Five underrated Netflix releases of 2025
Every time Netflix fans the flames of what’s to come, the buzz is sure to follow. However, in a select few cases, the clamour is just not enough to ensure they have enough visibility on the platform. Netflix rolled out high-profile projects, whether it’s Adolescence or KPop Demon Hunters. But today, we’re about to talk about some underrated titles that lacked exposure in 2025.
From small-town mysteries to ragtag groups of detectives, Netflix introduced its subscribers to some of the most unforgettable characters in its history. While some of them cosied themselves on Netflix charts, a few others found home on the Billboard ones.
But in the sea of options, a few promising Netflix releases slipped our eye, even though they deserved paramount streaming momentum. By now, you’ve already caught up with projects that were hyped throughout the year.
Now, it’s time to make some time for the five underrated Netflix releases of the year to catch up while you wait for new releases.
Five underrated Netflix releases of the year
Nonnas (Stephen Chbosky, 2025)
Marking Vince Vaughn’s Netflix debut, Nonnas released as a biographical comedy-drama with a star-studded ensemble, from the likes of Lorraine Bracco and Talia Shire to Brenda Vaccaro, and Linda Cardellini. Inspired by the life of Joe Scaravella, the Staten Island restaurant Enoteca Maria, Nonnas revolves around the character’s poignant journey of opening an Italian restaurant with Italian grandmothers as cooks to honour his deceased mother’s legacy.
With a glowing 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this Netflix film is easily one of the most thoughtful releases from the streamer in 2025. Although the viewership statistics aren’t great compared to other movie debuts, it doesn’t mean Nonnas lacks substance. It just means the film deserves a bit more exposure, as it doesn’t fail to tug at our heartstrings anytime soon.
The Survivors (Tony Ayres, 2025)
It’s not easy to grab a pitch-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, the Australian miniseries, The Survivors, is clearly sitting with one, despite the absence of the associated noise it should have arrived with. Based on Jane Harper’s 2020 novel, the Netflix series follows Kieran Elliott from the fictional town of Evelyn Bay, Tasmania, who returns with his family to the island 15 years after the devastating storm, only to discover the past anchoring him and his community after all this time.
The Australian production slate of Netflix has struggled with recognition, as was evident with the quiet cancellation of Territory and the meagre reception of Apple Cider Vinegar. Although The Survivors has had a similar fate with its streaming tenure, with six binge-worthy episodes and a gripping storyline, it easily fits the bill of one of the most underrated Netflix releases of 2025.
Lost in Starlight (Han Ji-won, 2025)
As the first original South Korean animated film on Netflix, Lost in Starlight also falls under the banner of the streamer’s underrated releases of the year. The Netflix film offers a unique blend of sci-fi storytelling with a romantic spin. Lost in Starlight revolves around the love story of two characters, Nan-young and Jay, whose relationship gets tested via the vast distance of space.
From its stunning hand-drawn animation to its groundbreaking grounded romance, the animated film excels in each and every detail. However, despite holding a stellar 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, it never really made the cut for Netflix’s top ten charts.
The Waterfront (Kevin Williamson, 2025)
Netflix has cancelled seven total shows in 2025. But nothing felt as gut-punching as The Waterfront’s surprise axing. The crime drama follows a powerful fishing empire run by the Buckley family in the wake of their financial decline, which embroils them in a dangerous drug ring in a desperate attempt to save their legacy.
Although The Waterfront debuted at number one on Netflix’s weekly streaming charts and retained a five-week tenure, it was one of the recent cancellations by Netflix that left viewers at a loss for words. While it won’t with a second season, those who haven’t caught up with it can still stream the first season on Netflix.
Toxic Town (Jack Thorne, 2025)
Ending the underdog marathon on Netflix, there’s yet another limited series with the perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, the British drama, Toxic Town. The Netflix miniseries is based on the real-life Corby toxic waste scandal, where children were born with deficiencies due to the Corby Borough Council’s negligent management of hazardous toxic waste.
Toxic Town revolves around the story of several mothers on a mission to unravel the truth and hold those accountable for the environmental laxity. While the Netflix show has lacked the visibility its streaming projects are best known for, here’s hoping this highlight helps you decide for yourselves whether they are, after all, worth your time.