Netflix really does make life hard. We spend so much time finishing one series, only for another brilliant show to appear on the home screen and excite and distract us all over again. However, it’s not only watching TV shows that take up our free time, but outstanding movies too. Netflix is eager to keep producing their own original content, which we have no problem with, as we hope to see more incredible films like Beasts of No Nation, I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore, Okja, and War Machine.
Although the list of Netflix competitors is getting bigger all the time, it’s becoming very difficult to challenge the hefty catalog that the streaming service currently holds. There is no doubt that Netflix is constantly expanding its range with awesome titles, but as a movie fan, you can’t just watch new movies, right? What about the past classics that still look as good today as they did back then? These are some older movies that you must take the time to see on Netflix.
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
While Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender and Melanie Laurent all give great performances in Inglourious Basterds, it’s really Christoph Waltz who steals the show as the terrifying yet eccentric Col. Hans Landa. Set close to the start of World War II, Basterds is arguably Quentin Tarantino’s finest work, seamlessly demonstrating his incredible knack for snappy dialogue, tense scenarios, brutal action and unexpected plot twists. The way Tarantino crafts the scenes is incredible, as people simply talking at a table is enough to have you on the edge of your seat.
The Prestige (2006)
“Are you watching closely?” A quote from The Prestige, but one that perfectly sums up the brilliant film about two rival show magicians trying to outwit and outplay one another. Set in 1890’s London, The Prestige displays the lengths that people will go to when trying to beat their opponent, even if it’s at a terrible cost. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are impeccable as the two rivals who, despite having immense respect for one another, loathe each other to the core. Coming from the genius that is Christopher Nolan, there’s never a predictable or dull moment throughout the entire runtime, and with an ending that will leave you reeling, this is a monumental film that you’ll want to repeat as soon as it’s over.
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Okay, so this isn’t a film that is so old, but in the movie deluge that arrives every year, Kubo and the Two Strings may well have slipped under the radar for you. From production house Laika (Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls), this is gorgeous 3D stop-motion animation the likes of which you rarely see. Thankfully, it’s not just pretty to look at, as the story is one of the most heartwarming and engaging in recent years, with likable characters, well-choreographed action and beautiful music. Kubo (voiced by young actor Art Parkinson) is an immensely affable kid who must go on an epic quest to save the day by locating powerful armor once worn by his father. Kubo and the Two Strings also stars Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey and Ralph Fiennes.
The Matrix (1999)
Even though its sequels aren’t seen in the most favorable light, the first film in the franchise remains one of the most enthralling and stunning movies of all time. Keanu Reeves is perfect as Neo — the man who everyone but himself believes is destined to defeat the machines who’ve taken over the world. The action and CGI still hold up, the music is energetic and the performances are rock solid. Funnily enough, it seems Hollywood still can’t get enough of The Matrix, as a new film is in the works. The forthcoming movie will apparently not feature any of the previous cast members, and is neither a remake nor reboot, but a film that simply takes place in the universe. Be prepared to go down the rabbit hole once more.
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