Netflix’s Secret Arsenal: 20 Originals That Will Blow Your Mind, But You Might Not Be Ready!

1. Roma 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.7，Douban Rating: 8.2，ID: tt6155172
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Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuaron, is a masterful achievement in filmmaking. The film, set in Mexico City in the 1970s, tells the story of Cleo, a housekeeper for a wealthy family. The narrative is deeply personal, reflecting Cuaron’s own life experiences, and is beautifully shot in black and white. The film’s episodic nature immerses the viewer in Cleo’s world, making it a truly engaging cinematic experience.
2. Bird Box 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.6，Douban Rating: 7.2，ID: tt2737304
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“Bird Box” is a Netflix original movie that has garnered a mix of reviews. Some critics appreciated the performances, particularly Sandra Bullock’s, and the film’s ability to maintain a sense of humanity amidst a high-concept, nightmarish situation. However, others felt that the plot was lacking in certain areas, with unanswered questions and underdeveloped metaphors. Despite these criticisms, “Bird Box” is often mentioned in discussions about Netflix original movies worth watching.
3. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.3，Douban Rating: 8.5，ID: tt6412452
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The Coen brothers’ anthology film, ‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ (2018), is a unique blend of dark drama and black humor. The film is a collection of six short stories set in the post-Civil War era of the Old West, each with its own flavor and charm. The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance the absurdity of the Wild West with a somber and tragic tone, making it a compelling watch.
4. Like Father 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.1，Douban Rating: 5.8，ID: tt7170950
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As a lover of classic and nostalgic movies, I found ‘Like Father’ to be a heartwarming tale of reconciliation and rediscovery. The film beautifully portrays the strained relationship between a workaholic daughter and her long-lost father, brought together by an unexpected twist of fate. The performances by Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammer are commendable, bringing depth to their characters and making their journey of reconnection truly engaging.
5. Velvet Buzzsaw 2019，IMDB Rating: 5.7，Douban Rating: 5.6，ID: tt7043012
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Velvet Buzzsaw, a Netflix original, paints a vivid picture of the art world, blending satire and horror in a unique way. The movie, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as influential art critic Morf Vandewalt, takes us on a thrilling journey where art becomes a matter of life and death. The haunting artwork of a deceased artist becomes the center of a buying frenzy, leading to a series of chilling events. While the movie has its strengths, such as its unique visual style and ambitious plot, it also has its weaknesses, including its inconsistency.
6. Roxanne, Roxanne 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.2，Douban Rating: 5.4，ID: tt5796838
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Roxanne, Roxanne is a compelling biographical drama that takes us into the life of a young hip-hop legend, Roxanne Shanté. The film’s raw and authentic portrayal of her life is a testament to the struggles and triumphs of a teenage girl in the world of hip-hop. Chanté Adams delivers a natural and believable performance, bringing Roxanne Shanté’s character to life. While the film may not have made it to the list of ’30 Netflix Original Movies Actually Worth Watching’, it certainly deserves recognition for its unique storytelling and strong performances.
7. The Good Nurse 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.8，Douban Rating: 7.8，ID: tt4273800
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The Good Nurse is a compelling crime drama that explores the chilling true story of Charles Cullen, a nurse who became a prolific serial killer. The film is carried by the strong performances of Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne, who bring depth to their characters and keep the audience engaged despite the film’s somber tone. The narrative provides a critical look at the healthcare system, adding a layer of social commentary that elevates the film beyond a typical crime thriller.
8. Luckiest Girl Alive 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.4，Douban Rating:6.8 ，ID: tt4595186
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Luckiest Girl Alive, a Netflix original movie, is a thriller mystery that has garnered mixed reviews. The film, based on the best-selling book by Jessica Knoll, explores the life of Ani FaNelli, a New Yorker with a seemingly perfect life, who is forced to confront a dark truth from her past. The movie has been praised for its important messages and the strong performance by Mila Kunis, but criticized for its treatment of sensitive themes.
9. A Jazzman’s Blues 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.8，Douban Rating:6.4 ，ID: tt14307536
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A Jazzman’s Blues is a film that offers a poignant reflection on societal issues, particularly the distortion of Black history and the homogenizing of slavery and Jim Crow. The performances are restrained, and the musical numbers decadent. The film’s strength lies in its ability to capture emotion very well, and its cinematography is commendable. Despite this minor setback, A Jazzman’s Blues is a film that’s worth watching, especially for those interested in historical dramas that delve into societal issues.
10. End of the Road 2022，IMDB Rating: 4.8，Douban Rating: 5.3，ID: tt13655328
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I found ‘End of the Road’ to be a departure from my usual preferences. However, the movie’s high-octane action and thrilling plot kept me engaged. The performances by Queen Latifah and Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges were commendable, adding depth to their characters and making the family dynamics believable. However, the screenplay could have been more polished to deliver the promised thrills more effectively. Despite its shortcomings, ‘End of the Road’ managed to keep me on the edge of my seat, making it a worthwhile watch on Netflix.
11. Look Both Ways 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.3，Douban Rating: 6.9，ID: tt14298328
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‘Look Both Ways’ offers a unique narrative that piques my interest. The movie cleverly uses the concept of parallel realities to explore the life of Natalie, played convincingly by Lili Reinhart. The film’s strength lies in its ability to provoke thought about life’s possibilities and the consequences of our choices. ‘Look Both Ways’ is a refreshing addition to Netflix’s original movies, offering a blend of comedy and drama that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
12. Me Time 2022，IMDB Rating: 5.1，Douban Rating: 5.3，ID: tt14309446
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The movie, starring Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg, humorously explores the chaos that ensues when a dedicated father suddenly finds himself with free time. While the comedy might not tickle everyone’s funny bone, the chemistry between Hart and Wahlberg is undeniable and adds a layer of authenticity to their friendship. ‘Me Time’ offers a light-hearted viewing experience that could be enjoyed during a relaxed family movie night.
13. Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between 2022，IMDB Rating: 5.1，Douban Rating: 5.8，ID: tt4181158
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Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between, a Netflix original, is a delightful dive into the world of adolescent romance. The movie, starring Jordan Fisher and Talia Ryder, paints a vivid picture of young love on the brink of major change. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, making the narrative engaging and relatable. The dialogue is refreshingly authentic, adding a layer of realism to the high school romance genre.
14. Beasts of No Nation 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.7，Douban Rating: 7.8，ID: tt1365050
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Beasts of No Nation, a Netflix original, is a harrowing and heartbreaking tale that leaves an indelible mark on the viewer. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the film tells the story of Agu, a child soldier in an unnamed African country, brilliantly portrayed by newcomer Abraham Attah. The film’s vivid cinematography and compelling narrative make it a standout among Netflix’s offerings.
15. Always Be My Maybe 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.8，Douban Rating: 6.2，ID: tt7374948
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‘Always Be My Maybe’ is a delightful blend of comedy and romance. The movie, featuring the charismatic duo of Ali Wong and Randall Park, presents a compelling narrative of childhood sweethearts reconnecting after 15 years. The film’s strength lies in its clever social commentary and dynamic family relationships, offering a fuller look at Asian culture.
16. The Power of the Dog 2021，IMDB Rating: 7，Douban Rating: 7.7，ID: tt10293406
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The Power of the Dog, directed by Jane Campion, is a captivating exploration of masculinity and ego set in the 1920s Montana. The film’s protagonist, Phil Burbank, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, is a complex character wrestling with his identity amidst the rugged landscape of the American West. His performance is raw and powerful, revealing a man trapped in a masculine crisis, hiding his true desires behind a facade of toughness. The film’s plot thickens when Phil’s brother George, played by Jesse Plemons, marries a widow, Rose, leading to a tense dynamic that unravels hidden intentions and secrets. The film is beautifully shot, with the harsh yet stunning backdrop of New Zealand serving as Montana.
17. Extraction 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.7，Douban Rating: 7.1，ID: tt8936646
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Extraction, a Netflix original movie released in 2020, is an action-packed thriller that has made it to the list of ’30 Netflix Original Movies Actually Worth Watching’. The film, starring Chris Hemsworth as a mercenary named Tyler Rake, is a high-octane ride from start to finish. The plot revolves around the rescue of a kidnapped boy in India, which leads to a series of intense and well-choreographed action sequences. The film’s strength lies in its spectacular stunt work and Hemsworth’s electric performance. Extraction provides a solid dose of entertainment, making it a worthwhile watch on Netflix.
18. The Old Guard 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.6，Douban Rating: 6.3，ID: tt7556122
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The Old Guard, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, is a Netflix original that stands out in the crowd. The film, starring Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne, is an action-packed superhero movie with a twist. It’s not just about the action sequences, which are impressive, but also about the introspective characters who have lived for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. The film is praised for its sophisticated vision of the superhero genre and its knockout action sequences.
19. The Irishman 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.9，Douban Rating: 8.8，ID: tt1302006
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The Irishman, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a film that stands out among Netflix’s original productions. This epic gangster drama, clocking in at three-and-a-half hours, is a biography of Frank Sheeran, a World War II combat veteran who became a Mafia hitman and then a union leader. The film explores the intersection of crime and politics, Mafia history, and Washington history. It’s a contemplative piece, more meditative than Scorsese’s usual gangster movie norm. The performances, especially from Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, and Harvey Keitel, are haunting.
20. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.9，Douban Rating: 6.9，ID: tt5536736
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The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) is a 2017 comedy-drama film directed by Noah Baumbach. The film centers on the dysfunctional Meyerowitz family gathering to celebrate their father’s artistic legacy. It’s a movie that is equally adept at making the audience cry as it is with making them laugh. The film observes the family dynamic through writer-director Noah Baumbach’s bittersweet lens and the impressive efforts of a remarkable cast.