(Credit: Netflix)

The weekend is about to hit, and you need to brace yourself for the endless scrolling on Netflix that comes with it, only to give up and rewatch the same show again. Yeah, we have all been there. And that’s why we have pulled together something better: five films that actually deserve your weekend attention.

This time, the list isn’t just the usual “top trending” suspects. We have got a mix here that ranges from a wild Eddie Murphy comeback to a dreamy documentary. Basically, no matter what mood you are in, something here will hit the spot.

What makes these picks special is that they are more than just entertaining. Some of these will stick with you afterwards. They have got energy, personality, or that perfect mix of fun and thoughtfulness that makes you want to text a friend right after and say, “Okay, you have to watch this too.”

So grab your snacks, cancel those fake plans you made to “be productive”, and line these up. Your weekend is officially sorted.

The five best movies to watch on Netflix

Dolemite Is My Name (Craig Brewer, 2019)

Dolemite Is My Name is one of those wondrous movies that feel like a gift from Netflix. With Eddie Murphy playing Rudy Ray Moore, you know you are in for some fun and it delivers on all counts. A true story based on comedian Moore and his outrageous stage persona’s journey into becoming a movie star. The film is hilarious and unapologetically bold. However, it’s not just a biopic. It is also about the grind of making your own space when Hollywood doesn’t give you one.

Murphy shines here, delivering one of his best performances in years. The film has that infectious “anything is possible” vibe, with a killer supporting cast including Wesley Snipes. It is not just a fun story; it is inspiring. If you are long overdue for the reminder of why creativity is necessary, this is a perfect pick.

Shirkers (Sandi Tan, 2018)

Shirkers is not your typical documentary. It tells the story of a group of teenagers in Singapore in the 1990s who shot a groundbreaking indie film… only to have it stolen by their mentor. And if this one-line synopsis has enraged you enough, think what the film can do.

What follows in the film is part mystery, part memory, and part love letter to the idea of making art before you even know what you are doing. Director Sandi Tan takes us through the lost footage and her own reflections, and it feels like stepping into someone else’s dream. If you have ever been obsessed with movies, or even just the idea of capturing something fleeting, Shirkers is the film for you.

Spotlight (Tom McCarthy, 2015)

If you want something more serious this weekend, Spotlight is the perfect pick. An Oscar-winning drama about the Boston Globe journalists who uncovered the Catholic Church abuse scandal. It is riveting, but not in a flashy way. Biographical films are generally very well thought out. The scenes in this one are tense and remind you just how much persistence it takes to dig out the truth.

What makes Spotlight so good is how human it feels. It shows the toll the investigation takes on the reporters. The weight of their discoveries is too much to carry. Later comes the slow, methodical process of piecing it all together. It is one of those rare films that both entertains and informs.

Upgrade (Leigh Whannell, 2018)

Has a dose of sci-fi adrenaline been long overdue for you? Then it’s high time you watched Upgrade. This is a futuristic action thriller with a wicked sense of humour. Being paralysed after a brutal mugging, Grey (Logan Marshall-Green) gets an experimental AI implant that helps him walk and fight again. What follows is part revenge tale, part cautionary tech nightmare, and part gleeful, blood-soaked action ride.

The best thing about Upgrade is how inventive it feels. The action sequences are sharp and creative. The AI-enhanced movements make fight scenes look unlike anything else. It is darkly funny and exactly the kind of movie you put on when you want to be entertained but also a little unsettled.

Focus (Glenn Ficarra & John Requa, 2015)

Finally, if you are in the mood for something slick and stylish, on Netflix, Focus is a great weekend choice. Can you imagine Will Smith playing a seasoned con man who takes a rookie (Margot Robbie) under his wing? The level of awesomeness each scene includes is beyond fine. What follows is a dance of lies, tricks, and undeniable chemistry. It is glossy and fun with the sprinkle of the right amount of twisty.

What makes it work is the charisma between Smith and Robbie. They are electric together, and the makers knew it when they were casting them. Add in exotic locations, clever scams, and a light, breezy tone, and you have got yourself a perfect watch for when you want something entertaining without being too heavy. It is the definition of easy but satisfying Netflix cinema.