These are the best 25 movies on Netflix right now

The movies you don’t want to miss on Netflix right now

Netflix continues to be one of the best streaming services when it comes to both original series and films. But with so much content to choose from, and more being added on the regular, where do you start? Here’s a round-up of the best 25 Netflix movies streaming now.

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The best movies on Netflix

• Trending now
• Netflix Originals
• Classics
• Kids & Family
• Documentaries

Trending now on Netflix

Digging through Netflix’s massive library of films can be intimidating. Thankfully, the platform offers a Trending Now section, which highlights the most popular movies on Netflix right now. With that in mind, here’s a handful of films trending now on Netflix.

The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

The Edge of Seventeen stars Hailee Steinfeld as a troubled teenager whose high school experience takes a turn for the worse when she realizes her childhood BFF is hooking up with her popular older brother. The film also stars Woody Harrelson and Kyra Sedgewick.

The Kissing Booth 3 (2021)

The conclusion to Netflix’s popular teen romance trilogy, The Kissing Booth 3 follows the adventures of best friends Lee and Elle as they attempt to check off every item on their summer bucket list. Things get complicated when Elle must decide whether to follow Lee or Lee’s brother (her boyfriend Noah) to college.

The Last Letter From Your Lover (2021)

The Last Letter From Your Lover stars Felicity Jones as an intrepid reporter who sets out on a journey to solve the secret of a decades-old affair after coming across a collection of love letters from the ’60s. The film also stars Shailene Woodley, Joe Alwyn, and Callum Turner.

Poms (2019)

Poms stars Diane Keaton as Martha, a loner who befriends her fun-loving neighbor after moving into a new retirement community. Together, the pair decide to establish a cheerleading squad for fellow young-at-heart seniors.

Vivo (2021)

Vivo follows the titular tropical rainforest mammal, voiced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, on a journey to fulfill his destiny and deliver a love song to an old friend. The film also features the voices of Gloria Estefan and Zoe Saldana.

Best Netflix Originals

Netflix has established itself as the premier streaming service for solid original films. With that in mind, here’s a roundup of some of the best — and most recently released — Netflix Originals films streaming on the platform right now.

The 40-Year-Old Version (2020)

Directed by and starring Radha Blank, The 40-Year-Old Version follows a down-on-her-luck playwright who decides to reinvent herself ahead of her 40th birthday by becoming a rapper.

All Together Now (2020)

All Together Now stars Auliʻi Cravalho (the voice of Moana) as a musically talented teenager named Amber who has a big secret: she’s houseless and living on a bus. When Amber is hit with another tragedy, she must decide whether or not to accept help from her friends.

Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)

Gunpowder Milkshake stars Karen Gillan as a dangerous assassin who reunites with her mother and her team of lethal associates in order to take down a ruthless crime syndicate and protect an 8-year-old girl. The film also stars Angela Bassett, Lena Headey, Carla Gugino, and Michelle Yeoh.

I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)

Directed by Charlie Kaufman, I’m Thinking of Ending Things follows a young woman named Lucy, who already has doubts about her relationship with boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) when she embarks on a road trip to meet his family. The thriller also stars David Thewlis and Toni Collette.

Skater Girl (2021)

Directed by Manjari Makijany, Skater Girl tells the story of a young Indian woman who develops a love for skateboarding and tracks her uphill battle in pursuit of competing in a national championship.

Best Classics on Netflix

If you want to spend your next lazy Sunday catching up on classic films you’ve yet to watch, Netflix has you covered. While some may argue that the most wide-ranging selection of classic movies are currently on HBO Max, Netflix also boasts an impressive library of classic films. Here are some of the best currently streaming.

Austin Powers Trilogy (1997-2002)

Written by and starring Mike Myers, the Austin Powers series of spy action comedy films follows the flirtatious International Man of Mystery as he takes on Dr. Evil and tries to save the world. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Austin Powers in Goldmember are all streaming now.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off stars a young Matthew Broderick as the titular troublemaker, who convinces his girlfriend and his best friend to play hooky from school one last time before graduation.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Written and performed by the iconic Monty Python comedy group, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a hilarious retelling of the Middle Ages as told through the story of King Arthur and his clumsy companions. The film stars Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.

The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, The Outlaw Josey Wales follows Missouri farmer Wales as he sets out to get revenge on the Union militants who murdered his family during the Civil War.

Mystic Pizza (1988)

Mystic Pizza depicts the lives and loves of three unforgettable waitresses in a small town called Mystic. The film stars Julia Roberts as Daisy Arujo, Annabeth Gish as Daisy’s sister Kat, and Lili Taylor as their friend Jojo.

Best Kids & Family films on Netflix

Netflix also boasts an impressive lineup of films that are perfect for family movie night. Here’s a roundup of five films that will be fun for both parents and kids to watch.

Penguin Bloom (2021)

Penguin Bloom stars Naomi Watts as a woman who deals with her recent paralysis in a tragic accident by caring for an injured magpie taken in by her family.

The Karate Kid (1984)

The first installment in The Karate Kid franchise, The Karate Kid follows teenager Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) as he’s taught karate by Mr. Miyagi in hopes of defending himself against his bullies and competing against them in a tournament. The film also stars Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, and William Zabka.

Tall Girl (2019)

Tall Girl follows a 6-foot-1 teenager named Jodi (Ava Michelle), who’s forced to deal with the insecurities associated with her height when she’s thrust into a love triangle.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)

Based on the children’s book of the same name by Judi and Ron Barrett, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs centers on aspiring inventor Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader), who accidentally develops a machine that can convert water into food. The film also features the voices of Anna Faris, James Caan, and Andy Samberg.

Wish Dragon (2021)

Wish Dragon tells the story of a teen named Din, who is on a mission to reconnect with his childhood best friend when he meets a magical, wish-granting dragon.

Best Documentaries on Netflix

Netflix also offers a rotating lineup of films that depict real-life stories. Here’s a roundup of the best documentaries streaming on Netflix right now.

Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes (2021)

Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes, Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen details his life and crimes through a series of audiotapes. Nilsen was convicted for the murders of at least twelve young men and boys between 1978 and 1983 in London, England.

Pray Away (2021)

Directed by Kristine Stolakis, Pray Away features interviews with former leaders and survivors of the “conversion therapy” movement and dissects the devastating impacts the movement has had on the LGBTQ+ community.

This Changes Everything (2019)

This Changes Everything gives an in-depth look at the decades-long tradition of gender disparity in Hollywood through the eyes of A-list leading ladies like Geena Davis and Natalie Portman and a variety of female filmmakers.

Untold: Malice at the Palace (2021)

The latest installment in Netflix’s Untold collection, Untold: Malice at the Palace reveals new information about the infamous 2004 brawl between NBA players and fans during a game in Michigan. The film features interviews with the people who were actually there and explores the lasting legacy of the incident.

Audrey (2020)

Directed by Helena Coan, Audrey gives fans an intimate look at the life, career, and activism of beloved actress Audrey Hepburn.

The perfect film for you

With so many streaming services now on the market, it’s easy to compare the film catalog of Netflix versus Disney+ or other platforms of the moment. But when it comes to more mature and more varied content, Netflix is still the one to beat.

If you want to join the water-cooler conversations about the most buzzworthy films on Netflix right now, then The Last Letter From Your Lover or The Kissing Booth 3 should be on your list. Meanwhile, Penguin Bloom and Wish Dragon are great options to watch with the whole family.

Viewers looking for films with a bit more suspense might want to check out I’m Thinking of Ending Things or the coming-of-age classic The Karate Kid. And those looking for a laugh might want to revisit the Austin Powers franchise or Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Netflix also boasts a variety of documentaries that will both keep you entertained and get you thinking, including Pray Away and This Changes Everything. Now grab your favorite snack, hit the couch, and press play.

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