Movie night at home is always fun, but there is one problem that occurs far too often – the process of picking the movie takes as long as the film itself. The variety of films on Netflix can make things even more confusing, and you may have already watched some of the “bigger” titles the streaming service promotes.
But don’t despair. In the article below, we listed a few of the best recent movies on Netflix right now, and we’re willing to bet that there are at least a few you haven’t seen. Whether you’re looking for a suspenseful thriller or a fun watch for the whole family, there is certainly something here for your next movie night.
1. The Founder (2016)
This drama from 2016 is based on the true story of Ray Kroc (Micheal Keaton), a struggling salesman from Illinois. When Kroc met brothers Mac (John Carroll Lynch) and Dick McDonald (Nick Offerman) in 1954, he was impressed by how speedily and efficiently they ran their small burger joint in Southern California.
Kroc quickly realized the potential of their business and eventually managed to purchase the company and create the multi-million dollar empire we all know today – McDonald’s. But the journey there wasn’t easy…
2. Mindhorn (2016)
This laugh-out-loud British comedy tells the story of Richard Thorncfroft, a has-been actor known for playing the lead role in a detective TV show from the 80s called Mindhorn. 25 years after the show’s end, Thorncroft struggles to find a job. Meanwhile, police are on the hunt for an escaped murderer – Paul Melly.
The problem is that Melly will only speak to Detective Mindhorn, whom he believes to be real. This leaves the police no choice but to call Thorncroft to te-enact his famous role and help catch the wanted man.
3. Black Sea (2014)
After losing his job, former naval officer Robinson (Jude Law) decides to go on a risky mission. He wants to find a sunken Nazi U-boat rumored to contain a fortune in gold. He assembles a crew of unemployed British and Russian sailors to help him and promises each man an equal share.
However, as the seamen go into the depths of the Black Sea, greed takes hold of the crew. The uncertainty of the mission and the claustrophobic environment of the vessel soon cause the men to turn against each other.
4. The Willoughbys (2020)
If you’re after a fun movie night for the whole family, look no further than the animated comedy The Willoughbys. Based on a book by the same name (written by Lois Lowry), this is the story of the Willoughby children, who are convinced they’d be better off raising themselves. They concoct a sneaky plan to send their selfish parents off on a vacation.
The siblings then embark on their own adventure to find the true meaning of family, accompanied by their sweet-natured nanny Linda and an odd but kind candymaker named Commander Melanoff.
5. Uncorked (2020)
Elijah (Mamoudou Athie) studies with enthusiasm to become a professional sommelier. Meanwhile, for Elijah’s father, his son’s future seems to be decided upon. He would take over the family BBQ restaurant just like he did back in the day. However, things take a different turn when Elijah decides to register for the impossible-to-pass sommelier exam.
The young man must figure out how to balance his dream with his father’s expectations, and the two need to forge a way into mutual acceptance despite the challenges. The result is an upbeat and endearing movie perfect after a long and tiring day.
6. Mission of Honor (2018)
This one is for the history buffs. Mission of Honor, known as Hurricane outside of the US, is quite an unusual World War II movie. The plot focuses on two Polish pilots (Iwan Rheon and Milo Gibson) who made the long journey to England in order to fight the Nazis. But to do so, they must overcome prejudice and integrate into the Royal Air Force.
The movie was hailed by critics for its exceptional writing and top-notch acting.
7. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) is a troubled kid in the foster care system. When he is sent to the rural home of Uncle Hector and Aunt Bella, they welcome him with open arms. For the first time in his life, Ricky feels that he is surrounded by family.
Sadly, Aunt Bella unexpectedly passes away. Left to their own devices, Ricky and Uncle Hec find themselves on the run in the vast New Zealand wilderness, evading child services and the law. They are forced to work together to survive and end up forming a unique bond on their hilarious and heartfelt adventure.
8. Cargo (2018)
If you thought the zombie-apocalypse genre has nothing new to offer, the Australian drama Cargo will prove you wrong. A violent pandemic that turns people rabid within 48 hours spreads all over Australia. Infected by the virus, Andy Rose (Martin Freeman) has to find someone to care for his infant daughter and protect her from his changing nature
The fact that the infected have two days before they “turn” makes the film more concerned with mortality and the parental obligation to keep children safe rather than the apocalypse itself. This sets it apart from other movies of the same genre and makes for a refreshing and interesting watch.
9. Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Childhood sweethearts Sarah and Marcus reconnect after an unexpected encounter in their hometown of San Francisco. Sarah is a successful chef engaged to a celebrity restaurant owner while Marcus still lives with his father and plays in a talented yet struggling local band. After their initial friction, the old spark from their teenage years reignites, which makes them question their current partners.
While this romantic comedy may seem like a classic of the genre, it has a unique charm and an abundance of effortlessly funny moments.
10. Stowaway (2021)
In this recent science fiction thriller film, a three-person crew sets on a two-year mission to Mars. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, the ship’s commander, Marina (Toni Collette), discovers an unplanned passenger on board. With four passengers instead of three, the ship’s resources are stretched even more thinly than before. This turn of events jeopardizes the lives of everyone on board and makes for a clever and thrilling movie.
