With the weather cooling down as we enter the autumn months, there is no better time to have a cozy night in while watching some movies on Netflix. As always, the streaming juggernaut is home to thousands of available тιтles to check out, so we’ve made things a bit easier and picked out some of the best, just for you.

These selections offer up a little something for everyone who will be watching. They include a legendary slasher flick, one of the best animated films in recent memory, a modern coming-of-age classic, a fun buddy comedy with hilarious female leads, and a movie that features a Best Original Song Oscar winner.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (2023)

Throughout cinema history, there have been some incredible coming-of-age stories brought to the big screen and though it’s relatively new, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, already ranks among the best. The movie received widespread acclaim after its film festival premiere and continued through its wider release.

Based on the famous Judy Blume novel of the same name, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret follows the тιтular Margaret, a young girl who deals with the start of adolescence, growing up, and her family’s move from New York City to New Jersey. While the story is certainly great, it’s the people involved who make the film so special.

Abby Ryder Fortson, a few years removed from heartwarming scenes in Ant-Man and the Wasp, is fantastic as Margaret, while Rachel McAdams won a handful of notable awards as her mother, Barbara. This was also the second film written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, who was also behind The Edge of Seventeen, another stellar coming-of-age movie.

Unfortunately, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret remains underrated as it bombed at the box office. However, the almost unprecedented 99% Rotten Tomaoes rating shows how great the film is and Netflix is the perfect place for the whole family to give it the viewing it deserves.

8 Mile (2003)

In the early 2000s, it was hard to think of a more prominent rapper than Eminem. He was releasing hits on a consistent basis and, by the time 2003 rolled around, had already put out several all-time great albums. That said, not many people expected him to hop into the world of cinematic storytelling.

Yet that’s just what Eminem did with 8 Mile, a semi-autobiographical film. The story centers on Jimmy/B-Rabbit (Eminem), an aspiring rapper in Detroit who attempts to start a career in the Black dominated world of hip-hop while dealing with his hard-drinking mother, her abusive boyfriend, and the little sister he cares for.

Thanks to Eminem’s popularity, 8 Mile was a huge box office hit, grossing nearly $250 million on a budget of less than $50 million. However, the movie’s success was more than commercial, as it was well-received to the point where it has a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

On top of that, 8 Mile also marked an Oscar win for Eminem as “Lose Yourself” took home Best Original Song. It remains one of the star’s most popular hits to this day, over two decades later. The rap battles are memorable, and the supporting cast, including Brittany Murphy and the debuting Anthony Mackie, is great.

Nimona (2023)

Along the same lines as Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret​​​​​​, 2023 saw another movie fly under the radar despite being one of the very best in its genre. That film is Nimona, an animated fantasy adventure adapted from the graphic novel of the same name.

Nimona was delayed numerous times after Blue Sky Studios was acquired by Disney and then once Blue Sky closed, Annapurna picked it up. That led to the film finally being completed and released on Netflix and, despite strong viewership numbers, still didn’t become the hit it should’ve been.

The story of Nimona centers on the relationship between the тιтular character, a shapeshifting oucast, and a disgraced knight who was framed for a crime. Their bond is a highlight of the film and the quest they go on to save their kingdom from evil is enthralling.

Nimona was met with praise from critics everywhere, including a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination. It was a huge hit at the Annie Awards, landing nine nominations and winning for writing and voice acting. That award-winning voice cast is led by Chloë Grace Moretz and Riz Ahmed, who are spectacular together.

The Texas Chain Saw Mᴀssacre (1974)

When looking at slasher movies, many point to Psycho as the one that started it all but the heyday of the horror subgenre ranged from the back half of the ’70s to the middle of the ’80s. One film that played a big part in that success was 1974’s The Texas Chain Saw Mᴀssacre.

Right off the bat, The Texas Chain Saw Mᴀssacre stood out because it was marketed as being based on true events, giving it a more realistic feel than a lot of other films in the genre. It was also filmed in a way that made it look and feel grimy, which ended up as a key piece in its legacy.

The story is relatively straightforward, as a group of friends stumble upon a family of cannibals in Texas, including the now iconic Leatherface and his famous chainsaw. Whether it’s Gunnar Hansen’s chaotic performance as Leatherface or the sheer brutality of the kills, the character made a lasting impact in horror.

Upon release, The Texas Chain Saw Mᴀssacre was met with mixed reviews but there were some who heavily praised Marilyn Burns’ performance as Sally, the film’s final girl. Time has been kind to the movie, with the reception only getting better. Now, The Texas Chain Saw Mᴀssacre is held up as one of the greatest horror movies of all time.

One Of Them Days (2025)

The latest film included on this list to watch on Netflix is 2025’s One of Them Days. This indie movie managed to be an unexpected commercial success, grossing more than $50 million on a budget of just $14 million, before receiving even more viewers when it hit VOD.

One of Them Days works as something of a modern Friday but with female leads. It’s a comedic film focused on two best friends who go through a lot over the course of a single day as they try to find a way to come up with their rent money before they get evicted.

Like Friday, a lot of what makes One of Them Days work is the chemistry between the two leads, as Keke Palmer and SZA, in her film debut, are fantastic together. They make every scene better, no matter what’s going on because of how well they play off each other.

The rest of the film’s supporting cast is also strong, from Katt Williams to Maude Apatow to Janelle James. One of Them Days was a critical darling, sitting at 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and sparking plans for a sequel with both Palmer and SZA returning.