Time to settle in with a movie inspired by real events. The 32 best Netflix movies based on true stories streaming now Time to settle in with a movie inspired by real events. By Declan Gallagher and Kevin Jacobsen on November 1, 2025 9:07 a.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/netflixmoviestruestoriestout091224d22736b5013a4b66835a0244711736c1.jpg) Timothée Chalamet as Henry V in 'The King'; Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin in 'Rustin'; Glen Powell as Gary Johnson in 'Hit Man'.

Time to settle in with a movie inspired by real events.

The 32 best Netflix movies based on true stories streaming now

Time to settle in with a movie inspired by real events.

By Declan Gallagher

and Kevin Jacobsen

on November 1, 2025 9:07 a.m. ET

Timothée Chalamet as Henry V in 'The King'; Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin in 'Rustin'; Glen Powell as Gary Johnson in 'Hit Man'. Credit:

Netflix (2); Matt Lankes/Netflix

Since the dawn of the medium, fact-based films have given audiences insight into real events in a personal, visceral fashion. While there are dramatizations, such as 2023's *Society of the Snow*, there are also inventive docu-thrillers like the movies of Paul Greengrass, and epics like *The Irishman* (2019).

Unsurprisingly, Netflix has a treasure trove of movies based on true stories. In addition to original programming, the streamer offers endless options for outside projects that draw inspiration from real events far and wide.

Join ** as we recommend the 32 best Netflix movies based on true stories, streaming now.

22 July (2018)

Isak Bakli Aglen as Torje Hanssen and Jonas Strand Gravli as Viljar Hanssen in '22 July'. Erik Aavatsmark/Netflix

Paul Greengrass, an expert at making fact-based docu-thrillers like *Bloody Sunday* (2002) and *United 93* (2006), helmed this gruesome but riveting account of the deadliest terror attack in Norway's history since WWII: when Anders Behring Breivik (Anders Danielsen Lie) murdered 77 people at a children's summer camp in 2011. Greengrass' harrowing epic, divided into three chapters and chronicling everything from Breivik's massacre to his sentencing, is not an easy watch. It is, however, timely and necessary, and by the end, it is somehow rather hopeful. —*Declan Gallagher*

Where to watch *22 July*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B–

**Director:** Paul Greengrass

**Cast:** Anders Danielsen Lie, Jon Øigarden

Apollo 13 (1995)

Bill Paxton as Fred Haise, Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell, and Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert in 'Apollo 13'.

Ron Batzdorff/Universal

*Apollo 13* is Ron Howard's white-knuckle account of the Apollo program's fifth mission to the moon, which went awry when an onboard explosion forced the crew to correct their course. An all-star cast brings the Oscar-winning film to life, and Howard is working at the top of his game. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Apollo 13*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Ron Howard

**Cast:** Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Ed Harris, Gary Sinise

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

Maxwell Simba as William Kamkwamba in 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind'.

Chiwetel Ejiofor directed this lovely adaptation of William Kamkwamba's memoir, chronicling his upbringing as a young African boy who, after being forced to leave his beloved school due to his family's impoverished condition, sets about constructing a windmill that he hopes will save his community from famine.

*The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind* is reminiscent of those wonderful Disney movies from the '60s and '70s which told stories for younger audiences yet still delighted older viewers. Ejiofor's adaptation spins a heartwarming story that doesn't shave off its harder edges but is always entertaining and consistently feel-good. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind*: Netflix

**Director:** Chiwetel Ejiofor

**Cast:** Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lily Banda

Captain Phillips (2013)

Tom Hanks as Capt. Richard Phillips in 'Captain Phillips'.

Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett

Another wonderful, impossibly taut Paul Greengrass thriller, this one charts the 2008 hijacking of the *Maersk Alabama* shipping vessel by Somali pirates. As Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) works to protect his crew and alert rescuers to their plight, he comes head-to-head with the antagonizers' de facto leader (the astonishing, Oscar-nominated Barkhad Abdi).

One of Greengrass' most assured and textured works, *Captain Phillips* tells a well-known true story with little concession to Hollywood storytelling or dramatic grandstanding. Greengrass is unrivaled at combining professional actors with inexperienced performers and semi-improvised scenarios to create the feeling of actually being present for an unprecedented event. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Captain Phillips*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Paul Greengrass

**Cast:** Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi

Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore (center) in 'Dolemite Is My Name'.

Craig Brewer's excellent biopic profiles Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy), who directed a grindhouse passion project based around a character he created named Dolemite, inadvertently crafting one of the most iconic bad movies of all time in the process.

Brewer's film is a fine-tuned combination of period drama and behind-the-scenes comedy. It's also notable for giving future Oscar winner Da'Vine Joy Randolph her earliest scene-stealing performance; her penultimate scene with Murphy is the film's most radical and moving. In its story of outsiders banding together to fulfill their dreams, the movie is quietly but effectively heartwarming. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Dolemite Is My Name*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Craig Brewer

**Cast:** Eddie Murphy, Wesley Snipes, Keegan-Michael Key, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess

First They Killed My Father (2017)

Sarun Nika, Sveng Socheata, Run Malyna, Oun Srey Neang, Sareum Srey Moch, Heng Dara, and Phoeung Kompheak as Geak, Ma, Chaou, Keav, Loung, Meng, and Pa Ung in 'First They Killed My Father'.

Netflix/Courtesy Everett

Angelina Jolie directed and co-wrote this adaptation with Loung Ung, based on the latter's memoir about her experiences throughout the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia during the 1970s. Jolie is a director for whom overstatement is as essential in her craft as camera movement, but here, she tempers her more outrageous instincts and delivers a film that's more powerful for its subdued nature, comfortable in its quietness and content to let audiences fill in some of the more horrific details for themselves. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *First They Killed My Father*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Angelina Jolie

**Cast:** Sreymoch Sareum, Kompheak Phoeung, Socheata Sveng, Dara Heng, Kimhak Mun, Tharoth Sam

The Founder (2016)

Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc in 'The Founder'.

The Weinstein Company

There has been a recent trend of docudramas chronicling the creation of iconic brands, including *Air*, *Tetris*, and *BlackBerry* (all, coincidentally, released in 2023). Some are inevitably more interested in delving into the flawed nature of their protagonists, as is the case with *The Founder*, an engrossing biopic centering on businessman Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) and his ruthless process of seizing the McDonald's brand. As EW's critic writes, "Beneath his surface folksiness lies a man driven to the point of mania and increasingly disconnected from his humanity." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *The Founder*: Netflix**

**Director:** John Lee Hancock

**Cast:** Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch, Linda Cardellini, B.J. Novak, Laura Dern

The Good Nurse (2022)

Eddie Redmayne as Charlie Cullen and Jessica Chastain as Amy Loughren in 'The Good Nurse'. JoJo Whilden/Netflix

Some films are made more disturbing with the knowledge that the events depicted really happened. *The Good Nurse* is one of them. Jessica Chastain stars as Amy Loughren, an ICU nurse who befriends a recently hired nurse named Charles Cullen (Eddie Redmayne). Working the night shift together, Amy is alarmed when one of their patients mysteriously dies, leading to an investigation that suggests the death may have been deliberate — and Charles is the main suspect. Bolstered by Chastain and Redmayne's committed performances, EW's critic calls *The Good Nurse* "a methodical and smartly wrought psychological thriller." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *The Good Nurse*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Tobias Lindholm

**Cast:** Jessica Chastain, Eddie Redmayne

The Highwaymen (2019)

Woody Harrelson as Maney Gault and Kevin Costner as Frank Hamer in 'The Highwaymen'. Netflix

Retired Texas Rangers — the upright Frank Hamer (Kevin Costner) and hard-drinking Maney Gault (Woody Harrelson) — are called back to duty by former governor Miriam "Ma" Ferguson (Kathy Bates) to hunt down the notorious Bonnie Parker (Emily Probst) and Clyde Barrow (Edward Bossert).

John Lee Hancock's forceful procedural does a terrific job of complementing Arthur Penn's 1967 classic *Bonnie and Clyde* without spoiling any of that film's pleasures, wisely keeping Parker and Barrow in the background and telling a different side of the true-crime saga altogether. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *The Highwaymen*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** John Lee Hancock

**Cast:** Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Kathy Bates, John Carroll Lynch, Kim Dickens, Thomas Mann**

Hit Man (2024)

Glen Powell as Gary Johnson in 'Hit Man'.

Matt Lankes/Netflix

Glen Powell cemented his A-list status with this jovial, fact-based comedy-thriller from director Richard Linklater based on an infamous *Texas Monthly* article about Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered professor who contributed to nearly 70 arrests by posing as a hitman.

*Hit Man* is a terrific showcase for Powell's comedic and leading man talents and one of the most unabashedly fun films Linklater has made in decades. Paired here with Adria Arjona, Powell is graced with a costar more than capable of curating a fizzy, classic romance, reminding one of the halcyon days of Hepburn and Tracy or Bogart and Bacall. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Hit Man*: Netflix

**Director:** Richard Linklater

**Cast:** Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio, Retta

I'm Still Here (2024)

Selton Mello and Fernanda Torres as Rubens and Eunice Paiva with their onscreen children in 'I'm Still Here'.

Alile Onawale/Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

This 2025 Oscar winner for Best International Feature follows one woman's resilience through the Brazilian military dictatorship of the 1970s. Fernanda Torres stars as Eunice Paiva, a real-life activist who doggedly pursued answers following the enforced disappearance of her politician husband. Torres delivers a tremendously moving performance — for which she rightfully won a Golden Globe and received an Oscar nomination — as a woman who must maintain her strength for the benefit of her children, becoming an admired figure in her fight for justice in the process. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *I'm Still Here*: Netflix

**Director:** Walter Salles

**Cast:** Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, Fernanda Montenegro**

The Irishman (2019)

Jesse Plemons as Chuckie O'Brien, Ray Romano as Bill Bufalino, Robert De Niro as Frank Sheeran, and Al Pacino as Jimmy Hoffa in 'The Irishman'. Netlfix

As much as we love a Martin Scorsese gangster epic, part of us hopes he'll never make another after this rigorous epic charting the rise and fall of real-life gangster Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), who claims to have had a hand in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino).

Scorsese's picture sidesteps any hint of conspiracy that Hoffa's story typically carries, delivering a somber, lived-in portrait of organized crime members as mid-level businessmen. The film is nearly three and a half hours long but is so packed with history and incident that you'll hardly notice the length. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *The Irishman*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Martin Scorsese

**Cast:** Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Anna Paquin, Ray Romano, Stephen Graham, Bobby Cannavale

The King (2019)

Timothée Chalamet as Henry V in 'The King'.

David Michôd helmed this highly entertaining historical epic starring Timothée Chalamet as Henry V, Prince of Wales, who is thrown into a dark world of betrayal and violence after inheriting the throne from his assassinated brother.

Michôd's picture is a refreshing entry in the genre, functioning just as well as an action picture as a moody, thoughtful coming-of-age drama with impossibly high stakes. An all-star cast — including Robert Pattinson, Thomasin McKenzie, Lily-Rose Depp, and ​​Ben Mendelsohn — helps the director bring a suitably muddy and brutal image of the 15th century to life. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *The King*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** David Michôd

**Cast:** Timothée Chalamet, Robert Pattinson, Joel Edgerton, Lily-Rose Depp, Ben Mendelsohn, Sean Harris

Kneecap (2024)

Naoise 'Móglaí Bap' Ó Cairealláin as himself in 'Kneecap'.

Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Some music biopics involve the artist in pre-production, getting their permission on what (and what not) to include in representing their life story. This rousing musical dramedy about the Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap takes it a step further by having them play themselves, a bold choice that's also perfectly in line with the group's unique and creative spirit. As the film explores, Kneecap gained notoriety with their embrace of the Irish language and politically minded lyrics, providing an undercurrent of dramatic stakes and urgency not always seen in similar music-based dramas. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Kneecap*: Netflix

**Director:** Rich Peppiatt

**Cast:** Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, JJ Ó Dochartaigh, Josie Walker, Fionnuala Flaherty, Jessica Reynolds, Adam Best, Simone Kirby, Michael Fassbender

Lion (2016)

Nicole Kidman as Sue Brierley, David Wenham as John Brierley, and Sunny Pawar as Saroo Brierley in 'Lion'. Mark Rogers/Weinstein Co.

This moving, Oscar-nominated drama tells the extraordinary true story of Saroo Brierley. As a 5-year-old boy living in Khandwa, India, Saroo was accidentally separated from his family after falling asleep on a moving train. Arriving in Calcutta, Saroo went through the orphanage system and was adopted by an Australian couple. In adulthood, he took great efforts to locate his original home to reunite with his birth family. Told with sincerity and nuance, *Lion* is an emotional triumph full of stellar performances, particularly by Sunny Pawar and Dev Patel as the younger and older versions of Saroo, respectively. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Lion*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Garth Davis

**Cast:** Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Rooney Mara, David Wenham, Nicole Kidman**

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Maestro (2023)

Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein in 'Maestro'.

Bradley Cooper stars as Leonard Bernstein in this warts-and-all exploration of the famed composer, which he wrote, directed, and stars in alongside Carey Mulligan as Bernstein's long-suffering wife, Felicia Montealegre.

Cooper's film is much more an examination of Bernstein's marriage than his career, and all the better for it. Rather than run through Bernstein's accomplishments as many biopics would, it isolates incidents from his and Montealegre's life, which inevitably paints a well-rounded portrait of euphoria and sorrow. If there was any doubt after he took *A Star Is Born* to new heights, *Maestro* proves Cooper to be one of the most finely tuned filmmakers of his generation. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Maestro*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Bradley Cooper

**Cast:** Bradley Cooper, Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, Michael Urie

Mank (2020)

Gary Oldman as Herman J. Mankiewicz in 'Mank'. Netflix

David Fincher's black-and-white dissection of *Citizen Kane*'s inception stars Gary Oldman as the titular Herman "Mank" Mankiewicz in one of the actor's best (and quietest) later-era roles. Approached by Orson Welles (Tom Burke) to write a script for the young director's magnum opus, *Mank* returns to memories of his aborted friendship with William Randolph Hearst (Charles Dance) and his beloved Marion Davies (a brilliant, Oscar-nominated Amanda Seyfried).

*Mank*, from a long-gestating script by the director's late father, Jack Fincher, is a celebratory exploration of filmmaking. There are moments at which he indulges a satirical cynicism that will be familiar to his fans, but overall he seems to be in unironic awe of the art form to which he's devoted his life. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Mank*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** David Fincher

**Cast:** Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Tom Burke, Lily Collins, Charles Dance, Tom Pelphrey

Maria (2024)

Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in 'Maria'.

Pablo Larrain/Netflix

Like director Pablo Larraín's previous biopics about famous 20th-century women (2016's *Jackie* and 2021's *Spencer*), this drama about renowned opera singer Maria Callas is less a traditional recounting of her life and more an examination of her damaged psyche. Angelina Jolie stars as Callas in the last seven days before her death, reminiscing about her tumultuous life and career fluctuations. It's a marvelous showcase for Jolie, who, as EW's critic writes, "employs her mystique to convey Maria's own air of detached mystery while also digging deep into the diva's psychological wounds." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Maria*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** Pablo Larraín

**Cast:** Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee

Marriage Story (2019)

Scarlett Johansson as Nicole Barber and Adam Driver as Charlie Barber in 'Marriage Story'. Wilson Webb/Netflix

Noah Baumbach's superb portrait of a once-loving marriage in decline, inspired in no small part by his own divorce from Jennifer Jason Leigh, stars Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver as warring spouses who suffer myriad indignities throughout 137 minutes, most notably being forced to relocate to Los Angeles.

Baumbach is a master at crafting highly watchable films around fairly repugnant characters, so it's something of a surprise that *Marriage Story* contains the highest volume of empathetic people in any of his works to date. This is probably Baumbach's least caustic and most heartfelt work, a movie that paints realistic subjects in situations that are authentic, and, at times, harrowing. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Marriage Story*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** Noah Baumbach

**Cast:** Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Julie Hagerty, Merritt Wever

The Mauritanian (2021)

Tahar Rahim as Mohamedou Ould Slahi in 'The Mauritanian'.

Graham Bartholomew/STXfilms

This harrowing drama recounts the harrowing true story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian man held at Guantanamo Bay for nearly 15 years without being charged following the events of 9/11. The film details the torture and abuse Slahi (Tahar Rahim) experienced while detained, and the efforts of lawyer Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster, in a Golden Globe-winning performance) to secure him a fair trial. EW's critic notes, *The Mauritanian* "reaches for something not many Hollywood productions do: Telling a story centered not just the moral quandaries its Western characters face, but on the soul of the man at the center of it all." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *The Mauritanian*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Kevin Macdonald

**Cast:** Tahar Rahim, Jodie Foster, Shailene Woodley, Benedict Cumberbatch

Molly's Game (2017)

Jessica Chastain as Molly Bloom and Idris Elba as Charlie Jaffey in 'Molly's Game'.

Courtesy of STXfilms

Aaron Sorkin made his directorial debut with this flashy adaptation of Molly Bloom's book of the same name, which documents her lucrative career running a poker game for Hollywood's elite. Jessica Chastain gives a commanding performance as Bloom, and though Sorkin's visual direction is fairly straightforward, he surrounds himself with an unbelievably talented cast who know exactly how to deliver his wry, rapid-fire dialogue and focus our attention so that we need not look anywhere else. —*D.G.***** Where to watch *Molly's Game*: Netflix******EW grade:** A–******Director:** Aaron Sorkin******Cast:** Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera, Jeremy Strong

Nyad (2023)

Annette Bening as Diana Nyad in 'Nyad'.

Annette Bening has specialized in prickly characters throughout her career, from the shrewd real estate agent Carolyn in *American Beauty* (1999) to the headstrong doctor Nic in *The Kids Are All Right* (2010). The Oscar-nominated actress added Diana Nyad to the list in 2023, portraying the renowned swimmer in her painstaking efforts to swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 60. The rousing film is bolstered by Bening's deeply committed performance, as well as that of costar Jodie Foster, her best friend and coach. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Nyad*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B–

**Directors:** Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin

**Cast:** Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans

On the Basis of Sex (2018)

Felicity Jones as Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 'On the Basis of Sex'. Focus Features

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an extraordinary woman, particularly in her fight for gender equality. This sturdy biopic, about the future Supreme Court Justice's early career, follows Ginsburg's (Felicity Jones) struggle to be taken seriously as a woman in the legal field and her taking on a case that would help create a precedent against sex discrimination. Writes EW's critic, "the film represents a noble attempt to showcase the roots of how deeply her efforts and passions would come to alter the fabric of American life." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *On the Basis of Sex*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Mimi Leder

**Cast:** Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, Sam Waterston, Kathy Bates

Roma (2018)

Yalitza Aparicio as Cleodegaria 'Cleo' Gutiérrez, Marco Graf as Pepe, Fernando Grediaga as Antonio, and Marina de Tavira as Sofía in 'Roma'. Carlos Somonte/Netflix

Inspired by his own childhood, Alfonso Cuarón's gorgeously designed, emotional portrait of a Mexico City family and their live-in domestic worker is remarkably intimate and astoundingly relatable, regardless of the audience's ages or where they grew up. Much like Greta Gerwig's *Lady Bird *(2017), *Roma *tells a focused story about a specific time and place, which somehow paints a broad portrait of the entire world at this moment. It's a bold and invigorating piece of cinema that conjures and sustains a mysterious, warm yet dangerous mood for its duration. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Roma*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A

**Director:** Alfonso Cuarón

**Cast:** Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira, Jorge Antonio Guerrero

Rustin (2023)

(From left to right): Gus Halper as Tom Kahn, CCH Pounder as Dr. Anna Hedgeman, Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin, Melissa Rakiro as Yvette, Ayana Workman as Eleanor, Lilli Kay as Rochelle, and Jordan-Amanda Hall as Charlene in 'Rustin'.

Colman Domingo received a much-deserved Oscar nomination for his turn here as Bayard Rustin, a key adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. (Aml Ameen) who dedicated his life to the Civil Rights movement but was largely erased from history due to his homosexuality. Domingo and director George C. Wolfe (*Ma Rainey's Black Bottom*) take a rousing and rather imaginative approach to the material, which has been covered in many other projects but never quite from this perspective. Framed around King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the 1963 March on Washington, Wolfe's film is both an all-encompassing portrait of Rustin and that of the cause to which he dedicated his life. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Rustin*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** George C. Wolfe

**Cast:** Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, Glynn Turman, CCH Pounder, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Audra McDonald

Scoop (2024)

Billie Piper as Sam McAlister in 'Scoop'.

An Emmy nominee for Outstanding Television Movie, *Scoop *dissects how the BBC program *Newsnight* landed its earth-shattering interview between Prince Andrew (Rufus Sewell) and Emily Maitlis (Gillian Anderson) over the now disgraced royal's long-standing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

*Scoop* is a compelling dramatization of an unbelievable true story that's still fairly recent history. It's a breathless newsroom thriller that clocks in at a perfectly modulated 102 minutes. Anderson steals scenes, but Billie Piper carries the film as *Newsnight* booker Sam McAlister, who works her bum off to secure Andrew's public self-immolation. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Scoop*: Netflix

**Director:** Philip Martin

**Cast:** Gillian Anderson, Keeley Hawes, Billie Piper, Rufus Sewell

Shirley (2024)

Regina King as Shirley Chisholm in 'Shirley'.

Glen Wilson/Netflix

John Ridley's galvanizing biopic stars Regina King as Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman in the United States who launched a 1972 bid for president. King's powerhouse performance, Ridley's keen visual direction, and the subject's exceptional mettle set *Shirley* apart from other biopics that struggle to find life. This is a vibrant and exceptionally lively film that celebrates Chisholm's singular accomplishments as it explains them to a new generation of viewers perhaps unfamiliar with her historical career. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Shirley*: Netflix

**Director:** John Ridley

**Cast:** Regina King, Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, Michael Cherrie, André Holland, Terrence Howard

Society of the Snow (2023)

The cast of 'Society of the Snow'.

J.A. Bayona's harrowing film — about the infamous 1972 plane crash that stranded a Uruguayan rugby team in the Andes mountains — is a chilling account of the lengths one will go to live another day and a hopeful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.

Bayona also directed 2012's *The Impossible*, which chronicled a family's attempts at reunion after being separated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Much like that film, *Society of the Snow *finds tremendous compassion in the most extreme circumstances. He grounds this picture with genuine heart, rewarding his viewers for what can at times be a gruesome watch that's among the most visceral and authentic survival pictures in recent memory. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Society of the Snow*: Netflix

**Director:** J.A. Bayona

**Cast:** Enzo Vogrincic, Matías Recalt, Agustín Pardella, Felipe González Otaño, Luciano Chatton, Valentino Alonso, Francisco Romero, Agustín Berruti, Andy Pruss, Simón Hempe, Juan Caruso, Esteban Bigliardi, Rocco Posca, Esteban Kukuriczka, Rafael Federman, Manuela Olivera, Agustín Della Corte, Tomas Wolf

Tick, Tick… BOOM! (2021)

Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson in 'Tick, Tick... BOOM!'. Macall B. Polay/Netflix

This Lin-Manuel Miranda-directed bio-drama profiles *Rent* scribe Jonathan Larson in an all-singing, all-dancing celebration of art and life itself which ranks among the finest works much of its cast has participated in. Larson penned the musical of the same name in 1990, six years before he died of an aortic dissection on the eve of *Rent*'s Off-Broadway debut. Played here by Andrew Garfield, Larson is given something of a second life through Miranda's film, in which he's able to live out the success and adulation that eluded him during his lifetime. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Tick, Tick… BOOM!*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** Lin-Manuel Miranda

**Cast:** Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesús, Joshua Henry, Judith Light, Vanessa Hudgens

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

(Center, from left to right): Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Bobby Seale, Mark Rylance as William Kunstler, Ben Shenkman as Leonard Weinglass, and Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden in 'The Trial of the Chicago 7'.

Niko Tavernise/Netflix

Aaron Sorkin's second directorial project (which, of course, he also wrote) details the infamous 1969 trial in which seven defendants were charged with conspiracy by the United States after participating in protests at the Chicago Democratic National Convention.

More visually dynamic and emotionally nuanced than *Molly's Game* but equally thrilling, *Chicago 7* is an ambitious work that straddles satire and genuine sentiment. But this Sorkin project has a superior relevance and heft as, more than 50 years after the events depicted, the country continues to find itself in flux. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *The Trial of the Chicago 7*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Aaron Sorkin

**Cast:** Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Mark Rylance, Frank Langella, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Keaton

The Two Popes (2019)

Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI and Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 'The Two Popes'. Peter Mountain/Netflix

Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins each earned Oscar nominations for their turns as Cardinal Bergoglio (the future Pope Francis) and Pope Benedict XVI, respectively. Following the Vatican leaks and Benedict's tainted legacy, Bergoglio aims to deliver his resignation but is met with resistance by the acting Pope, who has other plans for the Cardinal.

With heavy dialogue and closed settings, Fernando Meirelles' film is clearly adapted from a play (Anthony McCarten's *The Pope*, to be exact), but it never feels unduly contained or claustrophobic. *The Two Popes* is a masterclass in performance from two veterans of the form, one wise enough to clear the aisles so they may do what they do best without any distraction. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *The Two Popes*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Fernando Meirelles

**Cast:** Jonathan Pryce, Anthony Hopkins

Wicked Little Letters (2024)

Olivia Colman as Edith Swan and Jessie Buckley as Rose Gooding in 'Wicked Little Letters'.

Sony Classics Pictures

Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley star as former friends who find themselves embroiled in a legal case regarding some creatively profane letters terrorizing a sleepy English village. In addition to being a properly funny, pleasingly irreverent comedy featuring stupendous turns from two of the best actors working today, *Wicked Little Letters* is also a tense mystery. Director Thea Sharrock wields a confident hand, never letting the humor get too broad or allowing the suspense (and some unexpected tragedy) to overtake the tone. —*D.G.*

Where to watch *Wicked Little Letters*: Netflix

**Director:** Thea Sharrock

**Cast:** Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan, Joanna Scanlan, Gemma Jones, Malachi Kirby, Lolly Adefope, Eileen Atkins, Timothy Spall

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Movies"

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Source: Movies

Published: November 03, 2025 at 07:38AM on Source: MARIO MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byMario Satorik

in

November 02, 2025

The 32 best Netflix movies based on true stories streaming now

Time to settle in with a movie inspired by real events. The 32 best Netflix movies based on true stories streaming now ...

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Here's a watchlist that keeps things a bit more tame than Rrated fare. The 15 best PG13 movies on Netflix suitable for teens and adults alike Here's a watchlist that keeps things a bit more tame than Rrated fare. By Madeline Cisneros, Kevin Jacobsen, and James Mercadante on November 1, 2025 9:41 a.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/NetflixPG13movies011025f09a9932fa4b491da6b60ed6aaa8a31e.jpg) Ali Wong as Sasha Tran in 'Always Be My Maybe'; Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'; Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson in 'Tick, Tick... Boom!'.

Here's a watch-list that keeps things a bit more tame than R-rated fare.

The 15 best PG-13 movies on Netflix suitable for teens and adults alike

Here's a watch-list that keeps things a bit more tame than R-rated fare.

By Madeline Cisneros,

Kevin Jacobsen,

and James Mercadante

on November 1, 2025 9:41 a.m. ET

Ali Wong as Sasha Tran in 'Always Be My Maybe'; Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'; Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson in 'Tick, Tick... Boom!'. Credit:

Doane Gregory/Netflix; Courtesy of Netflix; Macall Polay/Netflix

Let's be real…surfing through Netflix's library might sound like a relaxing night-in, but three remote clicks later, you're lost in a rabbit hole of endless options. Sometimes, you just want a movie that's not for kids, but also not too intense — something comfortably in between.

Don't worry, we've already done the hard work for you. If you're looking for a solid PG-13 movie, we've picked some excellent titles that span a wide range of genres, from comedies like *Always Be My Maybe* to action-packed films like *Godzilla Minus One*.

Here are **'s picks for the best PG-13 movies on Netflix.

Always Be My Maybe (2019)

Ali Wong as Sasha Tran and Randall Park as Marcus Kim in 'Always Be My Maybe'. Ed Araquel/Netflix

Most people would rather avoid running into their high-school sweetheart, but Sasha Tran (Ali Wong) and Marcus Kim (Randall Park) — childhood friends–turned–one-time fling–turned–strangers — don't get that choice. Now a thirtysomething celebrity chef, Sasha returns to San Francisco to open a new restaurant and crosses paths with Marcus, who shows up to install her air conditioning in her interim home. With sparks still flying 15 years later, they decide to give their friendship a second go (and, well, you can guess where it goes from there).

Directed by *Fresh Off the Boat*'s creator, Nahnatchka Khan, *Always Be My Maybe* is a sharply written, self-aware rom-com that offers multi-dimensional Asian American representation, fabulous fashion, and sizzling chemistry between Park and Wong. (Plus, you get to see Keanu Reeves in a rom-com for the first time since 2009's *The Private Lives of Pippa Lee*.) —*James Mercadante*

Where to watch *Always Be My Maybe*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Nahnatchka Khan

**Cast: **Ali Wong, Randall Park, Daniel Dae Kim, James Saito, Michelle Buteau, Vivian Bang, Keanu Reeves

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023)

Rachel McAdams as Barbara Simon and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon in 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.'.

Dana Hawley/Lionsgate

Judy Blume's seminal coming-of-age novel about girlhood and the highs and lows of puberty was finally adapted to the big screen 53 years after its release. Set in 1970, this moving drama follows the titular Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson), a tween who often ponders life's great mysteries through prayers to God, while struggling with her changing body and priorities. Featuring stellar, lived-in performances from Forston and Rachel McAdams as her warm-hearted mother, this film adaptation was well worth the wait. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** Kelly Fremon Craig

**Cast:** Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Benny Safdie, Elle Graham**

Clueless (1995)

Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz in 'Clueless'.

Paramount Pictures

The '90s were a renaissance period for teen social satires, from *Cruel Intentions* to *But I'm a Cheerleader*. But we would be, well, *clueless* if we didn't include this brilliant comedy among the best representations of '90s teen life. A loose adaptation of Jane Austen's *Emma*, the film revolves around Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone), a popular, fabulously styled high schooler who enjoys her self-appointed role as tastemaker and matchmaker, though she soon finds herself reexamining her priorities. EW's critic originally gave *Clueless* a C+, but, three decades later, we think that's way harsh, Tai. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Clueless*: Netflix

**Director:** Amy Heckerling

**Cast:** Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, Stacey Dash, Donald Faison

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Constance Wu as Rachel Chu and Koh Chieng Mun as Neenah Goh in 'Crazy Rich Asians'. Warner Bros. Pictures

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, *Crazy Rich Asians* made history not only as the highest-grossing romantic comedy of the 2010s but also as the first major Hollywood film set in modern times to feature an all-Asian cast since 1993's *The Joy Luck Club*. *Crazy Rich Asians* follows Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), an NYU professor who travels with her dashing boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) to Singapore for the wedding of Nick's best friend. Rachel soon realizes that Nick comes from an uber-rich family, and finds it difficult to live up to the high expectations of his mother, Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh).**** While the film has more than its fair share of rom-com tropes (class differences, sassy sidekick, makeover montage, etc.), it's hard to get mad when the ensemble cast is so strong and the visuals are to die for. As EW's critic describes, it's "two hours of romantic fantasy and real-estate porn poured on so thick it's almost lickable." —*K.J.***** Where to watch *Crazy Rich Asians*: Netflix******EW grade:** B

**Director:** Jon M. Chu

**Cast:** Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan, Lisa Lu

Daughters (2024)

Incarcerated fathers in 'Daughters'.

Courtesy of Netflix

This poignant documentary is a testament to the special bond between fathers and daughters. The film follows four young girls and their incarcerated fathers as they get ready for a special Date With Dad weekend held at the prison. The main highlight is the Daddy Daughter Dance, and the doc centers on the daughters' point of view as they grapple with their hopes, fears, and understandable sadness over being separated from their fathers. Winner of the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, *Daughters* will leave you without a dry eye. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Daughters*: Netflix

**Directors:** Angela Patton, Natalie Rae**

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Tom Cruise as Maj. William Cage in 'Edge of Tomorrow'.

Warner Bros. Pictures

There are a lot of ways in which *Edge of Tomorrow* could've been disposable, from the genericness of its title to its familiar time loop conceit. But director Doug Liman crafted gold with this thrilling slice of sci-fi action entertainment, set in a distant future where an alien species threatens humanity's extinction. Tom Cruise stars as Maj. William Cage, a PR officer thrust onto the frontlines who repeatedly dies in combat only to wake up the previous morning. EW's critic praises the film as a "deliciously subversive kind of blockbuster" as well as the performances by Cruise and costar Emily Blunt, who plays a badass sergeant who joins Cage in his time-hopping battle. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Edge of Tomorrow*: Netflix

**Director:** Doug Liman

**Cast:** Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Paxton

Enola Holmes (2020)

Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes in 'Enola Holmes'. Alex Bailey/Netflix/Everett

A long-neglected member of the Holmes family finally gets her story told. When Enola Holmes' (Millie Bobby Brown) mother goes missing, she seeks help from crime-sleuthing brothers, Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin), who are more concerned about her etiquette than her solving mysteries. So, Enola decides to break the mold and outsmart her brothers by finding her mother herself.

*Enola Holmes *is a zany feminist reimagining of the Holmes canon, full of fourth-wall breaks that are perfectly executed by Brown, who EW's critic describes as "cheeky and spritely in the role…[with] a self-possessed quality that grounds the performance." *—Madeline Cisneros*

Where to watch *Enola Holmes*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B+

**Director: **Harry Bradbeer

**Cast: **Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, Helena Bonham Carter, Louis Partridge, Fiona Shaw, Susan Wokoma, Burn Gorman, Hattie Morahan, Frances de la Tour

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

Kathryn Hahn as Claire Debella, Madelyn Cline as Whiskey, Edward Norton as Miles Bron, Leslie Odom Jr. as Lionel Toussaint, and Kate Hudson as Birdie Jay in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'. Netflix

Det. Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back at it again in this sequel to the 2019 sensation *Knives Out*. In *Glass Onion*, Blanc finds himself on tech billionaire Miles Bron's (Edward Norton) private Greek island to solve a fictional murder mystery with Bron's oddball friends coined "the Disruptors." But when the game becomes real, it's up to the detective to crack the case.

Per EW's critic, Craig trades "MI6 and martinis for neatly knotted neckerchiefs and Foghorn Leghorn bon mots — and he seems to revel in it, leaning happily into the pure camp of being Benoit." The star-studded cast including Janelle Monáe, Dave Bautista, and more should be enough motivation to give this movie a go. *—M.C.*

Where to watch *Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B+

**Director: **Rian Johnson

**Cast: **Daniel Craig, Janelle Monáe, Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, Leslie Odom Jr., Kathryn Hahn, Madelyn Cline, Jessica Henwick

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

Kuranosuke Sasaki as Seiji Akitsu and Godzilla in 'Godzilla Minus One'.

Toho International/Courtesy Everett Collection

*Godzilla Minus One* offers a little something for everyone, delivering monster movie thrills and an emotionally resonant story all at once. Set in Japan after World War II, the film centers on a former pilot who struggles with PTSD after failing to stop Godzilla from wreaking havoc on his Odo Island base. Years later, the guilt-ridden pilot is spurred to join the effort to stop the monster once and for all.

EW's critic ranks *Minus One* as the fourth-best *Godzilla* movie ever made, praising its blend of "sweeping blend of character-driven drama, maritime adventure, and kaiju mayhem" and calling it "popcorn entertainment at its best." There's a reason it became the first Godzilla movie to not only be nominated at the Oscars but to win, taking home the prize for Best Visual Effects. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Godzilla Minus One*: Netflix

**Director:** Takashi Yamazaki

**Cast:** Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, Munetaka Aoki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sakura Ando, Kuranosuke Sasaki

The Half of It (2020)

Leah Lewis as Ellie Chu and Daniel Diemer as Paul Munsky in 'The Half of It'.

KC Bailey/Netflix

Shy Chinese American Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) may not have any friends, but she *does* run a successful essay-writing business. When she gets an odd request from jock Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) to write a love letter for his crush, Ellie begrudgingly gives in — despite having feelings for the girl, too. As Ellie helps Paul, the two form an unlikely bond that includes watching late-night movies together and eating taco sausages.

*The Half of It* is described by EW's critic as an "examination of first love, and how our messy, well-intentioned attempts to do right by our own hearts can both wound and help us fumble toward the people we're meant to be." —*M.C.*

Where to watch *The Half of It*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B

**Director: **Alice Wu

**Cast: **Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire, Wolfgang Novogratz, Collin Chou, Catherine Curtin

I'm Still Here (2024)

Selton Mello as Rubens Paiva and Fernanda Torres as Eunice Paiva with their onscreen children in 'I'm Still Here'.

Alile Onawale/Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

This moving Oscar-winning drama follows the struggles of real-life activist Eunice Paiva under the Brazilian dictatorship of the 1970s. Fernanda Torres plays Eunice as a steadfast, resilient wife and mother seeking answers about her politician husband's disappearance. Her mission spans decades, but her resolve remains. *I'm Still Here* made history as the first Brazilian film to win the Oscar for Best International Feature and to be nominated for Best Picture. Torres also won a Golden Globe and scored an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *I'm Still Here*: Netflix

**Director:** Walter Salles

**Cast:** Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, Fernanda Montenegro

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Rustin (2023)

(From left to right): Gus Halper as Tom, CCH Pounder as Dr. Anna Hedgeman, Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin, Melissa Rakiro as Yvette, Ayana Workman as Eleanor, Lilli Kay as Rochelle, and Jordan-Amanda Hall as Charlene in 'Rustin'.

While Martin Luther King Jr. is a household name, his advisor — Bayard Rustin, who taught him the principles of nonviolent protest — has historically slipped through the cracks. Helmed by *Ma Rainey's Black Bottom* director George C. Wolfe and produced by Michelle and Barack Obama, *Rustin* chronicles this unsung hero's efforts to mobilize the 1973 March on Washington while also holding his own amid public scrutiny of his sexuality.

Though this biopic follows a middle-of-the-road formula, Colman Domingo's Academy Award-nominated portrayal of the gay civil rights activist is what truly sets the film apart. As EW's critic wrote, "Domingo infuses Rustin with a warmth and vibrancy that creates a performance of immense empathy.... His portrait of a man fighting for both his race and his sexuality feels incredibly personal and helps hammer home Rustin's commitment to true 'justice for all.'" *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Rustin*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** George C. Wolfe

**Cast:** Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, Glynn Turman, CCH Pounder, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Audra McDonald

Sing Street (2016)

Kyle Bradley Donaldson as 5th Former, Ben Carolan as Darren, Percy Chamburuka as Ngig, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo as Conor, Lucy Boynton as Raphina, Mark McKenna as Eamon, Conor Hamilton as Larry, and Karl Rice as Garry in 'Sing Street'.

The Weinstein Company/Courtesy Everett Collection

Like many lovestruck teens, awkward 15-year-old Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) goes to great lengths to earn the affection of his aspiring model crush: He invites her to star in a music video for his nonexistent band. To corroborate his trumped-up tale, Conor assembles a ragtag group of surprisingly talented misfits to create a Duran Duran-esque glam-rock ensemble. Set in 1985 Dublin, *Sing Street* spins an earnest, multilayered story about taking control over your destiny. Despite being overshadowed by the same year's much-hyped *La La Land*, this sleeper movie musical is a hit with tracks you'll catch yourself singing days later. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Sing Street*: Netflix

**Director:** John Carney

**Cast:** Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Lucy Boynton, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Aidan Gillen, Jack Reynor, Kelly Thornton

Tick, Tick... BOOM! (2021)

Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson in 'Tick, Tick... BOOM!'.

Macall Polay/Netflix

Yes, Andrew Garfield can sing, and he even won a Golden Globe for it, too. From director Lin-Manuel Miranda, *Tick, Tick... BOOM!* sees *Rent *creator Jonathan Larson (Garfield) struggle to make it as a composer in NYC. As Jonathan reaches his 30th birthday, he fears that his time is running out to make his dreams come to reality.

Intertwining the autobiographical musical of the same name within the story, the movie is described by EW's critic as "an exuberant ode to Larson and a tribute to anyone, especially those in the arts, who might be chasing big dreams." *—M.C.*

Where to watch *Tick, Tick... BOOM!*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director: **Lin-Manuel Miranda

**Cast: **Andrew Garfield, Robin de Jesús, Alexandra Shipp, Vanessa Hudgens, Bradley Whitford

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023)

Sunny Sandler as Stacy Friedman and Samantha Lorraine as Lydia Rodriguez Katz in 'You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah'.

Courtesy of Netflix

This comedy shows off Adam Sandler's daughters' acting chops. Based on Fiona Rosenbloom's eponymous book, *You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah* follows best friends Stacy (Sunny Sandler) and Lydia (Samantha Lorraine), who dream of celebrating their bat mitzvahs together — though middle school drama and a boy threaten their friendship.

Now Sandler's highest-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie oozes a sense of comfort and belonging. Much of this can be attributed to the Sandler family, as director Sammi Cohen explained to EW that they "have this way of really making everyone feel like family and feel at home." *—M.C*.

Where to watch *You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah*: Netflix

**Director: **Sammi Cohen

**Cast: **Adam Sandler, Jackie Sandler, Sunny Sandler, Sadie Sandler, Idina Menzel, Dylan Hoffman, Samantha Lorraine, Sarah Sherman

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Movies"

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Source: Movies

Published: November 03, 2025 at 07:38AM on Source: MARIO MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byMario Satorik

in

November 02, 2025

The 15 best PG-13 movies on Netflix suitable for teens and adults alike

Here's a watchlist that keeps things a bit more tame than Rrated fare. The 15 best PG13 movies on Netflix suitable for...

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Looking to stream a twisty whodunit? Your search is over. The 17 best Netflix mystery movies to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes Looking to stream a twisty whodunit? Your search is over. and Kevin Jacobsen on November 1, 2025 10:23 a.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/danielcraigGlassOnionAKnivesOutMysteryEnolaHolmesMillieBobbyBrownLutherTheFallenSunIdrisElba0530259f8f89263dcc4574beee9e529aedc258.jpg) Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'; Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes in 'Enola Holmes'; Idris Elba as John Luther in 'Luther: The Fallen Sun'.

Looking to stream a twisty whodunit? Your search is over.

The 17 best Netflix mystery movies to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes

Looking to stream a twisty whodunit? Your search is over.

and Kevin Jacobsen

on November 1, 2025 10:23 a.m. ET

Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'; Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes in 'Enola Holmes'; Idris Elba as John Luther in 'Luther: The Fallen Sun'. Credit:

Courtesy of Netflix (3)

On your next movie night, where do you turn if you want your spine chilled and your brain teased? Netflix has mysteries to suit any taste, from dark noir films to light-hearted comedies and deep psychological dramas.

Here are the 17 best mystery movies on Netflix that will sharpen your sleuthing skills.

Crooked House (2017)

Glenn Close as Lady Edith de Haviland in 'Crooked House'. Sony Pictures

There's nothing like a good Agatha Christie whodunit, and this adaptation has all the hallmarks of a Christie classic: a compelling murder mystery, a quirky cast of suspects, and a gorgeous location. *Crooked House* follows private investigator Charles Hayward (Max Irons) as he looks into the suspected murder of a wealthy patriarch. Visiting the family's monumental estate, he attempts to understand the complex dynamics at play and uncover the truth behind what happened. Bolstering the film are the performances by the ensemble, particularly Glenn Close as the embittered Lady Edith. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Crooked House*: Netflix

**Director:** Gilles Paquet-Brenner

**Cast:** Glenn Close, Terence Stamp, Max Irons, Gillian Anderson, Christina Hendricks

Enola Holmes (2020)

Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes in 'Enola Holmes'. Alex Bailey/Netflix/Everett

This engaging coming-of-age story stars Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes, the younger sister of famed detective Sherlock (Henry Cavill). Raised to be independent and observant, the teenager is a misfit in traditional Victorian society. When her mother goes missing, Enola embarks on an off-the-books adventure to solve a mystery, help a runaway lord, and prove that she can be just as accomplished and exceptional as her brother.

EW's critic sang praises for the film, writing that "While the mystery might be elementary (my dear, notably absent, Watson), the storytelling is winkingly subversive, proclaiming that a new and welcome game is afoot." *—Danny Horn*

Where to watch *Enola Holmes*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Harry Bradbeer

**Cast:** Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, Helena Bonham Carter

Enola Holmes 2 (2022)

Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes in 'Enola Holmes 2'. Alex Bailey/Netflix

In this lively second outing, teenage sleuth Enola Holmes opens a detective agency but struggles to build a clientele in the shadow of her famous older brother Sherlock. When she's approached by a girl from a matchstick factory looking for her missing sister, Enola finds herself drawn into a complex puzzle involving blackmail, extortion, murder, and being mistaken for the guilty party. The fast-moving sequel is just as witty and entertaining as the original while deepening Enola's relationships with her supporting cast. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Enola Holmes 2*: Netflix

**Director:** Harry Bradbeer

**Cast:** Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, David Thewlis, Louis Partridge, Helena Bonham Carter

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

Kathryn Hahn as Claire Debella, Madelyn Cline as Whiskey, Edward Norton as Miles Bron, Leslie Odom Jr. as Lionel Toussaint, and Kate Hudson as Birdie Jay in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'. Netflix

Modern mystery auteur Rian Johnson has whodunit again, crafting a mind-tickling follow-up to his brilliant *Knives Out*. In *Glass Onion*, the unflappable detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) attends a murder mystery party hosted by tech exec Miles Bron (Edward Norton) on a private island in the Aegean Sea. As the party turns deadly, Bron's frenemies turn on each other.

EW's critic writes that Johnson "has no shortage of ammunition for his rat-a-tat takes on pop-culture ephemera and the navel-gazing delusions of wealth and fame," plus the satirical send-up has a satisfying mid-movie twist, leading to a surprising and raucous finale. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Rian Johnson

**Cast:** Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr.

Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie (2017)

Natasha Lyonne as Det. Fleur Scozzari and Jeff Garlin as Det. Gene Handsome in 'Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie'.

Aaron Epstein/Netflix/Everett

At the start of *Handsome*, an actor introduces himself to the audience, explaining that he plays the murderer in this movie. That's your cue that this comedy-mystery is more about the laughs than the chills. Jeff Garlin (*Curb Your Enthusiasm*) wrote, directed, and stars in this silly cop spoof, which also includes Natasha Lyonne, Amy Sedaris, and Steven Weber (as the murderer). When a babysitter is dismembered and arranged on a suburban lawn, Garlin's Detective Handsome leaps into action, questioning eccentrics and generally not making a lot of progress. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Handsome*: Netflix

**Director:** Jeff Garlin

**Cast:** Jeff Garlin, Natasha Lyonne, Amy Sedaris, Steven Weber

In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)

Michael C. Hall as Holt in 'In the Shadow of the Moon'.

Sabrina Lantos/Netflix/Everett Collection

If you're in the mood for a genre mash-up, *In the Shadow of the Moon* adds a time-travel twist to the serial killer procedural. Following an impossible set of simultaneous murders, Philadelphia police officer Thomas Lockhart (Boyd Holbrook) chases a suspect (Cleopatra Coleman) into a subway station, where she reveals that she knows personal information about him. She's then hit by an incoming train, but nine years later, Lockhart's investigation into a set of copycat crimes leads him to the same woman, who hasn't aged. This intriguing puzzle-box plot is rewarding for viewers willing to leap into the unknown. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *In the Shadow of the Moon*: Netflix

**Director: **Jim Mickle

**Cast: **Boyd Holbrook, Michael C. Hall, Cleopatra Coleman, Bokeem Woodbine

Lost Girls (2020)

Amy Ryan as Mari Gilbert (right) in 'Lost Girls'.

When a young sex worker goes missing on Long Island's South Shore, the police don't put much effort into finding her — but her mother, Mari (Amy Ryan), refuses to let the case go cold. Mari's tireless pursuit of the truth finally forces the authorities to act, leading to the discovery of four female bodies along the parkway. Based on the Gilgo Beach serial killings, *Lost Girls* demands attention for all victims. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Lost Girls*: Netflix

**Director:** Liz Garbus

**Cast:** Amy Ryan, Gabriel Byrne, Thomasin McKenzie, Lola Kirke

Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)

Idris Elba as John Luther in 'Luther: The Fallen Sun'. Netflix

In this follow-up to the hit British TV series *Luther*, the eponymous police detective (Idris Elba) is in lock-up for bending the rules a bit too often. When a terrifying serial killer (Andy Serkis) that he couldn't catch taunts him with a recording of a grisly murder, the ex-cop has to break out of prison and bring the sadistic creep to justice. Longtime fans of the show will appreciate this faithful continuation, which pushes Luther to the edge of his abilities as he navigates London's underworld on the other side of the law. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Luther: The Fallen Sun*: Netflix

**Director:** Jamie Payne

**Cast:** Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Andy Serkis, Dermot Crowley

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Murder Mystery (2019)

Jennifer Aniston as Audrey Spitz and Adam Sandler as Nick Spitz in 'Murder Mystery'. Scott Yamano/Netflix

On a long-promised late honeymoon in Europe, police officer Nick (Adam Sandler) and hairdresser Audrey (Jennifer Aniston) strike up a friendship with a stylish nobleman (Luke Evans), who impulsively invites them to a party on his billionaire uncle's yacht. The couple meets a half-dozen colorful suspects before the mayhem begins, starting with the uncle's death by stabbing and later encompassing a shooting, a poisoning, and even a blow-dart killing purely for style points. As usual, Aniston and Sandler are immensely likable, blundering amiably through a choice selection of mystery clichés. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Murder Mystery*: Netflix

**Director:** Kyle Newacheck

**Cast:** Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Luke Evans, Gemma Arterton

Murder Mystery 2 (2023)

Jennifer Aniston as Audrey Spitz and Adam Sandler as Nick Spitz in 'Murder Mystery 2'. Scott Yamano/Netflix

Returning for a second film, Nick and Audrey Spitz have started their own detective agency but can't attract any clients. The streetwise Maharajah (Adeel Akhtar) from the first movie invites the Spitzes to his wedding on a private island and, naturally, everything goes pear-shaped. The prince is kidnapped and held for ransom, and for some reason, everyone has to go to Paris for some pretty scenery to run around in. Once again, the featherweight plot is just an excuse to enjoy the lead actors' charisma and comic timing. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Murder Mystery 2*: Netflix

**Director:** Jeremy Garelick

**Cast:** Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Mark Strong, Adeel Akhtar

The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

Christian Bale as Augustus Landor in 'The Pale Blue Eye'.

Scott Garfield/Netflix/Everett

When a student at West Point in the 1830s is found hanging from a tree with his heart cut out, the authorities call for investigator Augustus Landor (Christian Bale). Arriving on campus, Landor finds an unlikely partner in Edgar Allan Poe (Harry Melling), a young cadet with an uncanny understanding of the macabre.

The central victory of this period mystery is the winning performances, with EW's critic writing, "The movie is mostly a study in how good its two main actors can be: Melling's Poe, wearing his tell-tale heart on his sleeve, seems to melt something in Bale, whose dour detective becomes almost playful in his presence." *—D.H.*

Where to watch *The Pale Blue Eye*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Scott Cooper

**Cast: **Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Gillian Anderson, Lucy Boynton

Reptile (2023)

Benicio Del Toro as Tom Nichols and Alicia Silverstone as Judy Nichols in 'Reptile'.

Daniel McFadden/Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

Benicio Del Toro heads this slow-burn noir as police detective Tom Nichols, an experienced cop who's looking into the murder of a young realtor. Justin Timberlake plays the victim's boyfriend, and other suspects include an ex-husband, a vengeance-minded neighbor, and a shady real estate conglomerate. The somewhat overwrought soundtrack brings extra tension to what would otherwise be routine procedural scenes, pervading the film with an ever-present gloom. Then there's Alicia Silverstone as Tom's wife Judy, who lightens the tone with warmth; the movie could have used a lot more of her charm. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Reptile*: Netflix

**Director:** Grant Singer

**Cast: **Benicio Del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Eric Bogosian, Alicia Silverstone

Shimmer Lake (2017)

Benjamin Walker as Sheriff Zeke Sikes in 'Shimmer Lake'.

Netflix/Everett

A clever piece of clockwork plotting, *Shimmer Lake* unfolds in reverse chronological order, telling the story of a small-town bank robbery gone terribly wrong. Sheriff Zeke Sikes (Benjamin Walker) leads the investigation, which includes his twitchy brother Andy (Rainn Wilson) as a suspect. We follow the case backward from Friday to Tuesday, piecing together a complex, darkly comic misadventure involving a mixed bag of eccentric sleuths and clueless co-conspirators. It all makes sense once the final twist is revealed, but the film requires careful attention to follow its winding (or unwinding?) plot. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *Shimmer Lake*: Netflix

**Director:** Oren Uziel

**Cast:** Benjamin Walker, Rainn Wilson, Rob Corddry, Adam Pally, Ron Livingston

They Cloned Tyrone (2023)

John Boyega as Fontaine, Teyonah Parris as Yo-Yo, and Jamie Foxx as Slick Charles in 'They Cloned Tyrone'.

Parrish Lewis/Netflix

This wild mystery comedy combines the brilliant social satire of *Us *(2019) with the sci-fi leanings of *The Twilight Zone* with a healthy dose of Blaxploitation-style entertainment. John Boyega stars as Fontaine, a drug dealer who is killed by a rival during a transaction — only to wake up the next day as if nothing happened. After enlisting one of his customers (Jamie Foxx) and a sex worker (Teyonah Parris), they uncover a bizarre conspiracy involving — you guessed it — cloning technology in their local community. It's a bold swing, but one that certainly connects, particularly when you have Foxx delivering one of his most hilarious, scene-stealing performances. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *They Cloned Tyrone*: Netflix

**Director:** Juel Taylor

**Cast:** John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx

Wicked Little Letters (2024)

Olivia Colman as Edith Swan and Gemma Jones as Victoria Swan in 'Wicked Little Letters'.

Sony Pictures Classics

This British mystery comedy, based on true events, is as deliciously naughty as its title suggests. Olivia Colman stars as Edith Swan, a repressed, religious Englishwoman who lives with her parents in 1920s Britain. After receiving a series of profane letters in the mail, her family seeks answers and accuses their Irish neighbor — a single mother named Rose (Jessie Buckley) — causing a scandal around their seaside town of Littlehampton. Yes, it's comparatively low stakes compared to other films on this list, but it's good cheeky fun ideally watched on a lazy Sunday afternoon. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Wicked Little Letters*: Netflix

**Director:** Thea Sharrock

**Cast:** Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan, Joanna Scanlan, Gemma Jones, Malachi Kirby, Lolly Adefope, Eileen Atkins, Timothy Spall

The Woman in the Window (2021)

Amy Adams as Anna Fox in 'The Woman in the Window'.

Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix

Anna (Amy Adams), an agoraphobic child psychologist, spends her days locked inside her home and gazing out the second-story window. She makes friends with Jane Russell (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who lives across the street, and soon after, she watches in horror as her neighbor is brutally stabbed. When Anna reports the crime, she's shocked to encounter a different woman claiming to be Jane Russell, and the woman's family insists the changeling is the real thing. Anna's struggle to hang on to her sanity is sometimes over the top, but patient viewers are rewarded with a powerful shock ending. *—D.H.*

Where to watch *The Woman in the Window*: Netflix

**Director:** Joe Wright

**Cast:** Amy Adams, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gary Oldman, Anthony Mackie, Fred Hechinger

The Wonder (2022)

Kila Lord Cassidy as Anna O'Donnell, Tom Burke as Will Byrne, and Florence Pugh as Lib Wright in 'The Wonder'.

Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

In a remote Irish village in 1862, 11-year-old Anna (Kíla Lord Cassidy) has survived without eating for four months, an apparently miraculous occurrence that divides the town. Thus, a nurse (Florence Pugh) is summoned from England to watch the girl and determine whether this is a sacred event or a hoax. Inspired by the Victorian phenomenon of "the fasting girls," this tense drama is anchored by Pugh's reliably dynamic performance, who EW's critic declared to be "pretty much perfectly cast, an actress with such a keen emotional presence that she tends to cut through pretense and triviality like a hot knife." *—D.H.*

Where to watch *The Wonder*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Sebastián Lelio

**Cast:** Florence Pugh, Tom Burke, Kíla Lord Cassidy, Niamh Algar, Ciarán Hinds

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Movies"

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Source: Movies

Published: November 03, 2025 at 07:38AM on Source: MARIO MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byMario Satorik

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