Top 20 Must-Watch Movies on Netflix (Rotten Tomatoes Certified) – Part 2

Ready for more top-tier cinema? In part 1, we brought you some of the highest-rated films streaming on Netflix, as certified by Rotten Tomatoes. Now, prepare to round out your ultimate watchlist with part 2 of our selections, featuring more critically acclaimed movies you won’t want to miss.

10. Jaws (1975) – 97% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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This classic monster movie celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and its influence remains as strong as ever. Jaws virtually invented the modern suspense thriller, inspiring countless films from Jurassic Park to The Meg. With its iconic cast and Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking special effects for the era, it’s a timeless cinematic masterpiece.

9. Psycho (1960) – 97% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic psychological thriller, Psycho, remains a masterclass in suspense and terror, even decades after its release. Its innovative cinematography and chilling atmosphere create a truly unsettling experience as Marion Crane’s ill-fated stop at the Bates Motel unfolds. The film’s notorious shower scene revolutionized cinematic horror, and the taut narrative keeps viewers on edge throughout. Despite some divisive opinions on its final explanatory scene, Psycho is undeniably a foundational work in horror, brilliantly showcasing Hitchcock’s genius for building tension and fear.

8. Rear Window (1954) – 99% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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Hailed as one of the greatest thrillers ever made, Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window is a testament to suspense crafted from limited space. Starring the legendary Jimmy Stewart, the film follows a wheelchair-bound photographer who, out of boredom, begins spying on his Greenwich Village neighbors. What starts as innocent voyeurism quickly escalates into a chilling suspicion of murder, drawing him and his glamorous girlfriend (Grace Kelly) into a dangerous game of observation. The film masterfully builds tension and paranoia, demonstrating how much can be revealed with a single vantage point, solidifying its place as a classic of the genre.

7. Miss Juneteenth (2020) – 99% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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This poignant drama centers on a former beauty queen, Kai, as she endeavors to prepare her headstrong and rebellious teenage daughter, Kai Jr., for the annual Miss Juneteenth pageant. The film explores themes of legacy, opportunity, and the complex relationship between a mother and daughter striving for a better future while navigating the weight of past dreams. While critics lauded its powerful storytelling and rich character development, audiences had a more mixed reaction, making it a compelling film for discussion on aspirations and intergenerational bonds.

6. Under The Shadow (2016) – 99% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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Set against the harrowing backdrop of the Iran-Iraq War in 1980s Tehran, Under The Shadow is a chilling blend of psychological horror and wartime drama. When a missile strikes Shideh’s apartment building, a neighbor’s chilling suggestion that it carried a malevolent spirit, or “djinn,” takes root. Shideh, already confined by societal restrictions, becomes increasingly convinced that the supernatural entity is targeting her young daughter, Dorsa. The film masterfully uses the claustrophobic atmosphere of war-torn Tehran to amplify the supernatural dread, creating a truly terrifying and thought-provoking experience that explores fear, superstition, and the struggle for survival.

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5. The Forty-Year Old Version (2020) – 99% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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Radha Blank writes, directs, and stars in this witty and heartfelt comedy, which cleverly plays on its title. As a struggling playwright nearing her 40th birthday, Radha feels the pressure to make a breakthrough. Instead of sticking to theater, she boldly reinvents herself by venturing into the world of hip-hop as a rapper. This vibrant film hilariously and authentically explores the collision of two disparate artistic worlds, celebrating self-discovery, reinvention, and pursuing one’s passion regardless of age, all with sharp humor and genuine warmth.

4. Parasite (2019) – 99% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is a brilliantly unsettling and genre-defying masterpiece that captivated global audiences. This South Korean dark comedy thriller masterfully weaves a narrative about two families – the impoverished Kims and the wealthy Parks – whose lives become inextricably intertwined. The film dissects themes of class disparity, societal inequality, and the desperation born from suffering, with unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Parasite defies easy categorization, blending suspense, black humor, and profound social commentary into an unforgettable cinematic experience that simply must be seen to be believed.

3. Godzilla Minus One (2023) – 99% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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A stunning modern Japanese take on the iconic monster, Godzilla Minus One breathes new life into the franchise, earning widespread acclaim. Unlike many contemporary blockbusters that prioritize spectacle, this film masterfully blends breathtaking special effects with a compelling human story and the kind of profound social commentary that defined the original Godzilla films. Set in post-WWII Japan, it explores themes of grief, survival, and national trauma with remarkable depth. What the filmmakers achieved on a comparatively modest budget is nothing short of remarkable, making it a powerful and impactful addition to the kaiju genre.

2. Grave Of The Fireflies (1988) – 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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A poignant and heart-wrenching masterpiece from Studio Ghibli, Grave of the Fireflies depicts the devastating struggle for survival faced by siblings Seita and Setsuko, two war orphans during the brutal final months of the Pacific War in WWII. The film is a raw and uncompromising portrayal of the human cost of conflict, focusing on their desperate attempts to find food, shelter, and hope amidst widespread destruction. As beautiful as it is tragic, this film is a powerful companion piece to films like Godzilla Minus One, offering a deeply moving and unforgettable glimpse into a dark chapter of history.

1. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024) – 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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Topping our list with a perfect score, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is a delightful, hilarious, and utterly charming family movie. This latest stop-motion adventure sees the beloved claymation duo—eccentric inventor Wallace and his clever canine companion Gromit—embark on another wonderfully zany romp. The film features the long-awaited return of their notorious nemesis, Feathers McGraw, the villainous penguin from The Wrong Trousers, alongside a new “smart gnome.” Packed with inventive gadgets, witty humor, and heartwarming moments, it’s a truly delightful return for these iconic characters and a treat for all ages.