Netflix subscribers must pay a premium to get 4K resolution, but Ultra HD is well worth it for several titles in the streaming giant’s catalog.
Whereas a $12.99 per month subscription rewards viewers with regular HD, only $3 more per month unlocks Netflix’s 4K feature. Between original shows and visually dazzling movies, the service has plenty to offer.
Below is a glimpse at some of the best 4K content streaming on Netflix.
Black Mirror
If you’re a fan of eerie, futuristic and cautionary tales in science fiction, this is the show for you. Created by Charlie Booker, Black Mirror is a truly trippy, unsettling, thrilling series. Its fifth season released in June 2019.
The British original show was initially on Channel 4 across the pond before Netflix bought it and ultimately commissioned three more seasons. It hasn’t gotten old yet, and there’s all sorts of Easter eggs and tie-ins across myriad episodes that makes Black Mirror an even richer viewing experience.
Breaking Bad
Since Netflix has so much original content streaming in 4K, this list comprises almost exclusively in-house titles. One of two exceptions here is Breaking Bad.
Arguably the single greatest TV show of all-time, or at least thereabouts, Vince Gilligan’s creation awaits on Netflix, waiting for you to stream in 4K.
The story of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White going from cancer-stricken schoolteacher to meth-dealing mastermind Heisenberg makes for one of the best character arcs ever put to film, much less on the small screen.
Dolemite Is My Name
Eddie Murphy makes a rousing return to form, starring in this true-story tale of Rudy Ray Moore, a floundering creative person who invents the persona of Dolemite.
Against seemingly all odds, Dolemite launches Moore into stardom. Murphy portrays the character brilliantly, the supporting cast is excellent, and the spirit of 1970s Los Angeles is captured especially well in higher resolution.
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The Haunting of Hill House
For horror fans, and those who appreciate complicated, audacious camerawork, The Haunting of Hill House is a dream. Or, ahem, the perfect nightmare?
Created, directed and co-written by Mike Flanagan, this show’s maiden season dropped before Halloween in October 2018. It was jaw-dropping, perhaps highlighted by a 17-minute scene shot in one, single take.
Flanagan parlayed this gig (and Netflix’s Gerald’s Game) into writing and directing Doctor Sleep. Those two Stephen King adaptations are excellent, too.
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The Irishman
No major studios ultimately took the plunge on Martin Scorsese’s 3.5-hour epic crime saga. Their loss was Netflix’s gain, as the legendary filmmaker created a modern masterpiece.
It likely won’t win over any unconverted fans, but the movie’s technical prowess alone is something to behold. Cutting-edge de-aging technology, outstanding cinematography and period-perfect production and costume design make The Irishman an immersive experience, particularly in 4K.
Come on, though, who doesn’t want to see Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci light up the screen together? These acting titans still have serious chops, and really, Pacino steals the show as Jimmy Hoffa.
CHECK OUT: SNIPdaily’s The Irishman review
The OA
Yours truly has written a fair amount about this show, and for good reason. It’s imaginative beyond belief, mind-blowing, superbly acted and impossible to predict.
The OA is a truly original, modern creative achievement. It’s a shame Netflix dropped it after only two of five planned seasons from co-creators Brit Marling (also the titular star) and Zal Batmanglij.
CHECK OUT: Twitter demands Hulu to save The OA Season 3 after Netflix cancellation
Roma
Before Parasite became the first non-English language film to win the Oscar for Best Picture, Roma had a real chance to claim that status.
Alfonso Cuaron wrote, directed, produced, edited and served as cinematographer for his most personal film to date, which is largely autobiographical.
Roma received 10 Academy Award nominations, winning three for Best Director, Best Foreign Language Film and Best Cinematography.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Marvel and Sony continue to sort through rights issues to live-action Peter Parker Spider-Man and his rogues gallery. When it came to this animated classic, though, everything and the kitchen sink were in play.
An unprecedented, groundbreaking blend of CGI and other animations made this look comic book movie look the most like an actual comic book than anything before or since.
Before the sequel hits theaters on April 8, 2022, be sure to get to Netflix to see this stunning, web-slinging, multiverse adventure in 4K.
Stranger Things
It may be an obvious one to end this list. However, it doesn’t mean Stranger Things isn’t deserving of mention. Of course it is!
Netflix’s worldwide phenomenon was an instant smash hit after its maiden season. Although the series hit an inevitable, albeit super-slight, sophomore slump, the third season raised the bar all over again.
This ’80s nostalgia-fueled, Steven Spielberg- and Stephen King-inspired show still has more to come. Anyone who’s a fan can hardly wait.