It’s Easter weekend, which means it’s time to load up on brightly-wrapped chocolate eggs and watch some great movies on the best streaming services. If your weekend plans involve streaming the latest movies on Netflix, then you’re in the right place.
I’ve picked out three recent arrivals to the platform that I believe are worthy of being included in any watchlist. From a devastating romantic-drama (if you want to sob into your chocolate), to a blockbuster spy action flick with Tom Cruise in one of his most iconic roles, or how about a survival thriller with a star-studded cast, and it’s all based on a true story, giving it extra weight.
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‘Atonement’ (2007)
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Based on Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel of the same name, “Atonement” is a heartbreakingly powerful romantic drama set over multiple decades that charts the life of two young lovers, whose budding relationship is torn apart by a lie. It stars James McAvoy and Keira Knightley, with an adolescent Saoirse Ronan in one of her first feature film roles (for which she was nominated for an Oscar). It might not be a feel-good romance, but it’s still a must-watch.
Set in the English countryside, Cecilia (Knightley) and Robbie (McAvoy) are from different worlds. The former is part of the wealthy Tallis family, the latter the housekeeper’s son. Despite this, they fall in love. But when Cecilia’s jealous younger sister, Briony (Ronan), tells a devastating lie, they are ripped apart, and the consequences of this ripple out over the decades. The excellent cinematography is another reason to give “Atonement” your watch time.
Watch “Atonement” on Netflix now
‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ (2011)
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Netflix just added the first five “Mission: Impossible” movies, and subscribers looking for spy escapades are truly spoilt for choice. I’m a little disappointed that the franchise’s peak, the sixth entry, 2018’s “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” hasn’t also made the leap to the big red streaming service. However, “Rogue Nation” is a close second in my rankings, so it’s a very welcome addition, and should be top of your watchlist if you’re craving popcorn, blockbuster action.
When CIA Director Alan Hunley (Alec Baldwin) convinces the U.S. government to shut down the IMF (Impossible Mission Force), its top operators are recalled. But not Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), who’s gone rogue in an effort to shut down a new threat, the Syndicate. This shadowy group plans to establish a new world order, but Hunt and the remnants of his team, alongside new ally Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), set out to stop global devastation.
Watch “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” on Netflix now
‘Everest’ (2015)
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There are few locations on Earth better suited for a survival thriller than the towering Mount Everest. While this movie might not reinvent the narrative wheel, and could have done more with its strong cast (which includes Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, Robin Wright, Keira Knightley, Sam Worthington and Jake Gyllenhaal), it’s still compelling. Plus, the drama is only intensified when you learn that it’s actually based on a true story of survival against the odds.
The movie opens on the morning of May 10, 1996, with two groups of climbers beginning a trek up to the highest point on the planet. However, when a violent blizzard strikes the snow-covered mountain, the expedition becomes a battle for survival. The teams face unimaginable challenges and conditions, including freezing temperatures, icy surfaces and extreme exhaustion. The movie brings you right to the heart of this quest to get off the mountain alive.
Watch “Everest” on Netflix now
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