Lesser Known Netflix Movies You Should Watch

Is this considered lesser known still?  I don’t know.  Few things break my heart more than this documentary.  Yes, this film about killer whales and the dark side of Sea World had this ice princess in tears.  When I was a kid, I dreamed of working in Sea World.  Now, I will never go there again (unless it’s to set free the animals).

8. Hugo

I’m surprised at how few people have actually seen this movie.  People seem to think that this is a cartoon and a kids movie.  It is neither.  First of all, it’s Scorsese. Second, it’s beautifully shot, and it’s one of my favorite movies of all time.  I saw it in theaters and I was completely floored.  It does exactly what movies should do.  I laughed, I choked up, it took me on an adventure in another world.  I love Hugo.

7. Amelie

Amelie was well received when it came out in 2001, but I did not see it till recently.  This film is beautiful.  It’s truly a work of art.  If you’re having a bad day, watch this movie and I guarantee you will feel better.  It’s such a sweet story.  It’s use of voice-over is one of the best I’ve ever seen in film.

6. Black Mirror: “The Entire History of You”

Okay, so this isn’t a movie.  Black Mirror, if you haven’t heard, is the new British Twilight Zone esque series.  All the episodes are their own story.  “The Entire History of You,” is so good, I watched it twice.  I don’t want to give anything away here.  Just watch it.

5. Nebraska

This indie film starring SNL alumni Will Forte is surprisingly great.  It’s one of those films that doesn’t sugar coat life.  It could be a tragedy or comedy, but it’s tone is lighthearted.  Dealing with loved ones who are nearing the end is so difficult.  This movie tackles the hardships of getting old on a seemingly meaningless adventure that’s important for the characters and viewers alike.

4. Goon

This is a must watch for everyone, not just hockey fans.  I’m so surprised this movie didn’t get more buzz.  It is so hilarious!  Sean William Scott is at his absolute best as the most endearing hockey goon.  It’s bloody, it’s funny, it’s romantic, it’s uplifting, it’s great.

3. Mr. Nobody

Admittedly, I watched this movie specifically because Jared Leto is in it.  But it’s great.  A truly original and bizarre concept about an old man recalling different lives.  Which one is true?  Very interesting and totally cool.

2. Short Term 12

Short Term 12 is about a group home for troubled teens and their counselors.  It’s so well written, acted, and directed.  I thoroughly enjoyed this movie from beginning to end.  I can’t imagine someone not liking this movie.

1. Mary and Max

Absolutely, hands down, my favorite movie on Netflix right now.  I’m not even sure how I stumbled upon it.  It’s stop motion, so that immediately drew me to it.  And the voice overs are done by Toni Collete, and the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman.  It’s stop motion but it is NOT MEANT FOR KIDS.  It’s funny, but I warn you, it gets super sad.  The score is absolutely amazing.  This is story telling at it’s finest.  It’s so bizarre, which is why it had to be stop motion.  This would never have worked if it were live action.  It’s about a young Australian girl who randomly picks a name from a phone book, and becomes pen pals with a man with Asperger’s who lives in NYC.  I could watch this movie again and again.