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Hey everyone! Are you tired of constantly scrolling through the Netflix catalog, only to find that every single movie seems to revolve around romance? Don’t get me wrong, I love a good romance movie as much as the next person.
But sometimes, you just want to watch something that doesn’t involve sappy love stories and predictable meet-cutes. That’s where this list comes in!
I’ve scoured through the depths of Netflix to bring you the 16 best movies without romance. These movies range from classic dramas to mind-bending thrillers, and they all have one thing in common: they’re completely romance-free.
So if you’re in the mood for something different, keep reading!
1. The Shawshank Redemption
If you haven’t seen this movie yet, what are you even doing with your life? The Shawshank Redemption is a classic prison drama about hope, friendship, and the enduring human spirit. It’s also completely devoid of romance, which makes it a great choice for this list.
Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman give career-defining performances as two inmates who form a close bond over the years. The movie is heart-wrenching, uplifting, and ultimately very satisfying. And did I mention there’s no romance? Because there isn’t.
2. The Godfather
The Godfather is a timeless crime epic about the rise and fall of a powerful mafia family. It’s an absolute classic, and it’s also completely romance-free. Instead, the movie focuses on the complex relationships between the characters and the cutthroat world of organized crime.
Marlon Brando gives a legendary performance as the patriarch of the family, and the supporting cast (including Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton) is equally impressive. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, do yourself a favor and watch it immediately.
3. Goodfellas
Another classic crime movie that’s free of romance is Goodfellas. This movie tells the true story of Henry Hill, a small-time gangster who rises through the ranks of the mafia.
It’s directed by Martin Scorsese, who is known for his intense and immersive crime movies, and it features an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta.
Goodfellas is a brutal and unflinching look at the world of organized crime, and it’s also one of the most quotable movies of all time. “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster,” is just one of the many iconic lines from the film.
4. Pulp Fiction
If you’re in the mood for something a little quirkier, Pulp Fiction is the perfect choice. This indie film is known for its nonlinear storytelling and its memorable characters. It also happens to be completely romance-free, which makes it a great addition to this list.
The movie follows a cast of characters who are all connected in some way, including a hitman, his boss’s girlfriend, and a pair of armed robbers. It’s a unique and influential film that’s definitely worth checking out.
5. The Dark Knight
Who says superhero movies have to be filled with romance? The Dark Knight is a superhero masterpiece that’s completely devoid of love stories.
Instead, it focuses on the complex relationship between Batman and the Joker, and the moral dilemmas faced by the Dark Knight.
Christopher Nolan’s direction is top-notch, and Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker is nothing short of iconic. If you’re a fan of superhero movies and you haven’t seen The Dark Knight yet, then you have to check out this classic movie.
6. Fight Club
Are you tired of the typical Hollywood blockbuster? Look no further than Fight Club, a unique and thought-provoking film that’s definitely not your average movie.
Brad Pitt and Edward Norton give standout performances as a pair of disillusioned men who start a secret fight club as a way to vent their frustration and find meaning in their lives. The movie is violent, dark, and definitely not for the faint of heart, but it’s also a compelling and original story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
7. Inception
If you’re in the mood for a mind-bending thriller, Inception is a perfect choice. This movie follows a team of thieves who specialize in entering people’s dreams and stealing their secrets.
It’s a complex and ambitious film that’s full of twists and turns.
Leonardo DiCaprio leads an all-star cast that includes Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, and Ellen Page. The special effects are top-notch, and the story is both clever and engaging.
If you haven’t seen Inception yet, add it to your list ASAP.
8. The Prestige
Do you like your movies with a touch of magic? The Prestige is a mysterious and twisty film that follows the rivalry between two competing magicians in the late 19th century.
It’s a clever and suspenseful film that’s full of surprises.
The movie features excellent performances from Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, and Michael Caine, and the production design is top-notch. If you’re a fan of magic or mysteries, The Prestige is definitely worth checking out.
9. The Departed
This gritty crime drama set in Boston follows the lives of two men on opposite sides of the law: one is a cop trying to take down the Irish mafia, and the other is a mole working for the mafia within the police department.
It’s a complex and violent film that’s full of twists and turns, and it’s also completely romance-free.
The Departed features excellent performances from an all-star cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson. It’s directed by Martin Scorsese, who is known for his immersive and intense crime movies, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of the genre.
10. Mad Max: Fury Road
If you’re in the mood for a high-octane action movie, Mad Max: Fury Road is the perfect choice. This post-apocalyptic film follows the titular character as he teams up with a group of rebels to take down a tyrannical ruler.
It’s a fast-paced and visually stunning film that’s full of car chases, explosions, and intense fight scenes.
Tom Hardy takes over the role of Mad Max from Mel Gibson, and Charlize Theron steals the show as the fierce and capable Furiosa. The movie is a thrilling and unique addition to the Mad Max franchise, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of action movies.
11. The Green Mile
This heart-wrenching drama is set on death row and follows the lives of the prisoners and the guards who work there. It’s a poignant and emotional film that’s full of twists and turns.
The Green Mile features excellent performances from Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Sam Rockwell, and it’s directed by Frank Darabont, who is known for his emotionally powerful dramas.
If you’re in the mood for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and think, The Green Mile is definitely worth checking out.
12. The Silence of the Lambs
This suspenseful and chilling thriller follows an FBI trainee who must team up with a notorious serial killer in order to track down another serial killer who is still on the loose. It’s a dark and twisted film that’s full of twists and turns.
The Silence of the Lambs features excellent performances from Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, and Scott Glenn, and it won five Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Actress for Hopkins and Foster. If you’re a fan of thrillers or crime movies, this one is definitely worth checking out.
13. A Clockwork Orange
This disturbing and provocative classic is based on the novel by Anthony Burgess and follows a young man who is conditioned to reject violence and crime after committing a series of horrific crimes. It’s a thought-provoking and disturbing film.
A Clockwork Orange features an iconic performance from Malcolm McDowell, and it’s directed by Stanley Kubrick, who is known for his visually stunning and intellectually challenging films. If you’re a fan of unconventional and challenging movies, this one is definitely worth checking out.
14. The Matrix
This groundbreaking sci-fi action movie follows a computer programmer who discovers that the world he’s living in is actually a simulated reality created by sentient machines. It’s a fast-paced and visually stunning film that’s full of action and special effects.
The Matrix features excellent performances from Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss, and it’s directed by the Wachowski siblings, who are known for their innovative and visually striking movies.
If you’re a fan of sci-fi or action movies, The Matrix is definitely worth checking out.
15. American Beauty
This poignant and darkly comedic drama follows the life of a middle-aged man who becomes infatuated with his daughter’s best friend and begins to reassess his life and his relationships. It’s a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful film.
American Beauty features excellent performances from Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, and Thora Birch, and it won five Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Spacey and Best Picture. If you’re a fan of drama or dark comedies, this one is definitely worth checking out.
16. The Usual Suspects
This twisty and clever crime thriller follows a group of small-time criminals who are brought together after a heist goes wrong. It’s a suspenseful and engaging film that’s full of surprises.
The Usual Suspects features excellent performances from Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, and Benicio Del Toro, and it’s directed by Bryan Singer, who is known for his smart and suspenseful movies. If you’re a fan of crime thrillers or mysteries, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! 16 of the best movies on Netflix without romance. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic drama, a mind-bending thriller, or a high-octane action movie, this list has something for everyone.
So next time you’re in the mood for something different, give one of these amazing movies a watch!