If you’re scrolling through Netflix and wondering what to press play, you’re not alone. With thousands of titles, picking a film can feel like a chore. Below you’ll find a simple plan to narrow down options, plus a handful of must‑watch picks that cover the main genres.
First, ask yourself three quick questions: What mood are you in? How much time do you have? Do you want something new or a trusted classic? Answering these helps you use Netflix’s built‑in filters. Go to the ‘Genres’ menu, pick a category that matches your mood (like ‘Feel‑Good’ or ‘Thriller’), and then sort by ‘Most Popular’ or ‘New Releases’. You’ll instantly see titles that fit your criteria.
Second, check the runtime. Netflix shows the length right under the poster, so you can avoid a two‑hour epic when you only have an hour. If you need a quick watch, look for movies under 90 minutes. For a lazy weekend, a longer film works fine.
Comedy: ‘The Mitchells vs. The Machines’ blends humor with family chaos. It’s bright, under two hours, and perfect for a light laugh.
Drama: ‘The Power of the Dog’ offers deep characters and stunning scenery. If you like slow‑burn stories, this one hits the spot.
Action/Adventure: ‘Extraction’ delivers nonstop thrills. The fight choreography is intense and the plot moves fast.
Horror: ‘His House’ mixes scares with a haunting refugee story. It’s short, under 90 minutes, and stays with you after the credits.
Family: ‘Luca’ (though technically a Pixar film, it’s on Netflix in many regions) offers a sweet tale of friendship and discovery. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the bright animation.
These five picks cover a range of tastes, and each is easy to find with a quick search on the platform.
Finally, remember to use the ‘My List’ feature. Whenever a trailer grabs your interest, add it to the list. That way, you’ll always have a ready‑to‑watch queue without endless scrolling.
Enjoy your Netflix night! With a clear plan and a few solid recommendations, you’ll spend less time deciding and more time watching great films.
Jim Sarbh plays Carl Bhojraj, a character inspired by serial killer Charles Sobhraj, in Netflix’s Inspector Zende. Starring alongside Manoj Bajpayee and directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, the film premiered on September 5, 2025. Sarbh admitted he felt "slightly frightened" working with Bajpayee. The story is loosely based on the real arrest of Sobhraj by Mumbai officer Madhukar Zende.
