Thu. Sep 19th, 2024


Critically Acclaimed Netflix Films: A Must-Watch List

In the past few years, Netflix has emerged as a major player in the film industry. With its ever-expanding library of original movies, it has managed to captivate audiences worldwide. From thought-provoking dramas to heartwarming comedies, Netflix offers a diverse range of films that cater to all tastes.

For those seeking quality films and memorable storytelling, this must-watch list compiles some of the most critically acclaimed movies available on Netflix.

1. “Roma” (2018): Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this black-and-white masterpiece takes you on an intimate journey through the life of a domestic worker in 1970s Mexico City. Winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Director, “Roma” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that has been hailed as a modern classic.

2. “The Irishman” (2019): Directed by Martin Scorsese, this epic crime drama brings together acting legends Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. Through the masterful use of de-aging technology, the film spans several decades, exploring the life of hitman Frank Sheeran. With its stellar performances and Scorsese’s signature style, “The Irishman” is a must-watch for any film aficionado.

3. “Okja” (2017): Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this South Korean-American film is a mix of humor, drama, and social commentary. The story revolves around a young girl’s quest to save her best friend, a genetically modified super pig, from the clutches of a multinational corporation. “Okja” explores themes like animal rights and corporate greed with a touch of fantasy that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

4. “Mudbound” (2017): Directed by Dee Rees, this powerful drama set in the 1940s explores the racial divisions in rural Mississippi. The film tells the intertwined stories of two families, one black and one white, as they navigate the hardships of post-war America. With its stellar ensemble cast and emotionally charged storytelling, “Mudbound” is a deeply affecting and important film.

5. “Marriage Story” (2019): Directed by Noah Baumbach, this heart-wrenching drama delves into the complexities of a crumbling marriage. Starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, the film follows the emotional journey of a couple as they navigate the trials of separation and divorce. With its raw performances and poignant screenplay, “Marriage Story” tackles themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.

6. “Beasts of No Nation” (2015): Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, this haunting war drama tells the story of a young boy named Agu, forced to become a child soldier during a civil war in an unnamed West African country. Featuring an incredible performance by Idris Elba and an ensemble of young actors, “Beasts of No Nation” is a gripping and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the horrors of war.

7. “The Florida Project” (2017): Directed by Sean Baker, this indie gem shines a light on the lives of marginalized communities living in the shadow of Disney World. The film follows a precocious six-year-old girl, Moonee, as she navigates life with her young mother in a motel just outside Orlando. With its vibrant cinematography and standout performances, “The Florida Project” poignantly captures the innocence and resilience of childhood.

These critically acclaimed Netflix films are just a glimpse into the vast world of high-quality content that the platform offers. From international directors to visionary storytellers, Netflix continues to showcase a wide range of genres and themes that cater to diverse audiences. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be captivated by these must-watch films on Netflix.

By Dave Jenks

Dave Jenks is an American novelist and Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Between those careers, he’s worked as a deckhand, commercial fisherman, divemaster, taxi driver, construction manager, and over the road truck driver, among many other things. He now lives on a sea island, in the South Carolina Lowcountry, with his wife and youngest daughter. They also have three grown children, five grand children, three dogs and a whole flock of parakeets. Stinnett grew up in Melbourne, Florida and has also lived in the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico. His next dream is to one day visit and dive Cuba.