The best Netflix movies out

It’s easy to miss a good movie on Netflix because there is simply so much content on the streaming service, this is my list of what to watch currently. Movies are constantly added and taken down from Netflix, I’ll try to keep this list as updated as possible.

Image of movie poster for 20th Century Women

20th Century Women (2016)

Categories: Quirky independent, drama

R

Netflix

Why I love this movie

This film takes place in the late 70’s and centers around a single mom, Dorothea (played by Annette Benning) running a boarding home while raising her teenage son, Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann). It’s as much about the adolescent experience as it is about the nuances of parenthood. A true gem of a little film.

Image of movie poster for Other People

Other people (2016)

Categories: Dark comedy

R

Netflix

Why I love this movie

I advocate for this film more than any other on this list, simply because it never gets the recognition it deserves. Its about a tv writer, David (played by Jesse Plemons), struggling in his career and his romantic life, coming home to help take care of his mother, Joanne (Molly Shannon). You will laugh and you will cry, do not sleep on this.

Image of movie poster for Heartbreakers

Heartbreakers (2001)

Categories: Dark comedy

PG-13

Netflix

Why I love this movie

Looking for something lighter? This movie is both smart and hilarious. Its about a mother-daughter con artist team and their journey to land a final con. Don’t be mistaken, this is not your typical early 2000’s rom-com, it’s a stand out film.

Image of movie poster for Mud

Mud (2012)

Categories: Guy movies even I like, Psychological drama

PG-13

Netflix

Why I love this movie

This is the first movie I saw with Matthew McConaughey that made me take him out of the rom-com category and start seeing him as the talented actor he is. Stunning scenery of southeast Arkansas and a gripping story line, Mud will tug at your heart and leave you on the edge of your seat.

Image of movie poster for Dean

Dean (2016)

Categories: Dark comedy

R

Netflix

Why I love this movie

Dean is quirky little movie you might have missed but you should not pass up again. It’s the sweet story of a, some-what geeky, illustrator visiting Los Angeles while dealing with the loss and grief of his mother’s passing. It’s about falling in love and the seasons of life, it features the added delight of Dean’s hilarious and pointed illustrations throughout.

Image of movie poster for The Lost Husband

The Lost Husband (2020)

Categories: Corny but good

PG-13

Netflix

Why I love this movie

If you can’t stomach a Lifetime-esque story of a single mother starting over on a farm after the loss of her husband, then skip this. It’s corny, yes, but sometimes that’s just want you need. Consider it a recommendation if you need to escape the seriousness of 2020 and look at some beautiful people in nice scenery.

Image of movie poster for The Help

The Help (2011)

Categories: Feel good

PG-13

Netflix

Why I love this movie

While I recommend seeing this movie, I also need to acknowledge that it is not a true story and there is a conversation to be had around inserting a white (messiah-like) character into a film that depicts the struggle of black Americans, possibly to relieve inherit white guilt. All that being said, I love this movie. It has excellent acting by talented black female leads, impeccable story telling, and unexpected humor.

Image of movie poster for Spotlight

Spotlight (2015)

Categories: Drama, Based on true events

R

Netflix

Why I love this movie

A big warning, this movie documents the true events of the Boston Globe team of journalist that uncovered the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal. It is a heavy subject matter but this film handles it very well. The movie also explains the delicate nature of not only investigating a case such as this but the thought put behind how/when to release a story so impactful.

Image of movie poster for Moonlight

Moonlight (2016)

Categories: Emotional drama

R

Neflix

Why I love this movie

From a purely visual stand point, Moonlight is one of the most breath taking movies my eyes have consumed. Barry Jenkins captures so much beauty in telling the of a young man’s three major life chapters growing up in Miami with the tough hand dealt to him. It’s not an unknown film, earning the Oscar for best picture in 2016, but make sure it’s known to you.