Top 20 Must-Watch Movies on Netflix (Rotten Tomatoes Certified) – Part 1
Looking for your next great movie night? With so many options, it can be tough to pick a winner. That’s why we’ve scoured Netflix for the top 20 must-watch films, all backed by critical acclaim on Rotten Tomatoes. Get ready to update your watchlist with the first half of our highly-rated cinematic recommendations!
20. Train to Busan (2016) – 95% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Often hailed as one of the best zombie films ever made, this South Korean thriller delivers intense action and emotional depth. A father and daughter, along with a diverse group of passengers, fight for survival on a train amidst a sudden and terrifying zombie outbreak. Be sure to have tissues ready for this one!
19. Rebel Ridge (2024) – 95% Rotten Tomatoes Score
A standout among Netflix Originals, Rebel Ridge offers a refreshing take on the action genre. It’s essentially a gritty, non-lethal Jack Reacher if he were Black and battling a corrupt, racist police force in the South. Aaron Pierre’s portrayal of Terry Richmond provides a unique and impactful lead in this surprisingly suspenseful film.
18. American Graffiti (1973) – 95% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Before Star Wars, George Lucas directed this iconic Americana film, perfectly capturing the essence of a 1950s summer after high school in small-town America. With its blend of fast cars, budding romances, and bittersweet goodbyes, this movie is a timeless classic that evokes nostalgia and heart.
17. Kpop Demon Hunters (2025) – 96% Rotten Tomatoes Score
One of the newest additions to this list, Kpop Demon Hunters is a vibrant Korean animated film. It features Rumi, Mira, and Zoey – global K-pop sensations who secretly moonlight as fierce demon hunters. Expect high-energy performances, thrilling action, and plenty of catchy K-pop tunes for the whole family as they battle evil.
16. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) – 96% Rotten Tomatoes Score
If you’re in the mood for a charming and critically acclaimed teen romantic comedy, this film is a must-watch. It follows a high school girl’s life as it’s hilariously turned upside down when all her secret love letters are unexpectedly mailed out, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements.
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15. Tangerine (2015) – 96% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Definitely not for younger viewers, Tangerine is a raw and compelling film by Sean Baker (The Florida Project, Anora). Shot entirely on iPhones, it follows a transgender sex worker on a determined quest for payback against a cheating pimp/boyfriend on Christmas Eve in Hollywood. It’s a bold and unvarnished look at life on the fringes.
14. The Lego Movie (2014) – 96% Rotten Tomatoes Score
This animated gem was a delightful surprise upon its release over a decade ago. The Lego Movie is remarkably funny, features hilarious musical numbers, and boasts a brilliantly written story with a genuinely heartwarming ending that brings everything together. It remains the standout film in the LEGO cinematic universe.
13. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) – 97% Rotten Tomatoes
Score This powerful period drama plunges viewers into a sweltering 1927 Chicago music studio. Tensions flare and temperatures rise as the fiery and fearless blues legend Ma Rainey gathers her band for a recording session. A compelling exploration of race, art, and ambition in the Roaring Twenties, featuring powerful performances.
12. I Lost My Body (2019) – 97% Rotten Tomatoes Score
This animated French film offers a truly unique and poignant premise: the story of a severed hand that escapes a dissection lab and embarks on an adventurous quest to reunite with its body. Critics and audiences alike have praised its innovative storytelling and emotional depth, making it a standout cinematic experience.
11. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – 97% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Widely considered one of the greatest action films of all time, Mad Max: Fury Road recently returned to Netflix. Its relentless, visually stunning action and immersive post-apocalyptic world are unparalleled. Even if you’re new to the Mad Max franchise or the genre, this masterwork is an absolute must-watch that consistently shocks with its visceral energy.