20 Best Netflix Movies That Should’ve Been in Theaters

This highly overlooked sci-fi drama was directed by Top Gun: Maverick‘s Joseph Kosinski, who brought his architect background to bear in its exceptional production design. It’s an adaptation of a gripping short story of the same name and features Chris Hemsworth having the time of his life as a villainous tech giant.

This sci-fi actioner was full of twists and turns and had the kinda visuals that you just want to be as bustling as possible. Featuring Michael Peña as a man trying to protect his family from otherworldly invaders, it’s a true spectacle worthy of the silver screen.

This romantic comedy was a must-see for fans of romantic film fare and had plenty of attention before its release to justify a cinematic run. Put simply, the world deserved to have Ali Wong and Randall Park‘s chemistry (plus a little meta Keanu Reeves action!) unfold at the cineplex.

This sickeningly effective horror film was exactly the kind of movie that draws genre fans out to witness it for themselves. Subtitled or not, the word of mouth on this movie would’ve been enough to sustain an impressive theatrical take, and it would’ve just been plain cool to see such an original horror concept on the big screen.

An animated adventure movie that deserved to be seen on the biggest screen possible was this hilarious and heartwarming pic. The fact that it’s barely remembered by even those who did see it is a crying shame.

Another animated movie that was truly sensational and certainly could’ve raked in those family dollars with a smart summer release. This one could’ve even been a franchise starter. Alas!

This Ryan Reynolds action film was forgotten about, what? Two days after it hit the streamer? It was definitely worthy of more hubbub than that, considering it had both time-travel and a moving father-son narrative… with Mark Ruffalo no less!

Zack Snyder‘s zombie epic (and its prequel Army of Thieves) were big and bold enough to justify the cost of admission. The scale of the story on its own would’ve been enough to justify a big screen debut, but add in its impressive cast and creative elements (a zombie tiger!), and there’s no question it would’ve sold.

Spike Lee‘s 2020 war drama would’ve made even more waves if it got the wide-release treatment it deserved. Unfortunately, it was released smack dab in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, but still, the fact that one of Chadwick Boseman‘s last movies is lingering low on a list is sad.

This 2019 actioner was simply too full of A-listers to disappear into the streaming ether like it did: The pic boasted Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, and Pedro Pascal. That’s almost too much star power. Plus, it was directed by the one and only Kathryn Bigelow.

This YA adaptation trilogy was exactly the kind of thing that could’ve resonated with young women and girls, who’ve proven to be a force at the box office.

This one did make it into a limited showing thanks to the Oscar campaign for the incomparable Andrew Garfield, but it wasn’t long enough. Movie audiences around the world deserved to bask in the beautiful music that was made in this Lin Manuel-Miranda movie.

This movie marked the start of Mike Flanagan‘s sensational spree of Netflix originals, but still, it was definitely worthy of witnessing in the theaters (even if just for the degloving scene being in full gory glory).

This war epic was too big for such a small release. An adaptation of one of the most important World War II novels of all time, this could’ve easily joined ranks with Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line if it were seen by more folks.

This star-studded Western was far too fun to fade away into the algorithm. Regina King and Idris Elba deserve the marquee treatment! Plus, the costume design was divine.

This Sandra Bullock movie was a dystopian nightmare that, perhaps ironic given its subject material, everyone wanted to see. It would’ve been an even more immersive experience at the theaters.

The first Knives Out movie was a whopping success in theaters, earning over $300m worldwide. And while we’re grateful for the opportunity to see the absurdly entertaining Rian Johnson franchise continue, it seems too big for solely streaming (have you seen the third movie’s cast list?!).

This science-fiction original had all the makings of a sleeper hit: great special effects, humor and heart, and a bankable star at the center of the action in Dylan O’Brien.

Same goes for this Charlize Theron-led thriller that effectively combined the supernatural and ordinary action with an original bend.

This Chris Hemsworth actioner was made for the big screen, and even though it was a massive success on the streamer, it could’ve done beaucoups at the box office.