Popular Netflix Movies streaming right now – Netflix Australia is quite literally inundated with a selection of some of the best movies to ever be released. Because there is such an endless selection, finding the absolute best movies on Netflix Australia to stream is no easy task.
So, when you’re in the mood for a movie — and you actually want to watch it; it’s not a ‘Netflix and chill’ situation — but have no idea what to watch, we’ve done the hard work for you. Whether you love comedy movies or prefer gritty thriller movies, the following Netflix Australia films available to stream right now are so good you won’t even be tempted to scroll through your phone once you hit play.
So, put your popcorn in the microwave, grab yourself a beer, and then enjoy one of the top movies on Netflix Australia.
RELATED: Find something great to watch via the DMARGE streaming guide.
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
Director: Michael Bay
Starring: John Krasinski, James Badge Dale, Max Martini
Genre: Action, Biography, War
Released: 2016
Before John Krasinski starred as Jack Ryan he had to prove his action chops, which The Office star did and then some in 13 Hours, the Michael Bay-directed action biopic that told the tragic true story of the 2012 attacks on an American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, by Islamic militants.
A fascinating depiction of American heroism on the battlefield told through thrilling action scenes and a stirring story of camaraderie at its centre, 13 Hours still stands as Bay’s best film in which Krasinkski especially shines as a leading man of strong presence and grit.
AKA
Director: Morgan S. Dalibert
Starring: Alban Lenoir, Eric Cantona, Thibault de Montelembert
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Released: 2023
The French-language action film AKA stars Alban Lenoir as Adam Franco, a special ops agent who goes undercover to infiltrate a crime syndicate, only to find his morality is put to the test when he unexpectedly bonds with the crime boss’ young son.
This high-octane action thriller continues the recent new wave of French action cinema and has proven to be a huge success for Netflix, with AKA delivering as an ultra-serious and compelling undercover cop movie in which French action star Alan Lenoir dispatches his enemies with extreme prejudice.
All Quiet on the Western Front
Director: Edward Berger
Starring: Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Daniel Bruhl
Genre: Action, Drama, War
Released: 2022
Directed by Edward Berger, the First World War set All Quiet on the Western Front tells the story of a 17-year-old soldier (Felix Kammerer) whose romantic view of war is shattered when he is thrust onto the frontlines and witnesses firsthand the brutality of man.
Nominated for nine Oscars, this latest adaptation of Ericha Maria Remarque’s influential novel of the same name is an emotionally and viscerally powerful antiwar movie of impeccable craft, the scenes of trench warfare a harrowing experience of sound and fury that is matched by an emotional core that haunts long after the end credits role.
Breaker Morant
Director: Bruce Beresford
Starring: Edward Woodward, Jack Thompson, John Waters
Genre: Drama, History, War
Released: 1980
Based on a true story, Breaker Morant is compelling and bold. The film – available to stream now on Netflix – beautifully questions whether soldiers should be held accountable for their actions during war, and follows three Australian lieutenants as they face prosecution for killing prisoners. Despite the fact that they were acting under orders, their heads are put on the chopping block.
Breaker Morant is an unapologetically anti-war film but is so thought-provoking, every Australian should watch it on Netflix at least once in their lifetime.
Catch Me If You Can
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio
Genre: Crime, Drama
Released: 2002
Suspenseful, clever, and with some light comedy thrown in for good measure, Catch Me If You Can centres around the very true story of Frank Abagnale Jr; a 17-year-old con man who managed to pass millions of dollars through forged checks. The film has a cat-and-mouse feel to it as FBI agent Carl Hanratty, played by Hanks, tries to track down and arrest Abagnale Jr, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who relishes the chase.
Well-written and with impeccable acting Catch Me If You Can remains one of the best movies on Netflix Australia.
Devotion
Director: J.D. Dillard
Starring: Jonathan Majors, Glen Powell, Christina Jackson
Genre: Biography, War
Released: 2022
Based on true events, Devotion tells the story of Ensign Jesse Brown, the first African-American Naval aviator to see combat, and his wingman Lieutenant Tom Hudner who witnessed firsthand Brown’s heroics during the Korean War.
Starring two of the best up-and-coming actors in Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell in standout performances, Devotion succeeds as both an action-packed war movie and a powerful biopic that honours a real-life war hero in a film that is both entertaining and illuminating.
The Dirt
Director: Jeff Tremaine
Starring: Douglas Booth, Colson Baker, Iwan Rheon
Genre: Biography, Music
Released: 2019
Based on the notorious biography of legendary hard rock band Motley Crüe, The Dirt chronicles the rise of the Los Angeles-based rockers from the Sunset Strip of the early ‘80s to playing stadiums around the world, and every drug-fuelled moment of excess in between.
Those who know about the storied exploits of Motley Crüe – who feature among their ranks Tommy Lee and Nikki Sixx – can expect much in the way of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, in a biopic that leaves little to the imagination in its portrayal of the excess fuelled highs and tragic lows from America’s sleaziest rock band.
Dolemite is My Name
Director: Craig Brewer
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Keegan-Michael Key, Wesley Snipes
Genre: Biography, Comedy
Released: 2019
Rudy Ray Moore may not be a well-known name to mainstream audiences, yet his impact on comedy, independent film, and hip-hop was monumental. Dolemite is My Name, the Netflix-produced biopic, chronicled Moore’s career from struggling artist to comedy superstar with the release of blaxploitation classic Dolemite, which Moore produced and starred in.
Eddie Murphy delivers one of his best performances as Moore, portraying the energetic ambition of the always-hustling entrepreneur, not to mention the curse-laden and rhythmic comic stylings that led Moore to be labelled “the godfather of rap”. Fine supporting turns by Wesley Snipes and Keegan-Michael Key, along with Craig Brewer’s assured direction, results in Dolemite is My Name as a biopic of big laughs and lively spirit.
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
Director: Vince Gilligan
Starring: Aaron Paul, Jonathan Banks, Matt Jones
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Released: 2019
El Camino follows on from the events of the iconic and popular television series Breaking Bad. The film illuminates what happened to Jesse after the final episode and was written & directed by Breaking Bad’s creator, Vince Gilligan.
El Camino is engaging, well-acted and works as a perfect epilogue to Breaking Bad; although the film is also enjoyable for those who haven’t seen Breaking Bad.
Elvis
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Starring: Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Richard Roxburgh
Genre: Biopic, Music
Released: 2022
Elvis delivers as an emotional and exhilarating biopic that delves into the legend, the music, and the man that was Elvis Presley, which director Baz Luhrmann delivers with hip-shaking bombast.
Told through the perspective of Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) – the notorious manager of Presley who was loathed by many Elvis fans for his tight-gripped control of the superstar – Elvis portrays both the mythos and the humanity of The King of Rock n’ Roll. Best of all is the performance by Austin Butler, who becomes Elvis Presley in body and spirit, commanding the screen with a primal raw superstardom that comes across once a generation.
Extraction
Director: Sam Hargrave
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Randeep Hooda, David Harbour
Genre: Action
Released: 2019
Extraction stars Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake, an Australian black-market mercenary who is hired to save the kidnapped son of an Indian drug kingpin. Cornered in Bangladesh, Tyler must punch, kick, and shoot his way through all kinds of villains and safely return the young boy.
Directed by stuntman turned filmmaker Sam Hargrave, Extraction lives up to its promise as a bone-crunching, blood-splattering action thriller that packs a visceral wallop. Hemsworth stands tall in perhaps his most commanding performance outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking up the mantle once held by muscle-bound action stars such as Schwarzenegger and Stallone.
The Gentlemen
Director: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Colin Farrell, Henry Golding & Hugh Grant
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Released: 2019
Mickey Pearson is a rich man thanks to the impressive marijuana empire that he runs in London. However, when he tries to sell his highly profitable business, word gets out and multiple shady characters try to steal his domain through bribery and blackmail.
The film is very ‘Guy Ritchie’ – British gangsters and an intricate plot – so, if you’re a fan of Ritchie, The Gentleman is definitely a film on Netflix you’re going to enjoy.
The Gray Man
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas
Genre: Action
Released: 2022
Directed by brother filmmaker duo Anthony and Joe Russo of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame fame, The Gray Man stars Ryan Gosling as a CIA operative on the run after he uncovers dark agency secrets. On his trail is Chris Evan’s psychotic assassin who will stop at nothing, and go through anyone, to get his man.
With a whopping production cost of $200 million (the largest so far for Netflix), The Gray Man features much in the way of sensational action sequences set in various locations across Europe. Both Gosling and Evans bring easy charisma and action-man chops to their roles of assassin adversaries, while Ana de Armas continues to impress as an action star.
RELATED: ‘The Gray Man’ Reveals Timeless Truth About Watches & Spies
The Highwaymen
Director: John Lee Hancock
Starring: Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Kathy Bates
Genre: Biography, Crime
Released: 2019
Starring the formidable duo of Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson, The Highwaymen tells the true story of former Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Maney Gault, who in the 1930s are tasked with tracking down and arresting notorious criminals Bonnie and Clyde.
The Highwaymen has a throwback swagger in its story of old-school justice dispensed against a deadly class of criminal adored by the public. Costner and Harrelson have great chemistry as the aging lawmen who despair at the changing nature of the world, while director John Lee Hancock provides strong direction.
Hustle
Director: Jeremiah Zagar
Starring: Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah, Juancho Hernangomez
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Released: 2022
Hustle follows Sandler’s character, Stanley Sugerman – a pro basketball scout who gets fired. However, after seeing Bo Cruz, a Spanish amateur baller, play, Stanley makes it his mission to get Bo into the NBA. The plot is simple but compelling, especially for those who love basketball.
Plus, Sandler’s performance is next-level; many believe the actor should be nominated for an Oscar because of his performance in Hustle.
Icarus
Director: Bryan Fogel
Starring: Bryan Fogel, Grigory Rodchenkov
Genre: Documentary, Sport
Released: 2017
A ground-breaking documentary that led to real-world implications in the sports world, Icarus tells the story of Russian scientist and whistle-blower Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, the former director of Russia’s national anti-doping laboratory, who was involved in a state-run doping program that led to Russia winning 30 Olympic medals at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
Earning Netflix its first Oscar with a win for Best Documentary in 2018, Icarus also led to the partial eight-year ban of Russia from international competition. Gripping documentary filmmaking at its finest, Icarus brings a real-life conspiracy to the masses with engrossing, courageous insight.
The Irishman
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci
Genre: Crime, History
Released: 2019
A long-time passion project for director Martin Scorsese, The Irishman stars Robert De Niro in the alleged true story of Frank Sheeran, a hitman for the Italian-American Mafia and self-confessed killer of labour union leader Jimmy Hoffa, played by Al Pacino in his first film with Scorsese.
Also starring Joe Pesci and Harvey Keitel, The Irishman is something of a gangster movie paradise, and with such a stacked cast and a story set across several decades, needed was an epic three-and-a-half-hour runtime to do it justice. The result is an epic crime movie filled with terrific performances and state-of-the-art filmmaking.
John Wick
Director: Chad Stahleski
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Willem Dafoe, Michael Nyqvist
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Released: 2014
A legendary assassin, named John Wick, comes out of retirement when his dog — a gift from his late wife — is killed by a mobster. One of the best and, to be honest, more original action movies to be released in recent years, John Wick is filled with violence. But unlike most films that focus on hitmen and mobsters, it’s not just bloody gore with no substance or plot. The characters in this film are nuanced and three-dimensional; especially John Wick himself, thanks to both excellent writing and Keanu Reeves’ flawless performance.
With some seriously sublime fight scene choreography and a clever story, John Wick is one of the best movies on Netflix right now. Better still, you can also watch the second and third John Wick movies on Netflix, to prepare yourself for John Wick: Chapter 4.
Joker
Director: Todd Phillips
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 2019
This gritty and grounded film explores the origin story behind Batman’s most famous nemesis, the Joker. With an Oscar-winning performance from Phoenix, stunning cinematography and a plot that leaves you feeling conflicted – the Joker does terrible things near the end of the film but you can kind of empathize with why he does them – this is one hell of a film.
If you’re a fan of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, you’ll love Joker.
Knives Out
Director: Rian Johnson
Starring: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana De Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Christopher Plummer, Toni Collette
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Released: 2019
The only way to describe Knives Out is clever. Within the first ten minutes, you’ll think you’ve figured the whole murder mystery out, even before Daniel Craig’s character Benoit Blanc. But then the rug is pulled out from under you and you’ll be so engrossed in this witty comedy trying to figure out the puzzle. Enjoyable, compelling and refreshingly original – plus every member of the stellar ensemble cast is on their A-game acting-wise – makes Knives Out one of the best movies on Netflix Australia.
Knives Out is arguably better written than an Agatha Christie novel and is a movie you have to see at least once before you die.
And, while Knives Out will have no relation with the sequel Knives Out 2 – which we expect to be released later in 2022 – it will see Daniel Craig reprise his role to solve an entirely new mystery.
Marriage Story
Director: Noah Baumbach
Starring: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern
Genre: Drama
Released: 2019
Marriage Story focuses on the severing of a modern marriage, comprised of renowned theatre director Charlie (Adam Driver) and his leading lady wife Nicole (Scarlett Johansson). When Nicole wants to reignite her once promising Hollywood career, it causes friction in her relationship with Charlie, that quickly escalates into divorce proceedings and custody over their 10-year-old son Henry (Azhy Robertson.)
Marriage Story is supposedly based on director Noah Baumbach’s own divorce from actress Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Baumbach lays it all on the line here: the failures, the frailties, the ego, and the heartbreak. Driver and Johansson are fantastic in the film, digging deep into their respective emotional reservoirs in their portrayal of a couple enduring an incredibly painful process, scoring Oscar nominations in the process.
Moneyball
Director: Bennett Miller
Starring: Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Released: 2011
Moneyball follows the Oakland Athletics baseball team’s 2002 season and how their general manager Billy Beane attempted to assemble a competitive team based on statistics. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards and is critically acclaimed for its story, direction and acting; particularly the performances of Pitt and Hill. It’s easily one of the best movies to stream on Netflix Australia.
If you liked The Big Short, The Blind Side or Ford v Ferrari, you’ll love Moneyball.
Pelé
Director: Ben Nicholas, David Tryhorn
Starring: Pelé, Gilberto Gil, Mario Zagallo
Genre: Documentary, Sport
Released: 2021
This biographical documentary on Brazilian footballer Pelé focuses on the extraordinary 12-year period in which the football legend went from a young superstar in 1958 to a national hero in 1970, in which he won three World Cups.
Released a year before the death of the soccer legend, Pelé is the ultimate chronicle of one of the greatest sports superstars at the peak of his talents. Great use of archival footage and interviews (old and new) help present a fascinating insight into the man and the myth that was and is Pelé.
Schumacher
Director: Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker, Michael Wech
Starring: Michael Schumacher, Corinna Schumacher
Genre: Documentary, Sport
Released: 2021
Schumacher is a documentary that delves into the life and career of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher, who as a driver for Ferrari dominated the F1 circuit in the early 2000s, before retiring from the sport in 2012. A tragic ski accident in 2013 resulted in a substantial brain injury and paralysis that has seen the German F1 legend withdraw from public view.
The only official documentary supported by the Schumacher family, Schumacher uses exclusive interviews and archival footage to deliver an intimate and at times heartbreaking portrait of one of the biggest names in the history of Formula 1.
The Stranger
Director: Tom Wright
Starring: Joel Edgerton, Sean Harris, Jada Alberts
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Released: 2022
The Stranger has been Netflix’s runaway success this month becoming one of the most-watched movies around the world. Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris go head to head in this crime thriller that retraces the steps of a missing teenager in Queensland. It’s loosely based on the disappearance of Daniel Morcombe back in 2003. This is by far one of the best Aussie films to come out in years. Get around it.
The Trial Of The Chicago 7
Director: Aaron Sorkin
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Keaton
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Released: 2020
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is based on one of the most notorious trials in recent history; in Chicago 1968, a peaceful protest at the Democratic National Convention turned violent, which led to the organisers of the event being charged with conspiracy to incite a riot by the hostile Nixon administration.
The film is an incredible courtroom drama and every single member of the cast turns in a powerful performance – especially Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen, who shines here in a rare non-comedic role.
The Two Popes
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce
Genre: Drama, History
Released: 2019
Based on the play by Anthony McCarten, The Two Popes centres on a fictional meeting between Pope Benedict a.k.a. Cardinal Ratzinger (Anthony Hopkins), and Pope Francis a.k.a. Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce), after which Ratzinger announced his decision to step away from the Chair of Peter.
A biopic that is more facade than fact, The Two Popes nevertheless is a fascinating exploration into the power dynamics within the Catholic Church, and the men bequest by God to represent it. The performances are fantastic, especially by Pryce who, on top of bearing a strong resemblance to Bergoglio, expertly portrays the voice, cadence, body language, and internal moral struggle of perhaps the most recognisable man in the world.
Uncut Gems
Director: Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie
Starring: Adam Sandler, LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Released: 2019
Directed by acclaimed independent filmmakers Joshua and Benjamin Safdie, Uncut Gems stars Adam Sandler as a jeweller whose gambling addiction places him deep in debt with the mafia. A big bet on a high-stakes NBA game could be his only lifeline.
Featuring what many believe to be Adam Sandler’s best performance, Uncut Gems is an anxiety-inducing thriller that is relentless in its tension and reminds many of the high-wire character-driven thrillers from the ‘70s. A supporting performance by NBA legend Kevin Garnett as himself adds a surreal aspect to the gritty drama.
Villain
Director: Phil Barantini
Starring: Craig Fairbass, George Russo, Izuka Hoyle
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 2020
A gritty tough guy crime drama of the British variety, Villain stars genre favourite Craig Fairbrass as a career criminal who swears to fly straight and narrow after a lengthy prison sentence for armed robbery, a promise that is constantly undercut by his scheming coke-head brother (George Russo) who owes a massive debt to a local gangster.
Director Phil Barantini delivers a surprise of a British crime movie that is as emotionally compelling as it is intense in its violence. An in-form and locked-in Craig Fairbrass successfully ability cuts deep with a rather good dramatic turn that raises the stakes at play in a crime film with heart and thrills.
The Wolf Of Wall Street
Director: Martin Scorcese
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey
Genre: Crime, Comedy, Biography
Released: 2013
The Wolf Of Wall Street is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, one of Wall Street’s most famous scam artists. Set in the late 80s and early 90s, the film centres around Belfort, played by DiCaprio, starting his own brokerage firm and then defrauding wealthy investors out of millions of dollars. Entertaining, raunchy, and exquisitely stylistic, there’s a reason your mates constantly bring up how good The Wolf Of Wall Street is.
If you’ve somehow never seen this movie, do so immediately; otherwise, The Wolf Of Wall Street is always a good movie choice if you’re in the mood for a re-watch. One of the best movies on Netflix, without a doubt.
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Best Netflix Movies FAQ
What are the best movies on Netflix Australia?
Some of the best movies to watch on Netflix Australia right now include The Big Short, Catch Me If You Can, Uncut Gems, Inglourious Basterds, Gone Girl and John Wick
What new movies are coming to Netflix in 2022?
New movies coming exclusively to Netflix in 2022 include Interceptor, Heart Parade, The Man from Toronto, Blasted and Glamour Girls. Netflix will continue to announce new movies coming to the streaming platform throughout the year.
What are the best comedy movies on Netflix Australia?
Some of the best comedy movies on Netflix include The Hangover, Horrible Bosses, The Wolf of Wall Street, Scary Movie, The Other Guys, Superbad and The Nice Guys
