As a long time movie fanatic, it's easy for me to say that I know all the great films ever created without trying to sound condescending. While everyone shares different tastes in different genres, there are some films that just seem to win over everyone's interest.
Unfortunately, Netflix does not carry every movie ever made but I think it's safe to assume that it is the most popularized accessible binge-watching platform of our generation.
As Netflix continues to create new and increasingly known original films such as "To All the Boys I've Loved," "When Extremely Wicked and Shockingly Vile," "Birdbox," and so many more, none of those make this list. Sadly, Netflix's attempt to produce good movies to compete with traditional studio films is irrelevant in comparison to the classics Hollywood has continued to gift us with over the past 80 years.
So without further ado, here are the best five movies on Netflix that will not disappoint.
5. "Good Will Hunting"
The film where A-list stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck rose to fame in this dramatic story centers about a kid from the projects of Boston who is pretty much destined for a life of construction but is given the guidance to turn his life around. Matt Damon plays Will who is pretty much a mathematical genius who catches the attention of an MIT professor who he tries to mentor Will. Unfortunately, the fact that Will had a hard childhood and basically no family has a lot of emotional distress which is aided with the help of a loveable therapist, played by Robin Williams. The film is an underdog story and very relatable to all as the audience feels the struggles and pain that Matt Damon portrays so fantastically.
4. "The 40-Year-Old Virgin"
"The 40-Year-Old Virgin" was the start for so many comedic blockbusters for Judd Apatow (the director). The film stars comedic legends Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, Steve Carell, Leslie Mann, and Romany Malco. Its hilarity will not disappoint. The story centers around the protagonist, Andy played by Steve Carell, who is 40 years old and is in fact still a virgin. His friends at a Best-Buy-like department store try to help him man-up and lose his virginity. Andy's awkwardness and obvious nerdiness undeniably make the film.
3. "Black Panther"
Marvel never seems to disappoint its fans with any of its productions but Black Panther especially won the affection of the most unlikeliness of crowds. Usually, the Academy Awards are set aside for serious acting in dramas or biographies but this past year Black Panther was nominated for quite a few Oscars including Best Picture. That in itself is enough to tell you that Black Panther is worth the watch.
2. "The Silence of the Lambs"
"Silence of the Lambs" is without a doubt a classic. The incredible acting by Anthony Hopkins who won an Oscar for his role while being on screen for less than 20 minutes is extraordinary. The film centers around Jodie Foster who plays an FBI agent fresh out of school on the hunt for a serial killer. She is told to use Hannibal Lecter (played by Anthony Hopkins), an imprisoned killer, to analyze what he might know about on the loose serial killer, "Buffalo Bill." While at times it is gruesome, it's a thriller that has its shocks and plot twists that will leave you jaw-dropped and probably afraid to sleep that night.
1. "The Dark Knight"
"The Dark Knight" is easily one of the greatest films of all time and since it's on Netflix, it couldn't not be this list's number-one pick. Director and writer, Christopher Nolan is an absolute genius. The film centers around the vigilante Bruce Wayne who disguises himself as Batman to protect the city of Gotham from criminals and murderers. While the plot sounds quite tacky, the production is done beautifully. There are so many plot-twists surrounding all characters including Batman, the Joker, Bruce's love interest, Rachel, and Gotham's D.A., Harvey. "The Dark Knight" is a sure-fire amazing film that will have you already clicking to its sequal, "The Dark Knight Rises." While "The Dark Knight" is a sequel to "Batman Begins," you do not have to see the first one to see "The Dark Knight."
