The Best Films On Netflix UK Currently — Films You Need To See In 2025
Netflix remains the favorite streaming service among film enthusiasts in the UK, with a vast library of films across genres and decades. As we navigate 2025, the platform's catalog has grown with new releases, classic films, and much-awaited originals. No matter if you are searching for critically acclaimed dramas, heart-stopping thrillers, or animations for the whole family, Netflix UK has something for every viewer's appetite. In this in-depth guide, we will take you through the finest movies available on Netflix UK at the moment, from new releases to upcoming films that should find a place on your watchlist.
Recent Must-Watch Additions to Netflix UK
The streaming giant has recently expanded its UK library with some incredible movies that have won the hearts of audiences. One such addition is "The Power of the Dog," Jane Campion's Oscar-winning masterpiece featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jesse Plemmons as two extremely different brothers sharing the same roof. Directed from Thomas Savage's novel, the movie captures the tension that occurs between brothers when one of them gets married and brings his new wife with her teenage son to live with him. It is rated among the greatest movies ever produced under the Netflix name.
Another great addition is Denis Villeneuve's tense thriller "Prisoners," with standout performances by Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. The movie is about the investigation of the kidnapping of two young girls and the extreme actions one father takes when the prime suspect is let off due to insufficient evidence. Villeneuve's expert direction makes it a gripping and thought-provoking film that demonstrates his directing skills before he went on to make blockbusters such as "Dune" and "Arrival".
UK action buffs can now feast on "John Wick: Chapter 4" the grand follow-up to the hit franchise with Keanu Reeves1. The movie follows up from the cliffhanging finale of chapter three, as John Wick is trying to finish off the High Table for good. This chapter brings the fantastic action scenes that the franchise has become famous for and also has an unexpected depth of emotion1.
Award-Winning Movies You Must See
Netflix UK has a number of award-winning movies that have been well received. "Godzilla Minus One" the Japanese monster film that won an Oscar is now a must-see irrespective of how much you know about the legendary reptilian creature. The movie is set in Japan after World War II and tells the story of a country at its lowest ebb battling a new menace in the form of a nuclear-powered giant lizard. The movie is unlike the American Monsterverse and has gained appreciation for its visual effects and storytelling1. You may also watch its black and white iteration, "Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color," if you want a different experience.
The original "The Godfather" is still accessible on Netflix UK, ongoing in its determination to be among the greatest ever made. Francis Ford Coppola's directorial masterpiece detailing an aging mafia don passing over his empire to his unwilling offspring boasts unforgettable turns from Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. Its impact on cinema cannot be measured, and it still enthralls audiences even decades later.
For fans of foreign language film, "The Lives of Others" is a gripping tale based in 1984 East Berlin2. This German drama traces a secret police officer who becomes increasingly drawn to the lives of the writer and paramour he's monitoring. The film's depiction of life under state surveillance is as relevant and provocative today.
Horror and Thriller Choices for Adrenaline Enthusiasts
Horror fans won't want to miss "Talk to Me," one of the scariest films in recent history now streaming on Netflix UK. This Australian horror movie, written and directed by brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, is about teenagers who learn they can summon spirits using an embalmed ceramic hand. When they touch it and utter "talk to me," they can view spirits and enable them to take over their bodies. The repercussions are gruesome, particularly when one character violates the laws in order to speak with her dead mother.
Netflix UK also includes Park Chan-wook's acclaimed thriller "Oldboy," a wickedly woven revenge story that has achieved cult following globally. The movie revolves around Oh Dae-Su, who is out to take revenge after he was detained secretly for fifteen years. With its inescapable plot turns and brutal action scenes, "Oldboy" continues to be the gold standard in thriller cinema.
For American thriller enthusiasts, the Coen brothers' "Fargo" is a classic combination of crime, dark humor, and iconic characters. A car salesman's botched crime and a pregnant police chief's dogged pursuit form the film's core. Its unique tone and great performances by Frances McDormand and William H. Macy have contributed to it becoming a contemporary classic.
Family-Friendly Titles on Netflix UK
Families looking for entertainment options will appreciate "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget," the long-awaited sequel to the beloved Aardman animation. After a 23-year wait, Ginger, Rocky, and the gang return in an adventure that sees them breaking into a chicken farm to rescue their daughter Molly. While some viewers might notice the recastings, the film delivers the wit and warmth expected from an Aardman production.
Another option that is family-friendly is "Chocolat," which features Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. This warm story of a woman who sets up a chocolate shop in a traditional French town touches on the themes of tolerance and happiness. Its engaging story and wonderful performances make it an appropriate choice for audiences of all ages.
Exciting New Releases Coming to Netflix in 2025
Netflix is planning a large slate for 2025 with some of its most highly touted releases. "The Electric State," a sci-fi drama dystopian film starring Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown, is creating a lot of buzz. With an estimated budget of $320 million, this take on Simon Stålenhag's illustrated book is about an orphan and her robot companion searching for her missing brother in a post-apocalyptic world. Directed by the Russo brothers, this film will likely meld breathtaking visuals with heartfelt storytelling.
Action enthusiasts can anticipate "Havoc" which is directed by Gareth Evans and features Tom Hardy3. The movie tracks a detective dealing with a treacherous criminal world as he attempts to save a politician's son3. With Evans' track record of delivering intense action pieces, "Havoc" is set to be a topmost watched thriller for Netflix in 2025.
Horror fans can look forward to "Fear Street: Prom Queen" the fourth in the successful horror franchise based on R.L. Stine books. Releasing during prom season, this slasher movie will keep the franchise's successful redefinition of the teen horror genre going.
Fans of "The Old Guard" will be happy to learn that after waiting five years, the sequel is finally coming along with Charlize Theron reprising her role as the immortal warrior Andy. The initial film was a success for Netflix, and the sequel is sure to build upon the action and mythology of the first film.
Recently Released Netflix Originals Worth Watching
A number of Netflix originals that debuted in early 2025 have already received positive reviews. "Hit Man," which was directed by Richard Linklater and stars Glen Powell is about a professor who leads a double life as a police department hitman before finding himself drawn to a woman who requests his services. The film blends action with Linklater's signature character building and dialogue.
"Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" finds Eddie Murphy returning to the iconic role of Axel Foley. In the newest installment, Foley comes back to Beverly Hills after his daughter is threatened and hooks up once more with friends John Taggart and Billy Rosewood to trace a conspiracy. The film strikes a nostalgic balance with new storylines for fans of longtime history and those experiencing it anew.
Documentary enthusiasts may want to try "The Greatest Night in Pop" which follows the January 28, 1985 meeting of a score of top musicians in Los Angeles to record the pop charity single "We Are the World" for famine relief in Africa. This behind-the-scenes glimpse at how these iconic performers put aside their egos to work together on a landmark song is an enlightening look at a pivotal cultural moment.
Indie Gems and Character-Driven Stories
Netflix UK also carries some great indie movies that feature great performances and storytelling. "Woman of the Hour," which Anna Kendrick stars in and directs, is the true story of Sheryl Bradshaw, who selects a handsome bachelor called Rodney Alcala on a 1970s television dating show without knowing that he has a fatal secret. This thriller looks at the intersection of entertainment and peril in a disturbing yet engrossing way.
"Will & Harper" offers a personal documentary on friendship and change tracking Will Ferrell and his lifelong friend of thirty years as they take a road trip across America to explore a new stage in their relationship. The film offers a poignant glimpse into friendship, acceptance, and America through their travels.
"His Three Daughters" is a taut but poignant exploration of family life, as three estranged siblings unite in a New York apartment to nurse their terminally ill father back to health, even as they struggle to heal their own damaged relationships with one another. Carrie Coon Natasha Lyonne and Elizabeth Olsen are all strong in this character study of the intricacies of family ties.
International Cinema on Netflix UK
Netflix UK's foreign film lineup is still wowing with titles such as "Emilia Pérez" which tracks three incredible women in Mexico on their own paths to happiness. The plot revolves around a cartel boss who hires an underappreciated attorney to assist in faking her death so she can live honestly as herself. The movie boasts great performances by Zoe Saldaña Karla Sofía Gascón and Selena Gomez.
"Dogtooth" which was directed by Yorgos Lanthimos prior to his Hollywood breakthrough tells a dark yet interesting tale of a dominating father who keeps his grown children under perpetual childhood through locking them in the family complex. The Greek movie offers Lanthimos' peculiar imagination and atypical storytelling style that would subsequently give him more visibility.
The classic Italian neorealist film "Bicycle Thieves" continues to be out there for interested viewers of impactful world cinema. The ground-breaking film about a working-class father and his son looking for his stolen bicycle in post-war Italy boasts a straightforward tale that has enormous emotional depth and continues to make its mark on filmmakers globally.
Classic Films That Stand the Test of Time
Netflix UK carries a number of classic movies that remain popular decades after their original release. Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver" features Robert De Niro as a mentally ill Vietnam veteran who drives a nighttime taxi in New York City. His view of urban decline drives his desire for violent action in this intense psychological study that is as potent today as when it was first released.
The Coen brothers' "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" presents a fresh rendering of Homer "Odyssey" in the 1930s Deep South. Tracking three escaped prisoners as they hunt for buried treasure while pursued by a determined lawman, the film marries humor, music, and mythological allusions in an insistently American framework.
"High Fidelity," with John Cusack playing a record shop owner who is relating his number one through number five breakups, offers a considered exploration of relationships using the prism of fandom of music. Its use of how we relate our own experiences to art remains resonant for audiences who enjoy character led narratives.
Conclusion: Getting the Best out of Your Netflix UK Subscription
Netflix UK 2025 movie collection boasts an impressive list of choices for any kind of viewer. Recent releases such as "John Wick: Chapter 4" alongside indie favorites like "His Three Daughters," classic films such as "The Godfather," and upcoming originals such as "The Electric State," there really is something for all. The service continues to find a balance between acquiring already popular favorites and creating new innovative original material.
With the landscape of streaming so competitive these days, Netflix UK retains its grip with this vibrant slate of movies that cover varied eras, genres and cultures. For whether you have an appetite for engaging dramas action-packed thrillers rib-tickling comedies, or trail-blazing documentaries Netflix UK serves you with first-rate choices at your fingertips.
With regularly added new releases and thrilling originals on the way, 2025 is proving to be a great year for cinema fans with a Netflix UK account. Make the most of this cinematic abundance by venturing out of your comfort zone and finding films that could soon be among your favorites. The current best movies on Netflix UK reflect both the past and future of cinema, all accessible from home.
