Netflix drops dozens of original movies each year, and so far in 2025, there’s been plenty of fresh flicks for subscribers to watch. However, the past 10 months have seen significantly more duds than winners from one of the best streaming services. The competition for a spot on this list isn’t exactly fierce. Still, of the 29 new Netflix movies released in 2025 (as of writing), there’s definitely a handful that I would consider worthy of your streaming watchlist.
I should also note that I’m excluding international movies to keep this roundup manageable (if you factor in non-English language movies, there are more than 100 options), but if you want some foreign recommendations, be sure to consider “Bullet Train Explosion,” “Manits” and “Caramelo.”
The good news is that my current picks cover multiple genres, from a delightful animated adventure to a stomach-knotting political thriller centered around an impending nuclear attack. This list is also unranked and presented in release date order. Now let’s dive into the seven Netflix movies released in 2025 that you need to watch. And for more recommendations see our list of 11 new movies to watch this week (Nov. 11-17).
Best Netflix movies of 2025 (so far)
‘Steve’
Last year’s “Small Things Like These” was a soft-spoken drama that packed big emotions despite its understated nature. So, I was pleased when it was announced that director Tim Mielant and star Cillian Murphy were reuniting for another project in a similar vein. The result is “Steve,” an overlooked Netflix original based on the novel “Shy” by Max Porter (who serves as the screenwriter). It doesn’t quite reach the same heights, but it’s a chaotic watch where sharp dialogue (and schoolyard insults) flow at a fast pace.
Steve (Murphy) is the head teacher at a reform school for young boys with serious behavioral challenges. Set over a single day, Steve faces several tough hurdles, including a visiting TV news crew, adolescent squabbles between pupils, and his own personal battle with alcoholism. The movie may be named after Steve, and Murphy is of course excellent in the lead role, but the beating heart of the flick is a troubled student named Shy (Jay Lycurgo), and it’s his emotional turmoil that enables the movie to hit closest to the heart.
Watch "Steve" on Netflix now
‘Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’
Broadcasting over the holidays in its native Britain, the latest family-friendly adventure for beloved plasticine pair “Wallace & Gromit” was released at the start of this year under the Netflix banner in the U.S. At present, it’s a rare movie that has managed a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and while it’s not my personal favorite “Wallace & Gromit” outing, “Vengeance Most Fowl” is another cozy and charming escapdee with the claymation duo.
“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” sees the kooky inventor, Wallace, create a robotic gnome to assist Gromit in maintaining his prize garden, but when the high-tech creation goes haywire, chaos unfolds. However, there is a more sinister scheme afoot, with an old adversary hiding in the wings with plans to steal a precious jewel. This one makes for perfect all-ages entertainment over the holidays, and remains a Netflix highlight of 2025.
Watch "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl" on Netflix now
‘KPop Demon Hunters’
You knew this one was coming; you simply can’t talk about Netflix movies in 2025 without giving a nod to the juggernaut that is “KPop Demon Hunters.” I may not be a superfan of its fictional pop group, Huntr/x, but the trio has taken not just streaming, but the Spotify charts, by storm (Taylor Swift has been trying to fend them off for weeks). “KPop Demon Hunters” now ranks as the most-watched Netflix original movie in history, and with a deal for a sequel currently being thrashed out, viewers can expect to see plenty more of Huntr/x in the future.
Perhaps the chart-topping success of “KPop Demon Hunters” comes from its simplicity of concept. As the name implies, it’s about a K-pop group that performs to crowds of adoring fans by day, and battles hordes of demons at night. Mixing together toe-tapping tunes (“Golden” was the song of the summer), sparkling animation, and likeable characters, its appeal is obvious. In fact, don’t be surprised if Huntr/x’s next milestone is some Oscar gold.
Watch "Kpop Demon Hunters" on Netflix now
‘A House of Dynamite’
“A House of Dynamite” is my favorite Netflix movie of 2025 so far, and ranks in the top 10 new flicks I’ve seen so far this year (and I’ve watched more than 100 new releases). Its nihilistic streak and bleak encapsulation of the political instability of our times won’t exactly make you feel good, but this political thriller is riveting from the get-go. From director Kathryn Bigelow, it chronicles the inner workings of various U.S. government departments as they scramble to navigate a nightmare (but alarmingly plausible) situation.
Presented in three distinct chapters, “A House of Dynamite” opens on a seemingly ordinary day, but things take a dramatic turn when an unidentified nuclear missile is launched at the United States. With the countdown to impact rapidly ticking down, government figures have to make potentially world-altering decisions in the heat of the moment. Starring Rebecca Ferguson, Idris Elba and Jared Harris, “A House of Dynamite” is a gripping, anxiety-fueled thriller for our tumultuous times.
Watch "A House of Dynamite" on Netflix now
‘Frankenstein’
Netflix and Guillermo del Toro linked up for the Oscar-winning “Pinocchio,” and they’re reunited for another signature del Toro spin on another classic tale. This time, it’s Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” and this gothic juggernaut could not be more suited to del Toro’s trademark dark vibes. This new spin on “Frankenstein” looks simply incredible with masterful production design, visuals and a score that pairs perfectly. However, it’s a little shaky narratively, making some alterations to the renowned novel that don’t always land.
The bones of the story are unchanged. Netflix’s “Frankenstein” sees a genius scientist (Oscar Isaac) create new life out of the reanimated body parts of corpses. This creation, known only as the creature (Jacob Elordi), is shunned by society and his creator, leading to tragic consequences. Split into two halves (one told from Victor Frankenstein’s POV, the other the creatures), it’s the back half where “Frankenstein” comes into its own and Elordi shines bright, but the lengthy 150-minute runtime will be a turn-off for some.
Watch "Frankenstein" on Netflix now
'The Wrong Paris'
As noted, I’ve been largely unimpressed with Netflix’s movie slate in 2025, but its crop of new rom-coms has been especially weak. The likes of “The Life List” and “My Oxford Year” were difficult to sit through (apologies to Sofia Carson). Consider “The Wrong Paris” the best of a generally poor bunch, so this one comes with a more half-hearted recommendation than the rest of the picks on this list. Still, at least the Miranda Cosgrove-fronted movie is self-aware enough for its cheesy tone not to grate totally, but it’s still predictable to the core.
“The Wrong Paris” sees the “iCarly” star play Dawn, a twentysomething with dreams of attending art school in the picturesque city of Paris. Unable to afford the tuition, she reluctantly signs up for a glossy dating show called “The Honey Pot” (a very unsubtle riff on “The Bachelor”). Believing the show is filmed in Paris, France, she’s shocked to discover that she's been flown to Paris, Texas. Planning to get eliminated as soon as possible, she begins to develop genuine feelings for the show's hunky lead, Trey (Pierson Fodé).
Watch "The Wrong Paris" on Netflix now
‘Havoc’
I’ve little doubt that “Havoc” is my most controversial pick on this list. This action-thriller was not well-received by many Netflix viewers (much of the Tom’s Guide staff among the dissenting voices). In fact, it holds a miserable 35% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, I’ve been a defender of this Gareth Edwards movie for months, and I’m happy to keep banging the drum. Yes, it’s absolutely flawed, with a thin plot and some low-quality special effects, but it also contains some trademark Edwards high-octane all-action shootouts.
Set in an unnamed U.S. city that looks more like Batman’s Gotham than any real-world location, “Havoc” sees Tom Hardy play a cynical detective who is seeking redemption after making several mistakes in his past. Tasked by a corrupt politician (Forest Whitaker) to locate his missing son, Walker (Hardy) delves into a seedy criminal underworld and discovers an even larger conspiracy. If you’re seeking high-caliber action, “Havoc” has plenty. My advice is just ignore the flimsy story and enjoy the chaos and carnage.
Watch "Havoc" on Netflix now
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