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20 Hidden Gems on Netflix Perfect for Your Next Weekend Marathon
Founded in 1997, Netflix has become the go-to streaming service worldwide, displaying movies, series, and original content to millions of people who spend hours hooked to their televisions, computers or smartphone screens. With thousands of film productions in their catalog, it’s likely that you might be missing some hidden gems amid the more popular stories.
Bright Side has found some movies buried deep inside the platform that don’t appear as often on the start menu as they should. We’d like you to give them a chance and enjoy them on your own or with company — and some popcorn, of course.
1. Girl, Interrupted, 1999
The film, which stars Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie, follows the story of Susanna Kaysen and her admission to a prestigious psychiatric clinic. There, she’ll meet other people with more complex conditions and will come to question whether what she’s experiencing is real or not. If you like psychological dramas, this story will captivate you instantly.
2. Children of Men, 2006
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón and starring Clive Owen and Julianne Moore, this futuristic movie tells the story of a man who tries to protect an immigrant pregnant woman from a chaotic world filled with human infertility. A revelation he had could lead to the end of infertility and therefore, prevent human extinction. It’s a good option if you’re open to intriguing films.
3. The Prestige, 2006
This movie shows off an amazing cast starring Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. It narrates the rivalry between 2 19th century illusionists in London. Their obsession with outdoing each other’s tricks leads them to take on risky challenges that potentially have horrific consequences. With Christopher Nolan as the film’s director, the plot will take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
4. Seven Pounds, 2008
The movie includes amazing performances by Will Smith and Rosario Dawson. Ben Thomas, the main character in the story, is a tax inspector who seeks to help and transform the lives of 7 strangers in order to erase guilt from a past event. The way he solves this dilemma will leave you shocked and amazed.
5. Concussion, 2015
The production is based on an article from a magazine published in 2009 in which Dr. Bennet Omalu (played by Will Smith) discovers a connection between chronic traumatic encephalopathy and players in the United States Football League. He also faces the hard process of making the situation known. Thanks to this film, you’ll be able to realize why using protection is crucial when playing this high-impact sport.
6. Almacenados, 2015
This film, which was produced in Mexico, is led by actors José Carlos Ruiz and Hoze Meléndez. It describes the story of Mr. Lino, an elderly warehouseman about to retire and Nin, a young rookie who will learn a few lessons from work. This generates a clash of 2 completely different worlds and ways of thinking. Any resemblance to reality is purely coincidental.
7. Sing Street, 2016
Kelly Thornton and Ferdia Walsh-Peelo are some of the actors featured in this film acclaimed by critics. In 1980 Dublin, Conor (who will later change his name to Cosmo), will try to impress a mysterious girl by creating a rock band. If you’re a music lover who enjoys great tunes, you cannot miss the story and soundtrack from this production.
8. Nerve, 2016
The movie features Emma Roberts and James Franco, who portray Vee and Ian, players on a popular online “truth or dare” platform. There, they must carry out tests to earn money without knowing that their adventure will become much more intense and complex. If you want to be part of the game and feel like another player, you shouldn’t miss this one.
9. A Monster Calls, 2016
The script for the film is based on the book by the same name, written by Patrick Ness. The story describes the life of Connor (played by Lewis MacDougall), a young man who reveals his phobias and fears to a monster, which helps him understand the complexity of his life with his mother, his grandmother, and his environment. It’s a story that will touch your heart and move you to tears.
10. Hacksaw Ridge, 2016
Directed by Mel Gibson and starring Andrew Garfield, this drama is a recount of the true story of Desmond Doss, a military doctor who became a hero after saving many people without the need to use arms during World War II. If you like to ponder the value and character of human beings, this film is right up your alley.
11. Lion, 2016
The film is based on Saroo Brierley’s life, an Indian-born businessman who gets lost at the age of 5 and is adopted by an Australian couple. 25 years later, he’ll return to his motherland to try to find his biological family. It’s suitable for those with a taste for inspiring stories.
12. Okja, 2017
You can find this movie, directed by Bong Joon-ho, on Netflix. It narrates the story of Mija (played by Ahn Seo-hyun) and her adorable pet Okja, a genetically modified pig who’s at the center of a controversy between ambitious corporations, animal defense, and environmental organizations directed by her friend. The story’s background will make you see our planet and animals in a different way.
13. What Happened to Monday?, 2017
This is a science fiction and futuristic film starring Noomi Rapace, Willem Dafoe, and Glenn Close. Due to a government restriction to prevent overpopulation, 7 twin sisters, each named after a different day of the week, must survive the one-child policy by posing as a single person. When one of them disappears, all the action begins. Then you’ll realize the incredible role, or rather, roles that Rapace plays in the movie.
14. Quién te cantará (Who Will Sing to You), 2018
This is a Spanish drama directed by Carlos Vermut and starring Najwa Nimri and Eva Llorach. Lila, a well-known singer, starts to suffer from amnesia a few days after her return to the stage. Because of this, she turns to one of her fans, a karaoke singer who teaches her dance moves and helps her regain her artistic career. This film is recommended for anyone who’d like to practice their Spanish at home.
15. Mirage, 2018
This is a science fiction film that also hails from Spain, featuring Adriana Ugarte and Chino DarÃn. It tells the story of a failure in time and space which allows Vera to jump back into 1989 and save a child’s life without realizing that the action could alter her reality in the present. How the production displays time travel will surprise many.
16. Amateur, 2018
This American movie shares the story of Terron Forte, a student and future basketball star who enters into an amateur sports team at a prestigious high school. There, he must face multiple shady situations within this small but powerful industry. The character’s courage will make viewers reflect on their own lives and leave them with numerous lessons.
17. Padman, 2018
Bollywood is present on Netflix thanks to a comedy film starring Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor. Beyond all the laughter, it unveils the life and work of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a man who chose to create a low-cost product for feminine hygiene, even though it meant facing myths, taboos, and various tests. Although it’s suitable for all audiences, if you’re a woman, you’ll understand this story and all its details.
18. The Perfection, 2018
2 cellists, Charlotte (Allison Williams) and Lizzie (Logan Browning), meet during a talent show. After sharing their experiences, they decide to go on a tour together. This is where the plot takes a radical new direction in which the life of one of them will change. You must be prepared for anything while watching this one; you won’t be able to guess what will happen next.
19. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, 2019
This British film was based on the true story of William Kamkwamba, a 13-year-old boy who was inspired by a science book to build a windmill to help his local farming community in Malawi and save them from famine. His example of overcoming difficulties, which turned into a movie for Netflix, will show you the power of education and its relevance in daily life.
20. Beats, 2019
A more recent recommendation to watch on Netflix is this movie starring Khalil Everage and Anthony Anderson, who play a teenage music prodigy and a decaying producer. Together, they’ll seek to get rid of the ghosts from the past and re-emerge on the Chicago urban scene. If you’re a hip-hop fan, you’ll be delighted to follow their story.
Bonus: Your Name, 2015
Animated movies are also a fan-favorite, and this Japanese story is a great choice. Mitsuha, a village girl who has always wanted to live in the city, exchanges her body with Taki through a dream, developing a very close bond, even when they don’t know each other personally. With a creative plot and excellent animation, this is a film you definitely don’t want to miss.
After reading our Netflix recommendations, which movies would you pair for your next marathon? Leave them in the comments! You can also share any other hidden gems you’ve found with the community!
Preview photo credit Girl, Interrupted / Columbia Pictures
