Yet another 17 Films on Netflix you should see...

The Pixar Story

We all love Pixar right? I mean sure their recent films haven't been among their best (sorry, not a huge fan of Brave or Monster's University (Cars 2 never happened okay!?)) but there's no denying that they have created some of the best animated films of all time.
But how much do we actually know about them as a company? This documentary shows everything. Everything from John Lasseter trouble at Disney to the technological advancements and set backs to Steve Jobs saving them. This documentary is not only a great trip down memory lane and an insight to the creative processes behind the creation of these animated masterpieces... and I'll admit, watching this film led to me having even more admiration for the folks working their asses off at Pixar.

Tucker and Dale vs Evil

An annoyingly spoilerifc trailer is to be steered well clear of it you want to get the most out of this smartly slapstick horror satire.
The well timed comic acting from the central duo brings this clever and funny premise and script to life. And it was just so refreshing to see a spoof/satire film that didn't lean towards Disaster Movie style jokes, and instead went for a genuinely good film which would stand up on its own legs even if it wasn't resting on self-mocking. More of a love-letter to the ridiculousness of dumb teen horror movies than a outright piss-take of it.

Upstream Color

The second film from Shane Carruth, the Writer, Director, Actor, Producer, Composer, and all round One Man Army behind the cult sci-fi gem Primer.
However I must give fair warning, although in my opinion this film is an outright masterpiece, it is not for everyone. Do not go in expecting Primer 2, or anything related to Primer at all to be honest. This film is experimental and plays around with all our preconceived notions of narrative. I find it hard to explain the film because it is more an experience than anything else (I remember reading online that one person described it as like watching an album on screen, which I kinda agree with) and it does tend towards films like The Tree of Life. But for those willing to try something new, or for those who are interested in more visual and reflective films that stay with you for days and weeks, then this will really be... up your stream. Gettit? Forget it.

Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut

Donnie Darko is kinda like "the" cult film. But it's often hard to actually figure out how many people have seen it. If you haven't I wholeheartedly suggest you do, it is the film that made me get into films properly and also is the film that inspired me to be a film maker and make my own films (yes, I do try and yes I want to make proper films... a guy's allowed to dream okay!)
It's a hugely detailed psychological horror which blends the feeling of puberty and growing up with sci-fi-horror in a way no other film had done before or has managed to do since. Sometimes funny, sometimes genuinely touching, sometimes somewhat scary... and always, in my eyes, a total masterpiece.
(Yes I know it has problems and faults and there are a tonnes of things surrounding it suggesting it's not as great as many people think it is... but you know what? It made me feel something the first time I watched it, and it still gives me that feeling every time I re-watch it).
And speaking of re-watching, for those that have seen it before... watch it again! In fact, watch the Director's Cut. I say this because in my opinion The Director's Cut is the essential way to watch this genre blending cult phenomenon. It just adds so much more to an already bursting at the seems story and world.

Robot & Frank

A profoundly moving story tackling some hugely important issues like Alzheimers and robotics in such a beautiful way that it is hard not to be absorbed in this short in length but long in lasting impression film.
Not only is the film funny and touching, but it's also a joy from beginning to end. Set in the near future where library books are being taken away and scanned to make way for a "library experience", and robots are butlers, an elderly man named Frank who had been a thief back in his days is suffering from the inevitability of old-age.
I say it a lot in my "reviews/recommendations" but it really does apply here: this film is not about the plot. It really is about the characters and how they react to one and other. And Frank Langella's portrayal of Frank in this film will tug on the heartstrings of anyone who knows someone with Alzheimer.
A truly emotional film that is not easily forgotten (joke not intended).

Run Lola Run

Before he teamed up with The Wachowskis and made the epic masterpiece Cloud Atlas, Tom Tykwer made this work of art. The pulsating soundtrack, constant tension and perfectly executed concept are only a selection of a sheer tonne of compliments that can be paid to this film which follows three different versions/runs of Lola trying to get a large sum of cash to save her boyfriend.
The direction of this film is a constant joy to watch, Tom Tykwer slips into anime and speed-fire photography and slow motion at will and it never feels out of place, and always feels ingenious. The three separate runs are a sheer joy to watch because of the focused level of attention, stark imagry and astronomical pacing

Safety Not Guaranteed

Given the huge amount of love for Aubrey Plaza on Imgur, I'd be surprised if most of you haven't already seen this great comedy flick with sprinklings of drama.
But assuming you haven't it's about an advert in a newspaper asking for a companion for a time travelling venture and three journalists of sorts who go to investigate it.
This film is full of heart, charm, depth and great acting. What more could you want?

Oldboy

Yes there is a re-make out. No it's not worth watching. Yes the original is a masterpiece.
On a lot of people's list of films they will watch eventually (they never do...) but if it is just sit down and do it now! It's a visual masterpiece and flat-out, in my opinion, one of the best films ever made. A dark, gritty, stylized thriller which keeps the audience guessing, all the while going where few films ever dare to go.
(Look out for the amazing corridor fight which appeared (WARNING UNSUBTLE SELF PROMOTION) in my list of 17 Great Fight Sequences - http://imgur.com/gallery/kfmYv )

Melancholia

Quite often the name Lars Von Trier puts people off a film, but really if you are to give Lars one chance I suggest it be this. A drama which deals in brutal honesty with the abyss of depression. Those who suffer will see things that others just won't, and those who don't might even find they understand it a bit more than they did.
The film follows the clearly depressed yet still stunning Kirsten Dunst during her wedding, all the while another planet called Melancholia is reported to be potentially soon to colliding with Earth.
A true character study and inlook into depresion and visual marvel to behold. Not to mention the great acting that goes without saying in all of these films to be honest.

Chopper

Eric Bana fucking nails Chopper Read in this dark comic semi-biographical in look into the crazy character who you would just assume was made up if you didn't know otherwise.
Unexpectedly funny in the darkest of places. The ridiculousness of the film lies in the truth of its story but it's a great film and well worth the watch. See also: Bronson (which is also on Netflix!)

Capote

RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman. It's up to debate as to whether this is PSH's best film and whether Capote is his best performance... but there's no debate as to whether it's a tour de force in terms of acting.
Following the true story of the conflicted and intensely interesting author Truman Capote as he tries to write his next novel based on a brutal murder case. An astonishing character study which does not try and make anyone out as good, bad, nasty or nice... it just presents characters and we have to judge them ourselves.
A true mammoth of a performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman, both him and his exceptional talent will be surely missed.

Adventureland

No! Wait! No please! I know this has Kristen Stewart in it... but trust me, she ain't awful in this pretty darn fantastic "coming of age" film.
Yeah there are a tonne of decent "coming of age" films around, so what makes this one special? Well, to be honest, it's hard to put your finger on it. But it's just got some brutally real oddity to it that most others seem to lack.
The film follows Jesse Eisenberg (incredible as always!) getting a part time job at an amusement part and he meets a girl etc etc etc.
What puts this on a shelf above the rest is the large array of well rounded and thoroughly developed characters and unique script.
Less funny than the director's previous film (Superbad) but it's got enough to pass as a comedy... but really it's the drama that drives this.
(See also: The Way Way Back (not on Netflix, sorry!))

Headhunters

This film is a fucking odyssey. There just aren't enough thrillers that grab you by the throat and refuse to let go for almost the entire film (warning, the viewer will not actually experience throat grabbing). There are just so many memorable scenes in this film and it's rare to see a protagonist go through so much shit in a film and it never feel like it's gross or over the top simply for the sake of it.
The plot is not overtly complex and simply revolves around an art thief who just so happens to piss off Jaime Lannister. But the set-pieces are what really makes this film the wonder to watch that it is.

Jackie Brown

Sometimes reported as the best Tarantino film that no one ever saw (an obvious exaggerated, but still). This film is classic Tarantino... with a little something more.
There's no point going down the route of the plot, needless to say it has a cool as fuck soundtrack, great quotable fast paced dialogue and a plot revolving around violence and swearing.
But what Jackie Brown has that other Tarantino films seem to not have (sorry for all die-hard QT fans) is characters with depth. The cast of Jackie Brown are not one-note, they develop, they evolve they seem to live lives that exist outside of the film unlike other characters who seem to simply exist when on screen.
For fans of crime films in general this is a must see, and for Tarantino fans this is an eye-opener.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Okay, first off it has to be said... the Soundtrack to this is not as great as you might expect (JUST MY OPINION! SORRY!). And actually... to be entirely honest the film's not amazing. It's got some funny moments and it has an ultimately feel good factor to it (See also: Anita and Me (on Netflix!)) but it does not shine into greatness.
That said, it's fun and to be honest if you just want to relax and watch something predictable that'll make you smile and laugh (and if you're alone it'll just do what all coming-of-age quirky comedies do which is... make you feel even more alone, but whatever, I'm not bitter and sad about it, sorry rant over) then this film is perfect. It's above a Rom-Com because it has that realistic sense of shyness, awkwardness and over all silly funness that a lot of teen romantic comedies seem to entirely miss out.
(Oh right, the plot... uh, it's basically Michael Cera being Michael Cera and another girl trying to find their favorite band who are playing a secret gig)

District 13

Entirely unrelated to District 9, this fast-paced french parkour crime film has some of the best foot chase sequences ever put onto film. The fighting is fast and messy unlike the well choreographed scenes in, for example, The Raid (oh my god The Raid 2 comes out soon! Sorry, I shall continue). This is perfect for action junkies who just want something a bit mind-numbing about criminals fighting other criminals and a nuke and running and shooting and stuff.

Man on Wire

This Oscar winning Documentary is utterly fascinating. It follows the full story of the man who high-wire walked between the world trade centers. It's enthralling, profound and surprisingly emotional to see how it effected everyone involved. The behind the scenes style footage acquired is unmatched and the interviews are many and in depth (I have said depth far too much today haven't I? Sorry!). I have few other words for the genius of this documentary other than... simply sublime.

Other Film Lists
- 17 Films on Netflix: http://imgur.com/gallery/kUf2Y
- Top 17 Films recommended by Imgur: http://imgur.com/gallery/Db1Lu
- 17 great films you might not have seen: http://imgur.com/gallery/j3FON
- 17 Entertainingly Awful Films: http://imgur.com/gallery/pk4PL
- 17 Alternative Christmas Films: http://imgur.com/gallery/1Y36A

Also this is from the UK Netflix, which if you want to access you just use Google Hola (thanks @TheDonkeyBomber )