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A Curated List of Must-Watch Movies on Netflix This Week
As the new year begins, Netflix continues to offer an extensive library of over 7,000 movies for viewers to explore. While some titles are more compelling than others, this week’s recommendations are based on a combination of popularity, critical acclaim, and personal insight. From gripping documentaries to thought-provoking biopics, here’s a selection of films that you should consider watching.
Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story
One of the most popular documentaries currently on Netflix is Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story. Directed by Skye Borgman, this film delves into the dark underbelly of YouTube influencer culture. It follows Jodi Hildebrandt and her partner, Ruby Franke, who presented themselves as mental health advocates but were secretly involved in severe child abuse. Borgman, known for her work on other viral documentaries, skillfully uncovers the layers of this tragic story, revealing the disturbing reality behind the facade.
- Director: Skye Borgman
- Genre: Documentary
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Unknown Number: The High School Catfish
Another standout from Skye Borgman is Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, which gained widespread attention in 2025. The documentary starts with a simple premise: a teenage girl and her boyfriend begin receiving threatening text messages. What ensues is a tense exploration of paranoia and deception, as the school community becomes entangled in the mystery. The revelation of the perpetrator after over 350,000 messages is both shocking and unforgettable.
- Director: Skye Borgman
- Genre: Documentary
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Influencer
For those looking for a fictional take on the dangers of online fame, Influencer (2023) offers a chilling narrative. The horror film follows Madison, a video star who uses her trip to Thailand to monetize her experiences while hiding her true emotional state. When she meets CW, a free-spirited woman, it seems like a fresh start—until a betrayal leads her to a remote island with her identity stolen. The film explores how easily reality can be distorted when the camera is rolling.
- Director: Kurtis David Harder
- Cast: Emily Tennant, Cassandra Naud, Sara Canning
- Genre: Horror
- Rating: R
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Priscilla
Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, released in 2023, made its way to Netflix recently and is worth a watch for fans of biographical storytelling. The film chronicles the relationship between Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu, focusing on their early years together. It provides a nuanced look at the complexities of their romance, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and personal costs of being married to the most famous man in the world.
- Director: Sofia Coppola
- Cast: Cailee Spaeny, Jacob Elordi, Ari Cohen
- Genre: Biography
- Rating: R
- IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Final Thoughts
With so many compelling options available, there’s no shortage of content to enjoy on Netflix this week. Whether you’re drawn to documentaries that expose real-life tragedies or fiction that explores the darker side of fame, these recommendations offer something for every viewer. Keep an eye out for new releases and updates to discover even more hidden gems.