The best Idris Elba films now streaming on Netflix

If you are an avid western aficionado and are brooding over not being able to witness another masterpiece like The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, fret not! Netflix has an upcoming western entitled The Harder They Fall that seems to be promising with a strong ensemble, stellar narrative and just the suave, stylised charm that we need, that will release on the streamer tomorrow. 

Directed by Jaymes Samuel, starring Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors, Delroy Lindo and Lakeith Stanfield, the film will essentially see an outlaw trying to exact revenge against his enemy after being released from prison. With formidable characters and beautiful imagery galore, the trailer looks promising and the film makes its debut on the streamer today. 

Idris Elba, with his smouldering looks, suave charm and wonderful acting prowess, albeit a bad music taste, will take the centre stage in the film and we cannot wait to watch him in action. Having cemented his legacy in the film industry as one of the brightest leading actors, he, however, does not have too many films streaming on Netflix. 

Ahead of the release of The Harder They Fall, here are the Idris Elba films available for streaming on Netflix: 

The best Idris Elba films now streaming on Netflix 

The Dark Tower (Nikolaj Arcel, 2017)

A young boy is plagued by the terrifying visions of a male sorcerer who dominates his night terrors. He is soon thrown into this alternative reality via a magical portal along with his guardian to dissuade this warlock from bringing his plans to fruition. 

Starring Idris Elba, Tom Taylor and Matthew McConaughey, the film is a good fantasy watch but quite lifeless since it tries to incorporate a lot of elements from many books into one single film. It is the dynamic between Elba and McConaughey and the former’s brilliant capacity to hold it all together that adds a sense of charm to the film. 

Available: All regions 

Concrete Cowboy (Ricky Staub, 2020)

Based on Staub and Dan Walser’s screenplay, this 2020 piece of cinema revolves around the events after 15-year-old Detroit teen Cole goes to live with his estranged father Harp in North Philadelphia. There, he comes to terms with the cowboy subculture. Furthermore, he learns more about the abject poverty, violence, gentrification and oppression that has torn through the neighbourhood.

Starring Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin in distinguished roles, it is a good precursor to watching Elba in action yet again. Well-stylised and nuanced, the narrative reeks of hope, loyalty and love amidst raging violence that threatens to destabilise delicate relations. 

Available: All regions 

Beasts of No Nation (Cary Joji Fukunaga, 2015)

Beasts of No Nation is violent and tragic. The film chronicles the untimely loss of innocence amidst an African civil war where a young boy, separated from his family, is forced and manipulated into joining as a child-soldier for a guerrilla army where he is trained by a ruthless warlord.

Starring Abraham Attah and Idris Elba, the film paints the realistic and poignant picture of the kind of life these child soldiers are subjected to amidst the atrocities of war where rape, abuse, violence and other unthinkable acts are rampant. Powerful and moving, Fukunaga does complete justice to Uzodinma Iweala’s novel, by delivering a scathing, well-crafted masterpiece that is complemented by brilliant visuals and stunning performances.

Available: All regions