Netflix has long been a hub of cinematic excellence, and its vast library of movies is filled with timeless masterpieces that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. From classics to modern blockbusters, these films are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, visually stunning, and masterfully crafted.
Masterpieces of the Silver Screen
Some of the most iconic films of all time can be found on Netflix. One such example is the classic crime drama, Goodfellas (1990), directed by Martin Scorsese. This biographical gangster movie tells the true story of Henry Hill, a young man who grows up idolizing the mob in his Brooklyn neighborhood. As time passes, we see Henry come up in the underworld hierarchy alongside his friends Jimmy and Tommy, but things take a dangerous turn for all of them after one hot-headed mistake.
- Starring Ray Liotta as Henry Hill, Goodfellas is a biographical gangster movie that explores the world of organized crime with precision and accuracy.
- The film premiered at the 1990 Venice International film festival, where it received critical acclaim and won Scorsese the Silver Lion for Best Direction.
- With its immersive cinematography, sharp editing, and a talented ensemble cast, Goodfellas is a masterclass in filmmaking that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
Another standout film on Netflix is the war drama, 1917 (2019), directed by Sam Mendes. Set during World War I, the film follows two young soldiers tasked with delivering an important message to another battalion, with the lives of 1,600 men on the line. The film stars George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman as Lance Corporals William “Will” Schofield and Thomas “Tom” Blake, respectively, leading an ensemble cast that includes Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
| Year | Genre | Cast | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | War Drama | George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch | 3 Academy Awards, 2 Golden Globes |
A more recent masterpiece is the South Korean black comedy thriller, Parasite (2019), directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film follows the working-class Kim family, who infiltrate the home of the wealthy Park family using every underhanded tactic at their disposal. Through their story, the film explores themes of class discrimination, greed, and the depths to which a human being can stoop in order to survive.
- The film premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it became the first South Korean film to win the Palme d’Or.
- A critical and commercial success both in South Korea and internationally, Parasite grossed over $258 million worldwide and earned numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.
- With its sharp social commentary and wickedly dark sense of humor, Parasite is a true masterpiece of modern cinema.
Another Netflix original is the Japanese period kaiju movie, Godzilla Minus One (2023), directed by Takashi Yamazaki. The film follows a former kamikaze pilot suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and his encounters with the monster known as Godzilla. Ryunosuke Kamiki stars as the pilot, Kōichi Shikishima, with Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, Munetaka Aoki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sakura Ando, and Kuranosuke Sasaki in supporting roles.
- The film premiered in Japan in 2023, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Godzilla franchise.
- A highly acclaimed film, Godzilla Minus One won numerous accolades, including an Academy Award.
- With its stunning visual effects and compelling storyline, Godzilla Minus One is a must-watch for fans of the Godzilla franchise.
The Horror Classics
For fans of the horror genre, Netflix has a range of classic films that are sure to send chills down your spine. One such example is the 1960 suspense thriller, Psycho, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. This film tells the story of a beautiful woman who checks into a motel run by a shy young man named Norman Bates, setting off a series of terrifying events.
- Starring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins, Psycho is a classic horror film that explores the themes of identity, trauma, and the power of the human psyche.
- The film was initially met with mixed reviews, but it has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.
- With its iconic score and masterful direction, Psycho is a must-watch for horror fans and film enthusiasts alike.
Another horror classic on Netflix is the 2018 Spanish- and Mixtec-language period drama, Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuarón. This film follows the life of a young housekeeper named Cleodegaria “Cleo” Gutiérrez, who works for an affluent Mexican family in the early 1970s.
- The film premiered at the 2018 Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Lion for Best Film.
- A powerful and emotional film, Roma explores the intricate emotional complexities of ordinary life in extraordinary times.
- With its stunning black-and-white cinematography and great performances, Roma is a visual delight that will leave you mesmerized.
The Social Commentary
Netflix also offers a range of films that offer powerful social commentary, including the 1989 comedy-drama, Do the Right Thing, directed by Spike Lee. This film tells the story of a Brooklyn neighborhood where racial tensions between African-American residents and the Italian-American owners of a local pizzeria explode into tragedy and violence on a hot summer day.
- Starring Danny Aiello and Ossie Davis, Do the Right Thing is a powerful exploration of racial tension and violence.
- The film premiered at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival and was met with critical acclaim.
- With its sharp social commentary and powerful performances, Do the Right Thing is a must-watch for anyone interested in social justice and film.
Another film that offers powerful social commentary is the 2023 animated science fantasy action movie, Nimona, directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane. This film tells the story of a shapeshifter named Nimona who teams up with a knight to prove his innocence.
- The film had its world premiere at the 2023 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it received widespread critical acclaim.
- A visually vibrant film with prominent LGBTQ+ themes, Nimona is a must-watch for fans of animation and science fiction.
- With its excellent voice work and killer soundtrack, Nimona is a true masterpiece of modern animation.
The Timeless Masterpieces of Netflix
The Netflix Library
Netflix has a vast library of movies that are sure to captivate audiences of all ages. With classics like Goodfellas and Psycho, modern blockbusters like 1917 and Parasite, and a range of films that offer powerful social commentary, Netflix has something for everyone. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a horror fan, or simply looking for a great movie to watch, Netflix has the perfect film for you. So why not explore the Netflix library and discover some of the most timeless masterpieces of cinema today?