10 Hidden Gems on Netflix You Haven’t Watched Yet!

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I frequently find myself settling down for an entertaining evening with Netflix, a platform that boasts an impressive array of series and films. Since Netflix began producing their own productions, they’ve consistently broadened their content offerings for viewers like me. Although the subscription fees have increased over time, it remains one of the top-tier streaming services when it comes to high-quality movies and television shows.

A consistent aspect of Netflix is the addition (and removal) of movies and shows each month, providing a wealth of viewing options for various genres. Some lesser-known treasures have also been included in recent updates, which viewers might find worth checking out.

Here are 10 underrated movies to check out that were only recently added to Netflix.

10
‘The Age of Innocence’ (1993)

Drawing inspiration from Edith Wharton’s timeless novel, The Age of Innocence, demonstrated that period dramas continued to resonate strongly in the 1990s. Directed by Martin Scorsese and Jay Cocks as their third joint project, this film featured Daniel Day-Lewis, who had recently won an Academy Award for My Left Foot, Michelle Pfeiffer, fresh off her third Academy Award nomination, and Winona Ryder, delivering one of her most profound performances in her acting career to date.

In an unusual turn of events, this movie brings together three top-tier actors, each seemingly at their artistic peak, in a single production. Here, Daniel Day-Lewis portrays a prosperous lawyer grappling with complex emotions towards two women, amidst the tumult of a scandalous situation. The acting is exceptional, the cinematography exquisite (directed by the acclaimed Martin Scorsese), and it even took home the Best Costume Design award at the Oscars. For its compelling love story and dramatic plotline, The Age of Innocence deserves more recognition than it currently receives.

9
‘Couples Retreat’ (2009)

Gathering an amusing ensemble of actors and transporting them to a captivating locale seems like a winning formula for entertainment. The film “Couples Retreat” exemplifies this approach, boasting a stellar cast including Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Faizon Love, Kristen Bell, Kristin Davis, Malin Åkerman, and Kali Hawk. The story revolves around four couples who opt for a retreat on an island due to the significant cost savings when four couples go together.

In this film, there are some sidesplitting moments and outstanding performances by Jean Reno, Peter Serafinowicz, Ken Jeong, and John Michael Higgins. The protagonist’s persona bears a resemblance to that of Michael Bluth from Arrested Development. Among the romantic pairings, Love and Hawk stand out, as she is significantly younger than him, illustrating the potential absurdity of dating someone outside your age bracket. Although it may not be Vaughn’s funniest film ever, his Guitar Hero scenes are definitely worth remembering.

8
‘For Love of the Game’ (1999)

For the past four decades, no actor has been as closely associated with compelling roles in sports films as Kevin Costner. He has graced us with a three-part baseball film series, two of which have become some of the most acclaimed baseball movies ever made – Bull Durham and Field of Dreams. The third installment, For Love of the Game, is sometimes overlooked because it’s not considered as great as the other two. However, it offers more of a romantic narrative than a traditional sports movie, focusing on Costner’s character, Billy Chapel, and his complex relationship with Kelly Preston’s Jane, which spans much of his career.

The movie alternates between the past lives of Billy and Jane and the present, where Billy is playing a game at Yankee Stadium. The romantic tale is touching and sweet, with both Preston and Costner effectively portraying the backstory for our main characters. Filmed on location at Yankee Stadium, the baseball scenes seem incredibly realistic. Costner delivers a convincing performance as both a seasoned player and a man determined to hold onto his greatest treasure. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the action-packed sequences, while romance and drama fans will find it an ideal choice for a date night.

7
‘K-9’ (1989)

This movie, titled “K-9“, revolves around a humorous tale of a tenacious police officer and his canine companion joining forces to take down a notorious drug lord. If the plot doesn’t appeal to you right away, I understand, but let me tell you that it offers an abundance of clever dog humor and an exceptional performance by the talented canine actor.

In this film, Jerry Lee, our canine lead, truly steals the show. He’s full of mischief and delivers some hilarious scenes that show his preference for work on his own terms. Despite the adult themes and perhaps a slightly misguided focus, Jerry Lee shines brightly in the finale, proving to be a faithful companion for Belushi. While the movie might not appeal to everyone due to its mature content, it’s impossible not to appreciate the outstanding performance of Jerry Lee on screen.

6
‘Lucy’ (2014)

In 2014, the action-packed film “Lucy,” starring Scarlett Johansson as the leading character, raked in over $400 million at the box office. For those who missed it in theaters, the story revolves around a woman who, after being kidnapped and forced to carry drugs, unwittingly ingests some of them, granting her extraordinary abilities. Directed by Luc Besson, known for movies like “The Professional,” “The Fifth Element,” and “Taken,” it’s an adrenaline-fueled cinematic experience.

This film shares design elements with certain action movies, as it offers thrilling aerial sequences, raw production aesthetics, and a compelling protagonist who harbors hidden depths. Scarlett Johansson delivers a captivating performance filled with charm. Unlike the movie Limitless, Lucy explores the potential of human abilities by enhancing brain functions, venturing beyond philosophical realms and examining real-world time and space. The finale has sparked debate among viewers and critics alike, but it’s recommended to watch and form your own opinion.

5
‘The Place Beyond the Pines’ (2012)

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my thoughts on my unforgettable journey with Ryan Gosling in “The Place Beyond the Pines,” a gripping drama directed by Derek Cianfrance. This movie was nothing short of electrifying, and it left quite an impression at the box office, raking in over $47 million globally on a budget of just $15 million. The star-studded cast, which includes Eva Mendes, Ben Mendelsohn, Ray Liotta, Bradley Cooper, Dane DeHaan, Emory Cohen, Rose Byrne, and Mahershala Ali, is a testament to the film’s appeal. Interestingly enough, it was on this set that Gosling met his future wife, Eva Mendes.

Although it might not be the film most people link to any of those actors, that doesn’t imply it’s not a high-quality movie. Ryan Gosling portrays a motorcycle stuntman who resorts to bank robberies to support his child. On the other hand, Bradley Cooper assumes the role of a cop who encounters him, leading to a series of interactions between characters that unfold in both the present and future. The narrative is intricately woven, demonstrating how the choices made by adults can shape a child’s upbringing.

4
‘Beginners’ (2010)

From Mike Mills’ 2010 movie, Beginners, we learn that one can always strive for happiness, no matter the time or circumstance. Ewan McGregor plays Oliver, a man still grieving over his father Hal’s death. After losing his mother and wife, Hal found the courage to live openly as a gay man in his remaining four years before passing away from cancer. This journey of self-discovery brought him closer to his son, teaching Oliver about the importance of self-acceptance.

Christopher Plummer snagged an Oscar for his role as Hal, and he brings a radiant energy to every scene he appears in. McGregor exudes charm as Oliver, while Mélanie Laurent shines as Anna, the woman Oliver becomes involved with after his father’s demise. Beginners is a whimsical and endearing film that demonstrates the importance of being true to oneself, showcasing some of Mills’ unique directorial style.

3
‘See No Evil, Hear No Evil’ (1989)

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, during their peak fame, Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor appeared in four films together. See No Evil, Hear No Evil is one of these collaborations, following their previous works such as Silver Streak and Stir Crazy. This comedy maintains the same outrageous, absurd, and entertaining tone. In this movie, Pryor plays a blind character while Wilder portrays a deaf one. The duo befriend each other and unintentionally become entangled in a murder mystery, forcing them to team up to apprehend a gang of thieves.

The movie primarily revolves around two hilarious masters exchanging witty visual and auditory jokes. It features high-speed police pursuits, tavern brawls, foiled getaways, and plenty more action. Released in the early 1980s, this film grossed approximately $47M at the box office and remains an enjoyable choice for those seeking a lighthearted comedy with a dash of silliness.

2
‘National Security’ (2003)

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National Security brought together Martin Lawrence, a popular movie star back then, with Steve Zahn, who had just completed some significant projects. Lawrence portrayed Earl, a man harboring a lifelong dream of becoming a cop, while Zahn played Hank, a cop who faced imprisonment due to a severe misinterpretation. Post his release, they both found themselves working for the same security firm and eventually joined forces to crack a murder case, as fate had them collaborate.

Although this action comedy might not rank among the best, it still delivers some hilarious moments and impressive action sequences. Released prior to Bad Boys II, it didn’t diminish Lawrence’s reputation in any way. Following this film, Zahn went on to secure numerous roles, particularly excelling in more serious projects such as Rescue Dawn and The White Lotus.

1
‘The Holiday’ (2006)

Many folks might argue that the film “The Holiday” doesn’t deserve more recognition. However, given Jack Black’s recent success in “A Minecraft Movie”, it’s always enjoyable to rewatch this timeless classic. In this movie, Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz are both going through tough times in their romantic lives and seek a holiday respite. They decide to exchange houses, with Diaz traveling to the United Kingdom and Winslet heading to Los Angeles. While away from home, each woman finds love – Diaz with Jude Law and Winslet with Jack Black.

The movie, penned and helmed by the exceptional romantic comedy writer Nancy Meyers, is a heartwarming film that people often rewatch during the holiday season. However, for those looking to compare Black’s latest work to one of his most endearing roles, it’s highly recommended you watch it right now. Moreover, there’s no such thing as an inappropriate moment to appreciate Eli Wallach’s delightful portrayal of Arthur, a character who develops friendship with Winslet’s persona.

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2025-04-13 18:03