(Credit: Jeffrey Hazelwood/PCMag Composite; Netflix)
Netflix is pushing out content faster than anyone can watch it. That means there’s always an abundance of shows and movies that you meant to watch at some point but just never got around to pressing play. Have you even seen the new stuff that appeared last month?
Everyone is watching obvious Netflix original hits like Stranger Things, Bridgerton, The Crown, and Black Mirror. But if you’ve seen them all and are looking to get your money's worth on the video-streaming service, these are my picks for shows and movies you should add to your watchlist immediately.
The One-Offs
These limited-run series wrap things up in a few episodes and won't leave you hanging. Binge them over the weekend if you need a break from chores.
Ripley
For those wondering, yes, this is a remake of The Talented Mr. Ripley. Don't worry if you've seen the movie; this expanded, eight-episode mini-series starring Andrew Scott as the titular grifter is captivating in several ways. The black-and-white cinematography is breathtaking, but the extra time also gives the story a little more room to breathe. It's a must-watch.
Director: Steven Zaillian
Cast: Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime, Drama,
Rating: TV-MA
Released: 2024
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is a unique heist show because its episodes can be watched in any order. Originally, Netflix gave viewers different episode orders. The plot and storyline remained the same, but the order in which you watch it may tweak how you perceive the characters. It’s a decent story with a worthwhile watching experience, and it's been on my mind since it came out.
Directors: Mairzee Almas, Russell Lee Fine, Everardo Gout, Robert Townsend
Cast: Giancarlo Esposito, Rufus Sewell, Paz Vega
Genre: Heist, True Crime, Action, Drama, Thriller
Rating: TV-MA
Released: 2023
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
All the Light We Cannot See
This fictional historical drama is about a blind Parisian girl in a Nazi-occupied town who eventually finds a deep connection with a German orphan forced into the Nazi ranks. Even if you read the book that this limited series is based on, you should still find yourself highly engaged with this small-screen adaptation.
Director: Shawn Levy
Cast: Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann, Lars Eidinger
Genre: Period Drama, War Epic, TV Shows Based on Books
Rating: TV-MA
Released: 2023
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Some Unexpected Gems
These shows and movies might not be your typical genre of choice or even grab you from the trailer, but they're worth your time. Try something new.
A Man on the Inside
This sitcom about a retiree (Ted Danson) going undercover in an old folks home might seem a little hokey, but it has a lot of heart. It’s filled with emotional connections to aging, Alzheimer's, and death. Millennial children should especially connect as it relates to talking to their parents about those tough life events. Get caught up now because season two is on the way.
Directors: Rebecca Asher, Morgan Sackett, Michael Schur, Anu Valia
Cast: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Lilah Richcreek Estrada
Genre: Quirky Comedy, Crime
Rating: TV-14
Released: 2024
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
The Dig
I didn’t expect to be sucked into this movie about a widow who hires a lone excavator to uncover what’s hiding under mounds of dirt on her property in the 1930s, but The Dig does a great job of creating natural tension in several ways. Whether you’re looking for a love story or just a compelling drama, don’t miss this film.
Director: Simon Stone
Cast: Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James
Genre: Period Drama, Biography, History
Rating: PG-13
Released: 2021
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Tires
If you enjoyed the awkwardness of The Office, you’ll probably find the comedy Tires to be an easy binge. The show is set in a tire store in a small town, and it follows employees as they try to navigate selling extra stock.
Director: John McKeever
Cast: Shane Gillis, Steve Gerben, Chris O'Connor
Genre: Comedy
Rating: TV-MA
Released: 2024
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
The Gentlemen
The Gentlemen is an aggressive drama about a family trying to figure out how to take over the family business after their father passes away. The problem is that the family business is drugs, and everyone is surprised. There are plenty of funny moments, but be aware that there’s a bloody undertone throughout that will keep most people on their toes.
Directors: Guy Ritchie, David Caffrey, Eran Creevy, Nima Nourizadeh
Cast: Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings
Genre: Dark Comedy, Action, Crime
Rating: TV-MA
Released: 2024
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Covert Ops for Those Feeling Sneaky
There are a lot of shows and movies to sort through for people interested in spies, double agents, and covert operations. Here are three with strong storylines among the throngs of choices.
The Diplomat
In this series, Keri Russell is the new US ambassador to the United Kingdom. She didn't really want the job, and her husband—a former ambassador himself—isn't making things any easier. There’s espionage, action, and a lot of negotiating.
Directors: Alex Graves, Andrew Bernstein, Simon Cellan Jones, Liza Johnson, Tucker Gates
Cast: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi
Genre: Political Drama, Thriller
Rating: TV-MA
Released: 2023
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Black Doves
In Black Doves, Keira Knightley is not only the wife of a high-ranking politician, but she’s also an undercover spy who is tangled in a fresh case concerning several recent deaths of other agents. This thriller might scratch the itch of people who enjoy Apple TV+’s Slow Horses.
Directors: Alex Gabassi, Lisa Gunning
Cast: Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire
Genre: Spy, Whodunit, Action, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Rating: TV-MA
Released: 2024
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Treason
This short, limited series jams a lot of twists and turns into five episodes. It centers around an MI6 agent who has to make some tough decisions, ultimately for the greater good of his country.
Director: Louise Hooper, Sarah O’Gorman
Cast: Olga Kurylenko, Oona Chaplin, Ciarán Hinds
Genre: Spy, Action, Drama, Thriller
Rating: TV-MA
Released: 2022
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Animate Your World a Little More
No matter your age, a good animated movie is still a good movie. But if you do have kids, they should enjoy these immensely.
Mary and the Witch's Flower
For anyone in need of a Studio Ghibli-like movie, Mary and the Witch’s Flower should do the trick. The art style should look familiar, and the story should remind you of other classic, low-stakes movies like Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Cast: Hana Sugisaki, Ryûnosuke Kamiki, Yûki Amami
Genre: Anime, Shojo, Adventure, Animation, Family, Fantasy
Rating: PG
Released: 2017
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
The Imaginary
The Imaginary is a fantastical story of having an imaginary friend and some of the trials they go through when you’re not around to protect them. For fans of the movie IF, this one explores another side of the imaginary world.
Director: Yoshiyuki Momose
Cast: Kokoro Terada, Rio Suzuki, Sakura Andô
Genre: Anime, Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Rating: PG
Released: 2024
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Over the Moon
The idea of a little girl building a rocket ship to reach the moon is far-fetched, but Over the Moon is a story more about determination and hope than it is about being grounded in reality. This is a movie for all the dreamers.
Directors: Glen Keane, John Kahrs
Cast: Glen Keane, Brycen Hall, Ruthie Ann Miles
Genre: Supernatural Fantasy, Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Rating: PG
Released: 2020
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Some Wildcard Movie Options
You win some and you lose some. These aren't perfect movies, but you should come away entertained, regardless of whether it's your kind of film or not.
Carry-On
If you squint, you can see how Carry-On wants to be a new Die Hard franchise—Christmastime setting and all. It certainly isn’t off to that same strong start, but this airport thriller has a fast enough pace that it’s easy to get sucked in right from the beginning.
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Cast: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson
Genre: Conspiracy Thriller, Action, Crime, Holiday
Rating: PG-13
Released: 2024
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Rebecca
What seems like a semi-typical love story at the outset quickly turns into something more haunting. While this drama has some thrilling elements, it never falls into the horror category, so jumpy viewers have nothing to worry about.
Director: Ben Wheatley
Cast: Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas
Genre: Dark Romance, Psychological Thriller, Drama, Mystery
Rating: PG-13
Released: 2020
IMDb Rating: 6/10
The Trial of the Chicago 7
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is an Oscar-nominated courtroom drama based on the true story of a protest against the Vietnam War. The cast is star-studded and, as you would expect from director Aaron Sorkin, it’s quick-witted and sharp from start to finish.
Director: Aaron Sorkin
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Sacha Baron Cohen
Genre: Docudrama, Legal Drama, Political, History
Rating: R
Released: 2020
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10