Five essential critically acclaimed films to binge on Netflix

Netflix may not always dole out the highest quality content, but what it does well is offer variety, even within similar genres. So, this weekend, if you are in the mood for critically acclaimed, well-made films instead of mindless binges, our list will have you sorted.

The latest murder mystery from the house of Netflix, Homi Adajania’s Murder Mubarak, may have failed to impress, but fear not, as we have another Indian offering in the same genre that is vastly superior in quality and fun, Monica, O My Darling.

This curated list of essential critically acclaimed films also includes The Talented Mr. Ripley. With the anticipation building for the Netflix adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel—Ripley starring Andrew Scott, this is the perfect time to revisit the five-time Academy Award-nominated OG adaptation.

These films promise to captivate, provoke, and tantalise. So grab your popcorn and settle into your favourite spot on the couch this weekend to immerse yourself in the magic of cinema from the comfort of your home.

Five essential critically acclaimed films to binge on Netflix:

Parasite (2019)

Directed by Bong Joon-ho, who co-wrote with Han Jin-won, this class satire won the Palme d’Or as well as the Best Picture Oscar, becoming the first Korean film to do so.

A masterpiece in its own right, Parasite follows the impoverished Kim family as they infiltrate the affluent household of the Park family through a series of deceitful schemes. Blurring the lines between social satire and suspenseful thriller, Bong Joon-ho’s film explores themes of class divide with razor-sharp precision, culminating in an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, this sci-fi family drama about generational healing and trauma stars Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

A mind-bending odyssey through the multiverse, Everything Everywhere All at Once follows a harried immigrant mother, about to lose her family laundromat, who discovers she is connected to multiple parallel universes. As she navigates her newfound abilities while facing existential threats, she must confront her many multiversal selves in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant journey unlike anything seen before.

Monica, O My Darling (2022)

Directed by Vasan Bala, this is the murder mystery to watch on Netflix if you were disappointed with Murder Mubarak.

Starring Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi, and Radhika Apte, Monica, O My Darling is adapted from the 1989 Japanese novel Burutasu No Shinzou by Keigo Higashino. This neo-noir dark comedy crime thriller revolves around a tangled web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. Plus, there’s the homage to the iconic Hindi song, ‘Piya Tu Ab To Aja’ (translation: Come to me now, my love).

The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)

Written and directed by Anthony Minghella, this adaptation starred some of the biggest Hollywood heavyweights of the time. From Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jude Law to Cate Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman

Based on Patricia Highsmith’s acclaimed novel, The Talented Mr Ripley is a psychological thriller that follows the charming yet manipulative Tom Ripley as he worms his way into the glamorous world of Dickie Greenleaf, assuming his identity and spiralling into a web of deception and murder. With mesmerising performances and lush cinematography, Anthony Minghella’s adaptation remains a timeless classic.

Super Deluxe (2019)

Directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja, this genre-bending drama is co-written by Kumararaja, Nalan Kumarasamy, Mysskin, and Neelan K. Sekar.

Starring Vijay Sethupathi, Fahadh Faasil, and Ramya Krishnan, among others, Super Deluxe is a kaleidoscopic tapestry of interconnected stories. It weaves together tales of love, redemption, and existential crisis against the backdrop of contemporary Chennai. With its audacious storytelling and bold narrative experimentation, Kumararaja’s film pushes the boundaries of Indian cinema, delivering a transcendent cinematic experience that makes it a must-watch.