What are our pics for Best Movies Netflix? These are just a few.
Founded in 1997, Netflix has risen to be a major force in entertainment. Films of genres once reserved for major studios now fall under the Netflix umbrella.
Mega-stars who used to demand huge salaries and backend deals clamor to be in one of their projects. This advertisement-free platform has made new stars and revived the careers of fading personalities and all the while we’ve watched as the name of the platform became virtually synonymous with streaming.
There are a ton of original TV shows, specials, and films to choose from, but here are 10 of my Netflix top shows and Netflix movies to watch. These are also great suggestions for a Netflix watch party:
THE IRISHMAN (2019)
Netflix Best Movies: I had a friend who said it took him 4 days to watch this film. Exaggeration, but I do suggest you pack a lunch for this epic. The basic story is who killed famed teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa (a mystery that ranks high in the unsolved category) and what did they do with the body.
It takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to tell us this, but since you have Martin Scorsese directing it only seems like 3 hours and 25 minutes.
The draw of The Irishman besides the story was the visual technology. The film spans decades and the main characters age accordingly. Yet no younger actors were hired to play youthful versions of Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, or Al Pacino.
It was computer versions of them that kept them looking like they’re fresh from a rime machine.
It’s a top-notch motion picture and earned its share of award nominations. Bravo, Netflix!
MANK (2020)
Netflix was all about prestige when they released this behind-the-scenes take on the writing of arguably the greatest film ever made.
Citizen Kane is lauded worldwide as a cinematic masterpiece and the movie Mank tells the story of Herman Mankiewicz, the man who actually had the unmitigated gall and temerity to pen the opus mirroring the life of newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst, known as Charles Foster Kane in his celluloid takedown.
For Mank, versatile actor, Gary Oldman plays the curmudgeon who gets his kicks from rubbing dirt in the noses of any establishment figure within offending range. In real life (as they say) Mank was a talented studio writer whose feelings got hurt by his paymasters and he took them out on paper. Mank embraced the old adage of “The pen is mightier than the sword” and laid it all out.
The masochism, nepotism, and egotism of the man for all to see. Citizen Kane was a minor offering upon its release, the hubbub surrounding it was more compelling than audience attendance.
However, in the late 1950s, a list came out from the world’s most renowned film critics and named Citizen Kane the best picture ever made. This recognition came almost 2 decades after its initial release. Regardless, it has remained in that top slot consistently since.
Mank is a well-crafted and finely acted film in its own right. Directed by David Fincher and based on a script from his late father, Jack, this picture is a worthy companion to its iconic subject matter. True to the era it represents, Mank is shot in Black & White and yet sparkles with vivid detail and mesmerizing lighting. It could’ve been filmed in the 1940s. I’m just glad it got filmed.
UNCUT GEMS (2019)
Adam Sandler plays the quintessential man down on his luck. This dramatic turn from the notoriously lowbrow comedian marks a triumphant departure from his comfort zone and solidifies him as one of the strongest actors working in Hollywood today.
Sandler plays the role of Brian Rainer, a jewelry man and gambling addict with a rare object everybody wants and a long shot nobody believes will pay off.
However, when it does this film’s climax will leave you baffled, confused, sad and emotionally spent. Well, isn’t that what a good dramatic film is supposed to do? Another grand slam from Netflix!
DOLEMITE IS MY NAME (2019)
Eddie Murphy thought he was doing a passion project that would pay homage to a Black comedy trailblazer but would do little for his own career. How wrong he was when this minor trifle became an instant hit and catapulted Murphy back into top-of-the-list conversation again.
His sequel to Coming to America wasn’t far behind so it was the one-two synergy punch movie stars relish.
The film is the story of party record pioneer and XXX comedian Rudy Ray Moore. It shows in hilarious fashion how this guy with drive and determination never accepted no for an answer. It’s the ultimate hustler manifesto and should be required viewing for anybody with a dream.
Murphy leads a superb cast as Moore and Wesley Snipes is a comedy revelation as the legendary D’Urville Martin, who begrudgingly directed “Dolemite”, Moore’s movie debut that he put together himself.
It’s a funny movie. It’s an entertaining movie. It’s a Netflix movie.
THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 (2020)
It’s hard to go wrong in the pedigree department when you’ve got master wordsmith Aaron Sorkin at the helm. Sorkin directed a brilliant cast including Sacha Baron Cohen and Eddie Redmayne.
The story explores the political trial of 7 defendants following the aftermath of the 1968 Chicago Democratic Convwntion and its subsequent riots.
Somebody had to pay for the civil disobedience, and these 7 fringe elements of society and self-proclaimed trouble makers from different factions galvanized the public’s attention during this historic crossroads. Famed Black Panther, Bobby Seale was part of the 7 even though he was not and Panther leader Fred Hampton was assassinated during this time frame.
The set was meticulously and painstakingly recreated for this detailed exploration of the effects of politics on the judicial system and how fragile democracy that it must be defended vigorously whenever encroached upon ever so slightly. It’s a brilliant film and another brilliant acquisition by Netflix.
SEXTUPLETS (2019)
Netflix is no stranger to comedy as Sextuplets demonstrates. This Marlon Wayans tour-de-force has a man with multiple siblings playing a man with multiple siblings. The difference in this case is that Wayns plays them all and brilliantly. His range in this project ranks along the best work of Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence and Peter Sellers.
The story revolves around Wayans character, Alan, taking a road trip to meet all his other siblings before his baby is born and getting more than he bargains for, as what was meant to be a fact-finding journey turns into a reunion of spirits finally making a connection none knew was needed.
It’s a family comedy disguised as a slapstick romp, but however you label it, Sextuplets is funny as hell and another winner for Netflix.
DA 5 BLOODS (2020)
Netflix not only has had an eye on quality projects, but talent as well. Fortunately for the public, Netflix’s Chadwick Boseman friendly. Some of his best work was originally displayed on the platform, such as Da 5 Bloods, where Boseman’s character is played in spirit.
The story examines a reunion of 4 black Vietnam vets returning to pick up the cache of gold they left behind and the remains of their fallen squad leader (Boseman). Featuring Delroy Lindo, the crew encounters racial prejudice and reminders of the tensions between soldiers and the locals. It’s a visceral motion picture with rock-solid and searing performances.
MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM (2020)
Boseman’s last role was that of a hyper-kinetic trumpet player, Levee, in August Wilson’s play adapted to film. Denzel Washington’s production company has made it its mission statement to offer each Wilson play as a film for greater mass consumption of the work of this master communicator of the human condition.
In this selection, the main character of Ma Rainey is embodied by the incredible Viola Davis in a much-heralded and highly praised performance.
The entire cast including Glynn Turman is excellent, but it’s Boseman’s electrifying treatment of the text that rivets the audience and the fact his emaciated body was not an actor’s visual choice, but the deterioration of a consummate artist intent on sharing his craft until his final moments brings even greater gravitas to this exhilarating motion picture.
Boseman died soon after the shooting was completed, but his bravery and devotion to his vocation have deservedly become legendary.
THE WILLOUGHBYS (2020)
Netflix enriches each genre they touch. Animation is no different. In the family cartoon, The Willoughbys, the 4 children of this illustrious clan are ignored and starved by their odd parents who care about nothing, but each other. Engaged in a perpetual embrace and poised for ever more smooching this vapid pair go through their daily existence complimenting each other and planning for their continuous mutual pleasure.
Meanwhile, their children are left to fend for themselves, and adventures ensure, including a jolly Nannie with a tool belt loaded with survival skills and old-school patience. The visuals are captivating, and the relentless pace never lets up. It’s a cartoon with a wholesome family unity message and another win for Netflix.
THE BLACK GODFATHER (2019)
Netflix Good Movies: One of our greater resources for comprehensive and engaging documentaries is Netflix and one of their finest achievements has been the telling of the Clarence Avant story. This behind-the-scenes figure is the most open secret in show business. He’s the ultimate kingmaker. If it was a pivotal deal, Avant had his hand in it. He’s the vortex from which all music, film and television flowed.
He could show up at mergers unannounced and be welcomed with open arms. His reputation as a chief dealmaker proceeded him everywhere he went and historical luminaries such as Quincy Jones, Berry Gordy, L A Reid, Clive Davis, Jim Brown, David Geffen and others swear by him.
Avant represents what a Black man can accomplish left to his own devices and allowed to operate from his cultural core and Netflix represents what quality documentary filmmaking is all about – educate us while you entertain us.
It’s the qualities of putting the audience first which has grown the Netflix brand and positioned it to thrive even further. True, the Covid19 pandemic placed us all inside to savor these artistic gifts, but no amount of quarantine will make a populace rave over aired crap.
Netflix delivers and if these past few years are any indication of the future of the medium, it will continue to surprise, astonish and leave us in awe. It provides us with projects that are events and we’re the fortunate beneficiaries who live in this time and space to fully enjoy them. For more info to go Netflix com
