You've already breezed through the Popular on Netflix carousel, as well as all the movies and shows on Netflix's Trending Now list. Now, you're left with no guidance to help you decide which movies are worth streaming.
Watching only the most popular movies on Netflix leaves out a number of amazing, lesser-known flicks. The following movies are some of the best hidden gems you can watch on Netflix.
1. The Endless (2018)
The Endless follows two brothers who escaped a UFO death cult 10 years ago. When they unexpectedly receive a mysterious video in the mail, the brothers decide to return to the cult's campsite.
The visit doesn't go as planned. They end up staying longer than expected, and unknowingly risk their lives in the presence of the strange phenomenon surrounding the cult.
2. 1922 (2017)
1922 is a thriller based on a Stephen King novella, and recounts a man's story about killing his wife. The married couple, Wilfred and Arlette, live in rural Nebraska with their son, Henry.
After the couple has a disagreement about selling Wilfred's farmland and moving to the city, Wilfred decides to carry out the murder of his wife. However, Wilfred nor Henry predict the consequences that follow.
3. Chef (2014)
Chef may just be the ultimate feel-good, pick-me-up, I'm-happy-I-watched-that movie ever made. Don't get me wrong: it's not a comedy, so don't expect tons of laughter. It's a drama.
But it's an uplifting drama! The characters are real, the relationships are mature, and the main character's journey (in starting his own food truck) is a fun one. It's the kind of movie you can always fall back on when you feel down.
4. Stardust (2007)
Despite Stardust's budget and high-profile cast—including names like Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, Robert De Niro, Mark Strong—this movie never really became a household movie.
Which is a shame, because it's highly entertaining and well-made. It's a modern fantasy flick with some goofy bits, but a winner thanks to its heartwarming core and excellent performances. If you haven't seen it yet, you definitely should!
5. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
The Fundamentals of Caring took me by surprise, mainly because Paul Rudd isn't his usual goofy self. Instead, he plays a serious caretaker who's hired to take care of a teenaged boy with muscular dystrophy.
They end up taking a road trip to see the various sights around America, and even pick up a hitchhiker (played by Selena Gomez). This comedy-drama has its up and downs, but sticks a solid landing that's emotionally satisfying.
6. To the Bone (2017)
What's the opposite of a feel-good, pick-me-up movie? To the Bone is the first example that comes to mind.
To the Bone centers on an anorexic college dropout who moves into a house with a handful of others (also suffering from eating disorders) as part of her road to recovery.
There are some real emotional gut punches in this movie, and it deftly tackles some dark and heavy topics. Worth a watch for the insight into an addict's struggles, if nothing else.
7. Hush (2016)
Hush is a chilling thriller centered around a deaf writer, Maddie, who lives in an isolated home in the woods.
A masked killer brutally murders Maddie's friend outside her home, but Maddie couldn't hear it. When the killer becomes aware of Maddie's disability, he uses it to his advantage.
8. Les Miserables (2012)
Obviously, the story of Les Miserables isn't itself a hidden gem. As one of the most notable and important novels written in the 19th century, pretty much everyone has heard about it.
But did you know that the 2012 movie is available on Netflix? It's a long and epic musical with lots of powerful scenes and great performances, and sadly it gets buried underneath most of the other stuff in Netflix's library.
9. Ip Man (2008)
Whether you're a fan of martial arts movies or not, you'll love Ip Man. This riveting film is based on the true story of Ip Man, Bruce Lee's teacher.
It depicts Ip Man's life during the Japanese invasion of China, and the circumstances that convince him to start teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu.
10. A Silent Voice (2016)
A Silent Voice tells the touching story of a former bully and his victim. In elementary school, Shoya Ishida and his friends bullied Shoko, a girl with a hearing disability.
When Shoya grows up, he finds himself in the same, isolated position that he put Shoko in, and decides to make up for his wrongdoings.
11. The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
The Castle of Cagliostro is the first film that the legendary animator, Hayao Miyazaki, ever directed.
This 1979 film follows Lupin III, a thief who robs a casino, only to find out that the heap of money he stole is counterfeit. Lupin III then travels to Cagliostro, the source of the fake money, and finds a princess who needs saving.
More Great Movies on Netflix
Just because a movie's popular doesn't mean that it's actually good. Some of the above titles might not have a high budget or super famous actors, but they have interesting plot elements that make for an entertaining watch.
