October is a big month for TV. One of the most popular shows on Netflix, Outer Banks, returns for its fourth season, which will be split into two parts. Speaking of returning shows, Heartstopper season 3 and The Diplomat season 2 are back in October. Additionally, the NBA will introduce a new 10-part docuseries, Starting 5, which chronicles the 2023-2024 season.
Enough about television; let’s focus on movies — not the top titles, but the ones that can get lost within the Netflix vault. Below are five movies that will not be on this week’s most popular list. However, they all might be considered underrated, depending on your preference. Our picks include a dystopian thriller, a teen romance, and a raunchy animated comedy.
We also have guides to the best movies 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+.
The Platform (2019)
To quote Netflix, “The Platform, a thriller that makes you think about… s***.” Dirty joke aside, a social allegory is at the center of The Platform, a Spanish dystopian thriller from Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia. Inside a special prison, a platform lowers from the top onto each floor and stays there for two minutes. Prisoners can eat as much food as they want before the platform lowers to the next floor. The catch: prisoners cannot keep any food as leftovers. Also, the food on the platform does not replenish; the lower the platform, the less food available.
A prisoner named Goreng (Iván Massagué) embarks on a quest to the lower levels, hoping his message will change the penal system. The Platform is quite thrilling for a horror film, and its messages about social inequality and greed are effective. Watch The Platform before streaming its sequel, The Platform 2, now available on Netflix.
Stream The Platform on Netflix.
Point Break (2015)
Let’s make one thing clear: 2015’s Point Break is not better than 1991’s Point Break. Kathryn Bigelow’s action thriller with Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves is preposterous, absurd, and most importantly, fantastic. The chemistry between Swayze and Reeves is magnetic, propelling both stars into action-movie icons.
With that said, 2015’s Point Break has its moments. Remove the title, and you’re left with an action movie that emphasizes thrills over drama. As an extreme sports movie, Point Break works. Luke Bracey plays Johnny Utah, while Édgar Ramírez plays Bodhi. Their camaraderie is inferior to Reeves and Swayze, but again, the action scenes with both actors can be pretty dazzling. Go into this film with an open mind, and you might be surprised by the result.
Stream Point Break on Netflix.
The Girl Next Door (2004)
What is moral fiber? Fans of The Girl Next Door will be quite familiar with that question. Matthew Kidman (Emile Hirsch) ponders that phrase throughout his senior year. Matthew has acted like a Boy Scout throughout his high school career. However, the decision to behave has paid off in the form of an acceptance letter to Georgetown University. However, Matthew needs to earn a scholarship to attend since he can’t afford it.
His plan to be on his best behavior goes awry when he meets the beautiful Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert), the titular girl next door. Danielle brings out Matthew’s spontaneity and charm, two qualities that have been hiding for his entire life. Yet Danielle holds a huge secret: she’s a former adult entertainer. At first, Matthew is hesitant to continue courting Danielle. Slowly but surely, he realizes that the juice is worth the squeeze, an effective message for a raunchy teen comedy.
Stream The Girl Next Door on Netflix.
Sausage Party (2016)
No amount of spoilers could prepare someone for what happens in Sausage Party, an adult-animated film from the minds of Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and Jonah Hill. Set inside a supermarket, food items have been conditioned to believe being purchased by humans is a good thing. These items will enter their version of heaven, “Great Beyond,” once outside of the store.
The notable foods include Frank (Rogen) the frankfurter, Brenda (Kristen Wiig) the hot dog bun, Carl the sausage (Hill), and Sammy Bagel Jr. (Edward Norton). Much to his surprise, Frank learns that the Great Beyond is a lie and that customers will eat them. We’ll stop there, because if we go any further with details, the synopsis strays into an X-rating.
Stream Sausage Party on Netflix.
Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
Did anyone ask for a prequel to Ouija? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean Ouija: Origin of Evil isn’t good. Set in 1960s Los Angeles, widowed mother Alice Zander (Elizabeth Reaser) works as a spiritual medium, claiming she can communicate with the dead. Alice operates the business through her home with daughters Lina (Annalise Basso) and Doris (Lulu Wilson).
To help attract more customers, Alice introduces a Ouija board to her presentations. Despite being a fake medium, Alice unknowingly summons a demon who possesses Doris. Their sham business becomes a matter of life or death as Alice races to save her daughter. Why is Ouija: Origin of Evil important? It’s directed by Mike Flanagan, a filmmaker who has thrived in horror. Ouija: Origin of Evil and his early films laid the groundwork for his beloved Netflix shows that came later.
Stream Ouija: Origin of Evil on Netflix.
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