The Netflix top 10 is a great resource when you're trying to nail down what to watch. But just because a movie ranks high, doesn’t guarantee its quality. So how do you figure out which movies are worth the hype?
That's where we come in. Here at Tom's Guide, we've narrowed down the best movies in the Netflix top 10 to watch right now. This list includes a sci-fi dystopian young adult series a la "The Hunger Games," a family-friendly mystery full of cute critters, and the movie that finally earned the Godzilla franchise its first Oscar last year. There’s something for everybody here.
This article is based on the Netflix top 10 list of most-watched movies in the U.S. as of 11 a.m. ET on June 4. For even more streaming recommendations, check out our guide on the best new movies that just landed on streaming as well as everything new to Netflix this month.
Best movies in the Netflix top 10
'Godzilla Minus One' (2023)
On June 1, the Oscar-winning "Godzilla Minus One" finally landed on streaming platforms outside of Japan — and it's already shot to the #1 spot on Netflix. As someone who was blown away by it in theaters (I never thought a Godzilla movie would leave me a blubbering mess), I've been singing this movie's praises for months now with no way to share it with friends and family. Well, not legally at least.
"Godzilla Minus One" lays bare the original titan's brilliance — and does so with such a heart-wrenchingly powerful message of hope about humanity that you can't help but feel moved by it. Written and directed by acclaimed CG animator and VFX artist Takashi Yamazaki, it's set during the very tail end of World War II after the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The film follows Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki), a kamikaze pilot who hesitates in his mission by making a pit stop on Odo Island. He has no way of knowing that Japan's surrender is on the horizon. But after one fateful encounter with a reptilian behemoth that stomps ashore and wreaks havoc, he's certain that the life he’s known thus far has come to an end.
Watch it now on Netflix
'Divergent' (2014)
You may have missed "Divergent" the first time around in the flood of young adult dystopian sci-fi series that followed the success of "The Hunger Games." But even as it wears its influence on its sleeve, the "Divergent" series manages to set itself apart with some truly memorable set pieces and action sequences. The first of three films based on Veronica Roth’s dystopian YA trilogy (all of which are now on Netflix), 2014’s "Divergent" is set in a society divided into five factions based on an individual's personality traits and virtues.
Shailene Woodley plays Tris, a 16-year-old who discovers she is Divergent — meaning she has attributes of multiple factions. She's warned to hide her true identity, as the government thinks people like her threaten the existing social order. As she navigates the growing pains of adolescence and develops her first crush (Theo James), she uncovers a sinister plot orchestrated by the rulers of this seemingly perfect society. She must work with a band of allies to protect those around her. And, naturally, the fate of the world as they know it is at stake. Just normal teenager problems.
Watch it now on Netflix
'Pokémon Detective Pikachu' (2019)
The first live-action film based on the hit Pokémon series, "Pokémon Detective Pikachu" is the rare video game movie adaptation that captures all the joy and heart of the source material. Think of it as "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" except with CGI Pokémon interacting with real-life actors instead of hand-drawn toons. The movie follows Tim Goodman (Justice Smith), a once-aspiring Pokémon trainer who gave up on his dreams and grew estranged from his police detective father after his mother's death.
After he learns his father has died in a car accident, he heads to his apartment to clean up and discovers the shock of his life: his father's Pikachu, who speaks in plain English (none of that "Pika Pika" crap) that only he can understand. Pikachu (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) convinces Tim that his father is alive, and they join forces to unravel the mystery of his disappearance while uncovering a sinister plot afoot. It's a fun mystery adventure stuffed with Easter eggs and references for die-hard fans that still has plenty for non-Pokémon players to enjoy.
Watch it now on Netflix
Netflix top 10 movies right now
- "Godzilla Minus One" (2023)
- "300 Rise of an Empire" (2014)
- "Colors of Evil: Red" (2024)
- "The LEGO Movie" (2014)
- "A Million Ways to Die in the West" (2014)
- "Divergent" (2014)
- "Atlas" (2024)
- "Pokémon Detective Pikachu" (2019)
- "Shrek" (2001)
- "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" (2023)
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