5 great Netflix movies that are perfect to watch in the spring

We’re in the middle of spring, but there’s still plenty of time before summer officially kicks in. There are so many fun and wonderful things to do during the spring, including enjoying the outdoors, smelling the blooming flowers, doing some spring cleaning — and ,of course, watching a springtime movie that’s full of lush visuals and a plot about renewal, new beginnings, and growth.

So if you’re looking for your next springtime watch on Netflix, you’re in luck! We’ve curated a selection of films that cover a variety of genres, including a movie about finding oneself, an eye-opening family adventure, an animated classic, one of Sofia Coppola’s best movies, and an introspective film about change.

Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

Perhaps one of Julia Robert’s most popular movies, Eat, Pray, Love is a movie about a woman named Liz who — despite looking happy and satisfied on the outside — is longing for a more fulfilling life. Because of this, she goes on a trip to Italy, India, and Bali in order to find the missing piece of the puzzle that is her life.

On her journey, she gets to experience life with spirituality and purpose, from doing humbling tasks at an ashram to chasing after true love. While it hasn’t been wholly loved by critics, Eat, Pray, Love is a cultural phenomenon that sparked conversations about new beginnings and personal growth.

Watch Eat, Pray, Love on Netflix.

Yes Day (2021)

A monotonous family meets a day full of fun and excitement in the family adventure film Yes Day. Allison and Carlos, who used to lead daring lives, find themselves navigating the routines of parenthood with their three children, Katie, Nando, and Ellie.  However, a school assignment reveals a startling truth: the kids feel stifled by their parents’ constant rules.

Determined to reconnect, Allison and Carlos take a radical step: a “Yes Day,” where they agree to say yes to their children’s requests for 24 hours.  Of course, with unbound freedom comes chaos, and things don’t go according to plan. But through the whirlwind of unexpected adventures, the family rediscovers their sense of connection and emerges closer than ever.

Watch Yes Day on Netflix.

Shrek (2001)

Shrek is one of the best animated movies ever and one everyone is more than familiar with. The movie follows the titular character who tries to reclaim his swamp from the dictatorial Lord Farquaad. In order to go back to his peaceful life in the swamp, Shrek embarks on a quest to rescue a princess from a fire-breathing dragon. Little does he know, this adventure will lead him to love.

With its captivating animation style and humor-filled script, Shrek instantly captured the hearts of audiences. It’s worth rewatching Shrek during the springtime season due to its feel-good comedy and mesmerizing visuals that bring to life a lush and vibrant world full of fairy tale creatures.

Watch Shrek on Netflix.

The Beguiled (2017)

Sofia Coppola isn’t a stranger to period films as she’s done a loose (but acclaimed) take on Marie Antoinette’s life and recently chronicled Priscilla Presley’s relationship with Elvis, but The Beguiled takes things one step further. The movie highlights the peaceful life of the dwellers of a Virginia all-girls school. Things start to change, however, once they take in a wounded Union Army corporal.

After the corporal makes a distressing decision, the adults in the school must make the choice between protecting themselves or letting the corporal disrupt their world. While The Beguiled has a dark and suspenseful plot, it’s a good springtime movie choice due to its beautiful and warm visuals that highlight Southern architecture and landscape.

Watch The Beguiled on Netflix.

A Man Called Otto (2022)

Spring allergies aren’t the only thing that will make you teary-eyed during the season — sad and poignant movies like A Man Called Otto can also do that to you. Played by Tom Hanks, Otto is a man who has decided that life’s not worth living anymore after his wife’s passing. However, his new neighbors’ infectious zest for life allows Otto to rediscover the joys of living.

From acts of neighborly kindness to finding solace in a stray feline companion, Otto’s grumpy demeanor starts to thaw. A Man Called Otto has become a Netflix hit due to its feel-good plot that has a powerful punch, leaving you with a smile and a renewed appreciation for life.

Watch A Man Called Otto on Netflix.