TOP 10 NETFLIX ORIGINAL MOVIES

Streaming services are out of control my friends. Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Showtime, Starz, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and probably a few more I’ve missed. It’s exhausting. Does anyone else here miss the ritual, the family bonding opportunity, and the overall experience of renting movies at the local video store? I sure do. Well, for better or for worse, streaming is seemingly here to stay in all its “well isn’t that convenient” glory. Can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em I always say. Which brings me to Netflix. It’s the obvious king of the stream so I thought it would be a good place to start. No, I haven't seen every Netflix Original Movie, that’s simply inconceivable. But I’ve seen a crap ton. At least 50+. So here’s my ever changing list of the Top 10 Netflix Original Movies I’ve seen so far.

10.) “Army of the Dead” (2021)

This movie is shameless popcorn gobbling fun that wears its absurdity on its sleeve. There’s $200 million locked in a vault under a zombie infested Las Vegas and a ragtag team of mercenaries has to retrieve it before the entire city is nuked by the Government to prevent a worldwide outbreak. Love him or hate him, Zack Snyder sure can make an entertaining film that is filled with memorable characters, wild action sequences, and a unique visual experience. Introducing the concept of “organized zombies” is a fun new take on the genre and is kind of terrifying. Dave Bautista (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) leads an energetic ensemble cast through the zombie hordes filled with ridiculous violence, some impressive action sequences, and a zombie tiger previously owned by Siegfried & Roy. Check your brain (Mmmm Brains) at the door, and have fun with this one.

9.) “Bright” (2017)

From the dude that brought us 2016’s “Suicide Squad” starring America’s favorite 90’s rapper, comedian, and action star Will Smith. We get a fun genre blend we haven’t quite seen before mixing action buddy cop flick with storybook fantasy where creatures like elves and orcs live alongside humans. The plot is pretty flimsy—an orc and a human must put aside their differences and work together to find an all-powerful wand before evil creatures do. Neat. I consider flicks like this just pure mindless escapist nonsensical shenanigans. There is room for movies like this if the cast and action is fun enough. The action is fun enough and the all-star cast including Will Smith, Joel Edgerton, and Noomie Rapace is entertaining. Not a bad way to spend an evening if you give in to the absurdness of it all.

8.) “The King” (2019)

When was the last time we got a sprawling sword-wielding historical epic in the vein of “Braveheart”, ”Gladiator”, or “Kingdom of Heaven”? It’s been awhile. Enter “The King” from director David Michôd (“Animal Kingdom”) starring an all-star cast including Timothée Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Robert Pattinson, and one of my current favorites Ben Mendelsohn. Chalamet delivers a great performance as Prince Hal who reluctantly becomes King Henry V of England in 1413. Wonderful cinematography, a superb supporting cast, and some impressive sets and costume design amount to an enjoyable romp through history.

7.) “Da 5 Bloods” (2020)

There’s no shortage of movies about the Vietnam War within cinematic history, but when director Spike Lee wants to add another, there’s no arguing here. Tonally “Da 5 Bloods” is kind of all over the place, but it works. At any given time this film can be an important education, a heartbreakingly violent drama, a funny buddy reunion flick, or a suspenseful heist film. A wonderfully entertaining cast that includes the absolute scene stealer Delroy Lindo, the up and coming Jonathan Majors (“Lovecraft Country”), two alums from HBO’s The Wire (shiiiiiiiiiit), and the late Chadwick Boseman (“Black Panther”). An interesting commentary on what patriotism can mean to different people and a look at the Vietnam War through the experience of Black Americans who made up 32% of the soldiers that served.

6.) “Mudbound” (2017)

A historical melodrama that centers around two families, the Jacksons, who are Black, and the McAllans, who are White in post-WWII America uneasily living on the same land. It’s a dramatic family epic that will challenge notions about race and gender in America and serves as an interesting character study from two opposing perspectives. Both Garrett Hedlund’s Jamie McAllan and Jason Mitchell’s Ronsel Jackson fought in WWII and both came home to two very different versions of America, one that was welcoming a hero’s return, and another that was the complete opposite. The supporting cast is superb, the cinematography focusing on rural Mississippi is breathtaking, and the emotional trials these characters go through will stick with you for a long time to come.

5.) “The Highwaymen” (2019)

This is definitely a hidden gem that caught me by surprise. It tells the tale of the two Texas Rangers responsible for ending the murderous multi-state rampage of Bonnie and Clyde. It’s a classic come-out-of-retirement story starring two amazingly talented actors—the stoic Kevin Costner as Frank Hamer and born-for-this-kinda-role Woody Harrelson as his trusted old pal Maney Gault. They provide engaging character studies focusing on two unsung heroes. I also appreciate how the audience doesn’t really get a good look at Bonnie and Clyde throughout with the focus landing heavily on the Rangers and their charming and complicated relationship. This film provides an interesting alternative viewpoint from 1967’s “Bonnie and Clyde” directed by Arthur Penn.

4.) “Triple Frontier” (2019)

Imagine a realistic take on Sylvester Stallone’s “The Expendables” with a star-studded cast that includes Oscar Isaac, Ben Affleck, Garrett Hedlund, Charlie Hunnam, and Pedro Pascal. They all play former special forces operatives who decide to reunite for one last mission—head to South America to take down a known drug lord and steal millions of dollars in cash. Unintended consequences ensue in what amounts to an action-packed thriller that definitely had me hooked throughout. With some truly impressive action, a scenic backdrop, and a solid cast, “Triple Frontier” definitely ranks as one of the best films Netflix has to offer. A thrilling and engaging heist movie that’s definitely worth your time.

3.) “The Irishman” (2019)

How this became a Netflix exclusive instead of a theatrical release I’ll never know. This is AAA cinema right here friends. Martin Scorsese returns to crime drama and he brings along icons of the genre including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. Retired Hitman Frank Sheeran (De Niro) looks back at his younger days as a loyal member of the Bufalino crime family. The digital de-aging effects on the cast is a bit haunting but helps facilitate a truly epic tale that clocks in at 3 hours and 29 minutes. But that’s ok for a movie of this ilk and most welcome. This is more contemplative that what you may expect, but listening to Frank unreliably narrate his life story was a captivating and memorable experience that’s not to be missed.

2.) “El Camino” (2019)

Some may argue this is more of a final epilogue episode of writer/director Vince Gilligan’s deeply cinematic “Breaking Bad” television series, but it’s just too damn good to not include on this list. We revisit fugitive Jesse Pinkman as he continues to run from his past and deal with the consequences of his actions. As someone heavily invested in the series, this movie felt nostalgic, thrilling, exciting, nerve wracking, poetic, and therapeutic all at once. Star Aaron Paul gave an impressive performance holding his own throughout. And the extended flashback sequences featuring Jesse Plemons’ Todd really stole the show featuring some absolutely perfect moments. While there probably isn’t much here for folks that haven’t seen “Breaking Bad”, those who have are treated to a wonderful final chapter to one of the best tv shows I’ve ever seen.

1.) “Beasts of No Nation” (2015)

Writer and director Cary Joji Fukunaga is a master storyteller who crafts truly unique visual experiences as displayed in HBO’s “True Detective” season 1. And he’s done it again with “Beasts of No Nation”. A despairing, yet surprisingly hopeful film about a young child turned soldier named Agu who’s world is flipped upside down by violent revolution set in a nonexistent African country. Young actor Abraham Attah gives a flawless performance of young Agu alongside a career defining role by Idris Elba as a man only known as The Commandant who is equal parts hilarious, tender, and disturbingly frightening. The entire film is just an amazing and visceral cinematic experience about a child robbed of a true coming of age story.

Coming up with this list sure wasn’t easy. There’s so much to choose from and only so many hours in a day to consume all this streaming business. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back from time to time as this list will surely change. If you feel the need to give me a pat on the back, check out my Patreon Page and join my nerdy community of movie lovers.

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