Three overlooked Netflix films to check out this weekend (March 7–9)

      Samuel Goldwyn Films

      The extensive content available on Netflix can feel limitless and overwhelming—every fan is aware that there are hidden gems, but it’s easy to get lost among them. While catching up on the latest blockbusters is enjoyable, numerous underrated films on the platform are waiting to be found. Despite their strong narratives and originality, these deserving movies often go unnoticed.

      Whether you’re in the mood for a quirky independent drama, a darkly humorous Western, or a mind-bending thriller, this list has something to enhance your weekend viewing experience. Often, the best cinematic moments occur when cinephiles explore something completely unexpected. Prepare for a unique evening spent alone or with friends—you’ll appreciate taking a chance on these overlooked selections!

      Additionally, we offer guides to the best films on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Disney+.

      The Squid and the Whale (2005)

      Sony

      Noah Baumbach, renowned for directing the more famous Frances Ha and Marriage Story, portrays a dysfunctional family in the sadly underrated The Squid and the Whale. Set in 1980s Brooklyn, this indie comedy-drama focuses on the Berkmans, whose lives take a downturn when parents Bernard (Jeff Daniels) and Joan (Laura Linney) declare their divorce. Their 16-year-old son, Walt (Jesse Eisenberg), and younger brother Frank (Owen Kline) are adversely affected. The family’s divides deepen as Bernard’s pretentious intellectualism clashes with Joan’s newfound independence, resulting in increased tension.

      With a semi-autobiographical perspective that draws from Baumbach’s own upbringing and the involvement of producer Wes Anderson, the 2005 film takes a bold tragicomic approach to its narrative. It honestly depicts the chaos of divorce, fully embracing the awkward and raw experiences of its unsympathetic characters. While the often quirky and subtle humor of The Squid and the Whale may not appeal to everyone, fans of deeply personal and character-driven representations of flawed families should definitely add it to their watchlist.

      The Squid and the Whale is available for streaming on Netflix.

      The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

      Netflix

      The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, is a six-part anthology Western film featuring self-contained stories set against the backdrop of the American frontier. It opens with the character Buster Scruggs (Tim Blake Nelson), a cheerful gunslinger who sings while he shoots. The subsequent tales feature a dramatic shift in tone, ranging from Near Algodones, where an unlucky cowboy (James Franco) finds himself caught in a noose, to Meal Ticket, with Liam Neeson as a struggling showman and Harry Melling as a limbless artist. Other narratives include a gold prospector’s (Tom Waits) confrontation with destiny, a heartbreaking wagon train romance, and a stagecoach journey leading to an unexpected destination.

      With acclaimed films like No Country for Old Men, Fargo, and The Big Lebowski in their portfolio, it’s no surprise that The Ballad of Buster Scruggs went largely unnoticed. Although the film features beautifully crafted scenes and a star-studded ensemble, many found its unconventional structure hard to engage with. Like many anthology films, some segments are stronger than others, leading to a mixed response among viewers. Nevertheless, the 2018 film rewards attentive viewers with its unique narratives that fully embrace its Western atmosphere.

      The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is available for streaming on Netflix.

      Cam (2018)

      Netflix

      Cam is a suspenseful horror film focused on the darker aspects of online sex work. It follows camgirl Alice (Madeline Brewer), who performs under the name “Lola_Lola” on a popular adult streaming site. One of her primary goals is to break into the site’s top ranks, a challenge that demands considerable effort and creativity. The story takes a sinister turn when she discovers that a doppelgänger has taken over her channel, impersonating her flawlessly and pushing her to cross boundaries she never intended to. As Alice fights to reclaim her digital identity, the film reveals its horror roots when the two personas intersect.

      Though some criticize the film for offering surface-level thrills, fans of Cam might argue it presents a nuanced and incisive exploration of online sex work and digital identity. Directed by former camgirl Isa Mazzei, the 2018 film demonstrates a refreshing understanding of the industry without casting judgment. The horror lies not in physical threats but in the loss and disassociation from one’s own image in the online world—a timely and universally unsettling fear in the era of deepfakes and artificial intelligence.

      Cam is available for streaming on Netflix.