Top 5 Anticipated Netflix Originals of 2019

They’ll Have You Streaming With Excitement

The countdown to the new year is officially up, which signals the long-awaited return of a few cherished Netflix originals, as well as the release of some new and exciting titles! For this list, we’re taking a look at 5 movies and TV shows that’ll be exclusively available on Netflix in 2019 and we’re including new seasons of ongoing series that made us subscribe to Netflix in the first place. Make sure to check out the full video with all 10 anticipated Netflix originals below and prepare to stream.

#5: “Dolemite Is My Name”

Eddie Murphy and Wesley Snipes are two gifted performers, but both could use a comeback vehicle after several missteps. They might’ve found one in this biopic by Craig Brewer of “Hustle & Flow.” Weirdly enough, this is another movie from Brewer that demonstrates why it’s hard out here for pimp. Murphy plays Rudy Ray Moore, an African American comedian who cemented his place in blaxploitation history with his creation of “Dolemite.” Snipes stars as actor D’Urville Martin while Tituss Burgess, Craig Robinson, and Keegan-Michael Key round out the supporting cast. Since screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski also wrote “Man on the Moon,” this film should offer an honest look at the drama behind comedy.

#4: “The Umbrella Academy” – Season 1

Netflix’s future with Marvel may be hanging on by a thread, but the streaming service is collaborating with Dark Horse Entertainment on multiple comic adaptations in 2019. In addition to a feature film version of Victor Santos’ “Polar”, this includes a series based on Gerard Way’s “The Umbrella Academy”, developed by Steve Blackman of “Fargo” and “Legion”. Ellen Page goes from playing Kitty Pryde in the “X-Men” films to starring as Vanya Hargreeves, another gifted youngster who’s enlisted by a brilliant professor. Along with her superhero siblings, she gets wrapped up in a murder mystery and a mission to save the world. Given the talent involved, not even the apocalypse can rain on our parade.

#3: “The Irishman”

With critical darlings like “Roma,” “Mudbound,” and “Icarus,” Netflix has released several films in recent years that garnered major award buzz. “The Irishman” seems like another certified Oscar contender with director Martin Scorsese behind the camera and Steven Zaillian of “Schindler’s List” penning the screenplay. This biographical crime story based on the life of labor union official Frank Sheeran not only reunites Scorsese with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, but also marks his first collaboration with Al Pacino. Seriously, how has it taken so long for these two mob movie juggernauts to come together? Netflix has spared no expense regarding the film’s skyrocketing budget with much of the money going towards de-aging De Niro.

#2: “The Witcher” – Season 1

Before he became one of the most revered names in gaming, Geralt of Rivia won loyal fans as the protagonist of Andrzej Sapkowski’s popular fantasy literature series, “The Witcher”. Netflix isn’t the first to try their hand at adapting Sapkowski’s novels and short stories to the screen, as a thirteen-episode series was released in 2002, but was panned by both fans and critics. There are nonetheless high hopes for Netflix’ take on the series, especially with an actor of Henry Cavill’s caliber in the title role. Featuring complex characters and a multi-layered world, could this be Netflix’s answer to “Game of Thrones?”

#1: “Stranger Things” – Season 3

What started as the Duffer Brothers’ homage to everything 80s has erupted into a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Between its first two seasons, “Stranger Things” garnered over 30 Emmy nominations for its retro visuals, riveting performances, and storytelling shrouded in rich mythology. It’s taken over a year to get Season 3, which hopefully means the Duffer Brothers are taking their time to perfect their vision. The third season’s plot has been appropriately clouded in mystery, although executive producer Shawn Levy has hinted that “Back to the Future” will play an important role. Could this be because the season is set during the summer of 1985 or will time travel enter the mix? Heavy!

Which Netflix original are you most excited for?! Check out the full video below and let us know in the comments!

Don’t worry, some of these exciting titles may have you waiting until the summer to get your fix, but we’ve put together the following list of the Top 10 Most Anticipated Releases of January 2019 that should keep you occupied for this month at least!