Credit: Lucas Gouveia/How-To GeekNetflix has earned a reputation for hosting cherished award-winning movies and shows, but not all of its best titles get the attention they deserve. Beyond the Oscars and Emmys, some of its strongest titles go unnoticed, despite sweeping other recognized award shows.
This weekend, these three amazing films, streaming on Netflix U.S., are my picks for award-winning Netflix Originals that may not show up at the top of your search when you search for “award-winning movies.” The top selection is a historical drama starring a four-time Oscar nominee.
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Dolemite Is My Name
One man and a Hollywood dream
If you enjoy a hilarious yet inspiring underdog-aiming-big narrative, Dolemite Is My Name definitely deserves a spot on your list this weekend. Based on the true story of comedian and entertainer Rudy Ray Moore, the biographical comedy follows his determination to break into Hollywood after many years of struggling to find success. However, when his ridiculous alter ego, Dolemite, becomes a smash hit in the comedy space, Moore decides to take matters into his own hands and make a feature film despite having little money or support. Believing in his vision, Moore takes on Hollywood, despite all the setbacks that come his way.
Eddie Murphy leads the film with his strong acting and comedy style, earning critical acclaim. Dolemite Is My Name won several awards for its cast performance and writing, including two Critics’ Choice Movie Awards (Best Comedy and Best Costume Design) and one NAACP Image Award (Outstanding Independent Motion Picture).
Cast
T.I., Keegan-Michael Key, Tituss Burgess, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Eddie Murphy, London Worthy, Wesley Snipes, Craig Robinson, Mike Epps, Chris Rock, Chelsea Gilson
Runtime
118 minutes
Director
Chelsea Gilson
Writers
Larry Karaszewski, Scott Alexander
Budget
$140,000
Studio(s)
Netflix
Distributor(s)
Netflix
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The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)
Family gatherings come with emotional baggage
Family dramas aren’t usually a genre I reach for first, but The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) was one drama I thoroughly enjoyed during one of my streaming nights. This comedy follows the dysfunctional Meyerowitz family as estranged siblings Danny, Jean, and Matthew reunite in New York after their aging father, Harold, falls ill. With old sibling rivalry resurfacing, the family has to unpack a lot between each other and their father.
Despite its seemingly heavy premise, The Meyerowitz Stories is actually filled with dry humor and chaos. The ensemble stars Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, and Emma Thompson. This was the second Netflix film competing at Cannes and stirred up some controversy since it was made for a streaming service. Regardless, it did garner some recognition, winning the Palm Dog Award at the Cannes Film Festival and a Hollywood Comedy Award for Sandler at the Hollywood Film Awards.
Cast
Grace Van Patten, Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller, Emma Thompson, Adam Sandler
Director
Noah Baumbach
Writers
Noah Baumbach
Main Genre
Comedy
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The King
Heavy is the head that wears the crown
My top pick for this list is a story that is more of an experience than a simple watch. If historical dramas are your thing, The King is one of Netflix’s most iconic originals to add to your watch list. Inspired by William Shakespeare’s Henriad plays, the film follows young Prince Hal, who has spent years avoiding his noble responsibilities and living a carefree life, removed from the English court. But after the unexpected death of his father, he is crowned King Henry V and has to navigate secret political conspiracies, tricky alliances, and the weight of his new position while preparing his kingdom for war.
The King is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henriad rather than a historical documentary (although it did get criticized by historians like one). Besides Chalamet’s strong lead performance, the star-studded cast features Joel Edgerton, Sean Harris, Lily-Rose Depp, and Robert Pattinson. The King won four AACTA Awards, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Edgerton), Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design.
Cast
Nick Wittman, Ivan Kaye, Ben Mendelsohn, Tom Glynn-Carney, Andrew Havill, Lily-Rose Depp, Joel Edgerton, Timothée Chalamet, Dean-Charles Chapman, Jack Bandeira, Thomasin McKenzie, Steven Elder, Sean Harris, Robert Pattinson, Edward Ashley
Runtime
140 minutes
Director
David Michôd
Writers
Joel Edgerton, David Michôd
Budget
$40million
Studio(s)
Netflix
Distributor(s)
Netflix
Browse Netflix for more options
If you really want to explore Netflix’s collection beyond what you see on your home or search page, try discovery features and tricks that will dig up some amazing titles, or use Netflix’s secret codes to filter your search better.
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
