Netflix dropped 43 original movies and shows in June 2026. 43! That's more than one per day. I have a job, hobbies, and a social life — but I also have a commitment to you, dear reader, to separate the gems from the garbage. So I spent the last two weeks binge-watching, note-taking, and occasionally falling asleep on my couch. Here are the 10 Netflix originals that are actually worth your time this month.
10. The Last Resort (Reality Competition)
I'm not usually a reality competition person, but The Last Resort is different. It's a survival show where contestants are dropped on a remote island with nothing but a GoPro and a satellite phone. The twist? They have to film everything themselves. The result is raw, chaotic, and surprisingly moving. The first season has 8 episodes, and I binged them in one sitting. It's not high art, but it's addictive.
9. Code Red (Action Thriller)
Code Red is a by-the-numbers action movie starring Jason Statham as a former special forces operative who has to save his family from a terrorist plot. It's exactly what you expect — explosions, fights, and Statham saying one-liners in his gruff British accent. But it's well-made, the action sequences are crisp, and it doesn't pretend to be anything more than it is. Sometimes that's exactly what you need.
8. The Forgotten City (Historical Drama)
This is a limited series about the lost city of Petra in Jordan. It's part history lesson, part archaeological mystery, and part adventure story. The cinematography is stunning — they actually filmed in Petra — and the performances are strong. It's a bit slow in the middle, but the payoff is worth it. If you liked The Crown or Rome, you'll like this.
7. Stand-Up Spotlight: Aisha Patel
Netflix's stand-up specials are hit or miss, but Aisha Patel's hour-long set is a hit. She's a rising comedian from Chicago who talks about her immigrant parents, her dating life, and the absurdities of modern life. Her delivery is sharp, her timing is perfect, and she's genuinely funny. I laughed out loud multiple times, which is rare for me. Highly recommended.
6. The Long Road Home (Drama)
A slow-burn drama about a family dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster. It's not flashy — no big action scenes, no dramatic reveals — but the performances are incredible. The cast includes Viola Davis, who delivers one of the best performances of her career as a mother trying to hold her family together. It's sad, beautiful, and ultimately hopeful. Keep tissues handy.