The Top 10 Movies on Netflix to Watch Right This Second (Including a Brand-New Film at #1)

​​There are countless streaming options available at my fingertips, but not all Netflix movies live up to expectations. That’s why I often turn to the top 10 movies list on Netflix, which ranks titles based on who’s watching what. Not only does it include the most popular new releases (like Unfrosted), but it also features a few old favorites (like Shrek). The best part? The top 10 movies on Netflix are updated on a daily basis, so there’s never a shortage of new options.

From Mother of the Bride to The Courier, keep scrolling for a list of the best movies on Netflix and my editor’s pick of the week.

• Cast: N/A
• Run Time: 80 minutes
• Genre: Investigative documentary

Join a team of researchers as they embark on a journey to explore the origin story of the Neanderthals. They soon learn that they have a complex history and the film educates viewers about their rise and fall.

In a statement, Gideon Bradshaw (executive producer at BBC Studios Science Unit) said, “With thoughtful casting, incredibly realistic prosthetic make-up, and meticulously crafted wardrobe—all enhanced by a revolutionary CGI technique—we have been able to bring Neanderthals to life like never before. Every design choice, every scene is built upon evidence from the archaeological record, supervised by the world’s leading Neanderthal experts.”

• Cast: Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove, Benjamin Bratt
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• Genre: Romantic comedy

The rom-com stars Brooke Shields as a single mother who’s preparing to travel to Thailand for her daughter’s wedding. It doesn’t take long for her to realize the groom’s father is a man who broke her heart years ago. The question is: Will she fall for her ex all over again?

In Nakeisha Campbell’s review of the movie, she wrote, “The feel-good film is riddled with familiar rom-com clichés, including at least one awkward shower scene and a cheeky montage. And while it's all light and fun, if you ask me, it feels like a film I've already seen multiple times.”

• Cast: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• Genre: Family comedy

Meet Shrek, an outcast ogre who lives in a far away swamp. In an attempt to save his home, the creature teams up with Lord Farquaad to rescue a princess. Little do they know, the princess is hiding a dark secret. 

This family-friendly film is a must-watch for viewers of all ages. The story is loosely based on the 1990 children's picture book by William Steig.

• Cast: Arón Piper, María Pedraza, Luis Tosar
• Run Time: 102 minutes
• Genre: Spanish thriller

Not to be confused with the 2020 movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch, this thriller takes place in 2002 and tells the story of how the euro came to be. The plot focuses on a young valet who becomes involved in an international cartel that thrives on money laundering.

Cast members include Arón Piper, María Pedraza, Luis Tosar, Laura Sépul, Nourdin Batan, José Manuel Poga, Luis Zahera and Hervé Falciani.

• Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Melissa McCarthy, Amy Schumer, Hugh Grant
• Run Time: 96 minutes
• Genre: Comedy

Serving as Jerry Seinfeld’s directorial debut, Unfrosted is a not-so-true retelling of the “great pastry war” of 1963, which resulted in the creation of Pop-Tarts. The movie revolves around a Kellogg’s employee named Bob Cabana, who learns that Marjorie Post and her assistant, Rock Ludwin, have stolen his research for a “top secret” project he’s working on.

In her honest review, PureWow editor Karelle McKay wrote, “While the storyline made little to no sense, the ensemble cast saved the movie from becoming a dumpster fire. It brought the laughs, the mayhem and (of course) the tasty pastries.”

• Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Leighton Meester
• Run Time: 141 minutes
• Genre: Courtroom drama

When an attorney named Hank returns to his hometown for his mom's funeral, he's reminded of his complicated relationship with his father. He's forced to put their differences aside when his dad is arrested for a hit-and-run accident, forcing Hank to represent his father's defense.

The film originally premiered in 2014, and it immediately received critical acclaim. In fact, Robert Duvall earned his seventh Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Joseph Palmer. 

• Cast: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy
• Run Time: 95 minutes
• Genre: Family comedy

In this follow-up film, Shrek makes a risky deal with Rumpelstiltskin that has dire consequences. So, he turns to Donkey, Fiona and Puss in Boots to make things right before it’s too late. 

Shrek Forever After: The Final Chapter is the fourth film to be released in the Shrek franchise, but it falls fifth in the chronological list of movies: Puss in Boots (2011), Shrek (2001), Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), Shrek Forever After (2010) and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022).

• Cast: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz
• Run Time: 132 minutes
• Genre: Action & adventure

If you love Denzel Washington, then you need to watch this action film. The story follows a retired intelligence operative who's forced to return to duty when a single mom becomes involved with the mafia.

The Equalizer originally premiered in 2014, but it was just recently added to Netflix’s movie database. It didn’t take long for the film to claim the seventh spot on the streaming service’s list of most-watched flicks. 

• Cast: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith
• Run Time: 91 minutes
• Genre: Family comedy

Join the animals from the Central Park Zoo as they take their adventures to the African savannas. While there, they encounter a variety of animal species while attempting to reunite Alex the lion with his family.

The family-friendly flick is a sequel to the 2005 film, Madagascar. The follow-up film earned $603.9 million at the box-office, making it the sixth highest-grossing movie of 2008.

• Cast: Scott Adkins, Michael Jai White, Alexis Knapp
• Run Time: 102 minutes
• Genre: Action & adventure

When a Polish black site is targeted by a group of mercenaries, a Navy SEAL is tasked with escorting a terrorist suspect to Washington D.C. As expected, chaos ensues. 

The British action thriller film is a sequel to One Shot, which premiered in 2021. Cast members include Scott Adkins, Michael Jai White, Alexis Knapp and Tom Berenger.

• Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day
• Run Time: 92 minutes
• Genre: Family comedy

Meet Mario and Luigi, plumber brothers who are working on a water main in Brooklyn. When the pipe leads to a mysterious new world, they embark on an epic adventure to find their way back.

The comedy is a must-watch for anyone who played the namesake video game. Not only is the movie filled with familiar references, but it also features a stellar cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Charles Martinet, Seth Rogen and Keegan-Michael Key.

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