In the early days of streaming, viewers exclusively watched licensed content, movies, and shows that had been produced by a studio and licensed to stream on a platform. However, that is no longer the case. Over the last several years, platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ have spent billions of dollars to produce their own quality content for subscribers to enjoy.
This focus on original streaming content has led to the creation of outstanding movies from some of the biggest and most talented filmmakers in the industry. These films have enjoyed great reception from audiences, been nominated for awards, and even achieved the coveted status of Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Roma (95%)
Set in Mexico City in the 1970s, Roma centers around a live-in maid and the family that employs her. Director Alfonso Cuarón drew on his real-life experience to capture an intimate look at life during this pivotal time in Mexico's history.
The Netflix original film was a critical darling and earned 10 Oscar nominations at the 91st Academy Awards. Beautifully shot in black and white, Cuarón won the Oscar for "Best Cinematography" as well as "Best Director." Roma also became the first film from Mexico to ever win "Best Foreign Language Film,"
The Irishman (95%)
With a reported budget of $160 million, The Irishman is one of the most ambitious films Netflix has made to date. The Irishman saw director Martin Scorsese assemble an all-star cast that includes Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, and many others.
The film used advanced de-aging digital technology to allow the legendary actors to play their characters across multiple decades in this sprawling crime epic. The movie was praised by critics and the film earned 10 Oscar nominations.
To All The Boys I've Loved Before (96%)
Based on a novel by Jenny Han, To All the Boys I've Loved Before is a coming of age romantic comedy that follows teenager Lara Jean, who finds herself trapped in a bit of drama after she discovers the private letters she wrote to her past crushes have accidentally been mailed out.
The Netflix film was an instant hit with both critics and audiences thanks to the great performances from the cast. The success of To All the Boys I've Loved Before helped launch the careers of young actors Lana Condor and Noah Centineo and prompted Netflix to produce two sequels.
The Half Of It (97%)
The Half of It is a coming-of-age dramatic comedy from Netflix. In a modern spin on the classic story of Cyrano de Bergerac, high schooler Ellie Chu agrees to help Paul win over his crush Aster by writing love letters to her on his behalf. However, unbeknownst to Paul, Ellie is also in love with Aster.
The Half of It is a smart, original, and funny film that brings a fresh perspective to a familiar story. In addition to the typical coming of age topics, The Half of It addresses race, religion, and sexuality in a smart and responsible manner too.
Dolemite Is My Name (97%)
Netflix's Dolemite is My Name is a comedic biopic based on the life of comedian Rudy Ray Moore. The movie follows Rudy Ray Moore, played by Eddie Murphy, and the journey he takes to becoming a Blaxploitation legend, thanks to the success of his Dolemite character.
The movie is filled with tremendous performances, led by Eddie Murphy and Keegan Michael-Key. In addition to being hilarious, Dolemite is My Name is also an inspirational film that inspires viewers to pursue their own dreams, regardless of the obstacles.
Blow The Man Down (98%)
The Amazon Prime Video original film, Blow the Man Down, is a dark comedy crime thriller that follows the Connolly sisters who, after killing a man in self-defense, find themselves wrapped up in a complicated situation.
The movie is a smart and original story, full of twists and turns. It is a unique film that benefits from strong performances from its cast and a script that perfectly balances humor with suspense and intrigue.
The 40-Year-Old Version (98%)
The Netflix movie, The 40-Year-Old Version, is Radha Blank's semi-autobiographical, comedic account of reinvention and self-discovery. She wrote, directed, produced, and starred in this film that tells the story of a playwright and teacher, who re-evaluates her life as she approaches her 40th birthday and decides to pursue a career as a rapper.
The movie is relatable, inspirational, funny, and sincere. Because the movie was inspired by Radha Blank's real life, it is able to capture an authentic and believable feel. The breakout success of The 40-Year-Old Version has made Radha Blank a filmmaker to watch in the future.
Hamilton (98%)
Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton took Broadway by storm when it debuted in 2015. While it became a pop culture phenomenon, by nature of being a play, only a limited number of people were able to actually see it. Because of this, fans were thrilled to learn that Disney acquired the rights to a fully filmed and edited performance of the historical musical, featuring the original cast.
The end result is a unique film that offers a one-of-a-kind viewing experience while making Hamilton available to a mass audience. The Disney+ movie was an immediate hit with audiences and fans, earning a Golden Globe nomination for "Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy."
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (98%)
Based on a play by August Wilson, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a musical drama about a rocky recording session in 1920s Chicago, involving a famous blues singer and her band. With its use of long monologues, this Netflix film is a showcase for its two lead acting performances from Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman.
Sadly, Chadwick Boseman passed away before the film's release. The film is a demonstration of the late actor's great talent and range. Both Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis earned Oscar nominations for their performances in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
His House (100%)
The Netflix movie His House is a horror-thriller that tells the story of a Sudanese refugee couple that moves to England in search of a better life, only to discover that their government-assigned house is haunted by an evil that lurks beneath the surface.
Like many great horror films, His House skillfully uses horror as a metaphor for a deeper societal issue. In this case, the movie uses the supernatural imagery as an illustration for the survivor's guilt and difficulty adjusting to life in a new country that some refugees experience. The movie is smart, thought-provoking, and scary, earning it a perfect 100% on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer.