The five best movies to watch on Netflix this weekend
The weekend is here, and that means it is time to settle in with a film that is worth your evening. Netflix might make it easy to stream, but it also makes it hard to choose. With so many titles competing for your attention, it is easy to spend more time browsing than actually watching.
Instead of going through the same routine, why not skip straight to the good stuff? This list is all about quality films that might not be trending but are still highly rated and deeply satisfying. These are the kind of stories that stay with you, whether they make you laugh or keep you on edge.
What makes this list stand out is the variety. You will find everything here: animated adventure, tense mystery, poetic drama, slow-burning Western, and even a horror with depth. Each one offers something different, but all share the same strength: great storytelling.
So, if you are looking for something fresh to stream, here are the five best movies to watch on Netflix this weekend.
The five best movies to watch on Netflix:
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (Mike Rianda, 2021)
This animated gem bursts with colour and humour. It follows the Mitchell family as they set off on a cross-country road trip, only to find themselves at the centre of a robot uprising. The wild visuals and creative action scenes make it a joy to watch, whether you are with family or watching solo. Beneath all the mess is a touching story about connection and acceptance. The best part is that it lands just as powerfully as the comedy.
What makes it one of Netflix’s best is how it balances fun with meaning. It never talks down to its audience, instead trusting them to follow along with both the silly moments and the heartfelt ones. The result is a film that is as inventive as it is emotional, perfect for when you want to end the week on a high note.
It’s What’s Inside (Greg Jardin, 2024)
A pre-wedding reunion becomes the setting for a night of twists in this smart, dark comedy-thriller. Friends gather in one house, but as the evening goes on, secrets are revealed and alliances are shifted. This leads to the rise in tensions. The sharp dialogue and unpredictable turns keep the story moving, and the mix of humour and drama makes it easy to watch while still keeping you engaged.
Netflix does well to offer a film like this one that feels fresh and self-contained. At under two hours, it is a tight, satisfying watch that makes the most of its limited setting. The fun comes not just from the plot twists but from the way the characters react to each other. This gives the film a human edge beneath the suspense.
Slow West (John Maclean, 2015)
This Western trades shootouts for atmosphere, and the result is unforgettable. Michael Fassbender plays a mysterious traveller who joins a young man on a journey across 19th-century America. The film takes its time, letting the tension and beauty of the landscape build the mood. When the action does come, it hits harder because of the slow burn.
Netflix’s library is full of big, loud Westerns, but Slow West stands apart for its restraint and style. It is a story about survival and the price of chasing your goals. It is ideal for when you want something that draws you in rather than overwhelms you.
Happy as Lazzaro (Alice Rohrwacher, 2018)
This Italian drama moves at its own pace, drawing you into the life of Lazzaro. He is a kind-hearted young man living in a small rural village. At first, it feels like a slice-of-life story, but it slowly shifts into something dreamlike and surreal. The transitions are subtle, making each change in the story feel magical and strange in equal measure.
Netflix gives global audiences a chance to see a film that might otherwise go unnoticed. It is rich in atmosphere and emotion, and it rewards patience with scenes that linger in your mind. If you are in the mood for something thoughtful and beautifully shot, this is a perfect choice.
Under the Shadow (Babak Anvari, 2016)
Ever thought of a genre where political drama is blended with horror? Well, Netflix has got that covered too, with Under the Shadow. Set in Tehran during the 1980s, this film is the story of A mother and daughter who are trapped in their apartment during the Iran-Iraq war. Strange happenings begin to suggest a supernatural presence in their apartment. The confined setting and slow build make every small scare feel sharper.
What makes it stand out on Netflix is its mix of genres. It is as much about fear of the outside world as it is about the supernatural, and it uses its setting to great effect. The scares are meaningful, the characters feel real, and the atmosphere stays with you long after the credits roll.