The best movies on Netflix is a collection that’s always changing but somehow always getting a little bit better, making the platform one of the best streaming services to subscribe to these days. With new 2024 movies like Hit Man, classics like the Back to the Future trilogy, and everything in between, there’s so much to watch.
But, with a massive library of movies that gets larger by the day, keeping track of all those great classics and modern gems can honestly take up a ton of time, which may result in you missing out before one or two of them end up leaving Netflix. That said, let’s take a look at some of the best movies you can watch with a Netflix subscription as of July 2024. And remember to check back later in the month as there is always something new on Netflix worth checking out.
American Psycho (2000)
Featuring one of the scariest modern horror villains with Christian Bale’s Patrick Bateman, American Psycho is a feverishly funny, sardonic, thrilling, and unforgettable cinematic experience that hits just as hard in 2024 as it did upon its release in 2000. With incredible dialogue, expansive monologues, and a quirkiness that makes it impossible to put the movie in one precise genre, Mary Harron’s adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel of the same name is an intense and unique trip.
Stream American Psycho on Netflix.
Hit Man (2024)
Though we’d love a chance to see Hit Man on the big screen, Richard Linklater’s new comedy about a psychology professor (played by Glen Powell, who also co-wrote the script) masquerading as a contract killer is honestly one of the best new Netflix movie experiences around. Powell’s portrayal of multiple personas, his on-screen chemistry with co-star Adria Arjona, and everything else about this black comedy just works.
Aftersun (2022)
Netflix subscribers finally got to see how good Aftersun was after one of the 2022 A24 drama film showed up on the streamer in June 2024. Definitely one of the best Paul Mescal movies, this transfixing and heartbreaking coming-of-age drama follows a father (played by Mescal) and daughter (played by Frankie Corio) as they spend a holiday at a Turkish resort as they contemplate their relationship, their lives, and their futures. Charlotte Wells, in her directorial debut, was on to something with this film that will leave you saying “wow.”
The Back To The Future Trilogy (1985 - 1990)
There is something about the Back to the Future trilogy that never gets old, no matter how many times you watch these three movies about time travel. The boyish charm of Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly, the various perilous situations he finds himself in during different eras, and all the great music make this such a fun series to revisit.
Stream Back to the Future on Netflix.
Stream Back to the Future Part II on Netflix.
Stream Back to the Future Part III on Netflix.
Big Daddy (1999)
A surprisingly good Adam Sandler movie, Big Daddy came out in 1999 and showed that the SNL alum could handle his own when it came to more dramatic movies. Though not as serious as the roles he would play in Punch-Drunk Love or Uncut Gems in the years and decades that followed, Sandler’s portrayal of a 30-something slacker who is put in charge of raising a young boy has a lot of range. Plus, the movie gave birth to some of the comedian’s best quotes.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name, an adaptation of André Aciman’s novel of the same name, helped turn Timothée Chalamet from an up-and-coming actor to one of the brightest stars in young Hollywood back in 2017. Equal parts enchanting and heartbreaking, this emotional and intimate story about a teenager (Chalamet) falling in love with his father’s assistant (played by Armie Hammer) will hit you right in the heart and gut by the time it’s finished.
Stream Call Me By Your Name on Netflix.
Uncle Buck (1989)
Though Uncle Buck is a PG movie that wouldn’t be PG today, this 1989 John Hughes classic is still a great addition to any family movie night rotation. Set in the Chicago suburbs, the movie follows the titular uncle (played by John Candy) as he drives in from the city to watch his brother’s kids during a family emergency, and all kinds of shenanigans follow. With one iconic scene after another, a great turn by Candy, and a wonderful performance by Macaulay Culkin, there’s so much to love.
The Spider-Man Movies (2002 - 2007)
If you’re starting an ultimate Spider-Man marathon, the best place to start is Sam Raimi’s trilogy from the 2000s. These three movies, which see Tobey Maguire as the Web-Slinger, are sort of a mixed bag, but the great (Spider-Man 2) outweighs most of the bad (Spider-Man 3) and then some. A great look at early 21st-century superhero movies and culture in general, these movies are still a blast years later.
Stream Spider-Man on Netflix.
Stream Spider-Man 2 on Netflix.
Stream Spider-Man 3 on Netflix.
Matilda (1996)
One of the best Roald Dahl adaptations, this Danny DeVito-directed fantasy film is one of the most charming and imaginative movies you can watch on Netflix. Mara Wilson’s take on the young girl with some serious telekinetic powers and more courage than anyone else in the world is nothing short of magical and really helps make this 1996 comedy such a delight. Funny, poignant, and filled with great lessons, Matilda is still a great watch even as an adult.
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
If you were frustrated after missing Godzilla Minus One on the big screen, you can finally watch the Oscar-winning monster movie from the comfort of your home, as it’s now streaming on Netflix. One of the best Godzilla movies ever made, Takashi Yamazaki’s epic set in post-war Japan is an intense, terrifying, and incredibly emotional experience that’ll leave you in awe with both its story and eye-popping visual effects.
Stream Godzilla Minus One on Netflix.
1917 (2019)
One of the best movies set during World War I, and also one of the best war movies of all time, Sam Mendes’ Oscar-winning 1917 throws you smack-dab in the middle of the action on the frontlines of World War I. Centering on two young British soldiers (played by George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) as they attempt to call off a doomed offensive, this white-knuckle military thriller never lets off the gas. Excitement, sorrow, and crafty camera tricks by the legendary Roger Deakins make this a worthy watch.
The Lego Movie (2014)
Undeniably the best Lego movie, Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s 2014 box office hit helped usher in a new era of animation and also helped further propel Chris Pratt to superstar status. In the film, a seemingly normal Lego construction worker named Emmet Brickowski (Pratt) becomes “The Special” and sets off on an adventure to stop Lord Business’ (Will Ferrell) master plan. “Everything is awesome” about The Lego Movie, that’s for sure.
Stream The Lego Movie on Netflix.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
One of the best ‘80s movies and a classic that helped define a generation, The Breakfast Club is one of those coming-of-age stories you can never watch too many times. Centering on five students representing the archetypical cliques at a high school in a fictional Chicago suburb, John Hughes’ comedy-drama is full of iconic movie moments, great dialogue, and some intense and revelatory conversations along the way.
Stream The Breakfast Club on Netflix.
La La Land (2016)
Though Damien Chazelle’s 2016 musical, La La Land, is nearly a decade old at this point, watching the Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone-led romantic musical drama about aspiring artists trying to balance love and their dreams never gets old. With some of the best movie songs in ages, inventive cinematography and choreography, and a tremendous on-screen pairing, this decorated movie is one for the ages.
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
If you’re looking for a great movie about wrestling, look no further than Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz’s 2019 dramedy, The Peanut Butter Falcon. This uplifting, charming, and hilarious indie film follows Zak (Zack Gottsagen), a young man with Down syndrome as he escapes his care facility to become a pro wrestler. With the help of the on-the-run fisherman named Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), who has problems of his own, Zak sets out to make his dreams come true.
Stream The Peanut Butter Falcon on Netflix.
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Don’t let this movie’s poor box office run fool you, James Foley’s 1992 adaptation of David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross is a tour de force. Much like the Pulitzer Prize-winning play on which it is based, this Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon-led drama about a group of down-on-their-luck real estate salesmen is unrelenting in its approach. Plus, it features what could be the most intense Alec Baldwin performance with his unorthodox pep talk.
Stream Glengarry Glen Ross on Netflix.
Kicking And Screaming (1995)
Not to be confused with the similarly titled 2005 Will Ferrell movie, Noah Baumbach’s Kicking and Screaming centers on a group of college graduates as they attempt to come to terms with the fact they are no longer children and the fact their decisions have major implications. Josh Hamilton, Olivia d’Abo, Parker Posey, and Chris Eigeman are all tremendous in their portrayals of 20-somethings who refuse to grow up.
Stream Kicking and Screaming on Netflix.
Anyone But You (2023)
Months after a first date goes sour, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) cross paths once again at a destination wedding. Upon discovering that their exes are also in attendance, the bitter enemies attempt to act like a happy couple. A surprise 2023 box office hit, Anyone But You is a hilarious, raunchy, and modern take on William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.
Stream Anyone But You on Netflix.
The Edge Of Seventeen (2016)
When it comes to Gen-Z coming-of-age comedies, few movies capture the heart and spirit of 2016’s The Edge of Seventeen. Kelly Fremon Craig’s directorial debut follows Nadine Franklin (Hailee Steinfeld) as she navigates the daily grind of being a teenager on the cusp of adulthood and everything that comes with it. And helping guide her along the way is Max Bruner (Woody Harrelson), who could very well be one of the best on-screen teachers of this century.
Stream The Edge of Seventeen on Netflix.
Jumanji (1995)
One of the best family movies from the ‘90s, Jumanji is one of those rare cinematic experiences that has something for everyone. Action, drama, comedy, and heart are found throughout this 1995 Robin Williams movie about a mysterious and powerful board game that brings the jungle and all its dangers to a quiet New Hampshire town.
Shrek (2001)
There are animated movies, and then there is Shrek, the 2001 DreamWorks Animation classic that pokes fun at fairy tale tropes while also introducing some of the most beloved characters of the 21st century. After Shrek (Mike Myers) discovers that his quiet swamp is silent and secluded no more, he makes a deal to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) to restore order. But it ends up being far more complicated than anyone would have expected.
The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar and Three More (2023)
A little more than half a year after The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and three other short films were released on Netflix, Wes Anderson’s series of Roald Dahl adaptations were combined into a full-length anthology, making it easier than ever to watch these charming stories. The Academy Award-winning short film and the three other included titles – The Swan, The Ratcatcher, and Poison – are some of Anderson’s best work and are incredibly charming and endearing.
Stream The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar and Three More on Netflix.
Born On The Fourth Of July (1989)
One of the best Vietnam movies, Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July follows Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) as he goes from an idealistic and patriotic teenager to one of the most vocal opponents of the conflict after experiencing great trauma in combat. Told over many years, this emotionally stirring biopic follows one man’s odyssey to find meaning and purpose in life, a journey that takes him to the jungles of Vietnam, the deserts of Mexico, and various political conventions.
Stream Born on the Fourth of July on Netflix.
Baby Driver (2017)
Edgar Wright’s 2017 crime flick, Baby Driver, follows Miles (Ansel Elgort), aka “Baby,” a young yet talented getaway driver, as he carries out a series of jobs for criminal mastermind, Doc (Kevin Spacey). But after years of using his unparalleled driving skills to help pull off increasingly dangerous heists, the music-loving driver sets his sights on a better tomorrow, one that doesn’t involve trigger-happy gunmen, double-crossers, or high-speed pursuits.
Stream Baby Driver on Netflix.
American Graffiti (1973)
Several years before turning his attention to “a galaxy far, far away,” George Lucas took audiences to Modesto, California, for his seminal coming-of-age drama, American Graffiti. Set on the final day of summer break, this Golden Globe winner follows a group of high school grads (played by Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard) as they contemplate their respective paths in life while saying goodbye to their adolescence.
Stream American Graffiti on Netflix.
Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
A movie that would never be PG today, Smokey and the Bandit follows race car driver Bo “Bandit” Darville (Burt Reynolds) as he attempts to get a semi-truck full of Coors beer from Texas to Atlanta with an extremely short deadline. This journey gets even more intense after Bandit picks up Carrie (Sally Field), a runaway bride who stood up to the son of Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason), who makes it his mission to stop the bootlegger through any means necessary.
Stream Smokey and the Bandit on Netflix.
The Matrix (1999)
In March 1999, the Wachowskis ushered in a new era for the sci-fi and action movie genres with The Matrix. After computer programmer Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves), aka Neo, finds himself on the radar of the mysterious Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), he teams up with a mysterious man named Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) who offers him a chance to take one of two vastly different paths: one makes things “normal” while the other shows how far down the rabbit hole goes.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Everything Everywhere All at Once became an overnight sensation upon its release in 2022 and became one of the most unique Best Picture Winners the following year. With an outstanding cast led by Michelle Yeoh, a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional story that resonates with audiences of all ages, and some of the most impressive fight choreography and visual effects, this is a movie you won’t want to miss on Netflix.
Stream Everything Everywhere All at Once on Netflix.
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (2022)
Based on a series of shorts and an illustrated book by director Dean Fleischer Camp and star Jenny Slate, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a cinematic experience like no other. Channeling the personal experiences of its creators, this story is about a small shell (voiced by Slate) trying to find its place in the world and also reunite with his long-lost family after becoming a viral internet star. Charming, heartfelt, and critically acclaimed, this was CinemaBlend’s favorite 2022 movie.
Stream Marcel the Shell with Shoes On on Netflix.
Society Of The Snow (2023)
A Best International Feature Film nominee at the 2024 Academy Awards, Society of the Snow recounts the Uruguayan 1972 Andes flight disaster that saw a group of young survivors band together to live long enough to be rescued from the perilous situation. J. A. Bayona, the filmmaker behind the emotional survival drama, The Impossible, directs this Netflix original.
Stream Society of the Snow on Netflix.
Rustin (2023)
George C. Wolfe’s Academy Award-nominated biographical drama, Rustin, takes a deep dive into how Civil Rights activist Bayard Rustin (Colman Domingo) helped build the foundation for what would become one of the key moments of the 20th century: the historic 1963 March on Washington where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Moneyball (2011)
Often considered one of the best baseball movies of all time, Moneyball tells the story of how general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) revolutionized the way the Oakland Athletics looked at building a roster as well as how the program completely changed the game as a whole.
Something's Gotta Give (2003)
In 2003, Nancy Meyers gave us one of the best romantic comedies of all time with Something’s Gotta Give, a charming love story about an unlikely pair who attempt to make it work despite their many, many differences.
Stream Something’s Gotta Give on Netflix.
El Conde (2023)
Released in 2023, Pablo Larraín’s El Conde takes an unusual satirical approach to the life and legacy of notorious Chilean dictator, Augusto Pinochet by making it more of a horror movie than a political thriller. In this version of the megalomaniacal leader’s story, he is a 250-year-old vampire seeking death, which is difficult due to those around him fighting feverishly to keep him alive.
Maestro (2023)
One of the best 2023 Netflix movies, Bradley Cooper’s Maestro sees the actor-turned-filmmaker take on one of his biggest roles yet: Leonard Bernstein. This two-hour exploration of Berstein, his music, and the relationship he shared with his wife, Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan), sheds light on the man, the myth, and the legend of the celebrated composer.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
One of the biggest 2023 box office stories was The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the long-awaited video game adaptation from Illumination and Nintendo. The star-studded cast led by Chris Pratt as the iconic plumber, the callbacks to the video game world, and an unlikely hit song were some of the reasons this movie was just so much fun.
Stream The Super Mario Bros. Movie on Netflix.
Gran Turismo (2023)
It’s true that 2023 was a banner year for video game movies, and one of the biggest contributors was Sony’s Gran Turismo adaptation. This movie, which chronicled the true story of Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe) as he went from an avid Gran Turismo player to an actual race car driver, featured an all-time underdog story and was better than it had any right being.
Stream Gran Turismo on Netflix.
Paddington (2014)
If you’re looking for a great way to spend a couple of hours with the family, then Paddington is going to be the way to go. This charming, endearing, and all-around hilarious movie follows a young Paddington Bear (Ben Whishaw) as he tries to find his place in London, a scary experience that is made not so bad by the Brown family.
May December (2023)
Todd Haynes’ 2023 drama, May December, follows actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) as she spends time with the couple at the center of a scandalous romance while preparing to play one of them in a movie based on their story. Over time, however, what starts as a research trip turns into something much deeper.
Stream May December on Netflix.
The Killer (2023)
The latest addition to David Fincher’s stellar filmography, The Killer follows Michael Fassbender’s titular assassin as he deals with the fallout of a hit gone wrong. With his world crashing down around him, this cold and calculated killer with a certain fondness for The Smiths and internal monologues decides to get back at those who tried to take away the one thing he cares about.
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2023)
Just when Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) thought his life couldn’t get any more out of hand, he comes in contact with the Spider-Society, a group of web-slingers from across the Multiverse. With one of the best Spider-Man villains in the mysterious Spot (Jason Schwartzman), the tyrannical Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac), and a returning Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), this teenage superhero has his hands full in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Stream Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on Netflix.
Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)
Nominated in the Best Animated Feature category at the 2023 Academy Awards, Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, not to be confused with the Disney+ exclusive that was also released in 2022, serves as a reinvention of the timeless story of a wooden puppet with dreams of becoming a real boy. This painstakingly crafted stop-motion musical was all the rage upon its release, thanks to its animation, dark story, and outstanding performances by the likes of Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Christoph Waltz, and Tilda Swinton.
Stream Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio on Netflix.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
In the followup to his 2019 whodunit, Rian Johnson introduces audiences to a new set of characters, an exotic location, and a multi-layered murder mystery that can only be solved by Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, the first of at least two movies in the franchise exclusive to Netflix, is full of thrills, chills, and hilarity around every corner. And with Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery coming to Netflix in 2025, now’s the perfect time to revisit this Greek-set murder mystery.
Stream Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery on Netflix.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)
Killer rabbits, an unflinching Black Knight, and other dangers aren’t enough for King Arthur (Graham Chapman) or the men in his company as they embark upon a quest to find the mythical holy grail. Released in 1975, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is certainly a comedy that will cheer you up when in a funk.
Stream Monty Python and the Holy Grail on Netflix.
All Quiet On The Western Front (2022)
Paul Bäumer (Felix Kammerer) and his school buddies think they are in for the adventure of a lifetime upon joining the German army at the height of World War I, but they soon find out that claims of “Paris in six weeks” are nothing more than false hopes given to new recruits. In Edward Berger’s adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front, boys become men as they face one hellish day after another while members of the government attempt to broker a peace deal with France and its allies.
Stream All Quiet on the Western Front on Netflix.
The Power Of The Dog (2021)
Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch), a closed-off and abrasive rancher in 1920s Montana, becomes even more cruel when his brother, George (Jesse Plemons) brings home a new wife (Kirsten Dunst) and her son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) in Jane Campion’s Academy Award-winning drama The Power of the Dog.
Stream The Power Of The Dog on Netflix.
Roma (2018)
Alfonso Cuarón’s 2018 black-and-white drama Roma follows the lives of domestic workers and the families whose lives they tend to set in 1970s Mexico City. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards (winning three) following its release, Roma is a touching and daunting feat in filmmaking, and helped further cement Cuarón’s place in movie history.
This is just a small portion of the best movies on Netflix, as there are literally thousands of decorated films from all corners of the earth. If you want to see all of the good movies on Netflix that are set to come out this year, check out CinemaBlend’s guide to all the 2024 Netflix originals
