With so many movies to choose from, it can be tough to decide what to watch on Netflix. Here are the top 10 most popular movies on the platform in January 2023, ranked by popularity and user ratings.
Cast:
Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dominique Fishback
Plot:
“Project Power” is a sci-fi action film set in a future where a new pill has hit the streets of New Orleans. The pill gives people superpowers for five minutes, but with unpredictable and often dangerous results. The film follows the story of Art (played by Jamie Foxx), a former soldier turned drug dealer, and Robin (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a local cop, as they work together to find the source of the pill and put a stop to its distribution.
The film is filled with action and suspense as the main characters navigate the dangerous world of the pill and the people who control it. With a unique concept and an all-star cast, “Project Power” is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and action films.
Cast:
Adarsh Gourav, Rajkummar Rao, Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Plot:
“The White Tiger” is a dark comedy-drama film based on the Man Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name. The film follows the journey of Balram Halwai (played by Adarsh Gourav), a driver in India who becomes a successful entrepreneur.
Balram’s journey begins as a poor and oppressed driver for a wealthy family, but he soon realizes that the only way to escape poverty and get ahead in life is to become a ruthless and cunning entrepreneur. As he rises to power and becomes his own boss, Balram reflects on his journey and the corruption and greed that have allowed him to succeed.
“The White Tiger” is a captivating film that sheds light on the harsh realities of the class system in India and the lengths people will go to in order to achieve success. With strong performances and a unique perspective, this film is a must-watch for fans of dramas and dark comedies.
Cast:
Anthony Mackie, Damson Idris, Enzo Cilenti
Plot:
“Outside the Wire” is a science fiction film set in the near future where a drone pilot, Lieutenant Thomas Harper (played by Anthony Mackie), is sent into a conflict-ridden area as an android officer to stop a nuclear threat. As he carries out his mission, Harper encounters a rogue soldier, Leo (played by Damson Idris), who is on a quest to save a young girl and restore justice to the world.
As Harper and Leo work together, they find themselves caught in a dangerous game of politics and power, facing challenges that test their abilities and beliefs. With intense action and thought-provoking themes, “Outside the Wire” is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and action films.
Cast:
Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James
Plot:
“The Dig” is a historical drama film based on the real-life events of the 1939 excavation of an Anglo-Saxon burial site in England. The film follows the story of wealthy widow Edith Pretty (played by Carey Mulligan), who hires archaeologist Basil Brown (played by Ralph Fiennes) to excavate the site on her property.
As Basil and his team begin to uncover the secrets of the site, they uncover treasures and artifacts that shed light on a forgotten civilization and its beliefs and practices. The film also explores the relationship between Edith and Basil, as they work together and form a bond despite their different backgrounds and social standings.
With stunning cinematography and a captivating story, “The Dig” is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and archaeology. It provides a glimpse into a fascinating time in history and brings to life the discovery of a unique and valuable piece of our cultural heritage.
Cast:
Bellamy Young, Lou Diamond Phillips, Alice Rietveld
Plot:
“The Night Stalker” is a crime drama series based on the true story of Richard Ramirez, a notorious serial killer who terrorized Los Angeles in the mid-1980s. The series follows the investigation led by detectives Gil Carrillo (played by Lou Diamond Phillips) and Frank Salerno (played by Manny Montana) as they try to catch the Night Stalker and bring an end to his killing spree.
As the detectives work to track down the Night Stalker, they face challenges and obstacles in a city terrorized by a mysterious and elusive killer. With intense suspense and a deep dive into the mind of a serial killer, “The Night Stalker” is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and true crime. The series is a chilling and thought-provoking look at one of the most notorious serial killers in American history.
6. Dune (2021)
Cast:
Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac
Plot:
“Dune” is a science fiction film based on the classic novel by Frank Herbert. The film is set in the distant future where humanity has spread out across the universe and has come to rely on a valuable substance called “spice” that is only found on the desert planet Arrakis.
The film follows the story of Paul Atreides (played by Timothee Chalamet), the son of a noble family who takes control of Arrakis and becomes embroiled in a power struggle between the noble houses and the mysterious, sand-dwelling Fremen. With the help of the Fremen and his newfound abilities, Paul sets out to bring order to the universe and secure the future of humanity.
With stunning visuals and an epic story, “Dune” is a must-watch for fans of science fiction and action films. The film is a thrilling and thought-provoking journey into a rich and imaginative world that explores themes of power, identity, and destiny.
Cast:
George Clooney, Felicity Jones, David Oyelowo
Plot:
“The Midnight Sky” is a science fiction film set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Earth has been devastated by a mysterious event. The film follows the story of Augustine Lofthouse (played by George Clooney), a scientist stationed at an Arctic research facility who is one of the last people on Earth.
As Augustine attempts to contact the crew of a returning spacecraft, he is forced to confront his past mistakes and the weight of his solitude. With the help of a young girl (played by Caoilinn Springall), Augustine sets out on a dangerous journey to reach the returning crew and prevent them from landing on a doomed Earth.
With stunning visuals and a touching story, “The Midnight Sky” is a must-watch for fans of science fiction and drama films. The film is a thought-provoking journey into a bleak and beautiful world, exploring themes of redemption, hope, and the human spirit.
8. Mank (2020)
Cast:
Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins
Plot:
“Mank” is a biographical drama film that follows the life and work of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz (played by Gary Oldman) as he writes the classic film “Citizen Kane.” The film is set in the 1930s and 1940s, as Mankiewicz navigates the challenges of the film industry and his relationship with the powerful media mogul William Randolph Hearst (played by Charles Dance).
As Mankiewicz works to complete the script for “Citizen Kane,” he reflects on his own life and the events that have shaped him, including his political beliefs, his drinking habits, and his relationships with other Hollywood figures such as Orson Welles (played by Tom Burke).
With stunning cinematography and a captivating story, “Mank” is a must-watch for fans of biographical dramas and classic cinema. The film is a thought-provoking look at the life of one of Hollywood’s greatest screenwriters and the creation of one of the most influential films in cinema history.
Cast:
Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin
Plot:
“Enola Holmes” is a mystery film based on the popular young adult novels by Nancy Springer. The film follows the story of Enola Holmes (played by Millie Bobby Brown), the youngest sibling of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes (played by Henry Cavill).
When Enola’s mother (played by Helena Bonham Carter) suddenly disappears, Enola sets out to find her with the help of her older brother Mycroft (played by Sam Claflin). Along the way, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous mystery involving a missing lord (played by Louis Partridge) and encounters a variety of characters including a love interest (played by Frances de la Tour) and a dangerous villain (played by Fiona Shaw).
With a fun and fast-paced story, “Enola Holmes” is a must-watch for fans of mystery and adventure films. The film is a charming and engaging journey into the world of the famous detective, introducing a new and exciting hero in Enola Holmes.
10. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
Cast:
Chadwick Boseman, Viola Davis, Glynn Turman
Plot:
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is a historical drama film based on the play by August Wilson. The film is set in the 1920s and follows the story of Ma Rainey (played by Viola Davis), a legendary blues singer and her band as they gather for a recording session in a Chicago recording studio.
As Ma and her band prepare to record, tensions rise as they navigate the challenges of the music industry and the racism of the time. The film explores themes of race, art, and power as the characters navigate the complexities of their relationships and the pressures of their careers.
With powerful performances and a thought-provoking story, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and musical films. The film is a moving and impactful journey into the world of the blues and the struggles of Black musicians in the early 20th century.
These are the most popular movies currently on Netflix, but keep in mind that titles may come and go from the platform. So, if you see something you like, make sure to watch it before it disappears!