new job instead of Luke. 

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What follows is the unraveling of their seemingly perfect relationship as envy grips hold of Luke, and his increasingly irrational actions don’t just threaten his position within the firm, but also Emily’s hard-fought career. “Fair Play” mixes the great chemistry of its lead with biting criticism of corporate culture, and weaves a cautionary tale for the modern era. After watching this excellent Netflix original movie, you’ll certainly never wish for a workplace romance. 

Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85% Stream it on Netflix

'Bodies Bodies Bodies' (2022)

Mixing horror and comedy, “Bodies Bodies Bodies” is a very fresh spin on the spooky genre. Like many scary movies, it starts with a group of friends — in this case, a clan of silver-spoon zoomers — holed up in a massive manor during a storm. Deciding to play a murder mystery game to pass the time, things get serious when one of them ends up dead. Soon mass paranoia takes hold of the group as they try to identify the killer, avoid being the next victim and keep their social media followers updated. 

Starring Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha'la Herrold, Rachel Sennott and Pete Davidson, “Bodies Bodies Bodies” particularly lampoons social media culture and the narcissism it brings out in people. Its characters are intentionally unlikeable, but that just makes watching them fall to a grisly fate all the more satisfying. Plus, the movie builds to a genuinely surprising ending, that helps make a second watch almost equally enjoyable. 

Genre: Horror Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85% Stream it on Netflix

'Waves' (2019) 

Sterling K. Brown has been making waves (pun intended) for his excellent turn in “American Fiction,” even earning himself an Oscar nomination for his powerful performance. But, in my opinion, his best role comes in “Waves.” This 2019 drama was a box-office bomb, which is a huge shame, as it’s a remarkable movie that chronicles a family’s complex journey through tragedy, trauma and forgiveness. 

Focused on a suburban family in sunny South Florida, Brown plays the domineering, but well-meaning, father to Tyler (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and Emily (Taylor Russell), two high school students each dealing with their own mounting pressures. Also featuring Lucas Hedges, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Alexa Demie, this is a distinctly character-focused drama that succeeds thanks to astonishing performance from its cast. 

Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84% Stream it on Netflix

'Melancholia' (2011)

Fair warning, “Melancholia is not the easiest watch. That’s partially because of its weighty subject matter which deals with severe depression but also because of its dream-like structure that is often less concerned with telling a story, and more focused on setting a somber mood. If you’re able to embrace its off-kilter storytelling, and its surreal imagery, then “Melancholia” may just connect deeply, and stir real emotion in you. But it won’t be hit every viewer, and some will dislike it. 

Coming from acclaimed Danish director Lars von Trier, it stars Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg as a pair of sisters navigating a strained relationship as a large rogue planet, known as Melancholia, prepares to collide with the Earth. Both Dunst and Gainsbourg are magnificent as siblings that handle the impending end of all life as we know it in very different ways, and there are also strong performances from Kiefer Sutherland, Alexander Skarsgård and Stellan Skarsgård. Some might call this a very divisive movie, but I call it a movie that deserves at least a shot to impress. 

Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80% Stream it on Netflix

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Rory is an Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team. 

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Best Movies of 2024: Best New Movies to Watch Now

Welcome to our guide of the Best Movies of 2024, featuring every Certified Fresh movie as they come in week by week!

March additions so far: Love Lies Bleeding and Problemista , both from A24 . One Life , starring Anthony Hopkins. Ordinary Angels , starring Hilary Swank. Late Night with the Devil , which also tops our best horror of 2024 list . Dialogue-free animation Robot Dreams . Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World . Limbo . Femme . Angel Studios’ Cabrini . Suncoast .

And what about February ? Dune pretty good, thanks for asking. Part Two went Certified Fresh within an hour after the reviews embargo lifted on February 21st. With it outclassing the first Dune , we took a look at 20 sequels that got better Tomatometer scores than their originals . Otherwise, things got freaky with horror film Stopmotion and the comic zaniness of Hundreds of Beavers taking the crown for the best-reviewed of the year.

We didn’t have a blockbuster January like we did in 2023 ‘s, when genre surprises M3GAN and Plane went Certified Fresh. But Daisy Ridley got her post-Skywalker win with Sometimes I Think About Dying . Mads Mikkelsen re-teamed with his A Royal Affair director Nikolaj Arcel to find The Promised Land. With The Crime Is Mine , Francois Ozon is getting career-best reviews, and his 10th Certified Fresh film over the past decade-and-change. And Netflix scored with The Kitchen , Orion and the Dark , and Good Grief .

Robot Dreams (2023) 98%

Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World (2023) 98%

The Crime Is Mine (2023) 98%

Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell (2023) 98%

Molli and Max in the Future (2023) 98%

Late Night with the Devil (2023) 96%

Tótem (2023) 97%

The Promised Land (2023) 96%

Io Capitano (2023) 96%

Fitting In (2023) 95%

Hundreds of Beavers (2022) 94%

Driving Madeleine (2022) 94%

Dune: Part Two (2024) 93%

Love Lies Bleeding (2024) 93%

The Settlers (2023) 93%

About Dry Grasses (2023) 93%

Femme (2023) 92%

Limbo (2023) 94%

Orion and the Dark (2024) 91%

La Chimera (2023) 92%

One Life (2023) 90%

Cabrini (2024) 91%

The Kitchen (2023) 89%

Stopmotion (2023) 89%

Monolith (2023) 87%

Disco Boy (2023) 87%

Ordinary Angels (2024) 85%

Sometimes I Think About Dying (2023) 80%

Suncoast (2024) 76%

Good Grief (2023) 76%

Self Reliance (2023) 72%

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Late Night With the Devil review – diabolically funny found-footage horror

Australian brothers Cameron and Colin Cairnes deliver satire and shocks in this gleeful sendup of 70s network talkshows

A malign presence lurks in the corner, insidiously leaking poison into our minds; it’s ubiquitous and addictive. Small wonder that genre film-makers have long toyed with the idea that television is inherently evil.

Late Night With the Devil , a gleefully wigged-out found-footage horror by Australian brothers Cameron and Colin Cairnes, joins a growing list of films tapping into the dark side of the small screen. It’s a list that includes Hideo Nakata’s Ringu , David Cronenberg’s Videodrome , Tobe Hooper’s Poltergeist and the buzzy forthcoming title from Jane Schoenbrun, I Saw the TV Glow . Unlike most of the other examples however, Late Night… focuses not on the passive consumption of television, but on its creation. The film hints at a Faustian pact that trades dignity, honesty, morality and even human lives to claw a share of the ratings figures. Which, when you think about it, is not so very far-fetched.

Smart, cynical and at times devilishly funny, the film delivers a crackle of disruptive static to the demonic possession genre. It takes the form of a long-lost master tape and backstage footage from an ill-fated 1977 Halloween special of Night Owls, a struggling syndicated evening talkshow fronted by host Jack Delroy (a note-perfect David Dastmalchian, all slippery neediness and insincerity). Facing cancellation, Jack and his producer have pulled out all the stops: the fright-night special features a psychic, a cynic and, as the star attraction, a parapsychologist and a demonically possessed 13-year-old girl (an impressively disquieting Ingrid Torelli). The scene is set for a live attempt to commune with the devil. But first, a message from the sponsor…

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Critic’s Pick

‘The Truth vs. Alex Jones’ Review: The Power of Parents

Directed by Dan Reed (“Leaving Neverland”), the documentary offers a lesson in how conspiracy theories work and shows how parents confronted Jones in court.

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By Ben Kenigsberg

Even though the legal battle between Sandy Hook families and the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been thoroughly covered , it is still hard to watch him in the documentary “The Truth vs. Alex Jones” without experiencing a wave of nausea.

Directed by Dan Reed ( “Leaving Neverland” ), the film methodically lays out the horrors that families in Newtown, Conn., faced on Dec. 14, 2012, when a gunman killed 20 first graders and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary . Parents of the victims share memories from that morning before their children left for school. Daniel Jewiss, the lead investigator, walks viewers through how the slaughter unfolded.

Then the documentary shows how, just as the parents were dealing with unfathomable grief, Jones, through his Infowars broadcasts, began promoting the idea that the shooting was a hoax. As he continued to spread falsehoods, people who latched on to such claims harassed the families. Robbie Parker, whose daughter Emilie was killed at Sandy Hook, describes the harassment as coming in waves. “It was almost like I knew when Alex Jones said something,” he says in testimony excerpted in the film.

If there is value in seeing these events recapped, it is in the power of seeing the parents confront Jones in court. (Over two trials, in Texas and Connecticut, they won more than $1 billion in damages .) It is also in the horror of seeing just how confidently Jones deflects questions and tries to steer proceedings to his advantage — denying the families what Alissa Parker, Emilie’s mother, calls “a moment of reflection” from him.

“The Truth vs. Alex Jones” offers a lesson in just how vicious and pervasive conspiracy theories can become and a chilling portrait of how little they may trouble their purveyors.

The Truth vs. Alex Jones Not rated. Running time: 2 hours 1 minute. Watch on Max .

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A new Netflix sci-fi show compared to Dark and Interstellar is climbing rankings, despite dividing viewers

The Signal is racing up the Netflix top 10

New Netflix series The Signal is climbing up the streamer's charts – but it's proving divisive. Released on March 7, the sci-fi series has crept up the top 10 over the past week, making it to #3 in the US, #4 in the UK, and #2 in Australia (via FlixPatrol ). 

The German-language show follows scientist Paula, played by Peri Baumeister, who disappears without a trace on her way home from a mission on the International Space Station. While she was up there, she made an unbelievable discovery, and back on Earth her husband and daughter attempt to piece together what happened – trying to decode messages from Paula, they realize that this is valuable information that could put their lives at risk. 

As a German-language drama tangled in mystery, The Signal is earning comparisons to cult classic thriller Dark, which aired between 2017 and 2020, and the theme of family members left behind on Earth while a loved one is lost in space has caused critics to compare The Signal to Interstellar , Christopher Nolan's 2014 movie. 

The show has an audience score of 36% on Rotten Tomatoes , with Netflix subscribers divided on whether it warrants a binge-watch or loses its way across its four episodes. "Really wanted this to be a good… but it seemed it got lost and couldn't quite find its way," said one viewer, while another countered that they liked the show, despite "some slow spots and a few parts that aren't logical (in my opinion). Overall, I'd said that this is worth watching though, maybe even binge worthy?"

"This mystery/thriller with a sci-fi angle kept me guessing, and the ending was not what I expected. It left me with a few big questions unanswered but I did enjoy it," said another, while one more viewer lamented that the show "started off with promise, but then the meh ending left a big hole."

The Signal is streaming now on Netflix. For more, fill out your watch list with our picks of the other best Netflix shows .

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I’m an Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, covering everything film and TV-related across the Total Film and SFX sections. I help bring you all the latest news and also the occasional feature too. I’ve previously written for publications like HuffPost and i-D after getting my NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Journalism. 

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