Top 10 Netflix Movies That Will Become Future Classics

Whether you categorize it as romance or supernatural fiction, “Atlantics” will have you looking at both genres through a new set of eyes. Things aren’t always as they seem at first glance and this international film caught many audiences off guard with its twists and turns. Without delving too deep into spoilers, the plot revolves around two separated lovers who yearn to be reunited. Underneath the film’s otherworldly surface are timely themes regarding immigration, classism, and the refugee crisis. In her feature directorial debut, Mati Diop paints a portrait that’s haunting yet wondrous, bleak yet romantic. In addition to achieving universal critical acclaim, the film was listed by former U.S. president Barack Obama as one of 2019’s best films.

When Netflix announced a four-movie deal with Adam Sandler, audiences had a pretty good idea of what to expect. And true to form, his first outings included the duds “The Ridiculous 6” and “Sandy Wexler”. So viewers were shocked to see Sandler in this Netflix dramedy by festival darling Noah Baumbach in 2017. Although it wasn’t actually planned as part of Sandler’s deal with the streaming giant, Netflix swooped in to grab distribution rights for what was clearly going to become an underground hit. Sadly this caused some drama at its Cannes Film Festival Premiere, raising questions about streaming movies competing at festivals. Nevertheless, the indie surprise got a four-minute standing ovation.

Stephen King clearly had a great little renaissance in 2017, on the big and small screen alike. However the biggest surprise was the Netflix adaptation of a lesser-known King novel, “Gerald’s Game”. An arguably unfilmable story, it became squeamish horror gold, at the hands of brilliant director Mike Flanagan, the man who got us terrified of Ouija boards and antique mirrors. The story of a sex game gone wrong, which leaves a man dead and a woman cuffed to the bed, become an instant hit. It’s tended to overshadow another equally great Stephen King adaptation, “1922”, released just a month later on Netflix.

At its core, “The Ritual” is a classic campfire story with echoes of “The Blair Witch Project,” “The Thing,” and “The Wicker Man” - the good one. For all of its familiarity, though, David Bruckner’s film constantly leaves us guessing where it’s going. The opening scene feels less like something out of a traditional slasher flick and more like a piece of real-world horror that anybody could experience firsthand. As our four main characters get lost in the woods, “The Ritual” begins to blur the line between psychological horror and supernatural horror. That line becomes clearer during the film’s final act, which will enthrall some and leave others bewildered over what they just watched. Either way, it’s a climax nobody will soon forget.

One thing that Netflix does often and does well is great thrillers. A prime example is “Hush”, a tense experience in claustrophobic terror. The great Mike Flanagan from “Gerald’s Game” also directed this twisted story of a deaf writer who is chased down by a masked killer. Turning the slasher and home-invasion genres on their heads, “Hush” destroys any preconceptions, and delivers an effective white-knuckle ride. Living up to the hype and critical adoration, “Hush” has already become a modern-day classic, and will probably remain a horror masterpiece.

Fed up with the world? Fed up with the same old movies? If you’re looking for a unique and bizarre experience, look no further. “I Don’t Feel At Home in This World Anymore” follows a woman who’s having just about the worst day ever, and goes on a revenge mission to find the bastards that broke into her home. This pitch-black comedy, the brain-child of actor Macon Blair in his directorial debut, blew the doors off Sundance, winning the Grand Jury Prize. Guaranteed to be a cult hit for years to come, we promise you’ll find nothing like it on Netflix - or anywhere!

Eddie Murphy’s career has seen its ups and downs, but “Dolemite Is My Name” is most definitely a high point. As famed blaxploitation actor Rudy Ray Moore, Murphy not only delivers his funniest performance in years, but also reminds audiences that he’s a legitimately great actor. Murphy becomes Moore, channeling his unique brand of humor and outside the box thinking. The film doesn’t just belong to Murphy, as we get splendid supporting performances from Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Keegan-Michael Key, and Wesley Snipes, the latter of whom is also officially on the comeback train. “Dolemite Is My Name” went overlooked at the Academy Awards, but as Moore showed us, entertaining fans is what matters most and this biopic is deservingly accumulating a wider following every day.

At the time of its release, “Okja” was a bit of an anomaly, with Joon-ho Bong being the biggest name to transition from big screen to Netflix. Its success has arguably led to a shift in perception, as Netflix is now working with the likes of Martin Scorsese, Alfonso Cuaron and the Coen brothers. A bizarre film about a little girl’s bond with a genetically modified superpig, it has an all-star cast and an environmental message that garnered it praise from critics and audiences. Despite being booed at Cannes when the Netflix logo appeared, it received a standing ovation.

While A24 distributed “Uncut Gems” in the US, Netflix handled its international distribution. As is the case with Eddie Murphy, we sometimes forget how amazing Adam Sandler can be with the right people behind the camera. Between “The Meyerowitz Stories” and especially “Uncut Gems,” Netflix is shining a spotlight on Sandler’s untapped potential. We’ve seen Sandler give dramatic performances before, but Howard Ratner is a whole other beast. This risk-taking jeweler never stops. He’s always gambling, always making promises he can’t keep, and always finding new ways to dig his own grave. Every time Howard somehow digs himself out, he jumps right back in. Like Sandler’s performance, the Safdie brothers’ direction creates an unrelenting sense of urgency, leaving viewers on edge until the credits roll.

Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Da 5 Bloods” (2020)
One of Spike Lee’s Career-Defining Achievements

“Always Be My Maybe” (2019)
There’s More to This Hilarious Rom-Com Than the Keanu Cameo

“Kodachrome” (2017)
A Road Trip Drama Distinguished by Its Strong Performances

“Tramps” (2016)
Another Winner in the Ever-Growing Netflix Rom-Com Library

“First They Killed My Father” (2017)
Angelina Jolie’s Most Effective Directorial Outing to Date

Martin Scorsese is one of our most influential filmmakers, but Netflix is probably the only company that would give him the funds and creative freedom to pursue what might be his magnum opus. It’s as if Scorsese’s 50+ years in the business have been preparing him for “The Irishman,” a triumph of craft and performances. This crime epic chronicles the life of Frank Sheeran, played by the legendary Robert De Niro. Joe Pesci and Al Pacino round out an ensemble for the ages as Sheeran’s two closest confidantes. As friends become enemies, though, Sheeran’s story builds to one of the tensest segments Scorsese has ever put to film. From beginning to end, “The Irishman” makes you feel like you’ve walked 100 miles in Sheeran’s shoes.