5 Highly-Rated Netflix Originals Worth Your Time in April

Key Takeaways

• All five films have IMDb ratings above 7.5 out of 10
• The Mitchells vs. the Machines was watched by 53 million households in its first 28 days
• Netflix's investment in prestige directors like Scorsese has produced critically acclaimed exclusives

Netflix's exclusive catalog has grown into a legitimate competitor to traditional Hollywood studios. The platform's aggressive pursuit of top-tier directors and original content has produced films that hold their own against theatrical releases. But with thousands of titles available, finding quality can feel like work.

This list cuts through the noise. Every film here carries an IMDb rating above 7.5 out of 10 and is available exclusively on Netflix. No licensed content that might disappear next month. These are originals you can bookmark.

The Mitchells vs. the Machines

Sony Pictures Animation delivered one of Netflix's biggest animated hits with this 2021 sci-fi family comedy. The premise: the dysfunctional Mitchell family sets out on a road trip to drop daughter Katie at film school. Then the world's electronics gain consciousness and launch a robot apocalypse.

The numbers speak for themselves. The Mitchells vs. the Machines was watched by 53 million households within 28 days of release, making it Netflix's most-watched original animated feature at the time. The film runs 110 minutes and features voice work from Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, and Olivia Colman.

Reddit users frequently cite the "Furby scene" as a peak comedy moment. The film earned praise for "actually understanding internet culture" rather than awkwardly referencing memes that aged out three years prior.

The Irishman

Martin Scorsese's 3.5-hour mob epic reunited Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for a meditation on loyalty, betrayal, and mortality. The film follows Frank Sheeran, a truck driver who becomes a hitman for the Bufalino crime family and claims involvement in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa.

“Because of the Netflix situation, we were able to experiment more—narrative style, visual style, length.”

— Martin Scorsese, Director

The Irishman drew 26.4 million global households in its first week. The runtime proved challenging for some viewers. Only 18% of US viewers who started the film on its first day finished it in one sitting. That stat spawned a viral viewing guide dividing the film into four "episodes" for easier consumption.

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Aaron Sorkin wrote and directed this courtroom drama about the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests and the trial that followed. The ensemble cast includes Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance, and Jeremy Strong.

“I wish the movie weren't as relevant as it is today.”

— Aaron Sorkin, Director

The film arrived during a period of civil unrest in the United States, giving its 52-year-old subject matter uncomfortable contemporary resonance. Sorkin's signature rapid-fire dialogue drives courtroom scenes that feel more like verbal combat than legal procedure.

Klaus

This hand-drawn animated film offers a darker origin story for Santa Claus. A selfish postman stationed in a frozen northern town befriends a reclusive toymaker. The visual style stands out: traditional 2D animation with lighting techniques that give flat drawings a three-dimensional quality.

Klaus drew 40 million households during its first month. The film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, marking the first time a Netflix animated film received that recognition.

Why Netflix Invested in Prestige

Netflix's push into original films was strategic, not artistic. As Disney, Warner, and other studios launched their own streaming services, Netflix faced the prospect of losing licensed content. The solution: build a library that couldn't be taken away.

Courting directors like Scorsese and Sorkin signaled that Netflix wasn't just making "streaming content." It was making films that could compete with theatrical releases. The gamble paid off in awards recognition and subscriber retention.

How to Find Quality in the Catalog

Netflix's recommendation algorithm optimizes for engagement, not quality. It will happily serve you a 4.2-rated film if the data suggests you'll watch 20 minutes of it. Finding genuinely good content requires external tools.

• Cross-reference IMDb ratings before committing to a film
• Check Rotten Tomatoes for critical consensus
• Filter by "Netflix Originals" to avoid content that might leave the platform
• Use the "New & Popular" tab for recently added titles with early buzz

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Netflix Original films available in all regions?

Most Netflix Originals are available globally. However, some titles face regional restrictions due to local licensing agreements or content regulations.

Can I download Netflix Original films for offline viewing?

Yes. Netflix allows downloads of most original content for offline viewing on mobile devices. Download availability is marked on each title's page.

How does Netflix decide which films to make?

Netflix uses viewing data to identify genres and themes that perform well. The company also pursues prestige projects from established directors to build critical credibility.

Are Netflix Original films eligible for Oscars?

Yes. Netflix films that meet theatrical release requirements can compete for Academy Awards. Klaus and The Irishman both received Oscar nominations.

Source: How-To Geek