Here are some popular movies on Netflix as of my knowledge cutoff of 2021-09:
- The Trial of the Chicago 7
- Roma
- Marriage Story
- The Irishman
- Uncut Gems
- Da 5 Bloods
- Enola Holmes
- The Devil All the Time
- Extraction
- The Old Guard
Please keep in mind that this list may have changed since my knowledge cutoff, and availability may vary based on your location and Netflix subscription.
The Trial of the Chicago 7
“The Trial of the Chicago 7” is a historical legal drama film released in 2020, directed by Aaron Sorkin. The film is based on the true story of the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters who were charged with conspiracy and inciting a riot during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
The movie stars an ensemble cast including Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Rylance, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Jeremy Strong, among others.
The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for multiple awards, including six Academy Awards. It won Best Original Screenplay at the 93rd Academy Awards and also won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. “The Trial of the Chicago 7” is currently available to stream on Netflix.
Roma
“Roma” is a drama film released in 2018, written, directed, and co-produced by Alfonso Cuarón. The movie is a semi-autobiographical story set in the early 1970s in Mexico City, following the life of a live-in maid, Cleo, who works for a middle-class family.
The film stars Yalitza Aparicio as Cleo and Marina de Tavira as Sofía, the mother of the family. The film is shot in black and white, and the cinematography is highly praised for its artistic and technical achievements.
“Roma” was well-received by critics and was nominated for ten Academy Awards, winning three for Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Foreign Language Film. The movie is available to stream on Netflix and is considered a masterpiece of contemporary cinema.
Marriage Story
“Marriage Story” is a drama film released in 2019, written and directed by Noah Baumbach. The movie follows the disintegration of the marriage between a theater director, Charlie, played by Adam Driver, and an actress, Nicole, played by Scarlett Johansson.
The film explores the emotional toll of divorce on both the couple and their young son, as they navigate the legal and personal challenges of separating their lives and custody of their child. The film also features notable performances from Laura Dern, Alan Alda, and Ray Liotta.
“Marriage Story” received critical acclaim and was nominated for multiple awards, including six Academy Awards. Laura Dern won Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film at the 92nd Academy Awards. The movie is available to stream on Netflix.
The Irishman
“The Irishman” is a crime drama film released in 2019, directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie is based on the book “I Heard You Paint Houses” by Charles Brandt and tells the story of Frank Sheeran, a hitman and labor union official who becomes involved with organized crime and the disappearance of labor union leader Jimmy Hoffa.
The film features an ensemble cast, including Robert De Niro as Frank Sheeran, Al Pacino as Jimmy Hoffa, and Joe Pesci as Russell Bufalino. The movie uses advanced de-aging technology to show the characters over several decades, spanning the 1950s to the 2000s.
“The Irishman” received critical acclaim and was nominated for ten Academy Awards, winning Best Supporting Actor for Joe Pesci. The film is available to stream on Netflix.
Uncut Gems
“Uncut Gems” is a crime thriller film released in 2019, directed by Josh and Benny Safdie. The movie follows the story of Howard Ratner, a New York City jeweler and gambling addict played by Adam Sandler, as he tries to pay off his debts and recover a valuable gemstone.
The film features a notable performance from Adam Sandler, as well as supporting roles from Lakeith Stanfield, Idina Menzel, and Kevin Garnett, who plays himself in the film.
“Uncut Gems” received critical acclaim and was praised for its intense pacing, direction, and performances. Despite not receiving any major award nominations, it is considered one of the best films of 2019. The movie is available to stream on Netflix.
Da 5 Bloods
“Da 5 Bloods” is a war drama film released in 2020, directed by Spike Lee. The movie follows the story of four aging African-American Vietnam War veterans, known as the “Bloods”, who return to Vietnam in search of the remains of their fallen squad leader and a hidden cache of gold.
The film features an ensemble cast, including Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, and Isiah Whitlock Jr. The movie explores themes of trauma, brotherhood, and the lasting effects of the Vietnam War on its veterans and the country as a whole.
“Da 5 Bloods” received critical acclaim for its direction, cinematography, and performances, particularly that of Delroy Lindo, who was widely praised for his portrayal of a troubled and complex character. The movie is available to stream on Netflix.
Enola Holmes
“Enola Holmes” is a mystery film released in 2020, directed by Harry Bradbeer. The movie is based on the book series of the same name by Nancy Springer and follows the adventures of Enola Holmes, the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes, who sets out to find her missing mother and becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a young lord.
The film stars Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes, with Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes and Sam Claflin as Mycroft Holmes. The movie features a feminist twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories, with Enola serving as a smart, resourceful, and independent heroine.
“Enola Holmes” received positive reviews and was praised for its performances, particularly that of Millie Bobby Brown, who also served as a producer on the film. The movie is available to stream on Netflix.
The Devil All the Time
“The Devil All the Time” is a psychological thriller film released in 2020, directed by Antonio Campos. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Donald Ray Pollock and follows the interconnected lives of several characters in a small town in Ohio, spanning the period from the end of World War II to the 1960s.
The film features an ensemble cast, including Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Bill Skarsgård, Sebastian Stan, and Riley Keough. The movie explores themes of religion, violence, and corruption, as the characters’ lives intersect in unexpected and often tragic ways.
“The Devil All the Time” received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the performances and atmosphere of the film, while others found it to be overly bleak and convoluted. However, the movie is generally regarded as a well-acted and well-crafted thriller. The film is available to stream on Netflix
Extraction
“Extraction” is an action thriller film released in 2020, directed by Sam Hargrave. The movie follows Tyler Rake, a black-market mercenary played by Chris Hemsworth, who is hired to rescue the kidnapped son of an international crime lord in Bangladesh.
The film features notable action sequences and stunt work, with Chris Hemsworth performing many of his stunts. The movie also stars Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Randeep Hooda, and Golshifteh Farahani in supporting roles.
“Extraction” was generally well-received for its action sequences and Chris Hemsworth’s performance, but some critics felt that the movie’s story and characters were underdeveloped. Despite this, the film was a commercial success for Netflix and a sequel has been announced. The movie is available to stream on Netflix.