75 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now (October 2021)
Trying to find the best movie to watch on Netflix can be a daunting challenge. We’ve all been there. You've decided you’re going to watch something. You have the entirety of Netflix at your disposal, including even a pared-down list of films you’ve already bookmarked to watch at a future date. But then there’s the choosing. You’ve gotta find something that fits your mood, or something you and your friend/significant other/couch companion can agree on. You spend hours browsing, and by the time you stumble on something you think maybe is the one, it’s too late, you’re too tired, and indecision has won out.
Never fear, though, because we here at Collider have a guide to help you find the perfect Netflix movies available in the U.S. We’ve thumbed through the library and assembled a list of some of the best films currently available for streaming, from classics to hidden gems to new releases and beyond. This list of the best movies on Netflix is updated weekly with all-new choices, so be sure to return the next time you're looking for something great to watch.
Editor's note: This post was last updated on October 14.
- Recently Added: Hairspray, Zodiac, The Holiday, Nightbooks
- Recently Expired: Pilgrim vs. The World, Midnight Special
- Expiring Soon: Boogie Nights, The Queen, Air Force One, Austin Powers
Hairspray
Director: Adam Shankman
Writer: Leslie Dixon
Cast: Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, John Travolta, Michelle Pfieffer, Christopher Walken, James Marsden, Amanda Bynes, Queen Latifah, Brittan Snow, Elijah Kelley, Allison Janney
Inspired by John Waters’ 1988 film of the same name, Adam Shankman’s film adaptation of the Broadway musical Hairspray is a full-on fun time that knows just how to make the best of its cast’s many, many talents. Set in 1962 Baltimore, during the age of integration, the film stars Nikki Blonsky (who made her film acting debut on the film and walked away with a Golden Globe nomination) as Tracy Turnblad, who lands a spot on the Corny Collins Show and learns some tough but sweet life lessons along the way. Blonsky is a force of good energy, and Christopher Walken and John Travolta are impeccably, improbably matched as her loving parents. The ensemble is fabulous across the board, including an oh-so-swoon-worthy Zac Efron as her paramour Link Larkin, and Adam Shankman directs the hell out of the musical numbers, making Hairspray a wall-to-wall blast to watch that will undoubtedly have you tapping your toes. — Haleigh Foutch
Zodiac
Director: David Fincher
Writer: James Vanderbilt
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Chloe Sevigny, Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox, and John Carroll Lynch
Whether you're inspired by the latest news surrounding the case or just looking for one of the best thrillers of all time, Zodiac is a movie where you can never go wrong. David Fincher's 2007 true crime film is pretty much a masterpiece, from its exceptional soundtrack and cinematography to the outstanding ensemble that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr., all doing some of their career-best work. From Se73n to Mindhunter, Fincher's fascination with the subject matter of serial killers and blurring the lines between genres has brought about some of the most compelling storytelling on film and TV alike, but Zodiac not only sets the bar for this particular set of his works, it might just be the best dang thing he's made yet. - Haleigh Foutch
The Holiday
Writer/Director: Nancy Meyers
Cast: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach, Edward Burns, Rufus Sewell
Nancy Meyers’ 2006 romance The Holiday isn't just a top-tier delightful holiday rom-com, it's one of those feel-good movies that hits the right spot, no matter what time of year it is. Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet star as two women on opposite sides of the globe, fed up with their lives, who decide to do a house swap. Hollywood producer Amanda (Diaz) sets off for the quiet cottage life while British journalist Iris (Winslet) prepares to soak up some California sun, and once they settle in, they both unexpectedly fall in love. Naturally. Jude Law has never been more radiant or dangerously charismatic, Jack Black has never been more endearing, and those Nancy Myers' dream homes? Well, they're just as stunning as ever. It's a no-fail good time that always makes you feel better after you watch it, and a fantastic example of why Myers is one of the greats. - Haleigh Foutch
Nightbooks
Director: David Yarovesky
Writers: Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis
Cast: Winslow Fegley, Krysten Ritter, Lidya Jewett
A delightful “gateway horror” film for the whole family (ok, maybe not the super young kids), Nightbooks is adapted from the book of the same name and follows two kids trapped by a vicious (but fabulous) witch who demands a new scary story each night. Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23 and Jessica Jones star Krysten Ritter is giddily glamorous and genuinely menacing as the big bad witch in question, and director David Yarovesky (Brightburn) does a fantastic job translating horror staples into family-friendly fare, making for a film that’s genuinely spooky, but still a whole ton of fun. Further credit to Yarovesky, Nightbooks is also one of the best and most distinct-looking Netflix originals in recent memory and it takes care to build out its world of magic and horror with a stylish flourish. Speaking of style, don’t even get me started on Ritter’s glittering costumes because I could write a novel of praise. Whether you’re looking for a new spooky season favorite, or you’re just looking for a good spooky movie regardless of the season, Nightbooks is a creepy, creative treat. - Haleigh Foutch
Jaws
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writers: Peter Benchley and Carl Gottlieb
Cast: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gray, and Murray Hamilton
There are few directors who exploded onto the scene as fully formed as Steven Spielberg. At 29 years old, with his third feature film, Spielberg gave us the masterwork that is Jaws. Stack this up against the work of any filmmaker in the history of cinema, and the filmmaking prowess and storytelling genius on display at least matches the best of the best. This simple story of a shark terrorizing a small beach town during summer not only originated the “Summer Movie Season” but also served to make legions of moviegoers terrified to go into the water. It’s just as effective today as it was in 1975, making this all-timer a great watch at any given moment. – Adam Chitwood
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Director/Writer: John Hughes
Cast: Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, Alan Ruck, Jeffrey Jones, and Jennifer Grey
The John Hughes classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off captures the “senioritis” feeling of skipping school and hanging out with your friends perfectly, genuinely giving the viewer the feeling of being right alongside Ferris for his titular day off. Of course that’s due in no small part to Matthew Broderick’s mix of charm, smart-aleck, and sarcasm that makes up his tremendous lead performance, and he and Hughes hit the fourth wall-breaking in the absolute perfect manner. But Ferris Bueller doesn’t endure simply because it’s a good time—the film is actually quite melancholic, as it touches on the impending loss of youth and approaches relationships with a mature honesty that’s lacking in many 80s high school comedies. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is simply one of the most rewatchable films ever made, which means it’s perfect for a Netflix spin pretty much anytime. – Adam Chitwood
Watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off on Netflix
Worth
Director: Sara Colangelo
Writer: Max Borenstein
Cast: Michael Keaton, Amy Ryan, Stanley Tucci, Tate Donovan, and Lauren Benati
I know a drama set in the wake of 9/11 is a tough sell, but Worth is absolutely one of the best films of 2021. Based on a true story, it follows an attorney in Washington D.C. who is tasked with figuring out exactly how much each of the 9/11 victims' families will receive as part of insurance payouts, literally deciding each person's worth. He battles bureacracy and cynicism at every turn, and is touched by his interactions with the victims' families. Michael Keaton and Amy Ryan give terrific performances here, and Stanley Tucci is a scene-stealer as always. — Adam Chitwood
School of Rock
Director: Richard Linklater
Writer: Mike White
Cast: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, and Sarah Silverman
If you're in the mood to watch something that's going to make you feel good, School of Rock is guaranteed to do the trick. The 2003 film stars Jack Black as an aspiring musician and full-time slacker who poses as his roommate to take a job as a substitute teacher, only to spend his entire class time teaching his young students how to become rock musicians. The music is killer, and the chemistry between Black and Joan Cusack is off the charts. You've also got Richard Linklater bringing his signature humanisitic touch to a story that easily could have fallen prey to a "TV Movie of the Week" type of rollout. — Adam Chitwood
Watch School of Rock on Netflix
Silver Linings Playbook
Writer/Director: David O. Russell
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, and Julia Stiles
While Silver Linings Playbook was billed as an “Oscar movie,” scoring eight nominations including Best Picture, at heart it’s really just a solid romantic comedy. Bradley Cooper plays a man suffering from bipolar disorder who moves back in with his parents after being released from a psychiatric hospital. He meets a recently widowed young woman (Jennifer Lawerence) who vows to help him get back with his ex-wife, but wouldn’t you know it, while training for a big dance competition Cooper and Lawrence accidentally fall in love. It’s charming and offbeat, owing to filmmaker David O. Russell’s unique sensibilities, and Cooper and Lawrence (in an Oscar-winning performance) have tremendous chemistry. – Adam Chitwood
Watch Silver Linings Playbook on Netflix
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Director: George C. Wolfe
Writer: Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Cast: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, and Michael Potts
The 2020 film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a powerhouse showcase for the acting talents of all involved, including Chadwick Boseman in his final live-action performance. Based on the stage play of the same name, the film chronicles a day in the life of iconic recording artist Ma Rainey as she assembles her team to record a new album on a hot summer day in 1927. Tensions rise and the dialogue crackles between these various characters, as Boseman's trumpeter dreams of making it big on his own while the temperamental Ma Rainey knows what lies ahead all too well. This is an excellent performance-driven drama. - Adam Chitwood
Watch Ma Rainey's Black Bottom on Netflix
Inception
Director/Writer: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe, Michael Caine, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt
If you’re in the mood for a mind-bending blockbuster that makes you think, there’s really no bad time to watch Inception. The Christopher Nolan film was a bit of a gamble when it was made – a wildly expensive original movie in a landscape dominated by remakes and sequels and reboots. The gamble paid off, as this heist thriller about a group of people that go inside someone else’s mind to plant an idea was a box office phenomenon and racked up a couple of Oscars come awards season. The action sequences are completely inventive, the characters are charismatic and unique, and there’s an emotional hook at the center that makes you actually care about what’s happening. This is one of the best blockbusters ever made. – Adam Chitwood
Magnolia
Director/Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson
Cast: John C. Reilly, Julianne Moore, Jeremy Blackman, Tom Cruise, Philip Baker Hall, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ricky Jay, William H. Macy, Alfred Molina, Jason Robards, and Melora Walters
If you’re in the mood to watch a really intense drama, it doesn’t get much more intense than Magnolia. After Boogie Nights put him on the map in a big way, filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson next decided to craft an intimate drama on the scale of a sprawling epic. The result is a three-hour opus following a variety of different characters on different emotional journeys that intersect in some way or another – Tom Cruise is a misogynistic self-help guru; William H. Macy is a former game show wiz kid; Julianne Moore is the trophy wife of a famous producer. By PTA’s own admission the film is a bit overstuffed, but it’s still one of the biggest and boldest swings of the 90s and almost certainly will make you cry. – Adam Chitwood
Catch Me If You Can
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writer: Jeff Nathanson
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, and Amy Adams
We don't talk about it enough, but Catch Me If You Can is absolutely one of Steven Spielberg’s best films that also boasts one of Leonardo DiCaprio’s best performances and one of John Williams’ best scores—and all of that is saying something. Based on a true story, DiCaprio plays Frank Abagnale Jr., who became a professional con man by the age of 19, earning millions of dollars while trotting around the globe. But at heart, Catch Me If You Can is the story of a father and a son, and is actually one of Spielberg’s most personal films he’s ever made—it was directly influenced by Spielberg learning new information about his father’s divorce. But this movie is also an absolute blast. – Adam Chitwood
Watch Catch Me If You Can on Netflix
The Sum of All Fears
Director: Phil Alden Robinson
Writers: Paul Attanasio and Daniel Pyne
Cast: Ben Affleck, Morgan Freeman, James Cromwell, Liev Schreiber, Philip Baker Hall, and Colm Feore
Once upon a time, Ben Affleck made a Jack Ryan movie – and it was pretty good! 2002’s The Sum of All Fears was released at a time when audiences were turning their backs on Affleck, but the film has aged really well. It’s a taught Tom Clancy thriller in which Affleck plays a CIA analyst racing against the clock to stop nuclear war between the U.S. and Russia, which is being triggered by an Austrian Neo-Nazi. It’s a tense governmental thriller, but also genuinely shocking when you get into the third act. – Adam Chitwood
Watch The Sum of All Fears on Netflix
Django Unchained
Director/Writer: Quentin Tarantino
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Johnson, Walton Goggins, and James Remar
Quentin Tarantino’s most financially successful film to date remains his 2012 Western epic Django Unchained, which is set in 1858 and tells the story of a freed slave’s (Jamie Foxx) quest to save his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) from the clutches of a ruthless plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio) – with the help of a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz), of course. Django Unchained is tremendously unsettling in terms of providing an unflinching glimpse at the lives of slaves in America (and the cruelty inflicted upon them), but it also has that Tarantino touch that makes it wildly entertaining – a combination that may strike some as odd or in poor taste. However you fall, DiCaprio’s menacing performance is undeniably among his very best, Foxx’s arc is particularly impressive, and it’s hard to argue with Waltz’s Oscar win for his supporting turn. – Adam Chitwood
Watch Django Unchained on Netflix
The Fear Street Trilogy
Director: Leigh Janiak
Writers: Leigh Janiack and Phil Graziadei (Part One), Zak Olkewicz (Part Two), Phil Graziadei and Leigh Janiak and Kate Trefry (Part Three)
Cast: Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr., Sadie Sink, and more
Inarguably one of the best Netflix originals ever, the Fear Street trilogy is the perfect binge-watch. This adaptation of the R.L. Stine book series is an interconnected trilogy of horror movies, each with its own tone and twist on the slasher genre, bound by characters and mythology. The action begins in Fear Street: 1994, which introduces the town of Shadyside where everything bad always tends to happen. A group of teenagers find themselves hunted down by a bevy of serial killers from the town's past, only to discover the culprit may be a centuries-old curse. The second film, Fear Street: 1978, is a summer camp slasher that goes into Shadyside's past to recount a horrific event while revealing more of the mythology until the third and final movie, Fear Street: 1666, works as an origin story for the curse and the Shadyside Witch. These movies absolutely rule, and are perfect for a Friday night date night. - Adam Chitwood
The Queen
Director: Stephen Frears
Writer: Peter Morgan
Cast: Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Helen McCrory, and Sylvia Syms
If you’re a fan of The Crown and haven’t seen The Queen, that should be rectified. This 2006 drama was written by The Crown showrunner Peter Morgan and takes place in the immediate aftermath of Princess Diana’s tragic death. Helen Mirren won the Best Actress Oscar for her cold and measured performance as Queen Elizabeth, and the film lays bare the family’s complicated feelings towards Diana and how important public opinion is to keeping the monarchy intact. – Adam Chitwood
Snowpiercer
Director: Bong Joon Ho
Writer: Bong Joon Ho and Kelly Masterson
Cast: Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt, Jamie Bell, Olivia Spencer, Ed Harris, Song Kang Ho
Oscar-winning Parasite filmmaker Bong Joon Ho's first English language film is a strange little beast. Set in an Ice Age post-apocalypse set off by failed climate control experiment, the entire film takes place within the confines of an ever-running global train that is home to the few survivors. A none too subtle spin on class warfare, Snowpiercer follows the desperate inhabitants of the lower-class posterior of the train, where they survive on disgusting gelatinous nutrition bars (and in truly dire times, something much worse), as they stage a violent coup against the privileged, indulgent elite at the front of the train. Chris Evans turns his Captain America charisma and command to its darkest incarnation as Curtis, the man at the forefront of the rebellion who leads the charge to take over the engine room. Along the way, Snowpiercer travels through the caste system of the train cars, each new carriage a bizarre and fully-rendered habitat of its own, and paints a microcosmic picture of a warped society entirely contained on a single train. It also packs in some visceral combat scenes and an all-timer performance from Tilda Swinton. – Haleigh Foutch
Air Force One
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Writer: Andrew W. Marlowe
Cast: Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Wendy Crewson, Paul Guilfoyle, William H. Macy, Liesel Matthews, Dean Stockwell, and Glenn Close
Ah, the glorious 90s when you could make an R-rated tentpole summer action movie that’s basically Die Hard except it’s Air Force One instead of Nakatomi Tower and it’s the President of the United States instead of a New York cop visiting his estranged wife. The simple premise of Air Force One has remained durable and entertaining thanks to the A+ casting of Harrison Ford as the action star President and Gary Oldman as the leader of the Russian terrorists who take over the President’s plane. Wolfgang Petersen manages the action well and gives it a particularly nasty bite when necessary to raise the stakes while still allowing for the rah-rah heroism of the President punching terrorists. – Matt Goldberg
Watch Air Force One on Netflix
Boogie Nights
Director/Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, Heather Graham, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Luis Guzman, Philip Baker Hall, Thomas Jane, Alfred Molina, and Ricky Jay
Writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson is certainly one of the most ambitious filmmakers working today, but his 1997 magnum opus Boogie Nights remains not only one of his best movies, but a groundbreaking piece of work full-stop. Anderson chronicles the rise and fall of an energetic young man in the 1970s with a massive…talent. Casting Mark Wahlberg as Dirk Diggler was a stroke of genius, and the way Anderson fashions the burgeoning porn industry into a dysfunctional family drama is downright masterful. And that cast, man alive. Each and every ensemble member shines—when you have a film where Philip Seymour Hoffman isn’t the scene-stealer, you know you’ve got a stacked cast. Boogie Nights remains as entertaining, heartbreaking, and enthralling as ever almost two decades after its release. – Adam Chitwood
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