Ten Top Rated Drama Movies on Netflix November 2023
American Beauty
This 1999 film tells the story of a man living the American Dream and going through a midlife crisis. It is a simple plot – mundane, even – yet profoundly deep as we are left to consider life, relationships, and meaning. It will leave you reflecting. It won the Academy Award for best picture. Approximately a 9/10 on Rotten Tomatoes.
“It’s a love story, a tale of redemption, a drama of unraveling lifestyles and psychological corrosion, and a poetic tragedy, all wrapped up together.” -Mike Massie
a beautiful mind
This movie starring Russell Crowe won multiple academy awards, including best picture. It got only a 74% review from critics but a 93% from general audiences, giving it an average 8/10, and is “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes.
Silver Linings PlayBook
This has a 92% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and an 86% rating from the audience. Starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.
“Fueled by unexpected dramatic turns and a gamut of oddball hang-ups that set the comic tone, Silver Linings Playbook marks another decisive triumph for David O. Russell, who’s made both the funniest film and the most heartening romance in recent memory.” -Deep Focus Review
thE iRISHMAN
Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro (if you want more of them check out the list of classics that are on Netflix in November 2023), it tells yet another story of organized crime, but apparently critics and audience alike are not wearied by this, as it receives a solid 9/10 review. Deliberate, thoughtful, and riveting.
WHIPLASH
Whiplash receives an astonishing 94% on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and audience, despite not winning the academy award for best picture.
“Whiplash is a movie that comes once in decades and leaves a mark on the viewers so deep that they’re not able to forget it even after years.” – someone on Youtube
“Movies set in a Juilliard-like music school aren’t supposed to make your heart race in nervous anticipation. Yet that’s exactly why this taut drama rates as one of the year’s best.” -Us Weekly
glass onion: A kNIVES oUT mYSTERY
A murder mystery movie, which also received exceptionally high reviews on Rotten Tomatoes (92%). Playful and poignant, I put it on the list of dramas rather than comedies because it leans more in that direction.
Edit: I put this on here due to the great reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and the fact that it won several awards, but I having just watched it I can’t sincerely say I would recommend it. It won an award for best comedy but I think I only laughed out loud once, and the mystery was engaging at times but I didn’t feel it was giving false leads in a compelling way, and I really didn’t like the ending. Daniel Craig was enjoyable and some other characters were convincing, but others, like Peg and Miles, felt very forced. However, it won an award for Best Ensemble and Best Comedy. Go figure.
So, if you want to take everyone else’s word for it, you should watch it. Definitely not a thriller or drama, probably could call it a lighthearted mystery movie – honestly if you are going to watch a comedy murder mystery, I recommend Murder Mystery with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston, which got poor reviews but I laughed much more and felt more carried along with the twists.
Gladiator
Gladiator has a guaranteed fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 8/10 and 8.7/10 from critics and audience, respectively. Russell Crowe has a good performance and it is engaging and timeless.
“cried the first time I saw it in 2000 and here I am, 23 years later, still crying. a classic, evergreen movie that will live for eternity.” -Someone on Youtube
tully
Not the most well-known, but this is a must see if you are going through the trials of parenting, motherhood, or the realities of adult life. Rated 87% by critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
“Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, director Jason Reitman and screenwriter Diablo Cody whip up the great existential-crisis Mother’s Day movie. It’s funny, touching and vital.” -Rolling Stone
cinderella man
Rated 80% by critics and 91% by audience, this is a powerful underdog story.
“The thing that ultimately makes it a classic in the pantheon of American movies is the way it reveals something about the idealism, strength, grace and grit of the American Dream.” -Observer
outside in
Very highly rated by critics on Rotten Tomatoes with a 97%.
“Exploring big questions through small, intimate moments, “Outside In” is a love story that prioritizes patience and pragmatism over passion.”
lady bird
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave this almost a perfect 10/10.
“Lady Bird combines wisdom and tenderness, humor and grace. It’s light-footed without being lightweight. And it captures, with great feeling, the turbulence of a girl growing up. I can’t recommend it enough.” -Film Companion