Source: Pexels by John-Mark Smith
Are you lost in front of the abundance of films on Netflix? Known especially for fictions like La Casa de Papel, Squid Game, and Stranger Things, Netflix has never neglected its selection of films. The catalog has been enriched in recent years and this will likely continue to accelerate.
The American giant can now broadcast films 15 months after their theatrical release, compared to 36 months previously. Netflix also produces feature films that are all original creations. If things started slowly, the pace has increased in recent years, especially in 2021 which saw a number of big productions.
The schedule of the new Netflix Original movies for 2022 has been packed, although some release dates have been changed. There are many great filmmakers who want to work with Netflix, like David Fincher, Martin Scorsese or Jane Campion. As well as stars like Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock. At the Oscars 2022, Netflix had also gleaned no less than 27 nominations, even if it was Coda (from the competing platform Apple TV) which was ultimately crowned best film.
Here are 20 top picks from Netflix to keep you going for the next few weeks.
The Power of The Dog: The most beautiful western of 2021
Montana, circa the 1920s. Two brothers, Phil and George Burbank, run a huge ranch. The first displays a rebellious virility, the second is sensitive and delicate. When George brings Rose – a widow he has just married – back to the ranch, Phil feels jealous. Jane Campion graces this film with superb aesthetics and staging. The Power of the Dog is a must watch Netflix movie. In short, a masterpiece.
Don’t Look Up: Cosmic Denial: A truly star-studded cast
Two scientists discover that a comet is heading straight for Earth. They try to alert the world, but come up against the skepticism of the President of the United States. The cast is made up of of Leonardo DiCaprio – who is voiced by a French man – Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, and Cate Blanchett, to name a few. This original Netflix creation presents a gritty version of Armageddon, whose resemblance to current events (replace the comet with a virus) is no less than obvious.
Adam Through Time: The latest novelty that is creating a buzz
One night, Adam (a withdrawn boy since the death of his father) finds an injured man in the garage of his house. The individual is not aggressive and strangely comfortable. Adam understands that this is him, an adult, from the future. So begins a thrilling science fiction adventure, at once funny, moving and full of action, reminiscent of Steven Spielberg’s creations. The duo, formed by Ryan Reynolds and the young Walker Scobell, are very endearing. Though recently released on the platform, this film has already achieved an incredible record.
Unforgivable: Sandra Bullock’s comeback
Three years after Bird Box, Sandra Bullock returns to the platform as an ex-con determined to find her sister. Inhabited and moving, the actress transcends this heartbreaking drama that paints a portrait of the lived reality of rehabilitated ex-convicts in the United States. Interspersed with reversals and striking sequences, this film with its virtuoso staging will keep you spellbound.
The Mitchells vs The Machines: One to watch with the family
This film tells the story of an android invasion. The goal? To enslave the human race. Produced by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, this animated comedy is an absolute gem. It’s funny, tender, modern, and full of self-mockery. A total masterpiece!
The Chicago Seven: Based on a true story
This is a story of the trial of the demonstrators during the National Assembly Congress in Chicago in 1968, whose purpose was to designate the Democratic candidate for the presidential elections. This is a fascinating film that is among the best original Netflix creations.
Roma: An author at his peak
Awarded a Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, Roma is director Alfonso Cuaron’s most personal film. Roma displays long sequence shots in sumptuous black and white to depict his childhood memories of 1971 – the year of the student revolt and the divorce of his parents. In the chic district of Mexico City where he grew up, he brings to life his family and Cléo – his adored nanny who is the central character of the film. Coming back strong after The Son of Man and Gravity, Cuaron surprises again with this intimate and melancholy story that paints the portrait of two abandoned women.
The Irishman: Al Pacino and Robert De Niro star in this Martin Scorsese crime drama
Based on a true story, this 3h28 feature film tells the story of Frank Sheeran, a septuagenarian remembering his life as a hitman in the Mafia. Like his character, filmmaker Martin Scorsese – a veritable machine for making masterpieces – invites us to take a look behind the scenes of his own filmography. At his disposal, an impressive arsenal of actors: Robert de Niro, more mineral than ever, Al Pacino, loud-mouthed and mischievous. Plus, an exceptional Joe Pesci. The Irishman is an intimate drama with a moving conclusion.
Okja: Big animal, bigger friend
This film by Korean director Bong Joon-Ho immerses us in a near future world. Okja tells a tale of a strong friendship between a young girl from South Korea and her best friend, an amazing giant pig that she raises in the mountains.
Marriage Story: One to cry to
Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver), New York actress and director, once loved each other dearly. But their beautiful story is coming to an end. Nicole wants to return to California to resume her career as a film actress. Director Noah Baumbach and Scarlett Johansson wrote this screenplay while both were going through gruelling divorces. Sadness, resentment, nostalgia, and love permeate every moment of this dazzling film with a deep sensitivity. All the actors – whether they are the first or supporting roles (Laura Dern, Ray Liotta) – throw themselves into the battle with all the genius and intensity that they are capable of. Clever, funny, and poignant, this Kramer vs. Kramer family tragedy is guaranteed to pierce your heart.
Midnight in the Universe: George Clooney alone in the world… almost
The Earth is decimated by a mysterious catastrophe. A scientist, left alone in an observation station on the ice floe, tries to prevent the return of a space mission that left to find the possibility of life at the edge of the galaxy. George Clooney, who is heartbreaking in the main role, is also the director of this melancholic masterpiece. It blends spectacular survival film tropes with an intimate quest, halfway between Gravity and Ad Astra.
Enola Holmes: Millie Bobby Brown plays Sherlock’s sister
Enola goes in search of her mother, who disappeared on her 16th birthday. She escapes from her brothers, Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin), who want to send her to boarding school. The director (who also gave us Killing Eve) presents a baroque and supercharged adventure comedy that is led by Stranger Things star, Millie Bobby Brown.
Lost in the Arctic: A captivating true story
In 1909, Captain Ejnar Mikkelsen and his young crewman, Iver Iversen, embark on a journey across the Arctic with the aim of disavowing the United States, which claims northeast Greenland. On their return from the expedition, and after having fought against hunger, the cold and a polar bear, they find their ship abandoned by the crew. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (from Games of Thrones) fights for his survival in this captivating story, inspired by true events.
The Highwaymen: A sacred duo
Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson star as ex-Texas Rangers, Frank Hamer and Maney Gault – who are known for putting an end to the murderous run of Bonnie and Clyde in 1934. This hunt for murderous lovers takes place during the Great Depression.
The Harder They Fall: A Western revenge story
When outlaw Nat Love discovers that his nemesis has escaped from prison, he gathers his gang in an effort to exact revenge. Audiences fell in love with this explosive western pop with “tarantinesque” accents. With shimmering colors, daring direction, irresistible soundtrack, anthology fight scenes, Jeymes Samuel gives the genre quite the facelift.
Red Notice: Pure action
An FBI profiler (Dwayne Johnson) is forced to team up with a high-flying con man (Ryan Reynolds) to capture the world’s greatest art thief: Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman). Filmed around the globe, this frantic heist comedy is based on the explosive bond between the three Hollywood action stars. This is definitely a sparkling popcorn movie.
Spiderhead: Directed by Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller
Joseph Kosinski, the director of Top Gun: Maverick, presents this psychological thriller. A scientist conducts a strange experiment in an ultramodern prison establishment with drugs capable of altering the emotions of prisoners. His research is threatened when two inmates struggling with their pasts begin to bond. Dark humor and suspense are on the menu for this science-fiction film directed by Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller.
Extraction: Starring Chris Hemsworth
A mercenary accepts a suicide mission in Bangladesh, where he must save the son of a drug baron held in the stronghold of a rival gang. Tyler Rake was adapted from the graphic novel Ciudad by Joe Russo, director of the last two Avengers, who wanted to try his hand at an action thriller. Behind the camera, Sam Hargrave, one of Hollywood’s most prominent stunt coordinators is certainly busy. This is a brutal survival thriller with spectacular fighting scenes and nervous editing. Chris Hemsworth (Thor) is impeccable as a death-cheating adventurer broken by his past. In this immersive and testosterone-filled action film, the actor establishes himself as the new John Wick.
Tick, tick…Boom!: Let the music play
Author of Hamilton, the legend and prodigy Lin-Manuel Miranda adapts Rent, the autobiographical musical comedy by Jonathan Larson that remained on Broadway for twelve years. It recounts the beginning of the composer’s life. Who, at almost thirty, struggles between his job as a waiter, his love affairs, his friendships, and his determination to put on his first show. Rage in his stomach, Andrew Garfield dances, sings and loves with the energy of despair.
Klaus: Entertainment for everyone
A lazy postman, Jesper, is sent to the sad town of Smeerensburg, where inhabitants only fight among themselves. There, he meets Klaus – a mysterious carpenter. This quirky Christmas tale champions a joyful yet evil spirit, while keeping a welcome touch of emotion. The animation is high quality, with its angular, cartoonish, and hilarious characters. It’s a film that is perfect for the whole family.