Unnoticed by audiences and critics alike, these Netflix movies are diamonds in the rough. It’s time to give them the recognition they truly deserve!
Discover the hidden gems waiting to be explored on Netflix! Our selection of the most underrated movies spans various genres and origins, showcasing lesser-known films deserving of greater recognition. While some have earned critical acclaim, they remain undiscovered by many viewers. In our 2024 roundup, we’ve curated a mix of big-screen releases and Netflix originals, ranging from thrilling suspense to chilling horror, captivating sci-fi to compelling drama, and delightful comedies to family-friendly favorites. Dive into a world of cinematic treasures awaiting your discovery!
Here are recommended, overlooked movies you can watch on Netflix right now. This list is regularly updated as titles come and go from the streamer.
Underrated Movies on Netflix (PART 1)
- “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” (2021)
In the midst of the pandemic, Michael Rianda’s animated sci-fi comedy emerged as a standout, captivating both critics and audiences alike. Following the adventurous journey of a quirky family on a cross-country trip, the film tackles themes of familial bonds and the battle against a rebellious AI uprising threatening Earth. Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 94th Academy Awards, “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” is celebrated for its heartfelt portrayal of LGBTQ character Katie (voiced by Abbi Jacobson), adding depth and inclusivity to its narrative.
- “Cam” (2018)
Directed by Daniel Goldhaber, this Netflix original delves into the unsettling world of adult webcam performance, where a performer finds herself confronting a chilling doppelgänger who has assumed her online identity. With a nuanced approach, “Cam” navigates the complexities of sex work, offering a thoughtful examination of identity and authenticity. Madeline Brewer delivers a captivating performance, seamlessly portraying multiple personas simultaneously, and adding depth to the narrative. Anchored by a perceptive script by former cam girl Isa Mazzei, the film explores themes of fractured identity that resonate beyond the realm of adult entertainment. While the conclusion may falter slightly, “Cam” remains a provocative exploration of its subject matter, leaving a lasting impression with Brewer’s compelling portrayal.
- Bad Trip” (2021)
Starring Eric André, Lil Rel Howery, and Tiffany Haddish, “Bad Trip” delivers a fearless blend of scripted comedy and outrageous hidden-camera pranks reminiscent of Jackass. The film follows two friends embarking on a wild road trip to New York, resulting in uproarious chaos and unexpected encounters along the way. Despite facing a turbulent release, including accidental leaks and online piracy, “Bad Trip” has since garnered a dedicated following and earned praise from critics for its unapologetic humor and audacious approach.
- “His House” (2020)
Remi Weekes’ remarkable debut in supernatural horror, “His House,” delves into the harrowing journey of South Sudanese refugees navigating the challenges of a new life in a small European town. Much like acclaimed films such as “The Babadook” or “Under the Shadow,” this isn’t your typical jump-scare horror; instead, it serves as a poignant exploration of trauma and displacement. The film’s real-world subject matter is hauntingly twisted, offering a devastating portrayal of the refugee experience, elevated by the powerful performances of Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu in the lead roles.
- “Berlin Syndrome” (2017)
Directed by Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland and adapted from Melanie Joosten’s novel, “Berlin Syndrome” presents a gripping tale of a tourist ensnared in a nightmarish scenario after a passionate encounter with a charming teacher. While the film unfolds as a heart-pounding thriller, delving into intense and difficult-to-watch moments of mistreatment, its true strength lies in its deep exploration of character psychology. Amidst the suspense, “Berlin Syndrome” captivates audiences with its focus on the inner workings of the characters’ minds, offering a highly absorbing psychological drama that lingers long after the credits roll.
Aussie-born Teresa Palmer, renowned for her role in “Hacksaw Ridge,” delivers a powerhouse performance in “Berlin Syndrome,” portraying a victim whose journey through stages of suffering parallels the stages of grief. German actor Max Riemelt, known for his work in “Sense8,” masterfully embodies the chilling and multifaceted nature of her captor, providing a compelling counterpart to Palmer’s portrayal. However, it’s Palmer who truly shines in the film, showcasing her talent and versatility in a role that elevates her beyond the confines of typical love-interest characters, serving as a powerful calling card in Hollywood for the dynamite actress.
- “Alex Strangelove” (2018)
A delightful blend of joy, humor, and heartfelt emotion, “Alex Strangelove” is a Netflix original film that follows the story of Alex Truelove, portrayed by Daniel Doheny, a high-school senior grappling with his sexuality. Despite his deep affection for his girlfriend Claire, played by Madeline Weinstein, Alex finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Elliot, a confident and openly gay classmate portrayed by Antonio Marziale. As Alex navigates his feelings of confusion and self-discovery, the film offers a poignant exploration of identity, relationships, and the complexities of teenage romance.
- “RRR” (2022)
Embodying the spirit of rise, roar, and revolt, “RRR” has captivated international audiences as a crossover sensation from South Indian cinema, now available for streaming on Netflix. This epic buddy action-musical delves into the struggles of real-life Indian revolutionaries against the Raj, blending humor, intensity, and kinetic energy. At its core, the film boasts a touching bromance between stars N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan, adding emotional depth to its spectacle. With outlandish yet intricately detailed VFX that are visually stunning, “RRR” delivers genuine spectacle across its 187-minute runtime, leaving audiences enraptured throughout.
- “Under the Shadow” (2016)
Writer/director Babak Anvari’s debut feature, “Under the Shadow,” is a masterfully crafted and deeply unsettling thriller that blurs the boundaries between supernatural horror and the grim realities of life. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Tehran during the War of the Cities—a period fraught with fear and uncertainty—Narges Rashidi delivers a powerful performance as Shideh, a medical student barred from her studies due to her political affiliations. Left alone to care for her daughter Dorsa (Avin Manshadi) as her husband serves at the front, Shideh must confront both the horrors of war and the malevolent presence of an evil genie haunting their home.
Anvari’s film is a haunting portrayal of a war-torn Iran, suffused with a palpable sense of dread and tension. Drawing from his own childhood experiences, Anvari infuses the narrative with authenticity and depth, capturing the oppressive atmosphere of the era. The supernatural scares are executed with chilling precision, but it’s the grim reality of Shideh’s struggle that truly resonates. As esteemed critic Mark Kermode hailed it the best film of 2016, “Under the Shadow” stands as a small-scale powerhouse not to be overlooked.
- “The Lost Daughter” (2021)
Maggie Gyllenhaal makes an impressive debut as both writer and director with “The Lost Daughter,” a captivating psychological drama adapted from Elena Ferrante’s novel. Olivia Colman delivers a powerhouse performance, portraying a woman whose holiday takes a dark turn as she becomes consumed by her fascination with another woman and her daughter. Joined by a stellar cast including Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson, and Peter Sarsgaard, Colman leads with magnetic intensity, immersing audiences in a complex exploration of motherhood, desire, and identity.
- “The Florida Project” (2017)
Sean Baker’s “The Florida Project” deftly captures the essence of real-life individuals living on the margins of society, challenging Hollywood’s tendency to overlook their stories. Set against the backdrop of a motel on the outskirts of Disneyworld, the film elevates its impoverished residents to the status of movie stars, offering an unfiltered glimpse into their lives without condescension or pity. Through the eyes of the spirited six-year-old Moonee, portrayed by breakout star Brooklynn Prince, audiences are fully immersed in the drama and intricacies of their world. While serving as an essential portrayal of contemporary American life and one of the finest depictions of childhood on screen, “The Florida Project” is also remarkably absorbing, humorous, and enjoyable, effortlessly transcending its thematic weight to deliver a deeply moving cinematic experience.
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