The best movies on Netflix: great films you can watch in Australia right now

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UPDATED: David Fincher's brilliant true crime thriller Zodiac has returned to Netflix, telling the tale of a political cartoonist (Jake Gyllenhaal) whose decades-long obsession drives him to unmask an unidentified serial killer – find out more about it on page 4!

If you're new to Netflix and want to find the best movies to watch, or you're tired of browsing the app for 30 minutes before finding something to watch, you've come to the right place. With thousands of movies at your disposal, it's easy to get stuck in binge-watching mode, but finding the honest-to-goodness best films can be a bit of a hassle.

In an effort to determine the best of the best, we've put together a list of the greatest possible films you can watch – curated by TechRadar editors and backed up with ratings from IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes – so that you don't have to sift through the muck. We'll keep this best-of list up to date with the latest movies that are must-watch, so you waste zero screen time searching.

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As tech enthusiasts, it's perhaps unsurprising that we're obsessed with science fiction here at TechRadar. From glorious space operas to mind-bending films that make you think, there's something for everyone on our list of the best sci-fi movies on Netflix Australia.

• Got a Stan account too? These are the best movies on Stan: a list of the top films streaming in Australia now
• Want some more prime entertainment? These are the best movies on Amazon Prime Video: top films to watch in Australia right now

Annihilation

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Credit: Netflix

If you've seen writer-director Alex Garland's previous sci-fi masterpiece, Ex Machina, you'll know to expect a wild ride with his follow-up, Annihilation. Based on the highly regarded novel of the same name by Jeff VanderMeer, Annihilation follows a group of women who set off on an expedition into an environmental disaster zone where the laws of nature don't apply. Natalie Portman leads the pack as a biologist searching for her missing husband, and she's joined by Tessa Thompson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez and more. Though the film has only just been released in theatres in the US, Australia is lucky enough to be one of the countries getting the film on Netflix right away. Equally brainy and terrifying, Annihilation has all the makings of a modern science fiction classic.

IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 87%

Minority Report

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Credit: 20th Century Fox

What if you could prevent murders before they've occurred? More importantly, what would you do if you were due to be sentenced over a murder you haven't committed yet? That is the premise of Steven Spielberg's spectacular sci-fi film, Minority Report. Loosely based on the Philip K. Dick story of the same name, the film sees Tom Cruise play the head of a futuristic 'Precrime' Division tasked with stopping murderers from carrying out their violent actions. They can do this thanks to the psychic abilities of three siblings known as 'Precogs'. But what happens when this trio of soothsayers predicts a murder carried about by Cruise himself? Spoiler alert, he runs! A visually stunning film that's filled with ingenious and forward-thinking technological ideas that will likely become a reality in years to come, Minority Report is intense and action-packed. 

IMDB Rating: 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 90%

Interstellar

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Credit: Warner Bros.

One of Christopher Nolan's most ambitious films, Interstellar imagines a future where Earth is on its way out, and humanity must venture out beyond our galaxy to find a suitable new planet to call home. Among these astronauts are Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), who must leave his children behind, despite the journey possibly lasting several decades, and Brand (Anne Hathaway), who is on a mission to track down her partner in the far reaches of space. Simultaneously thought-provoking and mind-bending, Interstellar is a true science fiction spectacle – one that rewards multiple viewings.

IMDB Rating: 8.6, Rotten Tomatoes: 71%

We all love a good scare (so long as we're safe and sound at the end of it), so with that in mind, we've taken the liberty of shining a spotlight on some of the best horror movies currently streaming on Netflix Australia. These freaky flicks are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine!

Dawn of the Dead

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Image credit: Universal

George A. Romero's 1978 original may be king, but Zack Snyder's fast-paced Dawn of the Dead remake is still a terrific zombie film in its own right! Thanks to an excellent script by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy), Snyder's directorial debut is still one of the best in his entire filmography, with fleshed out (and fleshy) characters to root for as all hell breaks loose. Holed up in a suburban shopping mall, a group of people from various walks of life come together to fight for survival during an all-out zombie uprising. Scary and action-packed, the 2004 version of Dawn of the Dead is one of the best horror remakes around. And, with the recent announcement that Snyder will return to the zombie sub-genre once more (for the Netflix's Army of the Dead), now's the perfect time to revisit this positively ghoulish flick. 

IMDB Rating: 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 75%

Velvet Buzzsaw

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Credit: Netflix

Writer-Director Dan Gilroy (Nightcrawler) delivered a film that's a whole lot crazier than we were expecting with Velvet Buzzsaw. The supernatural/satirical horror film is set in the art world, where a series of paintings by an unknown deceased artist begin to take revenge on those who worship money. The film stars Nightcrawler alums Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo, along with John Malkovich, Daveed Diggs, Natalia Dyer, Tom Sturridge, Billy Magnussen and Zawe Ashton. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but if you like your films left of centre, you just might appreciate Velvet Buzzsaw.

IMDB Rating: 5.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 66%

Apostle

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Credit: Netflix

In the grim tradition of The Wicker Man and The Witch comes Apostle, a gory new folk horror tale from Gareth Evans, director of The Raid films. Set in 1905, Apostle sees Thomas Richardson (Dan Stevens) infiltrate an island-based cult which is holding his sister Jennifer (Elen Rhys) for ransom. Led by Prophet Malcolm (Michael Sheen), the cult is entering a particularly dark time — its crops and livestock are rotting from within, as if the people are being punished by their deity. With the community in dire straits, Malcolm and his followers have become murderous monsters, resorting to horrific, medieval practices in a vain attempt to restore life to their home. In other words, a terrible time to be discovered as an intruder! With Apostle, Evans has not lost his knack for bodily destruction, with several scenes of torture and violence that may be too much for some viewers. Those with strong stomachs, however, will be rewarded with a nail-biting horror story with incredibly production design and cinematography that's willing to go to some truly dark places. It's nerve-jangling score is also worth keeping an ear out for. 

IMDB Rating: 6.6, Rotten Tomatoes: 77%

It

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Credit: Warner Bros.

Get ready, fright fans — the highest-grossing horror movie of all time has made its way onto Netflix and is bound to make you terrified of clowns all over again. Based on Stephen King's classic novel of the same name, It follows a group of tightly-knit adolescent misfits known as The Losers Club as they investigate an evil force that's been stealing and murdering children in their small town for decades. With its late '80s setting and talented cast of young performers, It is bound to appeal to fans of Netflix's brilliant series Stranger Things (and not just because Finn Wolfhard stars in both). As far as Stephen King adaptations go, it's one of the very best, managing to strike the right balance between horror and heart. Simply put, It is the kind of crowd-pleasing scare film we'd like to see more of. We recommend watching It before the upcoming sequel, which takes place 27 years later and sees the kids all grown up and terrorised by Pennywise the Dancing Clown all over again. 

IMDB Rating: 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

Jaws

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Credit: Universal

The film that defined the term 'blockbuster', Steven Spielberg's classic fright film Jaws has swam its way onto the the service and is hungry for more viewers to chomp on. When an aggressive great white shark starts eating swimmers in the lead up to Fourth of July weekend, the mayor of a popular tourist destination sets a bounty for the shark's head. The town's sheriff (Roy Scheider), an oceanographer (Richard Dreyfuss) and a shark hunter with a grudge (Robert Shaw) set out on the seas to take it down for good. They're gonna need a bigger boat...

IMDB Rating: 8.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

It Follows

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Credit: Rialto Distribution

Considered a modern horror classic by many, It Follows sees a young girl (Maika Monroe) terrorised by a sexually-transmitted demon. This terrifying apparition looks different every time and will chase you relentlessly until you either pass it on by sleeping with someone else, or until it catches up to you and finishes you off for good. To make matters worse, if the person you pass it on to dies, it will turn its attention back to you again. Did we mention that it can only be seen by the people that have been 'infected', so your friends won't be able to help as much as they'd like to? Yeah, it kinda sucks. Stylish, atmospheric and with a terrific John Carpenter-inspired synth score, It Follows in an effective horror movie which may suffer a little from a few odd decisions by its characters, but is still well worth watching.

IMDB Rating: 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

The Babysitter

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Credit: Netflix

One for the horror comedy fans, the Netflix Original film The Babysitter, from director McG (Charlie's Angels), is an energetic and fun flick with some killer one-liners and a star-making performance from Aussie actress Samara Weaving (yes, she's related to Hugo), whom horror fans may remember from her role in the first season of Ash vs Evil Dead. The plot is simple: kid develops a crush on his incredibly cool babysitter, only to find out that she's sadistic, devil-worshipping killer with a group of equally psychotic friends, all of whom are planning to kill him. Though he's a total wimp, he must now fight back in order to survive. Gory and funny in equal measure, The Babysitter is a hell of a time.

IMDB Rating: 6.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 71%

Documentaries offer unprecedented insight into the lives of real people and the extraordinary events that surround them. Fiction is great, but fact truly has the power to move and inspire people like nothing else. With that said, here are some of the best documentaries currently available to stream on Netflix Australia. 

Get Me Roger Stone

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Credit: Netflix

The Trump presidency has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons, and has been a source of entertainment for late-night shows and comedians across the US. There are books aplenty already published on the Trump White House, yet the world is yet to meet the President-maker, “the trickster”, behind the scenes. Get Me Roger Stone is about the man who puts a Republican in the White House, using every (underhanded) technique he possibly can to get his man the top job. And he does so unashamedly. The documentary follows this self-acclaimed “agent provocateur” – reminiscent of a dapper character right out of a James Bond novel or movie – as he reveals everything he’s done during his long career, from Nixon to Trump. The documentary not only puts the subject, and his Nixon tattoo, centre-stage, it also reveals how the American democracy works in its current form.

IMDB Rating: 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 87%

Amanda Knox

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Credit: Netflix

Following the enormous success of its original docu-series Making a Murderer, Netflix has once again returned to the ever-popular 'true crime' well with Amanda Knox. The Netflix Original documentary tells the harrowing story of an American exchange student who spent four years in an Italian prison after being convicted for the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher. Forced to endure the prosecution's various character assassination tactics, including public slut-shaming, Knox maintains her innocence at all times, with her appeals eventually reaching Italy's Supreme Court. Amanda Knox is an effective and truly eye-opening documentary that is not to be missed.

IMDB Rating: 7.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

We love a good thriller, which is why we've narrowed down some of the best ones that are now available to watch on Netflix Australia. These films will have you on the edge of your seat in suspense, so sit back, try to relax, and enjoy.

Zodiac

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Image credit: Paramount Pictures

Director David Fincher revolutionised the modern-day serial killer thriller with his masterpiece, Se7en, so when it came time to revisit the genre with Zodiac, the visionary director opted to tear it back down again (in a good way, that is). Eschewing the grim flashiness of the aforementioned film, Zodiac follows the true (and still unsolved) Zodiac murder spree that occurred across the US during the 1960s-70s. Fincher approaches the morbid material with the kind of journalistic attention to detail and intense investigation that would become incredibly popular several years later (just imagine how celebrated Zodiac would be if it were released now, in the time of total true crime obsession). Jake Gyllenhaal plays Robert Graysmith, the real-life newspaper cartoonist that would eventually devote decades of his life in the pursuit of the Zodiac killer's true identity. The rest of the cast ain't shabby, either – Robert Downey Jr (not playing Iron Man), Mark Ruffalo (not playing Hulk), Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox and Chloë Sevigny star in supporting roles. A gripping true story, Zodiac is a must for devoted true crime enthusiasts. It also makes for a terrific companion to Fincher's serial killed-themed Netflix Original series, Mindhunter.

IMDB Rating: 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 90%

The Villainess

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Credit: Madman Entertainment

Equal parts Oldboy and La Femme Nikita, The Villainess is a female-driven Korean revenge thriller with the most incredible and original action sequences this side of The Raid — seriously, the first-person knife fights and shootouts in this put Hollywood action movies to shame. Sook-hee (Ok-bin Kim) is apprehended after carrying out a killing spree that leaves dozens of gangsters dead. She's given a choice: train to become a ruthless assassin and receive freedom after ten years, or spend the rest of her life in jail. Obviously, she chooses the former, and before long it becomes clear to her that her rampage was spurned on under false pretences. Now, it's time to make everyone pay for what they did to her.

IMDB Rating: 6.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

Gerald's Game

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Credit: Netflix

2017 has been a great year for Stephen King adaptations (ahem, The Dark Tower aside), and the new Netflix Original film Gerald's Game joins It and 1922 in the upper echelon. In an attempt to rekindle their marriage, Gerald (Bruce Greenwood) and Jessie (Carla Gugino) retreat to a remote lake house. When a sex game goes awry, Jessie is left alone and handcuffed to the bed and must overcome her mounting paranoia and deep, personal demons. Though the film mostly takes place within the one room, Gerald's Game remains thrilling from start to finish. It also features one of the best performances of Gugino's career. 

IMDB Rating: 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 90%

Drive

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Credit: Pinnacle Films

Drive is the film that made it cool to love Ryan Gosling. Based on the novel of the same name by James Sallis, this pulpy thriller is one of the most stylish films of the last decade, having almost single-handedly revived the neon '80s synth-pop scene. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (Bronson, Only God Forgives), Drive sees Gosling play a nameless stunt driver who works as a shady wheelman by night. When a job goes horribly wrong, this 'driver' must dispense violent justice to make things right for those he cares for. The film's immense influence can be felt across all forms of media – the video game Hotline Miami, in particular, owes a large debt of gratitude to Drive. A loving ode to the early tough-guy crime movies of Michael Mann, Drive is essential viewing.

IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

We're serious cinephiles here at at TechRadar. It's not all about Star Wars around here – we enjoy a good tear-jerker, too. There are many sensitive drama films streaming on Netflix Australia right, and these are some of the best ones. So grab a hanky and get ready for a heavy night in. 

Roma

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Credit: Netflix

An astonishing ode to motherhood in all forms, Roma is the most personal film to date from visionary director Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men, Gravity). On paper, Roma is not the easiest sell – a subtitled black and white film about a live-in housekeeper spoken almost entirely in Spanish and the indigenous Mixtec language, Cuarón's latest is nonetheless riveting from a cinematic standpoint. More a series of vignettes than a traditional three-act story, Roma examines the life of a Mexico City family in the early 1970s during a time of great social upheaval. Described by Cuarón as 90% autobiographical, the film provides some insight into the famous director's early life, although the story is witnessed primarily through the eyes of his caretaker, Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), who would become a loved member of the family. One of the most gorgeously photographed films of the year, Roma deserves to be seen on the largest screen possible. Shot entirely in 65mm, Roma would make for an ideal theatrical experience. However, if that isn't an option, you won't be disappointed by the Roma's breathtaking 4K Ultra HD presentation on Netflix – just make sure you keep tissues on hand, because it's very likely you'll shed a few tears during the film.

IMDB Rating: 8.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

 

American Graffiti

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Credit: Universal

George Lucas took the world by storm with his phenomenal blockbuster Star Wars in 1977, but it wasn't the first masterpiece the filmmaker had helmed – American Graffiti was released just four years earlier in 1973, marking the arrival of one of the most exciting voices in cinema. A nostalgic coming-of-age tale, the 1962-set American Graffiti follows a group of friends on their last night in town before heading off to college and the rest of their lives. Naturally, these kids spend the night cruising the strip in their amazing era-specific hot rods, saying their goodbyes to friends and girlfriends and getting up to some mischief before they have to grow up and face the real world. Released only 11 years after the time in which it's set, the film shows just how much American life would change in such a short time, predating not only the Kennedy assassination and the Flower Generation, but also the Vietnam War. While American Graffiti is undoubtedly a feel-good film with an incredible rock 'n' roll and doo-wop soundtrack‎, it's also a bittersweet reminder of innocence lost, with the film's ending throwing some cold water on an audience lulled into remembering 'the good old times'. Stars Ron 'Ronny' Howard, Richard Dreyfus and Harrison Ford.

IMDB Rating: 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

Dunkirk

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Credit: Warner Bros.

A harrowing tale of grand-scale survival against all odds, Christopher Nolan's film Dunkirk re-enacts one of the most significant events in World War II — namely, the evacuation of over 300,000 Allied soldiers who were trapped in the French port town of Dunkirk with no supplies and barely any ammunition while surrounded by heavily armed German forces. Codenamed Operation Dynamo, Winston Churchill's decision to enlist every available civilian vessel capable of reaching Dunkirk resulted in the vast majority of stranded troops being rescued. Had the scenario gone another way, the Allied forces may have lost the war. Following the events by land, air and sea, Nolan offers a surprisingly intimate look at the evacuation, despite being set against an epic backdrop. One of Nolan's best films to date, Dunkirk is a must-see war film the explores human courage in the face of almost certain death.

IMDB Rating: 8.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 9.2

Your Name

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Credit: Madman Entertainment

A worldwide phenomenon, Your Name is the highest-grossing anime film of all time — that's right, bigger than any Studio Ghibli film or science fiction blockbuster. That a simple story about a young girl from a rural town switching bodies with a young man from bustling Tokyo hit such a cord with audiences is a testament to the heartfelt writing that helps bring these animated characters to life. Makoto Shinkai's film is the kind that will have you laughing one moment, then crying the next. A joyful and beautiful love story told in a unique and cerebral way, Your Name is one of the true anime masterpieces, sitting alongside the likes of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Grave of the Fireflies, Spirited Away and the legendary Akira.

IMDB Rating: 8.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

Good Time

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Credit: Madman Entertainment

Good Time stars Robert Pattinson in the type of performance that will make you forget all about his involvement in the Twilight saga. We're talking young De Niro good, here. When his mentally-challenged brother is snatched by the police after a bank robbery, Connie (Pattinson) sets out to do anything he can to free his brother before getting sent to the brutal Rikers Island jail complex. This sets off a night that spirals out of control extremely fast. There's pretty much no way of predicting what will happen next. Gritty and grimy, Good Time is an intense film with an incredible soundtrack and fantastic cinematography. One of the best films of 2017. 

IMDB Rating: 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Beasts of No Nation

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Credit: Netflix

As Netflix's first original movie, Beasts of No Nation had a lot to prove. The VOD scene had traditionally been associated with low budget indies and D-grade horror films, but with Beasts of No Nation, Netflix managed to convince people that high quality (dare I say, Oscar-calibre) films could be streamed at home and shown in theatres at the same time. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga (True Detective season 1), Beasts follows the loss of a child soldier's innocence as he's forced to do unspeakable things. The film hits like a sledgehammer, never shying away from the brutality and horror experienced by this young boy (played masterfully by newcomer Abraham Attah). Equally powerful is Idris Elba's portrayal as the boy's remorseless and despicable commander. Though not what you'd call a crowd-pleaser, we hope that Netflix continues to bring us brilliant films like this.

IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Blue is the Warmest Color

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Credit: Universal / Sony Pictures

As soulful as it is erotically-charged, it's not hard to see why Blue is the Warmest Color won the highest prize at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival – its portrayal of two women who fall in love and allow each other to discover their true selves is truly special. Though Emma (Léa Seydoux) is a blue-haired free spirit, Adèle (Adèle Exarchopoulos) doesn't feel comfortable in her own skin. While Adèle's friends initially shun Emma due to her sexuality, she soon realises that Emma is the only person with whom she can express herself openly and bare her soul to. Together, the pair experience the ups and downs of a mature relationship, while also exploring social acceptance and their sexuality. A beautiful masterpiece that will take you on an emotional roller-coaster throughout its lengthy 3-hour running time, Blue is the Warmest Color is a film you won't soon forget. 

IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Okja

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Credit: Netflix

Korean director Bong Joon-ho (The Host, Snowpiercer) is an eclectic filmmaker, and his latest work, Okja, is in a genre all of its own. Is it an adventure film? Is it science fiction? Is it a drama? Is it a fairy tale? Is it satire? The answer is... all of the above. With a style that's somewhere between Spielberg and Miyazaki, the film follows a young Korean girl's quest to rescue her best friend Okja, a super-pig that was created by the multi-national conglomerate Mirando Corporation for the purposes of consumption. Flipping between heartbreaking and joyful at the drop of a hat, Okja is an emotional roller coaster of a film that may well have you reconsidering your dietary choices. 

IMDB Rating: 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

Need a good laugh? Netflix Australia is home to some terrific comedies, with a number of hilarious movies ready to stream in an instant. Some are light-hearted, while others are pitch black. With that in mind, there's a comedy for everyone below. 

Game Night

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Credit: Roadshow

Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie (Rachel McAdams) are well known for hosting awesome weekly board game nights for their friends. On this particular evening however, Max's shady brother (Kyle Chandler) gets the group involved in his real life kidnapping, which leads them to think the whole thing is a game night mystery. Before long, the group finds itself in real danger with some murderous gangsters, and they'll need to use their board game problem solving skills to get themselves out of this hairy situation! Stylishly directed and cleverly written, Game Night is head and shoulders above most other American comedies released in recent years. 

IMDB Rating: 7.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 84%

The 40-Year-Old Virgin

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Credit: Universal

Unlucky in love, nice guy Andy (Steve Carrell) has yet to go all the way with a woman despite being 40 years old. While he has quietly resounded himself to the possibility that he may never lose his virginity, his rambunctious co-workers (Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen and Romany Malco) have made it their mission to get Andy laid, no matter what. And, just when you think you have the movie figured out, it reveals itself to be a surprisingly sweet story about friendship and moving into the next stage of life. Featuring more gut-busting one-liners and sexual misadventures than you can poke a... err... you get where we're going with this, Judd Apatow's The 40-Year-Old Virgin is one of the most hilarious comedies of the 21st century. 

IMDB Rating: 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

Coming to America

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Credit: Universal / Sony Pictures

Perhaps the most charming and endlessly entertaining comedy of Eddie Murphy's career, Coming to America takes the standard 'fish out of water' concept and weaves pure magic with it. Unhappy with the arranged marriage set up by royal parents, Prince Akeem of the wealthy (and fictitious) African nation of Zamunda sets off for America in search of love with help from his squire, Semmi (Arsenio Hall). Before long, Akeem falls for the smart and independent Lisa (Shari Headley), heir to the McDowell's fast food restaurant empire. Insistent that he win her affections with his personality and not his wealth, Akeem and Semmi pretend to be poor and acquire jobs at McDowell's. Now, the pair must contend with Lisa's over-protective father (John Amos) and her jerk boyfriend (Eriq La Salle). Full of heart and bloody hilarious, Coming to America is a comedy classic.

IMDB Rating: 7.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 69%

Hot Fuzz

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Credit: Universal

Following the success of their classic rom-zom-com, Shaun of the Dead, director Edgar Wright, star and writer Simon Pegg and co-star Nick Frost teamed up once again to bring their hilarious sensibilities to the buddy-cop movie genre with Hot Fuzz. London super-cop Nicholas Angel (Pegg) is involuntarily transferred to a village in the English countryside for making his superiors look bad by comparison. There, he teams up with dim-witted (but well-meaning) cop Danny Butterman (Nick Frost) and together, the pair uncover a murder conspiracy. If films like Point Break and Bad Boys II are in constant rotation at your place, you absolutely owe it to yourself to grab a Cornetto and watch Hot Fuzz.

IMDB Rating: 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Though they live on the other side of the law, we as people tend to be fascinated by criminals. Whether it's the outlaw lifestyles they lead, or the fact that they live those lives on the edge and do things most of us wouldn't dream of, something about their stories makes them cinematic gold. Here are some of the best crime movies now streaming on Netflix Australia.

The Wolf of Wall Street

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Credit: Roadshow

The characters in the fact-based film The Wolf of Wall Street may very be completely reprehensible with little-to-no redeeming qualities, but damn if they aren't freakin' hilarious. An adults-only tour through the real-life antics of white collar criminal Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio at his most unhinged), the film revels in the excess and debauchery of Wall Street in the 1980s, where thieving yuppies spent millions of dollars on drugs, hookers and extravagant lifestyles they did not earn. While the film's three hour runtime might scare off potential viewers, Martin Scorsese's energetic direction keeps the action moving at a lightning-fast pace. The film was also stars Margot Robbie's in her breakout role, playing Belfort's ever-suffering wife, Naomi. Jonah Hill is also incredibly funny as Belfort's partner in crime, Donnie. If you love Scorsese's classic film Goodfellas, chances are you'll enjoy this just as much. 

IMDB Rating: 8.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 78%

Snatch

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Credit: Sony Pictures

A rollicking crime caper movie from Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels writer and director Guy Ritchie, Snatch takes everything great about that movie and dials it up to 11. Featuring a large cast of colourful cockney crooks, including Jason Statham, Stephen Graham, Dennis Farina, Benicio Del Toro, Vinnie Jones  and Brad Pitt (particularly memorable as an unintelligible Gypsy boxer), Snatch flies thick and fast with hilarious quotable lines and energetic performances. Whether they're chasing after a diamond the size of a fist, or betting on illegal bare-knuckle brawls, you can expect these characters to end up getting into all kinds of mischief. 

IMDB Rating: 8.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 73%

Casino

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Credit: Universal / Sony Pictures

Re-teaming with their Goodfellas director Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci once again play violent gangsters in this 1970s-set crime movie based on real-life stories from the glory days of Las Vegas. The two play former best friends who not only compete over a gambling empire, but a woman (Sharon Stone). If you can stomach the eye-popping violence on show here (this really does make Goodfellas look tame by comparison), Casino is one of the best crime movies in Scorsese's amazing filmography.

IMDB Rating: 8.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 79%

Buckle up for some heart-pounding entertainment with some of the most kick-ass action movies now streaming on Netflix Australia. Adrenaline junkies will get a kick out of every one of the brawny movies listed below. 

The Night Comes For Us

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Credit: Netflix

One of the most incredibly violent action films ever made, The Night Comes For Us is a martial arts gangster epic (featuring several actors from The Raid series) where blood and body parts are offered up by the barrel. A fierce killer (Joe Taslim) betrays his Triad gang members to protect an orphaned little girl. Now, the entire Triad is out to claim his head, including his former best friend (Iko Uwais). What ensues is an unrelenting bloodbath of martial arts mayhem that never slows down for the rest of the film. We're not kidding when we say that this film might be too violent for many action junkies – heads are smashed in, throats are slashed, fingers are chopped off, bodies are blown apart and guts are ripped out with alarming frequency. If you thought The Raid was violent, you ain't seen nothin' yet! 

IMDB Rating: 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes: 88%

John Wick: Chapter Two

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Credit: Universal / Sony Pictures

In the first John Wick, they killed his dog, sending this boogeyman-like professional killer (played by a never-better Keanu Reeves) on a roaring rampage of revenge where no noggin remained bullet-free. In John Wick: Chapter Two, our favourite head-shooting hitman is on the defensive, as he is betrayed by an old associate and left to fight off every trigger happy assassin in New York and abroad. With even more insane stunt work and mythology building than the original film, John Wick 2 is an action-packed middle chapter which promises to end in an almighty bloodbath for the upcoming trilogy-closer, John Wick 3: Parabellum. 

IMDB Rating: 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol

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Credit: Paramount Pictures

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to watch Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol on Netflix before the latest film in the saga, Mission: Impossible — Fallout, hits theatres. Why should you do that? Because the fourth entry in the M:I series, which is directed by animation legend Brad Bird (The Incredibles, The Iron Giant) is not only the best Mission to date — it's one of the best spy movies of all time, period. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team (which includes Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton) must stop a crazed madman (the late Michael Nyqvist) who believes the only way to save the world is to destroy it. Featuring brilliant spy antics, clever gadgets and the best stunts of Cruise's death-defying career (seriously, one particular sequence which takes place on the world's tallest building is positively vertigo-inducing), Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol is as close to perfection as these kinds of films get. 

IMDB rating: 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

The Warriors

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Credit: Universal / Sony Pictures

Set in a heightened version of New York in the dirty 1970s, where the streets are ruled by violent gangs in crazy costumes, The Warriors follows one particular gang (we'll give you one guess as to what they're called) that's framed for the murder of a visionary gang leader during a city-wide midnight summit. Originally meant as a peaceful event, The Warriors must now make it back to their home turf at the other side of the city with every other gang in town out for their blood. Will they survive long enough to prove their innocence? And will the real culprits get what's coming to them? A fantastic piece of '70s pulp, The Warriors is a guaranteed great time. And while its vision of colourful gangs lording over the slums of NYC seems outlandish, it's a lot closer to the reality of the time than most people realise. To learn more about this bygone era, check out the documentary Rubble Kings, which is also streaming on Netflix (read more about it on Page 3). 

IMDB Rating: 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

Wonder Woman

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Credit: Warner Bros.

The DC Cinematic Universe has had a bit of a rough start in its attempts to catch up to competitor Marvel, with films like Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad unable to adequately please both fans and critics. That all changed with Wonder Woman, the first DCU movie to receive universal praise across the board. Perfectly cast as Wonder Woman a.k.a. Diana Prince, Gal Gadot breathes warmth and love into the world's most famous female superhero. Diana is swept into the wars of man when charming pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crash lands near the hidden island of Themyscira, home of the Amazons. Sensing that WWI is the doing of Ares, the God of War, Diana sets off with Steve into the world of man to end the war (and Ares) once and for all. One of the greatest superhero movies of all time, Wonder Woman is a triumph. Now let's hope we get more DC movies like this...

IMDB Rating: 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 92%

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

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Credit: Disney

The sequel to Marvel's 2014 phenomenon, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 finds the intergalactic heroes thrust into another adventure, one that could reveal the identity of Peter Quill's father. Even more spectacular than the first film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continually aims to surprise the audience, with simultaneously keeping its action and comedy levels high. 

IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

Mad Max: Fury Road

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Credit: Roadshow

The world has gone to hell following a cataclysmic event, plunging headfirst into madness and chaos. All that remains is a wasteland governed by tyrannical men, populated by downtrodden hordes, and hopefully, rescued by mythical heroes. Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) rules with an iron fist, doling out meagre amounts of water to the masses, while keeping a stable of wives for himself to breed future warlords. His most trusted Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) has betrayed him and freed these women from their lives of sexual slavery. Now, the chase is on, as Immortan Joe and his party of warboys set out to retrieve their "property". If Furiosa and co. are to succeed, they’ll need the help of Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy), a wandering road warrior in search of a cause. Director George Miller has crafted the most dynamic, vibrant and sensational action blockbuster of the decade with Fury Road. it’s an inventive, high-octane kick in the guts to a film industry that has played it safe for far too long. The chases and stunts in this film are unparalleled. Best of all, the film's cut-to-the-chase plot manages to sneak in a powerful and extremely timely rebuttal to patriarchy.

IMDB Rating: 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

Need some kid-friendly entertainment that will make the whole family happy? We've selected some of the best family movies that Netflix Australia has to offer. Each one of these films is guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. 

How to Train Your Dragon

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Credit: DreamWorks Animation

One of the best animated films of the last decade, How to Train Your Dragon surprised everyone with its tale of a young Viking boy who defies his village's dragon hunting ways to become the very first dragon rider. When Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) stumbles upon an injured Night Fury, the rarest and most-feared dragon in existence, he manages to befriend the creature (which he adorably names 'Toothless'), eventually teaching his family a valuable lesson in the process. Packed with incredible action and adventure, How to Train Your Dragon is a classic that can be enjoyed by both young and old. 

IMDB Rating: 81%, Rotten Tomatoes: 98%

Beauty and the Beast

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Credit: Disney

An utterly enchanting and completely magnificent live-action adaptation of one of Disney's most celebrated animated classics, Beauty and the Beast absolutely nails the source material — maybe even betters it in some regards. Much of the praise can be bestowed upon Emma Watson, who plays Belle with grace and warmth. The same can be said about Dan Stevens, who spends the film injecting life into the computer-generated Beast. Luke Evans comes close to stealing the show, though as the vicious and vain Gaston. We're also pleased to report that all of the original film's songs are present and accounted for, so gather the whole family and settle in for a wonderful night singing, laughing and crying. 

IMDB Rating: 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 71%

The Lego Batman Movie

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Credit: Warner Bros.

If you loved Will Arnett's hilarious take on the Caped Crusader in The Lego Movie, you're going to be over the moon to see him take centre stage in his very own block-filled blockbuster! In The Lego Batman Movie, all of the Dark Knight's villains are teaming up to take over Gotham City, and it's up to Batman and his newly adopted sidekick Robin (Michael Cera) to stop them! With an incredible cast of comedic superstars in tow, including Zach Galifianakis as the Joker, Conan O'Brien as The Riddler and Riki Lindhome as Poison Ivy, The Lego Batman Movie keeps the laughs coming for its entire runtime. Quite frankly, it's the best Batman film since The Dark Knight.

IMDB Rating: 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Fantastic Mr. Fox

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Credit: 20th Century Fox

Wes Anderson (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom) is a writer/director know for his whimsical and inimitable style, with characters who are fleshed out (regardless of whether they're actually people) and have warmth and heart to spare. With his first foray into family-fare, Fantastic Mr. Fox, the visionary filmmaker succeeded in creating his most accessible film to date. Based on the classic story by Roald Dahl, the film follows a wily fox (played with incredible charm and terrific comedic timing by George Clooney) who bandies together with his family (voiced by Meryl Streep and Jason Schwartzman) and friends (including voice work from regular Wes Anderson collaborator, Bill Murray) to fight off the mean farmers that plan to destroy their homes. Featuring wonderful stop-motion animation, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a heartfelt and hilarious film that's destined to become a family favourite. 

IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

The Iron Giant

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Credit: Warner Bros.

Criminally overlooked by audiences upon initial release, The Iron Giant is an animated film that has steadily grown in appreciation over the years, to the point where many traditional animation purists now consider it an undisputed classic. The feature-length debut of director Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol), and Set during the 1950s at the height of the 'Red Scare' period of America's history, The Iron Giant tells the story of a lonely boy named Hogarth (Eli Marienthal) who makes a new best friend in an enormous amnesiac robot (Vin Diesel). The robot eventually realises that he was actually built as a weapon, and before long, the authorities find out about him and set out on a quest to destroy the gentle giant. Now the boy and his metallic friend have to protect each other at all costs. A touching film in the tradition of E.T. the Extra-terrestrial, The Iron Giant deserves to be considered as not just a terrific animated film, but as one the greatest films of the '90s, period. 

IMDB Rating: 8.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

Back to the Future

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Credit: Universal / Sony Pictures

A time-travelling classic from director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and producer Steven Spielberg (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Back to the Future sees 1980s teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) race back to the 1950s to ensure that his parents meet during high school and fall in love – he better succeed, because if he fails, he'll be wiped from existence in his current timeline! To do this, he'll need help from Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) – an eccentric scientist who's built a working time machine in the form of a DeLorean sports car. A fantastic fish-out-of-water tale that leans heavily on 1950s nostalgia, great performances and terrific visual effects, Back to the Future can be considered a high-watermark from everyone involved.

IMDB Rating: 8.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

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