Let’s be clear about something. You probably have the Netflix app for one reason. To watch stuff. Right? The “Games” tab? It’s easy to ignore. Feels like an afterthought. A bonus feature.
But what if I told you that tab hides some of the best mobile gaming experiences available today? Seriously. No microtransactions. No annoying ads. Just full, premium games. Games that won awards on consoles and PC. And they’re just… sitting there. Included with your subscription.
This isn’t about casual time-wasters. We’re talking deep, critically acclaimed titles. Games with razor-sharp combat, brain-bending puzzles, and stories that stick with you. The value is kinda insane when you think about it.
Forget scrolling. Here are the five must-play games that make Netflix’s offering legit.
1. Dead Cells: Netflix Edition
The Pitch: A rogue-like action platformer. You die. A lot. But you get better. The castle shifts every time.
Okay, listen. Dead Cells is a masterpiece of fast, fluid, feel-good combat. Slashing, dodging, rolling through a beautifully animated gothic castle. It feels incredible on a touchscreen. Responsive. Tight.
Here’s the Netflix magic: you get everything. The base game. All the major paid DLC. Including the massive Castlevania crossover expansion. For free. Just for having Netflix. That’s a steal. It turns a brilliant game into an unbelievable package. If you like action, challenge, and that “one more run” feeling, start here. No question.
2. Hades
The Pitch: Escape from the underworld. As the son of Hades. With help from the Greek gods. And a story that changes each time.
Hades isn’t just a good Netflix game. It’s one of the best games of its generation. Full stop. The combat is a dance—throw a spear, dash, call down a lightning strike. It’s perfection.
But the real genius? The narrative. Every time you die (you will), you return to the House of Hades. Characters remember your runs. The story evolves. It makes failure feel like progress. Netflix bringing this to mobile is a huge deal. It’s the flagship “serious gamer” title on the service. If you play one game from this list, make it this one.
3. Into the Breach
The Pitch: Turn-based strategy. Giant mechs vs. giant bugs. Every move is a chess puzzle to save cities.
From the makers of FTL, this is a tactical genius simulator. Battles are small, on an 8×8 grid. The twist? The enemies telegraph their attacks. Your job isn’t just to kill them. It’s to position your mechs to block, shove, and redirect damage away from buildings.
It’s endlessly clever. And it’s perfect for mobile. Missions are short. The visuals are clean and readable. The Netflix edition includes all extra content. It makes you feel brilliantly smart. Or brutally stupid. No in-between.
4. Oxenfree & Oxenfree II: Lost Signals
The Pitch: A supernatural teen horror story. Walk, talk, and use a radio to tune into creepy ghost frequencies.
This is the perfect game for Netflix fans. Why? Because it feels like binge-watching a great Netflix series. The story is the star. You control Alex, a teen on an overnight island party that goes very, very wrong. Time rifts. Ghostly radio signals. Your dialogue choices shape relationships and the outcome.
It’s atmospheric, voice-acted, and genuinely spooky. The sequel is right there too, continuing the story. If you want a game driven by conversation and consequence, not reflexes, this is your jam.
5. TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge
The Pitch: A classic arcade beat-’em-up. But modernized. Play as all Turtles (and friends!). Smash Foot Clan goons.
Pure. Joyful. Nostalgia. This game nails the feel of the old arcade cabinets. The pixel art is gorgeous. The music slaps. You can play solo or in online co-op with up to six players. Six! It’s chaos in the best way.
It’s frequently called one of the best overall games on Netflix. Simple to pick up, deeply satisfying to master. A fantastic game to play with a friend on the couch. It proves that a straightforward concept, executed with love and polish, can be absolutely timeless.
Honorable Mentions (The Future)
Keep your eyes peeled. Netflix is playing for keeps.
- WWE 2K: Netflix Edition: A full console-quality wrestling sim coming exclusively to the service. Tied to WWE Raw’s move to Netflix. This is a big deal.
- FIFA on Netflix Games: A newly reimagined football title launching before the 2026 World Cup. Positioned as their flagship sports game. The potential is huge.
Why This Actually Matters
Look. Mobile gaming has a… reputation. Endless clones. Predatory monetization. Netflix Games flips the script. It’s a curated vault of quality. You get complete experiences. No tricks. No hidden costs.
| Game | Why It’s Essential | Can You Still Play It? |
|---|---|---|
| Dead Cells | Perfect combat + all DLC = insane value. | YES |
| Hades | A genre-defining masterpiece. | No (Removed Jul ’25) |
| Into the Breach | Genius-level tactics. Perfect for mobile. | YES |
| Oxenfree II | A playable Netflix-style mystery. | YES |
| TMNT | Pure, joyful co-op nostalgia. | YES |
It turns your phone into a legit gaming device. For the price of a subscription you already have.
So next time you open Netflix, maybe don’t scroll through the same shows for 30 minutes. Tap the Games tab. Download Hades. See what happens. You might be surprised. Your phone is more powerful than you think.
Which one will you try first? The download is the easy part. Putting it down? That’s the real challenge.