Most Overrated Netflix Movies Everyone Seems to Like

Netflix has released a steady stream of original films that rack up huge watch hours and dominate home screens. Many of these titles feature big stars, high production values, and social media buzz that sends them to the top of the service’s charts. This list rounds up popular Netflix movies that drew massive attention and conversation. Each entry highlights the essentials like cast, story setup, and release details, with a quiet nod to Netflix’s role in distributing the film to a global audience.

‘Bird Box’ (2018)

Sandra Bullock headlines this post apocalyptic thriller about unseen forces that drive people to deadly decisions when looked at. The film is directed by Susanne Bier and adapts Josh Malerman’s novel with a cross country survival plot. It became a breakout streaming hit shortly after its December release with record setting early viewership. The movie was distributed worldwide by Netflix.

‘Extraction’ (2020)

Chris Hemsworth stars as a black market mercenary who attempts to rescue the kidnapped son of a crime lord in Dhaka. Directed by Sam Hargrave, the film is known for extended action sequences and a propulsive rescue narrative. It quickly became one of the service’s most watched original action titles upon its April release. Global distribution came through Netflix.

‘Red Notice’ (2021)

Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds lead this art heist caper that hops across international locations. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, the story follows an FBI profiler teaming with a thief to catch a rival. It set internal streaming records during its debut window and drove strong repeat viewing. The film was released globally by Netflix.

‘The Gray Man’ (2022)

Ryan Gosling plays a covert operative hunted by a ruthless adversary portrayed by Chris Evans in a globe spanning chase. The Russo brothers direct with large scale set pieces and a cast that includes Ana de Armas. The movie premiered in select theaters before a streaming rollout that landed it among the service’s top viewed action films. Distribution was handled by Netflix.

‘6 Underground’ (2019)

Michael Bay directs a high octane story about a tech billionaire who forms a covert team to take down a dictator. The cast features Ryan Reynolds along with Mélanie Laurent and Adria Arjona. The film arrived in December and posted substantial early viewing figures for the platform. Netflix distributed the movie internationally.

‘The Old Guard’ (2020)

Charlize Theron leads a squad of immortal warriors who find themselves exposed in the modern world. Directed by Gina Prince Bythewood and based on the comic by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández, it blends action with centuries of backstory. It debuted in July and quickly reached the service’s most watched charts. The film’s worldwide release came via Netflix.

‘Don’t Look Up’ (2021)

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence play astronomers trying to warn the world about an approaching comet. Adam McKay directs an ensemble that includes Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, and Jonah Hill. The film generated awards season talk and significant viewership after a limited theatrical run and December streaming launch. Netflix distributed it globally.

‘Murder Mystery’ (2019)

Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston star as a New York couple who become suspects during a billionaire’s yacht trip. Directed by Kyle Newacheck, the film plays as a light whodunit with European settings. It posted strong opening weekend numbers on the service and later received a sequel. The movie was released worldwide by Netflix.

‘The Adam Project’ (2022)

Ryan Reynolds reconnects with his younger self to confront a family mystery in a time travel adventure. Shawn Levy directs with supporting turns from Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, and Zoe Saldaña. The film premiered in March and quickly placed among the most watched English language titles on the platform. Global distribution was through Netflix.

‘Enola Holmes’ (2020)

Millie Bobby Brown portrays Sherlock’s younger sister as she investigates a missing persons case in Victorian England. Directed by Harry Bradbeer, the film adapts Nancy Springer’s book series and features Henry Cavill and Helena Bonham Carter. It released in September and drew strong family viewership leading to a follow up film. Netflix handled worldwide distribution.

‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ (2018)

Lana Condor and Noah Centineo star in a teen romance based on Jenny Han’s novel about secret letters that upend high school life. Directed by Susan Johnson, the film helped kick off a successful trilogy. It became a cultural touchpoint for young audiences after its August debut. The film was released globally by Netflix.

‘Army of the Dead’ (2021)

Zack Snyder directs a heist set inside a quarantined Las Vegas after a zombie outbreak. The ensemble includes Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, and Omari Hardwick with elaborate casino set pieces. It launched in May following a brief theatrical window and drew high watch hours along with multiple spin offs. Distribution was handled by Netflix.

‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2022)

Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc investigating a tech mogul’s private island gathering. Rian Johnson writes and directs with a cast that includes Janelle Monáe, Edward Norton, and Kate Hudson. The film had a limited theatrical event before a December streaming release that drove large holiday viewership. Netflix released and distributed the movie worldwide.

‘The Kissing Booth’ (2018)

Joey King and Jacob Elordi lead a teen romance centered on a school fundraiser that sparks unexpected rules and relationships. Directed by Vince Marcello and adapted from Beth Reekles’ book, it later expanded into two sequels. The film became a social media favorite after its May debut with strong repeat streams. Netflix handled global distribution.

‘Bird Box Barcelona’ (2023)

This Spanish language expansion of the ‘Bird Box’ universe follows survivors navigating the same deadly phenomenon in Barcelona. Directed by Álex Pastor and David Pastor, it stars Mario Casas and Georgina Campbell. The film premiered in July and reached the non English top watched lists soon after release. Distribution came through Netflix worldwide.

‘Bright’ (2017)

Will Smith and Joel Edgerton team up as LAPD partners in a world where humans live alongside orcs and elves. Directed by David Ayer, the story follows a dangerous night tied to a powerful wand and a secretive prophecy. The film debuted in December and quickly drew massive viewing thanks to its high concept hook. Netflix handled the global release and distribution.

‘The Irishman’ (2019)

Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci reunite in Martin Scorsese’s crime epic about union power and mob ties across decades. The production used extensive de aging visual effects to track characters over a long timeline. It premiered with a limited theatrical run before streaming in late November to wide conversation. Netflix served as the worldwide distributor.

‘Roma’ (2018)

Alfonso Cuarón’s black and white drama follows a live in housekeeper in Mexico City and the family she helps raise. Shot in 65 mm with meticulous production design, it received festival acclaim and numerous awards. The film opened in select theaters before rolling out on the service in December. Global distribution was managed by Netflix.

‘Triple Frontier’ (2019)

Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Pedro Pascal, and Charlie Hunnam play former special forces soldiers plotting a cash extraction in South America. Directed by J C Chandor, the film blends heist planning with a survival trek across rugged terrain. It premiered in March and quickly climbed the platform’s most watched lists for action. Netflix distributed the film worldwide.

‘The Cloverfield Paradox’ (2018)

This sci fi entry reveals a space station experiment that fractures realities and unleashes chaos. The film stars Gugu Mbatha Raw, David Oyelowo, and Daniel Brühl and connects loosely to earlier franchise threads. It dropped as a surprise release right after a championship football broadcast in early February. Netflix handled the global distribution after acquiring the title.

‘Project Power’ (2020)

Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and Dominique Fishback navigate a street level crisis sparked by pills that unlock temporary superpowers. Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, the movie stages its set pieces across New Orleans. It arrived in August and quickly posted strong viewership during a busy summer slate. Netflix released and distributed the film worldwide.

‘The Midnight Sky’ (2020)

George Clooney directs and stars as a scientist racing to warn a returning spaceship after a global catastrophe. The film intercuts Arctic survival with deep space travel and features Felicity Jones and David Oyelowo. It released in December following a brief awards qualifying window. Netflix managed the worldwide release.

‘Outside the Wire’ (2021)

Anthony Mackie plays an advanced android officer guiding a drone pilot through a volatile conflict zone. Directed by Mikael Håfström, the story mixes near future tech with a mission to prevent a nuclear threat. The film premiered in January and quickly reached the platform’s action trending rows. Global distribution came through Netflix.

‘Army of Thieves’ (2021)

This heist prequel centers on safecracker Ludwig Dieter as he joins a crew targeting legendary vaults across Europe. Produced by Zack Snyder and directed by Matthias Schweighöfer, it builds out the franchise’s backstory. It debuted in October and performed strongly as a follow up to an earlier zombie heist. Netflix handled international distribution.

‘Enola Holmes 2’ (2022)

Millie Bobby Brown returns as the young detective tackling a labor driven mystery that intersects with her brother’s case. Directed by Harry Bradbeer, the film brings back Henry Cavill and Helena Bonham Carter with larger set pieces. It launched in November and drew notable family viewing upon release. Netflix served as the worldwide distributor.

‘Heart of Stone’ (2023)

Gal Gadot stars as an intelligence operative protecting a powerful algorithm from falling into the wrong hands. Directed by Tom Harper, the film features international locations and supporting turns from Jamie Dornan and Alia Bhatt. It premiered in August and quickly surfaced on the service’s global top lists. Netflix released the movie worldwide.

‘Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire’ (2023)

Sofia Boutella leads a band of fighters defending a farming moon from an authoritarian regime. Zack Snyder directs with a cast that includes Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, and Ed Skrein. The film arrived in December with an expanded cut released later for home viewing. Netflix managed global distribution.

‘Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver’ (2024)

The saga continues with the villagers preparing for a decisive confrontation that tests new alliances. Returning cast members lead extended battle sequences and explore more of the setting’s mythology. It premiered in April with additional behind the scenes features rolled out on the platform. Netflix distributed the sequel internationally.

‘The Out-Laws’ (2023)

Adam DeVine plays a bank manager who suspects his future in laws, played by Pierce Brosnan and Ellen Barkin, are famed robbers. Directed by Tyler Spindel, the story blends meet the parents humor with robbery set pieces. It released in July and became a quick weekend watch across many regions. Netflix handled worldwide distribution.

‘Atlas’ (2024)

Jennifer Lopez plays a data analyst who distrusts artificial intelligence yet must work with a powerful system during a deep space mission. The film is directed by Brad Peyton and features Simu Liu and Sterling K Brown in key roles. It arrived with a heavy marketing push and quickly showed up on the service’s global top lists. Netflix handled worldwide distribution.

‘The Mother’ (2023)

Jennifer Lopez stars as a former assassin who comes out of hiding to protect her daughter from dangerous enemies. Niki Caro directs with supporting turns from Joseph Fiennes, Gael García Bernal, and Omari Hardwick. The film debuted during a crowded spring slate and logged strong viewing hours in its first week. Netflix distributed the movie to audiences worldwide.

‘Spiderhead’ (2022)

Chris Hemsworth leads a near future story about a research facility testing emotion altering drugs on inmates. Joseph Kosinski directs with Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett rounding out the cast. The movie released shortly after a well known theatrical project from the same director, drawing extra attention on the platform. Global distribution came through Netflix.

‘Day Shift’ (2022)

Jamie Foxx plays a pool cleaner who moonlights as a vampire hunter in Los Angeles. The film features action choreography from stunt veterans and includes Dave Franco and Snoop Dogg in major roles. It premiered during late summer and quickly hit the service’s action trending rows. Netflix managed international distribution.

‘Kate’ (2021)

Mary Elizabeth Winstead stars as an assassin racing against the clock after being poisoned in Tokyo. Directed by Cedric Nicolas Troyan, the film stages elaborate chases and fights across neon lit streets. It landed in early fall and gained attention for its stylized approach and soundtrack. The movie was released globally by Netflix.

‘Awake’ (2021)

Gina Rodriguez plays a former soldier trying to protect her family as a mysterious event robs people of the ability to sleep. Mark Raso directs with a story that mixes survival stakes and scientific speculation. The film arrived in early summer and climbed the service’s thriller charts. Netflix handled worldwide distribution.

‘The Silence’ (2019)

Kiernan Shipka and Stanley Tucci portray a family hiding from sound hunting creatures that spread across the country. John R Leonetti directs with a focus on quiet set pieces and rural survival tactics. The film dropped in early spring and joined a wave of post apocalyptic releases on the platform. Netflix released the movie internationally.

‘The Open House’ (2018)

Dylan Minnette stars as a teen who moves with his mother into a relative’s home after a loss and begins to suspect an intruder. The film leans on empty house tension and small town isolation to drive its scares. It arrived early in the year and developed word of mouth through the service’s thriller aisle. Netflix handled global distribution.

‘Polar’ (2019)

Mads Mikkelsen plays a retired hitman forced back into the life when former employers target him. Directed by Jonas Åkerlund and based on the graphic novel, the movie blends cold climate locations with hyper stylized action. It released in winter and quickly found an audience among action fans. Netflix managed the worldwide rollout.

‘IO’ (2019)

Margaret Qualley and Anthony Mackie headline a quiet science fiction drama about survival on a damaged Earth. The story focuses on communication and the decision to stay or evacuate on a final shuttle. It premiered in midwinter and sat alongside other minimalist sci fi titles on the platform. Netflix distributed it to global subscribers.

‘The Laundromat’ (2019)

Meryl Streep leads a Steven Soderbergh ensemble exploring offshore shell companies and financial secrecy. The film uses interlocking vignettes to explain complicated subjects through characters played by Gary Oldman and Antonio Banderas. It launched during award season following festival play and a brief theatrical window. Netflix handled international distribution.

‘War Machine’ (2017)

Brad Pitt stars as a high ranking general navigating politics, public perception, and strategy during a modern conflict. David Michôd directs with a cast that includes Anthony Michael Hall, Tilda Swinton, and Ben Kingsley. The movie debuted with significant promotion as one of the service’s early star driven originals. Netflix released the film worldwide.

‘Death Note’ (2017)

This live action adaptation follows a student who discovers a supernatural notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it. Adam Wingard directs with Nat Wolff, Lakeith Stanfield, and Willem Dafoe voicing the entity tied to the book. It arrived in late summer and sparked intense discussion around its take on the source material. Netflix managed global distribution.

‘The Man from Toronto’ (2022)

Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson lead a mistaken identity action comedy centered on a rented cabin mix up. Patrick Hughes directs with set pieces that hop between cities and involve a high profile assassin brand. The film shifted from a planned theatrical route to a streaming debut and quickly appeared on top ten rows. Netflix handled the worldwide release.

‘Slumberland’ (2022)

Jason Momoa plays a dream world guide who helps a young girl search for a lost parent through shifting fantasy realms. Francis Lawrence directs with elaborate production design and large scale visual effects. The movie premiered during the holiday corridor and drew family viewing across many regions. Netflix served as the global distributor.

Share which Netflix films you think get more love than they deserve in the comments.