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3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (April 18–20)

Feel like you’ve already seen everything worth watching on Netflix? Think again. Beneath the countless trendy titles and familiar blockbusters lies a goldmine of underrated films that never got their due. These aren’t your typical popular picks, and are actually overlooked films that can deliver unforgettable stories when they find the right audience.

If you’re in the mood to mix things up this weekend, why not take a chance on something different? Whether you’re looking for a wacky sci-fi story, a heartfelt road comedy, or an acclaimed British drama, the streaming giant has some hidden gems that deserve more attention. These understated flicks can entertain, inspire, and amaze — they definitely deserve a spot on your weekend watchlist.

We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

They Cloned Tyrone (2023)

Netflix

Fontaine (John Boyega), a drug dealer trying to keep a low profile in his predominantly Black neighborhood, finds himself in a bizarre situation after being gunned down — only to wake up the next morning completely unharmed. Alarmed and confused, he partners with the pimp Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx) and sex worker Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris) to investigate. Their attempt at uncovering the truth reveals a government conspiracy that’s so outrageous it’s almost too wild to believe. The trio soon realizes that these secrets involving cloning and psychological manipulation are embedded into their community.

They Cloned Tyrone is a riotous fusion of ’70s blaxploitation aesthetics and modern-day sci-fi tropes, resulting in an amusing yet bold take on systemic and structural racism. Directed by Juel Taylor, the inventive debut soars thanks to its leads, with the chemistry between Boyega, Foxx, and Parris being off the charts. The 2023 film dropped quietly on Netflix with minimal fanfare, lost amid the summer blockbuster noise. It has developed a small but vocal cult following that recognizes that in an oversaturated platform packed with formula, They Cloned Tyrone stands out as a rebellious original.

They Cloned Tyrone is streaming on Netflix.

The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

Netflix

Paul Rudd stars as the former writer Ben in The Fundamentals of Caring. While still reeling from a personal tragedy, Ben signs up for a six-week caregiver course. Ben then lands a job assisting Trevor (Craig Roberts), a sarcastic teenager with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Their shaky relationship is complicated by each individual’s emotional baggage, but things take a turn when Ben convinces Trevor to break out of his daily routine and go on a spontaneous road trip to visit the world’s lamest roadside attractions. Along the way, they pick up the runaway Dot (Selena Gomez) and the pregnant hitchhiker Peaches (Megan Ferguson).

Director Rob Burnett adapts Jonathan Evison’s novel with a gentle hand, with The Fundamentals of Caring taking what could’ve been a formulaic road-trip dramedy and transforming it with sincere heart and humor. Among standout performances from its cast, it’s incredible to see Rudd dial down his usual charm to deliver an uncharacteristically restrained and deeply empathetic performance. The chemistry between the two leads is the emotional anchor of the film — awkward, honest, and genuinely earned. Despite its overall quality and Rudd’s star power, this gem flew under the radar in 2016 and now sits on Netflix as a rare feel-good film waiting to be discovered.

The Fundamentals of Caring is streaming on Netflix.

The Dig (2021)

Netflix

Set in the quiet countryside of 1939 Suffolk, England, The Dig follows the widowed landowner Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan) as she hires self-taught archaeologist Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes) to excavate mysterious mounds on her estate. What begins as a straightforward dig quickly becomes a discovery of immense historical significance — the unearthing of the Sutton Hoo burial ship, a stunning relic from the Anglo-Saxon era. As the excavation gains attention, officials from the British Museum swoop in, threatening to overshadow Brown’s contributions. Meanwhile, Edith continues to battle her worsening illness and becomes closer to Basil, who tries to fight for recognition.

The Dig is an introspective period drama inspired by the real 1939 excavation. Directed by Simon Stone, it slowly but surely becomes less about the ancient treasure and more about its characters’ buried emotional lives. Though critically praised when it first premiered—even receiving five nominations for the British Academy Film Awards—The Dig remains an unsung triumph among Netflix’s selection of dramas. Its contemplative tone and deliberate pacing don’t exactly scream box office gold, but its understated storytelling and character-driven story will likely impress cinephiles looking for more quiet marvels.

The Dig is streaming on Netflix.

April 18, 2025
3 underrated Amazon Prime Video movies you should watch this weekend (April 18-20)

Finding great movies on Amazon Prime Video isn’t actually all that difficult. The streaming service is filled with interesting titles, but the challenge is finding the movies that you’re going to be most interested in. That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of three underrated titles that are all available on Prime Video.

These movies range across decades and genres, but each of them is one that you might overlook if you don’t consider them carefully.

Need more recommendations? We also have guides to the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

First Reformed (2018)

First Reformed | Official Trailer HD | A24

Director Paul Schrader makes intense movies, to put it gently. With First Reformed, though, that intensity is pushed to fantastic ends. The film follows a small-town priest living in upstate New York whose life begins spiraling out of control after meeting a radical environmental activist and his pregnant wife.

Anchored by what might be the best performance of Ethan Hawke’s career, First Reformed is surreal, dark, and all about a crisis of faith from a man who wakes up and begins to notice the world around him.

You can watch First Reformed on Amazon Prime Video.

The Third Man (1949)

The Third Man | Official Trailer

One of the great noir movies ever made, The Third Man holds up perfectly all these years later. The film is set in Vienna, ravaged by the war, and follows a pulp novelist who travels to the city to find his longtime friend.

After learning about his friend’s death, he becomes determined to get to the bottom of what happened to him and track down the mysterious third man who was present at the time of his death. In addition to being a fascinating chronicle of war-torn Vienna, The Third Man is also vivid and remarkably fast-paced. It might be an older movie, but you won’t get bored.

You can watch The Third Man on Amazon Prime Video.

Spotlight (2015)

Spotlight Official Trailer #1 (2015) – Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton Movie HD

It may have won Best Picture, but Spotlight is not a movie that gets discussed all that much a decade later. There’s a reason Spotlight has flown under the radar, and it has much more to do with the movie’s ultimate design.

The crime movie, which tells the story of reporters at the Boston Globe who uncover that hundreds of priests inside of the Catholic Church have abused children, and the church chose to cover it up. Featuring an ensemble cast that works beautifully as an ensemble and an understated style that emphasizes the professionalism of the journalists, Spotlight is understated and devastating in equal measure.

You can watch Spotlight on Amazon Prime Video.

April 17, 2025
3 underrated (HBO) Max movies you should watch this weekend (April 11-13)

With The White Lotus season 3 completed, HBO has two hit shows premiering this weekend: The Last of Us season 2 and Hacks season 4. The former set viewership records on its way to becoming a beloved video game adaptation. The latter recently won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series.

While HBO continues to dish out great television, the movie library on Max isn’t too shabby. Blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings and DC movies are fun, but you can find some underrated hits within each genre. Try something new this weekend and give one of these three movies a shot.

We also have guides to the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

Greenland (2020)

STXfilms

Greenland is another example of “Gerard Butler channeling his inner 1990s action hero to save the world.” Instead of defeating another man, Butler tackles one of his biggest obstacles yet: Mother Nature. Humanity’s time is limited after a world-destroying comet hits Earth’s atmosphere.

John Garrity (Butler), his estranged wife (Morena Baccarin), and his son (Roger Dale Floyd) must reach an evacuation flight that will take them to an underground bunker in Greenland. The clock is ticking because people will fight (and kill) their way into that bunker. Good luck stopping Butler in a scrap.

Stream Greenland on Max.

Y2K (2024)

A24

Nostalgia is a powerful drug. In Y2K, Kyle Mooney travels back to 1999 and reminisces about the year 2000 problem in a horror-fueled comedy. It’s New Year’s Eve in 1999. Best friends and social outcasts Eli (Jaeden Martell) and Danny (Julian Dennison) decide to crash the popular high school party so the former can talk to his crush, Laura (Rachel Zegler).

When the clock strikes midnight, anarchy ensues from an unlikely source: technology. The sentient creatures — essentially anything electronic — go on a killing spree and take over the town. The remaining survivors must work together to end the Y2K event before AI becomes the dominant race. If anything, Y2K will further your appreciation for Fred Durst.

Stream Y2K on Max.

The Lighthouse (2019)

A24

Robert Eggers is a master of worldbuilding. He’s a meticulous filmmaker who puts so much thought and care into every frame. The Lighthouse is arguably his most divisive film. Admittedly, two men working at a New England lighthouse in the 1890s isn’t the most invigorating premise.

However, Eggers blends multiple genres — horror, psychological thriller, and comedy — into a gripping meditation on isolation and the human psyche. Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, the lighthouse keepers, fully commit to the roles of two men descending into madness. Additionally, The Lighthouse has some of the best cinematography and production design from that year.

Stream The Lighthouse on Max.

April 11, 2025
3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (April 11–13)

Broad Green Pictures

Endlessly scrolling through Netflix with nothing jumping out? We’ve all been there. The streaming giant’s homepage is often full of flashy blockbusters and trending titles, but some of the best movies on Netflix are the ones that aren’t plastered everywhere. These hidden gems might not have gotten the spotlight, but they’re packed with great stories, strong performances, and “Why didn’t I watch this sooner?” energy.

This weekend, skip the obvious picks and go for something off the beaten path. Whether you’re up for a suspenseful period film, a heartbreaking war story, or a drama inspired by real events, Netflix has you covered. These underrated movies may have little to no hype, but that’s exactly why these unexpected favorites deserve a spot in your queue.

We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

The Wonder (2022)

Image used with permission by copyright holder

In the aftermath of Ireland’s Great Famine, English nurse Lib Wright (Florence Pugh) is summoned to a secluded village to observe Anna O’Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy), an 11-year-old girl who claims to have survived without food for four months. Director Sebastián Lelio’s The Wonder follows Lib as she investigates this “divine miracle,” which has attracted people from around the country, curious to see the young girl. Lib, tasked with uncovering the truth, approaches the situation with scientific skepticism, which soon leads to a clash with the village’s deeply rooted religious convictions.

The Wonder boasts a wholly unique premise based on the eponymous 2016 novel by Emma Donoghue. It soars thanks to Pugh’s restrained performance, which shows a woman torn between her duty and her conviction. This quiet story is set against a flawlessly shot Irish landscape, with its stark beauty adding to the film’s tense atmosphere. While its deliberate pacing and sparse story may fall short for those expecting a more intense payoff, the 2022 drama movie is worth watching for those who appreciate a slow and introspective period piece.

The Wonder is streaming on Netflix.

First They Killed My Father (2017)

Netflix

Set in Cambodia in 1975, First They Killed My Father depicts the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror from the perspective of five-year-old Loung Ung (Sreymoch Sareum). Her peaceful life in Phnom Penh is shattered when the Khmer Rouge seize power, forcing her family to abandon their home under the guise of temporary evacuation. The regime’s oppressive grip tightens as citizens are subjected to brutal labor camps. Loung’s father, Pa Ung (Phoeung Kompheak), is a former government official and soon becomes a target, prompting the family to adopt new peasant identities to survive. Eventually, Loung is separated from her loved ones and trained as a child soldier, forced to go through violence and loss.

Angelina Jolie’s directorial endeavor, First They Killed My Father, is one of the most important movies about the Cambodian genocide. This underrepresented dark part of history is depicted in an unflinching and often disturbing way in the 2017 Khmer-language film. Despite its critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes, the movie remains underappreciated in popular discourse, rarely cited among the best movies based on true stories. Its Khmer-language presentation and devastating story may have limited its reach, yet these elements are integral to its impact and contribute to making it an essential watch for fans of the genre.

First They Killed My Father is streaming on Netflix.

99 Homes (2014)

Broad Green Pictures

Andrew Garfield stars as construction worker Dennis Nash in 99 Homes, which sees him unemployed and struggling to support his young son, Connor (Noah Lomax), and mother, Lynn (Laura Dern). Set in Orlando during the aftermath of the 2008 housing crisis, Dennis’ bad situation gets worse when real estate broker Rick Carver (Michael Shannon) evicts them from their longtime home. Desperate and with few options, Dennis approaches Carver for work, initially taking on menial tasks. He’s soon roped into Carver’s more questionable schemes, even assisting in the very evictions that once messed up his family’s stability.

Directed by Ramin Bahrani, 99 Homes captures a man on the brink. Garfield and Shannon are impeccably cast as their respective characters, with one’s desperation and the other’s greed playing off of each other to create a thrilling drama. Its stellar performances didn’t translate to box office success, with the film grossing only $1.9 million against its $8 million budget. However, its story about the truth behind the American Dream and how financial challenges can change even the most honest people is more relevant than ever before, making 99 Homes a must-watch today.

99 Homes is streaming on Netflix.

April 11, 2025
5 underrated movies on Netflix you need to watch in April 2025

Unsurprisingly, Netflix has gotten off to a strong start in television in 2025. The British drama series Adolescence has shattered viewership records on its way to becoming the No. 4 most popular English-language TV show. This month, Black Mirror season 7 and Pulse season 1 will sit in the weekly top 10 for the foreseeable future.

April does have one noteworthy movie, Havoc, premiering at the end of the month. It stars Tom Hardy as a detective who fights to stay alive and protect a corrupt politician’s son. While Havoc is a premier offering, Netflix has thousands of movies to stream, many of them hidden on their respective genre pages. Luckily, we picked out five to watch this month.

We also have guides to the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland (2016)

Lionsgate

Alan Ritchson is one of the most recognizable action heroes on television thanks to his starring role in Reacher. 15 years ago, Ritchson broke out for his comedic work in the TV show Blue Mountain State. The raunchy comedy about a college football team became a cult favorite. Five years after the show ended, the show’s creators crowdfunded a movie, Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland.

Quarterback Alex Moran (Darin Brooks) has one thing on his mind for senior year: partying. However, a new dean on campus threatens to upend Alex’s plans when he threatens to buy the Goat House, the football team’s off-campus headquarters. Needing money to save the house, Alex calls Thad Castle (Ritchson), a former Blue Mountain State player who moved on to the NFL. Thad agrees to buy the house if Aled throws the party of the century. Be careful what you wish for, Alex.

Stream Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland on Netflix.

Draft Day (2014)

Lionsgate

To some football fans, the draft brings them more excitement than the games. Every player, employee, and fan of a team believes their franchise can change with one good draft. Ivan Reitman’s Draft Day attempted to dramatize a day in the life of an NFL general manager during the NFL Draft.

Sonny Weaver Jr. (Kevin Costner) is the general manager of the Cleveland Browns. With the No. 7 pick in the first round, the organization wants Sonny to make a splash and trade up to No. 1. After following orders and trading for the top pick, Sonny immediately has second thoughts and tries to offset his mistake with a series of risky decisions. Draft Day is a bit too melodramatic for a football movie, but it’s still an entertaining, safe sports drama.

Stream Draft Day on Netflix.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)

Sony Pictures

Comparing Sicario to Sicario: Day of the Soldado is an unfair fight. Denis Villeneuve’s masterful thriller is on a different playing field. However, take Stefano Sollima’s sequel at face value, and it’s a gritty, tense thriller with an effective leading performance by Benicio del Toro.

After a terrorist attack on U.S. soil, the government enlists the CIA’s Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and assassin Alejandro Gillick (del Toro) to ignite a drug war between the Mexican drug cartels to flush out the group that smuggled the terrorists across the border. The plan backfires after the government orders the CIA to kill a top kingpin’s daughter (Isabel Merced), whom they kidnapped. Refusing to take an innocent life, Gillick goes rogue and protects the girl as he fights his way back into the United States.

Stream Sicario: Day of the Soldado on Netflix.

The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)

Focus Features

Derek Cianfrance makes movies for the sad boys. The Place Beyond the Pines forces you to examine the personal relationship with your father, which won’t be easy for some. The film is split into three parts. The first follows Luke Glanton (Ryan Gosling), a motorcycle stuntman who begins committing robberies to provide for his ex-lover Romina Gutierrez (Eva Mendes) and child.

Part two explores Avery (Bradley Cooper), a cop whose life-changing decision affects Luke. Finally, the third part investigates Luke’s son (Dane DeHaan) and Avery’s son (Emory Cohen), who must live with the repercussions of their fathers’ actions. Cianfrance takes a family drama and injects it with ambition and scope in this moving crime film.

Stream The Place Beyond The Pines on Netflix.

For Love of the Game (1999)

Universal Pictures

The start of April means baseball has begun. In Hollywood, one actor is most associated with baseball: Kevin Costner. From Field of Dreams to Bull Durham, Costner knows his way around a diamond. The Oscar winner spent most of his time at the pitcher’s mound in For Love of the Game.

Veteran pitcher Billy Chapel (Kevin Costner) is on his final run as a ballplayer with the Detroit Tigers. On the field, Chapel has one more start before he’s forced out of the game. At home, Chapel’s girlfriend, Jane Aubrey (Kelly Preston), might leave him. As he faces the Yankees, Billy has flashbacks to his tumultuous relationship. This distraction leads Billy to pitch freely, so much so that he has a perfect game heading into the final innings.

Stream For Love of the Game on Netflix.

April 10, 2025
3 underrated movies on Hulu you need to watch in April 2025

What’s new on Hulu in April? Several notable franchises have been added to the streamer, including The Karate Kid and Jurassic Park. Other notable movies joining Hulu this month include The Wolf of Wall Street, 21 Jump Street, Superbad, The Equalizer, and Arrival.

Beyond the popular IP adventures and notable sequels, a dearth of underrated movies is available on the genre pages. Our three picks for underrated movies in April include a slapstick comedy, a survival thriller, and a British crime caper.

We also have guides to the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

Anger Management (2003)

Sony Pictures Releasing

It’s not every day you get two titans from their respective genres working together. Adam Sandler, the SNL legend who became a 1990s movie star, and Jack Nicholson, the three-time Oscar winner, joined forces for Anger Management. After an incident on a flight forces him to lose his cool, Dave Buznik (Sandler) is sentenced to anger management under therapist Dr. Buddy Rydell (Nicholson).

Buddy is extremely unorthodox, which pushes Dave to his absolute limits. Sandler and Nicholson have great chemistry, even if much of their interactions consists of Sandler freaking out and Nicholson being the coolest guy in the room.

Watch Anger Management on Hulu.

Fall (2022)

Lionsgate

It doesn’t take an expert to guess the premise of Fall. How it gets to the climax is fairly absurd (compliment). One year after losing her husband in a climbing accident, Becky (Grace Caroline Currey) is persuaded by her best friend, Hunter (Virginia Gardner), to climb an abandoned radio tower. Hunter says it will help Becky heal, and Becky plans to spread her late husband’s ashes at the top.

The climb goes according to plan, as the two girls successfully reach the top. However, the descent becomes a battle for survival once the ladder breaks, stranding them thousands of feet in the air with no way down. Suspend some disbelief when watching Fall, and you’ll be rewarded with a fun, thrilling endurance movie.

Watch Fall on Hulu.

Sexy Beast (2000)

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Sexy Beast, or as Bill Hader once said, “A British crime movie where you can’t understand what anybody’s saying.” Ray Winstone stars as Gal Dove, an ex-criminal who retired to Spain to live out the rest of his life with his new wife, DeeDee (Amanda Redman). One day, London sociopath Don Logan (Ben Kingsley) arrives at Dove’s house to recruit him for one last job.

At first, Dove declines, citing his happiness in his new life. Eventually, Don’s erratic actions lead to Dove partaking in the heist. For Dove, what starts as a job for money becomes a mission to protect the love of his life. Jonathan Glazer might have directed the Oscar-winning The Zone of Interest, but this stylish British gangster saga remains his best movie.

Watch Sexy Beast on Hulu.

April 8, 2025
3 underrated (HBO) Max movies you should watch this weekend (April 4-6)

If you’re interested in the legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, In Dispute: Lively v Baldoni is now streaming on Max. The documentary has quickly become the most popular movie on the service. Elsewhere, new releases like Queer and Heretic are finding an even bigger audience on streaming than during their theatrical run.

Moving past the homepage, you’ll find a great selection of underrated movies. One of these films is a critically panned superhero adventure. However, it has regained popularity due to the tragic death of its lead. You can view that movie and two more below.

We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

Drinking Buddies (2013)

Magnolia Pictures

Filmmaker Joe Swanberg is a prominent figure in the mumblecore movement. Mumblecore films are typically low-budget and emphasize dialogue and improvisation over the plot. Drinking Buddies is an aptly named entry into the mumblecore genre. Who talks more than people who drink beer?

Kate (Olivia Wilde) and Luke (Jake Johnson) are friends who work at a Chicago brewery. You would assume the co-workers are dating because of their natural chemistry and comedic interactions. However, Kate and Luke are both in relationships. When they invite their significant others to hang out with them, things get a little awkward, as Kate and Jake contemplate their feelings for each other. It’s a low-stakes, charming relationship drama that pairs perfectly with a beer.

Stream Drinking Buddies on Max.

Batman Forever (1995)

Warner Bros. Pictures

Considering his propensity for making bold choices, Kilmer playing a stoic Bruce Wayne feels wrong. It wasn’t as egregious as putting nipples on the batsuit. However, Batman Forever has some redeeming qualities, including two out-of-this-world performances from Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones.

With Gotham facing threats from the Riddler (Carrey) and Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones), Batman must end their reign of terror before the villains reveal his true identity. Meanwhile, Batman grapples with a potential partner, Dick Grayson (Chris O’Donnell), while Bruce navigates love with Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman). Considering how ridiculous some superhero movies have gotten, Kilmer’s steady presence is rather refreshing.

Stream Batman Forever on Max.

Tuesday (2023)

A24

When she’s not making audiences laugh on Seinfeld or Veep, Julia Louis-Dreyfus does some great dramatic work in independent films. In 2023, Louis-Dreyfus starred in the little-seen Tuesday, a fantasy drama that acts as a meditation on grief and death. Zora (Louis-Dreyfus) has yet to accept that her 15-year-old daughter, Tuesday (Lola Petticrew), will soon die due to a terminal illness.

One day, Death, in the form of a talking macaw, visits Tuesday and informs her that her time is up on Earth. Accepting her fate, Tuesday asks to remain alive until her mother comes home, and Death respects her request. However, Zora realizes that Death has come and tries to delay the inevitable. Tuesday is definitely weird, but the actors’ commitment shines, resulting in an effective parent-child story.

Stream Tuesday on Max.

April 4, 2025
3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (April 4–6)

Netflix

Tired of scrolling past the same Netflix recommendations over and over? You’re not alone—the algorithm loves to push the biggest blockbusters and buzziest new releases front and center. But behind all the flashy thumbnails lies a treasure trove of underrated movies just waiting to be found. These are the kind of films that might not have received much hype but still pack a serious punch.

Whether you’re in the mood for a suspenseful drama, a chilling dystopia, or an award-winning war film, there’s something unexpected ready to surprise you. Forget the same old picks and take a chance at these hidden gems that bring bold yet overlooked stories. Get ready with some popcorn and gear up for a fun weekend with these underappreciated movies on Netflix.

We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

Beasts of No Nation (2015)

Netflix

In an unnamed West African country on the brink of chaos, the young boy Agu (Abraham Attah) finds his idyllic childhood shattered as civil war engulfs his village. Separated from his family amidst the turmoil, Agu joins child soldiers, learning to live and act like one himself under the command of the ruthless man simply known as Commandant (Idris Elba). Through Agu’s eyes, viewers are taken on a brutal journey that exposes the devastating impact of war on innocents.

Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, Beasts of No Nation is a one-of-a-kind war film that attempts to capture the psyche of a child ensnared by the horrors of conflict. Abraham Attah delivers a performance of staggering depth, capturing Agu’s transformation from a carefree boy to a hardened soldier. This heartbreaking arc is complemented by Idris Elba’s role as a menacing figure who manipulates young recruits without leaving space for weakness or empathy. Despite its critical acclaim and numerous accolades, the 2015 film remains criminally underrated in the larger conversation of the best in the genre and of that decade. As the first film released on Netflix, it caused quite a stir in the industry. Beast of No Nation‘s simultaneous limited theatrical distribution led major cinema chains to boycott the film, reducing its exposure to broader audiences.

Beasts of No Nation is streaming on Netflix.

The Kitchen (2023)

Netflix

The Kitchen takes place in a dystopian London of 2040, where soaring housing prices and the dismantling of social welfare have transformed the city into a playground for billionaires. The marginalized find refuge in the last remaining social housing complex, “The Kitchen,” where a man, Izi (Kane Robinson), who hopes to change his situation, crosses paths with a 12-year-old orphan, Benji (Jedaiah Bannerman). Their bond transforms their initial goals, and Izi is soon confronted with choices that could affect his whole community.

Directed by Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya and Kibwe Tavares, The Kitchen‘s most impressive aspect is undoubtedly its world-building, as it offers a stunning portrait of a society teetering on the edge of collapse. Its future version of London is marked by stark contrasts, with its gleaming skyscrapers overshadowing dilapidated high-rises, capturing the chasm between wealth and poverty. While its setting threatens to overpower its plot, which hits familiar beats, the dystopian sci-fi is still a powerful watch for fans of eat-the-rich movies that are unflinching in their depiction of the consequences of systemic inequality.

The Kitchen is streaming on Netflix.

Solo (2018)

Netflix

On a Spanish island, Fuerteventura, the suspenseful true story of surfer Álvaro Vizcaíno (portrayed by Alain Hernández) unfolds. Solo follows the protagonist who, after a night of heavy drinking and personal drama, goes on a solo surfing expedition to clear his mind. However, a misstep leads him to plummet off a steep cliff, resulting in severe injuries, including a broken hip and head trauma. Stranded on an isolated beach with no immediate hope for rescue, Álvaro confronts not only the merciless forces of nature but also his past choices. Over 48 grueling hours, he battles physical and mental agony and strives to survive against overwhelming odds.

Since there was a much more popular Solo set in a galaxy far, far away and also released in 2018, audiences can be forgiven for completely missing out on the Spanish counterpart set in the Canary archipelago. Directed by Hugo Stuven, the survival drama is a visually stunning dive into the depths of one man’s story—his regrets, his relationships, and more. Its non-linear storytelling may sometimes jolt viewers out of the intensity of his struggle to stay alive, but they do add necessary layers to the narrative that will have anyone rooting for Álvaro in the end.

Solo is streaming on Netflix.

April 4, 2025
3 underrated (HBO) Max movies you should watch this weekend (March 28-30)

With a new month approaching, Max will add several 2024 releases to its library. The first is Y2K, Kyle Money’s disaster comedy starring Rachel Zegler. Y2K begins streaming on April 4. Later on, Babygirl, an erotic thriller with Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, arrives on April 25.

Both movies should enter the service’s top 10 chart upon their debuts. Beyond the top 10, many underrated movies are ready to stream. If you’re willing to try something else, stream one of these three undervalued movies, including a 1980s teen comedy, a Tony Scott thriller, and a comedic slasher.

We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

Teen Wolf (1985)

Atlantic Releasing Corporation

Michael J. Fox is an actor synonymous with the 1980s. The Canadian actor’s stardom was gigantic, thanks to a hit movie, Back to the Future, and a beloved sitcom, Family Ties. Snuck in the middle of those two projects was Teen Wolf, Rod Daniel’s coming-of-age comedy with a werewolf. When high school loser Scott Howard (Michael J. Fox) begins experiencing some bodily changes, his father, Harold (James Hampton), informs him that a werewolf curse runs in the family.

Much to his surprise, Scott’s classmates love “The Wolf,” so he remains as the creature most of the time. However, Scott soon realizes that his newfound friends have no interest in anything besides the wolf. Teen Wolf is a fun 1980s classic with some laughs, a good message, and the worst display of basketball you’ll ever watch. It’s a must-watch.

Stream Teen Wolf on Max.

Unstoppable (2010)

20th Century Studios

Tony Scott and action were like baseball and apple pie. Scott mastered the art of the popcorn thriller thanks to his frenetic pacing, vibrant colors, movie star casts, and breakneck action sequences. Unstoppable, Scott’s last movie before his tragic death, is a shining example of how Scott’s directorial prowess elevates a movie.

Scott’s best muse, Denzel Washington, stars as Frank Barnes, a veteran engineer forced to work with rookie conductor Will Colson (Chris Pine). What starts as an ordinary day turns into a matter of life or death when a train carrying toxic chemicals comes flying down their track. Refusing to follow orders, Frank and Will take matters into their own hands and attempt to stop the train from crashing and causing a catastrophic disaster. A suspenseful thriller with great action, like Unstoppable, is a hell of a movie to have as the entry on a resume.

Stream Unstoppable on Max.

Scream 3 (2000)

Dimension Films

Scream is a masterpiece. Scream 2 is good. Scream 3 is slept on. Am I going to sit here and say Scream 3 is the best of the Scream movies? I am not. I will say that Scream 3 is a ton of fun and fully embraces the meta aspect of the script. In Scream 3, Ghostface heads to Hollywood for Stab 3: Return to Woodsboro.

On the set of Stab 3, Ghostface begins killing several actors. Ghostface even manages to find the location of Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), who has been living in seclusion. Realizing she’s in danger, Sidney heads to Hollywood and reunites with Dewey Riley (David Arquette) and Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) to end Ghostface’s terror. At least that’s what they’re going to try to do.

Stream Scream 3 on Max.

March 28, 2025
3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (March 28–30)

Transmission Films

Can’t decide what to watch this weekend? While Netflix has a lot of available hits and blockbusters on its front page, it might be time to skip the trending tab and dig a little deeper. The streaming giant is loaded with lesser-known films that didn’t make a splash on release but are more than worth your time now.

Maybe you’re in the mood for a gripping drama, a moving biography, or a frightening horror flick — whatever you’re feeling, there’s a hidden gem ready to deliver. These underrated picks might not have gotten the attention they deserved, but they offer fresh stories that can be unforgettable if they find their audience. So if you’re craving something different, here are a few overlooked movies streaming on Netflix that deserve a place on your watchlist.

We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

The Outrun (2024)

StudioCanal

Directed by Nora Fingscheidt based on the eponymous 2016 memoir by Amy Liptrot, The Outrun is a psychological drama that follows 29-year-old Rona (Saoirse Ronan), who returns to her childhood home in the Orkney Islands after a decade in London. Through a series of flashbacks, the film reveals her troubling experiences with addiction amidst London’s vibrant nightlife. This chaotic past is contrasted with Orkney’s isolated, windswept landscapes and much slower pace of living. Rona reconnects with the land as she deals with her past, eventually seeking a path to recovery and self-discovery.

A quiet yet powerful movie about addiction and recovery, The Outrun offers a nuanced character study that went mostly unnoticed following a limited release in the United Kingdom and Germany. It soars thanks to a riveting performance by Saoirse Ronan, who captures both the vulnerability and surprising resistance of Rona’s character. Her portrayal is perfectly complemented by a stark, visually stunning setting that seems to come to life around her as she learns the depths of her own strength in the process of healing.

The Outrun is streaming on Netflix.

Lion (2016)

Transmission Films

After falling asleep on a train in rural India, five-year-old Saroo (Sunny Pawar) wakes up thousands of kilometers from home — alone and unable to find his way back. Lion depicts his frightening situation as he barely survives on the streets of Calcutta until he’s eventually adopted by an Australian couple, Sue and John Brierley (Nicole Kidman and David Wenham). Decades later, a grown-up Saroo (Dev Patel) uses his fragmented memories and a new technology called Google Earth to trace his way back to his birth family. As he pieces together the puzzle that is his early life, the emotional toll on his adoptive family complicates his plan.

Although director Garth Davis’ Lion would receive six Academy Award nominations — including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Kidman — it’s still criminally underrated in the broader conversation of the best of 2010s cinema. Never veering into melodrama, the biographical film benefits from Davis’ restrained direction, which brings out the best in the leads. Patel, in particular, gives a quietly devastating performance as Saroo, whose story echoes with anyone struggling with belonging or is similarly tethered to two worlds.

Lion is streaming on Netflix.

1922 (2017)

Netflix

1922 is a horror drama directed by Zak Hilditch based on Stephen King’s eponymous 2010 novella. Set in rural Nebraska, it revolves around a farmer, Wilfred James (Thomas Jane), who convinces his teenage son, Henry (Dylan Schmid), to help kill his wife, Arlette (Molly Parker). Wilfred wants to kill her because she plans to sell the family land and move to the city. Though the scheming father-son duo successfully executes their plan, they unleash a chain of events that almost seems cursed. The crops wither, rats infest the home, and Wilfred and Henry both become delusional as they’re devoured by this mysterious deluge.

Without much promotional push from the streamer, the brooding and atmospheric tale in 1922 came and went with little fanfare. Those who love horror may want to give this oppressively moody and twisty slow-burn movie a chance if only to see its unique rural gothic aesthetic. Of course, the Stephen King movie’s story is nothing to scoff at either, with the main characters’ descents into madness being impossible to look away from.

1922 is streaming on Netflix.

March 28, 2025