Credit: Lucas Gouveia/How-To GeekWhen it comes to award-winning films, Netflix is the gift that keeps giving. Whether it’s originals or its monthly release schedule, the streaming giant will always have a passable collection of decorated films across genres, languages, and years.
If you’re looking for a recognized Netflix film that offers strong performances, emotional storytelling, and memorable characters, these three films, currently streaming on Netflix U.S., are definitely worth adding to your watch list. Here’s all you need to know.
Rustin
The story of an unsung hero
Political thrillers always intrigue me, but films about lesser-known political figures always capture my attention the most. Rustin is a powerful film for those wanting to explore the untold stories of American history. Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, it tells the story of Bayard Rustin, the activist and strategist who played a crucial role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington.
Despite being one of the movement’s most influential figures, Rustin often works behind the scenes, facing discrimination on two fronts: his race and his sexuality as an openly gay man. As pressure builds from political opponents, fellow activists, and government surveillance, Rustin remains determined to bring thousands of people together for one of the most significant demonstrations in American history. Colman Domingo delivers what many consider the best performance of his career.
Rustin won several accolades, including a Gotham Independent Film Award (Icon & Creator Tribute for Social Justice) and an Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for Domingo at the NAACP Image Awards. It also earned Domingo his first Academy Award nomination (Best Actor in a Leading Role).
Cast
Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, Aml Ameen, CCH Pounder, Michael Potts, Colman Domingo, Jeffrey Wright, Audra McDonald
Runtime
106 Minutes
Director
George C. Wolfe
Writers
Julian Breece, Dustin Lance Black
Studio(s)
Higher Ground Productions
Distributor(s)
Netflix
Maestro
The portrait of a musical genius
For a biographical telling of another notable figure’s story, albeit in a different field, don’t miss out on the Netflix Original, Maestro. This is a visually and musically stunning portrait of Leonard Bernstein, one of the most influential composers and conductors of the twentieth century. The film follows his rise to fame after a breakthrough opportunity thrusts him into the spotlight, establishing him as a celebrated musician.
But beyond his career highlights, the story also focuses on his close relationship with actress Felicia Montealegre, whose presence becomes a driving force in his life both on and off-stage. As Bernstein’s musical career flourishes, Maestro explores the ups and downs of his relationships.
Maestro was named as one of the Top Ten Films of the Year by the American Film Institute. It also won the Gotham Independent Film Award for Icon & Creator Tribute and the Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. The movie received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Bradley Cooper), and Best Actress (Carey Mulligan), but failed to win an Oscar.
Cast
Bradley Cooper, Carey Mulligan, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, Matt Bomer
Runtime
129 Minutes
Director
Bradley Cooper
Writers
Bradley Cooper, Josh Singer
Studio(s)
Amblin Entertainment
Distributor(s)
Netflix
Rachel Getting Married
A wedding of reckoning
Finally, if you’re looking for a movie that will have you on the edge of your seat for its run, Rachel Getting Married is an early 2000s drama that you shouldn’t skip. It follows Kym, a young woman struggling with addiction. After a stint in rehab, she temporarily returns to her family home to attend her older sister Rachel’s wedding. The gathering becomes emotionally charged when Kym’s presence forces the family to revisit unresolved problems. Kym’s troubled past, marred by her addiction and a family tragedy, casts a dark shadow over Rachel’s wedding.
As friends and relatives arrive for the wedding weekend, the stakes are high for the family and Kym. While Rachel struggles to balance her excitement about the future with her frustration toward her sister, their parents grapple with guilt and grief. Rachel Getting Married unfolds over the course of just a few days but is rich with tension.
For her performance as Kym, Anne Hathaway won the Best Actress award at the 14th Critics’ Choice Awards and was nominated for Best Actress at the 81st Academy Awards.
Cast
Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Debra Winger, Sebastian Stan
Runtime
113 Minutes
Director
Jonathan Demme
Writers
Jenny Lumet
Main Genre
Drama
Want to explore more award-winning films on Netflix? You can search for specific awards (if eligible) in your search, explore award collections, or simply search for winners on official databases so you can browse better and refresh your watch list with celebrated titles.
Subscription with ads
Yes, $8/month
Simultaneous streams
Two or four
Stream licensed and original programming with a monthly Netflix subscription.
Live TV
No
Price
Starting at $8/month
