Netflix’s catalog usually steals the spotlight with its Originals, but every month, it also adds licensed classics that deserve just as much attention. July’s lineup includes several acclaimed films that earned major awards and critical praise, making it a great time to revisit some of cinema’s best.
These three award-winning movies are now streaming on Netflix U.S., and they’re my first picks from this month’s arrivals. My favorite of the lineup is a 1990s crime classic that remains just as entertaining nearly three decades later.
3
Ali
The legend in and out of the boxing ring
Sports dramas are rarely my cup of tea, but Ali is much more than a boxing movie. Directed by Michael Mann, the biographical drama chronicles a defining decade in the life of the iconic Muhammad Ali, from becoming heavyweight champion to his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War, the legal battle that cost him his title, and his return to the ring.
Quiz
How well do you know Michael Mann’s movies?
Trivia challenge
From Thief to Public Enemies — how well do you know the stylish, intense
world of Michael Mann’s filmography?
CrimeCharactersDirectorsActorsClassics
In Thief (1981), what profession does Frank use as a front for his criminal
activities?
Correct! Frank, played by James Caan, runs a bar and a used car lot as
legitimate fronts for his high-end burglary operation. The film was notable for its meticulous,
realistic depiction of safecracking techniques.
Not quite. Frank actually owns a bar and a used car lot as cover for his
criminal work. Mann’s debut feature was praised for its authenticity, with real thieves consulting on
the production.
In Manhunter (1986), which iconic villain does FBI profiler Will Graham seek help
from to catch a new serial killer?
Correct! Will Graham visits the imprisoned Hannibal Lecktor — spelled
differently than in later films — played chillingly by Brian Cox. Manhunter was the first theatrical
adaptation of Thomas Harris’s character, predating The Silence of the Lambs by five years.
Not quite. Graham consults Hannibal Lecktor, played by Brian Cox in this
adaptation. Mann’s spelling of the name differed from subsequent films, and Cox’s portrayal remains
highly regarded by fans of the franchise.
In The Last of the Mohicans (1992), which actor plays Hawkeye, the frontiersman
raised by Mohicans?
Correct! Daniel Day-Lewis delivered a commanding physical performance as
Hawkeye, reportedly immersing himself in wilderness survival skills to prepare for the role. The film is
set during the French and Indian War of 1757.
Not quite. The role of Hawkeye was played by Daniel Day-Lewis, who was
already an acclaimed actor known for his intense method approach. His preparation included learning to
track, hunt, and survive in the wild.
In Heat (1995), what is the profession of Neil McCauley, played by Robert De Niro?
Correct! Neil McCauley is a disciplined, professional bank robber who
runs a tight crew across Los Angeles. Heat is celebrated for its legendary coffee shop scene — the first
time De Niro and Al Pacino shared the screen together in a direct conversation.
Not quite. Neil McCauley is a professional bank robber and crew leader,
played with cool precision by Robert De Niro. Heat famously featured the first face-to-face scene
between De Niro and Al Pacino despite their both appearing in The Godfather Part II.
In The Insider (1999), whistleblower Jeffrey Wigand was a former executive at which
tobacco company?
Correct! Jeffrey Wigand, played by Russell Crowe, was the Vice President
of Research and Development at Brown & Williamson, where he discovered the company knowingly manipulated
nicotine levels. His story was first brought to 60 Minutes and producer Lowell Bergman, played by Al
Pacino.
Not quite. Wigand worked at Brown & Williamson, one of the largest
tobacco companies in the US at the time. His decision to go public with internal secrets about nicotine
manipulation made him one of the most consequential corporate whistleblowers in American history.
In Ali (2001), Will Smith portrays Muhammad Ali across a specific decade of his
life. Which period does the film cover?
Correct! The film spans from 1964, around the time Ali won his first
world heavyweight title and changed his name from Cassius Clay, to 1974’s legendary ‘Rumble in the
Jungle’ fight against George Foreman in Zaire. Will Smith earned an Academy Award nomination for the
role.
Not quite. Ali covers the period from 1964 to 1974, bookended by two of
boxing’s most iconic moments. The film climaxes with the famous ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in Kinshasa,
Zaire, where Ali regained the heavyweight championship.
In Collateral (2004), Tom Cruise plays a hitman who forces a taxi driver to
chauffeur him through Los Angeles. What is the taxi driver’s name?
Correct! Max, played by Jamie Foxx, is an ambitious cab driver with
dreams of starting his own limo company who is forced into a terrifying night of complicity. Foxx’s
grounded performance earned wide critical acclaim and helped establish him as a dramatic force following
his Oscar-winning work in Ray the same year.
Not quite. The cab driver is named Max, played by Jamie Foxx. Mann shot
much of Collateral on digital video to capture the gritty, neon-lit texture of nighttime Los Angeles,
giving the film its distinctive look.
In Public Enemies (2009), which real-life FBI agent led the manhunt to capture John
Dillinger?
Correct! Melvin Purvis, played by Christian Bale, was the ambitious FBI
agent tasked by J. Edgar Hoover with capturing Dillinger and other notorious gangsters of the 1930s.
Johnny Depp played Dillinger, and the film depicted the famous final showdown outside Chicago’s Biograph
Theater.
Not quite. Melvin Purvis, portrayed by Christian Bale, was the field
agent who led the hunt for Dillinger. Despite his success in capturing or killing several Public
Enemies, Purvis had a complicated relationship with Hoover, who reportedly resented his celebrity.
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Rather than spotlighting only Ali’s athletic achievements, the film explores the psyche and story of the man behind the legend. Ali examines how the titular fighter became one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, standing firm in his beliefs while navigating fame, controversy, and public pressure. Will Smith delivers one of the finest performances of his career, capturing both Ali’s magnetism and resilience, with support from actors Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, and Jeffrey Wright.
Ali received widespread critical acclaim and won several accolades, including three NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture (Smith), and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture (Foxx).
2
Nomadland
Home is where the freedom is
If you’re in the mood for something quiet, reflective, and deeply moving, Nomadland is one of the best films you can stream. After the economic collapse of her Nevada mining town, Fern loses both her husband and the home they built together. With little left to hold on to, she packs up her van and sets off across the American West, embracing life as a modern-day nomad. Along the way, she meets people who have chosen the same unconventional path, each carrying their own stories of loss and hope for another shade of freedom.
Nomadland is a slow but immersive watch. By weaving Frances McDormand’s fictional journey together with real members of the nomad community, the film blends documentary and drama, creating an intimate portrait of lives that rarely make it to the big screen.
Nomadland has a whopping 109 awards to its credit, with 160 nominations across major and minor film awards. Notably, it won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Chloé Zhao), and Best Actress (McDormand).
1
Fargo
The crime classic that never goes out of style
One of the best crime comedies you can (luckily) stream on Netflix this month is another Frances McDormand-led classic hit, Fargo. The black comedy takes a simple kidnapping plot and turns it into a series of increasingly disastrous events. The story follows struggling car salesman Jerry Lundegaard, who hires two criminals to kidnap his own wife in an attempt to extort ransom money from his well-off father-in-law.
Naturally, the plan goes horribly wrong. Before long, the failed kidnapping leaves behind a trail of chaos, while police chief Marge Gunderson pieces everything together with patience and sharp intuition. From there, the Coen Brothers craft a crime classic that remains timeless.
On the awards front, Fargo won two Oscars for Best Actress (McDormand) and Best Original Screenplay. And if this title sounds familiar, although you have not watched it, you might be thinking of its namesake, the 2014 FX television series based on the film, Fargo.
Find more award-winning titles
Award-winning movies are always a safe bet when you’re struggling to decide what to watch, and these three are no exception. If you’re looking to discover more acclaimed titles, try searching by specific award names to explore Netflix’s broader collection.
- Subscription with ads
-
Yes, $8/month
- Simultaneous streams
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Two or four
Stream licensed and original programming with a monthly Netflix subscription.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
