Netflix releases dozens of original movies every year, so it’s only natural that some will slip through the cracks. While many of the streaming service’s original efforts rise up the charts and claim the No. 1 spot, such as the recent “The Thursday Murder Club,” plenty sink into the platform’s vast library and are quickly forgotten as the library churn continues.
That’s a real shame, because over the years I’ve often found it’s actually the streamer’s best original movies that regularly don’t get the love they deserve. Whereas, it’s not uncommon for a Netflix movie that barely warrants the time spent watching to hold the top spot for weeks (yes, I’m looking at you, “The Electric State”; I want those two hours back!).
That’s why I’m picking out the best Netflix original movies below that you (probably) haven’t seen, ranging from a disturbing psychological horror to a spy thriller that explores a period of history that isn’t usually the chosen subject matter for cinematic exploration.
‘Cam’ (2018)
![Cam | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/pN8xZ5WDonk/maxresdefault.jpg)
“Cam” may be turning seven years old in November, but this 2018 psychological nightmare has only become more relevant to our social media-obsessed society. It explores the twisted consequences that putting all of yourself online can lead to, and how a digital identity can overtake your true self, quite literally in this case. It’s a hooky horror, and after watching, you might just be tempted to delete all your social media accounts, or at least refrain from posting for the rest of the evening.
Alice (Madeline Brewer) is a “camgirl” on a mature website obsessed with claiming the top spot on the site’s ranking of its most popular influencers. Adopting an online persona known as Lola, she develops a carefully curated “girl next door” character. However, when a doppelganger takes over her account, it begins to destroy not just her precious online profile, but also her "real" life away from the computer screen.
Watch "Cam" on Netflix now
‘Windfall’ (2022)
I take the opportunity to champion “Windfall” pretty much every chance I get, so apologies to anybody who’s read my spiel on the movie before (particularly my editor, who definitely has!). The reason I’m always shouting about this crime thriller is simply that it’s an excellent single-location crime thriller that blends dark comedy with a gripping narrative. Oh, and it stars a strong cast headed by Jesse Plemons, Jason Segel and “Emily in Paris” star Lilly Collins.
Segel plays a man in a desperate situation, and such a predicament calls for extreme measures. He breaks into the holiday home of a wealthy CEO (Plemons), expecting it to be vacant, but must pivot his plans quickly when the CEO and his wife (Collins) arrive for what was supposed to be a relaxing, spontaneous trip. His solution? Take them hostage and demand a ransom to leave them unharmed.
Naturally, the situation rapidly spirals out of control from here, and soon enough, you’ll be questioning who’s the villain and who’s the victim in this wickedly funny but dramatic tale.
Watch "Windfall" on Netflix now
‘Mudbound’ (2017)
![Mudbound | Official Teaser [HD] | Netflix - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/vAZWhFI9lLQ/maxresdefault.jpg)
“Mudbound” may be set before, during and after World War II, but its themes of race are just as timely today, making this Dee Rees movie a period piece that feels less like a snapshot of history and more like a reminder that the wounds of the past aren’t always healed with time. Its strong cast includes Carey Mulligan, Garrett Hedlund, Jason Clarke, Jason Mitchell, Mary J. Blige, Rob Morgan and Jonathan Banks, and there’s a lot packed into its 130-minute runtime. In fact, I’d have loved a little more time for it all to breathe.
Set in the Mississippi Delta, it centers on two families, the Jacksons and the McAllans, who are forced to rely on each other as both face hardships over the years. While they develop a kinship and bond as each family awaits the return of a son who has gone to war, the society around them isn’t so accepting of their differences, and they are soon pulled apart.
Watch "Mudbound" on Netflix now
‘The Wonder’ (2022)
Florence Pugh has risen to become one of Hollywood’s most exciting new generation talents, so in many ways, I was a little surprised “The Wonder” didn’t receive more attention when it landed on Netflix in 2022. Based on the Emma Donoghue novel of the same name, it’s got all the core components to keep viewers hooked. From a show-stealing turn from Pugh to a compelling mystery, it explores the dark side of a miracle.
Pugh plays Elizabeth, an English nurse dispatched to a rural Irish community to monitor a young girl named Anna (Kíla Lord Cassidy). The reason for Elizabeth’s visit is Anna's claim that she hasn't eaten any food for four months, and yet appears to be in perfect health. As Elizabeth meets the locals and becomes acquainted with Anna and her family, she attempts to discover the truth of this supposed miracle.
Watch "The Wonder" on Netflix now
‘Munich: The Edge of War’ (2021)
The majority of war movies take place in the thick of conflict, or in the closing moments, but “Munich: The Edge of War,” as you may have guessed from the name, is instead set in the tense months just before World War II breaks out. It’s certainly an intriguing pitch for a spy thriller flick, and while it takes a lot of liberties with historical accuracy (not least of which, inventing two fictional lead characters), it’s still a fascinating window into a period of history not so often explored in movies.
Set in the fall of 1938, Europe is on the brink of war, with Germany preparing to invade Czechoslovakia. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain mounts a desperate attempt to avoid global conflict by holding an emergency conference in Munich to find a peaceful solution. Old friends, Hugh Legat (George MacKay), a member of the British civil service, and Paul von Hartmann, a German diplomat, are traveling to attend, and find themselves at the heart of a final (and ultimately futile) effort to avoid the most devastating war in human history.
Watch "Munich: The Edge of War" on Netflix now
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