3 overlooked Netflix films you should check out this weekend (May 16–18)

      Think you’ve already seen all the worthwhile content on Netflix? Think again! Beneath the surface of popular blockbusters and trending originals lies a collection of underrated films that haven't received the attention they merit. These hidden gems are ideal for viewers seeking something different without the hassle of scrolling endlessly through the streaming service's options.

      Whether you’re in the mood for an unconventional comedy, a quirky indie sci-fi film, or a gripping international thriller, there’s a distinctive choice for every viewer. This weekend, consider bypassing the usual favorites and explore the unexpected. For those eager to go beyond the typical algorithm recommendations, these overlooked movies might be just what your weekend watchlist needs.

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

      **Frank (2014)**

      Magnolia Pictures

      Aspiring songwriter Jon Burroughs (Domhnall Gleeson) experiences a dramatic shift in his life and career after encountering a man trying to drown himself in Frank. This encounter leads him to join an avant-garde band called The Soronprfbs, fronted by the eccentric Frank (Michael Fassbender), who constantly wears an oversized papier-mâché head. The band retreats to a secluded cabin in Ireland to record an album, during which Jon secretly streams their sessions online, garnering them unexpected fame. However, this newfound recognition fractures the group as Frank’s mental health declines and Jon struggles to hold everyone together.

      Directed by Lenny Abrahamson, Frank is a film that defies easy categorization. It combines offbeat comedy, moving drama, and notable musical elements while examining the intersection of mental health and creativity. Its particular humor has understandably attracted only a small audience, which means Frank is often overlooked in conversations about the best films of the 2010s. Nevertheless, for those in search of a bizarrely funny and deeply resonant character-driven story, this 2014 film is worth a watch.

      Frank is available for streaming on Netflix.

      **Freaks (2018)**

      Well Go USA Entertainment

      Seven-year-old Chloe Lewis (Lexy Kolker) has never left her home, kept inside by her father, Henry (Emile Hirsch), who warns her of the dangers outside. She has always accepted his warnings about "bad men" waiting to harm "abnormals" like them. However, when a stranger brings a new perspective into her life, she ventures out for the first time and uncovers a shocking reality, discovering she isn’t alone and that someone out there needs her.

      Freaks is an unjustly overlooked sci-fi thriller directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, created on a shoestring budget of just $2,000. It cleverly employs Chloe’s limited viewpoint to keep audiences in suspense about the events occurring outside her home. Despite Kolker's outstanding performance and generally positive reviews, Freaks remains a hidden treasure in the sci-fi genre, offering a delightful surprise for fans of similar narratives.

      Freaks is streaming on Netflix.

      **God’s Crooked Lines (2022)**

      Warner Bros.

      In the intricate Spanish psychological thriller, God’s Crooked Lines, esteemed private investigator Alice Gould (Bárbara Lennie) voluntarily enters a psychiatric hospital under the pretense of paranoia to investigate the dubious death of a fellow patient. Equipped with a letter from Dr. Donadío (Lluís Soler) and her husband’s consent, Alice thinks she is prepared for a covert operation to unveil the truth. However, as she spends more time in the facility and interacts with peculiar patients, she starts to lose sight of her original objective. Alice’s grip on her mission and her sanity begins to fray, leading to an unforgettable conclusion.

      Directed by Oriol Paul, God’s Crooked Lines is perfect for viewers who enjoy films with shocking plot twists that challenge their perceptions. The film is filled with tension, and its use of dual timelines and various clues keeps audiences perpetually guessing. Fans of classics like Shutter Island and The Others will surely appreciate this overlooked international film, just a few clicks away on Netflix.

      God’s Crooked Lines is available for streaming on Netflix.