Netflix has turned around its film offerings in the second half of 2025, showcasing a selection of movies that may contend for prestigious awards. While the year started with a lacklustre slate, the streaming giant has now released a series of films that critics believe could earn nominations at the upcoming Academy Awards. Here are the top five Netflix movies of 2025 that viewers should not miss.
The Thursday Murder Club
Among the highlights is The Thursday Murder Club, directed by Chris Columbus. This comedy-mystery features former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan alongside Helen Mirren, who plays the lead role of Elizabeth Best, a retired spy. Elizabeth forms a group with fellow residents of her retirement community, including Ron Ritchie (Brosnan), Professor Ibrahim Arif (Ben Kingsley), and Joyce Meadowcroft (Celia Imrie), to tackle cold cases. The urgency escalates when a local murder puts their cherished community at risk, turning the Thursday Murder Club into amateur sleuths.
KPop Demon Hunters
Another standout film is KPop Demon Hunters, a vibrant animated feature that has captured audiences worldwide. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film follows a K-pop girl band named Huntrix, consisting of Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo). This trio balances their musical careers with their secret life as demon hunters. Notably, Rumi harbors a hidden truth: she is part-demon herself. The film’s significant presence on Netflix’s top 10 rankings indicates its popularity, and it is considered a strong contender for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Steve
In a more dramatic turn, Steve features Cillian Murphy in a role that could earn him a second Oscar nomination. Set in the 1990s, Murphy portrays a dedicated headteacher at a school for boys facing severe challenges. The narrative unfolds as he fights to prevent the closure of the institution, which provides a haven for its troubled students. The emotional depth of the film is amplified by the relationship between Steve and one of his students, Shy (Jay Lycurgo), who faces familial rejection. The film’s poignant themes resonate strongly with audiences.
Frankenstein
Renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale with Frankenstein. Known for his unique storytelling, del Toro brings the characters of the Creature (Jacob Elordi) and Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) to life in a way that allows viewers to empathize with both figures. The film explores themes of creation and monstrosity, positioning itself as a serious contender for the Best Picture award at the Oscars.
Train Dreams
Finally, Train Dreams stands out as a potential Best Picture nominee. Directed by Clint Bentley, this adaptation of Denis Johnson‘s novella presents a haunting narrative set against the backdrop of the American frontier. The film follows Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), whose quiet life is disrupted by personal tragedy and the demands of his railroad work. The film’s dreamlike quality and emotional weight mark it as a significant achievement in storytelling.
As the awards season approaches, these films represent a strong selection from Netflix, showcasing a variety of genres and themes. With over two weeks remaining in 2025, audiences are encouraged to explore these cinematic offerings before the nominations are announced.
