Grab your takeout and your treats, it´s Netflix time!
Can you believe it is May already? And with the colder nights approaching, everyone just wants to snuggle up with a blanket and unwind after a long day. And hey, nothing screams relaxation more than putting on a top-notch flick. Here are 18 of the greatest Netflix movies that you can watch in New Zealand right now.
1. Oxygen
This science fiction thriller needs to be on your must-watch list for May 12. Liz played by Mélanie Laurent, wakes up in a cryogenic chamber with no recollection of how she got there. She must find a way out before she runs out of oxygen. Expect to see some other famous faces from Anne Hathaway to French actor Malik Zidi.
2. I Am All Girls
Based on a true story, This iconic flick follows a relentless crime investigator who finds common ground with a killer targeting the organisers of a powerful child-trafficking ring in South Africa. The real events will give you chills down your spine as it involved, amongst others, powerful politicians in the 1980s. Be sure to put May 14 on your calendar for this one.
3. Dumplin
This critically-acclaimed movie is both hilarious and enlightening. To measure up to her former beauty queen mother´s (Jennifer Aniston) expectations, Texas teen Willowdean Dickson (Danielle Macdonald) enrolls in the local beauty pageant. This coming-of-age story is so inspiring and expect to see other award-winning talent from Dove Cameron, Odeya Rush, just to name a few.
4. The Woman In The Window
From May 14, watch Amy Adams in an iconic performance in this psychological thriller. Adams plays Dr. Anna Fox who witnesses a disturbing act of violence while spying on her neighbours, the Russel family, through her window in New York. Be sure to give it a watch!
5. Moxie
Directed by Amy Poehler, it follows Vivian, an awkward and shy 16-year-old, who normally prefers to be off the grid. However, when a new student arrives at school and becomes the target of offensive behaviour by an egotistical male student, Vivian becomes agitated. Taking inspiration from her mother´s past smash-the-patriarchy attitude, Vivian anonymously publishes a magazine called Moxie which exposes bias in her school, particularly the wrongdoings of young men. Sparking a revolution, she connects divided groups of girls, gains confidence and makes new friends.
6. To All The Boys: Always And Forever
Another heartwarming rom-com which is the final instalment in the To All The Boys trilogy. It tells the tale of the much-loved Lara Jean Convey (Lana Condor) as she navigates her final year of high school with her dreamy boyfriend Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo). Their future plans go south when Lara Jean is rejected from the same university Peter has got accepted into. Lara Jean takes this news terribly which leads the way for an incredible story of love, sex and a complicated happily-ever after.
7. Malcolm & Marie
This is Zendaya like you have never seen her before. In a breathtaking performance, this romantic drama illustrates the world of love and battles among people in Hollywood. Upon returning home from a victorious movie premiere, a filmmaker (John David Washington) and his girlfriend (Zendaya) have a spat which unravels secrets about their relationship. Audiences can watch as their love and strength as a couple is tested. This classic black-and-white cinematic gem is what you need this weekend.
8. Rocketman
This biographical musical movie reveals the real-life story of the spectacular Elton John (Taron Egerton). Perfect for the whole family! With an exemplary cast, it shows Elton John from his early days performing in empty pubs, to the moment he met his music manager John Reid and his life changed forever. Watch as Elton John explores a chaotic world of fame. Whether you are a fan or not, this movie symbolises the fact that dreams are possible, and it should be topping your must-watch Netflix list.
9. Blue Story
Based on true events, this British crime drama is one of the greatest movies available on Netflix right now. The story follows best friends Timmy (Stephen Odubola) and Marco (Micheal Ward) who attend the same high school but live in different areas in South London. After Marco is attacked by one of Timmy´s friends, the pair end up foes, siding with different deadly gangs. It´s both insightful and tough to watch, refusing to hide from the destructive violence of gangster behaviour.
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10. A Week Away
If you love journey-of-self-discovery sort of flicks then this soppy, romantic musical is the one for you. It follows a delinquent teenager Will Hawkins (Kevin Quinn) who ends up at a Christian Summer Camp after skipping out on Juvenile Detention. Watch as Will learns the healing powers of kindness, forgiveness and faith whilst falling in love with music, new friends and a beautiful girl called Avery (Bailee Madison).
11. Booksmart
People all around the globe are loving this film. Directed by Olivia Wilde, Booksmart follows two do-gooder best friends Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) who realise on the night of their graduation that they spent all of their school years studying for college instead of making epic memories. The comical pair decide to go on a quest to change their peers opinions by letting loose on graduation night. Watch as they cram four years worth of drinking, parties and romance into one night. The top comedy you need from Netflix.
12. The Daughter
If you enjoyed the series Big Little Lies, you will adore this gripping Aussie drama. After returning home to Australia after years in the US, recovering alcoholic Christian (Paul Schneider), reconnects with his estranged family and friends. Soon after his father´s wedding to a younger housekeeper, he learns of a devastating secret that could destroy his own family and that of his childhood friend Oliver (Ewen Leslie). It is a captivating watch and should not be missed.
13. Monster
This breathtaking movie starring Kelvin Harrison Jr follows the story of a 17-year old boy, Steve Harmon, from Harlem, who attends a prestigious film school. His life quickly changes when he is charged with a felony murder. Watch in suspense as he fights for his innocence against a criminal justice system already judging him.
14. Yesterday
Yesterday follows the life of Jack (Himesh Patel), a struggling musician, who wakes up after an accident to find the world has changed. Particularly, nobody remembers The Beatles or their iconic music. After singing some of their songs, Jack gains the overnight success he has always dreamed about, even touring with Ed Sheeran. This British comedy includes an impressive cast such as James Cordon, Lily James, Kate McKinnon, and more.
15. Concrete Cowboy
Based on the novel Ghetto Cowboy, watch in awe as Idris Elba and Stranger Things’ Caleb McLaughlin star in this emotionally powerful coming-of-age drama. McLaughlin plays a rebellious teenager who discovers the world of urban horseback riding when he is sent to live with his estranged father in a Philadelphia community of Black cowboys. It is haunting and inspiring, and sheds a light on a part of Black culture that is largely unknown by white audiences.
16. Fifty Shades Of Gray
If you didn´t race to the cinema to see the Fifty Shades trilogy, now is your time to watch the first movie. From May 16, immerse yourself in this erotic romance film, based on the renowned book. Watch Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) lose a sense of her innocence upon meeting the intense Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). This one is clearly for adults eyes only so make sure the kids are fast asleep before you pop it on. Mr. Grey wants to see you now!
17. Pitch Perfect 1 & 2
How exciting! One of the most epic movie series lands on Netflix on May 16. It is the perfect fix for family night and indulging in a little singalong with the Barden Bellas. Prepare for an incredible cast from Brittany Snow to Anna Kendrick to the hilarious and much-loved Rebel Wilson, who will have you rolling off the sofa laughing.
18. News Of The World
Tom Hanks brings Captain Kidd to life in an epic western performance. Five years after the Civil War ends, Kidd meets a 10-year-old girl who was kidnapped by the Kiowa people. He agrees to return her to her aunt and uncle by crossing the dangerous plains of Texas. Undoubtedly, the path is difficult, and the travellers journey turns into a fight for survival. This is the absorbing movie you need to watch this May.