“Get ready to have your mind blown by the most underrated gems hiding in plain sight on Netflix! We’ve all been there – scrolling endlessly through the endless rows of titles, feeling like we’ve seen it all before. But what if we told you that there are cinematic treasures lurking in the shadows, just waiting to be stumbled upon? From psychological thrillers that will keep you up all night to quirky rom-coms that will capture your heart, these hidden gems are the secret ingredients that will take your binge-watching experience to the next level. So, grab some popcorn, get cozy, and let’s shine a light on the most surprisingly amazing movies that you never knew existed – but will soon become your new favorites. “
Hidden Gems on Netflix
Netflix’s streaming library is vast enough that certain films inevitably end up slipping through the cracks of its homepage recommendations. That does not mean, though, that there aren’t movies well deserving of your attention lurking just beneath the platform’s surface. Some of the best movies streaming on Netflix right now just so happen, in fact, to require a bit more searching than you may be used to doing or the service even encourages.
Fortunately, we’ve done that work for you. Here are five hidden gems that you probably did not know are streaming on Netflix right now.
Romantic Drama: “Past Lives”
“Past Lives” (A24) is an absorbing romantic drama, writer-director Celine Song’s feature directorial debut as invigorating and rewarding a feature directorial debut as we have recently seen. Inspired by real events in Song’s life, the film follows a pair of South Korean childhood friends (Greta Lee and Teo Yoo) who are forced apart when Lee’s Nora moves with her family. Over the course of 24 years, the two repeatedly drift apart and then reconnect — their mutual, undeniable attraction pulling them toward each other even as the circumstances of their individual lives keep them perpetually apart.
Filmed with careful grace by Song, “Past Lives” builds its themes about love, fate, and regret patiently and organically before arriving at a quietly devastating conclusion that acknowledges one of life’s hardest truths — that building a life for yourself means constantly closing the door on the other lives you could have led.
Country-Fried Heist Thriller: “Logan Lucky”)
“Logan Lucky” (Bleecker Street) is one of those movies. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by his wife Jules Asner (credited as Rebecca Blunt), the film is a country-fried heist thriller about a pair of redneck West Virginia brothers (Channing Tatum and Adam Driver) who team up with their sister Mellie (Riley Keough) and incarcerated safe-cracker Joe Bang (Daniel Craig) to rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway during a NASCAR race.
Giving each of its actors the chance to adopt the twangiest Southern accent you’ve ever heard in your life, “Logan Lucky” is a breezy, ingenious crime comedy that proves, once again, that no one truly knows how to do a heist thriller quite like Soderbergh does. The film was well-received when it was released but flew under the radar with casual moviegoers, which feels like a crime in and of itself.
Underappreciated at the Time of Release
Some of the best movies streaming on Netflix right now just so happen, in fact, to require a bit more searching than you may be used to doing or the service even encourages. Fortunately, we’ve done that work for you. Here are five hidden gems that you probably did not know are streaming on Netflix right now.
Supernatural Thriller: “Constantine”
An adaptation of the popular DC Comics line, “Constantine” is a cult classic with a punk-rock spirit. The film follows John Constantine (Keanu Reeves), a disillusioned exorcist and occult private detective, as he finds himself in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy involving scheming half-angels and disguised demons who want to take over the human world. The film received mixed reviews when it was originally released and only performed moderately well at the box office. In the intervening 20 years, it has become a cult classic, and for good reason. “Constantine” is a clever, moody supernatural thriller that carries itself with a distinctly punk-rock, chip-on-its-shoulder kind of spirit. Our fingers remain crossed that Reeves and director Francis Lawrence’s long-discussed sequel will actually get made one day.
American Crime Thriller: “Reptile”
An underrated American crime thriller, “Reptile” is one of those Netflix originals that seemed to come and go without making much of a splash among both critics and casual viewers. That is a shame, considering how visually impressive and narratively engaging it is. Directed by longtime music video director Grant Singer, the film follows a New England-based detective (Benicio del Toro) whose investigation into a series of gruesome murders becomes a cat-and-mouse game with a cunning killer. With its atmospheric tension and memorable performances, “Reptile” is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Conclusion
As we conclude our expedition into the uncharted territories of Netflix, it’s evident that the streaming giant has been hiding some gems in plain sight. From the gripping thrillers to the heartwarming dramas, our list of top movies on Netflix you never knew existed has shed light on the often-overlooked cinematic treasures that deserve our attention. By exploring these lesser-known films, we’ve not only broadened our cinematic horizons but also gained a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling.
The significance of this topic lies in its ability to challenge our viewing habits and encourage us to venture beyond our comfort zones. In an era where algorithms dictate our viewing preferences, it’s refreshing to have a list that defies the norms and presents a fresh perspective. As we move forward, it’s likely that streaming platforms will continue to evolve, and our viewing habits will adapt accordingly. The question remains, however, will we continue to seek out the unknown, or will we succumb to the allure of familiarity?