What are the primary criteria used for selecting the 44 best movies on Netflix this week?
1. Marriage Story
Starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, this heartbreaking drama takes you through the emotional journey of a marriage falling apart.
2. The Irishman
Director Martin Scorsese brings you this epic crime drama about the life of Frank Sheeran (played by Robert De Niro), a hitman for the mob.
3. Uncut Gems
Adam Sandler showcases his dramatic acting skills as a jeweler in New York City who’s on a mission to pay off his debts in this intense thriller from directors Josh and Benny Safdie.
4. Roma
This black-and-white drama from director Alfonso Cuarón captures the life of a live-in housekeeper during a political upheaval in 1970s Mexico City.
5. The Two Popes
In this biographical drama, Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce portray Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, respectively, as they engage in discussions about the future of the Catholic Church.
6. I Lost My Body
This animated French film tells the unique story of a severed hand that seeks to reunite with its owner.
7. The King
Timothée Chalamet stars as King Henry V in this historical drama set in medieval England.
8. The Hateful Eight
Tarantino’s western thriller follows a group of strangers who are stranded in a Wyoming lodge during a blizzard.
9. Klaus
This charming animated film tells the origin story of Santa Claus and features the voices of Jason Schwartzman and J.K. Simmons.
10. The Theory of Everything
Eddie Redmayne’s stunning portrayal of Stephen Hawking earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor in this inspiring biopic.
11. Mudbound
Set in Mississippi in the 1940s, this gripping drama explores the complex relationships between two families, one black and one white, who are forever changed by war and poverty.
12. The Laundromat
Meryl Streep and Gary Oldman star in this dark comedy about the infamous Panama Papers scandal.
13. Okja
In this sci-fi adventure, a young girl (played by Ahn Seo-hyun) befriends a genetically modified super-pig named Okja.
14. Silence
Martin Scorsese’s passion project takes you on a spiritual journey through the story of two Catholic priests in 17th century Japan.
15. Blue Jay
Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass deliver stunning performances in this bittersweet romance about two former high school sweethearts who reunite after 20 years.
16. The Departed
This film from director Martin Scorsese stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson in a crime drama about the Irish mob in Boston.
17. Da 5 Bloods
Director Spike Lee’s latest film follows a group of Vietnam War veterans who return to the country decades later in hopes of finding buried treasure and the remains of their fallen squad leader.
18. American Beauty
Kevin Spacey stars in this iconic film about a suburban man who becomes infatuated with his daughter’s best friend.
19. Moonlight
This coming-of-age story follows a young black man as he navigates his identity and sexuality in Miami during the War on Drugs era.
20. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)
This comedy-drama from director Noah Baumbach boasts an all-star cast including Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, and Dustin Hoffman.
21. Roma
Alfonso Cuarón’s masterpiece takes you into the life of a maid in 1970s Mexico City.
22. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
The Coen brothers bring you six unique stories about the American frontier, showcasing their trademark wit and dark humor.
23. The Fundamentals of Caring
Paul Rudd stars in this heartwarming comedy about a man who becomes a caregiver for a teenager with muscular dystrophy.
24. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)
This family drama-comedy from director Noah Baumbach features a stellar ensemble cast starring Dustin Hoffman, Adam Sandler, and Ben Stiller.
25. Marriage Story
This gut-wrenching drama explores the dissolution of a marriage between a couple played by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver.
26. The Irishman
Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, this mob epic is a must-see for any fan of crime dramas.
27. Icarus
This gripping documentary follows director Bryan Fogel as he exposes the Russian doping scandal in the world of competitive cycling.
28. Roma
Alfonso Cuarón’s black-and-white masterpiece tells the story of a maid in 1970s Mexico City.
29. Uncut Gems
Adam Sandler delivers a stunning performance as a New York City jeweler in this intense thriller.
30. The King
Timothée Chalamet stars as King Henry V in this historical drama set in medieval England.
31. The Ritual
Four friends embark on a hiking trip that takes a terrifying turn in this suspenseful horror film.
32. Klaus
This heartwarming animated film tells the origin story of Santa Claus.
33. The Hateful Eight
Tarantino’s western thriller is set in a Wyoming lodge during a blizzard and features an all-star cast.
34. The Laundromat
Meryl Streep and Gary Oldman star in this dark comedy about the infamous Panama Papers scandal.
35. American Factory
This documentary takes you inside a Chinese-owned factory in Ohio, showcasing the cultural and economic differences between the two countries.
36. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
This western anthology from the Coen brothers features six unique