Grab your takeout and your treats, it’s Netflix time!
Can you believe it is almost July? And with winter hitting us full force, all we want to do is 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. Believe Me: The Abduction Of Lisa McVey
You’ll recognise actress Katie Douglas, from critically-acclaimed new Netflix series Ginny & Georgia. This movie is based on a true story that will send chills down your spine. Watch as a 17-year-old from Florida, Lisa McVey, is kidnapped for 26 hours by a psychotic serial killer. The biggest battle is when she breaks free and returns home to find that neither the police or her family believe her story. An insightful film to say the least.
2. Awake
Gina Rodriguez gives a breathtaking performance while playing Jill, an ex-solider with a dark past, on a mission to save her children in this terrifying dystopian thriller. Prepare for a week of nightmares as you watch this family navigate through a sudden global catastrophe where all electronics are wiped out and humanity develops a collective mysterious insomnia. Though, Jill quickly realises her young daughter may be the key to a cure. Indeed, one of the greatest Netflix movies to watch right now.
3. Oxygen
This new science fiction thriller needs to be on your must-watch list. 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.
4. 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 pop this on your must-see list!
5. The Woman In The Window
Watch as Amy Adams give a truly powerful performance in this psychological thriller. From the creators of The Girl On The Train, 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!
6. Moxie
This story 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.
7. Changeling
This crime thriller, based on real events, stars Angelina Jolie as single mum Christine Collins. Watch as she desperately battles to find her missing nine-year-old Son, Walter in a 1920s, Los Angeles. After the LAPD find a boy matching Christine’s description of Walter, they commit her to a psych ward for insisting that particular boy is not her son. Watch in despair as Christine and other women are subjected to brutal treatment while trying to fight for their freedom and justice.
8. Breaking Boundaries: The Science Of Our Planet
This 75-minute movie illustrates the lethal impact of humanity’s disregard for global warming and offers solutions to aid the future of humanity and increase our planet’s lifespan. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, you’ll be given insight into the scientific journey and discoveries of famed scientist Professor Johan Rockström. This is a must-watch for people of all ages because it is educational and important for us to take notes so that we can start making little changes to save Earth for our children, their children and so on.
9. Things Heard & Seen
This horror movie just dropped on Netflix, and is based on the novel by Elizabeth Brundage, All Things Cease To Appear. In a 1980s depicted world, Catherine (Amanda Seyfried) and her husband George (James Norton) excitingly move to an old house in the Hudson Valley. Soon after, supernatural events unfold and they realise that their home is harboring sinister secrets. If you’re a scary cat like myself, be sure to watch this horror flick with someone else.
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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. Why Did You Kill Me?
This gripping documentary has been watched by audiences across the world. It tells the true story of a young mother, 24-year-old Crystal Theobald, who was shot dead in California in 2006. Her mother, Belinda Lane, who watched the devastating tragedy unfold, goes on a mission online to uncover who shot Crystal and why. It showcases how the police can get things wrong, while they believed Crystal was just caught up in gang-related violence. Belinda learns shocking truths with the help of her niece. We don’t want to spoil too much, so get watching this captivating flick.
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. Night In Paradise
This action-packed Korean thriller is just what you need to see this weekend. Available dubbed in English, watch as Park Tae-Goo goes on the run from mobsters, after his sister and nephew are killed in an accident meant for him. While hiding out on Jeju Island, he meets a mysterious lady who has given up on life. They both find common ground and form an alliance, so when they come face-to-face with the mobsters, prepare for some suspenseful and well-shot scenes of violence.
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. Carnaval
This heartwarming Brazilian comedy will give you the LOLs you need this winter weekend. It tells the tale of a social media influencer, Nina, who finds out her boyfriend has cheated on her via a video that goes viral. After cancelling her romantic holiday with him, she calls on her three best friends to comfort her by taking an all-expenses paid trip to Bahia’s Carnival, where she learns that life isn’t just about taking Instagram selfies and obtaining ‘Likes’. Expect holiday romances, the ultimate party scenes and comical adventures.
17. Pitch Perfect 1 & 2
How exciting! One of the most epic movie series landed on Netflix. 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 month ahead.