When we talk about streaming media, the first impression that we get in our mind is Netflix!! Netflix is an American over-the-top content platform and production company, founded in 1997 as a DVD sales and rental by mail but with the time it transformed itself into an OTT platform with 200 millions subscribers worldwide, as of today’s report. It is also known for its popularity in the world as the leading OTT platform with its Netflix Originals program.
A true “Netflix Original” is any show that was commissioned and produced by Netflix. By this, we mean the show or film has not been made to appear on any network other than Netflix. It can also be any show that is exclusively available on Netflix in your country. The first release of the Netflix Original was ‘House of Cards’.
In the pandemic due to the restricted mobility, but the overflowing availability of movies and web- series on the OTT platforms has shifted our focus from the theaters to them. What to watch next !! becomes difficult for everyone.
To ease the burden, here is a list compiled by our team, of the BEST NETFLIX ORIGINAL MOVIES OF 2021, which will surely take you out of the dilemma.
1. Outside The Wire
Outside the Wire is an American science fiction action film directed by Mikael Håfström. It stars Anthony Mackie, Damson Idris, Enzo Cilenti. In order to stop a nuclear attack, a drone pilot teams up with a top secret android officer in a war zone. The film was first released by Netflix on January 15, 2021. According to the Times of India, this movie is an out-of-the-box sci-fi film with average content and execution.
IMDb rating : 5.4/10
2. Finding ‘Ohana
Two Brooklyn siblings went to Oahu in search of their Hawaiian heritage and a hidden treasure. Finding Ohana is an American family adventure film by Jude Weng in her directorial debut and written by Christina Strain. Kea Peahu, Alex Aiono, Lindsay Watson, Owen Vaccaro and Kelly Hu are the starcast. Rogerebert said that the people who made this movie are clearly big fans of Indiana Jones and “The Goonies.”
Reviews said that the movie is a box of entertainment, action, family moments, and also managed to cover cultural heritage. Rotten Tomatoes, an entertainment website, gave the rating 7.2/10.
3. Bombay Rose
BOMBAY ROSE is a beautiful hand-painted animation created by award winning animator Gitanjali Rao. The film had its world premiere at International Critics Week at the 2019 Venice Film Festival. It was also screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival. The movie received the award from the Chicago International Film Festival and the Mumbai Film Festival.
Bharadwaj Rangan, a movie critic, gave a positive review and said, “Bombay Rose subverts not just Bombay cinema’s storytelling, but also the implicit assumptions of Bombay cinema.” The film was released on Netflix Originals on March 8, 2021.
The love story moves around the lovers, who hope to be together one day but religious differences and duty hold them back. This movie was stated as an ‘extraordinary visual feast’.
4. Malcolm & Marie
Malcolm & Marie is an American black-and-white romantic drama film written, produced and directed by Sam Levinson, starring Zendaya and John David Washington. As a filmmaker and his girlfriend return home from his premiere, the evening suddenly takes a turn as revelations about their relationships begin to surface, testing the strength of their love.
The film was the most-watched title on the platform in its debut weekend, but dropped out of the top 10 list by the second week. According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the average rating was 6.3/10. It received Black Reel Awards for its outstanding Cinematography.
5. Space Sweepers
This movie is perfect for a sci-fi fan. It is a South Korean space western film directed by Jo Sung-hee, and the lead role is played by Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Jin Seon-kyu and Yoo Hae-jin.
It is the first Korean space blockbuster and was released on Netflix on February 5, 2021. The film debuted as the No. 1 on Netflix in at least 16 countries and also dominated Netflix’s daily top 10 list in 80 countries upon its premiere. The 57th Baeksang Arts Award selected the film as the winner for the ‘Technical Award’.
In the year 2092, Earth has become nearly uninhabitable, to regulate the population in orbit and keep an eye on the non-citizens, many non-citizen work as space sweepers, collecting space debris and selling it for survival. Four misfits discover a humanoid robot named Dorothy that’s known to be a weapon of mass destruction, they get involved in a risky business deal.
6. The Dig
The Dig is a British drama film directed by Simon Stone, based on the 2007 novel of the same name by John Preston. It stars Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James, Johnny Flynn, Ben Chaplin, Ken Stott, Archie Barnes, and Monica Dolan.
An archaeologist embarks on the excavation of Sutton Hoo in 1938. Maybe its subject matter is not appealing but whoever digs into it will have a lot to remember. The film received positive response from the critics and five nominations by British Academy Film Awards, including one for ‘Outstanding British Film’.
7. Pieces of a Woman
Pieces of a Woman is a 2020 Canadian-American drama directed by Kornel Mundruczo. The film is going to be nominated for an Oscar.
A child’s birth goes wrong and the family struggles for justice. The film is about a painful encounter. Vanessa Kirby’s performance was worth praising and got nominated for the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Award, and SAG Award for Best Actress in 2021.
Most of the reviews it received were positive.
8. Love and Monsters
This movie was nominated for an Oscar for Best Achievement in Visual Effects and at the 93rd Academy Awards, nominated for Best Visual Effects. Love and Monsters is a American monster adventure film directed by Michael Matthews. The film stars are Dylan O’Brien, Jessica Henwick, Dan Ewing, Michael Rooker and Ariana Greenblatt.
Due to the Monsterpocalypse, Joel was living underground with humanity. When he comes into contact with his ex, he decides to venture out to Aimee. The film has an approval rating of 93% based on 102 reviews, with an average rating of 7.30/10 on IMDb.
9. The White Tiger
Netflix with the rising Indian content brought this for us, written and directed by Ramin Bahrani. This movie follows the story of a poor Indian village and uses his wit and cunning attitude to escape from poverty. Based on the bestselling novel, this movie is an exception to the traditional cinematic environment.
In the 93rd Academy Awards, the film was nominated for ‘Best Adapted Screenplay’. The film is praised for its direction, screenplay and its performance.
10. I Care A Lot
I Care A Lot is an American black comedy film written and directed by J Blakeson. The film stars Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, Chris Messina, Macon Blair, Alicia Witt, Damian Young, Isiah Whitlock Jr. and Dianne Wiest. A court-appointed guardian defrauds her older clients but meets her match when a woman she tries to swindle turns out to be more than she first appears.
The film received the Golden Globe Award for the Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy category.
– Kriti Jain