If youâre seeking an engaging narrative, Netflix offers an abundance of options.
The streaming service is filled with drama films that feature captivating stories and complex characters, ranging from tales of divorce to timeless coming-of-age dramas.
Movies like Past Lives and Marriage Story are guaranteed to evoke tears, while Phantom Thread combines psychological intricacies with dry humor.
Watch With Us sifted through the Netflix catalog and selected five of the top drama films available, ordered by their IMDb ratings.
5. âHis Three Daughtersâ (2023)
Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen portray three estranged sisters who reunite to support their sick father in this moving family drama directed by Azazel Jacobs. As they gather in their fatherâs New York apartment, alongside a wandering stepdaughter named Rachel, Katie (Coon) and Christina (Olsen) confront their past grievances, aiming to find resolution once and for all.
His Three Daughters skillfully brings to light challenging family dynamics, while also offering a sincere and affectionate narrative that may leave viewers emotional. The performances by Coon, Lyonne, and Olsen are outstanding, portraying a distinct yet universally relatable sibling relationship.
Watch His Three Daughters on Netflix.
4. âPhantom Threadâ (2017)
Meticulous and temperamental dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) leads a specialized life in London of the 1950s, creating exclusive gowns for a wealthy clientele. He casually moves through a series of romantic interests only to dismiss them eventually. His existence takes a turn when he meets a modest waitress, Alma (Vicky Krieps), who proves to be far more assertive than his usual muses.
This intricately woven romantic drama explores an unconventional relationship, showcasing the palpable chemistry between Day-Lewis and Krieps. Director Paul Thomas Anderson builds an entrancing tale, blending tension with sharp, subtle humor.
Watch Phantom Thread on Netflix.
3. âPast Livesâ (2023)
Nora Moon (Greta Lee) finds her childhood bond with Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) challenged when her family emigrates from South Korea in 1999. As they reconnect years later, their lives have taken different pathsâNora is married to Arthur (John Magaro)âbringing to the surface latent feelings and unrealized potential.
Partially drawn from director Celine Songâs own experiences, Past Lives weaves a tender narrative rich with poetry, exploring love and the heartaches of what might have been. This film has received acclaim, making numerous âBest FilmsâŠâ lists and was even praised by Christopher Nolan as one of his favorites, in addition to a Best Picture nomination at the 96th Academy Awards.
2. âMarriage Storyâ (2019)
Marriage Story features Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson as Charlie and Nicole Barber, a couple amidst a tumultuous separation. Written and directed by Noah Baumbach, inspired by his own life, the film received widespread praise and was a nominee for Best Picture at the 92nd Academy Awards, with Laura Dern winning for her role as Nicoleâs attorney, Nora.
Struggling with custody issues over their young son Henry (Azhy Robertson), Charlie, a theater director, and actress Nicoleâs relationship deteriorates, leading them to both emotional extremes. With outstanding performances and depth in character development, Marriage Story presents a haunting portrayal of romantic decline.
Watch Marriage Story on Netflix.
1. âStand by Meâ (1986)
This celebrated adaptation of the Stephen King classic captures the journey of four boys in Oregon as they embark on a quest to find the body of a classmate who has gone missing. Their simple expedition, driven by curiosity, transforms them as they uncover more about one another and the realities of their own lives.
A defining film in the coming-of-age genre, Stand By Me showcases remarkable performances by Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry OâConnell, and River Phoenix. Acknowledged for its touching portrayal of the trials of adolescence, it earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay and remains a standout film of the â80s.
