Netflix offers a vast catalog of TV shows and movies. In addition to acquiring hit productions, the streaming giant generates an impressive amount of original content. Despite it only being May, Netflix has released many films this year. Netflix recognizes that each audience member has different interests and creates niche-specific films.
The streaming service dabbles in multiple categories, including family-friendly animations and captivating sci-fi films. Netflix has also been home to some of the most gripping documentaries in the past decade. For this year's releases, IMDb scores highlight the difference in quality and acclaim between different Netflix original films.
10 Along For The Ride Explores Teenage Reinvention - 6.0
Teen movies have lost their prominence in recent decades. However, Netflix strives to keep the genre alive by releasing hits like the To All The Boys I've Loved Before and The Kissing Booth trilogies. Continuing with the book-to-film trend, fans appreciated the Along For The Ride, an adaption of Sarah Dessen's novel.
Along For The Ride follows Auden West during her summer vacation. Staying with her dad in a small town, she runs into Eli, who also struggles with insomnia. The two help each other step outside their comfort zones and Auden reinvents herself through their summer adventures.
9 The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes Is An Eloquent Exploration Of Hollywood's Most Iconic Star - 6.2
The streaming service continues its stellar production of documentaries with The Mystery Of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes, which explores the titular star's death. It is a must-watch for fans of the iconic actor and the Golden Age of Hollywood. The Unheard Tapes also pulls back the glamor and delves into Monroe's life, addressing the hardships she endured in childhood and her adult life.
The documentary reveals previously unshared interviews with Monroe's friends and acquaintances, which were conducted by Anthony Summers. Summers is known for his captivating biographies, including Goddess: The Secret Lives Of Marilyn Monroe. The Unheard Tapes is one of the most fascinating and well-researched documentaries.
8 Against The Ice Brings A Historical Event To Light - 6.5
Against The Ice is an action-packed historical drama. Starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Joe Cole, the story illustrates the events of Mikkelsen's 1909 Greenland expedition. Ejnar Mikkelsen (Coster-Waldau) embarked with a team to prove that Greenland is a single island that belongs solely to Denmark. Only Iver Iversen (Cole) continues with Mikkelsen when his first attempt goes awry.
Against The Ice's excellent cinematography captures an enthralling adventure that is full of hardships. The actors authentically capture the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by Mikkelsen and Iversen during the three years that they were stranded. The contributions of this expedition are crucial in the United States' recognition of Denmark's control of Greenland, and the film brought them to light.
7 Our Father Creeps Out And Captivates Audiences - 6.7
Released on May 11th, 2022, Our Father tells the story of 94 half-siblings who demand justice after discovering that Doctor Donald Cline impregnated their mothers. Cline was a fertility specialist who non-consensually inseminated these women during their procedures.
The story unfolds when Jacoba Ballard, who grew up as an only child, discovers that she has multiple siblings after doing a DNA test. As the number of relatives increases, Our Father is a chilling look at the superiority complex exhibited by Donald Cline, a complex that is also seen in the critically acclaimed series, Dr. Death.
6 Metal Lords Keeps The Beat With A Familiar Yet Entertaining Formula - 6.7
Reminiscent of beloved films like Bandslam and School Of Rock, Metal Lords is a witty teen movie following three friends. Metal Lords starts with metalhead Hunter Sylvester trying to form a band with his friend, Kevin Schlieb. Although Kevin and Hunter are out of sync, they sign up for the school's "Battle of the Bands," prompting Kevin to improve his drumming skills.
The friendship between the two is tested when Kevin invites cello player Emily into the band. Fans and critics have deemed Metal Lords a charming portrayal of the music genre with great chemistry between the cast.
5 The Adam Project Explores The Importance Of Family Through A Sci-Fi Adventure - 6.7
Ryan Reynolds continues to be a versatile actor with his latest role in The Adam Project. Alongside Reynolds is a charismatic and talented cast that includes Zoe Saldaña, Jennifer Garner, and Mark Ruffalo. The sci-fi film follows Adam Reed (Reynolds) who, while searching for his time-traveling wife, mistakenly travels to the wrong year and runs into his younger self (Walker Scobell).
While sci-fi and action-packed scenes dominate the screen, The Adam Project uses the child and adult versions of Adam to examine the importance of family. Although the time jump landed Adam at the wrong time, it allowed him to reexamine his relationship with his mother.
4 Rescued By Ruby Is A Heartfelt Story For All Ages - 7.1
Grant Gustin showcases his acting talents outside of the Arrowverse in Rescued By Ruby. Based on a true story, Rescued By Ruby centers on Daniel O'Neil (Gustin), a state trooper who is adamant about making it into the K-9 unit despite his constant rejection.
Determined to succeed during his last opportunity to get into the team, O'Neil is discouraged that the unit can't afford any more German Shepherds. O'Neil adopts Ruby from the shelter and starts to train her. After a long and challenging training, O'Neil and Ruby finally make it into the K-9 unit.
3 The Tinder Swindler Made Viewers Question Their Security - 7.2
Netflix has engrossed fans in its true-crime features. The Tinder Swindler took the streaming service by storm. It showed a terrifying reality as dating apps have become widely used and showed that people will never truly know who's behind their screens.
True crime fans were mesmerized by the sophisticated and witty production. The Tinder Swindler follows Simon Leviev who conned women on Tinder. After taking his matches on luxurious dates, Leviev would ask for large sums of money, pretending to be in dire need of cash to escape people who are trying to kill him. The money he swindled fueled his lifestyle and continued his scheme.
2 Return To Space Takes Viewers Behind The Scenes At NASA And SpaceX - 7.3
Return To Space focuses on how Musk and SpaceX wanted to transform space travel. The goal to send NASA astronauts back to the International Space Station is spectacularly captured by directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi.
Both Chin and Vasarhelyi have been commended for providing a detailed and enthralling production in Return To Space. Interviews and archival footage shine a new light on space exploration and give insight into the inner workings of NASA and the private sector.
1 Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood Provides A New Perspective To The Historical Event - 7.3
Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood is an animated family film that takes place before the Moon Landing. A Space Age Childhood follows two points of view. One perspective is that of an excited child who's inspired by the experiences of Richard Linklater, the director, producer, and writer.
The second point of view follows an astronaut and the inner workings of NASA. A Space Age Childhood is nostalgic for those who witnessed the landing of Apollo 11 on television and it also gives a fresh portrayal of history by including the spectator's perspective.