The best films on Netflix in 2016: From horror to thoughtful thrillers, these are the films to watch on Netflix now

Netflix is the most recognisable movie- and TV-streaming service on the market right now. While you may get more shows and films over on Amazon Prime Video, it’s clear that – with 81 million users – Netflix is synonomous with on-demand streaming. After all, people don’t say “Mubi and Chill”.

Netflix is continually updating its catalogue of films and TV shows, although there are some mainstays you can always rely upon. While we’ve already put together a list of the best Netflix Originals, documentaries, TV shows, and the best films and TV shows joining the service each month, here’s our list of the must-see films available on UK Netflix right now.

The best films on Netflix in 2016:

1. The Babadook

Halloween may be long gone, but passing up this Australian horror masterpiece would be a big mistake.

Deeply unnerving and weirdly surreal, The Babadook revolves around Amelia, a widow with a son – Samuel – who she finds impossible to love. Things start to go awry when Samuel begins to have fears of a monster plaguing the family, and the outcome really isn’t what you expect.

2. Capital C

With crowdfunding services such as Indiegogo and Kickstarter hosting ever bigger projects, it’s peculiar that no-one has really documented how it all came to pass. Worry not, Capital C is here to fill you in.

Premiered at the Zurich Film Festival, Capital C follows the hopes and dreams, as well as fears and pitfalls, of crowdfunded creators over three years. You’ll hear from hand-drawn poker card creator Jackson Robinson, hippie bottle koozie knitter Zach Crain, and Wasteland and Fallout creator Brian Fargo as he embarks on finally realising his vision for a sequel.

READ ALSO: Our pick of the best TV streamers for Netflix, Amazon Prime Instant Video and more

3. Beasts of No Nation

Netflix has really pushed the boat out with its Original programming of late, and this African war drama starring Idris Elba is quite possibly one of its best.

Based on the 2005 novel of the same name, Beasts of No Nation follows child soldier Agu (Abraham Attah) as he fights in the civil war of an unnamed African country. It’s dark, gritty and an utterly fantastic gem many will end up overlooking.

4. Back in Time

Featuring interviews from Steven Spielberg, Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd, Back in Time chronicles the effect Marty McFly and the DeLorean had on the world. A must watch for any BTTF fan, or for anyone who’s interested in understanding just why it’s such a timeless classic.

5. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret

No matter what you believe, the facts show that the world is running out of water: animals are becoming extinct and our oceans are being polluted. While some big environmental agencies are happy to point the finger at oil companies or huge multinational businesses, few are addressing the real issue: factory farming.

This Indiegogo-funded documentary from Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn goes in search of why the likes of Greenpeace, Rainforest Action Network and WWF aren’t doing anything about it.

Sure, this isn’t the most uplifting of films for your evening in, but Cowspiracy’s shocking yet humorous journey is one of the most important films you’ll see this year.