Summer is finally here, and there’s no better way to beat the heat than staying in and having a great movie night. As temperatures start to get higher, so do the number of movies on the platform, from romances like Set It Up to recent Oscar contenders like Rustin and Nyad. Whether you’re looking for something deep and thought-provoking or light for the whole family, there are a plethora of incredible films on Netflix. With over 40 amazing movies on this list alone, it can be difficult to choose, but our carefully written recommendations will help you find just what you’re looking for.
Rest assured, this list has been carefully considered and curated by seasoned Collider editors with decades of combined experience — not to mention a passion and enthusiasm for the medium. Only the crème de la crème has made the cut. Read on to discover the best movies to watch on Netflix right now.
For even more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows on Netflix, best comedies on Netflix, and best dramas on Netflix.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
Editor’s note: This article was updated September 2024 to include His Three Daughters.
‘His Three Daughters’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 7.6/10
His Three Daughters
- Run Time
- 1 hr 41 min
- Director
- Azazel Jacobs
- Release Date
- November 1, 2024
- Actors
- Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, Natasha Lyonne
Written and directed by Azazel Jacobs, His Three Daughters tells the bittersweet tale of three sisters who come together to be by the side of their aging father in his final days. As the death of their father looms, three days turn into a lifetime for the women as they argue, grieve, and connect better than ever before. This touching, human tale takes the frightening real fear many have of mortality and condenses it into three terrifying yet strangely life-affirming days. An astounding achievement in storytelling, His Three Daughters is one to keep an eye on as awards season rolls around. – Jake Hodges
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‘Rebel Ridge’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
This brand-new addition to Netflix, written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier, follows Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre), who is forced to post bail for his incarcerated cousin. However, when a corrupt local police officer seizes his savings, a rivalry is born that escalates far out of control. Starring the likes of Pierre, Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, and more, Rebel Ridge is a movie full of thrills and spills. Netflix is certainly known for producing high-quality content, with the streamer’s stock continuing to rise, and Rebel Ridge is likely to continue that upward trend. – Jake Hodges
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‘The Deliverance’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 48% | IMDb: 6.1/10
The Deliverance is a supernatural horror thriller from Monster’s Ball director Lee Daniels that tells the story of Ebony Jackson, an emotionally struggling single mother who moves into a new home with her children for a fresh start. But when sudden mysterious occurrences inside the house bring down the suspicion of Child Protective Services and threaten the family’s peace, Ebony finds herself fighting personal and literal demons to save herself and the souls of her children. The United States vs. Billie Holiday star Andra Day leads the cast of The Deliverance as Ebony, with Caleb McLaughlin, Demi Singleton, and Anthony B. Jenkins as her three children, and Glenn Close, Mo’Nique, Miss Lawrence, Tasha Smith, and Omar Epps in supporting roles. The Deliverance received mixed reviews from critics but has had a positive reception among genre fans. The movie has been praised for the cast’s performances and powerful supernatural elements that have been likened to horror classics like Exorcist and Rosemary’s Baby.
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‘Jack Reacher’ (2012)
Rotten Tomatoes: 64% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Jack Reacher takes the iconic protagonist from the 2005 Lee Child’s novel One Shot and places him in the hands of Hollywood legend Tom Cruise. The movie follows Cruise’s titular former military investigator after he returns to Pittsburgh at the request of the man behind the horrific killing of five. Expecting to put the man to rights, Reacher unexpectedly uncovers more than he bargained for. An action movie by the genre’s very essence, Jack Reacher respectfully captures the sheer unadulterated tension of the novel with a movie that you can’t keep your eyes off. Fast-paced and furious, Jack Reacher is an underrated film in Cruise’s catalog that makes for a perfect popcorn flick for action fans and non-fans alike. – Jake Hodges
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‘Daughters’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.8/10
Daughters is a 2024 American documentary film directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton. The film explores a program that organizes father-daughter dances for children whose fathers are in prison. The program was started by Camp Diva, a non-profit STEAM-focused summer immersion program for Black girls founded by Patton. The documentary follows four young girls as they prepare for their special Daddy-Daughter dance in a Washington, D.C., jail. Daughters had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it received near-universal critical acclaim and won the Audience Award: U.S. Documentary. Shortly after, the film was picked up for distribution by Netflix. It’s a deeply moving documentary that explores the impact of incarceration on families, particularly children separated from their parents. A tender film that exposes the inherent toxicity of the prison system, Daughters is an emotionally charged but necessary watch that also points a way forward.
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‘Room’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.1/10
This award-winning 2015 film tells the story of a mother (Brie Larson) and her five-year-old son, Jack (Jacob Tremblay). Tragically, the pair are trapped inside a claustrophobic space, the titular “room,” and have been so for Jack’s entire life. With the young boy becoming more inquisitive, his mother’s attempts to keep the truth of their reality hidden become harder, leading to an ambitious plan to escape. Heartbreaking and life-affirming in equal measure, Room is a tender ode to the beauty of longing. Despite the odds being completely stacked against them, the power of a mother’s love and the wide-eyed optimism of youth combine to bring hope to the most horrific of scenarios. Room, and in particular Larson, will win your heart just as she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. (The movie was also nominated for another three.) – Jake Hodges
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‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.8/10
A certified classic of the Brat Pack era, The Breakfast Club follows a ragtag selection of students, each placed in detention on a Saturday. Each of the students is a representation of a stereotype, from the jock to the basket case; however, their time together soon breaks down these preconceived boundaries as they form an unlikely and beautifully hopeful bond. The Breakfast Club simply feels like required viewing for anyone at a certain point in their lives. John Hughes’ iconic tale of friendship despite differences offers hope and honesty, with a group of lead performances that have come to define an entire genre of film. Heartwarming and, at times, crushingly relatable, The Breakfast Club is one of the best of its kind. – Jake Hodges
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‘Matilda’ (1996)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel, Matilda is a 1996 fantasy comedy film directed by Danny DeVito and written by Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord. Mara Wilson stars as Matilda, a child prodigy who develops psychic powers and turns them on her neglectful parents and oppressive school principal. DeVito also co-produced the movie and played multiple roles, including that of the narrator. Other notable cast members of the film include Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, and Pam Ferris. Matilda received very positive reviews from critics but was a box office disappointment at its release. However, the movie found more success on home video and is now considered a classic of the ‘90s. Though the film has some departures from the book, DeVito’s Matilda is largely faithful to its source material, capturing both the darker and lighter sides of Roald Dahl’s beloved work. It’s a children’s movie, yes, but it’s a great watch for adults as well, with well-acted performances and an odd but charming narrative.
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‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 65% | IMDb: 6.6/10
40 years after his first appearance, Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is back solving crimes in 90210. However, with age comes different responsibilities, with his daughter’s life now a priority. After she is put in danger, Axel and some faces, old and new, must rush to solve an action-packed series of problems to try and keep her safe. Murphy hasn’t missed a beat despite it being 20 years since he last played the character, with an emphasis now put on using his age to help bring an added layer to both the narrative and the comedy. Fans of all generations will have something to enjoy, with the classic high-octane, fun-fueled, frantic pace of the franchise back in all its glory. Cue the music. – Jake Hodges
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‘Hit Man’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Legendary director Richard Linklater directs and co-writes Hit Man, the story of Glen Powell’s professor, Gary Johnson, who pretends to be a paid assassin. A master of disguise but not of love, Johnson falls head over heels for Adria Arjona’s Madison, with the catch being that she has hired his fake services. Will he keep up his tall tale, or will he admit the truth in the name of love? Enormous fun, Linklater deviates from his usual philosophical masterpieces to bring this bundle of joy to the screen. Powell and Arjona have undeniable chemistry as the lead duo, with Powell, in particular, proving once again that he’s one of the rom-com genre’s best-leaning men right now. Hit Man is a perfect popcorn flick for a Saturday night. – Jake Hodges
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‘Godzilla Minus One’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% IMDb: 7.9/10
One of the biggest surprise hits of 2023, Godzilla Minus One follows Kamikaze pilot Shikishima (Darren Barnet), who, after failing to distract the titular iconic monster, was accidentally at fault for the deaths of several warplane engineers. Intent to make up for his error, Shikishima joins a team whose sole purpose is to destroy the monster for good. One of cinema’s most legendary villains, there have been numerous versions of the Godzilla story, with this one widely considered one of the best of all time. Equal parts a gripping tale and dazzling cinematic experience, the movie even picked up a Visual Effects Oscar at the most recent Academy Awards — such is the extent of this film’s triumph. – Jake Hodges
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‘Anyone But You’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 55% | IMDb: 6.2/10
is a romantic comedy directed by Will Gluck that’s loosely based on the William Shakespeare play Much Ado About Nothing. Gluck also co-wrote the screenplay with Ilana Wolpert. The film stars Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell as two people who have an instant connection that quickly turns sour, only to find themselves reunited at a destination wedding where they must pretend to be a couple. Though Anyone But You received a mixed reception from critics, the film has performed quite well at the box office, earning over $200 million globally. The chemistry between its two talented stars is what makes Anyone But You such a fun rom-com and has made the film so popular with audiences. Sure, there are better Shakespeare adaptations and better enemies-to-lovers rom-coms out there, but Sweeney and Powell’s enjoyable performances make this a much better movie than it would otherwise have been.
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‘Four Daughters’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, Four Daughters is an Arabic-language documentary film that explores the true story of a Tunisian woman whose two eldest daughters were radicalized by Islamic extremists. After the disappearance of her daughters, the filmmaker invites professional actresses to take their place, blending reality and fiction to give the audience an intimate view of the family’s life. The movie was a co-production between France, Tunisia, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. Four Daughters premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the prestigious Palme d’Or Award. The film received near-universal acclaim and was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 96th Academy Awards. Critics have lauded Kouther Ben Hania’s form-breaking approach to the film, and that masterful storytelling is what makes this documentary all the more engaging. Four Daughters makes the lives of its subjects come alive in heartbreaking detail in a way that few other documentaries have done before.
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‘Molly’s Game’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 7.4/10
Based on the true story of Molly Bloom, Molly’s Game was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin and stars Jessica Chastain in the lead role. An Olympic-level skier whose career was ended by an accident, the film follows Molly as she seeks a different kind of gold by running a high-stakes underground poker ring. The movie also stars Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Jeremy Strong, and more. Sorkin’s directorial debut, the film received critical acclaim, largely thanks to Sorkin’s Oscar-nominated script and the phenomenal performances by Chastain and Elba. The role of Molly Bloom earned Chastain her fifth Golden Globe nomination, further cementing her reputation as an acting powerhouse. It’s one of the defining performances of her career, and that alone should make the movie worth watching. Tightly written and expertly paced, Molly’s Game is a complete entertainer from beginning to end and a brilliant showcase of Sorkin’s abilities as a writer and filmmaker.
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‘American Symphony’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 6.9/10
Even if you just watch the trailer for American Symphony, you will be in tears. The documentary tells the story of Grammy winner Jon Batiste and his wife, Suleika Jaouad, as they live a life of drastic contrast. While Batiste continues to take over the music world, Jaouad goes through an intense battle with cancer. Jaouad begins chemotherapy on the same day Batiste is nominated for 11 Grammy Awards – an obviously unplanned detail that sums up the entire message of the film: that a wonderful thing and terrible thing can happen at the same time. Over the course of the documentary, Batiste is writing a composition that he plans to play for one night only at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival to great reviews, with Variety Magazine calling it “one of the best love stories seen on film.” Currently, American Symphony is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “It Never Went Away” by Batiste and Dan Wilson. – Emily Cappello
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‘Rustin’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Currently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Leading Actor for its star, Colman Domingo, Rustin tells the story of Bayard Rustin (Domingo), a civil rights activist heavily inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. Rustin sets out to organize the March on Washington against huge obstacles like racism and homophobia. Those familiar with the March on Washington, which occurred in 1963, know how paramount it was in the fight to end racial discrimination and that it concluded with Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The film follows these incredible historic events while highlighting Rustin’s passion and enthusiasm for civil rights.
The film also stars Aml Ameen (The Maze Runner) as Dr. King, Glynn Turman (Super 8) as A. Philip Randolph, Chris Rock (The Longest Yard) as Roy Wilkins, and Audra McDonald (A Raisin In The Sun) as Ella Baker. Rustin was previously nominated for two Golden Globe Awards for Best Original Song by Lenny Kravitz and Best Performance by Domingo. – Emily Cappello
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‘Nyad’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Oscar winners Annette Bening and Jodie Foster dominate in the biographical sports drama Nyad. Directed by documentarians Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, Nyad is their feature directorial debut, which benefits from their experience capturing authenticity. As expected from most sports dramas and biopics, Nyad shares a story of perseverance, the triumphs of determination, and a message of hope, showcased by the undeniable on-screen power of Bening and Foster.
The actors’ dedication to truth in storytelling, as well as their chemistry, shine alongside the smart script written by Julia Cox. Nyad engages the audience with its solid foundation while entertaining through grounded drama based on reality instead of relying on cheap cliches. – Yael Tygiel
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‘Society of the Snow’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.9/10
In 1972, a Uruguayan flight crashed while carrying a rugby team on their way to Chile, and the survivors of the wreck had to work together to survive in the treacherously cold weather of the Andes. This real-life event is the subject of J.A. Bayona‘s film Society of the Snow, which tackles the incredible story of the survivors and their attempts to survive for two months in the mountains. Director Bayona got the idea for the film upon discovering the book The Society of the Snow, which was written by Pablo Vierci, and used the same name for his film. The cast, largely composed of newcomers in the acting world, is completely composed of Uruguayan and Argentinian performers.
The film was nominated for two Oscars, including Best International Feature Film, a Golden Globe for Best Non-English Language Film, and a Critic’s Choice Award for the same category. With a budget of 60 million euros, The Society of Snow is the most expensive Spanish film ever made. With music by Michael Giacchino, the film is acclaimed for its emotional undertone and important message. – Emily Cappello
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‘May December’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 6.9/10
While watching May December, I found myself laughing out loud almost as much as I was cringing. I also found myself looking online afterward to see if my reaction was “normal.” This kaleidoscope viewing experience shows the brilliance of May December and how its subject matter — a thirty-six-year-old woman entering into a relationship with a seventh grader and having his three children — will dramatically change depending on the person telling the story. The plot follows actress Elizabeth (Natalie Portman) as she shadows Gracie (Julianne Moore), the controversial woman (and sex offender) who inspired Elizabeth’s latest film role. Or, depending on your point of view, it’s about Gracie’s experience as Elizabeth enters and disrupts the parts of her she’s been able to keep hidden. Or it’s about Gracie’s much, much younger husband, Joe (Charles Melton), as he discovers what Elizabeth’s presence means about his own life.
Written and directed by Todd Haynes, the film was inspired by the real-life relationship between teacher Mary Kay Letourneau and her sixth-grade student, Vili Fualaau. The two had children together and eventually married upon Letourneau’s release from prison, as Gracie and Joe did in May December. While it seems impossible that, given these themes, the film would have any laugh-out-loud moments, Haynes has crafted the story in such a way that it’s aware of its own absurdity. And, perhaps, we would find humor in the smallest moments, like Gracie dramatically revealing they “need more hot dogs” just to forget the insanity of the situation we’ve found ourselves in as an audience. – Emily Cappello
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‘Maestro’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 6.7/10
One of the most talked-about films of 2023, Maestro tells the story of American composer Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper), his rise to fame, and how that fame affected his relationship with long-time love Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). Directed and co-written by Cooper alongside screenwriter Josh Singer, the film was produced by cinema heavy hitters Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. The film won the American Film Institute (AFI)’s “Movie of the Year” and was nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, including “Best Motion Picture, Drama,” “Best Director,” and “Best Performance by a Male Actor” for Cooper and “Best Performer by Female Actor” for Mulligan. It co-stars Matt Bomer (In Time), Vincent Amato (Unbroken), and comedian Sarah Silverman.
Leonard Bernstein began his career as an assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic and rose to fame when he filled in for the main conductor, who had fallen ill. Maestro follows Bernstein as he meets and marries Felicia Montealegre, who struggles with her new husband’s infidelity. While Bernstein goes on to compose some of the most famous music in American history, including West Side Story, he struggles with alcohol and other substances, causing more issues in his marriage. – Emily Cappello
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