You’d be surprised at how many hidden features are available on the streaming services you use every day. Perhaps one of the biggest ones that Netflix has is hidden genre categories, which baffles me. Luckily, there’s a very handy site (Netflix-Codes) that gives you easy access to these categories, and the process is surprisingly easy.
What you want to do is copy the desired code into the Netflix search bar or paste the code after the genre signifier in the URL (Example: https://netflix.com/browse/genre/xx), and you’re golden. If you’re not feeling either of those options, you can also just click on the codes on the site.
But all of this left me wondering which of these hidden genre categories is actually worth exploring, and I actually found some way more useful than others.
TV Cartoons—11177
Sometimes I just want to embrace my inner child
While there is a kids’ genre section for television on Netflix, I find it a bit cluttered. Some days, I just want to find a really easy-going cartoon to watch in the background, and with this section, I finally can. The code, 11177, is pretty simple to remember, too, all things considered.
There are some real gems here as well, like The Magic School Bus, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia. It’s not an overly stacked genre section, which might speak to why it’s hidden by Netflix. But if you’re looking for something specifically animated and television, this is a great code to use. I know it helped me rediscover The Dragon Prince, which I am concerningly behind on.
Westerns—7700
Yee-haw, partner
I’ll admit that I have some bias when it comes to this particular genre. I grew up watching westerns, and it remains one of my favorite genres. Well, that and science fiction, especially those movies that make me question my own reality. But Westerns really do not get the love they deserve, in either modern pop culture conversation or streaming services.
Yet with the simple use of code 7700, you can discover for yourself what Westerns await you on Netflix. Honestly, it’s kind of thin, but there are some great ones hidden there. From classics like High Plains Drifter to newer offerings like The Hateful Eight, there are some excellent films to check out. I know I will be keeping a close eye on this genre section in the future. I actually bookmarked it nearly immediately.
Action Comedy—43040
Give me some laughs with a side of explosions, please
Again, you can find comedies and action movies just fine on Netflix, but if you’re looking for that special combination of the two, it can get very cluttered and difficult to navigate. But there are some truly underrated gems hidden on Netflix, especially in the action-comedy genre section. This is a section I am truly shocked isn’t just a main genre option on Netflix, because who doesn’t enjoy a good action comedy?
There are also a ton of options available in this hidden section, which you can access yourself with code 43040. Some of the best offerings are the entire Rush Hour trilogy, Tower Heist, and the timelessly hilarious The Other Guys. Basically, there’s a lot of funny stuff here to keep you entertained for weeks.
Horror Comedy—89585
If you like a little laughter with your scares
Much like action comedy, sometimes a nice little blurring of the genres is just what the proverbial doctor ordered. As we approach Halloween season once again, what better time to explore some horror with a nice splash of comedy (and gore, presumably)? Well, if you punch in code 89585 on Netflix, you too can discover the joys of the horror comedy genre.
I know I hadn’t gotten around to watching Beetlejuice Beetlejuice prior to discovering this hidden category, but it’s one of the mainstays of the section. Don’t get me wrong, Netflix has promoted the film on its main page, but there are so many films on there that it’s easy to forget. The section also features more recent fun movies like Heart Eyes and even a fun Netflix original in The Babysitter.
Romantic Comedy—5475
Rom-coms are a classic staple of film
While you can find romantic comedies in either the romance or comedy sections of Netflix, I just find it odd that such a renowned combo like the romantic comedy just doesn’t have a section all to itself. Well, luckily, it’s just hidden, and the code 5475 will get you there without issue. This is actually one of the most stacked hidden genres on this list, and for good reason.
I’m a big fan of romance films that leave me curled up in a fetal position as much as the next person, but sometimes I want a romance that’s going to give me the laughs, too. And with offerings like Clueless, Hit Man, and She’s All That, that’s not really an issue. This hidden genre just has so much to offer those looking for love.
I wish Netflix allowed some category customization
While I’m thankful that these secret codes exist, it feels a little needlessly complex to access. If Netflix is going to use a complicated system like this for its genres, then I think they should allow us a little more freedom when it comes to what categories we actually see. But that’s a gripe I have with pretty much every other streaming service as well.
Either way, I hope these codes help you narrow down your searches and actually find something you’re interested in watching. I know I have found a lot of great movies and shows so far.
