[The Ultimate Guide] 10 Masterpiece Netflix Original Movies You Absolutely Must Watch!

“There are so many movies on Netflix, I have no idea what to watch…” Have you ever spent more time scrolling through the menu than actually watching a movie?

To help you out, I’ve selected 10 Netflix Original movies that I can confidently recommend. Whether you are looking for a great story, stunning visuals, or an emotional journey, these picks are guaranteed to entertain.

These are perfect for a weekend movie night or relaxing after work. Let’s dive in!

First up, animation. These aren’t just for kids—they are masterpieces that resonate deeply with adults.

Genre: Dark Fantasy / Drama Why watch: The most heartbreaking version of “Pinocchio” ever made.

You might know the story, but this is completely different from the Disney version. It’s a “fairy tale for adults” with a darker, more beautiful atmosphere. It’s made using stop-motion (moving puppets frame by frame), giving it a unique warmth. The bond between the clumsy father, Geppetto, and the innocent Pinocchio is so moving that you will need tissues.

Genre: Comedy / Holiday Drama Why watch: A heartwarming origin story of Santa Claus.

“Why does Santa deliver presents?” This movie answers that question with a beautiful story about the friendship between a selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker named Klaus. It’s funny, touching, and makes you want to be a kinder person. It is the perfect movie to watch during the winter holidays.

Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy / Action Why watch: An energetic heroine and exhilarating action!

Set in a unique world that blends the medieval era with futuristic tech. A knight framed for a crime teams up with Nimona, a shapeshifting teen with a chaotic personality. Nimona is such a fun character, and the movie moves at a fast pace. If you want to cheer up or blow off some steam, this is the one.

Movies with such power and scale, they turn your living room into a cinema.

Genre: War / Drama Why watch: Overwhelming realism that leaves you speechless.

A war movie that swept the Academy Awards. Set during World War I, the visuals are terrifyingly real—you can almost feel the cold mud and the fear through the screen. It’s not about “cool” action, but rather the tragedy and emptiness of war. Highly recommended if you are looking for a film that leaves a lasting impact.

Genre: Non-stop Action Why watch: An insane “one-shot” action sequence that makes you forget to breathe.

The sequel to the hit action movie (don’t worry, you can enjoy it without seeing the first one!). The highlight is a 20-minute action sequence in the middle of the film where the camera never cuts. It follows the hero from a prison break to a car chase without stopping. The immersion is incredible—it feels like you are right there in the fight!

Genre: Crime / Bio-pic Why watch: Acting legends delivering a masterclass.

Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and other legends come together in this film. It chronicles the life of a mob hitman over several decades. It’s a long movie (3.5 hours), but it draws you in completely. It depicts the bonds between men, betrayal, and the loneliness of aging. If you want to watch a cool, mature film, this is it.

Films with such great scripts that you’ll want to talk about them with someone afterwards.

Genre: Mystery Why watch: A fun, colorful, and entertaining puzzle.

A tech billionaire invites his eccentric friends to a private island, where a murder mystery game turns real. Solving the “Who is the killer?” puzzle is fun, but just looking at the luxurious sets and costumes is entertaining enough. There are plenty of clues hidden throughout, and the ending is super satisfying. Great for watching with friends or family.

Genre: Romance / Drama Why watch: Conversations between a couple that feel too real.

A story about a married couple going through a divorce. You watch them drift apart even though they still care for each other, and it honestly makes your heart ache. The acting by Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson is phenomenal—especially the argument scene, which will give you goosebumps. It’s a masterpiece that makes you think deeply about marriage and family.

Genre: Survival / True Story Why watch: Being moved by the human will to survive.

Based on the true story of the 1972 Andes flight disaster. Trapped in the snowy mountains with no escape, how did these young men survive? It depicts a harsh survival situation, but also the beauty of friendship and the preciousness of life. By the end, you will feel incredibly grateful just to be alive.

Genre: Drama Why watch: Simply beautiful visuals.

A black-and-white film set in 1970s Mexico, following the daily life of a housekeeper. You might think “black and white” sounds boring, but the visuals are so stunning they pull you in. Nothing explosive happens, but the sound of the waves, the city streets, and the family moments are hypnotic. It’s perfect for a quiet night when you want to immerse yourself in cinema.

That wraps up my top 10 Netflix Original recommendations!

From explosive action to tear-jerking dramas, I’ve chosen films that I can confidently say are “worth your time.”

Pick one that matches your mood today and hit play. I hope you have a wonderful movie experience!

tarumaki

ゲーム制作会社で働いてます。

最新作から過去作まで好きな作品を紹介して、少しでも業界の応援になればと思いつつに書いていこうと思います。 基本的に批判的な意見は書かないようにしています。