Netflix started as a DVD-by-mail service in the late '90s, but today it's the undisputed king of streaming. With hundreds of millions of subscribers worldwide, the platform has reshaped how we watch movies and TV at home. Since launching its first original series, House of Cards, in 2013, Netflix has produced hundreds of original films. Some have been forgettable, but others have become modern classics. Here are the best Netflix original movies, ranked by overall quality and cultural impact.
10. The Stranger (2022)
Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris deliver career-best performances in this gripping crime thriller. Mark and Henry meet on a bus and form an unlikely friendship, but both men hide dark secrets. As their bond deepens, the truth slowly unravels in a tense, atmospheric story. The Stranger is an underrated gem that keeps you guessing until the very end.
9. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
Visionary director Guillermo del Toro reimagines the classic fairy tale with stunning stop-motion animation. The story follows a wooden puppet brought to life, who learns what it means to be human. This version isn't afraid to tackle heavy themes like loss and war, but it remains a colorful, magical adventure. It was worth the long wait.
8. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
This powerful adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's novel follows a young German soldier who enlists with patriotic fervor, only to face the brutal reality of World War I. The film is relentlessly bleak and visceral, but it serves as an essential anti-war statement. It's one of the most impactful war movies in recent years.
7. Marriage Story (2019)
Noah Baumbach's deeply human drama explores the painful unraveling of a marriage between a theater director (Adam Driver) and his actress wife (Scarlett Johansson). Both actors give raw, unforgettable performances. Marriage Story is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, capturing love, anger, and heartbreak with stunning honesty.
6. tick, tick... BOOM! (2021)
Andrew Garfield shines as Jonathan Larson, the composer behind Rent, in this energetic docudrama. Set in 1990 New York, the film follows Larson as he approaches 30 and struggles with self-doubt and ambition. It's a rousing celebration of creativity and perseverance, directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
These films represent the best of what Netflix has to offer. Whether you're in the mood for an Oscar-winning drama, a chilling thriller, or a heartwarming animated tale, this list has something for everyone. For more great content, check out our picks for the best American drama shows of all time and the darkest sci-fi masterpieces ever made.
