Netflix has become the kings of releasing their own original content. In fact, the streaming juggernaut released more films than every other major distributor combined last year. And that’s not even including any of the television series they have.
2019 is shaping up to be another massive year for Netflix. They have many original films on tap that sound intriguing, fresh shows, and new seasons for already established series. These are the ones that are the most anticipated.
20. Santa Clarita Diet
This series stars Drew Barrymore as a mother who is turned into a zombie. Her family helps her deal with this and her cravings for human flesh. It makes for one of the more original horror comedies available anywhere. Timothy Olyphant and most of the cast we love are returning for season three.
19. Paddleton
Netflix continues to find ways to bring together unlikely actors. Ray Romano, a comedy legend from Everybody Loves Raymond, and Mark Duplass, from The League, star in this film. They play unexpected friends who embark on a road trip when one is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Duplass also helped write the screenplay.
Look out for Paddleton on February 1, 2019.
18. Wine Country
Later on in this list, you’ll see something Amy Poehler helped create. Here, we have her feature directorial debut (she did direct a few episodes of Parks and Recreation). The setup is simple enough, focuses on a group of friends who celebrate a birthday. But, with Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey and Poehler herself starring, it’s sure to be hilarious.
17. Dolemite Is My Name
Rudy Ray Moore is best known for playing the iconic pimp, Dolemite. He’s a legend in blaxploitation films. This Netflix movie tells the story of the actor behind the character. Eddie Murphy portrays Moore in what could be a huge comeback for the comedian. Wesley Snipes, Craig Robinson, Titus Burgess, Keegan-Michael Kay and Mike Epps are just some of the names rounding out the cast.
16. Raising Dion
Another series based on a comic book. it is the story of a woman who has to raise her son alone following the death of her husband. Sounds basic, doesn’t it? The wrinkle is that her son, Dion, begins to manifest superhero-like abilities. The red hot Michael B. Jordan is part of the cast and he can almost do no wrong lately.
15. Russian Doll
Natasha Lyonne of Orange is the New Black fame has been stealing scenes on that show since it debuted. She has played dynamite supporting characters since way back in the days of American Pie. Now, Netflix is giving her a starring role. She plays Nadia, a woman stuck in a time loop where she dies each time at her birthday party. Lyonne co-created the eight episode series with Amy Poehler.
It arrives on February 1, 2019.
14. The Crown
It’s one of the most expensive shows ever made. The Crown is an ambitious effort, telling the story of Queen Elizabeth II through all stages of her life. It covers so much time that this upcoming third season will see Academy Award nominee Olivia Colman take over for Claire Foy as the Queen due to the age difference. A fourth season has also already been confirmed.
13. 13 Reasons Why
Another one of Netflix’s most popular shows. The first season told the story of Hannah Baker, a teen girl who took her own life, through tapes she leaves behind to those partially responsible for what she did. Season two dealt with the fallout from the tapes coming out. Fans are eager to find out what season three has in store for us.
12. Ozark
Jason Bateman is known as one of the most consistent comedic actors in the world. However, he and Laura Linney combine to lead one of the most exciting and dramatic shows around. The Byrde family has been caught up in a crime-ridden world they aren’t prepared for. Season three is set for a 2019 release. Can Bateman repeat his SAG Award win?
11. Orange is the New Black
One of the first Netflix originals was Orange is the New Black. The series follows the lives of the women at Litchfield Penitentiary. Through six seasons and 78 episodes, fans have seen so many characters go through almost every imaginable situation while incarcerated. 2019 brings us the seventh and final season.
10. The Umbrella Academy
An adaptation of a comic book series that began back in 2007, The Umbrella Academy is one of the more interesting Netflix originals of 2019. It focuses on a group of people all unexpectedly born on the same day, to women who never showed a sign of being pregnant. A billionaire sets up the academy to train them to save the world. Starring Ellen Page and Mary J. Blige, we can’t help but be excited for it.
Check this one out on February 15, 2019.
9. High Flying Bird
Steven Soderberg is the acclaimed director of films like Traffic and Ocean’s Eleven. He takes the helm for this sports film about an agent who sends a rookie basketball client on a controversial business venture during a lockout. The movie is shot entirely on an iPhone, which is something Soderbergh did with great success in 2018’s Unsane.
High Flying Bird hits Netflix on February 8, 2019.
8. GLOW
Who would’ve guessed that a series based on a 1980s women’s wrestling show could be so good? Alison Brie, Marc Maron, Betty Gilpin, and the rest of the cast of GLOW have helped make it one of the best shows you can find anywhere. Both seasons were met with widespread acclaim and we’re expecting more of the same in season three.
7. Triple Frontier
Who doesn’t love a great heist movie? Triple Frontier has the potential to be one of the best. It follows five military veterans who band together to rob a South American drug lord. If that’s not enough to interest, just check out the loaded cast. Ben Affleck, Charlie Hunnam, Oscar Isaac, Garret Hedlund, and Pedro Pascal. Wow.
Find Triple Frontier on March 15, 2019.
6. The Witcher
Movies based on video games often struggle. However, The Witcher is getting the TV series treatment. Fans are excited because it will allow characters and storylines more time to develop. With Henry Cavill as the lead and a team behind it who seem to appreciate the source material, there’s a reason for optimism.
5. The Irishman
Martin Scorsese is a legendary director known for classics like Taxi Driver and The Departed. His newest film comes to Netflix and is based on the true story of Frank Sheeran and Jimmy Hoffa. If Scorsese isn’t enough to get you excited, just look at the cast. Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Anna Paquin, Joe Pesci, Bobby Cannavale, and the list goes on.
4. Our Planet
Back in 2006, the British Broadcasting Corporation aired a documentary series titled Planet Earth. It was met with critical acclaim and is available on Netflix. The folks behind it are back for an eight-episode docuseries called Our Planet. Shot in Ultra HD 4K, it has been in the works for four years.
This will be available on April 5, 2019.
3. Black Mirror
Netflix closed out 2018 with Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. The “choose your own adventure” style movie was a trending topic for weeks. The first four seasons of Black Mirror rank among the most beloved things Netflix has ever been a part of and season five is sure to continue that trend.
2. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Set in the Riverdale universe, this series gave us a fresh take on our favorite teenage witch. Starring Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men), it took things to a dark place and the eleven episodes released in 2018 had fans clamoring for more. A Christmas special helped, but the second half of season one is scheduled to arrive this year. What’s next for Sabrina Spellman?
You can find that out on April 5, 2019.
1. Stranger Things
Stranger Things may be Netflix’s biggest success story. The Duffer Brothers will bring eager fans back to Hawkins, Indiana for another nostalgia filled sci-fi trip. All our favorites are back, from Eleven to Dustin to Steve. They’ve hinted that we’ll have new forces of evil this season, too. There’s nothing on Netflix more anticipated than this.
Season three premieres on July 4, 2019
