Netflix‘s vast library of films can make selecting a movie for the night a challenging task. To help with this dilemma, we have compiled a list of six highly rated films currently available for streaming on Netflix, all with ratings of over 70% on Rotten Tomatoes.
These critically acclaimed movies are sure to enhance your movie night experience. However, note that each of these films will be leaving the streaming service on September 1, 2023. Hence, act swiftly and watch them before they are gone!
6 Praised Films To Watch On Netflix Before September 1st
1. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Based on the classic 1974 novel of the same name by James Baldwin, this romantic drama film stars KiKi Layne as Clementine “Tish” Rivers, a pregnant woman who aims to prove the innocence of her wrongly charged lover, Alonzo “Fonny” Hunt (played by Stephan James) before giving birth to their child.
The poignant, visually stunning Barry Jenkins-written and directed film takes place in 1970s New York City and has an unforgettable love story with riveting performances from a stellar cast. The film received countless accolades and nominations, such as Best Supporting Actress wins for Regina King (who played Tish’s mother Sharon Rivers) at the Academy Awards and Golden Globes.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
2. Easy A (2010)
This rom-com and teen comedy put Emma Stone on the map! The now Oscar winner starred in the film as Olive Penderghast, a seventeen-year-old high school girl from Ojai, California who tells a few white lies that lead to comical moments and memorable lines. At the urging of her popular friend, Olive, a well-behaved teenager, decides to embellish her uneventful weekend by fibbing about losing her virginity.
Unfortunately, her lie is overheard by a gossipy student (played by Amanda Bynes), leading to Olive’s sudden and unwanted notoriety. However, this newfound attention unexpectedly brings her the ability to boost the reputations of others and help those in need. The resulting chain of events is both humorous and features a standout performance by Stone and directorial effort from Will Gluck.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
3. The Italian Job (2003)
If you’re looking for a riveting thriller with an incredible cast, this one might be for you! This film’s storyline involves a heist in Venice, where Steve (played by Edward Norton) double-crosses his partners by killing safecracker John Bridger (Donald Sutherland) and keeping all the stolen gold.
Determined to avenge their fallen comrade, Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg), Handsome Rob (Jason Statham), Left Ear (Mos Def), and Lyle (Seth Green) team up with Bridger’s daughter, Stella (Charlize Theron), to retrieve the stolen gold from Steve’s lavish Los Angeles mansion. If you’re familiar with the 1969 British film this version is based on, rest assured that this Italian Job flick features a different, original and equally entertaining story.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%
4. The Bad Guys (2022)
If you’ve been searching for a family-friendly, animated and hilarious film, The Bad Guys might be a good fit! The narrative of this movie revolves around a gang of animal felons who, upon getting captured, feign their efforts to turn into exemplary members of society.
However, the group’s head is genuinely inspired to transform his ways for the better, just as a fresh villain enters the picture with his own ulterior motives. In addition, its voice cast is composed of talented actors like Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Richard Ayoade, Zazie Beetz, Alex Borstein, and Lilly Singh.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
5. Sleepless In Seattle (1993)
Starring iconic rom-com duo Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, this beloved comedy and drama tells the story of Sam Baldwin, a widower who moves to Seattle with his son Jonah (played by Ross Malinger). After Jonah calls into a talk-radio program to help his father find a new wife, Sam reluctantly shares his emotions on air.
In Baltimore, reporter Annie Reed hears Sam’s vulnerable words and falls for him, despite her engagement to another man. Taking a chance, she sends Sam a letter inviting him to meet her on Valentine’s Day at the iconic Empire State Building.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
6. Still Alice (2014)
The film Still Alice has been recognized with multiple awards for bringing attention to the pressing issue of early-onset dementia. The emotional and compelling story follows the life of Alice Howland, a Columbia linguistics professor, and her family as they come to terms with her diagnosis of familial Alzheimer’s disease at a mere 50 years old.
Many will agree that Julianne Moore delivered an outstanding portrayal of Howland. She notably earned the prestigious ‘Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role’ award in 2015. The film also stars Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart and Kate Bosworth as her family members.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
