Netflix has a diverse collection of movies across various genres. There is truly something for everyone, no matter the mood or occasion. The streaming platform is consistently adding new movies, whether they’re original projects or recent films from other studios. It also has many award-worthy projects, whether they won or were nominated.
It’s currently awards season, and ceremonies like the Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globe Awards have celebrated the actors and films who delivered incredible work this past year. With the Oscars approaching, these 3 films offer a perfect opportunity to catch up on some award-caliber stories and performances.
3 The King
The King is a 2019 historical period piece that adapts a few plays from William Shakespeare’s Henriad. Directed by David Michôd, the film stars Timothée Chalamet as Prince Hal and depicts his rise as King of England following the deaths of his father and brother. The King also includes Robert Pattinson, Joel Edgerton, and Lily-Rose Depp in its cast.
In 2019, Chalamet was a rising star in Hollywood after his Oscar nomination for Call Me By Your Name. While he wasn’t nominated for his role in The King, it’s still a fantastic performance that is often underappreciated, and it’s worth watching before he potentially wins his first Academy Award for Marty Supreme.
2 Whiplash
Director Damien Chazelle became a must-watch filmmaker after Whiplash. The film stars Miles Teller as an aspiring jazz drummer who is pushed to his limits by his brutal teacher, played by J.K. Simmons. It’s an intense drama that explores how far someone will push themselves to achieve greatness.
Whiplash is perfect for those who enjoy exceptional jazz music, but don’t expect a smooth ride. It’s a relentless journey that is often disturbing, as Teller’s character sacrifices everything to pursue his dream. Simmons delivers an electric and terrifying performance that deservedly led to an Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actor.
1 Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
Guillermo del Toro is one of today’s best filmmakers, consistently delivering emotionally resonant and visually striking films. His animated version of Pinocchio is no different, telling a unique adaptation of the story with beautiful stop-motion animation. While the film is PG, it’s much darker than other iterations, focusing on themes of mortality and grief.
