15 Netflix Picks You’ll Want to Watch First

15 Netflix Picks You’ll Want to Watch First

With so many options available, you might spend more time browsing than actually watching something good. Finding the perfect show or movie can feel overwhelming when you have limited free time. Here are fifteen fantastic Netflix picks that deserve a spot at the top of your watchlist.

1. Unknown Number: The High School Catfish

Social media mysteries take center stage in this gripping documentary that explores teenage deception online. When high school students receive messages from unknown numbers, they discover someone has been pretending to be their friend for months.

The film reveals how easily people can create fake identities on the internet. Students share their shocking experiences of being tricked by catfishers who seemed completely real. Parents and teachers also discuss the warning signs they missed.

This eye-opening documentary teaches viewers about online safety while telling an engaging story. Young people will especially relate to the social media situations shown throughout the film.

2. Just One Look

Based on Harlan Coben’s thriller novel, this miniseries follows a mother whose life changes after seeing an old photograph. The picture contains a face she recognizes, leading to dangerous secrets from her past coming to light.

Each episode builds suspense as the main character uncovers more disturbing truths about her family. The show expertly weaves together multiple storylines that all connect in surprising ways. Viewers will find themselves guessing what really happened years ago.

Strong acting and clever plot twists make this series perfect for mystery lovers. The episodes move at a steady pace, revealing just enough information to keep audiences hooked until the final revelation.

3. The Åre Murders

Set in Sweden’s beautiful mountain region, this crime series combines stunning scenery with dark murder mysteries. When bodies start appearing in the popular ski resort town of Åre, local police must solve cases that threaten the tourist industry.

The show highlights Swedish culture while delivering compelling detective work. Each case reveals secrets hidden beneath the town’s peaceful surface. The main detective character brings both intelligence and personal struggles to every investigation.

Beautiful cinematography captures the snowy landscape that serves as the backdrop for these crimes. Fans of Scandinavian crime dramas will appreciate the realistic characters and complex storylines that unfold throughout each season.

4. Kinda Pregnant

Comedy meets awkward situations when a woman pretends to be pregnant to keep up with her successful friends. What starts as a small lie quickly grows into a complicated web of deception that affects everyone around her.

The main character’s attempts to maintain her fake pregnancy lead to hilarious misunderstandings and close calls. Her friends and family become increasingly suspicious as she struggles to keep her secret. The show explores themes of friendship, honesty, and social pressure.

Clever writing and relatable characters make this comedy series both funny and thoughtful. Viewers will laugh at the ridiculous situations while also understanding the character’s motivations for lying about such an important topic.

5. The Wrong Paris

Travel mishaps create comedy gold when tourists accidentally end up in Paris, Texas instead of Paris, France. Their vacation plans completely fall apart, but they discover unexpected adventures in the small American town.

The contrast between what the characters expected and what they found provides plenty of laughs. Local residents help the confused visitors make the best of their mistake. Cultural differences between big city expectations and small town reality drive much of the humor.

This lighthearted film celebrates finding joy in unexpected places. The cast delivers genuine performances that make the ridiculous premise feel believable. Audiences will enjoy watching the characters learn to appreciate their accidental destination.

6. aka Charlie Sheen

This documentary examines the rise and fall of one of Hollywood’s most controversial actors. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, viewers get an honest look at Charlie Sheen’s career highs and personal struggles.

The film covers his successful television shows and movie roles alongside his well-publicized problems. Friends, coworkers, and family members share their perspectives on his behavior and talent. The documentary doesn’t shy away from discussing his mistakes and their consequences.

Rather than simply criticizing, the film tries to understand what led to his public meltdowns. Viewers will gain insight into the pressures of fame and addiction. The documentary presents a balanced view of a complex celebrity figure.

7. Ballad of a Small Player

Gambling addiction takes center stage in this intense drama about a man who flees to Macau after losing everything. The main character hopes to win back his money in the city’s famous casinos, but his problems only get worse.

The film captures the excitement and danger of high-stakes gambling in stunning detail. Viewers witness how addiction affects not just the gambler but everyone around him. The casino scenes feel authentic and show both the glamour and darkness of gambling culture.

Strong performances bring emotional depth to this cautionary tale about addiction and desperation. The movie serves as both entertainment and a warning about the dangers of gambling. Audiences will feel tension building as the character makes increasingly risky bets.

8. Million Dollar Secret

Million Dollar Secret is a reality competition series that drops 12 strangers into a high-stakes social experiment. The twist: one of them secretly holds a million dollars, and the others must work together to uncover who it is.

Meanwhile, the millionaire’s goal is to keep their identity hidden while blending in and avoiding suspicion. Each episode blends strategy, psychological gameplay, and social dynamics, creating an atmosphere of tension and distrust. The setup feels like a mix of The Mole and Survivor, but with the added tension of actual money already in play.

Because it focuses heavily on reading people and manipulation, the show keeps both contestants and viewers constantly second-guessing. It hasn’t gotten as much buzz as Netflix’s big competition hits, but it offers fresh, addictive drama for reality-TV fans.

9. Who Killed the Montreal Expos?

Baseball fans will appreciate this documentary that investigates why Montreal lost its Major League Baseball team. The film explores the complex business and political decisions that led to the Expos leaving Canada for Washington D.C.

Former players, fans, and team officials share their memories of the franchise’s glory days and decline. The documentary reveals how poor management and lack of support contributed to the team’s problems. Viewers learn about the passionate fan base that fought to keep baseball in Montreal.

Even non-baseball fans will find the story engaging as it touches on themes of community identity and corporate greed. The film serves as both sports history and a lesson about what cities lose when teams relocate.

10. Call the Midwife (Season 14)

The beloved British drama returns with more heartwarming stories about midwives serving London’s East End in the 1960s. This season tackles new social issues while maintaining the show’s focus on compassionate healthcare and community support.

New characters join the familiar cast, bringing fresh perspectives to the clinic. The writers continue to address real historical events that affected women’s healthcare during this era. Each episode balances serious topics with moments of humor and hope.

Long-time fans will appreciate how the series has evolved while staying true to its core values. The show’s positive message about helping others resonates with audiences of all ages. Medical drama combines with historical education to create truly meaningful television.

11. Bodies

Bodies is a British sci-fi crime thriller that cleverly spans four different timelines, each featuring detectives investigating the exact same murder in London. The show intertwines Victorian-era policing, World War II intrigue, modern-day politics, and a dystopian future, all connected by one mysterious corpse.

With each detective uncovering fragments of the truth, the series builds toward a chilling revelation about power, identity, and fate. It balances sharp character work with an intricate narrative, keeping viewers guessing across eight tense episodes.

The show also stands out for its moody atmosphere and ambitious storytelling, which blends crime drama with speculative fiction. Though it had less hype compared to bigger Netflix originals, critics praised its originality and complex structure. For fans of time-twisting mysteries, Bodies is a hidden gem worth binging.

12. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

World War Two history comes alive through the story of a London writer who discovers a book club on the island of Guernsey. The club formed during the German occupation, and its members share their experiences of surviving the war years.

Romance blooms as the writer learns more about the island’s wartime secrets and the people who lived through them. The film beautifully captures the healing power of literature and human connection. Each character has survived trauma in their own way.

Based on the popular novel, this adaptation brings the beloved characters to life with warmth and authenticity. The historical setting provides education about a lesser-known aspect of the war while delivering an engaging love story.

13. Big Daddy

Adam Sandler stars as a lazy bachelor who suddenly becomes responsible for a five-year-old boy in this heartwarming comedy. His character must learn how to be a parent while dealing with his own immaturity and relationship problems.

The unlikely father-son duo creates plenty of laughs as they navigate daily life together. Their bond grows stronger through various adventures and mishaps around New York City. The child actor delivers a naturally charming performance alongside Sandler’s comedic timing.

Beneath the humor lies a genuine story about personal growth and responsibility. The movie shows how caring for someone else can help people mature and find purpose. Family audiences will enjoy the mix of silly comedy and touching moments between the main characters.

14. Sing Street

Music and young love take center stage in this coming-of-age film set in 1980s Dublin. A teenage boy starts a band to impress a girl, leading him to discover his passion for music and songwriting.

The original songs capture the spirit of 80s rock while telling the story of teenage dreams and ambitions. Family problems and economic struggles provide realistic challenges for the main character. His relationships with bandmates and family members add depth to the musical storyline.

Excellent performances by young actors make the characters feel authentic and relatable. The film celebrates creativity and the power of music to bring people together. Viewers will find themselves humming the catchy songs long after the movie ends.

15. Hanna

A teenage girl is trained as an assassin by her father. When she enters the real world, she must use her deadly skills while trying to understand normal teenage life.

The show balances intense fight scenes with quieter moments of character development. Viewers watch as Hanna struggles to connect with other people her age while staying ahead of dangerous enemies. Her unique upbringing creates both advantages and serious social challenges.

Strong female characters and well-choreographed action sequences make this series stand out in the crowded thriller genre. The European locations add visual appeal to the fast-paced storylines. Fans of action movies will appreciate the skilled stunt work and compelling plot twists.