There are plenty of hidden gems in the Netflix catalog. I decided I’d share a few that I really enjoyed. All of these are currently available to stream, but some of them may expire in a month or so.

Black Narcissus

An enchanting Powell and Pressburger film. The great cinematography by Jack Cardiff is legendary and not to be missed. It’s available to stream, but the print quality on Netflix is a little below average. To fully appreciate the beauty of the movie, check out the Criterion Blu-Ray. (1947; 1 h. 41 min.)

Raising Arizona

A quirky comedy from the Coen Brothers. Nic Cage is hilarious. (1987; 1 h. 34 min.)

Everything Must Go

A bittersweet dramedy from first-time director, Dan Rush. Will Farrell’s performance is mature and very impressive. Christopher Jordan Wallace (son of Notorious B.I.G.) is well-cast and his scenes with Farrell are delicious. Those two make it worth seeing. (2010; 1 h. 37 min.)

Bill Cunningham, New York

The best documentary of 2011. This is a life-affirming movie that filled me with more joy and happiness than any movie ever has. (2011; 1 h. 24 min.)

Senna

A gripping documentary about the greatest formula-one racer who ever lived. It’s devastating, it’s exciting, it’s stirring. Whether or not you care about racing, this is a must-see. (2010; 1 h. 46 min.)

Certified Copy

A pleasant European puzzler by Abbas Kiarostami. This film holds one of the strangest plot twists out there. It also made my list of the best films of 2010 (2010; 1 h. 46 min.)

Brother’s Keeper

A documentary that is part murder mystery, part character study, part courtroom drama . This is a fascinating look at the lives of four illiterate farming brothers who have lived in a small shack their entire lives. (1992; 1 h. 45 min.)

The Red Balloon

An enchanting children’s short that seems to capture the heart of every one who watches it. Because it’s short and sweet, it’s easier to find the time to watch it. (1956; 34 min.)

Kes

A heart-felt film by Ken Loach. The story is fairly simple, but the movie is rich in emotion. Those who love The 400 Blows might find something to like here. This film isn’t talked about enough in the U.S., probably because of the thick British accents. (1969; 1 h. 54 min.)

The Men

An underrated anti-war film that marks the feature debut of Marlon Brando. The message of the movie has gotten lost over time, but it is an essential for Brando fans. (1950; 1 h. 25 min.)

Hour of the Wolf

Ingmar Bergman’s only horror film implements dark, gothic themes into the director’s recognizable style. It is as complex as any movie Bergman ever made and it is considerably entertaining. (1968; 1 h. 27 min.)

Cinema Paradiso

A sensationally touching movie about a fatherless young boy and an elderly projectionist who takes him under his wing. Many have fallen in love with this one. (1988; 2 h. 54 min.)

Driving Miss Daisy

A patient, likable drama with two great leading performances by Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman. It might not have the impact of other Best Picture winners, but it’s one that I love to revisit every now and then. (1989; 1 h. 39 min.)

Arthur

A comedy starring Dudley Moore in one of his most popular roles. It’s very funny, but its theme song makes it feel a little dated. It was remade last year, but I didn’t get around to seeing it. (1981; 1 h. 37 min.)

Alice

A strikingly original vision of Alice in Wonderland using stop-motion animation. Puppets, dead animals, and live bones haunt this dark adaptation. If you thought Burton’s film was too pleasant, try Svankmajer’s. (1988; 1 h. 31 min.)