Introduction:
In today’s world, with the rise of numerous streaming platforms, Netflix has become one of the most popular ones among all. However, it’s not always easy to find something new to watch. Deciding what to watch can get overwhelming with thousands of shows and movies to choose from. Therefore, to help you out, we have created a list of “10 Hidden Gems on Netflix” that you might have overlooked.
“Hidden Gems” are new and unconventional shows and movies that are critically acclaimed, but often get lost under the algorithm or are not highlighted in the new releases section. The following list of shows and movies will undoubtedly fulfill your appetite for a good story and take you on a journey that you’ll remember forever.
#1. “The End of the F***ing World” (TV Series)
“The End of the F***ing World” is an irreverent, dark comedy-drama TV series that revolves around teenagers James and Alyssa, who run away from their troubled homes and set out on a road trip across the UK. The show has a distinctive tonality and elucidates just the right amount of humor to make you laugh and simultaneously cringe, with James being a self-proclaimed psychopath and Alyssa being a rebellious, angry teenager. The show is based on a graphic novel and is executive produced by award-winning writer Charlie Covell.
#2. “The Platform” (Movie)
“The Platform” is a Spanish science-fiction, horror-thriller movie that is set in a dystopian society, where prisoners are confined to a vertical prison and are deprived of sustenance and dignity. The film is a commentary on various socio-political structures and human apathy. The film is visually striking, layered, and pushes philosophical and psychological boundaries.
#3. “Moonlight” (Movie)
“Moonlight” is an Academy Award-winning drama film that captures the complexities of the African-American experience. The film navigates through three significant stages of a young man’s life, dealing with sensitive themes such as race, masculinity, and sexuality. The film garnered critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling, raw performances, and vivid cinematography.
#4. “Russian Doll” (TV Series)
“Russian Doll” is a dark-comedy and surreal TV series that follows a woman named Nadia, who dies and re-lives the same day over and over again, leading to a deeper understanding of her life and relationships. The show has a powerful lead performance from the co-creator and actress, Natasha Lyonne. It is a unique show with well-written dialogues, inventive storytelling, and makes you question reality.
#5. “I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore” (Movie)
“I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore” is a dark-comedy movie about Ruth, a nursing assistant, who’s disturbed by her experiences in day-to-day life where people show apathy and lack of empathy in individual earth shattering moments. The movie spirals into a vigilante tale that is pleasurably entertaining, offbeat, and dark. It’s a directorial debut of Macon Blair and received the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.
#6. “The Little Prince” (Movie)
“The Little Prince” is an animated movie adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic book of the same name. The storyline follows a young girl who discovers the story of The Little Prince through an aging pilot, which then transports the girl both physically and emotionally into a different realm. The film portrays the simple and innocent message of the book while adding a visual touch, making it an evergreen favorite for both children and adults.
#7. “The Umbrella Academy” (TV Series)
“The Umbrella Academy” is an eccentric and gritty superhero TV series that brings together six super-powered adoptee siblings who reunite after their father’s mysterious death. The show’s unique approach to a superhero ensemble cast, along with its dark humor and inventive storytelling, has garnered critical acclaim. The show even received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for its opening song “I Think We’re Alone Now”.
#8. “One Day at a Time” (TV Series)
“One Day at a Time” is a sitcom about a Cuban-American family dealing with everyday social issues like sexual harassment, depression, and immigration. The show revolves around a single mother, played by Justina Machado, and how she raises her two children with the help of her mother (Oscar-nominated Rita Moreno) and a Cuban handyman (Todd Grinnell). The show has consistently been applauded for its representation of diversity, nuance in subject matter, and relatable characters.
#9. “Toast of London” (TV Series)
“Toast of London” is a British comedy TV series that stars Matt Berry as Steven Toast, an eccentric actor who has fallen from grace and is forever in search of work and recognition. The show is known for its brand of dry humor, unpredictability, and the unique style of acting and writing by Matt Berry. If you’re looking for a show that still doesn’t take itself too seriously, “Toast of London” is an excellent choice.
#10. “Beasts of No Nation” (Movie)
“Beasts of No Nation” is a movie that follows the story of a young West African boy who’s torn away from his family, forced into becoming a child soldier for a group of rebels in a nameless African country. The film is gritty, heartbreaking, and viewed through the lens of childhood innocence. The film stars Idris Elba and is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, who famously directed the first season of “True Detective.”
FAQs:
Q. How to find more of the “Hidden Gems” on Netflix?
Ans: To find more “Hidden Gems” on Netflix, go to the “Niche” categories section, which is often below where the algorithm recommends shows for you. “Niche” categories contain shows that aren’t mainstream and are based on your past viewer behavior based. Also, check out the “Top Picks for You” section, which is manually crafted by Netflix’s editorial team based on user ratings and internal analytics.
Q. Are these “Hidden Gems” exclusive to Netflix?
Ans: Most of the shows and movies mentioned on this list are exclusive to Netflix. However, it’s possible to find some of these options on other streaming platforms or to rent/buy on-demand from Amazon Prime or iTunes.
Q. What’s the best advice for finding something to watch on Netflix?
Ans: The best advice would be to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Don’t just stick to one genre of shows or movies. “Hidden Gems” usually require you to be open-minded and receptive to different styles of storytelling. Another piece of advice is to look out for new releases and trailers of upcoming shows and movies you find interesting.
Best Practices, Tips, and Tricks:
1. Sign up for Netflix’s newsletter to get the latest news on new releases and exclusive content available on the platform. This will help you stay up-to-date with what’s coming and what’s popular.
2. Make the best use of Netflix’s personalized recommendation system. Netflix uses internal algorithms that understand your viewing behavior and suggest the best new content based on your watch history and rating history.
3. Don’t rush into watching the popular shows or movies that are trending on Netflix. Instead, try something new and different, and you might discover an undervalued “hidden gem” that you would never have otherwise.
4. Utilize the rating system by rating shows and movies after watching them. Netflix uses these ratings to suggest future content and improve recommendations.
In conclusion, “Hidden Gems” are a treasure trove of unique and unconventional stories that are waiting to be explored. With this list of “10 Hidden Gems on Netflix,” we hope you’ve found something that piques your interest. Hence, I hope that the FAQs section and best practices, tips, and tricks make your Netflix watching experience more enjoyable and enriching.
