RANKED: Best Netflix Original Movies for Early 2019
Best Originals Worth Watching
Netflix has become a staple of our culture here as we approach the third decade of the 21st century. Netflix has evolved over the last twenty years into something that, quite frankly, no one saw coming. It started out as a way to avoid having to go to the rental store, as you could receive and send the films from the comfort of your own home. Over time, the company transitioned into being a leader in streaming services that allow you to view a variety of shows, films, and miscellaneous programs from anywhere you are. Further, Netflix has contributed to their own collection by creating and presenting numerous original films. Here we have a list of the best Netflix original movies worth watching.
The Princess Switch
To start off the list we consider the best original Netflix Christmas movie on the company’s platform. While it’s not incredibly high production value, it does exactly what it sets out to do. Low budget holiday narrative with a cast you can’t help but love. The film carries an atmosphere best described as a combination of The Parent Trap and The Princess Diaries, no doubt what some would consider a guilty pleasure.
Like Father
If you can get over the fact that this film undoubtedly carries some major promotional content by a monetary contributor, the movie has a lot to offer. A touching tale of how a long-separated father and daughter come together, this movie stars some of the more likable performers in Hollywood. But seriously, there are way too many cruise line promotions during this film!
Private Life
Private Life takes a real look into parenthood and how difficult it is to have children. It features Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hahn, their performances are meaningful, comedic, and heartfelt. The topic itself is relatable by audiences all over the world, and speaks to the challenges faced when raising children.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
The staple rom-com, and proof that Netflix can create one, this work serves as one of the best movies to watch on Netflix. Based on the renowned and internationally acclaimed book, this story is a perfect view of the rom-com era as seen frequently in 2018. This film is absolutely a best original worth watching on Netflix.
Beasts of No Nation
Beasts of No Nation, a war movie first released in 2015, was one of the first films to be considered for an award. Although it didn’t quite fully take off in popularity, it was a great means of professional exposure for Idris Elba, who achieved a great deal more success in future films and projects.
Top 5 Netflix Originals Worth Watching
Mudbound
Mudbound is one of the best Netflix original movies. Directed by Dee Ree’s, the story maneuvers through post World War 2 Mississippi from the perspective of both a black and white veteran. Come for the riveting story, stay for the woman herself, Mary J Blige.
The Other Side of The Wind
A juggernaut for Netflix, and definitely one worth watching. Netflix acquired the rights to Orson Welle’s movie that was produced over 40 years ago. However, due to various legal reasons, it was never released. They really made the story come to life, making the seemingly impossible actually happen within the film. This is one of the best Netflix original movies of 2018.
Barry
One movie that hasn’t received too much attention but definitely should is Barry. The story of President Barack Obama, and although many films have come out in recent history, this is one of our favorites. Netflix really pushed their limits in regards to their cinematic efforts, and we are glad they did. This Netflix original is considered excellent and should be on your watchlist for this year.
The Kindergarten Teacher
What. A. Bold. Movie. Played only by an incredibly bold teacher, what had to happen, undoubtedly did. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays a traumatically stricken, deeply affected woman. One of the best performances of 2018. A teacher who uses her student’s poetry as her own. One of the best Netflix original movies.
Tallulah
Tallulah didn’t ever quite get the recognition it was maybe due, but the Ellen Page/Allision Janney movie is about a woman who takes a child from a mother who can’t handle the burden, and raises the child as her own.
Okja
This feels like it was Netflix’s first breakaway hit, an environmentalist type movie that tells the age-long tale of big business versus environmental morality. It really established Netflix in the film space as a true contender. The experimental narrative through the eyes of a domesticated beast makes this film highly recognized as one of Netflix’s best original movies.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs feels more like a statement than a movie. The film is divided into a six part perspective series, and as the film goes on, the different story lines convene to meet the final conclusion. This Coen Bros film creates an image of the American frontier like never seen before in modern cinematography.
Roma
What else can you say except that this is an Alfonso Curaón- a directed film released at the right time, both emotionally moving and expertly produced. We consider this film to be the best Netflix original on our list. A breathtaking performance by actress Yalitza Aparicio in combination with the provoking story line makes this one a definite pick worth watching.
I mean, what can you say? The Alfonso Cuarón-directed film is appropriately timed, profoundly moving, and beautifully shot. And the performance that the (formerly) unknown actress Yalitza Aparicio presents is nothing short of breathtaking.
Well, That’s It! Thanks for reading, and we hope we gave you something worth binging on those cold winter nights: The best Netflix original movies worth watching.
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