6 Netflix Original movies you had no idea even existed

vt-author-image

By VT

Article saved!Article saved!

Netflix says it will spend up to $8 billion on original content next year. That is insane! I remember when Netflix was just DVDs in a red envelope that came in the mail (and often skipped on the best part of the movie.) But the company realized they couldn't survive on their original business model, due to studios charging more and more for the rights to movies and TV shows. Every year, their library grew smaller and smaller.

In a brilliant decision, Netflix decided to make their own content. The entertainment industry scoffed, until they got their first two hits: House Of Cards and Orange Is The New Black. Now they've made countless original TV shows and movies - Stranger Things, Bright, BoJack Horseman, The Cloverfield Paradox, etc. But in this ocean of content, sometimes you stumble upon something that got zero coverage or buzz.

Here are 6 Netflix Original movies you had no idea even existed.

1. When We First Met

In this romantic comedy, Noah (Workaholics' Adam DeVine) meets Avery at a Halloween party, and gets put in the dreaded 'friend zone.' Three years later, Avery's engaged, and Noah realizes he's in love with her. Thanks to a magical photo booth - yes, you read that right - he can travel back in time, over and over, until he can win her love.

My opinion: It looks like Groundhog Day, except totally horrible.

2. #realityhigh

You can tell this movie's going to be good, because it starts with a hashtag, just like #citizenkane. This movie tells the story of Dani, a nerdy high school student, and you can tell she's nerdy because she wears glasses. In order to become more popular, she gets a makeover, by taking off her glasses. Now everyone likes her, but unfortunately her plans are thwarted by her high school nemesis, who has 9 million online followers.

My opinion: This movie has a clear anti-glasses agenda, and I don't support it.

3. Irreplaceable You

In this romantic comedy, Abbie and Sam are engaged to be married, but their lives take an unexpected turn when Abbie is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Since her future is uncertain, she decides to search for a new romantic partner for Sam. Along the way, she joins a support group with characters played the always-entertaining Christopher Walken and SNL's Kate McKinnon. Also, her doctor is played by Timothy Simmons (aka Jonah from Veep).

My opinion: If you liked the cancer comedy 50/50, and cancer rom-com The Fault Of Our Stars, you will like this.

4. iBoy

After a violent encounter with thugs, Tom gets a smartphone smashed on his head. But this turns out to be a blessing in disguise, as the shards give him superhuman powers. In a world where teenagers are snorting condoms and eating Tide pods, I feel like this movie should come with several disclaimers, so this doesn't turn into the next online challenge. Anyway, after Tom's friend Lucy (Maisee Williams from Game of Thrones) gets assaulted by criminals, he uses his powers to avenge her. It's like Taken for teens.

My opinion: Looks like three Tide pods out of five.

5. Wheelman

This movie is about a man with the magical power to turn into a wheel. Just kidding. It stars Frank Grillo as a getaway driver who works for the Mafia. But during one assignment, he's told to abandon the bank robbers and take off with the money. Then there's a bunch of gunshots, double-crosses and car chases. It looks like the whole movie takes place inside the car, which is an interesting concept, if nothing else.

My opinion: I'd rather watch Drive again. (or a movie about a man with the magical power to turn into a wheel.)

6. Roxanne Roxanne

Before Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, there was Roxanne Shante. Roxanne grew up in the Queensbridge Projects in the 80's, and was known as a fierce battle rapper. After recording a diss song that blew up, she was launched into superstardom. The movie is produced by the same team that made Fruitvale Station and Dope, which is a pretty good sign of quality. We've seen huge hip-hop artists like N.W.A., 2pac and The Notorious B.I.G. get their own biopics, but not an overlooked MC like Roxanne.

My opinion: See it to learn about one of the first female rappers, and so Roxanne doesn't diss you.