Three overlooked Netflix films you should check out this weekend (May 9–11).

      Are you weary of the same old Netflix suggestions? You're not alone. While the platform tends to spotlight its massive hits, there are numerous lesser-known films patiently waiting to be discovered. These quirky, emotional, and even suspenseful stories have somehow been overlooked but are only a few clicks away.

      Why not consider swapping the algorithm's typical favorites for some truly underrated films on Netflix this weekend? You might come across a coming-of-age tale, an emotional drama, or even an indie romance. These hidden treasures may not have received the attention they deserve, but they are filled with heart and unexpected depth, featuring unique narratives that will linger with you. If you're in the mood for something a bit different, take a look at these underappreciated Netflix movies that are beckoning you.

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

      Mid90s (2018)

      A24

      Set in the 1990s, the film follows 13-year-old Stevie (Sunny Suljic) as he tries to escape his chaotic home life, which includes an abusive older brother Ian (Lucas Hedges) and an emotionally distant mother Dabney (Katherine Waterston). Stevie is drawn into a local skate group, whose carefree attitude offers him the security he desperately needs. Nicknamed “Sunburn,” he experiences the highs and lows of adolescence: first crushes, peer pressure, and the quest for identity and belonging.

      Directed by Jonah Hill, Mid90s effectively captures the “vibe” that has become synonymous with acclaimed A24 films and stands out as one of the studio's most underrated releases. Filmed in a nostalgic 4:3 aspect ratio on Super 16mm film and featuring hip hop hits from that era, it transports viewers to a different time while immersing them in a minimalist yet impactful story. Stevie’s journey also includes the personal challenges faced by the friends he makes, offering an honest portrayal of teenage struggles and friendships from multiple angles.

      Mid90s is available to stream on Netflix.

      The Mustang (2019)

      Focus Features

      The Mustang is a compelling drama centered on Roman Coleman (Matthias Schoenaerts), who is serving a sentence for a violent assault. He is withdrawn and reluctant to change but is grudgingly enrolled in a unique program that pairs inmates with wild mustangs, aiming to rehabilitate both men and horses. Assigned to a particularly difficult horse named Marquis, Roman’s initial training efforts are frustrating. However, with the guidance of a fellow inmate and the careful oversight of the program director, he begins to form a fragile bond with Marquis, mirroring his own struggles and offering a chance at redemption.

      Based on a real rehabilitation program in Carson City, Nevada, The Mustang explores the prison experience in a distinctive way. Director Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre’s debut feature captures the magic of the unexpected connection between the wild mustangs and the men whose lives are transformed by the program. Despite receiving critical acclaim, including a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the 2019 film remains underappreciated. Its thoughtful pacing and reflective tone make it ideal for viewers who are ready to engage with a profoundly moving 96 minutes.

      The Mustang is streaming on Netflix.

      Two Lovers (2008)

      Magnolia Pictures

      Joaquin Phoenix stars as Leonard Kraditor, an occasional photographer who moves back in with his parents following a broken engagement. Leonard’s love life becomes complicated as he finds himself torn between two women: Sandra Cohen (Vinessa Shaw), the stable and caring daughter of his father's business partner, and Michelle Rausch (Gwyneth Paltrow), his charming but manipulative neighbor who is already involved with a married man. As Leonard navigates his feelings for both women, he faces difficult choices that ultimately reveal the heart's capacity for love and self-destruction.

      Inspired by Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1848 short story, “White Nights,” Two Lovers offers a timeless narrative set against the contemporary backdrop of Brighton Beach. Phoenix delivers a nuanced and subtle performance that captures his character’s intense internal conflict, beginning at a time of vulnerability. Paltrow and Shaw also provide strong performances. Though the 2008 film received little attention upon its release, it is an excellent choice for a romantic movie night or for fans wanting to explore Phoenix’s earlier works.

      Two Lovers is available to stream on Netflix.