Image: Warner Bros. Pictures
This week sees the return of theatrical cuts of Peter Jackson’s epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Also on the list of the best new movies to hit Netflix is one of Will Smith’s best dramatic roles in The pursuit of happiness. In the meantimeRyan Gosling and Emma Stone dazzle in La La Land.
Missed any of this week’s new releases? Check out our new Netflix hub for the full rundown.
Here are the best new movies on Netflix this week:
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Director: peter jackson
Gender: Action, Adventure, Fantasy | Execution time: 178 minutes
Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, Sean Astin
One of the most influential films of the 21st century, Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings set the gold standard for fantasy cinema, not to mention set a new standard for cinema in general.
When the One Ring is discovered in the idyllic Shire, it’s up to Frodo, a young hobbit, to lead it into the flames of Mount Doom in Mordor to destroy it and its master, the dark lord Sauron.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Director: peter jackson
Gender: Action, Adventure, Fantasy | Execution time: 179 minutes
Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin
With one of the most iconic movie battles of all time, The Two Towers continued to set new standards for all modern filmmakers.
With the Brotherhood divided, the journey to Mordor continues for Frodo and Sam, meanwhile, the remaining members of the Brotherhood are at the forefront of the war between the horsemasters of Rohan and the Uruk army of Isengard.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Director: peter jackson
Gender: Action, Adventure, Fantasy | Execution time: 200 minutes
Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin
Wrapping up what is arguably the greatest trilogy in movie history, The Return of the King stunned audiences around the world with a multi-billion dollar box office win and 11 Academy Awards, bringing the total number of Oscars to 17 in the three films.
Sauron’s gaze is turned to the realm of Gondor as he seeks to destroy the world of men, meanwhile, Frodo and Sam are on the last leg of their Journey as they reach the borders of Mordor, ready to destroy the One Ring in the near future. burning pits of Mount Doom.
The pursuit of happiness (2006)
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Gender: Theater | Execution time: 117 minutes
Cast: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen,
While audiences today are familiar with Will Smith’s work in dramatic roles, at the time The Pursuit of Happyness was released, Smith was still known to be one of the most popular action movie stars in the world. Having dipped his toe into some dramatic roles before, it’s really thanks to The Pursuit of Happyness that propelled Smith into more dynamic and dramatic roles.
A single father, down to his last dollar, is determined to provide a better life for himself and his son, working his way up from the bottom of a stock brokerage firm.
the the earth (2016)
Director: Damien Chazelle
Gender: Theater, Musicals | Execution time: 127 minutes
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt, Sonoya Mizuno
Winner of six Oscars, he not only did the the earth It dazzled at the Academy, but it dazzled audiences at box offices around the world.
Career aspirations collide with a bittersweet romance in modern Los Angeles when two artists face a heartbreaking dilemma.
true spirit (2023)
Director: Sarah Spillane
Gender: Theater | Execution time: 109 minutes
Cast: Teagan Croft, Cliff Curtis, Anna Paquin
Image: Netflix
Finally, if you’re looking for something completely new instead of licensed titles, Netflix has released their inspirational biopic set in Australia, true spirit.
Based on the true story of teenager Jessica Watson, who set out to become the youngest person to navigate the world non-stop alone.
In our review of the film, we mixed with the film, concluding, «Jessica Watson’s story is worth a look, but it may prove too generic as a movie product for much of its intended audience.»
What movies will you watch on Netflix this week? Let us know in the comments below!