Watching movies is something that I look forward to during my weekends. I love movies and shows that make you think and keep you guessing. If you enjoy mind-bending thrillers and game-based films as much as I do, you’re in the right place. Recently, I watched a few movies and shows belonging to this genre which I really liked. Thus, I thought of sharing those hidden gems with you guys. I know many people like to watch romantic movies or possibly drama, maybe horror movies as well. Although I indulge myself in other genres as well, my inclination is always toward thrillers, sci-fi, and time-travel-based movies. Whether it’s a psychological thriller that plays with your mind or a high-stakes game that keeps you on the edge of your seat, I’ll recommend the best ones to watch.
In this blog, I’ll introduce you to unique and fresh movies you can watch on Netflix. Unlike other lists, I won’t just repeat the same recommendations you find mostly everywhere else. Instead, I’ll highlight some hidden gems and new releases that stand out in the mind-bending thriller and game-based genres.
Paradise
“Paradise” (2023), is a dystopian sci-fi thriller that has recently made waves on Netflix. Directed by Boris Kunz, this film delves into a world where time is the ultimate currency, presenting a chilling scenario that questions the very fabric of human existence and morality. In the universe of “Paradise,” the corporation AEON has revolutionized the concept of aging. By transferring years from one person to another, they offer a chance at prolonged youth in exchange for precious time.
The Occupant
If you liked watching “Parasite”, you would love this movie. This “movie is relatively darker as compared to the “Parasite”. This is a 2020 Spanish thriller directed by David Pastor and Àlex Pastor. The story revolves around Javier Muñoz, portrayed by Javier Gutiérrez, a former advertising executive who is forced to sell his luxurious apartment due to unemployment. Struggling with his new circumstances, he becomes obsessed with the new occupants of his old home. Driven by envy and desperation, he begins to infiltrate their lives, leading to a dark and suspenseful narrative that explores themes of identity, obsession, and social status.
Fractured
“Fractured” is a spooky movie about a guy named Ray who goes on a trip with his family. But things get weird when his wife and daughter disappear at a rest stop. Ray tries to find them, but the people he meets seem suspicious. As he searches, he starts to wonder what’s real and what’s not. The movie keeps you guessing and scared with its twists and turns. It’s a creepy story that makes you think about what’s true and what’s not. If you haven’t watched it yet, it should definitely be on your WatchList.
The Platform
“The Platform” is a thought-provoking science fiction film made in 2019 set in a vertical prison called “The Hole.” In this grim setting, inmates are housed on different levels, with food delivered on a descending platform that stops at each level. The catch? The food supply diminishes as it descends, leaving those at the bottom with scraps or nothing at all. The story follows Goreng, a new inmate, as he navigates this brutal hierarchy, grappling with morality, power dynamics, and the human condition. This movie not only keeps you on the edge of your seat but also traverses through the concepts of social inequality, and greed.
The Weekend Away
This 2022 American Thriller is yet another movie that will keep you adhered to your screen. The story follows Beth, played by Leighton Meester, who travels to Croatia with her husband for a romantic getaway. However, their idyllic vacation takes a dark turn when Beth wakes up one morning to find her husband missing, and she becomes the prime suspect in his disappearance. As she tries to piece together secrets and betrayals emerge among her friends, leading to a twist-filled narrative.
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Baby Reindeer
This is a true masterpiece written about two broken individuals that explore co-dependent relationships. It’s shot perfectly and keeps you grasped throughout the season. Released in 2024, this fresh series is something that has to be on your must-watch list. Based on a true story, Richard Gadd has captured every nuance of his life experience for the show to appear lifelike. The show explores Gadd’s real-life experience of being stalked by a woman named Martha after he unknowingly crossed paths with her during a comedy gig. With amazing graphic depictions of events, it’ll surely give you goosebumps.
Alice in Borderland
If you liked watching “Squid Games” or “Hunger Games, you will definitely like this show. “Alice in Borderland” is a Japanese science fiction thriller series available on Netflix. The story follows Arisu, a young man who finds himself transported to a mysterious, deserted Tokyo where he must compete in deadly games to survive. Alongside his friends Karube and Chota, Arisu navigates through various challenges and puzzles, each with its own set of rules and risks. As they strive to unravel the mysteries of their new reality and search for a way back home, they encounter other players, each with their own motives and secrets. “Alice in Borderland” combines elements of suspense, action, and psychological drama, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its intense plot twists and complex characters.
The One
“The One” is a British science fiction thriller series available on Netflix. Set in a near-future world where a DNA matchmaking service promises to find people their perfect romantic partner based on genetic compatibility, the story revolves around Rebecca, the CEO of the company, and a cast of characters whose lives become intertwined through the service. As the series unfolds, secrets, lies, and ethical dilemmas emerge, challenging the notion of whether true love can be engineered or if it comes with unforeseen consequences. You can relate if you have watched “Black Mirror”.
3 Bodies Problem
If you love watching VR shows, this is something that you’re going to love. Released in 2024, the show explores virtual reality, particle physics, and alternate reality gaming to a great extent. Originally written by Liu Cixin, this is set against the backdrop of China’s Cultural Revolution and its aftermath, the story begins with a series of mysterious deaths of prominent scientists. As the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that these events are connected to a virtual reality game that serves as a means of communication with an alien civilization located near the star system of Trisolaris. This is a bit of a complex show, but it has its own fun element and keeps you hooked.
Bodies
Released in 2023, “Bodies” is a perfect amalgamation of sci-fi and time travel. It’s a compelling mystery that will serve as a good show to binge-watch. Set across four different timeframes: 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053, it’ll keep you spellbound throughout the entire length of the show. The setup is anything but straightforward: In Long Harvest Lane, London, a detective stumbles upon the naked body of a man bearing a peculiar mark on his wrist. Fast forward to 1941, where another detective encounters an identical body. Dial back even further to 1890, and once again, a detective faces the same mysterious corpse. Suddenly, the narrative catapults into the future, landing us in 2053, where yet another detective confronts the very same body. It would be a spoiler to reveal anything further. So just get a bucket of popcorn and watch this epic show.
I hope you will love these recommendations. If you’ve anything that you watched recently, pls do mention that as well 🙂
Very interesting list of movies and shows…… Unfortunately only have watched 03 body problem ….. Will definitely watch the rest ….
Watch “The One”…It’s very intriguing.