If you are bored, this is a list of films that you can binge-watch in your next Netflix session. These films have drama, humor, horror – everything you ask for!
We all enjoy a good Netflix binge. But sometimes the best movies are hidden. They do not show up on the trending list. They do not get pushed into your feed. Some of the strongest stories are the ones nobody talks about. These are the films without big awards or viral buzz, but they have hearts. They have powerful acting, strong writing, and great direction. You will not see them all over social media, but they stick with you long after the credits roll. If you are tired of the same old stuff and want something fresh, this list is for you. These movies may not be famous, but they surely deserve your time. Each one brings something different to the table. They offer real stories, bold choices, and deep emotion. So if you are ready to try something new, check out these underrated Netflix gems. You might just find your next favorite movie!
- Past Lives (2023)
Director: Celine Song
This amazing film was nominated for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. It is now on Netflix for the first time and is a must-watch. Many people are calling it one of the best movies of the decade. The story follows two childhood friends, played by Greta Lee and TeoYoo. They were once very close. But things changed after her family moved to the United States. Years later, they meet again as adults. What follows is a quiet and powerful story about time, distance, and the paths we take. It is not just a love story, it is also about how people grow apart and what they leave behind when they choose a new life. The emotions in the film are real and raw. The acting is deep and honest, so it stays with you long after it ends. If you are looking for a thoughtful film, moving, and beautifully made, this one is for you. It is a quiet masterpiece that does not need to shout to be heard. Don’t miss it!
2. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
Director: Michael Rianda
A standout hit during the pandemic, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a fun and heartwarming animated sci-fi comedy. Directed by Michael Rianda, the movie follows a quirky family on a road trip. Their plans take a wild turn when technology rises against humans, and they become Earth’s last hope. It is packed with action, humor, and heart, making it great for both kids and adults. The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 94th Academy Awards. It earned praise not just for its animation and storytelling, but also for its thoughtful and natural inclusion of LGBTQ themes. The main character, Katie, is openly queer, and her identity is handled with care and warmth. It’s refreshing, real, and relatable. This movie is not just about saving the world. It is about family, growing up, and being yourself. If you missed it when it first came out, now is the perfect time to watch.
3. Ali (2021)
Director: Michael Mann
Directed by Michael Mann, this 2001 biopic tells the powerful story of Muhammad Ali, one of the most important and inspiring figures of the 20th century. Will Smith takes on the lead role and delivers what many consider the best performance of his career. He fully steps into the shoes of the legendary boxer, bringing both his strength and his deep personal struggles to life. Ali definitely was a champion in the ring. But he was also a global icon who stood up for what he believed in, using his voice for justice and equality. Mann’s direction brings a sharp focus to both the public and private sides of Ali’s journey. The film does not rush. It takes its time, allowing key moments to breathe and leaving space for emotion and reflection. The attention to detail and strong visual style help make it feel true and grounded. This version appears to be the original theatrical cut, not one of the later edits or alternate versions. If you have never seen it or it has been a while, this is a great time to revisit a powerful and moving film.
4. Carol (2015)
Director: Todd Haynes
Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara shine in this touching and emotional drama directed by Todd Haynes. Carol tells the story of a deep and quiet love between two women in the 1950s, a time when their relationship was not accepted. The film follows Carol, an elegant and strong woman going through a divorce, and Therese, a young shop clerk trying to find her place in the world. Their paths cross by chance, but the connection between them quickly grows into something powerful and real. The story unfolds with care and sensitivity. It captures not only the beauty of falling in love but also the fear and pain that can come with it in a society that refuses to understand. The performances are outstanding. Blanchett brings grace and strength to Carol, while Mara’s quiet depth gives Therese a powerful presence. The film is visually stunning, with rich colors and a timeless feel. Every scene feels thoughtful and full of emotion. Carol is more than a love story. It is a brave and moving portrait of longing, identity, and hope.
5. The Wonder (2022)
Director: SebastiánLelio
The Wonder is a haunting psychological drama set in post-famine Ireland in 1862. Florence Pugh plays Lib, an English nurse sent to a small village to observe a strange case. A young girl named Anna has supposedly gone months without eating, and yet she remains alive and well. Lib is tasked with watching the girl closely to determine if it’s a miracle or something else entirely. As Lib digs deeper into the mystery, the story begins to explore much more than just the girl’s health. It looks at the weight of faith, the scars of trauma, and the impact of British colonialism on Irish life. Director SebastiánLelio builds the story with quiet tension, letting the slow reveal of truth hit with emotional force. Florence Pugh gives a powerful and grounded performance, carrying much of the film’s emotional weight. The mood is dark and unsettling, but also deeply human. What sets The Wonder apart is how it mixes history, belief, and personal pain. It asks hard questions and leaves you thinking long after it ends. It is gripping, thoughtful, and beautifully made!
6. Cam (2018)
Director: Daniel Goldhaber
Directed by Daniel Goldhaber, Cam is a bold and chilling Netflix original that blends psychological horror with sharp social commentary. The story follows Alice, an adult webcam performer played by Madeline Brewer, who suddenly finds her online identity stolen by a replica of herself. This copy continues to stream under her name, but Alice has no control over it. What follows is a tense and eerie journey as she tries to reclaim her life and understand what is really happening.
The film delivers several truly frightening moments, but it also goes deeper. Written by former cam girl Isa Mazzei, the script brings real insight into the world of sex work. It treats the subject with care, showing both the empowerment and the risks that come with putting yourself online. At its core, Cam is about identity and the fear of losing control over who you are. Madeline Brewer gives a stunning performance, often acting as multiple versions of herself in one scene. She captures both strength and fear in a way that feels raw and honest. While the ending may not land for everyone, the film is packed with smart ideas and powerful moments. Cam is unsettling and thought-provoking, pretty much hard to forget.
7. Do the Right Thing (1989)
Director: Spike Lee
More than 35 years after its release, Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing still hits with full force. It feels just as urgent, powerful, and relevant today as it did back in 1989. Set on a single hot summer day in Brooklyn, the film follows a mix of characters whose lives slowly build toward tension and conflict. At the center is Mookie, played by Lee himself, trying to stay grounded while working at a local pizzeria. After the unrest and protests in 2020, many people revisited the film and were reminded of its raw honesty. It speaks to race, community, anger, and justice in a way that still feels fresh. The way the story unfolds is full of life and energy, but it also holds deep meaning. Every time you watch it, something new stands out. The direction, acting, and music all come together to make something unforgettable. Spike Lee created a work of art that continues to start conversations and challenge viewers. It has not lost a bit of its edge. Do the Right Thing is a great film. It is also one of the most important and lasting pieces of American cinema.
8. His House (2020)
Director: Remi Weekes
His House is a horror film, but not in the way you might expect. Yes, there are ghosts and chilling moments, but the true fear comes from something deeper. It tells the story of a refugee couple from South Sudan who flee the horrors of war and make it to England. They are given a government-assigned house to start their new life. But something is wrong. The home is haunted, and the terror they face feels both supernatural and painfully real.
Directed by Remi Weekes, the film blends traditional horror with emotional truth. It explores trauma, guilt, and the weight of what people carry with them when they leave everything behind. The couple is not just haunted by spirits, but by their past and what they have endured. Weekes keeps the horror just vague enough to get under your skin, leaving you unsure of what is real and what is in their minds. The evil in His House is hard to name, which makes it even more unsettling. It is a story about survival, memory, and loss. With powerful performances and sharp direction, this film stays with you. His House is more than a ghost story. It’s a moving and disturbing look at the cost of escape and the pain that follows.
9. Dune: Part Two (2024)
Director: Denis Villeneuve
For the first time fever, you can watch the entire Dune saga on Netflix, though only for a limited time. The first half of Denis Villeneuve’s epic will leave the platform on the 31st, so do not wait too long. The second half lives up to the hype set by the 2021 film, turning the story into a full-throttle action adventure about a new messiah rising. TimothéeChalamet returns as Paul Atreides, alongside Zendaya and a star-studded cast. The movie balances huge, sweeping scenes with deep character moments. It shows a clear understanding of both the world it builds and the people who live in it. While the second half may lose some of its magic when watched at home compared to the theater experience, it still delivers plenty of excitement and drama. If you loved the first part, this one will not disappoint. So if you want to see the whole story from start to finish, now is the perfect time. Just keep in mind the clock is ticking in the first half. Do not miss out on this sci-fi masterpiece while you still can!
10. Bone Tomahawk (2015)
Director: S. Craig Zahler
Bone Tomahawk is a slow-burning Western horror that grabs your attention with strong performances from Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, and the rest of the cast. The film takes its time building tension, letting you get lost in its world and characters. It feels like a classic Western at first, but then it shifts into something much darker.
When the final act arrives, it turns into a brutal and intense gore fest. The violence pushes the R rating to its limits. It is shocking, graphic, and not for the faint of heart. But this sudden change fits the story and makes the movie stand out from others in the genre. Bone Tomahawk has earned a lot of praise over the years, but it is still a hidden gem that many people have not seen. If you like horror mixed with Westerns and do not mind a lot of blood, this is a film you need to watch. Prepare yourself for some happy nightmares!
11. Katla (2021)
Director: BaltasarKormákur
If you enjoy slow and moody mysteries, Katla might be perfect for you. The show takes place in a small town in Iceland covered in volcanic ash. It begins with a strange event: a woman walks out of a glacier, even though she is believed to have died a year before. After that, more people start appearing, copies of those who are lost or dead, with no clear explanation behind their sudden returns. Katla is not about fast action or sudden jump scares. Instead, it explores deep themes of grief, memory, and loss. The story unfolds slowly and carefully. This deliberate pace helps build a strange and surreal atmosphere that feels very real at the same time.
The setting plays a big role in setting the show’s mood. The ash-covered town, the cold and empty landscape, and the quiet, simple music all work together to create a haunting and unforgettable experience. The mix of mystery and emotion makes Katla stand out. It is a show that stays with you long after it ends. If you are ready for something thoughtful and different, this one is worth the watch.
12. His Three Daughters (2024)
Director: Azazel Jacobs
This film is a beautiful and deeply moving piece of drama. It feels almost like watching a great play with powerful performances from three incredible actresses. Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, and Natasha Lyonne star as three sisters who come together to be with their father during the last days of his life. The story unfolds slowly, letting the emotions build naturally. It is both funny and tender, showing the complicated ways family members connect, fight, and support each other. Natasha Lyonne, in particular, delivers what many call the best performance of her career. The film explores themes of love, loss, and forgiveness in a way that feels honest and raw. It captures small moments that hit hard emotionally. This makes it easy to relate to the characters’ pain and hope. This is one of the best films of 2024 so far. It stays with you long after the credits roll, thanks to its mix of humor and heart. If you like family stories that feel real and powerful, this one is a must-watch.
13. The Room Next Door (2024)
Director: Pedro Almodovar
One of the most underrated films of 2024, this drama shines thanks to the outstanding performances of Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton. Swinton plays a journalist who is facing terminal cancer. As she prepares for the final days of her life, she asks an old friend – played by Moore, to move into the room next to hers. This simple setup leads to a deeply emotional and thoughtful story about friendship, life, and facing death with grace.
The film carefully explores the quiet moments between the two women. It shows how they find comfort and meaning in their shared time, even as the end grows closer. It is a short story about finding beauty and hope in every minute we have, no matter how hard life gets. The chemistry between Moore and Swinton is powerful and real, making their journey feel honest and touching. The movie does not shy away from the pain of loss but balances it with moments of warmth and tenderness. This film is a hidden gem that deserves more attention from cinema lovers. It reminds us all to cherish life and the people we love while we still can. It is a moving experience that stays with you long after watching.
From gothic mystery to emotional horror, these underrated films deserve a spot on your watchlist. Give them a chance, and who knows you might find your new favorite!!
