Since 2007, Netflix has become one of the world’s online powerhouse streaming services. Ever since film renting stores like Blockbuster closed, online streaming sites have taken over the world as the best way to binge-watch favorite shows or enjoy movie nights. That’s because they are convenient, providing you with hundreds of options all from the comfort of your home. Plus, you simply pay a one-month fee and there is no stress or worry involved with having to return a film on time to avoid late fees. When it comes to online streaming, there really is no downside.
Like any other online streaming service, Netflix offers a wide range of TV shows and films, including its own original content. Popular shows include Orange Is the New Black, Stranger Things, and recently, Squid Game, which took the world by storm last year. Besides its long list of popular television shows, it’s also produced many popular and award-winning films, which was a great relief in 2021, when much of the world opted to stay indoors. These are some of the most popular from last year.
7 The Woman in The Window
The Woman in The Window is a classic take on Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window. Child psychologist Anna Fox lives isolated in a Manhattan apartment. She suffers from agoraphobia, a condition that makes her afraid to venture outside her apartment. Therefore, Anna spends much of her time taking medications and drinking the day away. One night, she witnesses a murder from across the street, but the police don’t believe her. No one believes her, and in fact, she starts to doubt herself, thinking it could be a hallucination as a result of her condition, or too much medication or alcohol. In her quest to learn what happened, Anna uncovers the dark truth of her past and discovers the key to setting herself free. Despite not receiving great reviews, the film features standout performances from Amy Adams, Fred Hechinger, Gary Oldman, and Julianne Moore.
6 To All the Boys: Always and Forever
To All the Boys: Always and Forever is the third and final installment of Netflix’s successful romance trilogy To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. The story follows teenager Lara Jean Covey as she navigates relationships and the hardships of growing up. In this final chapter, Lara Jean faces the decision of where to go to college and what to study. After getting rejected from Stanford, her dream school, Lara Jean and her boyfriend breakup to avoid the inevitable, since they will no longer be going to the same school. After the breakup, Lara Jean’s perfect world crumbles, but she soon discovers a new passion and decides to go where life leads her.
5 The Power of the Dog
The Power of the Dog is a Western psychological drama film based on Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel of the same name. It premiered on September 2, at the 78th Venice International Film Festival and received critical acclaim. The film follows the story of a cruel and domineering rancher who torments his brother’s family until he begins to mysteriously soften. It’s a deep character dive and explores what lies beneath the surface. The Power of the Dog has an all-star cast which includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. All four actors deliver powerful performances, earning them each an Academy Award nomination.
4 The Mitchells vs. the Machines
As you might expect from the title, The Mitchells vs. the Machines tells the story of a family, the Mitchells, who must save the world from the threat of evil machines. Along the way, the Mitchells rediscover themselves by embracing what makes them unique. They learn what it means to be a family and work together for the greater good. Besides being a fun and goofy family-friendly film, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a thought-provoking satire on how humanity has become enslaved by technology. It’s been enjoyed by both movie critics and moviegoers alike, and received high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
3 Finding ‘Ohana
If you enjoy action-adventure films such as Indiana Jones or The Goonies, then you’ll enjoy Netflix’s Finding ‘Ohana. New York–raised Hawaiian siblings Pili and Ioane "E" aren’t thrilled about having to relocate to Oahu to help their grandfather, whose health and financial situation are slowly deteriorating. However, things take on an exciting turn when Pili discovers a hidden clue that could possibly lead to a legendary lost island treasure. The siblings team up with the hopes of finding the treasure and saving their grandfather’s house. Along the way, they brave dangerous perils and discover more about their Hawaiian heritage.
2 A Week Away
A Week Away tells the story of troubled teen Will. After getting arrested, he finds himself faced with a dilemma. Either go to juvenile hall or spend a week away at a religious summer camp. He takes a leap of faith and chooses the latter. Now, Will wants to do everything he can to fit in and impress Avery, a girl who catches his attention. However, fitting in means pretending to be Christian and Will struggles to believe in a God that let such terrible things happen to him in the past. What starts fake for Will will soon turn real, and he’ll discover friends and a place of belonging at a time when he least expected it. In addition to upbeat musical numbers, the film features special appearances by Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman.
1 Tick, Tick… Boom
Tick, Tick… Boom is the story of Jonathon Larson, playwright, and composer of the beloved Broadway musical, Rent. It chronicles his struggles to seek fame and fortune, pursue romance, and basically, accomplish all his dreams before he turns 30 and his life ends, metaphorically speaking (and then, tragically, literally). It’s a story that many viewers will find relatable, regardless of age. After all, we’re all trying to figure out life and find our own way. Andrew Garfield gives a spot-on performance for his portrayal of Larson, and you can easily see similarities between Larson and Garfield performing. In addition, Garfield’s singing voice is majestic as he belts out the film’s opening sequence of 30/90: “They're singing, 'Happy Birthday.' You just wanna lay down and cry. Not just another birthday, it's 30/90.”