The 20 Best Netflix Original Films, Ranked
It has been 10 years since Netflix released its first original series — the Steve Van Zandt-fronted Lilyhammer — in 2012. Today, the streaming giant spends billions of dollars on original content each year, releasing hundreds of its own feature films, documentaries, specials, and TV series annually.
In many ways, Netflix’s investment in original content has paid off. The company’s movies have earned accolades from all of the major awarding bodies, including at the Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, Grammys, SAG Awards, and more. It’s also the biggest streaming service on the globe, boasting more than 221 million users worldwide.
It should be no surprise, then, that Netflix has released some highly-regarded films. In the following list, we’ve highlighted the service's 20 best original movies, ranging from crime thrillers to psychological dramas to period pieces to animated flicks.
Many of these movies have been nominated for or received major awards, feature performances from hugely popular actors, and have been created by accomplished directors, writers, and producers. For instance, last year’s Western drama The Power of the Dog is the latest film to win Best Director at the Oscars (from a total of 12 nominations).
All of the titles have Metascores of 80 and higher, indicating generally favorable reviews or universal acclaim. No matter what type of films you like to watch, you’ll almost certainly find one (or more) movies on the list that appeal to you.
Here, Metacritic highlights Netflix’s best-reviewed original films, ranked by Metascore. Documentaries and films with fewer than 7 reviews from professional critics are excluded.
All photos courtesy of Netflix.
Mudbound follows the Jacksons and the McAllans, two Mississippi families who must rebuild their lives after World War II. Each family had sent a man to the war, both of whom returned home to deal with their trauma and struggle to assimilate to everyday life in the South. Upon realizing this, the men form a close bond — in spite of the difficulties they face being friends from different racial backgrounds. After its 2017 release, Mudbound earned numerous accolades during awards season, including four nominations each at the Academy Awards and Critics’ Choice Movie Award and two nods each at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards.
“With great performances across the board and a socially relevant story, Mudbound will resonate long after the credits roll.” —Jonathan Pile, Empire