Netflix, the ubiquitous streaming giant, often feels like a paradox of choice. Millions of subscribers pay monthly fees only to endlessly scroll, lamenting, “There’s nothing to watch!” The reality is, Netflix possesses a significantly deeper catalog than what’s immediately presented. Getting more movie choices on Netflix boils down to strategically utilizing its built-in features, VPN technology, and alternative streaming options to bypass geographical restrictions and uncover hidden categories.
The Illusion of Limited Choice: Understanding Netflix’s Content Strategy
The seemingly limited selection you encounter daily is largely a product of Netflix’s sophisticated algorithms and regional licensing agreements. Netflix customizes content based on your viewing history, location, and popularity trends. This personalization, while intended to streamline your experience, can inadvertently create a filter bubble, obscuring a wealth of untapped movies. Furthermore, licensing agreements restrict certain titles to specific countries, creating a situation where what’s available in the US is unavailable in the UK, and vice-versa. To break free from this curated experience, you need to understand how to circumvent these restrictions.
Breaking the Algorithmic Barrier: Mastering Netflix’s Internal Tools
Before resorting to more complex methods, explore the features Netflix already offers. Many users remain unaware of the powerful search functionalities and hidden category codes embedded within the platform.
- Utilizing Precise Search Terms: Ditch vague searches like “action movie.” Instead, use specific keywords like “Samurai action movies,” “1980s sci-fi horror,” or even the names of specific directors or actors. The more specific your search, the higher the likelihood of uncovering hidden gems.
- Delving into Subgenres: Netflix organizes its catalog into incredibly granular subgenres. These subgenres are accessed through special category codes, which can be added to the end of the Netflix URL (e.g.,
http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/8711for “Foreign Action & Adventure”). Numerous online resources compile lists of these codes, offering access to niche categories like “Cult Horror Movies,” “Critically-Acclaimed Independent Films,” or “Documentaries About History.” - Leveraging “My List” and “Continue Watching”: Netflix’s algorithms learn from your viewing habits. Adding movies to “My List” and regularly using the “Continue Watching” feature signals your preferences, potentially leading to recommendations of similar, less-advertised titles.
- Browsing Similar Titles: When viewing a movie’s details, scroll down to the “More Like This” or “Because You Watched…” sections. These suggestions often lead to unexpected discoveries that align with your tastes.
Venturing Beyond Borders: The VPN Solution
The most significant barrier to accessing a wider range of movies on Netflix is geographical restriction. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to mask your actual IP address and appear as though you are browsing from a different country.
- Choosing a Reliable VPN: Not all VPNs are created equal. Look for a VPN with a large server network, fast connection speeds, and a strong reputation for privacy and security. Popular options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. Free VPNs are generally not recommended due to potential data logging, slower speeds, and limited server options.
- Connecting to a Specific Country: After subscribing to a VPN, select a server in a country known for its extensive Netflix library, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada.
- Verifying Your Connection: Before launching Netflix, verify that your IP address has been successfully masked. Many online tools can identify your current IP address and location.
- Enjoying a Wider Selection: Once connected to a foreign server, launch Netflix and browse as usual. You should now have access to the content available in that region. Be aware that Netflix actively tries to block VPN usage, so you may need to experiment with different servers or VPN providers if you encounter issues.
Exploring Alternative Streaming Services
While Netflix remains dominant, it’s not the only player in the streaming game. Diversifying your subscriptions can significantly expand your movie choices.
- Consider Specialized Streaming Services: Services like Criterion Channel, MUBI, and Shudder cater to specific genres, offering curated selections of classic, independent, and horror films, respectively. These platforms often feature titles unavailable on Netflix.
- Don’t Overlook Free Streaming Options: Platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel offer a surprisingly vast library of movies and TV shows, often supported by advertisements. While the quality may vary, these services can be a treasure trove of hidden gems.
- Explore Local Streaming Options: Depending on your location, regional streaming services may offer unique content not available on Netflix or other global platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are twelve frequently asked questions to further illuminate the process of expanding your Netflix movie choices:
1. Are VPNs Legal to Use with Netflix?
Using a VPN to access Netflix is generally considered legal in most countries. However, Netflix’s terms of service prohibit the use of VPNs to circumvent geographical restrictions. While Netflix actively tries to block VPN usage, they typically don’t pursue legal action against individual users. Instead, they focus on blocking the VPN servers themselves.
2. Will Using a VPN Slow Down My Internet Speed?
Yes, using a VPN can potentially slow down your internet speed, as your data needs to be encrypted and routed through a VPN server. However, a reputable VPN with fast servers should minimize the impact on your connection speed. Test different servers to find the one that offers the best performance for your location.
3. How Do I Find the Netflix Category Codes?
Numerous websites and online communities compile lists of Netflix category codes. A simple Google search for “Netflix category codes” will reveal numerous resources. Be aware that these codes can change over time, so ensure you’re using an updated list.
4. What Happens If Netflix Detects My VPN Usage?
If Netflix detects that you are using a VPN, you may encounter an error message stating that you are using a proxy or unblocker. In this case, try connecting to a different server within the same country or switching to a different VPN provider.
5. Are Free VPNs Safe to Use?
Generally, no. Free VPNs often monetize your data by logging your browsing activity and selling it to third parties. They may also contain malware or offer limited bandwidth and slow speeds. It’s generally safer to invest in a reputable paid VPN service.
6. Can I Use a VPN on My Mobile Device?
Yes, most VPN providers offer apps for both Android and iOS devices. The process of connecting to a VPN on a mobile device is similar to connecting on a computer.
7. How Often Does Netflix Add New Movies?
Netflix regularly adds and removes movies and TV shows. The frequency of additions varies depending on the region and licensing agreements. Keep an eye on Netflix’s “Coming Soon” section to stay informed about upcoming releases.
8. Why Do Some Movies Disappear from Netflix?
Movies disappear from Netflix due to expiring licensing agreements. Netflix only has the right to stream content for a limited period, after which the agreement must be renewed or the content is removed.
9. How Can I Request a Movie to Be Added to Netflix?
You can submit a request to Netflix through their help center, suggesting titles you would like to see added to their library. While there’s no guarantee that your suggestion will be implemented, Netflix does consider user feedback when making content decisions.
10. What Are Some Underrated Movies on Netflix?
Discovering underrated movies is a subjective process. Explore film review websites and online communities for recommendations based on your preferred genres. Utilize Netflix’s subgenres and search functionalities to uncover hidden gems that align with your tastes.
11. Is it possible to use multiple VPNs simultaneously for even greater access?
While theoretically possible, using multiple VPNs simultaneously is generally impractical and can significantly slow down your connection speed. It’s also more likely to trigger Netflix’s VPN detection systems. A single, reliable VPN is typically sufficient.
12. Besides VPNs, are there other methods to change my perceived location for Netflix?
While VPNs are the most reliable method, certain proxy servers or Smart DNS services can also be used to change your perceived location. However, these methods may be less secure and less effective than VPNs at bypassing Netflix’s geo-restrictions. Smart DNS only masks your DNS address, leaving your IP address visible, making it easier for Netflix to detect and block.