While most subscribers love using Netflix to try and binge through some of their favorite and most addictive TV shows, something similar can be done with movies. Instead of watching a one-off film to kill some time, you can start an entire movie franchise on the streaming service.
Of course, some licensing deals make this difficult as one or two installments might not be available. For example, Netflix has Batman Begins and The Dark Knight but the third entry isn't currently available, which can be annoying to run into. Thankfully, there are some full franchises (or close to it) that are available that you might've overlooked.
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (2009-2013)
Based on a children's novel of the same name, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was an instant hit for Sony Animation with families everywhere in 2009. The animation style was visually impressive and the voice cast was loaded with talents like Bill Hader, Anna Faris, and even Mr. T.
The first film was well-received and did well enough to spawn a sequel a few years later, which also was appreciated by critics and audiences. Both installments can be streamed on Netflix right now but that's not all. There is also a 2017 TV series available, though none of the original voice cast returns. Still, it's a fun way to continue living in that world.
Modern Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003-2022)
The original Texas Chain Saw Massacre is considered a horror classic and many hold it up as one of the greatest movies ever made. Unfortunately, most of the sequels that followed were panned by critics and audiences, yet they still kept coming. After the absurd fourth slasher entry starring Matthew McConaughey and Renée Zellweger in 1995, the films were gone for nearly a decade.
They returned in 2003 with a very good remake starring Jessica Biel. All but one release since then is currently available on Netflix including the 2006 prequel, the 3D iteration from 2013, and the 2022 Netflix original. All that's missing is 2017's Leatherface, though for fans of slashers, they wouldn't mind missing it as it doesn't have a lot of the kills you expect from it.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997-1998)
Speaking of the slasher genre, there's no doubt that Scream reignited the love for it in 1996. That led to many similar movies arriving soon after, with the most notable being I Know What You Did Last Summer due to the similar premise and young cast of stars including Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Although the film isn't nearly as iconic as Scream, there are still a lot of people who remember it fondly from the late '90s. Sometimes, it even works as a movie to watch simply because of how goofy a lot of it can be. The 1998 follow-up is also on Netflix, though the straight-to-DVD third entry isn't. If you truly are craving more away from Netflix, there is a 2021 series based on it on Amazon Prime.
Creep (2014-2017)
Although it isn't a well-known movie series, Creep is actually one of the most well-received in history. The first movie centers on a man who invites a videographer to his home to record something for his unborn child given that he has an inoperable brain tumor. Alas, that is far from the truth and their time together becomes very uncomfortable.
The sequel changes things up a bit as the man admits the truth about who he is to a new videographer, yet remains just as chilling. Creep 2 actually holds a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Both films are under 90 minutes, making for an easy watch, and a third film is reportedly in development.
Sherlock Holmes (2009-2011)
Everyone knows that Robert Downey Jr. made his comeback and turned his career around thanks to his role in 2008's Iron Man. He'd go on to play the character until 2019 though he will actually be playing Sherlock Holmes for longer (even if it'll be in far fewer films). He nabbed the role in 2009 alongside Jude Law as Watson.
The two were a blast together in Guy Ritchie's 2009 film and the same is true of the 2013 sequel, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Although it has been over a decade since the second entry, a third is on the horizon. Before going to see it, use Netflix (or HBO Max) to watch the first two. People have seemingly forgotten about these movies due to the fantastic Benedict Cumberbatch-led series about the character.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy (1990-1993)
During the late '80s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was one of the most popular animated shows for kids. The call to turn it into a movie seemed obvious but going the live-action route was unexpected. While the films weren't critical darlings, they were box office successes that fans remember fondly.
The original three films from the early '90s are all currently on Netflix, which include memorable things like Vanilla Ice's "Ninja Rap," the appearance of Super Shredder, and so much more. While the Michael Bay films are on other streaming services, Netflix is also home to 2007's TMNT, an underrated animated take featuring the likes of Chris Evans and Patrick Stewart in the voice cast.
Blade Runner (1982-2017)
Technically, the original Blade Runner actually isn't on Netflix right now. However, Blade Runner: The Final Cut is, which many consider a superior version of the first installment. The Ridley Scott film is viewed as a classic that helped influence so many movies in the future.
The cult hit managed to spawn a 2017 sequel, Blade Runner 2049, which was another critical success though it flopped at the box office. That is also available on Netflix, allowing viewers to really get immersed into this world. They can then head over to HBO Max to see the new animated spin-off series.
Shrek (2001-2011)
As noted, it's always frustrating when you're just one or two entries away from finishing a franchise on a single streaming service. Shrek is one of those cases but thankfully, the high points of the series are on Netflix. Shrek and Shrek 2 are animated royalty, grossing huge at the box office and even winning a Best Animated Feature Oscar.
Shrek The Third is unfortunately not available on Netflix right now (it's on HBO Max) but everything else in the franchise is. Shrek Forever After is there, as is the Puss in Boots spin-off. To top it off, Shrek the Musical is also currently on Netflix.
Blade (1998-2004)
Sure the MCU began in 2008, Spider-Man was a massive blockbuster in 2002, and even X-Men was a hit in 2000 but the first true big screen success for Marvel came in 1998 with Blade. Without it being a hit, the future for the company would likely look a lot different. Thankfully, Netflix lets you relive the franchise.
Blade holds up well as a great popcorn flick about a vampire-human hybrid who hunts vampires. The sequel is also a blast, though the CGI looks really rough by today's standards. While Blade: Trinity was certainly the worst received of the three, it's still worth checking out to complete the set.