In a streaming landscape crowded with high-profile releases and algorithm-favored content, some truly exceptional films can slip through the cracks. Netflix's vast library contains hidden gems that deserve more attention than they've received. As spring begins and we look for fresh entertainment options, here are eight underrated Netflix movies worth adding to your watchlist this April.
1. "His House" (2020)
Director: Remi Weekes
Starring: Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, Matt Smith
Horror films rarely tackle social issues with the nuance and effectiveness of "His House." This British psychological horror follows a refugee couple from South Sudan who struggle to adjust to their new life in an English town. Their challenges extend beyond cultural adaptation when they discover a sinister presence in their government-assigned home.
What sets "His House" apart is how it seamlessly blends genuine scares with profound commentary on the immigrant experience, survivor's guilt, and cultural displacement. First-time director Remi Weekes crafts a film that's as emotionally resonant as it is terrifying. The performances, particularly from Mosaku and Dirisu, communicate volumes of trauma and resilience with remarkable subtlety.
Despite critical acclaim (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), "His House" never received the mainstream attention it deserved when it premiered during the height of the pandemic. Its unique perspective on horror makes it essential viewing for fans of thoughtful genre cinema.
2. "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" (2020)
Director: Charlie Kaufman
Starring: Jessie Buckley, Jesse Plemons, Toni Collette, David Thewlis
Charlie Kaufman's psychological drama defies easy categorization, which might explain why it didn't find a broad audience despite its artistic merits. Based on Iain Reid's novel, the film follows a young woman (Buckley) who travels with her boyfriend (Plemons) to meet his parents at their remote farm, all while contemplating ending the relationship.
What begins as an awkward meet-the-parents scenario gradually transforms into a surreal meditation on identity, regret, and the passage of time. Kaufman's signature blend of existential dread and dark humor permeates every frame, while the stellar cast navigates the increasingly bizarre narrative with impressive conviction.
The film's non-linear structure and ambiguous ending require active engagement from viewers, but those willing to embrace its puzzle-box nature will find a richly rewarding experience that reveals new layers with each viewing. Perfect for an evening when you're in the mood for something that will challenge your perceptions.
3. "The Disciple" (2020)
Director: Chaitanya Tamhane
Starring: Aditya Modak, Arun Dravid, Sumitra Bhave
This Indian drama from executive producer Alfonso Cuarón explores the dedication and sacrifice required in the pursuit of artistic mastery. Set in Mumbai, the film follows Sharad Nerulkar, a young vocalist committed to becoming an Indian classical music performer despite mounting obstacles and self-doubt.
Director Chaitanya Tamhane crafts a visually stunning and emotionally resonant portrait of artistic pursuit that transcends cultural boundaries. The film's meditative pace allows viewers to become immersed in Sharad's world, experiencing both his reverence for tradition and his growing uncertainty about his place within it.
"The Disciple" won multiple awards at international film festivals but received limited exposure outside cinephile circles. Its thoughtful exploration of the conflict between traditional art forms and modern realities makes it a compelling watch for anyone interested in the creative process and cultural preservation.
4. "Oxygen" (2021)
Director: Alexandre Aja
Starring: Mélanie Laurent
This French sci-fi thriller provides a masterclass in generating tension within confined spaces. The premise is brilliantly simple: a woman (Laurent) wakes up in a cryogenic chamber with no memory of who she is or how she got there. With oxygen levels rapidly depleting, she must piece together her identity and find a way to escape.
Director Alexandre Aja, known primarily for horror films, applies his understanding of claustrophobia and mounting dread to create a science fiction narrative that keeps viewers holding their breath alongside the protagonist. Laurent delivers a tour-de-force performance, essentially carrying the entire film alone with her increasingly desperate attempts to survive.
"Oxygen" combines elements of mystery, thriller, and hard sci-fi into a tightly constructed 100 minutes that rewards close attention. Its release directly to Netflix during the pandemic meant it didn't receive the attention typically associated with theatrical sci-fi releases, making it a perfect discovery for genre fans.
5. "The Platform" (2019)
Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
Starring: Ivan Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, Antonia San Juan
This Spanish dystopian thriller offers one of the most striking allegories for social inequality in recent cinema. The setting is a vertical prison where food descends on a platform, stopping briefly at each level. Prisoners at the top eat their fill, leaving increasingly less for those below.
The film's premise functions as a blunt but effective metaphor for resource distribution and human selfishness. Director Gaztelu-Urrutia doesn't shy away from graphic violence and disturbing imagery, but these elements serve the film's scathing social commentary rather than existing for shock value alone.
While "The Platform" developed something of a cult following after its Netflix release, its challenging subject matter and unflinching approach to depicting humanity's darker impulses may have limited its broader appeal. For viewers interested in thought-provoking dystopian fiction, it offers a uniquely disturbing vision that lingers long after viewing.
6. "Dick Johnson Is Dead" (2020)
Director: Kirsten Johnson
Starring: Dick Johnson, Kirsten Johnson
Documentary filmmaker Kirsten Johnson confronts her father's mortality in this deeply unique and surprisingly life-affirming film. As her father faces dementia, Johnson stages various fictional death scenarios for him, creating a film that defies categorization as it blends documentary, fiction, and personal essay.
What could have been morbid in less capable hands becomes a profound meditation on love, memory, and the human tendency to deny death's inevitability. The film's power comes from its emotional honesty and the touching relationship between father and daughter, with Dick Johnson's good-natured participation in his own imagined demises creating moments of unexpected humor amid the poignancy.
"Dick Johnson Is Dead" received critical acclaim but remains underseen by general audiences who might be put off by its unconventional premise. Those willing to embrace its unusual approach will find one of the most moving examinations of parent-child relationships and end-of-life issues in recent cinema.
7. "The Forty-Year-Old Version" (2020)
Director: Radha Blank
Starring: Radha Blank, Peter Kim, Oswin Benjamin
Writer-director-star Radha Blank's semi-autobiographical comedy-drama follows a struggling New York playwright who reinvents herself as a rapper at age 40. Shot in gorgeous black and white, the film offers a refreshingly authentic look at creative passion, artistic integrity, and the challenges faced by Black women in the arts.
Blank's directorial debut balances sharp humor with genuine emotion as her character navigates the predominantly white theater world while seeking authentic expression through hip-hop. The film's exploration of compromise versus artistic integrity resonates far beyond its specific setting.
Despite winning the Directing Award at Sundance, "The Forty-Year-Old Version" remains underseen compared to other films about artistic struggle. Its intelligent script, distinctive visual style, and Blank's magnetic performance make it an essential watch for anyone interested in stories about creative resilience and self-discovery.
8. "Sorry to Bother You" (2018)
Director: Boots Riley
Starring: Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Armie Hammer
Musician-turned-filmmaker Boots Riley's directorial debut begins as a workplace satire before evolving into something far more surreal and ambitious. Set in an alternate version of Oakland, the story follows telemarketer Cassius Green (Stanfield), who discovers a magical key to professional success: using his "white voice" on calls.
What begins as commentary on code-switching and workplace racism gradually transforms into a wildly imaginative critique of capitalism, corporate exploitation, and consumer culture. The film's third-act swerve into science fiction territory alienated some viewers but cemented its status as one of the most daringly original films of recent years.
While "Sorry to Bother You" received significant critical acclaim upon release, its challenging narrative and refusal to adhere to genre conventions mean many potential viewers have yet to discover its unique pleasures. For those willing to embrace its increasingly bizarre journey, it offers a viewing experience unlike any other.
Why These Films Matter
In an era where streaming platforms often prioritize easily digestible content and familiar formulas, these eight films represent the kind of boundary-pushing, thought-provoking cinema that deserves celebration. Each offers something distinctive, whether through formal experimentation, cultural specificity, or unique narrative approaches.
April, with its transitional weather and spring renewal themes, provides the perfect opportunity to explore these underappreciated works. As major studios prepare their summer blockbusters, take advantage of this quieter release period to discover films that challenge, entertain, and expand your cinematic horizons.
Whether you're drawn to horror that explores social issues, science fiction with philosophical underpinnings, or deeply personal documentaries, Netflix's library contains hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. These eight selections represent just a fraction of the platform's underrated offerings, but they provide an excellent starting point for viewers looking to venture beyond the algorithm's most obvious recommendations.
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