As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of movies, I must say that this list is nothing short of a cinematic journey through time and space. Each film presents a unique story, set in different eras, locations, and genres, yet they all share a common thread – exceptional quality and compelling narratives.
At times, Netflix may receive some negative criticism, but there’s no denying the top-notch quality of its original content. The streaming platform has managed to break into the mainstream and while it does produce reality shows that can become guilty pleasures, it also creates notable television series and films.
This list showcases some outstanding Netflix original films that have been launched in this current decade, demonstrating that the streaming service with the well-known “N” doesn’t just focus on quantity but also quality and award-winning productions. Here are the top 10 Netflix original movies of the 2020s, as we’ve seen so far.
10 ‘The Devil All the Time’ (2020)
The Entirety of Evil chronicles the journeys of multiple characters spanning over several decades, as their lives become entangled in a web of corruption and mortality within the small Ohio town of Knockemstiff, where it all unfolds. Arvin Russell, a young man burdened by his past traumas, finds himself grappling with the ominous darkness that pervades those around him when he attempts to shield Lenora, a young girl, from the clutches of a sinister priest.
An Underrated Drama That Didn’t Get Enough Love Upon Release
In the spotlight was Tom Holland, who delivered an outstanding performance in “The Devil All the Time.” However, this movie, though highly rated at 65% on Rotten Tomatoes, failed to leave a lasting impression due to its prolonged length and grim tone. Despite these criticisms, it stands as one of the top drama-thrillers available on Netflix and represents a commendable effort by upcoming director Antonio Campos. The haunting score by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans is likely to linger in your memory for quite some time.
9 ‘His House’ (2020)
Bol and Rial, who hail from South Sudan and are asylum seekers, have recently made it to England after fleeing the horrors of their homeland. Unfortunately, they lost their daughter during their journey. Upon arrival, they receive a warm welcome but with certain conditions attached. Apart from the distressing ordeal of being refugees, the pair starts encountering a chilling presence in their dilapidated new home, which seems to be the work of an otherworldly entity.
Trauma Is Materialized in a Horror Approach
As a devoted cinephile, I’d highly recommend “His House” – a chilling masterpiece that earned a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and stands out as one of the best Black horror films in recent memory. This film delves deep into the harrowing experiences of refugees, subtly infusing supernatural elements that mirror their global struggles. It’s not just a terrifying horror movie; it’s a poignant exploration of trauma, expertly performed by Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, and Matt Smith from “House of the Dragon.” In terms of Netflix original horror, there’s simply nothing comparable to this gripping tale.
8 ‘Oxygen’ (2021)
In a cryogenic pod named Oxygen, our protagonist, Liz, stirs awake. Despite its sealed nature, the pod’s systems warn of dwindling oxygen levels. Befuddled, Liz can’t recall her identity or why she’s imprisoned within this capsule. M.I.L.O., an AI managing everything, offers cryptic hints while blocking her attempts to escape. As time passes, Liz manages to establish contact with someone beyond the pod, but it’s then that she uncovers the grim reality of her predicament.
High Tension Sci-Fi Like You Haven’t Seen
Initially known as “Oxygène“, this French production was widely praised when it first came out (it currently boasts an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes). Director Alexandre Aja deserves credit for such a daring and risky exploration of tension, but the real accolades should go to Mélanie Laurent for her exceptional performance as Liz in a demanding role that required specific physicality, leading to constraints. For enthusiasts of sci-fi thrillers, there’s simply nothing better than Netflix original “Oxygen” and its surprising finale.
7 ‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021)
The Might of the Canine
A Beautiful Oscar Winner
In the highly-acclaimed movie, The Power of the Dog, Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a remarkable performance. This film received critical acclaim and was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, with director Jane Campion being the only winner that night. Despite this, it was considered a strong competitor against the controversial film, CODA. The movie’s impressive 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes indicates its enduring quality, making it a film that improves with each viewing. The cinematography by Ari Wegner and the score by Jonny Greenwood are just two of the many noteworthy elements in one of Netflix’s top dramas.
6 ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (2022)
The novel “All Quiet on the Western Front” narrates the experiences of 17-year-old German soldier, Paul Bäumer, who enlists alongside his peers as the war seems imminently to be over. However, tragedy strikes early as one of his friends perishes, awakening Paul to the harsh realities of war. Throughout the story, Paul strives heroically to survive, willing to forsake the honor of fighting for his nation if necessary.
One of the Best War Films Ever Made
According to the critically acclaimed novel “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque, the Netflix adaptation is widely regarded as the most faithful representation of its source material and one of the greatest war films ever produced. This anti-war film has garnered international recognition, having won four Academy Awards – a rare feat for a non-English language production. The Oscar-winning score by Volker Bertelmann will undoubtedly linger in your memory.
5 ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2022)
The movie titled “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” unfolds a story where Miles Bron, a tech tycoon, extends an invitation to his close friends on his exclusive island retreat. Detective Benoit Blanc, who claims he was also invited, tags along despite Miles’ denial of the invitation. When one of Miles’ companions meets an untimely death during a murder-mystery game, Benoit Blanc becomes indispensable in unraveling the mystery and capturing the killer lurking among the island residents.
One of the Best Sequels in Recent Years
In contrast to some critics, Rian Johnson’s follow-up to “Knives Out,” titled “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, is an exceptional whodunit mystery film. It manages to incorporate just the right amount of humor to keep things engaging while your mind is thoroughly engaged trying to solve the mystery. An impressive ensemble cast featuring Edward Norton, Daniel Craig, Janelle Monáe, Jessica Henwick, Kathryn Hahn, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, and others graces this Netflix original movie, demonstrating its strong acting talent pool.
4 ‘Leave the World Behind’ (2023)
The Sandfords choose to escape the city for a peaceful weekend getaway. Their chosen rental appears perfect, yet a day at the beach nearby turns sour, and Amanda, the mother, observes peculiar actions from a customer in a local market. A family of two unexpectedly knocks on their door, claiming to be the homeowners who had to cut short their own trip. While Amanda remains suspicious, Clay invites them inside, and it soon becomes clear they might be experiencing the early stages of an apocalyptic event.
An Eerie Portrayal of Something Real
A World Left Behind features Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, and Kevin Bacon in an unusual apocalyptic tale by Sam Esmail. Unlike typical end-of-the-world movies with large-scale action sequences and dramatic finales, this film offers a unique perspective. Rather than creating a frenzied atmosphere, Esmail focuses on the composed personalities of his characters who refuse to accept the possibility of disaster. The film delves into the essence of human society amidst chaos rather than the chaos itself. Given its thought-provoking nature, we can’t help but wonder if there will be a sequel to this intriguing story.
3 ‘Society of the Snow’ (2023)
Society of the Snow chronicles the true story that unfolded on October 13, 1972, when a plane carrying a rugby team through the Andes mountains in South America met with an unfortunate accident. Stranded and facing harsh mountain conditions, the survivors had to devise means of sustenance until help arrived. However, as time passed, they came to terms with the fact that they needed to take matters into their own hands rather than passively waiting for rescue.
A Perfectly Depicted Miracle
The Netflix film adaptation of Pablo Vierci’s book shares an incredibly authentic portrayal of the “Miracle of the Andes,” not shying away from the story’s contentious aspects. It has received high praise from critics and earned two Academy Award nominations. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts a 90% score, and at the Goya Awards (the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars), it was a resounding success, winning 12 out of its 13 nominated categories.
2 ‘Under Paris’ (2024)
In the heartwrenching film “Under Paris“, I found myself immersed in the story of Sophia, a marine biologist struggling to move on after the tragic loss of her partner and crew during a mysterious shark attack. Now working at an aquarium in the city of love, Sophia’s peaceful life is turned upside down when she encounters a familiar face – the same shark that had taken so much from her, now trapped in the River Seine. As she joins a passionate group of activists determined to help the creature return to its natural habitat, they soon discover that this isn’t just any ordinary sea dweller. The shark, having been implanted with a chip, has become sentient, and it seems to have an agenda all its own.
The Best Action Thriller of 2024, So Far
Originally known as “Sous la Seine,” the movie “Under Paris” could have been a B-movie akin to “Sharknado” due to its outlandish plot. However, director Xavier Gens skillfully crafts a gripping shark thriller that rivals the tension of “Jaws.” The film features an engaging and genuine storyline with characters you’ll quickly connect with. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it surpassed expectations by staying in Netflix’s Top 10 most-watched films for longer than anticipated. It was so well-received that a sequel was announced just a few months after its debut. We challenge you to find a more exhilarating action thriller released in 2024.
1 ‘Mank’ (2020)
The movie transports audiences back to 1940s Tinseltown, a glamorous setting where Orson Welles enjoys full artistic control to create his next cinematic masterpiece. Welles enlists Herman J. Mankiewicz, a screenwriter with a rocky history in the industry, as part of this project. However, Mankiewicz isn’t just writing any script; he aims to convey his disillusionment with Hollywood’s elite through it. The resulting film is Citizen Kane, Welles’ groundbreaking tale of a man whose life mirrors that of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst.
A Tribute to Cinema Auteurs
David Fincher’s “Mank” offers a captivating deviation from his usual filmmaking style, delving into the intricate political maneuvers within early Hollywood through the eyes of a director more concerned with story authenticity than making political statements. Despite being referred to ten times during the following year’s Academy Awards, it only took home awards for Best Cinematography and Best Production Design.
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2024-11-23 01:02