Hare are the 5 best Netflix movies and shows to watch on Labor Day, from swoonworthy romance and gripping true crime to sharks and sci-fi.
Labor Day is the perfect excuse to kick back, relax, and spend some time catching up on streaming favorites. With Netflix offering so many options, it can be tough to decide what to put on. To make things a little easier, we’ve rounded up five of the best movies and shows currently available, from romantic dramas and mind-bending sci-fi to classic thrillers and true crime.
One Day (2024)
Adapted from the beloved novel, One Day follows two people whose love story unfolds over the course of years. Each episode checks in on them on the same day every year, revealing both the big and small moments that shape their relationship. Romantic, heartbreaking, and deeply human, One Day is a touching reminder of how life adds up one day at a time.
3 Body Problem (2024)
Based on the epic series of novels, 3 Body Problem drops viewers into a tale that may mark the beginning of an alien invasion. While the books were primarily set in China, the Netflix adaptation expands the story into a global one, spotlighting an ensemble cast of characters. What results is a fresh take on sci-fi that’s unlike anything else currently streaming.
The Staircase (2004–2018)
For fans of true crime, The Staircase remains one of the most compelling documentaries ever made. The series follows Michael Peterson, a North Carolina author accused of murdering his wife. Spanning more than a decade, the show dives deep into the twists of the investigation and trial, keeping viewers questioning Peterson’s guilt or innocence with every new revelation.
The Departed (2006)
Martin Scorsese’s The Departed finally earned the director his long-awaited Oscar and remains one of his most entertaining films. Adapted from the Hong Kong hit Infernal Affairs, the movie follows a Boston cop undercover in the mob and a mobster undercover in the police, each racing to uncover the other’s identity. Packed with star power and plenty of tension, it’s a crime thriller that still holds up nearly two decades later.
Jaws (1975)
No end-of-summer watchlist would be complete without Jaws. Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking blockbuster set the standard for modern thrillers, telling the story of a seaside town plagued by shark attacks. Equal parts terrifying and exhilarating, the film still bites just as hard 50 years after its release—thanks in part to that famously malfunctioning mechanical shark.
Whether you’re in the mood for romance, mystery, sci-fi, or suspense, these Netflix picks make for the perfect Labor Day marathon.
