(Credit: Netflix)

Weekends on Netflix are all about mood. Sometimes you want something that scares you so much it makes you check behind doors before going to bed. Other times, you just want a laugh so big it makes you forget the week even happened. And then there are those nights when you are in the mood for something clever and thrilling.

That’s the fun of scrolling through Netflix. You never quite know what vibe you’ll land on. The good news? You don’t have to scroll for hours, because we have already done the hunting for you for this weekend.

This week’s picks are a mix of everything. There is a dystopian thriller with more twists than you can count, a horror film that plays with your mind, a rom-com that will melt your heart, and a throwback comedy classic to remind you why Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro were comedy gold together.

So grab your snacks, dim the lights (or don’t, depending on how brave you are), and let’s get into five of the best Netflix movies to stream this weekend.

The five best movies to watch on Netflix

What Happened to Monday (Tommy Wirkola, 2017)

Imagine a world so strict about population control that parents are allowed only one child. Now picture seven identical sisters trying to survive under one fake identity. Each one is only allowed outside on her “assigned day”. That’s the setup here, and of course, it all goes south when Monday doesn’t come home. Suddenly, the rest have to hide and look into a conspiracy that’s a lot bigger than they ever imagined.

This is one of those films where you will keep wondering what happens and suddenly see the credits rolling. It has got everything: action, suspense, and the pure fun of watching Noomi Rapace pull off seven totally different personalities without missing a beat. That’s the best part of the film if you think about it. So if you want a weekend movie that feels smart but still popcorn-y, this one’s a wild ride.

Cam (Daniel Goldhaber, 2018)

This movie is about a woman named Alice who thinks she has her online life figured out until her account is taken over by a perfect copy of herself who isn’t actually her. Watching her try to fight back her own face, her own work, and her sanity is quite terrifying and fascinating at the same time. It’s not ghosts or demons this time. It’s technology itself coming for you.

What makes Cam so unsettling is that it’s the kind of horror that doesn’t feel impossible. It’s a twisted film that forces you to think about how much of ourselves we give away to screens every day. But let us remind you that it is not a background-watch kind of film. It needs attention. Turn the lights down, keep your phone close (or maybe not), and let it creep under your skin.

Begin Again (John Carney, 2013)

Gretta, played by Keira Knightley, has just been dumped by her rockstar boyfriend, and she is ready to pack up and call it quits. But then she crosses paths with Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a music producer who sees something magical in her songs. Together, they start recording an album all over New York City. Rooftops, parks, alleys, you name it, and it feels like the city itself is singing along with these two.

This is one of those movies that gives you warmth. It is romantic without being cheesy and emotional without being heavy. And the music? It will stick with you for days. If you are looking for something that’ll leave you smiling and maybe even humming, Begin Again is the perfect weekend pick.

Lights Out (David F. Sandberg, 2016)

At first, it’s just flickers in the dark. Then the shadows start to move. Rebecca and her family quickly realise something, or someone, is haunting them. But most importantly, the catch is chilling: it only shows up when the lights go out. Every lamp switch and every candle snuff feels like a countdown to horror.

Lights Out is short and freaky, but in all the right ways. It doesn’t waste your time with a lazy build-up. It jumps right into the nightmare and never lets go. This is a perfect late-night watch with friends if you want to scream and maybe leave the bedroom light on afterwards.

Meet the Parents (Jay Roach, 2000)

Meet the Parents is a light weekend watch. The film starts with Greg, who just wants to impress his girlfriend’s dad. The problem? Her dad happens to be Jack Byrnes, a retired CIA agent who could intimidate anyone with just a stare. From feeding the family cat to passing a lie detector test, every move Greg makes is a disaster waiting to happen. What’s in it for you? It’s hilarious to watch it all fall apart.

This one’s a throwback movie, as it was released in the year 2000. Ben Stiller’s awkwardness is peak comedy, and Robert De Niro has never been funnier as the world’s scariest father-in-law. It is the kind of movie that’s perfect for when you want something light-hearted and silly.