Now that Stranger Things has finished, you might be wondering what else you should watch on Netflix before you ditch your subscription.
The truth is, it’s hard to find the gems on this platform among the dubbed movies and reality TV shows. But there are a few things to get you by before you scroll the night away on TikTok instead.
I’ve chucked together a mix of movies, documentaries and TV shows that are currently on Netflix (NZ) as of March 2026, that I think you’d enjoy. Most of these are not New Releases, because I’m sure you’ve already noticed those, or super popular, as I’m sure you’ll know about those too.
These are a few hidden gems that you may have missed, not found, or want to revisit.
So take a gander through this list, and save yourself some time trying to find these buried gems on Netflix tonight:
TV SHOWS:
The Dinosaurs – New, yes. But a fantastic way to clue up on the timeline of the evolution of dinosaurs. Plus, Morgan Freeman’s voice is a bonus.
Seinfeld – Your new binge watch. Easy and hilarious. No thinking required. Absolute classic.
The Middle – The distant and forgotten cousin of Malcolm in the Middle. But still an easy watch with a few laughs.
COMEDIES:
Easy A – Smart and funny, with our main girl Emma Stone.
Blades of Glory – A quirky, funny classic that always deserves revisiting.
Dodgeball – Another comedic classic that never gets old, even on the 150th watch.
Back to the Future -Totally takes the number one spot for being the best date night movie ever. Action, comedy, romance, 80s fashion and sci-fi – it ticks all the boxes.
17 Again – You think it’ll be worse than the classic Freaky Friday, but I actually enjoyed it more.
Julie & Julia – If you’re a foodie and a lover of Meryl Streep, this feel-good journey of cooking and self-discovery is for you!
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Not for everyone on account of its bizarre, candy floss coloured sets. But if you can stick with it, you might get a chuckle. You’ll eventually want to watch it a second time, which is when you appreciate the production of it.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga – Probably my favourite easy-to-watch comedy.
DRAMAS:
Dunkirk – I know I shouldn’t say this, because Saving Private Ryan is still such a sacred war movie to us all. But – and I’m saying this with my eyes closed – but Dunkirk is the best war movie. There, I said it. Won over by its remarkable camerawork, storytelling, heartbreakingly realistic acting… It’s every angle of the worst day in WW2. Absolutely haunting and touching.
Flipped – Disguised as a budget, turn-it-off-half-way-through kind of film, this will actually reveal itself to be an easy and thoroughly enjoyable coming-of-age watch. Review to come on this one.
21 – You forgot about this movie you saw a snippet of on your plane ride to Majorca didn’t you! It’s a fast-paced underdog story about counting cards. Great watch. Another great date night movie.
THRILLERS & ACTION:
A Quiet Place – We’ve all seen it too many times, I know. But still an undeniable great film. (Sequels weren’t necessary…)
Top Gun – “I feel the need, for speed!”
DOCUMENTARIES:
The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari – A heartbreaking documentary that you won’t be able to stop thinking about for a really long time. Brilliantly made, with real life accounts that stick with you. Immensely emotional – especially if you live in New Zealand.
The Lie – Another New Zealand-based doco. One that makes you question humankind altogether. A story about a monster, and an innocent backpacker who was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Again, hits you harder if you live in New Zealand.
Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart – It’s a chilling account of a kidnapping in US, where a 14yo was taken from her room at night. Petrifying, but worth the watch to remind you to give your kids an extra hug today.
American Murder: The Family Next Door – A stark reminder of how you really do not know anyone…
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model – Probably only worth watching if you watched it back in the day, or if you’re interested in how reality shows are really made. But certainly a wake-up call to what we wanted to watch in the early 2000s.
There we have it! A few gems to keep you going. Comment any I’ve missed below.
Jodie
NZ Film Freak 