Looking for a new Netflix film to get obsessed with but not in the mood to scroll through endless options? Don’t worry, Mashable is here to help!
We’ve sifted through Netflix’s new releases from the past six months of 2022 — April through September, in case you’re keeping track — to bring you a list of the top eight new Netflix original films. From animated adventures to dark comedies to sports dramas, these picks are sure to please everyone.
Here, ranked from most recent to least recent, are the eight best new Netflix original movies you can watch right now.
1. Do Revenge

If you’re in the mood for a revenge flick that pays homage to teen classics like Mean Girls, Heathers, Cruel Intentions, and more, then check out Do Revenge. This dark comedy is poised to become an iconic high school movie. Students Drea (Camila Mendes) and Eleanor (Maya Hawke) may seem different, but they both have major scores to settle with people who tarnished their reputations. They team up to carry out each other’s revenge plots, leading to a series of morally ambiguous decisions, witty one-liners, and fantastic outfits. Mendes and Hawke have great chemistry, but it’s Sophie Turner who nearly steals the show with a must-see supporting role. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Do Revenge is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
2. Drifting Home

Drifting Home may not be flawless, but it is undeniably beautiful. Hiroyasu Ishida’s anime fantasy follows a group of schoolchildren who stumble upon an abandoned — and possibly haunted — apartment building one summer and find themselves transported to another world. “It’s in this ocean-bound world that Drifting Home truly shines,” as we noted in our review. Kei Machida’s cinematography brings the sea to life, showcasing expansive blue skies, blood-red sunsets, and churning grey storm fronts, with the apartment building holding on like a giant, decaying life raft. Throughout this strange journey, we delve into the children’s pasts as they struggle to survive, resulting in a poignant story about grief and loss. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor
How to watch: Drifting Home is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
3. I Used to Be Famous

I Used to Be Famous is one of the most heartwarming films you’ll see this year, showcasing the bond between two very different musicians. Vince (Ed Skrein), a former boy band member trying to revitalize his music career, and Stevie (Leo Long), an autistic drummer, form a collaboration based on Stevie’s rhythmic talent. While I Used to Be Famous may follow some predictable storylines, the heartwarming nature and strong performances make it a lovable film. — B.E.
How to watch: I Used to Be Famous is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Chart a course for adventure with The Sea Beast, a fantastic animated film from Big Hero 6 co-director Chris Williams. In a world filled with sea monsters, only the brave hunters stand between humanity and certain destruction. Chief among them is the great Jacob Holland (voiced by Karl Urban). However, when a naval battle goes wrong, Jacob and plucky young stowaway Maisie Brumble (voiced by Zaris-Angel Hator) find themselves stranded in uncharted waters. Their journey home leads them to unexpected allies and challenges their potentially dangerous beliefs. With excellent animation, a significant message, and heart-pounding action sequences, The Sea Beast is a film that the whole family can enjoy and should watch immediately. – B.E.
How to watch: The Sea Beast is now streaming on Netflix.
Adam Sandler shines in Hustle, his first major dramatic film since Uncut Gems. While both Uncut Gems and Hustle revolve around basketball, Hustle is less intense and more heartwarming. Sandler plays Stanley Sugerman, an international scout for the Philadelphia 76ers who prefers coaching. During a scouting trip to Spain, he meets Bo Cruz (Juancho Hernangómez), an amateur player with raw talent. Stanley sees greatness in Bo and dedicates himself to helping him make it to the NBA. Their friendship and perseverance make Hustle a truly great feel-good sports film. – B.E.
How to watch: Hustle is now streaming on Netflix.
If you’ve ever wondered what The Little Mermaid would look like in a post-apocalyptic world where parkour battles determine social dominance, watch Bubble. Director Tetsuro Araki and Wit Studio have created a visually stunning anime based on Hans Christian Andersen’s tragic underwater fairytale. Tokyo is abandoned and enclosed in a giant dome after mysterious orbs rain from the sky. There, we meet Hibiki (voiced by Jun Shison) whose parkour battles for survival are changed by the arrival of a mysterious girl (voiced by Riria) who saves his life. – S.C.
How to watch: Bubble is now streaming on Netflix.
Richard Linklater tackles the 1969 moon landing in Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood. Using a mix of 2D, 3D, and rotoscope animation, the film tells the story of the moon landing through the eyes of young Stan (Milo Coy), who dreams of being chosen by NASA to go to the moon. Blending fantasy and reality, Apollo 10½ is a nostalgic gem that captures Linklater’s unique style. – B.E.
How to watch: Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood is now streaming on Netflix.


