Netflix consistently refreshes its library with crowd-pleasing blockbusters, featuring acclaimed favorites like Parasite, Interstellar, and The Menu. These award-winning hits are a safe bet for viewers seeking guaranteed entertainment. However, beyond the well-known titles, Netflix also offers a treasure trove of lesser-known films that deserve attention.
For those eager to uncover hidden gems, the platform boasts a diverse range of underrated movies across various genres. Among them, three standout options include a captivating animated feature, a deeply moving emotional drama, and a distinctive biographical tale—each promising a unique and rewarding viewing experience.
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Kubo and the Two Strings is a mesmerizing stop-motion animated action fantasy set against the backdrop of feudal Japan. The story follows young Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson), who lives a secluded life with his ailing mother. She warns him to never linger outside after nightfall, a precaution against his vengeful grandfather, the Moon King (Ralph Fiennes), and his eerie twin aunts (both brought to life by Rooney Mara). When Kubo unwittingly disobeys, he’s plunged into a perilous quest, joined by unexpected allies—Monkey (Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Matthew McConaughey)—to retrieve his late father’s mystical armor.
Despite its brilliance, Kubo and the Two Strings often flies under the radar, eclipsed by flashier CGI blockbusters and even outshone by Laika’s more celebrated works like Coraline and ParaNorman. Directed by Travis Knight, this 2016 gem weaves Japanese folklore with breathtaking stop-motion artistry and a poignant emotional core. At its heart, it’s a haunting exploration of grief and resilience, narrated through Kubo’s courageous journey. This underrated masterpiece stands as one of Netflix’s finest animated offerings, deserving a spot among the genre’s elite.
Kubo and the Two Strings is streaming on Netflix.
To the Bone (2017)
In To the Bone, Lily Collins delivers a riveting performance as Ellen, a 20-year-old grappling with severe anorexia. Directed by Marti Noxon, this poignant drama follows Ellen’s journey after years of unsuccessful treatments and fraying family ties lead her to an unconventional inpatient program under the guidance of the eccentric Dr. Beckham (Keanu Reeves). Settling into a house with other young patients, Ellen faces her deep-seated fears and past traumas as she searches for a way toward recovery.
Released in 2017, To the Bone doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of anorexia, unflinchingly portraying its devastating physical and emotional impact on both the individual and their loved ones. Despite its compelling performances and sensitive narrative, the film remains underappreciated—perhaps due to the stigma tied to its subject matter. Initially sparking controversy as one of Netflix’s most divisive releases, it has since lingered as a hidden gem in the platform’s catalog. By presenting recovery as a complex, non-linear struggle rather than a tidy triumph, To the Bone offers a raw and honest perspective, making it a vital and overlooked film that merits greater recognition.
To the Bone is streaming on Netflix.
The Swimmers (2022)
The Swimmers, directed by Sally El Hosaini, is a profoundly moving biographical drama that chronicles the extraordinary true story of Syrian sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini. Portrayed by real-life siblings Nathalie and Manal Issa, the Mardinis harbor Olympic ambitions amid the relentless violence of war-torn Damascus. When their home becomes untenable, they embark on a treacherous journey to seek asylum in Germany, a quest that includes a daring swim across the Aegean Sea. In a breathtaking act of bravery, the sisters dive into the water to help steer a sinking dinghy packed with refugees to safety. Their perseverance pays off as Yusra eventually competes in the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic Team.
Ranking among the finest films inspired by real events, The Swimmers resonates deeply in today’s world, weaving a narrative of resilience and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. It transforms the familiar trope of chasing a dream against overwhelming odds into a visceral, real-life tale of survival and hope. Anchored by its authenticity and culminating in a gut-wrenching credits sequence, this gripping and unforgettable film stands as a testament to the human spirit, making it a must-watch on Netflix.
The Swimmers is streaming on Netflix.