Netflix, a streaming platform that has been around for many years, has a plethora of movies to watch. Whether original movies that make the subscription worth it or box office hits now on streaming, there are plenty of choices.
And while you could spend plenty of time watching some perfect Netflix shows, there’s another, better way to relax on the platform—and that is through some underrated Netflix original movies.
Nonnas
Calling all food lovers!
Nonnas, released in 2025, stars Vince Vaughn and actually tells a real story. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, the movie follows the story of restaurant owner Joe Scaravella and how, after his mother passes away, he decides to open an Italian restaurant where actual grandmothers are the chefs rather than professionally trained chefs.
As a foodie and a lover of literally all things Italian, Nonnas is the kind of movie that is joyful and is just there to make you smile. Vaughn’s performance is sweet and heartwarming, and by the end of the movie, you will either crave a large Italian dinner with your friends or maybe want to open your own restaurant.
Nonnas
Release Date
May 1, 2025
Runtime
112 minutes
Director
Stephen Chbosky
Beasts Of No Nation
A Netflix classic
Fun fact: Beasts of No Nation was Netflix’s first original film, and yet, no one ever really talks about it and how awesome it was.
Starring Idris Elba and released in 2015, Cary Joji Fukunaga directs Beasts of No Nation, which tells the story of a child who becomes a soldier in the civil war. It is based on the novel of the same name by Uzodinma Iweala and is a harrowing tale of war, its effects on us, and the grief that follows. It’s a well-told drama that deserves much more praise.
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Nice to have, but less than essential.
Hustle
Adam Sandler shows off his drama skills
I’m sure when we think of Adam Sandler movies, we think of some of his comedies, like Happy Gilmore or Billy Madison, but the famous comedic actor has had a bit of a run with dramas over the decade or so. Hustle is one of those.
Directed by Jeremiah Zagar and co-starring big names like Queen Latifah, Robert Duvall, and more, Hustle presents Sandler as an NBA scout who, after a series of unfortunate events at work, discovers a talented player in Spain. He then makes it his mission to prepare him for the NBA draft.
While there is certainly comedy in this film (as there always is in any Sandler production), Hustle gives the actor the time and day to really show off his dramatic chops. Plus, who doesn’t love to watch Sandler throw around a basketball or two?
Hustle
Release Date
June 8, 2022
Runtime
117 minutes
Director
Jeremiah Zagar
Jim And Andy
This documentary is one of the best on the platform
Yes, there are plenty of original films with fictional ideas, but I knew I needed to put a documentary on here that truly blew me away and one that no one talks about. Jim & Andy—or known as Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond—is a documentary film about Jim Carrey and his portrayal of Andy Kaufman in the critically acclaimed film Man on the Moon.
It’s fascinating, especially as a non-actor, to hear the stories of Carrey and how he was so committed to the role that he had trouble separating his own mind from the man he was portraying. It details the struggles many dedicated actors have faced. It also makes you appreciate the skill it takes to bring a performance artist like Andy back to life.
Man on the Moon
Release Date
December 22, 1999
Runtime
118 Minutes
Director
Milos Forman
Private Life
Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hahn shine
Throwing this back to 2018, Private Life is a comedy-drama that is the kind of film anyone with a family—or who is trying to have a family—can relate to. Directed and written by Tamara Jenkins, the movie stars Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hahn as a couple desperately trying to have a child and willing to do anything to achieve it.
While there are plenty of aspects of comedy in this film, Private Life is the kind of movie that takes a very hard topic like infertility and showcases it in such a classy way. It’s not afraid to show how it affects marriages, intimacy, and so much more. With two killer performances from Giamatti and Hahn, Private Life is the perfect pick.
Private Life
Release Date
October 5, 2018
Runtime
124 minutes
Director
Tamara Jenkins
Tramps
This rom-com is hilarious and wild
Last but not least, we have Tramps. Directed by Adam Leon, Tramps is the kind of rom-com film that you need to watch that Saturday afternoon and will become your new favorite comedy. Starring Callum Turner and Grace Van Patten, Tramps follows two strangers who somehow get involved on the wrong side of town when a briefcase swap goes wrong. From there, they have to try and find the correct bag in order to, you know, survive, and that leads to a crazy (and romantic) night.
I love this film. It’s a great example of a movie that really did go under the radar and deserved so much more hype because it has everything you could need in a rom-com. A zany, quirky love story? Check. Charming on-screen chemistry? Check. Great performances that reel you in? Check. And yet, I don’t think I have met a single person who has seen this film. If you’re in need of a good rom-com to watch this weekend, I’d suggest Tramps.
Tramps
Release Date
September 10, 2016
Runtime
82 minutes
Writers
Adam Leon
There are truly so many great movies on Netflix to watch this month, but these are just some of my underrated personal picks that, no matter what, you will have a great time watching. Oh, and be ready to cry at least once.
Subscription with ads
Yes, $8/month
Simultaneous streams
Two or four
Live TV
No
Price
Starting at $8/month
