Entertainment / Film

All things considered, 2018 has been a remarkably successful year for Netflix. From the debut of several wildly popular TV shows like Queer Eye and The Haunting of the Hill House, to the continued success of crowd pleasers like Friends and The Office, it’s no wonder that America’s favorite tv streaming service has gained nearly 7 million new subscribers so far this year.

And given the steady stream of Netflix original movies released since January, it’s very probable that Netflix’s success is due, at least in part, to the popularity of the original movies they’ve put out.

If you’re just now hopping on the streaming service band-wagon or have been on a “technology cleanse” for the past 11 months, these are the three best Netflix original movies that should be on your must-watch list.

1. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before captures the beautiful essence of Jenny Han’s widely-loved YA fiction novel and turns it into the kind of Rom-Com that dreams are made of.

For those who haven’t watched Netflix’s most-talked-about RomCom of 2018, the movie follows the journey of Laura Jean Covey, a quiet, but spunky teenager who writes love letters to a handful of boys– all of whom she admired in different seasons of her life. Though the letters were never meant to be mailed out, they somehow find their way into the hands of her former crushes. In To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, which is based on the first of Jenny Han’s 3 book series, Laura Jean deals with the fall-out of 2 letters in particular. First, the one she wrote to her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Josh. And, more importantly, the one addressed to her childhood friend turned most popular boy at school, Peter Kavinsky.

Given the film’s instant success, it’s no surprise that Netflix already has a sequel in the works. The movie will be based upon the second book in Han’s series, P.S. I Still Love You, and will pick up right where the last one left off.

 

2. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

Equally as wonderful, but much more serious in tone than To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is based on a novel co-written by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer.

Set in 1940s England, the story centers around Juliet, a captivating writer who receives an unexpected letter that turns out to be from a little-known literary society that sprouted up in Nazi-controlled Guernsey. Driven by curiosity, Juliet sets out to find the group behind the letter and to see what they’re all about. This endearing film follows her on what turns out to be a life-altering journey.

Receiving a respectable 81% on Rotten Tomatoes, this is definitely a Netflix original worth watching.

 

3. Like Father

Like Father tells the story of a workaholic Bride (Kristen Bell) who, after being left at the altar by her fiancé, winds up going on her honeymoon with her estranged father (Kelsey Grammar). Over the course of a week-long cruise, they vacation together (And apart), argue often, and meet an eccentric gang of cruise ship friends who do their best to offer advice.

Ultimately, they disembark with much more than they bargained for, that is, a mended relationship and a renewed sense of trust in and love for one another.

If you’re looking for a movie that will make you laugh your socks off, but also shed a tear or two, Like Father might just hit the spot.