Best movies on Netflix? Yes please: here are the 20 classics

Do you catch yourself scrolling for hours Netflix to find another movie? After all that scrolling, your tea is cold and you're grumpy. We understand that. It's no small feat to search through +/- 5,500 movies on Netflix for that one perfect film. Let us help you before another cup goes cold. Here are the 20 best movies on Netflix that you really need to see:

1. The Shawshank Redemption

Well... I wouldn't be a true movie lover if I didn't recommend this film. The adaptation of the eponymous Stephen King book is about Andy Dufresne, who is sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife and her lover. The film takes place in Shawshank prison, where corrupt guards and the administration toy with the lives of the inmates. Andy claims to be innocent and must learn to live in his cell. This is a masterpiece about friendship and dealing with tragedies. It’s about the deeper meaning that each of us seeks in life. This is one of those films that everyone must see at least once. (Am I going on too long? Sorry. Film geek.)

2. Interstellar (2014)

Another masterpiece. One of the most famous tracks from the film, ‘Cornfield Chase’ by Hans Zimmer, you recognize immediately – even if you’ve never seen this film. This film is so good. It takes place in the middle of the twenty-first century, where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to air pollution. NASA is officially no longer in existence, but a secret group of researchers discovers a wormhole near Saturn that might be their salvation. Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a former NASA test pilot, is offered the chance to pilot the Endurance: the spaceship that must find a new habitable planet. And really folks: it’s not a boring science fiction film. The direction by Christopher Nolan is unparalleled: it has everything you want – emotion, action, suspense. And it has a plot twist. One that is so well thought out that you want to watch this film over and over again to catch all the hints.

3. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Something completely different. A romantic comedy – and this is not just a funny film with one-liners and a handsome cast. Sleepless in Seattle is about Sam (Tom Hanks) who, after the funeral of his wife, moves with his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) from Chicago to Seattle, hoping to build a new life. On Christmas Eve, Jonah calls into a radio talk show to find a new woman for his father. Sam finds out and, after some resistance, engages in a conversation with the radio host. On the other side of America, journalist Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) listens to the broadcast. She falls head over heels for him, even though she is already engaged. Her confusing feelings lead her to Seattle, where she plans to write a piece about Sam. It’s not a standard love story, and that’s what makes it good. The sweet Sam who wants his father to meet Annie, Annie who falls in love with a man she hasn’t even seen… And we haven’t even talked about the film set and costumes. This 90s hit is nostalgic and exactly what you need.

4. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

Who doesn’t know her: Bridget Jones. I can hardly imagine it, but for those who don’t know the British girl yet: Bridget (Renée Zellweger) is in her thirties and still single. She works at a publishing house and has a terrible crush on her boss, Daniel (Hugh Grant). It’s time for a change, so she buys a diary to write down all her wishes and goals. Of course, another man comes along who turns her life upside down: Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). This is truly a comfort film. The British humor (and great insults) and the friendships between all the characters are phenomenal. And that set? London in the 2000s. Sign me up. This is one of those films that you dream of living in. The funny and modern adaptation of Pride & Prejudice is a joy to watch. And actually, we’re all a bit like the awkward Bridget

5. The Tourist (2010)

This romantic thriller is already an oldie, but still so good. American tourist Frank (Johnny Depp) meets a mysterious woman (Angelina Jolie) on the train. At the beginning of the film we see that she is being followed by agents who think she knows where Alexander Pearce, a wanted criminal, is. And that’s true – sort of. Elise receives a letter stating that she must find someone in Venice who looks like Alexander. Frank fits this description perfectly. They chat a bit on the train and meet again in the city. Their innocent flirting takes a surprising turn when suddenly various people try to capture the duo.

6. Little Women

Now that the father of the March family has to fight in the civil war, the sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, and their mother Marmee suddenly have to fend for themselves. Something they are not used to in the 19th century. On the brink of poverty, Jo tries to make a name for herself as a writer in male-dominated New York. Meg wants to start a family, Amy goes to Paris to paint. Throughout the film we see the lives of the sisters as an emotional rollercoaster, and in a sort of coming-of-age way of embracing life. Expect some tears here and there, but it’s mainly a beautiful look at feminism and what it means to be a woman.

7. Constantine (2005)

Don’t want to travel back in time? Then something supernatural. Detective Angela (Rachel Weisz) investigates the death of her twin sister. For help, she goes to demon hunter Constantine (Keanu Reeves) because she can’t figure it out herself. What happened to her sister? Angela is sure it wasn’t suicide, as everyone says. The deeper they dig, the more Constantine realizes that the demons he hunts are trying to return to Earth. This dark thriller is well-crafted and keeps you on the edge of your seat. You might not expect it, but you want to see this one.

8. Bridesmaids (2011)

Lillian (Maya Rudolph) can’t wait to get married, but her bridesmaids think otherwise. Well-intentioned dinners, a visit to a bridal shop, and a flight to Las Vegas explode time and again. A rivalry develops between the girls, which, fueled by a lot of alcohol, leads to funny and emotional outbursts. So, do you want to laugh? Then choose this one. It’s no wonder that this is called the female ‘Hangover’ film .

9. Good Will Hunting (1997)

Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is a genius who works as a janitor at MIT. The professors start a competition to see who can solve the hardest math problems, and our Will secretly solves them. Once they find out who he is, he ends up (again) in jail for assaulting an officer. Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård) gets him out. Will has potential and deserves help. To avoid going to jail, Will must undergo treatment with psychologist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). The film revolves around their therapy sessions and how Sean tries to figure out what makes Will tick. The storytelling is so excellent in this film. It’s relatable for many, and it’s real. It’s about overcoming your fears and growing up. One of the best films I’ve ever seen.

10. Crazy Stupid Love (2011)

Cal (Steve Carell) is deep in the pit when he finds out his wife has cheated on him. He moves out and drinks away his problems. A new bar friend, Jacob (Ryan Gosling), decides to help him and teaches him how to be a player. At the same time, we see two other storylines: Cal’s son has a crush on the babysitter and Jacob realizes there’s more to life than one-night stands. All the storylines mix in the film in a hilarious way, with an explosive plot twist that the film has become famous for. This film is really crazy.

11. La La Land (2016)

We have plenty of classics. Like La La Land. It’s not that old, but it has certainly become a classic. We follow Mia and Sebastian: two artists who find each other in the uncertain existence of their profession. They face a heartbreaking dilemma: do they choose their romance or their career? Now I can hear you thinking: “Is this another sappy romcom?” Um. Sort of. It’s a realistic story about love and that you can’t always have everything in life. About how the choices you make influence things you don’t realize at the moment. This is a tearjerker, so prepare yourself.

12. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Jonah Hill, and Matthew McConaughey? That sounds like a blockbuster. And that’s exactly what The Wolf of Wall Street is as well. In the crime comedy, we see how Jordan Belfort (Leonardo) climbs the social ladder as a stockbroker and ends up in the criminal corrupt world of wealth. He gets caught in a web of sex, drugs, and a whole lot of money.

13. The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Are you a history lover? Then keep reading. The Da Vinci Code is based on the book by Dan Brown. Here, symbologist and Harvard professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is called in when a mysterious murder needs to be investigated at the Louvre. He, along with cryptologist Sophie Neveu who helps him, gets entangled in a web of lies and secrets that were never meant to come to light. They go in search of the Holy Grail. Boring? No way. This film breathes tension, intrigue, and a fantastic script.

14. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Awh… Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. The favorite couple of Jane Austen. The feisty Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) must marry to save her family from financial ruin. Although she doesn't want to marry every lord, there is a new man who gets under her skin: Mr. Darcy. In this period film we see how Elizabeth becomes increasingly interested in Mr. Darcy, and how her four sisters experience various events in English high society. Scandals, love – everything that can happen occurs in this adaptation of Jane Austen's story. Oh, and a tip: look up the longer ending on YouTube after you've seen the film. Netflix has removed the last few minutes in Europe, and honestly: you want to see this. It makes the film.

15. Dead Poets Society (1989)

The legacy of Robin Williams. Think dark academia. Think poetry. This tragic yet beautiful film marked the beginning for many actors like Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, and Gale Hansen. The former star student John Keating (Robin Williams) returns to the boarding school to teach English literature. He encourages the boys to express themselves and discover who they are through poetry, which helps them in their turbulent lives. This is a powerful, sad, and intensely good film. One that Robin Williams is remembered and honored for. O captain! My captain! How we miss him.

16. The Equalizer (2014)

From poetry to action. Denzel Washington is known for his good (how many times have I said good?) top action films. This one was such a success that four parts have been made. But we start with the first, where a former soldier comes out of retirement to save a young girl from Russian gangsters. I could say so much about this film it, but let me keep it short – because you've been reading for a while – you just have to see this. Do it.

17. Knives Out (2019)

The wealthy detective novelist Harlan Thrombey invites his family members for his 85th birthday. The day before, he is suddenly found dead. To find out what happened, a detective is called in: Benoit Blanc. All family members are suspects, so Blanc embarks on a complicated quest to uncover the truth. This is not a boring murder mystery film, thanks to the great acting and good script, this film is so entertaining that you won't even want to get up to go to the bathroom.

18. Erin Brockovich (2004)

Single mother Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) begs her lawyer to hire her at his firm. Although she has no experience in law, Ed Masry takes a chance and lets her start. By accident, she discovers in medical documents that a company is trying to cover up deadly water pollution. The film follows her as she fights for justice for the affected community. Julia shines passionately in this film, and I wasn't the only one who thought so. She won an Oscar, BAFTA, Critic’s Choice Movie Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actress. Oh, and the real Erin Brockovich – on whom the film is based – said that the film is very accurate. So watch it.

19. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is an unsuccessful salesman when he sees a man stepping out of an expensive car. He asks what this man does, and it turns out he is a stockbroker. Chris, who has been abandoned by his father, wants to provide for his family, and through that conversation, he has a new goal: to become a stockbroker and give his family the life he never had. His girlfriend Linda disagrees and leaves him. His son Christopher stays with Chris as he does everything he can to give him a better life.

20. The Notebook (2004)

A list of the best films is of course not complete without The Notebook. The love story. Just like Pride & Prejudice, this is one of the most beloved romantic films worldwide. It is 1940. Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and Allison ‘Allie’ Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) fall head over heels in love with each other. They want to spend the rest of their lives together, but Allie's family does not agree. Noah is an ordinary, poor boy and Allie comes from a wealthy elite family. Due to their different class backgrounds, they break up and their lives separate. In the film, we see how the two find each other again despite everything. Have you got the tissues ready?

Phew, here we are: 20 films later. Of course, there are many more films that are just as great as these, but unfortunately, we don't have hours to discuss them all. First, watch these, and then you can see what else later.