Let’s be honest sometimes it feels like Netflix is showing you the same five titles every time you log in. While it’s great to have blockbuster originals and trending series at your fingertips, the real magic often lies beneath the surface. That’s where the hidden gems on Netflix live, movies and shows that didn’t get huge marketing campaigns but are absolutely worth your time.
So if you’ve scrolled endlessly, shrugged at the top 10, or rewatched Stranger Things for the third time, this list is for you. These are underrated Netflix movies and lesser-known series that deserve way more love.
What Counts as a “Hidden Gem”?
A hidden gem on Netflix isn’t just something you haven’t seen, it’s something most people haven’t seen. These are titles that might have slipped through the cracks but still shine with excellent storytelling, strong performances, or unique perspectives.
These can include:
Underrated Netflix movies and shows
International films or series with subtitles
Forgotten originals
Critically praised content with little hype
Older releases you never knew were streaming
We’ve handpicked a mix of genres and vibes so there’s something for every kind of viewer.
12 Hidden Gems on Netflix You Probably Haven’t Watched Yet
1. Calibre (2018)
Genre: Thriller / Drama
A tense Scottish thriller where a hunting trip between two friends turns horrifyingly wrong. Gritty, gripping, and deeply unsettling. One of the best unknown shows on Netflix if you love edge-of-your-seat drama.
2. The Platform (2019)
Genre: Sci-Fi / Horror
This Spanish-language film is a disturbing social allegory set in a vertical prison with a chillingly simple concept. Thought-provoking, bleak, and absolutely unforgettable.
3. Giri/Haji (2019)
Genre: Crime / Drama / Thriller
A British-Japanese crime drama with slick visuals and a poetic tone. It blends Tokyo’s underworld with London’s grit. Stylish, slow-burn storytelling that deserves far more attention.
4. I Am Mother (2019)
Genre: Sci-Fi / Mystery
A dystopian story about a girl raised by a robot after an extinction-level event. Tense, thought-provoking, and visually sharp. If you’re into underrated Netflix movies with a twist, add this to your list.
5. The Endless (2017)
Genre: Horror / Sci-Fi
Two brothers revisit the cult they escaped from years ago—only to find reality unraveling in terrifying ways. A low-budget mind-bender with big ideas and eerie vibes.
6. Unorthodox (2020)
Genre: Drama / Biographical
Based on a true story, this limited series follows a young woman who flees her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn for a new life in Berlin. Raw, emotional, and brilliantly acted.
7. Paddleton (2019)
Genre: Drama / Comedy
A touching, low-key film about two neighbors navigating terminal illness and deep friendship. It’s quiet and real, with standout performances by Ray Romano and Mark Duplass.
8. The Clovehitch Killer (2018)
Genre: Thriller / Crime
A chilling small-town mystery about a teenage boy who suspects his father might be a serial killer. Slow-burn horror fans, this one’s for you.
9. Shirkers (2018)
Genre: Documentary
An intimate and eccentric documentary about a lost indie film made in Singapore in the ’90s and the mystery surrounding its disappearance. A must-watch for film lovers and creatives.
10. The OA (2016–2019)
Genre: Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Mystery
Canceled too soon, The OA is a genre-defying series with a devoted cult following. It’s strange, beautiful, and one of the most unique stories Netflix has ever put out.
11. Blue Jay (2016)
Genre: Drama / Romance
A black-and-white indie film starring Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass. A quiet, heart-wrenching story about two former high school sweethearts reuniting years later.
12. Forgotten (2017)
Genre: Korean Thriller / Mystery
This South Korean thriller is a rollercoaster of twists and reveals. Perfect if you’re in the mood for psychological suspense with international flavor.
How to Discover More Lesser-Known Netflix Series and Movies
Netflix’s homepage isn’t always the best place to find hidden content. If you’re hungry for more discoveries, here are a few tips:
Use Netflix category codes: These let you access genre-specific subcategories like “Critically Acclaimed Independent Dramas” or “Dark Foreign Thrillers.”
Follow Reddit threads or online forums: Communities like r/NetflixBestOf or r/TrueFilm often uncover amazing hidden gems.
Search by actor or director: If you liked a movie or show, look up the cast and see what else they’ve done.
Check international titles: Expand your horizons with foreign-language films—you’ll find some of Netflix’s best-kept secrets there.
Final Thoughts
Netflix is more than just trending titles and algorithm-generated suggestions. Beyond the surface lies a treasure trove of stories that haven’t gotten the attention they deserve. From mind-bending thrillers to emotional indie dramas, these hidden gems on Netflix are waiting to be discovered by someone like you.
