80 Best Movies On Netflix UK That You Need To Add To Your List, Pronto
From all genres
Netflix has hundreds of movies on its streaming service at the moment.
Which is great, of course. But, also comes with the inevitable struggle of deciding which option to go for when you fancy a movie night.
If you spend your time flicking through the selection for a good hour before finally settling on a good movie with your partner, housemate or family, then use our guide below for ELLE's pick of the best movies on Netflix right now.
From Oscar-winning dramas like Erin Brockovich and 12 Years A Slave through to cry-yourself-laughing comedies like Superbad and Bridesmaids, there's something for everyone.
Suffragette
Why should I watch it?
This incredible cast starring Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep, Helena Bonham Carter and Anne-Marie Duff bring the Suffragette movement which paved the way for women to vote in the UK in 1918 to the big screen. Prepare for tears, anger and admiration and one heck of a performance from these thespians.
Arrives on Netflix on August 25.
Malcolm X
Why should I watch it?
Denzel Washington embodies the Civil Rights activist in this Spike Lee-directed biopic that is as gripping as it is informative.
Arrives on Netflix on September 2.
Worth
Why should I watch it?
Based on true events, and poignantly released shortly before we mark 20 years since the attacks, Michael Keaton plays a lawyer whose job it is to decipher compensation for the families of victims of the 09/11 attacks.
Arrives on Netflix on September 3.
Queen And Slim
Why should I watch it?
A barrier-breaking film, written by Lena Waithe, with incredible performances from Daniel Kaluuya (who plays Slim) and Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen) in a movie about couple whose date takes an unexpected turn when they are forced to go on the run when a white police officer is killed after pulling their car over.
Arrives on Netflix on September 20.
The Farewell
Why should I watch it?
Awkwafina won a Golden Globe for her performance in this moving film about a family who travel to China to say goodbye to their grandma who is dying, but she has not been told of her terminal condition.
Arrives on Netflix on September 30.
Boyz N The Hood
Why should I watch it?
A powerful and poignant film about life in a Los Angeles neighbourhood in the 1990s tackling issues of race and institutional racism, poverty and discrimination, starring Ice Cube, Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett and Regina King.
Molly's Game
Why should I watch it?
Based on a true story, Jessica Chastain plays Molly Bloom - a former professional skier - who runs an underground poker tournament for the rich, famous and powerful which soon captures the attention of the FBI.
The Great Gatsby
Why should I watch it?
Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the literary mega-character in Baz Luhrman's depiction of the F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel and the result is, well, very Baz Luhrman. Think bright colours, exquisite 1920s costumes, a brilliant soundtrack curated by Jay-Z and a huge party atmosphere.
Les Misérables
Why should I watch it?
When we say this cast is an all-star cast, it's really not an exaggeration. The adored musical - based on the book chronicling the effects of war and poverty during the French revolution - is fronted by Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway (who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Cosette), Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Why should I watch it?
The 1980s classic is now on Netflix. Watch for the nostalgia, reminder of what Matthew Broderick and Succession's Alan Ruck looked like in their teens and that everlasting feeling of high school mischief.
Paddington
Why should I watch it?
The feel-good classic adored by all ages is now out on Netflix for the whole family to enjoy.
Blood Diamond
Why should I watch it?
Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly and Djimon Hounsou star in this powerful story set during the Sierra Leone civil war, focusing on the devastating blood diamond trade.
Moxie
Why should I watch it?
Amy Poehler directs a story about 21st century feminism, through the lens of Vivian who draws upon her mother (played by Poehler)'s rebellious past for activism inspiration.
Shrek
Why should I watch it?
We might have aged a bit since the film's 2001 release, but the jokes haven't. Poking fun at fairytale tropes with iconic one-liners, it still brings the laughs today.
Set It Up
Why should I watch it?
An underrated comedy on Netflix can be found in Set It Up, starring Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell as two overworked and exhausted personal assistants who embark on a plan to set their demanding bosses (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs) up with each other and so that, hopefully, happiness and an easier life will follow.
Dirty Dancing
Why should I watch it?
Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey's romantic dance-filled, hip-swinging film is one of the many classics on Netflix that should be upgraded to your 'My List'.
Midsommar
Why should I watch it?
It's a terrifying horror that has won legions of fans since its 2019 release: Dani (Florence Pugh) and Christian (Jack Reynor) go on holiday but are soon invited into an insular world where darkness emerges in this extremely tense movie.
Fear Street Trilogy
Why should I watch it?
Horror fans, this is one for you. On July 9, Netflix are dropping not one original horror movie but three, at the same time. The Fear Street trilogy - based on the books by R.L. Steine. The three films tell the story of the terrorised town of Shadyside from three different years, 1994 (part one starring Maya Hawke!), 1978 (part two starring Sadie Sink!) and part three in 1666. Prepare to scream.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood...
Why should I watch it?
To see what all the hype was about. Quentin Tarantino's long-awaited retelling of the Charles Manson murders with an all-star cast (Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie and Oscar winner Brad Pitt) was released in 2019.
ET
Why should I watch it?
For some heartwarming nostalgia! The Steven Spielberg mega-hit comes to Netflix in July 2021.
Olivia Blair is Entertainment Editor (Luxury) at Hearst UK, working across ELLE, Esquire and Harper's Bazaar. Olivia covers all things entertainment and has interviewed the likes of Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Michaela Coel and Ryan Gosling over the years.
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