40 Best Netflix Movies You’ve Never Seen

Netflix has a huge collection of movies and shows, but its most interesting films can get lost among the popular blockbusters. This collection showcases outstanding movies that didn’t get much attention, even though they tell captivating stories and feature great acting. From suspenseful thrillers to moving dramas, these hidden gems are well worth finding and adding to your watchlist. It proves that sometimes the best things on streaming services are the ones you discover through a little searching.

‘His House’ (2020)

A couple fleeing the war in South Sudan arrives in a peaceful English town hoping for safety. However, the run-down public housing they’re given feels menacing, and they soon face not only the difficulties of navigating a new system, but also a terrifying haunting. The film skillfully combines sharp observations about society with genuinely frightening horror to create a truly disturbing and thought-provoking experience.

‘Calibre’ (2018)

Two friends have been hunting together their whole lives and decide to spend a weekend in a secluded village in the Scottish Highlands. Their trip takes a dark turn when a deadly accident happens, forcing them to make increasingly risky choices. As suspicion grows among the villagers, who believe the friends are concealing something, the situation spirals out of control, creating a relentlessly tense and terrifying experience for them.

‘I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore’ (2017)

After a burglary, a disheartened nursing assistant unexpectedly finds a new reason to live. Frustrated by the police’s lack of action, she joins forces with her quirky neighbor to investigate the crime herself. Their investigation quickly spirals into a dangerous world of criminals, and they soon realize they’re in over their heads. The story is a blend of dark humor and intense action, showing how an unusual friendship blossoms amidst the turmoil.

‘Blue Jay’ (2016)

I was completely drawn in by this movie about two people who were high school sweethearts and unexpectedly reunited in their hometown after a long time. Watching them spend the day together, remembering what they shared and how their lives had changed, felt so real. The filmmakers used black and white, which really added to the intimate and nostalgic mood. Honestly, the actors were incredible – it’s a drama that relies heavily on conversations, and they delivered, especially when exploring themes of regret and how powerfully first love can stay with you.

‘Win It All’ (2017)

A man with a gambling problem agrees to hold a bag for a friend going to prison. When he discovers the bag is full of money, he starts taking it, hoping to win enough to replace it before his friend gets out. But his attempts to recoup the funds through increasingly desperate bets only dig him deeper into trouble. The movie is a look at a man trying, and failing, to escape his own destructive habits.

‘Shimmer Lake’ (2017)

This thrilling crime story is told backwards, starting with the aftermath of a bank robbery and slowly revealing what happened. The sheriff of a small town is determined to solve the case, which unexpectedly involves his own brother and two former football heroes. As the story unfolds in reverse, secrets and hidden motives are exposed, keeping audiences guessing until the very end when the true culprit is finally revealed.

‘Wheelman’ (2017)

When a bank robbery goes south, the getaway driver is caught in a dangerous trap. He starts receiving strange calls demanding he turn on the people he works for, or his family will be harmed. The movie is a thrilling ride, mostly taking place inside the car as he races through the city, trying to uncover who’s behind the setup. Frank Grillo gives a powerful and gripping performance in this fast-paced, suspenseful film.

‘The Ritual’ (2017)

A group of four college friends venture into the Scandinavian wilderness on a hiking trip, hoping to pay tribute to a friend they’ve lost. When they take a risky shortcut through a thick forest, they discover they’re being hunted by a terrifying, ancient force. As exhaustion and fear set in, the friends begin to distrust each other, turning the trip into a psychologically intense and frightening ordeal that blends personal horror with a classic monster movie feel.

‘Cam’ (2018)

A camgirl with big dreams wakes up to a nightmare: someone using her likeness has taken over her online account. This imposter is performing acts she would never do, and is systematically ruining her personal and professional life. She’s forced to untangle a web of digital theft to get her identity – and her career – back. This thrilling story delves into the frightening risks of building a life online.

‘Apostle’ (2018)

Okay, so I just finished watching this movie, and it really stuck with me. It’s set way back in 1905, and follows a guy who goes to this incredibly isolated island to find his sister. Turns out, she’s gotten mixed up with this really strange religious group. He has to go undercover, and what he discovers is… disturbing, to say the least. They’ve got these bizarre, unsettling rituals that they believe keep the island thriving. The whole thing is creepy because the island looks like paradise, but underneath that beauty is some seriously brutal stuff and genuinely scary supernatural events. Dan Stevens is fantastic in it – he really sells this character’s slow unraveling as he gets deeper and deeper into the madness. It’s not a fast-paced movie, it builds tension really well.

‘Private Life’ (2018)

This movie follows a couple in their 40s as they struggle with the emotional and financial challenges of trying to have a baby. They try everything – from in-vitro fertilization to adoption – hoping to finally become parents. Their relationship is further complicated when a younger family member appears with a surprising offer. The film offers a realistic and moving portrayal of the difficulties couples face when building a family today.

‘High Flying Bird’ (2019)

During a basketball lockout, a sports agent presents a risky business deal to a new player. He navigates the complex world of team ownership, trying to give the players more control. The movie features fast-paced conversations and deal-making in both private and professional settings. Remarkably, director Steven Soderbergh filmed this intense drama entirely on an iPhone, giving it a raw, realistic feel.

‘Tramps’ (2016)

When two strangers accidentally swap briefcases, they find themselves on a wild, overnight chase through New York City’s suburbs, desperate to fix the mix-up before it’s discovered. As they navigate this chaotic situation, a tender romance unexpectedly begins. The story is less about the details of the briefcase and more about the connection that grows between the two main characters.

‘Paddleton’ (2019)

I was really moved by this film about two neighbors who don’t quite fit in. When one of them gets a terrible diagnosis, they decide to take a road trip together. It’s not about big, dramatic moments, but about the small things – they connect over kung fu movies and pizza. It’s a beautiful and honest look at male friendship, and how hard it is to say goodbye to someone who really gets you. It felt so real and genuine, avoiding anything overly sentimental.

‘Spectral’ (2016)

A scientist from DARPA is sent to Moldova, a war-torn country, to investigate strange occurrences that are causing soldier deaths. He soon finds out the enemy is using advanced technology to become invisible and appear like ghosts. Facing a threat that doesn’t follow the rules of physics, his team must quickly invent new weapons to fight back. This movie combines the excitement of military action with a supernatural mystery.

‘ARQ’ (2016)

A man and his ex-girlfriend find themselves stuck repeating the same nightmarish home invasion over and over. They’re trying to safeguard a groundbreaking energy source, and each time the loop resets, they gain new clues about who is attacking them and the grim world they live in. Because the action is confined to a single location, the pressure mounts as they desperately try to break the cycle and survive.

‘1922’ (2017)

A rancher, desperate to keep his land, plots to kill his wife when she talks about selling it and moving to town. He forces his teenage son to help him commit the murder and hide the body. Afterward, he’s haunted by guilt, which appears as terrifying rats and disturbing visions that drive him to the brink of madness. This film, based on a story by Stephen King, is a dark and unsettling look at what happens when greed takes over.

‘Cargo’ (2017)

This movie follows a father traveling across the Australian outback with his baby daughter as a zombie outbreak occurs. He’s been bitten and has just two days to find someone to care for her before he transforms. The story emphasizes the powerful emotions of fatherhood more than typical zombie horror, and Martin Freeman delivers a deeply moving performance in this fresh take on the genre.

‘The Perfection’ (2018)

A gifted but struggling musician tracks down her old school’s current star student. What begins as a simple meeting quickly descends into a disturbing and hallucinatory experience. The story is full of unexpected turns, constantly changing how you understand what’s happening and the connection between the two women. This scary and suspenseful thriller uses unsettling visuals and hidden truths to keep viewers on edge.

‘Under the Shadow’ (2016)

Set in 1980s Tehran during a brutal city-wide conflict, this story follows a mother and daughter whose lives are shattered when a bomb hits their building, unleashing a dangerous spirit called a Djinn. The daughter must battle both this terrifying supernatural force and the strict rules of society around her. The film uses horror to capture the fear and uncertainty of living through wartime.

‘The Night Comes for Us’ (2018)

After a ruthless enforcer from a powerful triad shows mercy and spares a young girl’s life during a violent attack, he finds himself hunted by his own gang. Now, he must protect the girl while battling endless waves of assassins. This Indonesian action movie is known for its incredibly intense and realistic fight scenes – some of the most gripping seen in years, filled with broken bones and non-stop action.

‘Sand Castle’ (2017)

I just finished watching a really powerful, unsettling war film. It follows a group of soldiers, one of them clearly against being there, who are sent to fix a water pump in an Iraqi village. What should be a simple mission quickly turns dangerous, not just from insurgent attacks, but from the deep mistrust of the villagers. It’s not a glorification of war at all; instead, it really focuses on the pointlessness and disorientation experienced by these young men who are just desperate to get back home. Henry Cavill and Nicholas Hoult both deliver strong performances in what’s a very gritty and realistic depiction of conflict.

‘Imperial Dreams’ (2014)

The movie follows a former gangster who tries to rebuild his life as a writer in his old neighborhood of Watts. He’s determined to be a good father, but faces major obstacles trying to escape his criminal past and build a legitimate future. It’s a realistic look at the challenges people face when trying to leave crime behind and the difficulties of achieving success legally. John Boyega delivers a powerful and emotional performance as a father desperately striving for a better life.

‘First Match’ (2018)

A young woman who grew up in foster care tries out for the boys’ wrestling team, hoping to reconnect with her distant father. She uses the sport as an outlet for her frustrations and works through their difficult relationship. The challenges of wrestling become a reflection of her personal fight to feel accepted and confident. It’s a raw and honest story about overcoming hardship and discovering inner strength.

‘Message from the King’ (2016)

When a man travels from South Africa to Los Angeles searching for his sister, he stumbles into a dangerous world of corruption reaching the highest levels of the city. Using only his intelligence and a surprising weapon – a bicycle chain – he begins to unravel the truth and expose a criminal network. Starring Chadwick Boseman, this is a stylish and thrilling revenge story.

‘Small Crimes’ (2017)

A former police officer, now released from prison after a conviction for attempted murder, goes back home hoping to rebuild relationships with his family. However, he’s quickly drawn back into the dangerous world he tried to leave behind. Those he wronged – corrupt officials and criminals – are determined to permanently silence him. This dark and gritty story explores how a man can’t escape the consequences of his past.

‘Kodachrome’ (2017)

I was really moved by this film. It’s about a father, a photographer who’s not doing well, and his son. He asks his son for one last favor – to drive him all the way to Kansas. There’s this lab that still develops Kodachrome film, and he needs to get his last photos processed before they close down for good. The road trip is tough, forcing them to really face their past and all the things they never talked about. Honestly, Ed Harris and Jason Sudeikis have amazing chemistry together, and it makes the whole story even more powerful.

‘The Incredible Jessica James’ (2017)

A young playwright in New York is trying to move on from a breakup and find love again. She unexpectedly connects with a divorced man she meets on a blind date. The story follows her journey, filled with witty humor and self-assurance, as she chases her dreams of becoming a successful writer. It’s a lively and modern take on the classic romantic comedy.

‘Tallulah’ (2016)

In Manhattan, a young woman spontaneously kidnaps a baby from a mother who isn’t paying close attention. Desperate, she turns to her former boyfriend’s mother, pretending the baby is her grandchild. As the police begin to investigate, an unlikely connection forms between the three women. Elliot Page gives a compelling performance in this moving story exploring the challenges and intricacies of motherhood.

‘The Fundamentals of Caring’ (2016)

After a personal tragedy, a retired writer decides to become a caregiver. His first patient is a teenage boy with muscular dystrophy who has been confined to his home. Together, they set off on a road trip filled with quirky sights, hoping to rediscover joy and find healing. The movie combines witty humor with heartfelt moments to tell their story.

‘Layla M.’ (2016)

The film tells the story of a young woman of Moroccan background living in Amsterdam who becomes increasingly drawn to extremist views after experiencing discrimination. She marries someone involved in jihad and travels to the Middle East to join a terrorist group. However, the brutal realities of life within the organization quickly destroy her initial hopes and beliefs. The movie provides a stark and believable portrayal of how people become radicalized and the devastating results that follow.

‘Divines’ (2016)

This French film follows two close friends growing up in poverty in Paris who long for a better life. They start working for a drug dealer, quickly becoming drawn in by the lure of fast money. But their pursuit of wealth leads them into increasingly dangerous situations, putting their friendship at risk. It’s a powerful and heartbreaking story about young people struggling on the margins of society.

‘On Body and Soul’ (2017)

Two quiet, reserved coworkers at a slaughterhouse realize they’re having the same dream: they meet as deer in a peaceful, snowy forest. They attempt to recreate that special connection when they’re awake. The movie contrasts the harshness of their jobs with the delicate beauty of their dream world, telling a unique and gentle love story about finding closeness in unexpected circumstances.

‘I Lost My Body’ (2019)

This animated film tells the story of a hand that escapes from a lab and travels across Paris to find its owner. As the hand makes its way through the city, facing various dangers, we see flashbacks of the young man’s life. It’s a visually creative and moving story that explores themes of loss and what’s meant to be.

‘Atlantics’ (2019)

In a Dakar suburb, construction workers disappear at sea while trying to reach Spain for a better life. Back home, the women they left behind fall ill with a strange fever and begin to experience the presence of the lost men. Amidst this tragedy, a young woman, already promised to another, grieves for her secret lover who was on the boat. This creates a deeply moving and haunting story about love, loss, and the search for justice.

‘The Discovery’ (2017)

After a scientist definitively proves life after death, a surge of suicides sweeps the world. His son journeys to his remote laboratory and finds love with a woman burdened by a painful history. As society falls apart, they work together to uncover the reality of what happens after death, all within a thought-provoking and somber science fiction landscape. The film explores profound questions about life, death, and existence.

‘Barry’ (2016)

I recently saw a really compelling film about a young Barack Obama, starting when he first arrived in New York City as a student at Columbia University in 1981. It’s a deeply personal story about him figuring out who he is, and how he fits into the world, especially as he grapples with issues of race and his own unique background. The movie really focuses on those crucial years that shaped his perspective. What struck me most was Devon Terrell’s performance – he absolutely nailed Obama’s way of speaking and carrying himself. It was incredibly convincing.

‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’ (2019)

In Malawi, a boy has to leave school because his family can’t afford the costs. Undeterred, he secretly uses the library to learn how to build a windmill, hoping to help his village avoid starvation. Though his father is initially doubtful, the boy’s persistence eventually convinces him to support the idea. This inspiring true story, about ingenuity and overcoming hardship, is directed by and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor.

‘Tigertail’ (2020)

A man from Taiwan leaves his family and sweetheart to pursue a better life in America. Years later, he looks back on his decisions and attempts to rebuild a relationship with his daughter, who he’s grown distant from. The story weaves between memories of his energetic youth and his lonely present, offering a thoughtful and touching look at what it means to be an immigrant and the compromises people make for their loved ones.

‘The Forty-Year-Old Version’ (2020)

This film follows a playwright going through a tough time who unexpectedly decides to become a rapper. As she jumps between the worlds of New York theater and hip-hop, she searches for her authentic self. Shot in striking black and white, the movie blends funny moments with raw honesty. It’s a deeply personal story, written, directed, and starring Radha Blank, and serves as a tribute to staying true to your artistic vision.

Share your favorite underrated Netflix pick in the comments.

2025-12-15 14:19