Atlas was just entertaining enough, but there's only one way I would be interested in watching another movie set in this world. As a sci-fi fan with a special place in my heart for a good mech battle, the Netflix movie had me intrigued. The project was especially interesting given Jennifer Lopez's involvement since this isn't the genre this star is typically associated with. However, Atlas didn't quite fulfill its potential. The big AI twist left more questions than answers, meaning that Netflix needs to go backward before proceeding with another sequel.
Atlas picks up with an intro that explains how AI-powered robots have rebelled against the human population, causing the largest genocide in history. This all started with a bot named Harlan, who belonged to genius scientist Dr. Val Shepherd, the inventor of this advanced AI and a Neural Link device that allows unparalleled connection between humans and robots. The big question of Atlas is why Harlan turned on humanity, and the disappointing answer was that his Neural Link connection with Dr. Shepherd's daughter, Atlas (Lopez), made him realize the risk humans posed to themselves. It's the oldest trick in the book.
Atlas spent a lot of time setting up the big reveal that Lopez's character was the one who made Harlan aware of humanity's threat to the environment, but it didn't commit to the bit. This is an overused AI trope, and though I enjoyed the mech battles and the heartwarming (albeit cheesy) connection between Atlas and Smith, the movie seriously lacked a foundation because of this. All we know is that a young Atlas allowed a two-way Neaural Link with Harlan, and the AI suddenly believed that the vast majority of humans had to be killed to save the species as a whole. Unfortunately, I'm not sold.
Netflix's 2024 sci-fi seemed to think that audiences would accept this age-old trope without question, but the genre has come way too far for this. If Atlas was set up as a standalone film, it might have gotten away with this superficial explanation for Harlan's big change, but the movie heavily implied that the villain would return to threaten humanity again in a sequel. While I wouldn't mind seeing Atlas and Smith again team up to save the world, a prequel adding more substance to Harlan's villain arc would need to happen first.
Of course, a significant draw for Atlas was Lopez's leading role, and since Harlan turned to evil while her character was only a child, the actor couldn't return for a prequel movie. However, with the promise of more Atlas and Smith movies, Netflix might be able to get away with focusing instead on Lana Parrilla's Val Shepherd. The scientist would be the key to Harlan's change since it was her Neural Link prototype that Atlas used to create a two-way connection between herself and the bot. There is clearly a lot we don't know about Dr. Shepherd and her creation, and a prequel would hold the answers.
Parrilla isn't as big a name as Lopez, so going from a minor role in Atlas to a leading role in a prequel would be quite a stretch. However, as a fan of Once Upon a Time, I'm confident that the actor would be up for the challenge. Parrilla was both a phenomenal villain and hero in the ABC series, and this could be applied to a more focused look at the Dr. Shepherd character. Once Upon a Time might have been a little cheesy, but this kind of drama isn't outside the realm of sci-fi. In all, Parrilla is just the actor to set the stage for future Atlas movies.
Though Harlan's weak backstory was a disappointment, this isn't to say that Atlas didn't have promise as a longer movie franchise. The film carried some interesting themes about the connection between living beings and what these ties mean when a person dies. Atlas' AI-powered mech mentioned that he believed all beings, whether organic or artificial, live forever through the profound links formed during their lives, and his theory was proven correct in Atlas' ending when Smith was seemingly brought back from the dead. Of course, this teases that Harlan will also return, thus setting up a sequel.
I'm a sucker for a sci-fi story with some deeper moral or theological themes, so I'm certainly intrigued by the concepts that future Atlas movies could explore. Moreover, Atlas and Smith have an almost buddy-cop appeal that could be fun now that they have been fully synched. My main reluctance to continue with the franchise is that it would almost certainly feature Harlan as a returning villain, and compared to the deeper themes of Atlas, his story was too shallow and unoriginal. So, if Netflix repairs this issue with an exciting prequel, I'm far more likely to hop on board for more movies.
Anyone who loves their Netflix subscription knows that the platform is one of the best streaming services for a variety of reasons. All of the best scripted shows to binge watch, and the best movies on Netflix, provide a diverse lineup for those who enjoy watching several different series and film genres with ease. However, sometimes viewers want a movie that will add a little steam to their stream, and the granddaddy of the streaming format can also provide that, with a number of films that push the envelope in terms of their sexually explicit nature and nudity.
The 2023 Brazilian Netflix film, Burning Betrayal follows a soon-to-be bride named Babi (Giovanna Lancellotti) as she discovers that her loving, and supposedly faithful fiance has been cheating on her. Instead of letting things go or accepting the infidelity for what it is, the heartbroken and vengeful heroine embarks upon a spiritual and sexual awakening that will lead her to some steamy and dangerous situations.
With a blend of side-splitting comedy, powerful human drama, and some steamy sex scenes mixed throughout, Dry Martina is a fun, charming, and sometimes intense romantic comedy that offers a little something for everyone.
Released in 2022, Through My Window centers on Raquel Mendoza (Clara Galle), a young woman whose obsession with her uber-wealthy neighbor, Ares Hidalgo (Julio Pena) turns into a swirling romance when she discovers he has the same feelings. Though their families and completely different lifestyles run the risk of ripping the two young lovers apart, they attempt to fight through it all for the sake of love and passion.
There are multiple sex scenes throughout Through My Window, including some in wild places like a Ferris wheel and a helicopter. But at the same time, the movie also features several of the most sensual sequences on Netflix.
Part sex comedy, part buddy comedy, and part romantic comedy, No Hard Feelings is one wild ride from start to stop. The movie centers around the cash-strapped Maddie Barker (Jennifer Lawrence) as she responds to a very strange Craiglist ad from the parents of the shy and awkward Percy Becker (Andrew Barth Feldman), who are looking for someone to date their son in order to help him open up socially before college. She accepts the role in order to stay afloat ahead of a looming bankruptcy.
One of the sexiest movies on Netflix, the 2018 psychological horror film, Cam, follows Alice Ackerman (Madeline Brewer) as she navigates the dark, twisted, and highly profitable world of camgirl websites. Subjected to the whims of her clients, who push the young model to great lengths for their own personal enjoyment, Alice goes on the hunt after someone takes over her account.
The Japanese psychological thriller, Ride or Die, follows Rei Nagasawa (Kiko Mizuhara) a young woman who leaves her partner and career as a talented plastic surgeon behind to help her former crush, Nanae Shinoda (Honami Sato), who is being tormented physically and mentally by her abusive husband. But when Rei makes a terrible decision that changes all of their lives, things take a turn.
Admit it, this trilogy of Netflix original films is probably one of the things that brought you to this list. No one could really blame you, either, as the first movie, 365 Days, hit the streaming giant in the summer of 2020 and quickly became the latest steamy sensation to get users excited and keep everyone talking for a long time. For the uninitiated, the film franchise is based on the Polish novels of the same name by author Blanka Lipińska, telling the story of mafia don Massimo (Michele Morrone) and his captive love interest Laura (Anna-Maria Sieklucka).
The Spanish film, Amar, explores a subject many people know well: young love and what happens when real life and all the trouble it can bring comes crashing into that fresh romance. Laura (Mara Pedraza) and Carlos (Pol Monen) are one-hundred percent in the throes of their first love with each other, and also enjoying the intensity (and experimentation) that comes with it.
As you can see from this list, there's no lack of sensual thrills to be had here, if you know where to find them. The films we've pointed out are an amazing jumping off point for a delightful night of filmic sexual adventure, and who knows what else you'll find in the library of this streaming giant once you begin searching for these titles. Be sure to stream responsibly, however. If need be, make sure any young ones are either watching some of the best family friendly movies on Netflix or are asleep before embarking on any of these explicit viewing escapades.
Summer is finally here, and there's no better way to beat the heat than staying in and having a great movie night. As temperatures start to get higher, so do the number of movies on the platform, from romances like Set It Up to recent Oscar contenders like Rustin and Nyad. Whether you're looking for something deep and thought-provoking or light for the whole family, there are a plethora of incredible films on Netflix. With over 40 amazing movies on this list alone, it can be difficult to choose, but our carefully written recommendations will help you find just what you're looking for.
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