10 of the Most Memorable Movies Ever Made on Netflix

It’s no secret that Netflix places thousands of movies and TV shows at your fingertips, which means you can watch just about anything you want. However, there are some pretty forgettable films out there, too, so unless you have time to waste, you’ll want to find something that will stick with you long after you watch it! 

Here are 10 of the most memorable movies on Netflix right now that are definitely worth your time. If you’re not so much of a movie buff, there are plenty of memorable series on the platform that are worth checking out, too! 

1. This is Spinal Tap

It’s a 1984 mockumentary written and directed by Rob Reiner, adapted from Christopher Guest’s satirical script about a British heavy metal band, Spinal Tap. The movie follows Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) as they attempt to make a comeback, only to face disaster and drama at every turn.

2. Raiders of the Lost Ark

This 1981 classic stars Harrison Ford as a swashbuckling archaeologist who battles agents to retrieve an ancient artifact. In addition to being one of Steven Spielberg’s most entertaining films,  Raiders of the Lost Ark is also notable for being one of his most profitable; it was made for $20 million and grossed almost $400 million worldwide. 

Three sequels followed: Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade (1989), and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008). Each of these is also available on Netflix – perfect for a weekend movie marathon! 

3. Batman Begins

Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale, Batman Begins (2005) details how Batman (Bale) comes to be in present-day Gotham City. It also stars Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, and Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon. The movie features a tense storyline that plays out perfectly with skillful cinematography and brilliant acting from Bale and Caine.

4. Jaws

Released in 1975, Jaws is an award-winning classic that often tops critics’ lists as one of Hollywood’s best. It was one of Steven Spielberg’s earliest films and still remains one of his highest grossing (it made over $470 million worldwide). 

The film stars Roy Scheider as police chief Martin Brody, who must protect beachgoers from a giant shark while keeping his own family safe. Jaws is known for its famous score by John Williams, which contributes to its suspenseful tone throughout much of the movie.

5. The Truman Show

If you’re looking for a movie that’s going to change your perspective, The Truman Show (1998) is worth your time. Directed by Peter Weir, it stars Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank, an insurance salesman who unknowingly lives in a giant TV studio that airs his life 24/7. 

The classic comedy-drama is a fantastic representation of our culture’s obsession with reality television and social media. It also provides a thought-provoking commentary on human nature and how we perceive ourselves. It will make you think about what really matters in life and how we often find ourselves living in bubbles of our own creation.

6. Passengers

After waking up early from a period of cryogenic sleep, two passengers (Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence) on a spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet realize they have to make do for 90 years beforte the other passengers awaken at their final destination. The 2016 movie centers around their love story as they try to figure out what to do. This is one sci-fi movie worth watching! 

7. The Green Mile

Not many movies come close to being as heart-wrenching as The Green Mile (1999). Directed by Frank Darabont, The Green Mile tells a tale that had many viewers’ eyes burning up with tears before the movie ended. Based on a Stephen King novel, The Green Mile follows Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), a character tasked with overseeing death row inmates in 1935. In addition, the fantasy elements of this movie help further broaden its appeal. 

8. Little Miss Sunshine

With a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Little Miss Sunshine is definitely one of the most memorable movies on Netflix. The 2006 film is an American comedy-drama road trip film directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. It follows the story of a family that makes a cross-country journey to take their daughter to the finals of a beauty pageant in their VW Type 2 Microbus, which has plenty of breakdowns along the way!

9. Project Power

Project Power (2020) gives us a great insight into what the world would be like if everyone had superpowers – in this science-fiction film, there is a pill that gives people an amazing amount of power for just five minutes. An all-star cast, including Joseph Gorden-Levitt and Jamie Foxx, work together to put an end to the chaos that ensues.

10. Saving Private Ryan

It’s no secret that Steven Spielberg has made some incredible movies; this is the third to feature on our list. And Saving Private Ryan (1998), written by Robert Rodat, is one of his finest works to date. Tom Hanks leads an all-star cast in an intense WWII drama that makes you appreciate life more than ever before. A must-see for fans of war movies and those interested in military history.