Whenever I have no clue what to watch on Netflix, I make a beeline for the streamer's top 10 most-watched movies list. While these kinds of rankings on the best streaming services don't guarantee a movie's a hit, it is a great resource for cutting through the noise.
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 documentary about the kings of divorced dad rock, Nickelback, one of the best original Netflix movies in years, and an animated classic that's leaving the service later this month.
This article is based on the Netflix top 10 list of most-watched movies in the U.S. as of 8 a.m. ET on July 2. For even more streaming recommendations, check out everything that's new on Netflix this week and a new superhero show that just crashed the Netflix top 10 with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
"Hate to Love: Nickelback" (2023)
The kings of divorced dad rock are the center of the new documentary "Hate to Love: Nickelback" on Netflix. It follows the Canadian rockers' 25-year-long career from their rural roots in Alberta to selling out packed stadiums. Their enduring success is a big middle finger to the band's outspoken haters, who haven't stopped Nickelback from selling 50 million records, scoring multiple Grammy nominations, and even earning a spot in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
But being one of the most divisive bands in music history is something Nickelback wears as a badge of honor. Featuring unseen footage and lengthy interviews with members Chad Kroeger, Ryan Peake, Mike Kroeger and Daniel Adair, this is a must-watch for Nickelback fans.
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"Hit Man" (2024)
Netflix's best original movie in ages has been holding strong in the streamer's top 10 since its debut at the beginning of the month. Though it's since fallen to the eighth slot, it's still worth a watch if you haven't already checked out director Richard Linklater's sexy, nihilistic comedy thriller.
A mix between a breezy crime caper and a rom-com, "Hit Man" stars Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, a strait-laced professor who moonlights as a fake hitman working for the cops. He dons an array of elaborate costumes to convince would-be clients he's a cold-blooded assassin before police swoop in to arrest them. However, when a femme fatale (Adria Arjona) asks him to take out her abusive husband, Gary breaks protocol. Desperate to hide his true identity from her, he sets off a chain reaction of play-acting, deception, and escalating stakes that could have deadly consequences.
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"Shrek" (2001)
We just got a big update about "Shrek 5" (and a "Donkey" spinoff) courtesy of Eddie Murphy, so it's no surprise to see this animated hit among Netflix's top 10 movies, especially seeing as DreamWorks' 2001 hit is still as entertaining as ever.
If you're yet to see it, "Shrek" is a mock fairytale that follows everyone's favorite green ogre, Shrek (voice by Mike Myers). After his solitary life in the swamp is disturbed by banished fairytale creatures, Shrek sets off on a quest (accompanied by Murphy's wisecracking donkey) to save a princess from a dragon in a bid to get his life back. It's a fun spin on familiar tales and one which absolutely still holds up. - MS
Watch it now on Netflix
Netflix Top 10 Movies Right Now
- "A Family Affair" (2024)
- "Trigger Warning" (2024)
- "Minions" (2015)
- "Flash" (2022)
- "The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
- "Shrek (2001)
- "Home" (2015)
- "Hit Man" (2024)
- "Hate to Love: Nickelback" (2023)
- "Boss Baby" (2021)
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