Three lesser-known Netflix films you should check out this weekend (April 18–20)

      Feel like you've seen all the worthwhile content on Netflix? Think again. Hidden beneath the multitude of trendy titles and well-known blockbusters lies a treasure trove of underappreciated films that haven’t received the recognition they deserve. These aren’t your usual favorites; they are often overlooked films that can offer remarkable stories when they reach the right viewers.

      If you want to switch things up this weekend, consider taking a chance on something different. Whether you're in the mood for a quirky sci-fi tale, a touching road comedy, or a critically acclaimed British drama, the streaming platform has some hidden gems that warrant more attention. These subtle films can entertain, motivate, and astonish — they certainly deserve a place on your weekend watchlist.

      We also provide guides to the top films on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Disney+.

      They Cloned Tyrone (2023)

      Netflix

      Fontaine (John Boyega), a drug dealer trying to stay under the radar in his mostly Black neighborhood, finds himself in a strange predicament after being shot — only to wake up the following day completely unharmed. Startled and bewildered, he teams up with the pimp Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx) and sex worker Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris) to uncover the truth. Their investigation reveals a government conspiracy that's so outrageous it seems almost unbelievable. The trio soon discovers that secrets involving cloning and psychological manipulation are woven into their community.

      They Cloned Tyrone is a hilarious blend of '70s blaxploitation styles and contemporary sci-fi elements, creating a humorous yet bold exploration of systemic racism. Directed by Juel Taylor, this inventive debut shines due to its lead performances, with the chemistry among Boyega, Foxx, and Parris being exceptional. The 2023 film was released quietly on Netflix amidst the summer blockbuster buzz but has gained a modest yet passionate cult following that appreciates its uniqueness in an otherwise formulaic landscape.

      They Cloned Tyrone is available for streaming on Netflix.

      The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

      Netflix

      Paul Rudd stars as Ben, a former writer in The Fundamentals of Caring. Still grappling with a personal loss, Ben enrolls in a six-week caregiver training course. He then secures a job caring for Trevor (Craig Roberts), a sarcastic teenager with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Their tentative relationship is complicated by their respective emotional struggles, but things shift when Ben persuades Trevor to escape his routine for an impromptu road trip to visit some of the world’s most unremarkable roadside attractions. Along the way, they meet runaway Dot (Selena Gomez) and pregnant hitchhiker Peaches (Megan Ferguson).

      Director Rob Burnett brings Jonathan Evison’s novel to life with a delicate touch, transforming what could have been a stereotypical road-trip dramedy into a heartfelt and humorous experience. Among its cast, Rudd impressively tones down his usual charisma to deliver a notably restrained and deeply empathetic performance. The chemistry between the two leads serves as the emotional core of the film — awkward, genuine, and well-earned. Despite its quality and Rudd's star appeal, this gem went largely unnoticed in 2016 and now rests on Netflix as a rare feel-good film waiting for discovery.

      The Fundamentals of Caring is streaming on Netflix.

      The Dig (2021)

      Netflix

      Set in the serene countryside of Suffolk, England, in 1939, The Dig tells the story of the widowed landowner Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan) who hires self-taught archaeologist Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes) to explore enigmatic mounds on her property. What starts as a simple excavation quickly leads to an enormously significant discovery — the uncovering of the Sutton Hoo burial ship, a remarkable artifact from the Anglo-Saxon period. As the excavation draws attention, officials from the British Museum step in, threatening to overshadow Brown's contributions. Meanwhile, Edith grapples with her deteriorating health and forms a deeper connection with Basil, who strives for acknowledgment.

      The Dig is a reflective period drama inspired by the real-life excavation of 1939. Directed by Simon Stone, it gradually shifts focus from the ancient treasure to the characters' repressed emotional landscapes. Although it received critical acclaim upon its release and even garnered five nominations for the British Academy Film Awards, The Dig remains a hidden gem within Netflix’s drama offerings. Its contemplative nature and measured pacing aren’t exactly indicative of box office success, but its understated storytelling and character-driven narrative will likely resonate with cinephiles in search of more subtle wonders.

      The Dig is available for streaming on Netflix.