Grab your takeout and your treats, it´s Netflix time!
Easter has come, and you´re probably thinking, ‘How on earth will I entertain the kids, work, get time to myself and handle everything else that needs completing?’ Well, everyone needs to unwind after a long day, and 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. Moxie
This incredible movie should be top of your watch-list. 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.
2. 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 Easter.
3. Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal
It was the scam of the century that angered a nation. Indeed, we all remember the largest-ever US college admissions scandal that involved many high-profile celebrities, their children and highlighted widespread inequality in America. This flick follows the mastermind behind the 2019 scandal, Rick Singer, who successfully helped his wealthy clients, for a hefty fee, to cheat the system guaranteeing their privileged kids a spot in elite colleges. This insightful movie uses a selection of interviews and FBI narrative recreations of wiretapped conversations between Singer and his former clients. Be sure to give it a watch!
4. Holding The Man
This informative film is set in Australia in the 1970s. The story follows John (Craig Stott) and Timothy (Ryan Corr) who passionately fall in love with each other while attending an all-boys high school in Melbourne. It showcases their incredible 15-year romance against all odds of gruesome discrimination, loss and much more. If anything you will gain an understanding and compassion for the LGBTQ community. With an all-star Aussie cast, you won´t wanna miss this one.
READ MORE: 10 Of The Best Shows To Binge-Watch In New Zealand Right Now.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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).
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10. 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.
11. Red 2
Who doesn´t love an action packed thriller sequel featuring a kick-ass cast like Helen Mirren, Mary-Louise Parker and Anthony Hopkins? In this movie, ex-CIA agent Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) and his gang embark on yet another high-stakes mission trying to find a stolen nuclear device across the globe. Unknowingly, it has been smuggled to Russia. This flick blends suspense and comedy, and is totally worth the watch.
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. Crazy, Stupid, Love
Most of us have seen this one as it was a classic in 2011, but this romantic drama will give you all the LOLs you need after a long, stressful day. A middle-aged husband, Cal Weaver (Steve Carell), is a hopeless romantic, whose life changes dramatically when his wife wants a divorce. He seeks help from a smooth-talking player to learn the art of dating again.
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 and coming to Netflix on April 2. 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. Enola Holmes
Millie Bobbie Brown takes on the lead role of a curious and rebellious teen Enola Holmes, the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes. After her mother disappears, Enola is sent to a boarding school where she runs away and learns anticipating secrets as she explores London. Indeed, it is an engaging, hilarious and fun flick for the whole family to enjoy on Netflix.
17. The Little Rascals
How exciting! One of the most epic family movies has landed on Netflix. This is the perfect fix for family night because your kids surely have not seen this 1994 hit. Alfalfa wants to be with Darla but his “He-Man-Woman-Hating” besties hate girls and attempt to sabotage his relationship.
18. The Irishman
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this cinematic masterpiece is said to be one of the greatest films to watch on Netflix right now. The Irishman is a gangster drama that takes place in the 1950s and follows a truck driver (Robert De Niro) who involves himself with a crime family. After climbing the ranks, he works for the legendary Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). A long but memorable watch, perfect for those undecided couples!