Best Movie Netflix: Discover Top Picks and Hidden Gems to Watch Now

If you’re hunting for the best movie to watch on Netflix right now, you’ve come to the right place—here’s a quick answer: KPop Demon Hunters stands as the most-watched and critically acclaimed film on Netflix in recent memory, and new releases like People We Meet on Vacation and the gripping documentary The Perfect Neighbor are rising stars you won’t want to miss.

Why These Films Matter

Netflix’s top-tier offerings this season mix buzz, viewing records, and strong storytelling. KPop Demon Hunters smashed platform records with unmatched watch time and fan love. Meanwhile, People We Meet on Vacation has been generating early 2026 buzz, and The Perfect Neighbor made waves as the most-viewed documentary shortly after its release. Let’s dig into why these should top your list.

A Record-Setter: KPop Demon Hunters

Emily Coates, but let’s break it down: KPop Demon Hunters isn’t just popular; it’s record-breaking. By mid-2025, it had topped Netflix’s charts as the most-watched animated film ever, eclipsing Red Notice, and by December, it had garnered over 500 million views. Nielsen even ranked it as the most-streamed film of the year in the U.S.—that’s serious audience engagement.

And critics loved it too. It earned a stellar 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and landed among the top Netflix movies of 2025.

“With resonant visuals, catchy music, and a fun premise, KPop Demon Hunters dominated both hearts and screens.” — Reflecting on the film’s runaway success.

If you’re in for something flashy, energetic, and wildly popular, this one’s a no-brainer.

Hidden Emotion: Left‑Handed Girl, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, Wake Up Dead Man

Beyond blockbusters, Netflix has delivered smaller gems that shine critically. Left‑Handed Girl tells a deep family story set in Taipei and has nearly perfect critical praise. Meanwhile, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl—that claymation love—holds a 100% rating. And the clever mystery Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery continues Daniel Craig’s sleuthing streak with 95%. All made the top five Netflix originals of 2025.

If you’re craving nuance, warmth, or a brainy mystery, these are fantastic picks.

New Releases Creating Buzz

Netflix is still rolling out strong new offerings in 2026. A few highlights:

• People We Meet on Vacation: A rom-com based on a popular novel. Released this January, it focuses on two best friends questioning whether they should have taken their relationship farther.

• The Perfect Neighbor: A true-crime documentary that Netflix released in October 2025. It quickly became the most watched documentary film in the U.S. in its launch period.

• Season 4 of The Lincoln Lawyer: While not a movie, this legal thriller continues strong—worth considering if films aren’t scratching the full-episode itch.

These titles reflect range—from emotion and legal drama to intense real-world stories.

What’s Coming Later in 2026 (Sneak Peek)

If you’re planning ahead, Netflix has a hefty slate rolling out later in 2026:

• Enola Holmes 3: Our favorite young detective returns for a Malta-set mystery.

• Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew: Greta Gerwig adapts the prequel to the beloved Chronicles. Magic in December.

• The Adventures of Cliff Booth: A follow-up to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, directed by David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt as the iconic stuntman.

• Plus a lineup including thrillers (Animals, Fight for ’84), comedies (72 Hours, Little Brother), and more.

This future slate suggests Netflix is balancing spectacle, voice, emotion, and genre range.

Quick Comparison Table

| Title | Genre | Why to Watch |
|——————————|———————–|—————————————————-|
| KPop Demon Hunters | Animated adventure | Record-breaking, OOMPH, high critical praise |
| Left‑Handed Girl | Drama | Culturally rooted, emotional, awards buzz |
| Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl | Claymation comedy | Perfect critic score, nostalgic lightheartedness |
| Wake Up Dead Man | Mystery/thriller | Smart, satisfying, well-received |
| The Perfect Neighbor | Documentary | True crime, binge-worthy, documentary standout |
| People We Meet on Vacation | Romantic comedy | Fresh, relatable, early 2026 buzz |

Final Take—Your Next Move

If you want something immediately impactful, go for KPop Demon Hunters. Want heart, humor, or mystery? Try one of the critically acclaimed gems.
If documentaries feel more your pace, The Perfect Neighbor is gripping and timely. For easy, familiar feels and a sweet story, People We Meet on Vacation fits the bill. And if you’re planning ahead, keep an eye on the 2026 releases—they offer plenty of variety and quality.

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FAQs

What makes KPop Demon Hunters stand out?
It became Netflix’s most-watched animated film ever, with over 500 million views by the end of 2025, and it earned strong critical scores for its energy and visuals.

Is The Perfect Neighbor based on a true story?
Yes—it’s a documentary released on Netflix in October 2025 that quickly claimed the most-watched documentary spot in the U.S. at launch.

Are there new Netflix films worth watching in early 2026?
Absolutely. People We Meet on Vacation debuted this year with early buzz, while The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 continues to draw attention from fans of legal drama.

Which upcoming 2026 Netflix movie is most anticipated?
Several stand out—Enola Holmes 3 and Narnia are big franchise returns, while The Adventures of Cliff Booth has buzz from its big-name talent and cinematic pedigree.

Can you recommend a light, feel-good choice?
Sure—Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is a charming claymation short with perfect critical scores. People We Meet on Vacation also offers a warm, romantic vibe with modern relatability.