The Best Movies on Netflix: A Comprehensive Guide
With a vast library of over 3,500 films, navigating through Netflix’s offerings can sometimes feel overwhelming. From innovative Netflix originals to beloved classics spanning decades, there’s something for everyone. This guide dives into a variety of genres, helping you discover the best movies available on Netflix right now, organized by category for your convenience.
Best New Movies on Netflix (December 2025)
“Mean Girls” (2004)
Runtime: 97 min.
Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, Lacey Chabert
Tina Fey’s iconic comedy follows Cady, a new student navigating the treacherous waters of high school cliques. Cady’s infiltration into the Plastics, a group of popular girls led by the manipulative Regina George (Rachel McAdams), provides plenty of humor and memorable one-liners. “Mean Girls” has undeniably become a cultural phenomenon, with quotable lines still echoing through popular culture today.
Watch “Mean Girls” on Netflix
“The Northman” (2022)
Runtime: 136 min.
Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy
Robert Eggers’ epic Viking tale follows Prince Amleth’s quest for revenge against the uncle who murdered his father. With haunting cinematography and layered themes of duty and destiny, “The Northman” balances a brutal narrative with a richly atmospheric visual experience.
Watch “The Northman” on Netflix
“The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013)
Runtime: 180 min.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a riveting performance as Jordan Belfort, the ultimate stock market con artist. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film is a frenetic ride through a world of excess, greed, and the corrupt machinations of Wall Street, reflecting the hollowness behind opulence.
Watch “The Wolf of Wall Street” on Netflix
Best Drama Movies on Netflix
“His Three Daughters” (2024)
Runtime: 101 min.
Starring: Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon
This family drama showcases three sisters, each navigating their own struggles while dealing with the impending loss of their father. Hilarious and poignant, the film examines familial bonds, revealing both the warmth and tension that come with shared history.
Watch “His Three Daughters” on Netflix
“The Irishman” (2019)
Runtime: 210 min.
Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci
Martin Scorsese’s sprawling crime epic explores the life of Frank Sheeran, a hitman who reflects on his life choices and relationships within the mob. With masterful storytelling and performances capturing the essence of a bygone era, “The Irishman” offers a deep dive into loyalty and regret.
Watch “The Irishman” on Netflix
Best Comedy Movies on Netflix
“Frances Ha” (2012)
Runtime: 86 min.
Starring: Greta Gerwig, Adam Driver
A whimsical exploration of youth and ambition, “Frances Ha” portrays Frances, an aspiring dancer in New York City confronting unexpected life changes. Through its sharp dialogue and quirky charm, the film resonates with anyone who’s ever felt lost in their twenties.
Watch “Frances Ha” on Netflix
“Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” (2004)
Runtime: 92 min.
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller
This hilarious underdog story follows a group of misfits trying to save their community gym through an outrageous dodgeball tournament. Filled with laugh-out-loud moments and memorable characters, it’s a reliable source of comedic gold.
Watch “Dodgeball” on Netflix
Best Horror Movies on Netflix
“Gerald’s Game” (2017)
Runtime: 103 min.
Starring: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood
In this gripping Stephen King adaptation, a woman finds herself handcuffed in a remote cabin after her husband’s death. As she fights for survival against both external threats and her own demons, the film explores trauma and the psyche in a chilling manner.
Watch “Gerald’s Game” on Netflix
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974)
Runtime: 83 min.
Starring: Marilyn Burns, Paul A. Partain
Considered a cornerstone of horror cinema, Tobe Hooper’s masterpiece centers around a group of friends encountering a family of cannibals in rural Texas. Its gritty realism and intense atmosphere redefine fear, making it a must-see for horror enthusiasts.
Watch “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” on Netflix
Best Kids Movies on Netflix
“The Mitchells vs. the Machines” (2021)
Runtime: 114 min.
Starring: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride
This vibrant animated adventure follows the Mitchell family as they unintentionally become humanity’s last hope against a robot uprising. With a heartwarming narrative that balances humor and life lessons about connection and family, it’s perfect for all ages.
Watch “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” on Netflix
“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (2022)
Runtime: 114 min.
Starring: Ewan McGregor, David Bradley
Del Toro’s stop-motion adaptation adds depth to the beloved tale of Pinocchio. Besides beautiful animation, it tackles heavier themes such as sacrifice and growth, making it both a kids’ movie and a profound narrative for adults.
Watch “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” on Netflix
With such a plethora of incredible films available, diving into Netflix’s vast library can be an enjoyable adventure. Each movie in this guide has been chosen for its unique storytelling, memorable performances, and cultural impact, ensuring there’s something for everyone in your network.