It has been a rather lackluster year so far for new Netflix films While there have been a smattering of superlatives, such as “Hitman” starring Glen Powell, there have been an overwhelming number of lowbrow films such as “Lift,” “The Union,” “Irish Wish,” and “Rebel Moon - Part 2,” in which Netflix has offered subpar films to subscribers

Fortunately, the second half of the year tends to see the streaming service release its biggest films, including what it believes are potential awards contenders, and 2024 is likely to be no different For the fall, Netflix has set streaming dates for its most high-profile original films [Below are five new Netflix films not to be missed, including a crime mystery directed by Anna Kendrick, a thriller set in an airport that could be the perfect alternative to the standard holiday movie, and a war film that tells the story of an often forgotten hero These new Netflix movies need to be added to your watch list

“The Platform” is one of my favorite Netflix movies, and while I'm still not entirely convinced that a sequel is necessary, I believe I'll be watching “The Platform 2” the moment it becomes available for streaming in just over a month

Plot details about this sequel are relatively thin, but we do know that the series' trademark tower-block prison will once again be the setting, with a large platform filled with food slowly descending the floors Surely the stakes will be high, and the social commentary will be accurate The Platform 2 will star Milena Smit, Hovik Kekelian, Natalia Tena, and Oscar Haenada

Anna Kendrick makes her directorial debut with Woman of the Hour, a crime mystery based on a shocking true story In addition to directing, Kendrick also stars as Cheryl Bradshaw, a contestant on the popular 1970s show “The Dating Game”

Bradshaw appears on the show in hopes of meeting an attractive man, but in reality she comes face to face with serial killer Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) Expectations for the film are quite high, as “Woman of the Hour” premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2023 to a strong critical response (currently rated 90% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Not to be confused with the 2015 film of the same name starring Jennifer Lawrence, Joy is an upcoming British drama boasting a fairly strong cast Bill Nighy, Thomasin McKenzie, and James Norton star in this period drama set in the 1960s and 1970s

The film follows a nurse (McKenzie), a surgeon (Nighy), and a scientist (Norton) as they work to develop the world's first “test tube baby” In the process, they not only face numerous scientific hurdles, but also fierce opposition from the church, the media, and the medical establishment The film is likely to move audiences, and when awards season rolls around, the cast could be nominated

Following in the footsteps of “Die Hard 2” comes a holiday action thriller set in an airport Taron Egerton stars in Carry-On as a young TSA agent who faces the holiday shift from hell when a mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman) threatens to force his dangerous luggage through security and onto a Christmas flight This Netflix movie is a great alternative viewing for the holiday season (after all, there are only so many times you can rewatch “Home Alone” or “Elf”), and Egerton is a proven action performer

Tyler Perry's “Mea Culpa” debuted on Netflix in February, and while it debuted at #1 on the streaming service, its 17% score on Rotten Tomatoes was well deserved Nevertheless, it's now or never to start making amends to viewers With “The Six Triple Eight,” Perry may be able to redeem himself

Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, and Greg Sulkin, Susan Sarandon, and Ofra Winfrey star in this war film about the 6888th Central, the only black, all-women battalion to serve in Europe during World War II It focuses on the Postal Directory Battalion, the only black, all-female battalion to serve in Europe during World War II It shines a spotlight on unsung heroes and could be a very special (and important) war film