15 Titles from Netflix’s 2021 Film Slate to Add to Your List
Streaming service Netflix recently announced that it would release a new film every week for the rest of this year. Subscribers have a total of 71 to look forward to, split into 10 genres: action, horror, thriller, sci-fi, romance, drama, western, comedy, for the whole family, and musical. There are some familiar titles on the list, like The Kissing Booth 3 and The Princess Switch 3, but the majority are standalone.
Currently, we only know the release dates of 12 films, two of which have already made their debut: Pieces of a Woman and Outside the Wire. Here’s a closer look at the remaining 10.
The White Tiger – January 22
This drama is based on Aravind Adiga’s prize-winning novel. It shows Balram Halwai’s “epic and darkly humorous rise from poor villager to successful entrepreneur in modern India,” according to Netflix. After his “rich masters” betray him, he rebels against the unequal system to “become a new kind of master.” The White Tiger stars Adarsh Gourav, Rajkummar Rao, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
Penguin Bloom – January 27
This drama stars Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln, and Jacki Weaver and tells the true story of a young mother who’s unable to walk after a near-fatal accident. As her husband, sons, and mother struggle to adjust, an injured baby magpie, which they name Penguin, enters their world. Its arrival provides a distraction for the family, eventually changing their lives profoundly.
Finding ‘Ohana – January 29
Categorized as “for the whole family,” this film stars Kea Peahu, Alex Aiono, and Lindsay Watson. It’s about two Brooklyn-raised siblings whose summer in rural Oahu leads to an exciting adventure with friends after finding a journal pointing to a long-lost treasure. On the way, they reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage.
The Dig – January 29
This drama and period piece is about a wealthy widow who, on the eve of World War II, “hires an amateur archaeologist to excavate the burial mounds on her estate,” according to Netflix, leading to a historic discovery. The Dig stars Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, and Lily James.
Malcolm & Marie – February 5
This romantic drama follows a filmmaker and his girlfriend after they return home from his movie premiere. The evening takes a turn when tensions and revelations about their relationship begin to surface, and the strength of their love is tested. John David Washington and Zendaya star as the leads.
To All The Boys: Always and Forever – February 12
This romance is the final film in the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy. “As Lara Jean Covey prepares for the end of high school and the start of adulthood, a pair of life-changing trips leads her to reimagine what life with her family, friends, and Peter will look like after graduation,” according to Netflix. Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, and Janel Parrish star in this film, based on the novel by Jenny Han.
I Care A Lot – February 19
This dark comedy follows a court-appointed legal guardian who drains her elderly clients’ savings; however, she finally meets her match when she tries to swindle a woman who “turns out to be more than she first appears,” according to Netflix. I Care A Lot stars Rosamund Pike, Eiza Gonzalez and Dianne Wiest.
Moxie – March 3
This comedy, based on Jennifer Mathieu’s novel, is about a 16-year-old who’s had enough of the sexist and toxic status quo at her school, prompting her to anonymously publish a magazine that starts a school-wide feminist revolution. Moxie stars Hadley Robinson, Lauren Tsai and Patrick Schwarzenegger.
YES DAY – March 12
This film, categorized as “for the whole family,” is about two parents who decide to say yes to their children for a whole day, leading to a crazy journey around Los Angeles that brings the family closer to each other. YES DAY stars Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramirez, and Jenna Ortega.
Things Heard and Seen – April 30
This thriller, based on Elizabeth Brundage’s novel All Things Cease to Appear, is about a Manhattan couple that moves to a historic hamlet in the Hudson Valley and discovers a sinister darkness behind their marriage. The film stars Amanda Seyfried, James Norton, and Natalia Dyer.
Finally, here are 5 additional films – with no official release dates at the moment – that sound just as interesting.
Wish Dragon
This film, categorized as “for the whole family,” follows Din, a college student, and Long, a powerful dragon capable of granting wishes, as they journey through Shanghai to find Din’s long-lost childhood friend Lina.
The Woman in the Window
This thriller’s about an agoraphobic woman who lives alone in New York. She begins spying on her neighbors and witnesses “a disturbing act of violence,” according to Netflix.
Monster
This drama follows 17-year-old honor student Steve Harmon, who’s life drastically changes when he’s charged with felony murder, detailing his journey from attending an elite high school to entering a complex legal battle.
Army of the Dead
This action film takes place after a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, where a group of mercenaries ventures “into the quarantine zone to pull off the greatest heist ever attempted,” according to Netflix.
A Week Away
This musical focuses on troubled teen Will Hawkins, who – after a run-in with the law – must decide between juvenile detention or a Christian summer camp. He chooses the latter, finding both love and a sense of belonging.
