Netflix has transformed the entertainment landscape since its inception, growing from a simple DVD rental service to the world’s leading streaming platform. Its influence on global entertainment is unmatched, with over 238 million subscribers in more than 190 countries, offering an ever-expanding library of movies, TV shows, and documentaries. But Netflix is more than just a distributor—it has become a major player in film production, churning out original content that rivals the biggest Hollywood studios.
One of Netflix’s key strategies has been to produce and distribute original films.
By bypassing traditional theatrical releases, Netflix has made it possible for its audience to enjoy high-quality, exclusive movies from the comfort of their own homes. What sets Netflix apart is its ability to offer a wide variety of films across genres, ensuring that there’s something for everyone—from intense thrillers to thought-provoking dramas and exciting action flicks. This vast selection, combined with its global reach, has made Netflix an essential part of modern cinema.
The platform’s success is reflected in the staggering number of views its original movies have garnered. Netflix has broken viewing records multiple times with releases that have captivated global audiences. For example, within its first four weeks, the action-packed thriller “Extraction” attracted an astonishing 99 million viewers, making it the platform’s most-watched original film upon release. Similarly, “Bird Box” took the internet by storm, achieving over 45 million views in its first week and inspiring countless viral challenges and memes. These numbers are a testament to Netflix’s ability to not only reach a massive audience but also create a cultural phenomenon with its films.
In addition to sheer numbers, Netflix has earned critical acclaim for its original productions. Films like “Roma” and “The Irishman” have been lauded for their artistic merit, receiving multiple Academy Award nominations and wins.
Here’s a look at the five best Netflix movies of all time that have broken records, garnered critical acclaim, and captured audiences worldwide.
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1. Roma (2018)
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Genre: Drama
Awards: Academy Award for Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Foreign Language Film
“Roma” stands out as not only one of Netflix’s finest productions but also one of the most critically acclaimed films of the last decade. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the film is a semi-autobiographical take on his own childhood, set in Mexico City during the 1970s. The story revolves around Cleo, a domestic worker who serves a middle-class family, and the intricate relationship between the employer and the servant in a politically turbulent environment.
Shot in black and white, “Roma” is visually stunning and emotionally powerful. Its cinematography is breathtaking, capturing intimate moments and turning them into a universal reflection on class, family, and resilience. The film’s beauty lies in its simplicity, where every scene, from mundane tasks to personal tragedies, is treated with care and reverence.
The global impact of “Roma” cannot be understated. It not only received three Academy Awards but also marked a significant shift in the film industry, as it was one of the first Netflix originals to be seriously considered by major award bodies, legitimizing streaming platforms as a home for top-tier cinema.
2. The Irishman (2019)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Genre: Crime/Drama
Awards: Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture
When legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese announced his partnership with Netflix to produce “The Irishman,” the film world buzzed with excitement. Starring heavyweights like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, the film chronicles the life of Frank Sheeran, a mob hitman involved in the disappearance of the infamous union leader Jimmy Hoffa.
The film’s 3.5-hour runtime might seem daunting, but Scorsese’s masterful storytelling, paired with flawless performances, keeps viewers engaged throughout. The use of groundbreaking de-aging technology allows the actors to portray their characters over decades, offering a dynamic look at how time changes everything—even in the lives of gangsters.
“The Irishman” is a reflective, contemplative work, more concerned with the emotional and moral cost of a life of crime than with the violence or action that often dominates gangster films. It touches on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the inevitability of mortality, presenting a somber, almost philosophical take on the genre Scorsese helped define.
Despite its length and heavy subject matter, “The Irishman” became a Netflix sensation. It was watched by millions in its first week, proving that long-form, auteur-driven cinema can find a home and an audience on streaming platforms.
3. Bird Box (2018)
Director: Susanne Bier
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Thriller
Cultural Impact: Over 45 million views in its first week
“Bird Box” is a film that defined the term “viral hit” in the Netflix era. Starring Sandra Bullock, the movie is set in a post-apocalyptic world where an unseen force causes people to commit suicide if they see it. To survive, Bullock’s character must lead her two children through dangerous terrain—blindfolded.
The suspenseful premise, combined with a strong central performance by Bullock, captivated viewers from its release. The film became an instant phenomenon, spawning memes, social media challenges (the “Bird Box Challenge”), and numerous fan theories about the unseen creatures.
Despite mixed critical reception, the film’s cultural impact was undeniable. Within the first week of release, over 45 million Netflix accounts had watched “Bird Box,” making it one of the most-watched films on the platform at the time. Its success was a testament to the power of Netflix’s global reach and its ability to create massive buzz around original content.
“Bird Box” remains one of Netflix’s hallmark thrillers, blending horror, suspense, and drama in a way that resonated with audiences worldwide.
4. Marriage Story (2019)
Director: Noah Baumbach
Genre: Drama
Awards: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Laura Dern), nominated for 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture
“Marriage Story” is an emotionally charged portrayal of a couple navigating the complexities of divorce. Starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, the film delves deep into the emotional, legal, and psychological toll that divorce can take on a family.
Noah Baumbach’s script is raw and real, offering no easy answers to the struggles faced by the characters. Both Johansson and Driver deliver some of the finest performances of their careers, making their characters’ pain and frustration deeply palpable. The film carefully avoids painting either spouse as a villain, instead presenting a nuanced look at the disintegration of a relationship between two well-meaning individuals.
What makes “Marriage Story” stand out is its emotional honesty and the way it balances moments of intense drama with lighter, more humorous scenes. The film is both a heartbreaking and heartwarming look at modern love, and it resonates with anyone who has experienced the complexities of relationships, whether through marriage, friendship, or family.
“Marriage Story” garnered widespread acclaim and solidified Netflix’s reputation for producing high-quality drama films that could stand toe-to-toe with traditional theatrical releases. Its success at award shows also highlighted the platform’s growing influence in Hollywood.
5. Extraction (2020)
Director: Sam Hargrave
Genre: Action/Thriller
Cultural Impact: Netflix’s most-watched original film upon release, with 99 million views in the first four weeks
“Extraction” took the world by storm with its adrenaline-pumping action sequences and intense storyline. Starring Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake, a mercenary tasked with rescuing the kidnapped son of an international crime lord, the film is a non-stop thrill ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The movie’s action scenes, particularly a 12-minute continuous-shot sequence, received widespread praise for their technical brilliance and heart-pounding intensity. Sam Hargrave, a stunt coordinator-turned-director, brought a fresh perspective to the genre, making “Extraction” one of the most exhilarating action films on Netflix.
While the plot of “Extraction” is straightforward, it’s the execution that elevates it. Hemsworth’s charismatic performance and the high-octane action make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The film’s gritty, realistic portrayal of combat, combined with the emotional stakes, set it apart from other action films in recent memory.
“Extraction” was a massive hit for Netflix, becoming its most-watched original film within weeks of release. Its success spurred talks of a sequel, with fans eager to see more of Tyler Rake’s daring adventures.
