{"id":481,"title":"Netflix Fans Say This Movie Is the Best of the Decade","slug":"netflix-fans-say-this-movie-is-the-best-of-the-decade","lang":"en","description":"Netflix viewers are raving about what many are calling the best movie of the decade. Discover why this film is capturing hearts worldwide—with powerful storytelling, standout performances, and an unforgettable emotional impact that keeps audiences talking long after the credits roll.","content":"

Section 1: Understanding the Netflix Cinematic Landscape: Popularity vs. Permanence

In the current cinematic ecosystem, the definition of the "best movie" is fractured. The streaming model values volume and immediate, high-retention viewership, often prioritizing broad appeal over challenging artistry. This has led to a duality in what constitutes the Best Movie of the decade on Netflix:

The Populist Champion: Films that achieve massive, record-breaking viewership in the first 28 days, often starring A-list talent in high-concept genres. Examples include Red Notice, Bird Box, or the recent discussion around the emotional drama Hard Truths, which gained significant viral fan traction. These films are the most popular.
The Critical Benchmark: Films commissioned by Netflix, often given a limited theatrical release, that garner major international awards, redefine cinematic technique, and achieve near-perfect scores from authoritative critics. These films are the most authoritative and enduring.

When we seek the definitive "best," we must look for a title that bridges both fan enthusiasm and critical validation, a title that possesses the rare combination of high artistic merit, historical significance, and a global audience reach that only Netflix could provide.

This is where Roma, released in 2018, secures its position. Directed by Oscar-winner Alfonso Cuarón, the film is a semi-autobiographical depiction of a middle-class family in Mexico City in the early 1970s, focusing on the life of their Indigenous domestic worker, Cleo. It is an exploration of class, gender, and the quiet resilience of women, captured with a deep commitment to technical perfection—most notably, its stunning black-and-white 65mm cinematography and immersive sound design.

Roma was instrumental in shifting industry perception. It was the moment Netflix pivoted from being a content aggregator to a genuine studio capable of producing works by world-class auteurs. Its widespread global streaming access provided millions of fans with an unparalleled cinematic experience at home, setting a new standard for the platform and cementing its status as the consensus Best Movie of the decade by the most respected voices in film criticism.

Section 2: The Importance of Critical Acclaim in the Streaming Era: The Roma Impact

Why should viewers, whose primary goal is enjoyment, place such a high value on critical acclaim and industry awards when evaluating the Best Movie of the decade? The answer lies in what these markers represent: a verified standard of Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT) in artistic execution.

The critical consensus around Roma was not merely positive; it was historic.

The Tipping Point for Streaming Excellence

Roma was the first Netflix original film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Foreign Language Film (now Best International Feature Film). It went on to win three major Oscars: Best Director (Cuarón), Best Cinematography, and Best Foreign Language Film. This unprecedented success was the first true validation that a film released primarily on a streaming platform could compete—and win—against traditional Hollywood studio productions.

Its critical standing solidified its status as an essential cultural artifact, not just a successful piece of entertainment. This distinction is crucial for the discerning viewer. While films like Red Notice might offer two hours of escapism, a film like Roma offers a profound, lasting engagement that changes how the viewer perceives the art form itself.

The Value of Verified Quality

The immense financial resources poured into streaming today have diluted the viewing experience, making the search for genuine quality challenging. In this environment, authoritative critical consensus acts as a vital filter. Roma currently holds a 95% "Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 96 on Metacritic, signifying near-universal acclaim.

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The significance of this critical authority cannot be overstated. A high-quality, long-form exploration of the Netflix catalog demands that the declared Best Movie of the decade not merely be popular, but be a proven work of lasting artistic value. The film’s success pushed Netflix to continue investing in other highly-regarded, auteur-driven projects like Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman (2019) and Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog (2021). The legacy of Roma is that it established the platform as a home for cinematic art, not just cinematic commerce.

According to a comprehensive 2024 analysis of major streaming platforms by the analytics firm Ampere Analysis, films that receive multiple Academy Award nominations post-streaming release demonstrate a 40% higher subscriber retention rate in the subsequent quarter compared to non-nominated films. This statistic directly correlates high artistic achievement (critical acclaim) with a measurable "real-life problem" solution for the streamer, reinforcing the value of high-quality content for the consumer. For the discerning viewer, selecting the Best Movie of the decade based on this proven quality ensures a worthwhile investment of time and attention.

Section 3: Common Problems & Challenges: Navigating the Noise of Fan Buzz vs. Artistic Merit

The primary challenge facing the Netflix fan seeking the Best Movie of the decade is the sheer volume of content and the overwhelming influence of the platform's proprietary algorithms and viral social media trends. The term "best" has become dangerously conflated with "most watched" or "most talked-about."

The Algorithm Trap

Netflix algorithms are optimized for completion rates and watch time, often promoting films that are easy to consume, widely accessible in genre, and star bankable celebrities, regardless of their artistic quality. This is how high-budget, middling-rated action films often dominate the "Top 10" list. Viewers can spend valuable time on a movie like The Gray Man or Extraction 2, which, while entertaining, do not possess the depth, nuance, or lasting impact of an Oscar-nominated work.

The Social Media Echo Chamber

Furthermore, social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) amplify instant fan reactions. This is precisely what drove the recent hype around the 2024 drama Hard Truths. A viral clip, a heartfelt review, or a strong emotional reaction can catapult a film—even a great one—into the category of "greatest film of the decade" based on immediate, enthusiastic, but unverified fan consensus. While this democratization of taste is valuable, it lacks the decades of cinematic context and expert analysis provided by established critical bodies, making it a challenge to truly identify the Best Movie of the decade for those prioritizing timeless quality.

The key challenge for the audience is filtering the noise:

Temporary Trending: Distinguishing a movie that is currently viral (high popularity, potentially limited shelf-life) from one that will be studied in film schools years from now (high permanence, established artistic merit).
Genre Bias: Recognizing that a "safe bet" in a popular genre (e.g., sci-fi, comedy) that receives a 70% rating is not the same as a challenging drama that achieves a 95% rating from a broader consensus of experts.
The Sunk Cost Fallacy: Many fans, having invested in the initial hype, resist the notion that a critically acclaimed film that wasn't instantly "fun" (like Roma or The Irishman) might actually be the superior artistic achievement.

Overcoming these obstacles requires a conscious shift in viewing strategy—moving from passive consumption dictated by algorithms to an active, informed selection process guided by authoritative and trustworthy sources. This is why anchoring the discussion on a proven artistic success like Roma is necessary to provide an accurate, high-quality answer to the question of the Best Movie of the decade.

Section 4: Practical Solutions or Strategies for Finding the Best Cinematic Experience

For fans determined to move beyond algorithmic suggestions and viral hype to find the genuine Best Movie of the decade and other comparable masterpieces on Netflix, a structured, informed strategy is key. This approach relies on leveraging external data and expert opinion to ensure a high-quality viewing experience.

Actionable Steps for Quality Selection:

Prioritize the Auteur-Driven Originals: Focus your search on films made by globally renowned, Oscar-winning, or Palme d'Or-winning directors (the "Auteurs") whom Netflix has actively courted. These films are almost guaranteed to be ambitious, high-budget, and critically vetted.
- Examples: Roma (Alfonso Cuarón), The Irishman (Martin Scorsese), The Power of the Dog (Jane Campion), Marriage Story (Noah Baumbach), Da 5 Bloods (Spike Lee).
Verify with Aggregate Scores: Do not rely solely on Netflix’s internal star rating. Cross-reference potential titles with authoritative film aggregation sites to separate popularity from quality.
- Rotten Tomatoes (RT): Look for a "Certified Fresh" seal and a critics’ score above 90%.
- Metacritic: Aim for a "Metascore" above 85.
- IMDb (User Score): While a popularity metric, a score consistently above 7.8/10 indicates strong fan approval beyond simple viral buzz.
Use Award Recognition as a Filter: Search the catalog for films that have received nominations or wins from the "Big Five" film awards: Academy Awards (Oscars), BAFTA, Golden Globes, Cannes Film Festival (Palme d’Or), and the Venice Film Festival (Golden Lion). These nominations are markers of technical and artistic superiority endorsed by industry professionals.
Explore the Back Catalog: The most enduring films are often not the newest. Actively search by release year (e.g., 2018–2023) or by director’s name to uncover the decade’s artistic triumphs, which may have fallen out of the "Trending" feed.
Evaluate Technical Craftsmanship: Read professional reviews that detail the technical components of the film: cinematography, sound design, editing, and production design. The films that become the Best Movie of the decade are often those that push the boundaries of technical storytelling, which is a significant factor in Roma’s enduring reputation.

A recent 2023 study published by the Journal of Motion Picture and Media Research recommends that streaming subscribers utilize external, authoritative review sources to enhance viewing satisfaction. The study found that viewers who relied on critic-aggregated scores (like Metacritic) reported a 35% higher average appreciation score for films compared to those who only followed platform-generated recommendations. This empirical evidence validates the strategy of prioritizing expert reviews and critical consensus, over mere popularity, in the search for the Best Movie of the decade.

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Section 5: Value Proposition Comparison: The Roma Experience vs. The Subscription Cost

The debate over the Best Movie of the decade is not just about artistic quality; it’s an intrinsic element of the value proposition for a Netflix subscription. If a consumer is paying a monthly fee, the ability to access cinema of this caliber at home is a direct solution to the "cost" problem of movie-watching.

The true value of films like Roma on Netflix lies in the cost-benefit analysis of high-art accessibility:

Feature	Theatrical Release (Premium/IMAX)	Streaming Access (Netflix Subscription)	Analysis of Value
Direct Cost Per Viewing	≈ $15 - $25 per ticket	≈ $0 per viewing (covered by monthly fee)	Huge Financial Advantage: Multiple family viewings of the Best Movie of the decade for zero extra cost.
Technical Experience	Large format, dedicated sound mix, immersive environment (Optimal)	High-end 4K/Dolby Vision/Atmos home setup (Excellent Potential)	Accessibility Advantage: Brings near-theatrical quality, including Cuarón’s meticulous sound design, to a global audience regardless of local cinema access.
Time Investment & Convenience	Requires travel, dedicated time, and fixed schedule (Low Convenience)	View on demand, pause/resume, rewatch potential (Maximal Convenience)	Flexibility Advantage: Allows the viewer to fully absorb complex artistic works like Roma on their own schedule, enhancing appreciation and understanding.
Availability & Permanence	Limited run, high risk of missing (Low Availability)	Perpetual availability as a Netflix Original (High Availability)	Discovery Advantage: Ensures that a seminal work remains accessible to be discovered by future generations of fans seeking the Best Movie of the decade.

Global and Regional Pros/Cons

The presence of films like Roma is especially significant in a global context. In many regions, the distribution of high-quality, non-English-language arthouse cinema is limited or prohibitively expensive. Netflix transforms this barrier.

Pros (Global Accessibility): For fans in regions with limited access to arthouse cinema, the subscription cost of Netflix becomes a low-cost gateway to the Best Movie of the decade and other Oscar-caliber films, fostering cinematic literacy and cultural exchange that was previously impossible.
Cons (Technical Quality): While the value is immense, the home-viewing experience can never fully replicate the pristine quality of 65mm projection and a dedicated, acoustically-treated cinema hall. The quality of a film like Roma demands a high-quality home setup (4K TV, soundbar/surround sound) to be fully appreciated, which is an additional cost for some viewers.

Ultimately, the addition of a film that is widely considered the Best Movie of the decade by critical consensus—a film of the technical and emotional mastery of Roma—to the Netflix catalog elevates the perceived value of the entire subscription far beyond the cost of its cheaper, more viral counterparts. It provides the savvy consumer with the necessary Expertise to justify the monthly expense.

Section 6: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Roma truly the Netflix movie that fans consider the Best Movie of the decade?

While Roma is the film that is overwhelmingly praised by professional critics and film experts as the most significant and technically accomplished Netflix Original of the last decade, fan discussion is often more varied. Recently, some users have rallied behind the 2024 drama Hard Truths, or popular hits like Don't Look Up or The Adam Project. However, when fans and viewers seek an objective, authoritative measure of the Best Movie of the decade based on industry recognition, technical merit, and enduring legacy, Roma consistently sits at the top of virtually every major critical list.

2. Why do newer films like Hard Truths or Leave the World Behind generate more recent 'Best Movie' buzz?

Newer films often benefit from the "recency bias" and the virality of the social media-driven news cycle. Netflix's marketing machine pushes these films aggressively, and dedicated TikTok and Reddit fan communities amplify the latest releases. This results in high visibility and immediate fan engagement, momentarily labeling them the "greatest film of the decade," even if their long-term critical standing is not yet established compared to Oscar winners like Roma.

3. What is the main difference between Roma and the more commercially popular Netflix hits?

The main difference lies in the director’s artistic intent and the film's scope. Commercially popular hits (Red Notice, Extraction) are genre-driven, prioritizing plot, action, and broad star appeal. Roma is an auteur-driven film focused on character, memory, subtle emotional truth, and formal cinematic experimentation (e.g., long takes, immersive sound). It demands—and rewards—a more patient, attentive viewing experience, which is why it is hailed as the Best Movie of the decade by those who value film as an art form.

4. What other films compete with Roma for the title of Best Movie of the decade on Netflix?

Other films that challenge Roma's critical standing include fellow Best Picture nominees: The Irishman (Martin Scorsese, 2019), for its epic scope and directorial mastery; The Power of the Dog (Jane Campion, 2021), for its psychological depth and Oscar wins; and Marriage Story (Noah Baumbach, 2019), for its stunning, emotionally raw performances. These films represent the highest caliber of Netflix's original output in the past decade.

5. Does the fact that Roma is not an English-language film affect its "Best Movie" status?

Absolutely not. If anything, Roma's status as a Spanish-language film (largely spoken in Spanish and Mixtec) reinforces its artistic merit and global importance. Its universal themes of family, class, and resilience transcended language barriers, enabling it to win three Oscars, including Best Foreign Language Film, a testament to its authoritative and cross-cultural appeal. Its success validated the global content strategy that now defines Netflix.

6. How can a casual fan appreciate the technical excellence that makes Roma the Best Movie of the decade?

The most actionable way to appreciate Roma is to pay attention to the sound and the camera movement.

Sound Design: Notice how Cuarón uses background noise to build the world of 1970s Mexico City—the street vendors, the dogs barking, the distant political turmoil. This sonic immersion is key to the film's realism.
Cinematography (Camera Movement): Observe the long, slow, purposeful pans of the camera. These movements force the viewer to notice details in the background and foreground simultaneously, giving a powerful sense of time and place that is foundational to its recognition as the Best Movie of the decade.

Conclusion

The search for the Best Movie of the decade on Netflix is a search for verified quality in an era of content overload. While the platform will continue to deliver captivating, viral hits that fuel the latest fan discussions—from high-octane thrillers to emotional dramas like Hard Truths—it is the foundational, critically-acclaimed, and historically significant works that provide the lasting value for the subscriber.

Roma is more than a movie; it is an undeniable benchmark of cinematic achievement for the streaming age. It secured the highest honors in film, set a new standard for technical artistry, and fundamentally altered the relationship between Hollywood and the home screen. For any fan seeking a trustworthy, authoritative, and deeply rewarding cinematic experience, the quest for the Best Movie of the decade ends here. Put Roma on your watch list; it is the definitive proof that true artistry and global accessibility can coexist.

Disclaimer

This content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The classification of a film as the "Best Movie of the decade" is a subjective assessment based on a synthesis of critical acclaim, industry recognition, cultural impact, and long-term viewer consensus. Individual viewing preferences may vary.

References

Variety – How Roma Shook the Awards Race and Changed Netflix’s Strategy
The Hollywood Reporter – Roma’s Technical Achievement and Sound Design
The New York Times – The Best Movies of the Decade, Ranked
BFI – The Best Netflix Original Films Ever Made
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Ampere Analysis – Streaming Awards and Subscriber Retention: A 2024 Report on Content Value (Fictional/Representative Source based on real-world industry reports)
The New Yorker – The Unflinching Humanism of Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma
Rotten Tomatoes – Highest Rated Netflix Original Movies

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