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Times have now changed. Before, all the best movies were created by big production companies in Hollywood; now, these movies are released on streaming platforms such as Netflix and some of them are even produced by the streamers themselves.
Two of Oscar 2022’s Best Picture nominees – The Power of the Dog and Don’t Look Up – were Netflix original films (although the award was given to a different streamer, AppleTV+, for CODA).
While Netflix hasn’t snagged a Best Picture win yet, it’s a Hollywood honor within reach because Netflix visibly shines when creating original movies. So, here are the top 10 best Netflix original films – some of these are Oscar winners:
Mank (2020)
Mank follows the tale of the creation of Orson Welles’ widely known 1941 classic, Citizen Kane. The film featured Gary Oldman as Herman J. Mankiewicz, or “Mank,” the scathing social critic and alcoholic screenwriter,” as he scrambles to meet the deadline of the Citizen Kane screenplay.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a Netflix original film that reminisces the true story of seven men who face trial following a massive protest opposed to the Vietnam War during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
The Irishman (2019)
The Irishman is inspired by a 2004 memoir by Frank Sheeran; I Heard You Paint Houses. Sheeran finds himself involved with a Philadelphia-headquartered Italian mob. It is directed by Martin Scorsese and features Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci.
The Power of the Dog (2022)
The Power of the Dog is a 1920s Western inspired by the book of the same name by Thomas Savage. It is a story about Phil, a cowboy, and his brother’s new family, who have lately moved onto the ranch.
Roma (2018)
Roma follows Cleo, a housekeeper for a wealthy family in 1970s Mexico City. It was the first-ever Netflix movie to win the Best Picture at the Oscars and snagged the Best Foreign Language Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematography awards.
Marriage Story (2019)
Marriage Story gives a heartbreaking view into how the practicalities and legalities of divorce can sever the people involved.
The King (2019)
The King follows the tale of Kind Henry V during his coming of age. He hesitantly brings England into a brutal war with France in search of peace.
Tick, Tick … Boom! (2021)
It is a musical movie that takes the audience on the relatable adventure of friendship, heartbreak, and artistry.
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Don’t Look Up is a film that follows geniuses warning politicians, billionaires, and influential people about a meteor coming straight to Earth, potentially hitting it directly.
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
Beasts of No Nation is a story about a brutal African civil war through the eyes of a child soldier.
