19 May 2023 , 10:00
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Netflix, like any streaming platform, certainly has its work cut out when it comes to keeping audiences happy.
And when it gets it wrong, it really gets it wrong, with an embarrassing array of original stinkers including Adam Sandler calamity The Do-Over and the notoriously awful The Last Days of American Crime.
But when the platform gets it right, well, it really gets it right. Netflix's impressive arsenal includes one of the greatest war movies ever made, a bona fide Christmas classic and a Scorsese-led masterpiece. Not bad going, hey?
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So without further ado, here are six of the very best movies - counting up in order of awesome IMDB scores - that Netflix has made since it started producing totally original projects.
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6. Roma
Roma tells the tale of Cleo, a housekeeper who helps Antonio and Sofía take care of their four children in 1970s Mexico City. But things get complicated when Cleo gets pregnant.
And when Sofía decides to take the kids on holiday, she invites Cleo along for a much-needed getaway to clear her mind and bond with the family. What the film may lack in actual plot, it more than makes up for in character and imagery. Roma also scooped three Oscars for Best Cinematography, Best Foreign Language Film and Best Director.
IMDB user rachelsilzle posted: "The story isn't a grandiose adventure, but there's so much going on under the surface. You become attached to Cleo until everything she goes through becomes your own emotional burden. The story is slow paced, but very interesting the more you pay attention.
"I think this is a great film with beautiful cinematography and an emotional story".
IMDB: 7.7
5. Trial of the Chicago 7
This intriguing legal drama is based on the infamous 1969 trial of seven people in the dock for various charges related to the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The court case captivated the US and sparked a long overdue conversation about mayhem intended to undermine the government.
Starring Eddie Redmayne and Sacha Baron Cohen, the film was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
With its snappy dialogue and frequently hilarious scenes, The Trial of the Chicago 7 has proved very popular on Netflix, with IMDB user potassiumman describing it as 'gripping, frightening and instructive in today's world, it is not to be missed. Highly recommended to all'.
IMDB: 7.7
The Irishman is a masterclass in refined storytelling. (Irish Mirror)4. The Irishman
Martin Scorsese's eagerly anticipated The Irishman certainly didn't disappoint - with its colossal three-and-a-half hour runtime really absorbing you into the story, creating a strong bond with its cast of disparate characters.
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The film tells the life story of Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), from Second World War veteran to hit-man for the Bufalino crime family and his alleged assassination of his close friend Jimmy Hoffa.
Raising all kinds of questions about violence, morality, and identity, The Irishman is true pot-boiler that slowly builds to a crushing climax. Some iffy de-aging CGI aside, this is a film not to be missed.
Also stars Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and Harvey Keitel.
IMDB user bartonmvl posted: "An amazing direction, a great script, and memorable performances are enough to make this film a masterpiece."
While edwardsd said that 'only a handful of directors could have pulled this off'.
"An absolute pleasure to see these veteran actors in genuine, vital and full-on roles. Watch it and enjoy the familiarity of a Scorsese film and the absolute powerhouse performances from Pacino, Pesci and De Niro."
IMDB: 7.8
3. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
This gripping First World War drama follows the life of idealistic young German soldier Paul Bäumer.
After enlisting in the army, it isn't long before he finds himself face to face with the grim realities of war, obliterating his early hopes of becoming a hero as survival becomes the number one priority.
Widely considered as one of the greatest war films ever made, All Quiet on the Western Front pulls no punches in its unflinching portrayal of bloody warfare. This gut-wrenching classic is intense and frightening, so not recommended for the faint-hearted.
IMDB user Lomax343 was keen to praise the movie's chilling realism.
They posted: "The battle scenes are appallingly visceral - possibly the best of their type since the opening of Saving Private Ryan. The history of any war is written by the winners, but that doesn't stop them being a tragedy for the poor grunts on the losing side as well."
IMDB: 7.8
2. Marriage Story (2019)
Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver star as a warring couple struggling to navigate their way through a gruelling coast-to-coast divorce. Uncompromising and stark, the source material really pushes the two leads into far-reaching performances which are utterly believable.
This incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together is definitely one not to miss. IMDB user Planktonrules described the movie as 'incredibly depressing' but lauded its performances and impressive level of realism.
They wrote: " Like real life, neither character is totally bad and you understand both of their positions during the divorce.
"But it is also very ugly and awful to see what happens when lawyers get involved. Instead of the amicable divorce they both originally agreed to, it soon becomes ugly.
"(Marriage Story) is realistic and heart-wrenching to watch".
IMDB: 7.9
The heartwarming Klaus has already become a Christmas classic. (Netflix)1. Klaus (2019)
While of course absolutely nobody is feeling festive right now, this doesn't stop seasonal favourite Klaus from being the highest rated Netflix Original on IMDB.
When the community of Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud that'll warm the cockles of even the most hardened heart.
This refreshingly new take on the man in the red suit is utterly spellbinding, thanks in part to its talented voice cast led by Jason Schwartzman, J.K Simmons and Rashida Jones.
With a charming hand-drawn style - and proudly shying away from photorealistic CGI trickery - Klaus is a real old-school production that'll delight any audience.
IMDB user cricketbat says the film 'really stands out in a sea of generic Christmas movies'.
They posted: "Klaus is an amusing new twist on a very old story. It's a heart-warming tale with an uplifting message about kindness, featuring beautifully unique animation, interesting characters, and a clever plot.
"In the sea of generic Christmas movies that get churned out each holiday season, Klaus stands out because it tried something different and it succeeded."
IMDB: 8.2
Brief history of Netflix
Netflix launched in 1997 as an alternative to video rental stores. In a unique move for the times, it allowed customers to rent DVDs and have them sent to their homes.
The very first posted DVD was a copy of Tim Burton’s 1988 classic horror comedy Beetlejuice, starring Micheal Keaton.
Netflix quickly became a huge success and it wasn't long before traditional bricks and mortar video chains such as Blockbuster were on the ropes.
The pioneer launched its streaming service in 2007 and is now a global phenomenon with more than 232 million subscribers across the globe.
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