Netflix's new wave: the streamer's most exciting originals of 2026 so far
Amidst a tumultuous year, Netflix is scrambling to find its next big hit after the departure of Stranger Things. The streamer has scored some notable successes, including the crime thriller The Rip and the BTS documentary BTS: The Return. But as HBO readies Harry Potter's return and Amazon teases a new James Bond film, Netflix must deliver a tentpole of its own. Here are the most promising original Netflix films of 2026 so far.
The rip
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reunite to co-write and star in a tense Miami crime drama about corruption within the Tactical Narcotics Team. Their chemistry shines through even as their characters question each other's integrity during a high-stakes drug bust.
Peaky blinders: the immortal man
Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby may be gone, but his legacy lives on in this bridge between the original series and its upcoming reboot. Set during WWII, the story pits old-school gang warfare against new upstarts, with Barry Keoghan's Duke Shelby taking the reins as the new Peaky Blinders leader.
The rise of the red hot chili peppers: our brother, hillel
A touching documentary that delves into the life and lasting impact of Red Hot Chili Peppers' guitarist Hillel Slovak, who died in 1988. Anthony Kiedis and Flea reflect on their memories of Slovak nearly 40 years later, joined by interviews with Jack Irons and George Clinton.
Bts: the return
After six years in military service, K-Pop sensation BTS is back with a new album, Arirang. This documentary follows the group's recording process as they contemplate their grand return in a rapidly changing genre.
War machine
Alan Ritchson stars as a staff sergeant investigating a fallen asteroid, only to be attacked by a deadly robot from space. While the plot may feel familiar, Ritchson's action hero charisma and the film's straightforward thrills make for an entertaining Netflix sci-fi flick.
One last adventure: the making of stranger things 5
A behind-the-scenes look at the pressures of filming the final season of Stranger Things, this documentary provides insight into the decision-making process for the series finale, including Vecna's demise and why the show ended where it began.