The 10 Best Netflix Movies of 2024, Ranked.
From Rebel Ridge to The Shadow Strays, these are the 10 best Netflix movies of 2024.
2024 has been a year of relative balance for Netflix, with no major resonant hits or disastrous partnerships. This situation has allowed some of the platform's standout films during this period to go unnoticed, while making it clear which should be considered the best in its catalog. Here are the ten best Netflix films of 2024, including some that may have flown under the radar even for the most devoted subscribers.
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The Kitchen
Co-written and co-directed by Daniel Kaluuya, The Kitchen is a science fiction film that immerses viewers in a future where social housing blocks have mostly been eradicated in London. The story revolves around a lonely father (Kane Robinson) who wishes to leave the last social housing community known as “The Kitchen,” but an unexpected encounter with his estranged son (Jedaiah Bannerman) complicates his plans. Released in January with little fanfare, the film blends emotional drama with ambitious and thought-provoking storytelling. -
The Shadow Strays
Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, The Shadow Strays is a 143-minute epic that depicts a killer (Aurora Ribero) trying to rescue a young orphan who has been kidnapped. The film, while indulgent in its style, showcases some of the most brutal and spectacular action sequences of the year, highlighting an opening battle that pays homage to classics like Kill Bill Vol. 1 and John Wick, while simultaneously displaying Tjahjanto's originality. -
The Piano Lesson
Malcolm Washington took a bold path for his directorial debut by adapting August Wilson’s play, The Piano Lesson. Often, adaptations of stage plays lack the vibrant cinematography that Washington achieves. With abundant powerful imagery and memorable performances, including a standout performance from Danielle Deadwyler, the film delves into the rich history of family legacy. -
It’s What’s Inside
Directed and written by Greg Jardin, It’s What’s Inside is an innovative entry in the horror genre. The plot revolves around a group of college friends reuniting, only for a mysterious body-swapping device to trigger old grudges and secrets. Featuring surprising twists, the film stands out for its playful visual style that complements its dark tone. -
Carry-On
Director Jaume Collet-Serra returns to the action thriller genre with Carry-On, which tells the story of a TSA agent (Taron Egerton) caught up in a plot to introduce a biological weapon on a Christmas Eve flight. It’s an action thriller that brings a refreshing mix of nostalgia for 80s and 90s action films while feeling modern and entertaining. -
The Remarkable Life of Ibelin
This Norwegian documentary showcases the life of Mats Steen, who was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The film not only explores the challenges of his daily life but also highlights his second home within World of Warcraft, where he forged meaningful friendships. Through archival footage and gaming material, it captures how Mats left a positive mark on the lives of those around him. -
His Three Daughters
Few original Netflix films have captured family drama in such an intimate and moving way as His Three Daughters. Starring Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon, and Natasha Lyonne, the film explores the dynamics of three sisters as they care for their father in his final days, dealing with their grief in ways that often clash with one another. -
Woman of the Hour
Anna Kendrick's directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, transforms what could have been a superficial crime thriller into a complex exploration of female pain and rage. Set against a chilling true story about a serial killer, the film maintains a firm focus on the victims' perspective, thanks to creative choices that highlight Kendrick’s talent both in front of and behind the camera. -
Rebel Ridge
Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Rebel Ridge is a tense small-town thriller centered on a former marine (Aaron Pierre) who faces police corruption while trying to bail out his cousin. Through skillful conflict development, Saulnier keeps the audience in a state of continuous tension without resorting to the excesses of violence found in his previous works. -
Hit Man
Based on the life of a university professor who pretended to be a hitman for the police in the 80s and 90s, Richard Linklater's Hit Man is a romantic crime comedy that stands out for its charm and fun. With a screenplay co-written by Glen Powell, who also stars, the film showcases the chemistry between Powell and Adria Arjona, making it one of the year's most entertaining and alluring offerings.
