Day the Earth Stood Still
Netflix rang in the new year by trimming traditional blockbusters like Roman Holiday to cult classics like Brick and Requiem for a Dream from its offerings. Now, scant days later, a whole new slew of movies and TV have made their way to the streaming service. We've sifted through the list and picked 11 must-watch movie standouts, from genre-defining classics to personal favorites.
Above: The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Forget the lackluster 2008 remake: Robert Wise's original 1951 film, based on the Harry Bates story "Farewell to the Master," helped define American science fiction as it transformed a short story about an alien encounter into a powerful Cold War-anxiety-driven narrative, positing the impact of unchecked nuclear proliferation beyond the petty conflicts of a single planet. More than half a century later, it remains a striking and still very relevant indictment of paranoia and militarism, as well as a damn fine film. Klaatu barada nikto, indeed.—Rachel Edidin
