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WeirdThe 20 Best Netflix Original Movies
By Jade Budowski
@jadebudowski
Published
June 13, 2017, 9:00 p.m. ET
1 of
21
The platform's put out daring documentaries, riveting dramas, and quality comedies. We ranked the best of 'em by their Rotten Tomatoes Critic Scores.
2 of
21
Rodney King
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This powerful, unique film directed by Spike Lee retraces the series of events and devastating moments that led up to the police beating of Rodney King and the fatal riots that ensued. Delivered as a compelling one-man show in front of a live audience, this testament to Lee's storytelling skills will make you understand the harrowing events of 1992 in a new light.
[Stream Rodney King]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This powerful, unique film directed by Spike Lee retraces the series of events and devastating moments that led up to the police beating of Rodney King and the fatal riots that ensued. Delivered as a compelling one-man show in front of a live audience, this testament to Lee's storytelling skills will make you understand the harrowing events of 1992 in a new light.
[Stream Rodney King]
©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collec
3 of
21
Team Foxcatcher
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
While drama flick Foxcatcher may have earned well-deserved critical buzz and awards love, this unsettling documentary takes things one step further and examines the life of Dave Schultz, one of the members of Team Foxcatcher who eventually paid for his loyalty to John DuPont with his life.
[Stream Team Foxcatcher]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
While drama flick Foxcatcher may have earned well-deserved critical buzz and awards love, this unsettling documentary takes things one step further and examines the life of Dave Schultz, one of the members of Team Foxcatcher who eventually paid for his loyalty to John DuPont with his life.
[Stream Team Foxcatcher]
Netflix
4 of
21
The Square (Al midan)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This stunning observational documentary tells the story of six different protesters of the Egyptian Revolution and the hardships they endure to have their voices heard. The tumultuous nature of the regime they live under and the short-lived victories they experience combine to create an enlightening film that should be required viewing.
[Stream The Square (Al Midan)]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This stunning observational documentary tells the story of six different protesters of the Egyptian Revolution and the hardships they endure to have their voices heard. The tumultuous nature of the regime they live under and the short-lived victories they experience combine to create an enlightening film that should be required viewing.
[Stream The Square (Al Midan)]
City Drive Entertainment Group/C
5 of
21
The Battered Bastards of Baseball
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
A so-crazy-it's-hard-to-believe-it's-true underdog story, this documentary chronicles minor league baseball team the Portland Mavericks during their five season-run from 1973-1977. Actor Kurt Russell's father Bing owned the team, and Kurt acted as vice president and also played for them. Delightful for both sports-lovers and film-lovers alike, this celebration of determination and spirit is one you won't want to miss.
[Stream The Battered Bastards of Baseball]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
A so-crazy-it's-hard-to-believe-it's-true underdog story, this documentary chronicles minor league baseball team the Portland Mavericks during their five season-run from 1973-1977. Actor Kurt Russell's father Bing owned the team, and Kurt acted as vice president and also played for them. Delightful for both sports-lovers and film-lovers alike, this celebration of determination and spirit is one you won't want to miss.
[Stream The Battered Bastards of Baseball]
Courtesy
6 of
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Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
While this documentary might have best been seen in a theater, your couch will have to do. The film captures the life and work of artist Cai Guo-Qiang, an electrifying individual who sets out to create his most ambitious work yet - a 1,650-foot ladder of fire that reaches into the sky above his hometown. The stunning pyrotechnic techniques he employs throughout his work are a feat to be witnessed.
[Stream Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo Qiang]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
While this documentary might have best been seen in a theater, your couch will have to do. The film captures the life and work of artist Cai Guo-Qiang, an electrifying individual who sets out to create his most ambitious work yet - a 1,650-foot ladder of fire that reaches into the sky above his hometown. The stunning pyrotechnic techniques he employs throughout his work are a feat to be witnessed.
[Stream Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo Qiang]
©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collec
7 of
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The White Helmets
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This short documentary took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) this year, and it's not difficult to see why. Directed by Orlando von Einsiedel, the film follows a group of volunteer rescue workers of the Syrian Civil Defense (also known as the White Helmets) as they go about their daily operations. This riveting account of those willing to put their lives on the line to save others packs more of a punch in 40 minutes than most flicks do in 2 hours.
[Stream The White Helmets]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This short documentary took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) this year, and it's not difficult to see why. Directed by Orlando von Einsiedel, the film follows a group of volunteer rescue workers of the Syrian Civil Defense (also known as the White Helmets) as they go about their daily operations. This riveting account of those willing to put their lives on the line to save others packs more of a punch in 40 minutes than most flicks do in 2 hours.
[Stream The White Helmets]
Netflix
8 of
21
Virunga
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, this film tells the story of a brave group of individuals who give up everything to protect the last mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This suspenseful, compelling, heart-wrenching film tells an incredible story and acts as a crucial call to action.
[Stream Virunga]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, this film tells the story of a brave group of individuals who give up everything to protect the last mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This suspenseful, compelling, heart-wrenching film tells an incredible story and acts as a crucial call to action.
[Stream Virunga]
Netflix
9 of
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13th
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Ava DuVernay directs this stunning documentary that takes a deep dive into the history of racial inequality in the United States and how it plays a massive role in the prison system. The Academy Award-nominated film employs both archival footage and testimony from the most prominent activists, scholars, politicians, and formerly incarcerated individuals to tell the story of the disproportionate incarceration of African-Americans in the United States.
[Stream 13th]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Ava DuVernay directs this stunning documentary that takes a deep dive into the history of racial inequality in the United States and how it plays a massive role in the prison system. The Academy Award-nominated film employs both archival footage and testimony from the most prominent activists, scholars, politicians, and formerly incarcerated individuals to tell the story of the disproportionate incarceration of African-Americans in the United States.
[Stream 13th]
Netflix
10 of
21
Sand Storm
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Set in a Bedouin village in Southern Israel, this drama examines the patriarchal traditions of the community and the way they affect women. Between a frustrating polygamous marriage and a young, forbidden love affair, this sweeping, psychologically-intense film will certainly surprise you.
[Stream Sand Storm]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Set in a Bedouin village in Southern Israel, this drama examines the patriarchal traditions of the community and the way they affect women. Between a frustrating polygamous marriage and a young, forbidden love affair, this sweeping, psychologically-intense film will certainly surprise you.
[Stream Sand Storm]
©Kino International / Everett Co
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Tramps
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
This modern take on old-school Hollywood rom-coms follows a good-natured teenager named Danny who gets roped into helping his incarcerated brother do a shady bag drop-off and the goose chase that ensues with the girl he encounters after he accidentally switches the bags. The breakout stars and honest summer setting will warm your heart and restore your faith in little movies.
[Stream Tramps]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
This modern take on old-school Hollywood rom-coms follows a good-natured teenager named Danny who gets roped into helping his incarcerated brother do a shady bag drop-off and the goose chase that ensues with the girl he encounters after he accidentally switches the bags. The breakout stars and honest summer setting will warm your heart and restore your faith in little movies.
[Stream Tramps]
Netflix
12 of
21
Deidra & Lainey Rob a Train
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
After their mother is arrested and jailed, two teenage sisters turn to train robbery to make ends meet. While things go smoothly when they start, they soon attract the attention of a railroad detective, and shenanigans ensue. Effortlessly funny and armed with two stellar actresses, this sharp little film offers an off-beat brand of fun.
[Stream Deidra & Lainey Rob a Train]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
After their mother is arrested and jailed, two teenage sisters turn to train robbery to make ends meet. While things go smoothly when they start, they soon attract the attention of a railroad detective, and shenanigans ensue. Effortlessly funny and armed with two stellar actresses, this sharp little film offers an off-beat brand of fun.
[Stream Deidra & Lainey Rob a Train]
Netflix/Fred Hayes
13 of
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The Little Prince
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
This beautiful adaptation of the classic children's book does it justice in every way possible. Gorgeously animated and full of heart, the story of a pilot who crashes into the Sahara desert and encounters a little boy claiming to be an extraterrestrial prince is a total delight for the whole family.
[Stream The Little Prince]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
This beautiful adaptation of the classic children's book does it justice in every way possible. Gorgeously animated and full of heart, the story of a pilot who crashes into the Sahara desert and encounters a little boy claiming to be an extraterrestrial prince is a total delight for the whole family.
[Stream The Little Prince]
Netflix
14 of
21
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
This inspiring true portrait of courage follows teenager Josh Wong as he decides to fight for Hong Kong after the Chinese Communist Party forgoes their promise of autonomy to the city. Joshua manages to rally thousands of kids to skip school and protest with him, and in the process becomes China's most unlikely hero.
[Stream Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
This inspiring true portrait of courage follows teenager Josh Wong as he decides to fight for Hong Kong after the Chinese Communist Party forgoes their promise of autonomy to the city. Joshua manages to rally thousands of kids to skip school and protest with him, and in the process becomes China's most unlikely hero.
[Stream Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower]
Netflix
15 of
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Win It All
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Joe Swanberg and Jake Johnson team up again for this effortlessly enjoyable flick. Johnson stars as Eddie, a bit of a deadbeat tasked with watching his acquaintance's bag of money while he serves a prison sentence. Though he starts off on the straight and narrow, Eddie gets hooked on gambling, and must try to win all the money back before the owner is released from jail.
[Stream Win It All ]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Joe Swanberg and Jake Johnson team up again for this effortlessly enjoyable flick. Johnson stars as Eddie, a bit of a deadbeat tasked with watching his acquaintance's bag of money while he serves a prison sentence. Though he starts off on the straight and narrow, Eddie gets hooked on gambling, and must try to win all the money back before the owner is released from jail.
[Stream Win It All ]
Netflix
16 of
21
Beasts of No Nation
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
True Detective vet Cary Fukunaga tells a harrowing story in Beasts of No Nation, a harrowing drama that follows Agu, a child soldier fighting in a civil war in a fictional West African country. He fears the men around him and tries to make sense of his war-ravaged world as he's forced into a life of death and violence. Equally devastating and fascinating, the film also features the extraordinary Idris Elba in the role of a menacing commander.
[Stream Beasts of No Nation]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
True Detective vet Cary Fukunaga tells a harrowing story in Beasts of No Nation, a harrowing drama that follows Agu, a child soldier fighting in a civil war in a fictional West African country. He fears the men around him and tries to make sense of his war-ravaged world as he's forced into a life of death and violence. Equally devastating and fascinating, the film also features the extraordinary Idris Elba in the role of a menacing commander.
[Stream Beasts of No Nation]
Netflix
17 of
21
Imperial Dreams
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
Star Wars breakout John Boyega took a break from the infamous franchise to star in this moving, important drama, and we're so glad he did. Boyega stars as Bambi, a young father released from prison who tries to protect his son from the crueler side of Los Angeles and the life he left behind.
[Stream Imperial Dreams]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
Star Wars breakout John Boyega took a break from the infamous franchise to star in this moving, important drama, and we're so glad he did. Boyega stars as Bambi, a young father released from prison who tries to protect his son from the crueler side of Los Angeles and the life he left behind.
[Stream Imperial Dreams]
Katherine Fairfax Wright
18 of
21
Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
This eye-opening documentary depicts the unrest of Ukraine between 2013 and 2014 and the violent revolution sparked by students supporting European integration that evidently led to calls for the resignation of President Viktor F. Yanukovich. The essential film is full of powerful images and may leave you aching for change in the world.
[Stream Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
This eye-opening documentary depicts the unrest of Ukraine between 2013 and 2014 and the violent revolution sparked by students supporting European integration that evidently led to calls for the resignation of President Viktor F. Yanukovich. The essential film is full of powerful images and may leave you aching for change in the world.
[Stream Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom]
Netflix
19 of
21
I Don't Feel At Home in This World Anymore
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Elijah Wood and Melanie Lynskey star in this comedy/dark thriller hybrid that follows the journey of a depressed woman after she is burglarized and decides to take up vigilante-like behavior with her grating neighbor and track down the thieves. Things initially seem to go their way, but these two everyday people soon find themselves incredibly out of their depth with these dangerous criminals.
[Stream I Don't Feel At Home in This World Anymore]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Elijah Wood and Melanie Lynskey star in this comedy/dark thriller hybrid that follows the journey of a depressed woman after she is burglarized and decides to take up vigilante-like behavior with her grating neighbor and track down the thieves. Things initially seem to go their way, but these two everyday people soon find themselves incredibly out of their depth with these dangerous criminals.
[Stream I Don't Feel At Home in This World Anymore]
Netflix/Allyson Riggs
20 of
21
Into the Inferno
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
This gorgeous documentary by Werner Herzog takes viewers on a journey through active volcanoes around the world and connects the modern world back to its ancient roots. The uniquely interesting film manages to stay interesting despite its seemingly mundane subject matter.
[Stream Into the Inferno]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
This gorgeous documentary by Werner Herzog takes viewers on a journey through active volcanoes around the world and connects the modern world back to its ancient roots. The uniquely interesting film manages to stay interesting despite its seemingly mundane subject matter.
[Stream Into the Inferno]
Peter Zeitlinger/Netflix
21 of
21
Mindhorn
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Starring Kenneth Branagh, Julian Barratt, Andrea Riseborough, and Steve Coogan, this action-comedy flick follows a has-been actor best known for playing a detective named "Mindhorn" in a 1980s series. While his career has stalled, he finds new purpose when he's forced to work with police to track down a serial killer, as the killer refuses to speak with anyone but Mindhorn (he believes he's a real person). Wacky, charming, and hilarious, Mindhorn will sneak up on you.
[Stream Mindhorn]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Starring Kenneth Branagh, Julian Barratt, Andrea Riseborough, and Steve Coogan, this action-comedy flick follows a has-been actor best known for playing a detective named "Mindhorn" in a 1980s series. While his career has stalled, he finds new purpose when he's forced to work with police to track down a serial killer, as the killer refuses to speak with anyone but Mindhorn (he believes he's a real person). Wacky, charming, and hilarious, Mindhorn will sneak up on you.
[Stream Mindhorn]
Netflix
