38 Best Netflix Movies To Watch Right Now: Underrated Films You Shouldn't Miss

Streaming platforms provide access to a variety of content, but along with the endless options often comes decision paralysis. While striking and impactful posters and trailers may draw your attention, the carousel of choices makes it hard to decide what to watch.

There are simply not enough hours in a day to go through every movie out there. From biopics to thrillers, and rom-coms to book adaptations, here are 38 underrated gems to watch on Netflix:

1. "The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind" (2019)

Multi-awarded and -nominated British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor shows a strong directorial debut in this true story of a 13-year-old genius thrown out of school by poverty. This obstacle does not stop him from a life-changing discovery that is sort of given away by the title – but is nevertheless still fun to watch.

2. "The Land Of Steady Habits" (2018)

The movie follows the life of a newly-retired man in finance as he goes through a mid-life crisis, done in a compelling way that invites a deeper look into where one's life is headed after surpassing one's peak. The movie stars Ben Mendelson, Edie Falco, Thomas Mann and Charlie Tahan, with writer-director Nicole Holofcener at the helm.

3. "Someone Great" (2019)

The formula of this movie is familiar to most viewers: a girl experiencing heartbreak and rediscovering herself with her friends. What makes this movie something great (pun intended) is the acting chops of Gina Rodriguez, Brittany Snow, DeWanda Wise and LaKeith Stanfield. The movie is also directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, and it gives a great insight into female friendships. Robinson also co-wrote "Thor: Love and Thunder."

4. "The Other Side of the Wind"

This 2018 movie is the last film directed by American director, actor, screenwriter and producer Orson Welles, released decades after it was made. Welles' previous partners in the shoot, Peter Bogdanovich and Frank Marshall, set on a mission to complete the experimental masterpiece – with no real budget. Though it took several years to finally be considered complete, the story spans one evening and night when a mentor gathers his "disciples" at a party to show his masterpiece.

5. "The Last Forest"

A documentary that delves into the mythology of indigenous culture in the rainforests of Brazil grappling with the effects of capitalistic greed, "The Last Forest" shows the lure of gold for outsiders. Director Luiz Bolognesi worked with co-writer, subject and Yanomami leader Davi Kopenawa to give the film an insightful look into the life of the tribe and foster empathy for the Yanomami.

6. "A Monster Calls" (2016)

Felicity Jones plays a terminally ill mother in this children's book adaptation directed by Spanish director J.A. Bayona, whose credits include "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power." The movie is emotional with elements of fantasy, co-starring Sigourney Weaver.

7. "The Lost Daughter" (2021)

Maggie Gyllenhaal debuts in this psychological drama as a writer/director for a star-studded film based on the novel by Elena Ferrante. Starring Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson and Peter Sarsgaard, the story revolves around a woman who becomes obsessed with another woman and her daughter on vacation.

8. "The Irishman" (2019)

This is just another of Martin Scorsese's renowned gangster flicks. It is based on the story of Frank Sheeran, a former truck driver who became a Mafia hitman. The tale is gripping and emotional, and the acting is excellent (De Niro, Pesci, Pacino—need I say more?). If you enjoy criminal dramas and have a few hours to spare, this film is worth seeing, but be prepared for some graphic sequences.

9. "Under the Shadow" (2016)

Another horror/thriller available on Netflix, this story is set in the 1980s in Tehran. Drawing from the backdrop of writer/director Babak Anvari's fear-ridden childhood, this film shows the thin line between supernatural and real-world terror during wartime, featuring bombings and fighting – and an evil genie.

10. "Alex Strangelove" (2018)

Netflix has also released hidden gems for the LGBTQ community, including this 2018 film starring Daniel Doheny in the role of Alex Truelove, a closeted high school senior confused by his love for his girlfriend and his growing feelings for a comfortably out boy.

11. "Barry" (2016)

A biopic drama directed by Vikram Gandhi, this film casts Devon Terrell and Anya Taylor-Joy, popularly known for her role in another Netflix hit, "The Queen's Gambit." It revolves around the life of former U.S. President Barack Obama, with a focus on his college years rather than his political career. This coming-of-age story serves as an inspiration for hopefuls, presenting a popularly known figure as a relatable character.

12. "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" (2022)

Await yet another suspenseful murder mystery! Returning to investigate a strange murder on a billionaire's opulent private island is detective Benoit Blanc. This follow-up to the popular movie "Knives Out" promises a ton of shocks, unique characters (played by an amazing ensemble! ), and lots of humor to break up the tension.

13. "Candy Jar" (2018)

If you're a fan of teen rom-coms, this film by Ben Shelton delivers a story centered around rival debate teams that force them to compete together. With an enemies-to-friends central theme, it allows viewers to look beyond differences and see similarities with others. It's a great feel-good movie about camaraderie, with wacky moms to boot.

14. "I'm Thinking Of Ending Things" (2020)

Filmmaker and novelist Charlie Kaufman, who wrote "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," is at the helm of this surrealist psychological thriller starring Jesse Plemons, Jessie Buckley, Toni Collette and David Thewlis. The film follows a young woman meeting her boyfriend's parents despite having plans to break off the relationship. It's an unsettling, complicated narrative, masterfully directed and full of symbolism.

15. "Wheelman" (2017)

A neo-noir crime thriller by Jeremy Rush, this movie perfectly captures the quality of good old pulpy horror movies, with action-packed car chase scenes that reel viewers in from the getaway driver seat's perspective as he realizes he has been set up. Frank Grillo, who played Crossbones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, also shows undeniable charm in this Netflix production.

16. "Mindhorn" (2016)

Director Sean Foley is behind this British comedy reminiscent of "Monty Python." Starring Julian Barratt and Essie Davis, the story centers on a washed-up television star who finds himself involved in a real murder mystery involving fans of his show. Foley adds just enough seriousness to give the movie some heft – and sprinkled interesting cameos too.

17. "Leave the World Behind" (2023)

The latest thriller that's all the rage is "Leave the World Behind"! Imagine a peaceful vacation that devolves into something far worse when the tech malfunctions and enigmatic people show up. People are dissecting every aspect of the film in an effort to decipher its hidden significance. This movie is for you if you enjoy tense stories that make you wonder what's real and what's not.

18. "The Two Popes" (2019)

One of the best Netflix shows to come out in 2019 is also one of the most underrated. Starring Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins in enchanting performances, this biographical drama by "City of God" director Fernando Meirelles shows the intricacies within the Catholic Church as the two popes talk about the future of the church and their varying opinions on world matters. The film is bold, entertaining and visually appealing, to say the least.

19. "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" (2018)

The Coen Brothers work with Tim Blake Nelson and James Franco in this Western drama anthology of six stories centering on death and finality – an interesting choice of a storyline given that many believe this to be the last collaborative work of brothers Ethan and Joel Coen. The film shows a little bit of everything the brothers are good at, making it hard to find a favorite scene.

20. "Okja" (2017)

Bong Joon-ho may be more popular for "Parasite" and "Snowpiercer," but he was also behind this action-adventure film starring Tilda Swinton and Ahn Seo-hyun. The movie makes viewers think about the future of the food industry, particularly due to genetically modified organisms. It's a story that makes viewers care about the simpler lives affected by the decisions of larger corporations.

21. "His House" (2020)

Matt Smith has built quite a collection of movies under his belt. Though he is recently seen in HBO's "House of the Dragon," he also starred in this social horror mystery thriller by Remi Weekes released during the pandemic in 2020. The film touches on the lives of an immigrant couple trying to survive in a small English town after escaping the war in South Sudan.

22. "Marriage Story" (2019)

"Marriage Story" is more than simply a movie about divorce; it's an agonizing examination of a broken heart. It delves into the difficulties of attempting to preserve a family among the rubble of a failed marriage with compassion and candor. The performances in the movie are what give it its real force. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver give emotionally raw performances, their feelings a symphony of anguish, love, and annoyance. They create a clear image of a world in disarray through their engrossing performances, leaving you feeling intense empathy. This film lingers in your memory long after the credits have rolled, serving as a tribute to the eternal strength of love and the painfully bittersweet process of letting go.

23. "Roma" (2018)

Roma is a masterpiece of filmmaking, not simply a movie. Alfonso Cuarón creates an aesthetically striking depiction of life in Mexico City during the 1970s by bringing the audience into the world of Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a young indigenous woman employed as a live-in maid for a family going through difficult times of their own. Amid social and political unrest, Cuarón creates a personal portrayal of love and perseverance. The film is a love letter to the people who raised him and is incredibly intimate. It has amazing cinematography and a great emotional depth that will stay with you.

24. "Private Life" (2018)

Kathryn Hahn gained popularity after playing Agatha Harkness in "WandaVision," but she also stars in this hidden gem along with Paul Giamatti. The comedy-drama premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, showing the life of a middle-aged couple struggling to have a child and living through the pressure it has put on their marriage. Based on the real experiences of writer-director Tamara Jenkins, it gives an authentic feel to the touching story.

25. "The Trial of the Chicago 7" (2020)

"The Trial of the Chicago Seven" promises to be an intense historical drama. This movie explores a critical period in American history, when, amid the mayhem of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, a handful of anti-war demonstrators battled allegations of conspiracy. It seems to be an exciting program including ideological conflicts, dramatic judicial proceedings, and the convoluted intricacies of social justice. The ensemble, which includes A-list actors like Eddie Redmayne and Sacha Baron Cohen, is what makes it even more captivating. The purpose of this film is to enlighten, uplift, and start meaningful conversations.

26. "Nimona" (2023):

In "Nimona," a breathtaking animated drama based on a graphic novel, be ready to experience a world where swords battle and technology sparkles. The plot, which is set in a distinctive futuristic and medieval setting, centers on Ballister, a brave knight (voiced by Riz Ahmed) who is falsely accused. His lone chance for salvation is in an unusual ally: the cheeky young shapeshifter Nimona (voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz), whom he was previously taught to defeat. Together, they have to make their way through a dangerous and mysterious environment while discovering the truth behind the charges and developing an unexpected friendship. Prepare yourself for a heartfelt, action-packed journey where the importance of friendship, justice, and loyalty will be highlighted.

27. "The Ritual" (2017)

David Bruckner's horror offering on Netflix is one to watch if you're into movies about cults. The story follows four friends on a hiking trip in Sweden who encounter a malevolent creature after taking a shortcut in the woods.

28. "Hail, Caesar!" (2016)

The Coen Brothers have over three decades of filmography showing their mastery of the art and covering different genres. This star-studded comedy musical headlines Josh Brolin and George Clooney, set in 1951, following the story of a movie studio fixer as he goes about his day of fixing various scandals in the industry.

29. "Steve Jobs" (2015)

Fans and non-fans of the company Apple can watch this two-hour biographical drama for a glimpse of the business before Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender) and partner Steve Wozniak (Seth Rogen) unveiled the first Macintosh to the world. What sets this movie apart from "Jobs" (2013) is the story's structure: three acts played out around three major Apple events.

30. "Creep 2" (2017)

Patrick Brice's psychological horror thriller featuring Mark Duplass follows after the original movie released in 2014 about a serial killer's obsession. The sequel, released in 2017, takes the story even deeper, with the horrifying serial killer documenting his crimes and meeting a talented filmmaker with a penchant for the odd. Great acting and chemistry amidst the backdrop make this movie an entertaining and decidedly creepy watch.

31. "High Flying Bird" (2019)

This sports drama directed by Steven Soderbergh, a pioneer of modern independent cinema, was entirely shot using an iPhone. Penned by Oscar winner Tarrell Alvin McCraney, it follows a 48-hour period in the life of a sports agent trying to find a way out of his financial problems due to his basketball lockout. It's a movie that looks at how athletes are treated in the sports arena.

32. "1922" (2017)

If you're into horror drama thrillers, you would be familiar with the material this movie is based on: Stephen King's "1922." Starring Thomas Jane, Neal McDonough and Molly Parker, the supernatural murder story set in flashbacks in pre-depression America is an especially good watch come Halloween time.

33. "Mute" (2018)

With a cast including Paul Rudd, Alexander Skarsgard and Justin Theroux, this movie is equal parts fascinating and gnarly – in an entertaining way. Set in 2035, Skarsgard plays a mute bartender searching for a woman who has mysteriously disappeared. Rudd and Theroux play deranged surgeons, making viewers question the future we face.

34. "Cargo" (2017)

If you're looking for hair-raising scenes set in a zombie apocalypse – after a pandemic – this movie set in a rural Australian town is the underrated gem to watch. BAFTA and Emmy award winner Martin Freeman shows off his acting chops alongside Anthony Hayes, Susie Porter and Simone Landers.

35. "Gerald's Game" (2017)

Before "The Haunting of Hill House," Mike Flanagan and Carla Gugino worked together on this underrated masterpiece based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. Gugino stars as a woman who has accidentally killed her husband in a bedroom game gone wrong. The movie shows Flanagan's signature poignant storytelling a la "Bly Manor" or "Hill House."

36. "The Swimmers" (2022)

"The Swimmers" is more than simply a film; it's an ode to the human spirit's tenacity. The Mardini sisters go on an incredible adventure to escape their war-torn country of Syria in search of a better life, which is chronicled in this moving biographical film. It's a tale of unwavering will and ceaseless battle, which Yusra personifies above all else. She never gives up on her love of swimming and her goal of competing in the Olympics, even in the face of unfathomable adversity. You will be moved to tears watching this movie, which honors bravery, survival, and the ability of hope to endure in the face of adversity.

37. "All Quiet on the Western Front" (2022)

Discover Frida Kahlo's colorful universe in the biographical movie simply called "Frida." Watch how the charismatic Salma Hayek vividly portrays the intense and stormy life of this legendary artist. Alfred Molina, who represents the nuanced persona of Frida Rivera's spouse and fellow artist Diego Rivera, is positioned opposite her. This film, which was directed by the multi-talented Julie Taymor, who is well-known for her roles in opera, theater, and film, perfectly conveys the spirit of the two characters and their extraordinary bond. Two decades after its premiere, "Frida" is still a timeless masterpiece that is well worth seeing since it is a riveting examination of love, art, and the unbreakable human spirit.

38. "The Fundamentals Of Caring" (2016)

Starring Paul Rudd and Selena Gomez, this movie is about a writer who retires after a personal tragedy, only to become the caregiver of a disabled teen. The chemistry between the leads adds to the appeal of this movie, but the central theme is one that also invites viewers to care and retrospect.