Hidden Netflix Gems: 10 Mind-Blowing Movies You’ve Never Heard Of

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Netflix has become synonymous with an extensive collection of content, as their library brims with original and licensed films, with even more in store. In 2025, the company plans to invest a staggering $18 billion on content. As expressed by Netflix CFO Spencer Neumann, this is only the beginning. This represents an 11% increase from the projected spending of $16.2 billion in 2024. This growth is advantageous for subscribers, but with such a vast selection, it’s possible for some gems to go unnoticed amidst the crowd. Consequently, there are numerous outstanding movies that many viewers have yet to discover.

Unnoticed cinematic wonders can be found nestled among Netflix’s offerings – these are films that have garnered exceptional praise from both critics and viewers, yet remain relatively unacknowledged by the media or social platforms. They seldom appear on Netflix’s main pages, making them a bit tricky to discover. The key lies in deliberate and thoughtful exploration, as every search should be guided by a clear purpose and creative curiosity. Here is a compiled collection of 10 lesser-known gems spread across diverse genres on Netflix for your viewing pleasure.

10
‘First They Killed My Father’ (2017)

Under the guidance of Angelina Jolie, the movie titled “First They Killed My Father” serves as a biographical account. It centers around Loung Ung, a Cambodian-American human rights activist, and her story unfolds. The narrative takes place in 1975, introducing us to young Loung (portrayed by Sreymoch Sareum), who is unwillingly drafted into a child soldier role as her siblings are forcibly relocated to labor camps during the oppressive Khmer Rouge regime.

A Powerful Film with a Journalistic Touch

First They Killed My Father stands out for its educational value. Initially, viewers learn that the Vietnam War wasn’t confined solely to Vietnamese people; it extended into Cambodia, causing devastating repercussions. As a director, Angelina Jolie excels in this regard, meticulously portraying every detail, from mass graves to minefields on screen. The film received numerous accolades, with the Freedom of Expression Award at the National Board of Review being one of them.

9
‘Cam’ (2018)

In a nutshell, Alice Ackerman, also known as Lola_Lola in the camming world, aspires to be the main draw on a renowned camming platform. Tragically, one day she’s booted out of her account and to make matters worse, someone else is live-streaming under her alias. So, she sets off to uncover the mystery behind this unsettling situation.

Hacked or Tricked?

In the usual fashion, Daniel Goldhaber skillfully directs with a tense, suspenseful touch, and Madeline Brewer lends a weighty tone to Isa Mazzei’s tightly written script. Notably, Mazzei, who has experience as a camgirl, infuses the film with an authenticity that is not often encountered in movies of this kind. The plot point about Alice’s image being stolen stems from Mazzei’s personal experience of her camming photos and videos being pirated and reused without proper credit.

8
’99 Homes’ (2014)

Set in Orlando during the Great Recession, the film “99 Homes” begins with a somber start. We witness single father Dennis Nash (Andrew Garfield) and his family getting evicted from their house by merciless real estate mogul Rick Carver (Michael Shannon). With no other options, Nash agrees to work with Carver, helping him evict numerous other residents in return for keeping his own family’s home.

Fighting to Shelter

2015 Deauville American Film Festival’s Grand Prix winner, “99 Homes“, offers a poignant tribute to perseverance, tenacity, and deception amidst overwhelming challenges. Additionally, it presents one of Michael Shannon’s finest performances. Unfortunately, despite his talent for portraying villainous characters, Hollywood seems reluctant to cast him in such roles frequently. Ultimately, director Ramin Bahrani skillfully exposes the unjust real estate industry practices through this film.

7
‘Mudbound’ (2017)

Mudbound

Storyline: This tale unfolds in 1940s rural Mississippi, centering around two families – the McAllans, who are the landowners, and the Jacksons, their tenant farmers of African descent. Both families grapple with racial strife as they navigate through their daily lives. Upon returning from war, Ronsel Jackson, a black veteran, and Jamie McAllan, a white soldier, forge an uncommon bond, adding complexity to their already tense surroundings.

A Detailed Analysis of Prejudice

The rural working-class conflict has never been portrayed more aptly than in this work. Unfortunately, Mudbound is one of the overlooked Oscar-nominated films that quickly fell into obscurity after the awards ceremony concluded. However, it’s high time we reconsider it. Mary J. Blige delivers an exceptional performance. She made history by being the first person to be nominated for both acting and songwriting at the Oscars in the same year. Give it a watch for the captivating performances, stunning costumes, and breathtaking cinematography.

6
‘The Breaker Upperers’ (2018)

In The Breaker Upperers, the main characters, Jen (Jackie van Beek) and Mel (Madeleine Sami), have an unconventional job: they operate a reverse dating agency, focusing on splitting up couples for a cost. Their strategies involve pretending to be dead or setting up affairs. However, it’s quite evident that this situation won’t turn out smoothly, especially when a connection arises between one of their clients and either of the women that becomes unexpectedly strong.

With a Little Help, Breakups Can Be Easy

In a delightfully humorous take on romance, the film “The Breaker Upperers” offers a fresh, zestful spin on a romantic comedy, distinctly New Zealand in flavor. The leading actresses not only star but also direct, which appears to be an advantage as they seem well-versed in the complexities of dating and quick to serve up laughter. The film stands out by delving into common predicaments such as moral dilemmas and misunderstandings among friends.

5
‘His House’ (2020)

The movie titled “His House” portrays the challenges faced by an African family as they seek refuge in the UK, following their escape from war-stricken South Sudan via the English Channel. Unfortunately, during this perilous journey, they lose their daughter. Upon reaching London, they are given a dilapidated house with flaking walls. Over time, they encounter strange and supernatural occurrences within the residence.

From Hell to Hell

The movie His House powerfully portrays the racial and socio-economic disparities prevalent in today’s world. Through skillful cinematography by Belgian cameraman Jo Willems, the horror and disorder reminiscent of a supposed paradise are vividly depicted on screen. Standout performances include Sope Dirisu as the family patriarch, but it is British actress Wunmi Mosaku who truly anchors the story. Her character’s commitment to preserving her cultural identity, despite her husband’s objections, resonates with the struggles faced by many immigrants. Ultimately, the film derives much of its appeal from its suspenseful moments, lending it a profound, relatable universality.

4
‘The Mustang’ (2019)

In contrast to being solely about Dominic Toretto, The Mustang isn’t. Instead, it narrates the tale of Roman Coleman (Matthias Schoenaerts), a prisoner in Nevada, who joins a rehabilitation program that requires working with untamed mustangs. Assigned a particularly rebellious horse, Roman initially finds it challenging to break its spirit, but with advice from another inmate, he gradually learns the ropes.

The Beautiful Friendship Between Man and Animal

In a stark contrast, a film like “The Mustang” would leave Ralph from “The Sopranos” unmoved, but it’s a must-watch for animal enthusiasts. Subtle yet profound, this movie offers a unique prison narrative that sheds light on the less violent aspects of the penal system’s infrastructure. It taps into our emotions and demonstrates the potential in a seemingly unpromising character. And it’s not just a creative fabrication for Hollywood; the story is inspired by a rehabilitation program situated in Carson City, Nevada.

3
‘Two Lovers’ (2008)

In this rendition, “Two Lovers” is the eighth film adaption of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1848 short story “White Nights.” The narrative revolves around Leonard (portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix), a man grappling with depression after a failed engagement and an attempted suicide, residing with his parents. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters two women: the compassionate Sandra (Vinessa Shaw) and the volatile Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow). Can you guess which one he pursues?

Cupid-Related Confusion

James Gray’s compelling narrative of sorrowful heartache and attempted healing demonstrates his exceptional talent as a world-class contemporary filmmaker. Phoenix delivers another powerful performance by portraying an emotionally complex character like Leonard, but this production is not solely reliant on him. Indeed, Paltrow is not one to be outshone. The ensemble cast excels, and the overall narrative is deeply moving, so it’s advisable to have a handkerchief handy.

2
‘Dumplin’’ (2018)

The story of Dumplin’ revolves around Willowdean “Dumplin'” Dickson (Danielle Macdonald), a confident plus-size teenager, who dares to challenge conventional beauty norms by joining the local Miss Teen Bluebonnet Pageant, which is overseen by her mother, a former model. This unexpected decision stirs up controversy yet encourages other unconventional contestants to follow suit.

Changing the Game

In this heartwarming comedy-drama about growing up, director Anne Fletcher continues her successful filmmaking journey with movies like “Step Up” and “Hot Pursuit”. She skillfully depicts the reality of being plus-size, and adds catchy songs such as Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” to the storyline. The film addresses themes of ambition, destiny, and self-acceptance. With outstanding performances by McDonald and Jennifer Aniston, it remains a fantastic pick for any day.

1
‘See You Yesterday’ (2019)

In the story See You Yesterday, characters C.J. Walker (played by Eden Duncan-Smith) and Sebastian (portrayed by Dante Crichlow) are bright high school students with a strong desire to change things for the better. They invent time-traveling backpacks, but their world turns upside down when C.J.’s brother falls victim to police brutality. Consequently, they resolve to use their invention to go back in time and prevent this tragic event from occurring.

Righting the Wrongs of Others.

This contemplative sci-fi movie, created by Spike Lee and inspired by a short film with the same title, stands out as a vivid, poetic critique on discrimination, making its message overt. It skillfully intertwines recurring themes of family ties and camaraderie, with science taking center stage. The young actors in this production have delivered commendable performances that deserve recognition.

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2025-04-12 19:33