TV & Movies

40+ Of The Best Movies On Netflix Australia Right Now (April 2025)

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Your friendly resident Entertainment Editor here helping you cull the must-watches from the could-do-withouts with all the films our crew have been loving on Netflix this season. Need something a little light-hearted or in the mood for something with a touch of punch? We've got you covered.

Here's our unmissable recommendations of the best movies on Netflix this autumn 2025. Got your own hidden gems, new or old? Hit us up on socials and let us know. There's no such thing as too much bingeing in our (square) eyes.

And Mrs

If you’re expecting a run-of-the-mill rom-com here, think again. Although it does have that sweet and uplifting feeling you crave from this genre, eventually, it’s more of a dark comedy centred around grief and pain. In a nutshell, Gemma (played by the ever-brilliant and relatable Aisling Bea) sets out on a mission to marry her late fiancé after he drops dead not long before the wedding. In a race against time, convention, and her family’s strong opinions, Gemma and her general mess of a future sister-in-law (played by Billie Lourd) scramble to get the legal permission they need to make it happen. And, of course, there are plenty of twists, turns, and emotional obstacles to overcome along the way. Overall, it’s an enjoyable film, but be warned—if you’ve lost someone close, the end credits might sting a bit! 

The Life List

Full disclosure—we’re saving this one for a hangover or time-of-the-month low-point when we just want the movie equivalent of eating an entire tub of Ben and Jerry’s in one go. Starring former Disney star Sofia Carson and Friday Night Lights’s Connie Britton, it’s basically PS I Love You for mothers and daughters. Reviews are mixed on this one, but with pretty people, a sappy storyline, some romance, and feel-good personal growth thrown in for good measure… That’ll do, pig. That’ll do.

Thelma

If you want a feel-good movie with some underlying substance and powerful social commentary, make Thelma your next watch. Starring the sensational June Squibb, this sweet action-comedy follows a 93-year-old grandma’s epic revenge adventure after she’s cheated out of $10,000 by phone scammers. It’s Jason Bourne meets mobility scooters and we’re totally here for it. If you're a White Lotus fanatic (of course you are) then you'll be pleased to spot Parker Posey (Piper, noooo) back on your screen too.

Babes

Written by and starring Ilana Glazer (Broad City) along with the brilliantly vivacious Michelle Buteau (Survival of the Thickest), Babes follows two childhood friends as they navigate the chaotic rollercoaster of pregnancy (both expected and unexpected), childbirth, and motherhood. It’s witty, raw, and unapologetically blunt about the physical and emotional realities of having children as well as the unique complexities of close female friendships. If you’re one of those people who shudders when women dare even speak about farting or having periods, this one’s not for you. But, if you like strong female voices and brutally honest comedy, this is in fact for you.

Runn

Even if you've managed to miss the name Nedd Brockmann, you'll 100% know the face floating around on bookshelves and on choccie milk bottles (long story) as of late. This homegrown hero was thrown into the media back in 2022 when he decided to run an epic 2.5K mile journey across the country to raise big funds for homelessness. The rest, is as you'll discover, history. Completely inspiring and under an hour, so the perfect watch for those like us who are likely to nod off in front of the tellie.

The Six Triple Eight

The America's political climate currently falling into a heap, The Six Triple Eight is just what the doctor ordered with a true story with powerhouse Kerry Washington at the helm as the army captain of an all-female historican battalion of soliders who made a difference when society tried to disregard them. Check out how these women brought hope to WWII's frontlines by courageously delivering over 17 million backlogged letters during one of history's darkest days. Sassy, moving and stunning in its cast, pop this onto your must-watch list pronto. 

The Bikeriders

Young Hollywood risers Austin Butler and Tom Hardy get gritty in The Bikeriders and we are absolutely seated for it. This crime drama is giving us modern, slightly more mature The Outsiders vibes following a young impressionable bikie bad boy trying to juggle his commitment to his all-consuming club, but also his beloved wife all at once. There's a far bit of violence and roughness to this one, but still shot with beautiful cinematography so you don't feel you're too in the trenches. This is a U:L staff fave right now.

Woman Of The Hour

Netflix's Woman of the Hour offers a chilling look at one of true crime’s strangest intersections between fame and terror. The film, directed by and starring Anna Kendrick, reimagines the unsettling story of Rodney Alcala, a convicted serial killer who appeared as a contestant on The Dating Game in the 1970s. Set against the backdrop of this infamous episode, the film explores how Alcala managed to blend into a public spotlight, masking his dark secrets. With suspense and tension throughout, Woman of the Hour examines both the allure and dangers of celebrity and deception in an era of mass media.

His Three Daughters

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His Three Daughters" brings together a powerhouse trio of Natasha Lyonne, Carrie Coon, and Elizabeth Olsen in a moving chamber drama set against the backdrop of that crazy beautiful New York City. As the estranged sisters gather in their dying father's apartment, old wounds resurface, and tensions run high. Despite their differences, they must navigate their complex relationships and find a way to reconnect. With these three accomplished actresses at the helm, expect raw, emotional performances, poignant family dynamics, and some truly unforgettable monologues. We're suckers for a family reunion.
 

Brothers

Brothers is an emotionally charged drama that dives deep into the complexities of family, war, and loyalty. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire, the film tells the story of two brothers—one a soldier, the other living in his shadow—whose lives are forever altered by the horrors of war. With powerful performances, heart-wrenching moments, and a gripping narrative, Brothers is a must-watch for those who appreciate intense family dynamics and psychological depth.

Mountain Queen: The Summits Of Lhakpa Sherpa

Far out were we inspired to get off the couch and go do something with our lives after we watched this new Netflix drop. Humble mamma bear tracks Lhakpa Sherpa's nine climb attempts up Mount Everest, trying to show her beloved children that there (literally) ain't no mountain high enough. With a ton of gripping archival footage and interviews of this magnificently bold and brave woman, we're a tad obsessed with her journey.
 

Society of the Snow

Prepare yourself for an intense survival drama based on a real-life tragedy. "Society of the Snow" tells the harrowing story of the Uruguayan rugby team who, after their plane crashes into the Andes Mountains, must survive against all odds. The film dives deep into the psychological and physical toll of their ordeal, highlighting themes of hope, desperation, and the human spirit. With a mix of breathtaking cinematography and gripping storytelling, this film is not just about survival—it’s about the lengths we go to, to save ourselves and those we love.

Where The Crawdads Sing

Based on the best-selling novel by Delia Owens, "Where The Crawdads Sing" is a mesmerizing blend of mystery, romance, and drama. Set in the marshlands of North Carolina, the film follows Kya, the "Marsh Girl," who grows up isolated from society. When a local man is found dead, Kya becomes the prime suspect, and the narrative weaves between her tumultuous past and the unfolding investigation. With stunning visuals and a hauntingly beautiful score, this film is an emotional journey that explores themes of loneliness, resilience, and the beauty of nature.

Australia Day

We're not exactly sure why it's taken seven years for Netflix to pick this flick up, but they've just added Australia Day to their new releases and we're so glad they have. A homegrown pick, this gritty and confronting drama shines a light on the racial discrimination and fear that those 'different' from society's expectations face every damn day. Stunningly powerful and thought-provoking, we haven't stopped thinking about it since.

Hit Man

Perfect for a rainy night in, Hit Man is an uber irreverant dark comedy all about a smooth-talking professor who moonlights as a hit man conning his way into all sorts of twisted situations in undercover police stings. The wildest part is that it's actually based off a true story, which makes us question if we've potentially got a hidden talent waiting to shine?!

Unfrosted

Jerry Seinfeld in a comedy film about competing cereal companies was not on our 2024 bingo card, but alas here we are. This new Netflix release is probably not up for an Oscar, but it *is* bound to give you a good belly laugh, especially with the insane line up of Hollywood powerhouses such as Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Hugh Grant, James Marsden, Amy Schumer and Daniel Levy (just to name a few). It's goofy and nostalgic, and will warm your heart when it's time for a break from all the true crime gore.

Widows

A new release to Netflix (even though its 5ish years old), Widows has jumped into the top 10 this week and we're so glad that it's finally been put on our radar. With Viola Davis and Liam Neeson at the helm, four women embark on the ultimate quest to pull of an epic heist in order to pay back a crippling depth left behind by their no-good criminal husbands. It's gritty, empowering and thrilling with a good sprinkling of girl power for good measure.

Barbie

You might not have heard of this little independent film before, but Barbie has officially landed on Netflix so you catch enjoy Ryan Gosling's dance number from the privacy of your own couch. Our Aussie golden girl Margot Robbie may have not won any of the big awards, but she'll always have our hearts.

Scoop

Agh, we guzzled this down at lightning speed. Based off of *that* career and reputation-destroying interview from Prince Andrew, this short, snappy film features powerhouse women such as Gillian Anderson (The X-Files) and Billie Piper (no, she doesn't sing unfortunately) sharing the untold story of how the interview came to be. If you're anything like us, you'll be screaming at your screen throughout too.

Greenland

A fresh drop to Netflix, Greenland stars PS. I Love You hunk Gerald Butler as John Garrity, a dedicated father fighting for survival as a planet-killing comet races to Earth. Desperate to save his young son and estranged wife, they face the absolute best and worst of humanity as they battle against time. Topping the Netflix film charts this week, we've got a feeling that this film plays to people's sense of existential dread of the state of the world right now. 

Spaceman

Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan and Isabella Rossellini are going intergalactic in this brand spankin' new release. Six months into a solo mission, lonely astronaut Sandler is forced to confront the cracks in his marriage with a little help from a mysterious creature sharing the ship with him. Dark, psychological and at times bizarre, Spaceman demonstrates a very different side to Sandler's usual witty quips.

Damsel 

Millie Bobby Brown can't do much wrong in our eyes, so we were thrilled to hear about her latest whimsical Netflix release. A dark modern take on the fairytale classics, Brown's marriage to a charming prince turns into a fierce fight for survival when she's offered up as a sacrifice to a terrifying fire-breathing dragon. Perfect for those who love a little fantasy in their lives, there's a big backing cast (think Angela Bassett and Ray Winstone) that's sure to transport you into another realm. 

Shirley

Serving girl power in spades, Shirley follows the iconic true story of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman to run for President of the United States. With Regina King at the helm, the film chronicles the blatant discrimination and sexism Chisholm encountered on her journey celebrating her tenacity, persistence and fierce fight. Premiering on Australian screens on March 22, we're hanging out for this one ahead of Internation Women's Day.

The Beautiful Game

Meet Mal (Bill Nighy) the manager of England's charming homeless soccer team, as he leads them to the Homeless World Cup in Rome. As the team takes a chance on the new talented but rather troubled striker Vinny, Mal must keep them together and help them truly become united to take out the cup. Utterly heart-warming and uplifting, this one hits screens right at the end of the month on March 29.

Badland Hunters

This South Korean smash has just launched and is already topping the Netflix movie charts, and we sure can see why. In a post-apocalyptic world known as the badlands, a group of skilled hunters emerge as the last line of defense against ruthless bandits and mutant creatures. Led by the formidable duo of Nam San and Choi Ji-wan, the hunters navigate the desolate wastelands, scavenging for resources to sustain their struggling village. Fast-paced and intense, add it to your binge list immediately.

The Kitchen

Set in dystopian London, this tale of fatherhood and community highlights the sweeping gap between rich and poor where social housing has been eliminated. Protagonists Izi and Benji are on the fight to navigate their complex world as residents of  their temporary community, The Kitchen, refuse to abandon their home when the government tries to take over. Dark, raw and moving, these acclaimed British filmmakers Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya make a poignant comment on our society today.

Orion And The Dark

From the producer of How To Train Your Dragon comes Orion and the Dark, a completely charming whimsical adventure perfect for a night in with the whole fam. This animated fantasy adventure film follows Orion as he conquers his greatest fear—the dark—with enormous bravery and humour along the way teaching all of us that it's okay to be a little afraid sometimes.

NYAD

Three decades after giving up marathon swimming in exchange for a prominent career as a sports journalist, at the age of 60, Diana (four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening) becomes obsessed with completing an epic swim that always eluded her: the 110 mile trek from Cuba to Florida—often called the “Mount Everest” of swims.

Pain Hustlers

Pain Hustlers is Erin Brocavich meets Wolf Of Wall Street. If that should tell you anything, it should say this flick is one you can't skip. This high-octane and sharp Netflix movie is naturally filled with all the laughs, casting the likes of Emily Blunt, Chris Evans, Catherine O’Hara, and Andy Garcia. 

Taking place in the heart of sunny Florida, Liza (Blunt) envisions the dream life for her and her young daughter. After landing a job at a struggling pharma start-up let by Pete (Evans), Liza's charisma and wit feeds her right into the underbelly of a criminal conspiracy.

Reptile

Following the brutal murder of a young real estate agent, a hardened detective attempts to uncover the truth in a case where nothing is as it seems. By doing so, he dismantles the illusions in his own life. 

Extraction 2

Chris Hemsworth returns as Tyler Rake in Extraction 2, the sequel to Netflix's blockbuster action film Extraction. After barely surviving the events of the first movie, Rake is back as the Australian black ops mercenary, tasked with another deadly mission: rescuing the battered family of a ruthless Georgian gangster from the prison where they are being held.

Run Rabbit Run

While we may never be able to get our 'Shiv' fix again, Sarah Snook is set to grace your silver screen in this horror-mystery locked with all the twists and turns. As a fertility doctor, Sarah (Snook) has a firm understanding of the cycle of life. However, when she's forced to make sense of the increasingly strange behavior of her young daughter, Sarah must challenge her own beliefs and confront a ghost from her past.

The Mother

Let's just say, if it stars Jennifer Lopez—we're down to watch it. In The Mother—A deadly female assassin comes out of hiding to protect the daughter that she gave up years before, while on the run from dangerous men. 

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The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

Fantasy fiends, this one's for you. When King Edward dies, peace is threatened as his two potential heirs, Aethelstan and Aelfweard, battle to claim the crown. Uhtred hears that Aethelstan, once his ward and protégé, is to fight, he rides to help him secure victory, but the young prince has fallen under a dark influence. And when Aethelstan’s actions threatens the life Uhtred has known, Uhtred has to decide where his loyalties lie, with the king, or with his homeland. 

White Noise

There's hype around White Noise and for good reason too. Blending family drama, comedy and chaos, bookworms will already be aware that this Noah Baumbach (remember, from Marriage Story?) spin is inspired by Don Delillo's famed book by the same name. Starring Adam Driver, this one is based on a family's awkward suburban life which gets quickly upended when a nearby chemical leak causes 'The Airborne Toxic Event'. 

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

So, some people are saying this could be one of the best Netflix movies of all time but we'll leave that decision up to you. Benoit Blanc returns to peel back the layers in a new Rian Johnson whodunnit. This fresh adventure finds the intrepid detective at a lavish private estate on a Greek island, but how and why he comes to be there is only the first of many puzzles. 

The Good Nurse

Amy, a compassionate nurse and single mother struggling with a life-threatening heart condition, is stretched to her physical and emotional limits by the hard and demanding night shifts at the ICU. But help arrives when Charlie, a thoughtful and empathetic fellow nurse, starts at her unit. While sharing long nights at the hospital, the two develop become pretty good friends but a series of mysterious patient deaths sets off an investigation that points to Charlie as the prime suspect. Not to freak you out but this one is based on true events.

Blonde

Based on the bestselling novel by Joyce Carol Oates, Blonde reimagines the life of one of Hollywood's most enduring icons, Marilyn Monroe. From her volatile childhood as Norma Jeane, through her rise to stardom and romantic entanglements, Blonde blurs the lines of fact and fiction to explore the widening split between her public and private self. Absolutely unmissable. 

Day Shift

In this action film, Jamie Foxx stars as a hard-working blue-collar dad who just wants to provide a good life for his quick-witted daughter. However, his mundane San Fernando Valley pool cleaning job is a front for his real source of income, hunting and killing vampires as part of an international Union of vampire hunters. 

Persuasion

Living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy, Anne Elliot (Dakota Johnson) is an "unconforming woman with modern sensibilities". When Frederick Wentworth—the dashing one she let get away—crashes back into her life, Anne has to choose between putting the past behind her pursuing true love. Book fiends will know this one has been adapted from the Jane Austen novel. 

The Gray Man

As one of the best action movies on Netflix, The Gray Man is CIA operative Court Gentry (Ryan Gosling), AKA Sierra Six. Plucked from a federal penitentiary and recruited by his handler, Donald Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton), Gentry was once a highly-skilled, Agency-sanctioned merchant of death...just your run-of-the-mill job, right? However, the tables turn and now Six is the target, hunted across the globe by Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), a former cohort at the CIA, who will stop at nothing to take him out. 

Hustle

Adam Sandler is back and this time around, he’s starring as a basketball scout. After discovering a once-in-a-lifetime player with a rocky past, Stanley Beren (Sandler) takes it upon himself to bring the phenom to the States without his team's approval. Against the odds, they have one final shot to prove they have what it takes to make it in the NBA. 

Spiderhead

Okay, we’re here for Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller. Based on The New Yorker short story by George Saunders, Spiderhead is a genre-bending and darkly funny psychological thriller directed by Joseph Kosinski (TRON: Legacy, Top Gun: Maverick) and written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Deadpool, Zombieland). 

Choose Or Die

Let’s be real, Asa Butterfield never disappoints so kick up your feet and get ready to sink your teeth into Netflix’s new horror, Choose Or Die. After firing up a lost 80s survival horror game, a young coder unleashes a hidden curse that tears reality apart, forcing her to make terrifying decisions and face deadly consequences. 

Against The Ice

In 1909, Denmark’s Arctic Expedition led by Captain Ejnar Mikkelsen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) was attempting to disprove the United States’ claim to Northeast Greenland. Two men succeed in finding proof that Greenland is, in fact, one island, but returning to the ship takes longer than expected. The two battle extreme hunger, fatigue and a polar bear attack and when they finally arrive back at their base—their ship has been crushed in the ice and the camp has been abandoned.

Windfall

Brace yourself for this ​​Hitchcockian thriller following a wealthy couple who arrive at their vacation home only to find it's being robbed—we know, the deepest of plots but hang with it, you won’t be disappointed. Windfall also stars a few familiar faces including Lily Collins, Jason Segel (as the bad guy, would you believe?) and Jesse Plemons. 

Adam By Eve

Without a doubt one of the coolest movies on Netflix, Adam By Eve is a mystery-drama wrapped in vibrant visuals that combine live-action 3DCD and 2D animation. High school student Aki searches for her friend Taki, who disappeared suddenly in front of her eyes. She wanders into a strange world created by the mysterious entity “Hitotsume-sama.” Led by Taki’s voice, she finds a fictional Shibuya that is neither dream nor reality. 

​​​​Rescued By Ruby

We mean, how can you go wrong with yet another movie about his man and his dog? Based on a true story, state trooper Dan (Grant Gustin) dreams of joining the K-9 Search And Rescue team, but no one will give him the chance. Shelter dog Ruby dreams of having a home, but is running out of hope. When fate brings Dan and Ruby together, it's their unshakable bond that helps them face their toughest challenge yet.

Black Crab

Black Crab is a Swedish action thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world torn apart by war. During a long, harsh winter, six soldiers embark on a covert mission across a frozen archipelago, risking their lives to transport a mysterious package that could end the war. As they enter hostile enemy territory, they have no idea what dangers lie ahead or who—if anyone—they can trust. But for speed skater turned soldier Caroline Edh, the mission is about something else entirely. 

The Adam Project

If you’re keen to hit cruise on you brain then you’re going to love The Adam Project. Deep in the genre of sci-fi, after accidentally crash-landing in 2022, time-travelling fighter pilot Adam Reed teams up with his 12-year-old self on a big ol’ mission to save the future. 

The Weekend Away

Grab the popcorn, a warm blanket and get ready to settle in for this Netflix crime thriller. The Weekend Away, starring Leighton Meester, is based on Sarah Alderson's bestselling 2020 novel of the same name and let's just say the book has a pretty hectic twist at the end. A weekend getaway to Croatia goes awry when Beth (Leighton Meester) is accused of killing her best friend (Christina Wolfe). Some have likened this Netflix iteration as the female Bourne movie and we mean... there's only one way to find out. 

Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Melody, her teenage sister Lila and their friends Dante and Ruth, head to the remote town of Harlow, Texas to start an idealistic new business venture. Of course, their big dream soon turns into an absolute nightmare when they accidentally walk into the home of the iconic Leatherface. If you’ve watched any of the Texas Chainsaw movies, you’ll know he’s the deranged serial killer who just so happens to be back on the prowl. To top things off, this film also features a cameo from Sally Hardesty (Olwen Fouéré), the sole survivor of his infamous 1973 massacre who’s hell-bent on seeking revenge. 

The Lost Daughter

We love it when Netflix gets a jumpstart on streaming hotly anticipated movies early in the year so get ready to lap up all that is Olivia Coleman in Maggie Gyllenhaal's directorial debut—The Lost Daughter. In this one, Leda (Olivia Coleman) meets a mother and her young daughter while holidaying in Italy. You'll also find Dakota Johnson, Jessie Buckley, Ed Harris, Peter Sarsgaard, Paul Mescal and Dagmara Dominczyk starring in this psychological thriller. 

Don't Look Up

Don't Look Up follows Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), an astronomy grad student, and her professor Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) make an astounding discovery of a comet orbiting within the solar system. The problem—it’s on a direct collision course with Earth. 

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Image credit: Netflix

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