10 Hidden Netflix Originals That Are Actually Brilliant

Netflix churns out so many original movies and shows that it’s easy for some real standouts to slip through the cracks. These under-the-radar titles often lack the hype of blockbusters but pack just as much punch with their storytelling, performances, or unique ideas.

I’ve dug into Netflix’s vast library to highlight 10 brilliant originals that deserve more attention. Spanning genres like drama, thriller, comedy, and sci-fi, these picks, mostly from the last decade, offer fresh narratives and bold creativity that make them worth your next binge.

10. The Half of It (2020)

This coming-of-age dramedy, directed by Alice Wu, follows shy teen Ellie Chu, played by Leah Lewis, who ghostwrites love letters for a jock crushing on her own secret love, Aster. It’s a modern twist on Cyrano de Bergerac with heart and wit.

The film’s quiet charm lies in its honest take on teenage longing and identity. Lewis shines as Ellie, and the small-town setting adds warmth, earning it praise for its fresh, bittersweet spin on romance.

9. Private Life (2018)

Tamara Jenkins’ drama stars Kathryn Hahn and Paul Giamatti as a couple navigating the emotional rollercoaster of infertility. Their raw, relatable struggle is both heartbreaking and laced with dark humor.

The film’s strength is its grounded storytelling and stellar performances, especially Hahn’s nuanced portrayal. It avoids easy answers, offering a candid look at love and resilience that resonates deeply.

8. Cam (2018)

Directed by Daniel Goldhaber, this psychological thriller follows camgirl Alice, played by Madeline Brewer, whose online identity is hijacked by a doppelgänger. It’s a chilling dive into digital identity and sex work.

Brewer’s gripping performance carries the film, blending fear and determination. The script, co-written by former camgirl Isa Mazzei, adds authenticity, making this a bold, unsettling gem that’s criminally underseen.

7. Beasts of No Nation (2015)

Cary Joji Fukunaga’s harrowing war drama tracks Agu, a young boy played by Abraham Attah, forced into life as a child soldier in an African conflict. Idris Elba’s commanding performance as the warlord anchors the story.

The film’s raw intensity and human focus set it apart, earning millions of views shortly after release. Its unflinching look at war’s toll makes it a powerful, if heavy, must-watch.

6. The OA (2016-2019)

This mind-bending mystery series follows Prairie Johnson, played by Brit Marling, a woman who reappears after years missing, now with her sight restored and calling herself the OA. She recruits strangers for a cryptic mission.

Its blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and drama is wildly original, though its cancellation after two seasons left fans wanting more. Marling’s ethereal performance and the show’s bold narrative make it unforgettable.

5. I Care a Lot (2020)

Rosamund Pike stars as Marla Grayson, a ruthless con artist scamming elderly clients in this dark comedy-thriller. Her scheme unravels when she targets the wrong mark, played by Dianne Wiest.

Pike’s icy performance is magnetic, and the film’s sharp satire of greed keeps you hooked. It’s a slick, twisty ride that balances humor and tension with style.

4. The Guilty (2021)

Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a tour-de-force performance as a 911 operator in this tense thriller, a remake of a Danish film. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, it unfolds almost entirely through phone calls as he tries to save a kidnapped woman.

The single-location setup amplifies the suspense, with Gyllenhaal’s intensity carrying every scene. It’s a gripping, lean drama that proves less can be more.

3. Mask Girl (2023)

This South Korean thriller follows Kim Mo-mi, an office worker with dreams of stardom, whose secret life as a masked online performer spirals into chaos. The show blends dark humor, crime, and social commentary.

Its bold narrative shifts and strong performances, especially by Ko Hyun-jung, keep you glued. A fresh take on identity and fame, it’s a standout for K-drama fans.

2. The End of the Tour (2015)

This quiet drama follows journalist David Lipsky, played by Jesse Eisenberg, interviewing author David Foster Wallace, portrayed by Jason Segel, over a few days. It’s a deep dive into connection and creativity.

Segel’s heartfelt performance and the film’s intimate dialogue make it profoundly moving. It’s a rare, reflective gem that lingers long after the credits roll.

1. Roma (2018)

Alfonso Cuarón’s masterpiece, set in 1970s Mexico City, follows Cleo, a housemaid played by Yalitza Aparicio, navigating personal and social upheaval. Its black-and-white visuals are breathtakingly intimate.

The film’s emotional depth and Cuarón’s meticulous direction earned it three Oscars, including Best Foreign Language Film. It’s a stunning, universal story of resilience and humanity.

Which of these hidden Netflix originals is your favorite, or did I miss a gem you love? Share your picks in the comments!