Hidden Gems You Should Be Watching On Netflix

1. "The OA"

Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama

This mind-bending series follows Prairie Johnson, a young blind woman who mysteriously regains her sight after disappearing for seven years. She returns home with strange scars on her back and a new identity as "The OA." She refuses to talk to the FBI or her parents about what happened during her absence, leading to a complex narrative involving near-death experiences, alternate dimensions, and a secret plan to rescue others who have disappeared. Created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, "The OA" is a unique blend of mystery, drama, and supernatural elements that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

2. "Dark"

Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Mystery

A German sci-fi thriller that delves into the complexities of time travel, "Dark" is a gripping and intricate narrative spanning multiple timelines and families. The show begins with the disappearance of two children in the small town of Winden, leading to the uncovering of a time travel conspiracy spanning several generations. The atmospheric storytelling, coupled with intricate plotlines and deep character development, makes "Dark" a slow burn that rewards patient viewers with an unforgettable experience.

3. "Giri/Haji"

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

A British-Japanese crime drama that translates to "Duty/Shame," this series follows Tokyo detective Kenzo Mori, who travels to London in search of his missing brother Yuto, who is implicated in a Yakuza murder. The show masterfully blends intense crime investigation with deep character studies, exploring themes of duty, honor, and family loyalty. The cultural contrast between Tokyo and London adds a fascinating layer to the narrative, making "Giri/Haji" a captivating watch.

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4. "The Endless"

Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Mystery

This low-budget indie sci-fi horror film punches above its weight with an eerie and thought-provoking narrative. Directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, "The Endless" follows two brothers who revisit a cult they escaped from years earlier, only to find themselves entangled in supernatural occurrences. The film skillfully blends elements of cosmic horror with psychological tension, creating a uniquely unsettling experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.

5. "The Invitation"

Genre: Thriller, Horror

A psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, "The Invitation" centers around Will, who accepts an invitation to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife Eden and her new husband. As the evening progresses, Will starts to suspect that Eden and her new friends have sinister intentions. The film masterfully builds tension and paranoia, leading to a shocking and unforgettable climax. Directed by Karyn Kusama, "The Invitation" is a suspenseful exploration of grief, trust, and the human psyche.

6. "Hunt for the Wilderpeople"

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama

A heartwarming adventure-comedy from New Zealand, directed by Taika Waititi. The film follows Ricky Baker, a rebellious young boy, and his foster uncle Hec, who become the targets of a national manhunt after they run away into the New Zealand bush. With its charming blend of humor and heartfelt moments, "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" is a touching story about family, friendship, and the adventures of an unlikely duo. The stunning New Zealand landscape and quirky characters make it an absolute delight to watch.

7. "Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj"

Genre: Comedy, Talk Show, News

This political comedy show, hosted by Hasan Minhaj, delivers sharp and insightful commentary on various issues affecting our world today. Minhaj uses his unique blend of humor, storytelling, and journalism to tackle complex topics such as immigration, politics, and global affairs. The show's innovative format, engaging visuals, and Minhaj's charismatic delivery make "Patriot Act" a must-watch for those who enjoy thought-provoking and entertaining content.

8. "The Innocents"

Genre: Supernatural, Drama, Romance

A British supernatural drama that tells the story of June and Harry, two teenagers who run away from home to be together, only to discover that June has the ability to shape-shift. As they try to navigate this new reality, they uncover secrets about June's past and the mysterious organization that is after her. "The Innocents" is a compelling mix of romance, mystery, and supernatural elements that keeps you guessing until the very end. The show's emotional depth and intriguing plot twists make it a standout in the genre.

9. "Blue Jay"

Genre: Drama, Romance

A beautifully shot black-and-white indie film that explores the rekindling of a past romance. Starring Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson, "Blue Jay" follows Jim and Amanda, former high school sweethearts who reconnect by chance after many years. As they spend a day together revisiting old memories, they confront unresolved feelings and the paths their lives have taken. The film's intimate storytelling and heartfelt performances create a poignant and nostalgic exploration of love, loss, and second chances.

10. "Shirkers"

Genre: Documentary

"Shirkers" is a fascinating documentary that tells the story of Sandi Tan, who in 1992 made a film with her friends in Singapore, only to have it stolen by their mysterious American mentor. Years later, Tan sets out to uncover the truth about what happened to their film and the man who betrayed them. "Shirkers" is a captivating exploration of creativity, loss, and the power of reclaiming one's story. The documentary is both a personal journey and a celebration of independent filmmaking.

11. "The End of the F*ing World"**

Genre: Dark Comedy, Drama

This dark comedy-drama follows two misfit teenagers, James and Alyssa, who embark on a road trip with disastrous consequences. James, who believes he is a psychopath, and Alyssa, who is rebellious and angry, form an unlikely bond as they navigate their tumultuous lives. The show's dark humor, sharp writing, and standout performances by Alex Lawther and Jessica Barden make it an addictive and memorable watch. The series explores themes of identity, trauma, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

12. "I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore"

Genre: Dark Comedy, Thriller

A quirky dark comedy-thriller about Ruth, a depressed woman who teams up with her eccentric neighbor Tony to track down the thieves who broke into her home. As they delve deeper into the criminal underworld, they find themselves in increasingly dangerous and absurd situations. Directed by Macon Blair, the film is a unique mix of humor, action, and heartfelt moments. "I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore" is a fresh and unconventional take on the crime genre, with compelling performances by Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood.

13. "Okja"

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi

A touching and visually stunning film by Bong Joon-ho, "Okja" follows Mija, a young girl who risks everything to save her genetically modified super pig, Okja, from a powerful multinational corporation. The film is a poignant and powerful commentary on animal rights, corporate greed, and the bond between humans and animals. With its blend of heartwarming moments, intense action, and social critique, "Okja" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that showcases Bong Joon-ho's masterful storytelling.

Bonus! 10 More Hidden Gems You Should Be

Watching On Netflix

14. "Apostle"

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Directed by Gareth Evans, "Apostle" is a chilling horror-thriller set in 1905. The story follows Thomas Richardson as he travels to a remote island to rescue his kidnapped sister. He infiltrates a mysterious cult, only to uncover dark secrets and horrifying rituals. With its atmospheric tension and brutal, gripping narrative, "Apostle" is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.

15. "Cargo"

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Drama

"Cargo" is an emotional post-apocalyptic drama starring Martin Freeman. After a deadly pandemic turns people into zombies, Andy, a father infected by the virus, must find a safe haven for his infant daughter before he transforms. The film is a touching exploration of love, sacrifice, and humanity amidst chaos, offering a fresh take on the zombie genre.

16. "Mindhunter"

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

This crime drama, produced by David Fincher, delves into the early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI. Set in the late 1970s, "Mindhunter" follows agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench as they interview imprisoned serial killers to understand how they think, hoping to apply this knowledge to ongoing cases. The show's meticulous attention to detail and intense psychological drama make it a standout.

17. "Calibre"

Genre: Thriller, Drama

"Calibre" is a tense British thriller that follows two friends on a hunting trip in the Scottish Highlands. After a tragic accident, their trip turns into a nightmare as they try to cover up their actions, leading to paranoia and conflict with the local villagers. The film's gripping tension and moral complexities create a deeply unsettling atmosphere.

18. "The Autopsy of Jane Doe"

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

A gripping horror-mystery film, "The Autopsy of Jane Doe" centers on father-and-son coroners who receive a mysterious, unidentified corpse with no apparent cause of death. As they conduct the autopsy, they uncover increasingly bizarre and terrifying phenomena. Directed by André Øvredal, this film is a masterclass in building suspense and delivering genuine scares.

19. "Buster's Mal Heart"

Genre: Mystery, Drama

Starring Rami Malek, "Buster's Mal Heart" is a surreal mystery-drama about a man on the run from the authorities, surviving the winter by breaking into empty vacation homes. The film weaves together two timelines: one of Buster's current fugitive life and another of his past as a family man named Jonah. The enigmatic narrative and Malek's compelling performance make this a captivating watch.

20. "The Fundamentals of Caring"

Genre: Comedy, Drama

This heartwarming comedy-drama stars Paul Rudd as Ben, a retired writer who becomes a caregiver for Trevor, a teenager with muscular dystrophy. The two embark on a road trip, forming an unlikely friendship and encountering a series of quirky characters along the way. "The Fundamentals of Caring" is a touching exploration of healing, friendship, and personal growth.

21. "The Little Prince"

Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Adventure

Based on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's beloved novella, "The Little Prince" is a beautifully animated film that blends the original story with a new narrative about a young girl who befriends an eccentric aviator. The film explores themes of imagination, loss, and the importance of looking beyond the surface. Its stunning animation and heartfelt storytelling make it a magical experience for viewers of all ages.

22. "Beasts of No Nation"

Genre: Drama, War

Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, "Beasts of No Nation" is a harrowing war drama about a young boy named Agu who is forced to become a child soldier in an unnamed West African country. Idris Elba delivers a powerful performance as the ruthless warlord who trains Agu. The film's raw portrayal of the horrors of war and the loss of innocence is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking.

23. "I Am Mother"

Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller

A sci-fi thriller set in a post-apocalyptic bunker, "I Am Mother" follows a teenage girl raised by a robot named Mother, designed to repopulate the Earth. Their bond is tested when a mysterious woman arrives with alarming news. Directed by Grant Sputore, the film explores themes of artificial intelligence, trust, and what it means to be human, offering a tense and intriguing narrative.