Netflix may be best known for its algorithm-driven hits, but its library contains a treasure trove of hidden gems. This week, I’ve handpicked three underrated films that deserve a spot on your weekend watchlist. Each film offers a unique perspective, from a chilling historical mystery to a horror narrative rooted in real-life trauma, and even a dark comedy that entertains while provoking thought.
In addition to these recommendations, check out our comprehensive guides covering the best new movies to stream, the top films available on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and a selection of free movies.
The Wonder (2022)
Genre: Mystery, drama
IMDb: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Set in 1862 Ireland, The Wonder follows Lib Wright (played by Florence Pugh), an English nurse assigned to observe an 11-year-old girl who claims to have survived without food for four months. As a crowd of religious zealots gathers, eager to witness what they believe could be a miracle, Lib embarks on a quest to uncover the unsettling truth behind the girl’s fasting.
Florence Pugh delivers a compelling performance, effectively anchoring the film’s mystery. The cinematography stands out for its use of candlelit shadows, creating an atmosphere thick with dread. Directed by Sebastián Lelio, the film employs a bold narrative choice by having a narrator address the audience directly, framing the story as a crafted piece about the power of storytelling itself.
Stream The Wonder on Netflix.
His House (2020)
Genre: Horror, thriller
IMDb: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
In His House, Bol and Rial, portrayed by Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku, are a refugee couple who escape the war in South Sudan, only to find themselves living in a decrepit house on London’s outskirts as part of the UK asylum process. When supernatural occurrences begin to torment them, they must confront not only the horrors of their past but also the lingering guilt associated with their harrowing journey.
The film skillfully intertwines supernatural elements with themes of real-world horror—namely racism and isolation—giving equal weight to both. This approach adds depth to the narrative, although some audience members may find its heavier themes challenging. Despite a perfect 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score stands at 72%, reflecting the film’s complexity in the horror genre.
Stream His House on Netflix.
I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)
Genre: Crime, comedy, thriller
IMDb: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
In this darkly comedic thriller, Ruth (Melanie Lynskey)—a tired nursing assistant—returns home to find her house burgled, with her grandmother’s silver stolen. Faced with apathy from the police, Ruth teams up with her eccentric neighbor Tony (Elijah Wood), who wields nunchaku, to get her belongings back. What begins as a minor personal quest spirals into a journey filled with unexpected violence and moral questions.
Lynskey’s portrayal of Ruth’s transformation from passive frustration to active vengeance is both convincing and relatable. The chemistry between her and Wood adds an amusing layer to their vigilante endeavor, blending quirky humor with darker themes as the film shifts tones without losing momentum.
Stream I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore on Netflix.
These films exemplify the rich variety found in Netflix’s offerings, proving that hidden gems await viewing for those willing to look beyond the mainstream. Here.
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