Top 10 Best Netflix Releases of 2024

2019’s “The Gentlemen” was a return to form for Guy Ritchie, offering the blend of fast-paced action, witticisms, and editing the director is known for. While you should definitely watch that underrated film, it isn’t required viewing to follow this Netflix spinoff. Following a new cast of characters, “The Gentlemen” shares two key elements with its predecessor: the title (duh) and aristocrats getting mixed up with gangsters. Where the movie focuses more on the gangsters, the series is told from an aristocratic perspective. Given their unlawful business partners, though, it’s only a matter of time until the aristocrats become gangsters themselves. It’s a fresh spin that still functions within the original film’s universe, serving as a welcome companion piece and standalone entity.

Five more episodes await in the New Year, but “Cobra Kai” kicked off its final season in 2024. Although several enemies have become friends, some things never change in the “Karate Kid” universe. There are still scores to settle, sides to choose, and morally gray areas to traverse. Even Mr. Miyagi might not have been as clean-cut as Daniel thought. While Daniel questions everything he learned from his mentor, Kreese severs ties with his former protege turned rival, Johnny. As everyone heads to Barcelona for the Sekai Taikai[a], the emotional stakes are even higher than the physical ones in the ring. That said, the fight choreography is as intense as ever, setting us up for hopefully a rousing final showdown.

Not every show is worth a three-year wait between seasons, but “Arcane” continued to deliver on virtually every front. In just two seasons, “Arcane” encompassed more intricate worldbuilding, arresting visuals, and gripping character arcs than some shows give us with 200 episodes. Change is at the center of this final season as Caitlyn’s compassion and diplomacy take a backseat to revenge and what she views as redemption. With Powder seemingly gone, Jinx is torn between giving up on life and being immortalized as a symbol. Caught in the middle is Vi as she attempts to stop the monster she created. “Arcane” will break your heart over and over again. Yet, you’ll still eagerly plunge into the next episode all the way up to the finale.

The science and philosophies behind “3 Body Problem” may be complex, but the show’s ideas are presented in a surprisingly digestible manner. That’s largely because the concepts at the story’s core don’t overshadow the relatable characters. Plus, anyone can understand the gravitas of a ticking clock. The show begins with a countdown that promises to have consequences on a global scale. The question is whether the outcome will bring about humanity’s end or usher us into the future. Could it be both? Either way, several moments will leave your jaw on the floor well before the countdown nears zero. The show’s sweeping scale may make you feel insignificant. However, even bugs can survive in environments where supposedly more advanced species perish.

You can’t go wrong with Wallace and Gromit, who return in their first adventure since 2008 and their first feature in almost two decades. “Vengeance Most Fowl” also marks the return of the duo’s most fiendish foe, Feathers McGraw. Admittedly, we were on the fence about bringing the devious penguin back, as it would only invite more comparisons to “The Wrong Trousers.” That short is about as perfect as filmmaking gets. While we won’t go as far as to say that “Vengeance Most Fowl” is perfect, it comes close. The film is every bit as inventive as the series’ past entries while providing modern commentary on smart devices - which have pros and cons. It all depends on whose hands (or wings) the technology falls into.

Patricia Highsmith’s novel has been adapted multiple times, the 1999 film starring Matt Damon being the most well-known version. While you wouldn’t think there’d be much left to do with the source material, this miniseries proves there are still numerous layers to the enigmatic titular character. Director Steven Zaillian turns in a masterclass of visual storytelling with Robert Elswit[b]’s cinematography elevating every shot. On a technical level, it’s as well-crafted as any Netflix series to date. Andrew Scott’s reserved performance also says more than narration or dialogue ever could. Scott keeps everything on the inside as a man whose entire life is a facade. Mr. Ripley remains a mystery by the end, but we can safely say what he is: a chameleon of a conman.

Casting is the key in “His Three Daughters” with flawless performances from Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen. While the three play the titular daughters, they aren’t exactly sisters in a meaningful sense. They come under one roof to be by their dying father’s side. After his time inevitably comes, though, what’s next? Do the three part ways for good or will this tragedy provide the basis for a real relationship to grow? “His Three Daughters” revolves around saying goodbye, but it’s just as much about starting anew (which can sometimes be even more daunting). Director Azazel Jacobs[c]’ deeply personal script doesn’t hit a false note - each line delivered with emotional honesty. You’re unlikely to see a finer trifecta of performances this year.

We might’ve spoken too soon, as three phenomenal performances are also at the core of “Emilia Pérez.” Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez need no introduction, but this operatic caper pushes them to depths mainstream audiences rarely have an opportunity to see. The film also includes a star-making turn from Karla Sofía Gascón, who just might break new ground for trans performers at the Academy Awards. Just as gender is a spectrum, it’s impossible to put Jacques Audiard’s film into one box. “Emilia Pérez” is a comedy, a tragedy, a gritty crime drama, a love story, a feature-length telenovela, and a toe-tapping musical all rolled into one. Somehow, none of these elements feel out of place in one of the year’s more unique films.

Everybody wants more Adam Brody and Kristen Bell in their lives. Brody’s Noah and Bell’s Joanne are made for each other. There’s just one elephant in the room: he’s a Jewish rabbi and she doesn’t subscribe to any faith. Religion aside, “Nobody Wants This” understands that relationships are rarely about just two people. It can often feel like you’re also dating your significant other’s family and friends. If they don’t approve, can there be a future? In Noah and Joanne’s case, the chemistry is worth any confrontations along the way. The series explores relationships and religion through a relatable modern lens. Despite their different backgrounds, we have no trouble believing these two would fall in love and fight to be together.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

An Intense & Intelligent Thriller About Challenging an Unlawful System

A Series So Widely Watched That It Actually Might Get the Menendez Brothers Released

Lady Whistledown’s Story Reaches a Crucial Turning Point

Singing Angelina Jolie’s High Praises For This Pablo Larraín Film

When You Ask Charlie Kaufman[e] to Tell You a Bedtime Story, It’s a Dream Come True

The best Netflix series aren’t always the ones on your radar months in advance. Sometimes, you learn about a show through word of mouth or you just stumble upon it while browsing. That’s how many discovered “Baby Reindeer,” making them unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster that followed. Based on Richard Gadd’s one-man show and personal experiences, this Emmy-winning miniseries starts with an act of kindness that spirals into a nightmare. While Gadd’s experience is singular, anyone who has ever endured trauma will identify with his story. Amid all the heartbreak and torment, “Baby Reindeer” became an unlikely source of healing. From survivors of sexual violence to the LGBTQIA+ community, the show sent a simple yet life-affirming message many needed in 2024: you aren’t alone.

What are you looking forward to streaming in 2025? Let us know in the comments.

[b]ELLZ-wit https://youtu.be/nsFRRF9GtC4?si=g7TTJROqZ2nss3Vt
[c]AWZZA-zel https://youtu.be/UoUYppnaDyk?si=R67fmZFuDuZoIP2b
[d]PEH-rez https://youtu.be/4h7j_EcZ5fU?si=fBge9gy1aXxHp_i8&t=113
https://youtu.be/3gEBV2UIkdg?si=IF05PRuO_O98YQV6
[e]https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/0cdd2a2b-9c27-45eb-a8cc-e3b688b7580a