5 Best Netflix Movies to Watch Right Now, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes

From a crime drama to a coming-of-age classic, these top-rated films are must-sees on Netflix

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:05am

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An abstract close-up image featuring shards of reflective glass and sparkling sequins, creating a high-contrast, glamorous texture that evokes the prestige and visual style of acclaimed movies on Netflix.The dazzling textures and lighting of award-winning Netflix films capture the cinematic magic that draws viewers to the streaming platform.Las Vegas Today

Netflix's original films may not have won Best Picture at the Oscars, but the streamer still has a terrific lineup of A-list movies. For April 2026, we've narrowed down the top 5 Netflix movies to watch right now, as ranked by Rotten Tomatoes, including a crime drama, a music biopic, an independent film, a legal drama, and one of the best movies of the 21st century.

Why it matters

As Netflix continues to expand its original film slate, it's helpful for viewers to know which highly-rated titles are worth prioritizing on the platform. This list highlights some of the most acclaimed and popular Netflix movies across different genres, providing recommendations for subscribers looking to make the most of their streaming experience.

The details

The top 5 Netflix movies ranked by Rotten Tomatoes include: 'Casino' (1995, 78% score), 'Ray' (2004, 79% score), 'Chef' (2014, 87% score), 'Anatomy of a Fall' (2023, 96% score), and 'Boyhood' (2014, 97% score). The list covers a range of styles, from crime epics and biopics to independent dramedies and coming-of-age stories, showcasing Netflix's ability to host high-quality films from various studios and filmmakers.

  • The article was published on April 11, 2026.

The players

Robert De Niro

An acclaimed American actor who starred in the crime drama 'Casino'.

Martin Scorsese

A renowned American filmmaker who directed 'Casino'.

Jamie Foxx

An Oscar-winning actor who portrayed Ray Charles in the biopic 'Ray'.

Jon Favreau

The writer, director, and star of the independent film 'Chef'.

Richard Linklater

The director of the acclaimed coming-of-age drama 'Boyhood'.

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The takeaway

This list of the top 5 Netflix movies ranked by Rotten Tomatoes showcases the streamer's ability to host a diverse range of acclaimed films across different genres, from crime dramas and biopics to independent dramedies and coming-of-age stories. The variety and quality of these titles demonstrate Netflix's commitment to providing subscribers with a robust selection of high-caliber cinematic experiences.