While Netflix is filled with movies from all sorts of different studios, it has also been working hard to build its own catalog of original movies. While many of these projects come and go without much notice, there have been some very impressive Netflix originals over the years.
Last year's The Power of the Dog was nominated for Best Picture, proven Netflix is a formidable studio with prestige projects. There have also been thrilling action movies with big-name stars, hilarious comedies, and much more. And the fans at Reddit have highlighted some of Netflix's original movies they think are the best.
Okja (2017)
Before making Oscar history with his movie Parasite, Bong Joon-ho deliver the wild and weird adventure movie, Okja. The movie follows a young girl living in a remote village with her beloved, a giant pig-like creature named Okja. But when a corporation steals the animal, she sets out to rescue it.
Joon-ho uses his signature unique tone to create an unpredictable and engrossing story filled with famous faces like Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano, and Jake Gyllenhaal. One Redditor claimed it was Netflix's best movie "by a long shot."
The Meyerowitz Stories (2017)
Writer-director Noah Baumbach went on to create the Oscar-winning Netflix original Marriage Story, but there are some who prefer his previous movie with the studio. The Meyerowitz Story follows a dysfunctional family who reunites in New York City for an event honoring their eccentric father.
With Dustin Hoffman as the family patriarch and Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler as his sons, it is a very fun cast who work wonders with Baumbach's hilarious and dry dialogue. It all comes together for a family story one Redditor deemed "absolutely excellent."
Beasts Of No Nation (2015)
One of the first Netflix original movies to really gain a lot of attention was the intense drama Beasts of No Nation. Inspired by real events, the movie tells the story of a young boy living in an unnamed African country who becomes a child soldier under the command of a brutal leader, played by Idris Elba.
As Redditor ShadowPuppett warned, it is a "very dark" movie that is not easy to watch. But they also found it to be a moving and thought-provoking drama. Elba in particular was praised for his imposing performance.
Dolemite is My Name (2019)
The cult movie favorite Dolemite served as the inspiration for Netflix's comedy Dolemite is My Name. Telling the making-of story behind the classic, it follows Rudy Ray Moore as he assembles a rag-tag group of talent to create a movie based around his popular stand-up comedy character.
The movie is not only a hilarious comedy, but it is also an inspiring underdog story of a man's passion and determination to make his dreams come true. Redditor faxinator also pointed out that "Eddie Murphy seems born to play Rudy Ray Moore."
6 Underground (2019)
The team-up of Michael Bay and Ryan Reynolds was promising enough to interest a lot of fans. 6 Underground starred Reynolds as a millionaire who fakes his own death and assembles a group of mercenaries to carry out world-saving missions.
Reynolds gives his usual comedic action hero performance in the midst of some truly outrageous action sequences. Redditor knigam7437 promised that with Michael Bay directing "you know you’re going to be in for a ride."
Gerald's Game (2017)
Though not the most well-known of Stephen King's works, his short story Gerald's Game provided the perfect template for a small and unsettling horror movie from Mike Flanagan. Carla Gugino stars as a woman whose husband suddenly dies, leaving her handcuffed to the bed and in a fight to survive.
The simple premise allows for a unique and intense thriller that is surprisingly effective. One Redditor found it "truly terrifying", and it will certainly make viewers squirm with certain disturbing sequences.
The King (2019)
The story of King Henry V has been most famously told by William Shakespeare, but the Netflix historical drama The King takes a more literal approach to the story. Timothee Chalamet stars as the young prince who is crowned as King of England and soon finds himself drawn into a war with France.
Featuring epic battle sequences as well as intimate character moments, it is an impressive and cinematic offering from Netflix. It is also anchored by a fine lead performance from Chalamet with Redditor GingerDreddMan admitting the movie "made me appreciate him as an actor."
Klaus (2019)
Though fans might find some of their old holiday favorites on Netflix, the streaming service has its own original Klaus which is quickly being considered a new Christmas classic. In this clever retelling of the story of Santa Claus, a spoiled mailman is sent to a remote and unfriendly community where he partners with a reclusive toymaker to give presents to children.
Redditor iheartsunrise04 declared Klaus "such an underrated movie." But with a unique animation style, a great sense of humor, and a lot of heart, it will no doubt find more and more fans with each holiday season.
The Old Guard (2020)
Even as a streaming service, Netflix has done quite well with delivering big action movies to fans. The Old Guard was certainly one of them, becoming one of the most-watched of their titles. Charlize Theron is in action hero mode as the leader of a band of immortal mercenaries, influencing history throughout centuries.
The fun premise allows for a thrilling and epic action story with some hugely entertaining sequences. Redditor CatOwlBoogaloo found the "action and story are thoroughly enjoyable" and it looks as though it could launch a new franchise for Netflix.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
Oscar-winner Aaron Sorkin assembled a star-studded cast to bring the true story of The Trial of the Chicago 7 to the big screen. It tells the story of a group of anti-war protestors who were put on trial in the 1970s for a demonstration that clashed with police officers.
With a cast that includes Sacha Baron Cohen, Michael Keaton, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to name only a few, and with Sorkin's signature clever dialogue, it makes for a captivating experience. Redditor TheTruckWashChannel called it a "pulsating courtroom drama."