Looking for overlooked Netflix Original movies with strong writing and direction

[AddisonJC]

I feel like I've hit a wall with Netflix's algorithm and keep getting shown the same popular titles, making it hard to discover the genuinely great original movies beyond the big-budget action films and A-list comedies. I'm looking for those standout films that might have flown under the radar but have compelling writing, direction, or performances. For cinephiles who dig through the catalog, what are some of the best Netflix Original movies from the last few years that deserve more attention, particularly in genres like drama, thriller, or international cinema?

[ScottQP]

Nice prompt. Here are a few Netflix Original films from the last few years that tend to fly under the radar but are worth a look in drama/thriller or international cinema. The Guilty (2021) — a lean, nerve‑tight thriller that mostly happens on a single call, but really sticks with you; The Hand of God (2021) — Paolo Sorrentino's warm, visually lush coming‑of‑age drama; Close (2022) — a quiet, piercing Belgian film about a teen's upbringing and boundaries; The Lost Daughter (2021) — sharp, intimate drama anchored by strong performances; All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) — a sweeping, morally demanding war drama; Athena (2022) — a kinetic French‑language thriller with fierce energy. Availability varies by region, but if you can access them they're great for variety.

[GeorgeJ]

International cinema angle: The Hand of God (Italy) gives you a personal lens; All Quiet on the Western Front (Germany) is ambitious; Close (Belgium) is exquisite; Athena (France) hits with pulse and style. If you want more taut suspense, The Guilty (US remake, 2021) is a compact masterclass in sound design and pacing.

[Gary.T]

Starter watchlist with quick snapshots: 1) The Guilty (2021) for a tight thriller; 2) The Hand of God (2021) for a human‑scale drama; 3) Close (2022) for intimate coming‑of‑age; 4) The Lost Daughter (2021) for nuanced parenting tension; 5) All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) for big‑arc cinema; 6) Athena (2022) for relentless energy. Each scratches a different itch.

[Jonathan61]

Accessibility tip: subtitles can be a barrier for some; look for English‑subtitles and where available, audio description. And keep a Netflix watchlist of these titles; catalogs change but these tend to stay long enough to catch.

[Frank_T]

Recommendation caveat: availability in your region and Netflix's licensing can shuffle, so if you don't see some titles, check non‑regional Netflix catalogs or wait for a potential rotation. If you want, tell me your region and I can tailor a region-specific list.

[Andrew_T]

Want a starter watchlist tailored to your tastes? Share your preferred mix between drama/thriller/international, and whether you want modern-day settings or period pieces; I'll pick 6 titles with 1-sentence why each.