Three Underrated Movies on Netflix You Should Watch This Weekend (February 21-23)

Netflix continues to enrich its catalog with popular box office hits, including award-winning films like Parasite, Interstellar, and The Menu. For those seeking guaranteed entertainment, these options are ideal. However, there are also lesser-known films on the platform that are worth exploring. Those who wish to discover true hidden gems will find a wide selection of movies spanning various genres. Below are three of these underrated films that deserve to be seen, including one animated option, one heartwarming story, and a unique biographical drama.

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Kubo and the Two Strings is a stop-motion animated action and fantasy film set in feudal Japan. The story follows Kubo, a young boy who lives in isolation with his sick mother, who warns him not to stay out after dark to avoid his vengeful grandfather, the Moon King, and his unsettling twin aunts. When Kubo accidentally breaks this rule, he embarks on a dangerous adventure with his unexpected companions: Monkey and Beetle, in search of his late father's enchanted armor. Although it may not have reached the same level as other popular Laika productions, this film directed by Travis Knight offers a rich blend of Japanese folklore, stunning animation, and surprising emotional depth. At its core, it is a reflection on loss and the complicated journey that pain can provoke, narrated through the story of a brave child. It is undoubtedly one of the best animated films available on Netflix today.

To the Bone (2017)
In To the Bone, Lily Collins delivers one of her most impactful performances as Ellen, a 20-year-old diagnosed with severe anorexia. Directed by Marti Noxon, the film presents Ellen's experience as she, after years of failed treatments and tense family relationships, joins an unconventional inpatient program led by Dr. Beckham. Moving into a house with other young patients also seeking recovery, Ellen confronts her fears and emotional trauma as she navigates her path to healing. This film refuses to sugarcoat the illness, showing both the physical and emotional toll that Ellen and her surroundings face. Although the performances and narrative are moving, To the Bone remains an underrated film, likely due to the stigma associated with its subject matter. It presents recovery not as a simple process but as something messy and non-linear, making it a necessary work that deserves more recognition.

The Swimmers (2022)
The Swimmers, directed by Sally El Hosaini, is a deeply moving biographical drama that tells the inspiring and heartbreaking true story of Yusra and Sara Mardini, two Syrian sisters who fled their war-torn country in search of asylum in Europe. The film follows the Mardini sisters as they pursue their dream of becoming Olympic stars despite the constant threat of war. As the situation in Damascus becomes untenable, they decide to cross the Aegean Sea. The sisters eventually jump into the water to help guide a boat full of endangered refugees to safety. Once in Europe, Yusra managed to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. This film stands out among the best movies based on true stories, and its narrative is especially relevant today. Despite their desperate situation, the film highlights the resilience and strength of the sisters' bond, forming a powerful refugee story that underscores the pursuit of a dream in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.