Want a movie you can really sink your teeth into? Look no farther than Netflix's drama library, in which a wealth of terrific titles in film and TV await you. Whether you're craving poignant period pieces, tender tearjerkers, unique crime narratives, acclaimed coming-of-age tales, or a curious case of a dismembered hand on a mission, we've got you covered.
1. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
Adapted from the classic Ken Kesey novel, this 1975 asylum-set drama follows the exploits of a charismatic criminal who thought playing crazy would be easier than jail time. However, Randle Patrick McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) soon learns this institution is rife with abuse, thanks to the merciless Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher). Milos Forman directs an impeccable ensemble that boasts Danny DeVito, Will Sampson, Christopher Lloyd, and Brad Dourif. The film's scorching drama and bold performances not only scored it box office success, but also five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, Best Actress (Fletcher), Best Actor (Nicholson), and Best Picture. It was the first film to achieve such a sweep in 41 years!
2. Spotlight
Tom McCarthy directs this devastating docu-drama, which covers how a noble team of Boston Globe journalists uncovered conspiracy, corruption, and widespread child abuse within the Catholic church. Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Brian d'Arcy James, and Stanley Tucci bring a wallop of heartbreak and righteous outrage as a superb ensemble. Critics cheered how a complicated national news story was dedicatedly and delicately unfurled to urge audiences to look to their own communities and complicity. On 2016's Oscar night, the Academy saluted the film with trophies for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture.
3. Mudbound
Based on the Hillary Jordan novel, this period drama charts the relationships and racial conflict between two farming families in the 1939 Mississippi Delta. Taking audiences from the brutal battlefields of World War II to the mud-sucking fields of a community on the brink of eruption, co-writer/director Dee Ree's explosive drama earned plenty of praise from critics as well as four Oscar nominations. Among these accolades were, Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Mary J. Blige, who was also nominated for Best Original Song, "Mighty River." Carey Mulligan, Jason Clarke, Rob Morgan, Jason Mitchell, and Garrett Hedlund were also a part of an ensemble, heralded for their powerful performances.
4. I Lost My Body
Animated films often fall into categories of kid-friendly comedies, chipper musicals, or rollicking adventures. This extraordinary French film not only breaks from expectation by being a tender drama, but also offers something scintillatingly strange by making its protagonist a dismembered hand in search of his missing body. Adapted from the Guillaume Laurant novel, this Jérémy Clapin-directed cartoon delivers a riveting journey through the suburbs of Paris, from cozy apartments and dangerous subways to glittering rooftops and a jolting realization. With a sophisticated aesthetic and complex emotional narrative, I Lost My Body won praise on the film festival circuit and a slew of critics' guilds, as well as the César for Best Animated Feature. If you're not much for subtitles, worry not! Netflix also offers a meticulous English over-dub.
5. Moonlight
Writer-director Barry Jenkins broke through in a big way with this sensuous sophomore effort, which centers on a gay Black man searching for himself on the crack-addled streets of Miami. Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes share the role of Chiron, who comes of age in three sharply realized acts that involve violence, kindness, and ultimately hope. Delivering supporting performances that are suitably heart-wrenching and soul-lifting are Naomie Harris, Janelle Monáe, André Holland, and Mahershala Ali. Dripping in passion, pathos, and a vibrant palette, Moonlight was universally heralded, and ultimately scored Oscars for its screenplay, Ali's compelling portrayal of complicated father figure, and 2017's Best Motion Picture of The Year.
