The five ‘quietly iconic’ movies on Netflix that everyone forgets
Not every iconic film comes wrapped in awards or meme-worthy dialogue. Some simply exist in their own quiet brilliance, making you feel something and then vanishing into the Netflix abyss. These are the movies you might have skipped because no one was shouting about them. But once you watch, they quietly stay with you.
We are all familiar with the usual suspects when it comes to great cinema. Titles that trend, get dissected on YouTube, or make their way into listicles every six months. But there is something oddly powerful about films that never chase your attention yet somehow earn your affection. They do not scream for your love; they simply deserve it.
These movies often come with deeply human moments, flawed characters, and stories that unfold slowly. They are the kind of movies you stumble upon late at night and then think about for weeks. There are no over-the-top finales or grand philosophical statements, just good storytelling and memorable performances.
So, here is your sign to stop scrolling past them. These five picks might not be loud, but they are unforgettable in their own way. And the best part? They are all streaming on Netflix.
Five quietly iconic movies on Netflix:
1. Blue Jay (Alexandre Lehmann, 2016)
Two former high school sweethearts unexpectedly reunite in their hometown, and what starts as a simple coffee catch-up spirals into a deeply emotional day of reckoning, nostalgia, and unresolved love.
What makes Blue Jay work is its simplicity. Shot in black and white, it lets the raw performances do the heavy lifting. Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson feel so real that you forget they are acting. The film does not need anything big to move you. It just reminds you how powerful a conversation can be when feelings are still lurking under the surface, even after the years have changed seasons.
2. Shirkers (Sandi Tan, 2018)
This is not your usual documentary. Shirkers tells the story of a group of teenagers in 1990s Singapore who made a revolutionary indie film only to have it stolen by their mysterious mentor and never see it again, until years later.
The film is a dreamy, haunting love letter to lost creativity and what it means to reclaim your voice. Director Sandi Tan takes something deeply personal and transforms it into a universal story of betrayal, nostalgia, and coming of age. It is about art, memory, and the strange people who leave their mark on us.
3. Good Time (Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, 2017)
A gritty, neon-soaked crime thriller that follows a man, played by Robert Pattinson, trying to free his brother after a botched bank robbery. The story unfolds over one chaotic night in New York.
This film is anxiety in motion and in the best way possible. Pattinson completely disappears into the role, proving he is more than just a pretty face from blockbuster franchises. The Safdie brothers’ direction is relentless, the editing is tight, and the energy is unfiltered. It is a ride you will not forget, even if you are gripping your seat the entire time.
4. Calibre (Matt Palmer, 2018)
Two friends head to the Scottish Highlands for a weekend hunting trip. What starts off as a casual getaway quickly turns into a harrowing nightmare after a tragic mistake changes everything.
Calibre is tense, grounded, and morally complex. It does not rely on gore or jump scares. Instead, it puts you in the middle of a situation that feels too real. You are forced to ask yourself, “What would I do?” It is the kind of thriller that hits you in the gut slowly and steadily.
5. The Meyerowitz Stories (Noah Baumbach, 2017)
This one revolves around three adult siblings dealing with the long shadow of their father, a once-promising artist, played by Dustin Hoffman. The film is part family drama, part character study, and fully heartfelt.
Noah Baumbach has a knack for portraying dysfunction without making it melodramatic. With standout performances from Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, and Emma Thompson, The Meyerowitz Stories is a beautiful mess of family tension, resentment, and accidental love. It is sharp, funny, and at times uncomfortably honest.