Yahoo Finance The Best Drama Movies on Netflix to Stream Now
If you’re in the mood for drama, Netflix has you covered
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Finn Wolfhard and Julianne Moore in When You Finish Saving the World, 2022Netflix has made a name for itself when it comes to drama movies.
Over the past few years, many of their original films have become critically acclaimed — and some have even earned Best Picture nominations at the Academy Awards. On top of that, the platform is also home to numerous excellent dramatic offerings from other studios around the world. From relationship dramas to biopics based on real people, there's never a shortage of films to fit your mood.
But with the number of dramatic offerings on the streaming service, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out exactly what to watch. That's why we've compiled some of the best drama flicks available to view on the platform right now. Between newer releases like May December and Nyad and award-winning films like Marriage Story and Roma, you'll find the perfect movie to stream in no time.
Ahead, the best drama movies on Netflix to watch now.
When You Finish Saving the World
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Julianne Moore in When You Finish Saving the World, 2022In Jesse Eisenberg's 2022 directorial debut — based on his 2020 Audible Original drama — Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard portray a mother and son struggling to connect while coming across that craved attachment in others. As the guitar-slinging Ziggy (Wolfhard) aims to impress his politically active crush, Lila (Alisha Boe), the straitlaced Evelyn (Moore) befriends teen Kyle (Billy Bryk), whom she meets at the domestic abuse survivor shelter she runs.
Watch When You Finish Saving the World on Netflix
The Theory of Everything
Best Actor Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne embodies theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking in the adaptation of his ex-wife's 2007 memoir, Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen. Set in the University of Cambridge in the 1960s, this biographical romantic drama chronicles their love story, alongside Hawking's diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and his groundbreaking achievements in theoretical physics and quantum mechanics.
Watch The Theory of Everything on Netflix
Out of Africa
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Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in Out of Africa, 1985Winning seven Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director, Sydney Pollack's 1985 romantic drama centers on Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep), a Danish baroness whose aristocratic husband, Bror (Klaus Maria Brandauer), invests their wealth in a coffee plantation in 20th-century Kenya. Joining him in Africa, Karen discovers Bror's infidelity and finds solace — and love — in the arms of bohemian hunter Denys (Robert Redford), while redefining her own aspirations and desires.
Watch Out of Africa on Netflix
Yesterday
Longing for stardom, singer-songwriter Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) flirts with the idea of abandoning his musical aspirations altogether, despite the support from his lifelong friend, Ellie (Lily James). Yet, a bus accident during a worldwide blackout alters Jack's reality entirely: He alone remembers the Beatles in a world where they've been erased from collective memory. Seizing the opportunity, Jack introduces the legendary band's timeless hits to an oblivious audience, skyrocketing himself into the fame he's long desired.
Erin Brockovich
Inspired by the true story of the activist icon instrumental in securing the largest settlement ever paid in an American class action lawsuit at the time, Steven Soderbergh's 2000 biographical drama follows single mother Erin Brockovich — played by Julia Roberts, who won the Best Actress Oscar and Golden Globe for the role — as she lands a new job at her lawyer's (Albert Finney) firm. Discovering medical records hidden in real-estate files, Erin takes it upon herself to investigate the multi-million dollar Pacific Gas and Electric Company and its role in the Hinkley, Calif., groundwater contamination incident.
Watch Erin Brockovich on Netflix
Waves
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Taylor Russell and Lucas Hedges in Waves, 2019A tear-jerking, operatic exploration of grief and loss, Waves paints a vivid portrait of a Black Floridian family — led by a high-and-mighty, emotionally reserved father (Sterling K. Brown) — swaying on the edge of a breakdown following a devastating tragedy. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, this 2019 domestic drama features a cast of both lauded actors and new talents, including Kelvin Harrison Jr., Taylor Russell, Lucas Hedges, Alexa Demie and Renée Elise Goldsberry.
The Vow
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Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams in The Vow, 2012Based on the real-life journey of Kim and Krickitt Carpenter, this 2012 romantic drama centers on newlyweds Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum), whose fairy-tale life takes a sharp turn when a vehicle accident leaves Paige in a coma. When she wakes up with profound memory loss — rendering her unable to recognize her own husband — Leo is resolute in honoring his promise to stand by his wife "in sickness and in health," committed to reigniting the flame of their marriage.
The Florida Project
Tucked in the shadows of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom stands the Magic Castle, a run-down, purple-painted motel. Inside, it's the home of Halley (Bria Vinaite), a single mom struggling to make ends meet, and her playful 6-year-old daughter, Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) — who views her unsightly surroundings as her personal paradise. With Willem Dafoe also in the mix, The Florida Project beautifully captures the essence of childhood innocence in its most unfiltered and genuine form.
Watch The Florida Project on Netflix
May December
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Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman in May December, 2023In Todd Haynes' 2023 drama, Julianne Moore takes on the role of a controversial woman, Gracie Atherton-Yoo, who's loosely based on the real-life Mary Kay Letourneau. Married with three children to the man (Charles Melton) she first met as a 13-year-old boy, Gracie's relationship — which led to her incarceration 20 years prior — faces new challenges when actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past.
Boyz n the Hood
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Boyz n The Hood, 1991After living with his father, Jason "Furious" Styles (Laurence Fishburne), in South Central Los Angeles for seven years, Tre (Cuba Gooding Jr.) has developed into a responsible young man who's steered clear of trouble — thanks to his stern dad and devout Catholic girlfriend (Nia Long). Meanwhile, Tre's closest friends, Doughboy (Ice Cube) and Ricky (Morris Chestnut), find themselves tangled in the drug and gang scene of the Crenshaw District.
Watch Boyz n the Hood on Netflix
L.A. Confidential
In Curtis Hanson's 1997 neo-crime drama, three distinctive policemen — each driven by their unique styles and motives — navigate the world of organized crime in 1950s Los Angeles. Garnering two Oscars, this critically acclaimed film features standout performances from Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, James Cromwell, David Strathairn, Kim Basinger and Danny DeVito.
Watch L.A. Confidential on Netflix
Whiplash
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J. K. Simmons in Whiplash, 2014Written and helmed by La La Land (2016) writer-director Damien Chazelle, this 2014 psychological drama marches to the beat of Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), an ambitious jazz drummer chasing his dreams. Enrolling in a ruthless music conservatory in Manhattan, the young musician finds himself under the tutelage of a high-handed instructor (J.K. Simmons), who pushes Andrew to the limits of his talent and sanity.
Nyad
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Annette Bening as Diana Nyad and Jodie Foster as Bonnie Stoll in Nyad, 2023Athlete Diana Nyad (Annette Bening) once embarked on an epic 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida but had to surrender to the harsh winds. Now, 32 years later at age 60, Diana rekindles her dream of conquering this aquatic marathon, determined to face the open waters with the support of both her coach (Jodie Foster) and a team of sailors and without the protection of a shark cage.
Harriet
Directed by Kasi Lemmons, this 2019 biographical drama chronicles the remarkable journey of a legendary American figure — abolitionist Harriet Tubman (Cynthia Erivo) — from her escaping slavery to leading countless enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn and Janelle Monáe also star.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
Netflix
Dev Patel, Sir Ben Kingsley and Richard Ayoade in Roald Dahl's The Wonderful Story of Henry SugarIn Wes Anderson's second Roald Dahl adaptation following Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) — with three additional short films also released in September 2023 — the wealthy and cunning Henry Sugar (Benedict Cumberbatch) acquires an eye-opening skill from a guru to master the art of seeing without using his eyes, all to gain an unfair advantage in gambling. This star-studded short features performances by Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley and Richard Ayoade
Watch The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar on Netflix
Boy Erased
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Nicole Kidman and Lucas Hedges in Boy ErasedIn the 2018 adaptation of Garrard Conley's memoir, Boy Erased, we follow Jared Eamons (Lucas Hedges), whose revelation of his gay identity puts him at odds with his Baptist parents (Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe). Coerced into a conversion therapy program, Jared clashes with its hostile leader (Joel Edgerton), igniting a transformative journey of self-acceptance.
Miss Juneteenth
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Nicole Beharie in Miss JuneteenthPremiering at the Sundance Film Festival, this critically acclaimed 2020 drama centers around Turquoise (Nicole Beharie), a single mother and former beauty queen. She dedicates herself to preparing her headstrong teenage daughter (Alexis Chikaeze) for the "Miss Juneteenth" pageant, hoping to shield her from the challenges in life that Turquoise faced herself.
Watch Miss Juneteenth on Netflix
Hacksaw Ridge
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Andrew Garfield in Hacksaw Ridge, 2016Mel Gibson's 2016 war biopic chronicles pacifist combat medic Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) serving during World War II. Doss' steadfast refusal to carry arms due to religious beliefs sparks challenges and admiration as he fearlessly saves lives on the battlefield, ultimately earning him the Congressional Medal of Honor. Hacksaw Ridge also features a supporting cast including Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington, Teresa Palmer, Luke Bracey and more.
Watch Hacksaw Ridge on Netflix
Missing
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From the minds that brought you screen-life thriller Searching (2018) comes the 2023 standalone sequel about a teen named June (Storm Reid), whose mother (Nia Long) goes missing on a trip to Colombia with her boyfriend. Putting her tech-savvy skills to use, June is determined to find her mom's location, but eventually uncovers some shocking truths about her family along the way.
A Man Called Otto
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From A Christmas Carol to Pixar's Up, there are already a handful of beloved stories about a grumpy older man, but A Man Called Otto offers another take on the trope with a whole lot of heart. In this remake of the Swedish film A Man Called Ove — based on Swedish author Fredrik Backman's best-selling novel of the same name — Tom Hanks steps into the shoes of widower Otto Anderson, a grief-stricken man who has plans to end his life but forms a friendship with his new neighbors who reintroduce him to the world's many colors.
Watch A Man Called Otto on Netflix
Fanfic
Netflix
This Polish LGBTQ drama is an excellent title to grow your watchlist. Fanfic follows two teens (Alin Szewczyk and Jan Cieciara) who develop a profound connection as they confront the obstacles of high school and their gender identities.
Hunger
Fans of culinary thrillers like 2022's The Menu will eat this one right up. Directed by Sitisiri Mongkolsiri, this suspenseful 2023 Thai drama follows a noodle shop cook (Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying) who's invited by the renowned Chef Paul (Nopachai Chaiyanam) to train under him and serve silver-spooned patrons — and gets a taste of the expert's high-handed leadership.
The Glass Castle
Based on Jeanette Walls' best-selling memoir of the same name, The Glass Castle follows the author's journey from growing up in a poor, dysfunctional household to becoming a successful New York journalist. Brie Larson stars in this 2017 drama alongside Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts.
Watch The Glass Castle on Netflix
White Noise
Directed by Noah Baumbach, this 2022 satirical drama centers on a family uprooted from their suburban home after a train accident sets noxious chemicals loose nearby. Inspired by the airborne toxic event from Don DeLillo's 1985 novel of the same name (and resembling what transpired in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023), White Noise features a stellar cast including Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, Don Cheadle and more.
RRR
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With jaw-dropping action scenes and multiple musical sequences, the award-winning Tollywood adventure drama is one you don't want to miss. Dubbed in several languages — with Telegu being the original — RRR follows two Indian revolutionaries (Ram Charan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr.) who join forces to combat British colonial rule.
The Wonder
Set during the aftermath of the Great Famine, 2022's The Wonder stars Florence Pugh as English nurse Elizabeth "Lib" Wright, who's sent to a countryside village in Ireland to examine a young fasting girl (Kíla Lord Cassidy). Although the 11-year-old claims she has survived without food for months, Lib is determined to uncover the reason behind this marvel.
Luckiest Girl Alive
Adapted from Jessica Knoll's best-selling novel of the same name, this 2022 mystery thriller follows a N.Y.C. writer whose storybook life is upended when a true-crime documentarian forces her to rehash her dark past. This film features an ensemble cast, including Mila Kunis, Chiara Aurelia, Finn Wittrock, Connie Britton and more.
Watch Luckiest Girl Alive on Netflix
Passing
In her directorial debut, Rebecca Hall's critically acclaimed drama — filmed entirely in black-and-white — centers on two mixed-race childhood friends who reunite as adults during the 1920s; one who is "passing" as a White woman and the other who identifies as Black. Starring Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, André Holland and Alexander Skarsgård, Passing explores race, gender and sexuality in the early 20th century.
The Good Nurse
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Based on a chilling true story, The Good Nurse chronicles overburdened ICU nurse Amy Loughren as she discovers that her colleague Charlie Cullen has a dark past. When a patient's unexpected death casts him in a suspicious light, she helps uncover that Charlie has been guilty of murdering dozens of patients. Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne star in the crime thriller.
Watch The Good Nurse on Netflix
Hustle
Stanley Sugerman finds himself in a tough spot after being fired as a professional basketball scout. But after discovering an incredible street ball player during a trip to Spain, he takes the opportunity to prove that they both have what it takes to make it to the NBA. Adam Sandler stars alongside Queen Latifah and Juancho Hernangómez.
The Swimmers
Based on a true story, sisters Yusra and Sarah Mardini (played by real-life siblings Nathalie and Manal Issa) must flee Syria after their home is destroyed during the Civil War. They soon embark on an arduous journey to Greece to seek asylum. After surviving the voyage and heroically saving all those aboard their boat, they turn their attention toward their once-thriving swimming careers. Less than a year after arriving on the shores of Greece, they find themselves competing at the Rio Olympics.
Emily the Criminal
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Aubrey Plaza in Emily the CriminalAubrey Plaza stars as Emily, a college grad drowning in student debt and unable to find a job thanks to a minor criminal record. When she's offered a position as a "dummy shopper," she signs on, even if it means she'll be shopping using stolen credit cards. It isn't long before she teams up with her middleman Youcef (Theo Rossi) to take things to the next level — but their risky move ends up having deadly consequences.
Watch Emily the Criminal on Netflix
All Quiet on the Western Front
Based on the 1929 novel by Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front picks up as war begins in Germany in 1914. The four-time Oscar-winning film follows 17-year-old Paul Bäumer (Felix Kammerer) and his classmates, who quickly enlist in the army, motivated by dreams of heroism and glory. But as Paul heads to the Western Front, his perception of war is drastically changed by the bleak reality of war.
Watch All Quiet on the Western Front on Netflix
The Power of the Dog
When intimidating rancher Phil Burbank and his brother George meet widowed proprietress Rose, their lives are changed forever. After George marries Rose and brings her back to the ranch with her teenage son, Phil begins to torment the new family. One day, Phil's mockery of the young boy unexpectedly turns into mentorship — but it's unclear if his kind gesture is part of a larger scheme. Benedict Cumberbatch stars alongside Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee.
Watch The Power of the Dog on Netflix
Rebecca
Based on Daphne du Maurier's gothic novel, Rebecca follows a newly married young woman as she moves into her husband's overwhelming estate on the coast of England. There, she finds herself living in the ever-present shadow of his late wife — and dealing with his obsessive housekeeper. Lily James and Armie Hammer star in this psychological thriller.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
In 1927 Chicago, groundbreaking blues singer Ma Rainey is in the middle of a high-stakes recording session with her band. When Ma Rainey shows up late with a list of demands, tensions rise between the singer, her trumpet player Levee and veteran musician Toledo. Based on August Wilson's 1982 play of the same name, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom stars Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman (in his last film performance before he died in August 2020) and Glynn Turman.
Watch Ma Rainey's Black Bottom on Netflix
Mank
Mank transports viewers back to Hollywood in the 1930s, following the trials and tribulations of acclaimed screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz. The David Fincher-directed film tells the true story of how Mankiewicz developed the first draft of what would become Citizen Kane and the real-life inspiration behind its characters. Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried and Lily Collins star.
Tick, Tick… Boom!
Based on playwright Jonathan Larson's autobiographical musical, Tick, Tick… Boom! is a coming-of-age story about an aspiring theater composer in N.Y.C. On the verge of his 30th birthday, Jonathan feels his time is running out to create something revolutionary. As he has second thoughts about his career, he must also navigate the complexities of both love and friendship. Andrew Garfield stars as Jonathan in Lin-Manuel Miranda's directorial debut alongside Alexandra Shipp and Vanessa Hudgens.
Watch Tick, Tick… Boom! on Netflix
Phantom Thread
In 1950s London, celebrated dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) is at the center of the fashion scene, dressing everyone from the royal family to movie stars. Despite having many women in his life, Woodcock can't commit — that is, until he meets Alma (Vicky Krieps), a headstrong young woman who becomes both his muse and his lover. Over time, their relationship becomes increasingly more intense — until unusual occurrences occur.
Watch Phantom Thread on Netflix
Marriage Story
Marriage Story takes an emotional look at divorce as a stage director and his actress wife navigate the bittersweet unraveling of their relationship. They are pushed to their emotional limits as they struggle through their exhausting split and subsequent hostile custody battle. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver star alongside Laura Dern.
Watch Marriage Story on Netflix
The Two Popes
Inspired by true events, The Two Popes looks behind the walls of the Vatican as Pope Benedict XVI and the future Pope Francis come face-to-face. The pair must work together to begin a new era for the Catholic Church. The film earned both Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins Oscar nominations in 2020.
Watch The Two Popes on Netflix
The Guilty
The Guilty, a remake of the 2018 Danish film Den Skyldige, follows a troubled police detective relegated to fielding 911 calls on the night shift. When a call comes through from a kidnapped woman, he must scramble to save her — and confront his troubled past. Jake Gyllenhaal, Ethan Hawke and Riley Keough star in the crime thriller.
The Irishman
The Irishman chronicles one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American history — the disappearance of legendary union leader Jimmy Hoffa. Told from the perspective of a hustler and top hitman Frank Sheeran, the film spans his life as he rises from bodyguard to confidante. Featuring an all-star cast led by Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci, it reveals the inner workings and hidden corridors of organized crime.
The Lost Daughter
Maggie Gyllenhaal's 2021 directorial debut stars Olivia Colman as Leda, a middle-aged divorcée who becomes an empty nester and decides to take a holiday by the sea. Ending up in a small coastal town in Greece, her initially peaceful trip takes a disconcerting turn when a young family staying at a nearby villa unearths painful memories. Looking back on the difficult choices she made as a mother and the consequences her family faced, she must confront her troubled past.
Watch The Lost Daughter on Netflix
The Half of It
Netflix/KC Bailey
High schooler Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) is an introverted, straight-A student who needs extra money. She agrees to help the school jock (Daniel Diemer) write love letters for the girl he's in love with — but along the way, Ellie ends up falling for her too.
Watch The Half of It on Netflix
The King
Prince Hal (Timothée Chalamet), the heir to the English throne, wants nothing to do with royal life and is living among commoners when his tyrannical father dies. He must return to the life he so desperately attempted to escape, where he is reluctantly crowned King Henry V. In his new role as king, he is left to deal with the chaos his father left behind.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
When single mother Liz meets Ted Bundy, she falls head over heels. But when he becomes linked to multiple murders, she can't bring herself to believe the truth. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile chronicles the life of the notorious serial killer through the eyes of his longtime girlfriend, who struggles to come to terms with who Ted really is during his nationally televised trial. Zac Efron and Lily Collins star.
Watch Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile on Netflix
Rush
Based on the true story of Formula One champions James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl), Rush looks back on the pair's legendary rivalry of the 1970s. James and Niki risk their lives every time they get behind the wheel, showcasing their distinctly different driving styles. The pair push themselves to their breaking point — until a life-changing accident nearly ends everything.
Watch Rush on Netflix through April 15
The Devil All the Time
Adapted from Donald Ray Pollock's novel, The Devil All the Time follows a cast of sinister characters intertwined in a complicated web. Taking place from the end of World War II until the 1960s, everything leads back to Arvin Eugene Russell. Following the death of both of his parents, Arvin finds himself devoted to doing whatever it takes to protect his loved ones. Tom Holland stars with Bill Skarsgård, Robert Pattinson and Riley Keough.
Watch The Devil All the Time on Netflix
Roma
Best Foreign Language Film winner Roma chronicles a year in the life of Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a domestic worker in Mexico City in the early-1970s. She is one of two employees of an upper-middle-class couple, Antonio (Fernando Grediaga) and Sofía (Marina de Tavira), hired to help raise their four children. Things get complicated when the problems in Antonio and Sofía's marriage become apparent, and a pregnant Cleo is abandoned by her boyfriend. Set amid the political turmoil of the time, Cleo must find a way to persevere through the complications of love.
The Unforgivable
After being released from prison following a two-decade sentence for a murder conviction, Ruth Slater (Sandra Bullock) hopes for a fresh start. But when faced with judgment everywhere she turns, she has only one chance at redemption and must reconnect with her estranged younger sister Katie — although it proves to be more of a challenge than she anticipated.
Watch The Unforgivable on Netflix
Okja
Mija (Ahn Seo-hyun), a young girl living in the mountains of South Korea, spent 10 years raising Okja, a genetically modified "super-pig." However, when Okja is taken by the Mirando Corporation, a greedy international conglomerate, Mija follows them to New York on a rescue mission to save Okja from the fate that awaits her.
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