Dramais the backbone of art. From the stories told around ancient campfires to the most-watched projects on the biggest streamers, we will simply never get enough of seeing our lives reflected back to us. Because of this, the highest-rated movies and shows often hail from this genre, with most Academy Award winners, Emmy prize snatchers, and box office triumphs falling under the ‘drama’ banner.
Due to the vast array of drama constantly being produced on our screens, it can be difficult to slice through the dense greenery to find the perfect fruits of our creative labor. Well, that’s where Collider comes in, with this handy guide to finding the highest-rated dramas currently available on the most popular streaming platforms. So, without further ado,here’s a look at eight drama movies with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, currently streaming on Netflix.
Want to try something else? For more recommendations, check out our lists of the bestBritish movies on Netflixor thebest Netflix shows to binge.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
‘Asoka’ (2001)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 6.4/10
This epic, almost three-hour Bollywood docudrama by directorSantosh Sivanfollows the titular emperorAsoka, ruler of most of the Indian subcontinent in the 3rd century BC, culminating in the bloodbath that was the conquest of the Kalinga.Asokaexplores the highs and lows of a whirlwind life of power, greed, and revenge in a gorgeous setting, providing a truly epic feel from an impressively low budget of roughly $2.5 million. A breathtaking blend of comedy, drama, and musical genres with a sprinkling of action,Asokatruly has something for everyone. -Jake Hodges
Watch on Netflix
‘Blue Giant’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.9/10
Blue Giant
Directed byYuzuru Tachikawa, this beloved anime follows Dai Miyamoto, a middle schooler who attends a jazz performance and finds his life changed forever. Without any experience or the ability to read music, Dai begins a journey to becoming the greatest saxophonist of all time. A poignant reminder of the beauty of dreaming,Blue Giantis an eye-catching anime that ticks all the boxes. From stunning visuals to mesmeric music,Blue Giantboasts nigh-on perfection by every metric and is one of the most underrated anime films currently on Netflix. -Jake Hodges
‘Bulbul Can Sing’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 6.9/10
Bulbul Can Sing
Written and directed byRima Das,Bulbul Can Singfollows the titular Bulbul, a girl growing up in a rural Assamese village. A free-spirited, ambitious teenager, Bulbul faces the harsh reality of life when tragedy strikes, leaving her to question everything she thought she knew. A wonderful exploration of societal influence, friendship, and grief through the eyes of a rebellious teenager,Bulbul Can Singstrikes the heart of its audience with an affecting sense of youth and nostalgia. Drama at its finest, this is one of the best Indian movies on Netflix. -Jake Hodges
‘Farha’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.0/10
This award-winning period drama follows a teenage Palestinian girl stuck amid the Palestinian Nakba who dreams of gaining a full education. However, reality kills her dream when armed soldiers brutally threaten to end the lives of all in her village. An upsetting, hugely powerful film that is as relevant today as it ever will be,Farhais the sort of film that everyone must watch. Utterly captivating from minute one,Farhahas the power to change lives with its affecting message that screams for attention from a world so often ignoring its biggest issues. -Jake Hodges
‘Knuckle City’ (2019)
Knuckle City
Written and directed byJahmil X.T. Qubeka,Knuckle Cityis a sports drama with bite, following two brothers who grew up in their father’s shadow. Now adults, one is a playboy professional boxer, and the other is a criminal, with the former’s career on the edge before he’s had his chance at fame. With the latter about to be released from prison, a plan is hatched to use the criminal underworld to get one last shot at stardom. One of the best South African movies on Netflix,Knuckle Cityis an immersive tale that proves entirely gripping thanks to clever direction and two stellar central performances. Angry, fast-paced, and affecting,Knuckle Cityis a rollercoaster worth riding. -Jake Hodges
‘Lionheart’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 5.7/10
This 2018 drama, which became Nigeria’s first-ever submission to the Academy Awards, follows Adaeze (Genevieve Nnaji), a woman who must step up to the professional plate when her father falls ill. Surrounded by a bigoted, patriarchal society, can Adaeze prove the doubters wrong and succeed? A well-rounded, socially poignant tale directed by its star,Lionheartis a true passion project, such is the sheer piercing emotion at its heart. Beyond its drama, the movie is also intelligently funny throughout, making for a viewing experience you won’t soon forget. -Jake Hodges
‘Lolo and the Kid’ (2024)
Lolo and the Kid
From the mind ofBenedict Mique, this coming-of-age tale follows the unbreakable bond between a grifter named Lolo (Joel Torre) and a child who spend their days robbing the rich. However, when an unlikely opportunity falls their way, will they be able to retain their inseparable relationship? Featuring a stellar central set of performances from the likes of Torre,Euwenn Mikaell, Iza Calzado, and others, Mique’sLolo and the Kidis a refreshing take on the coming-of-age genre, sure to bring both a smile to your face and a tear to your eye. A movie that has fallen under most radars, now is the time to catchLolo and the Kidon Netflix. -Jake Hodges
‘Us and Them’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.4/10
Us and Them
Co-written and directed byRene Liu,Us and Themfollows the journey of Xiaoxiao (Dongyu Zhou) and Jianqing (Boran Jing), going from strangers to lovers and back to strangers again. Ten years on from the day they first met, and with a whirlwind romance in the rearview mirror, the pair meet once more, but will the spark in their relationship reignite? A tender, well-realized story of modern romance,Us and Themis utterly immersive right from its first moments. LikeBefore SunrisemeetsPast Lives, this is a drama you definitely won’t want to miss. -Jake Hodges
