Ready for a Netflix binge, but have no idea what to watch? It can be hard to choose in the era of streaming, with so many shows and movies right at your fingertips.
Well, whatever your mood, Netflix codes can make your binge-watching experience a whole lot easier.
No longer do you need to spend precious viewing minutes flicking through title after title, as these "secret codes" are about to revolutionize your streaming future.
Newsweek spoke to the team behind Netflix's codes to find out more, and discovered the 15 codes that viewers need to know—and that you won't find anywhere else.
What Are Netflix Codes?
Netflix codes have been an open secret for a long time and can streamline your search for a new show. Rather than just choosing from a genre and pouring through hundreds of options, codes allow you to drill down to the specifics.
In the mood for murder? Check out Relentless Crime Thrillers (81226732). Need something to warm your cold heart this winter? You need a dose of Small Town Charm (81615585).
Mary Bertone leads the curation and taxonomy team at Netflix. She told Newsweek that the codes date back to the early days of the company, when it was a DVD rental service.
"We were only operating in the U.S., sending DVDs out to folks, and we had on our website what is called a 'genre tree,'" she said.
"It was a page of all these different genres and sub-genres and you could link into them. Each of these links is what we call a 'collection,' and every one of those collections had a unique ID."
However, a user realized that if you played around with the ID numbers, you'd find hidden collections. They shared them across the web, dubbing them "Netflix secret codes."
Over the years, these codes would pop up again online as new people discovered them. In October, Netflix "officially" released them with a blog on the topic.
Since then, there has been renewed interest in the codes and how they can help users choose what to binge next.
As a product strategist at Netflix, creating these codes is a part of Mary Mcllwain's day job. She told Newsweek that what makes these codes special is how specific they are, with topics as niche as "Gentle British TV" and "Literary Sagas Brought to Life."
"Instead of just the really traditional genres we have, you can choose some of the more nuanced options and really dial in to the content," Mcllwain said.
How Do I Enter a Netflix Code?
You know what you're in the mood to watch, now you just need the code to match. Entering a code is easy, you just need to type www.netflix.com/browse/genre/ into your browser, followed by the code.
For example, in the mood for a classic screwball comedy? Just type www.netflix.com/browse/genre/9702 and voilà, easy laughs.
What About All The Other Netflix Code Lists?
In short, they aren't definitive. Since Netflix's blog went live in October, sites claiming to have every code have been posted online.
However, Mcllawin said they are creating new codes all of the time—there are currently more than 36,000. So, even those extensive lists circling the internet are missing more obscure codes, such as Swords and Sandals (108263).
The Best Netflix Codes to Watch—From the Netflix Code Creators Themselves
Here are some of the best codes, as recommended by Mcllwain, from Epic Worlds to Twisted Christmas.
Anime for Beginners—3052679
Intrigued by anime but have no idea where to start? Well, there's a row for you.
From Studio Ghibli movies like My Neighbor Totoro to long-running series such as The Seven Deadly Sins, there are plenty of accessible options to choose from for anime newbies.
Cinematography 101—81582655
A collection that any true movie buff will appreciate, Cinematography 101 spans all genres and eras of filmmaking, but puts creative camera work at the forefront.
This code features classic films such as The Godfather, international award winners including Amélie, and Netflix's recent adaption of the "controversial" novel Lady Chatterley's Lover.
Epic Worlds—81232239
Sci-fi and fantasy fans will find it hard to choose from this collection of weird and wonderful worlds, inspired by Netflix original series The Witcher.
"I'm a big fan of epic fantasy, you know, swords and dragons," said Mcllwain.
"We realized when looking at The Witcher, that we don't have a row for titles that have epic battles, characters and costumes."
Including TV classics such as Star Trek: The Original Series, childhood favorites such as Labyrinth, and recent Netflix hit The Sandman, Epic Worlds is perfect for when you need a little bit of escapism.
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Festive Family Fun—81351538
With a seemingly never-ending list of Christmas movies, sometimes it can be hard to choose just one—especially if you have to keep both the kids and grandma happy too.
The Festive Fun Netflix code has made it easy for you, with titles including The Grinch and The Christmas Chronicles (unfortunately for fans, Netflix has yet to confirm if there will be a follow-up to the Netflix hit, starring real-life couple Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell),
Gentle British TV—81240711
If you fell in love with the Great British Baking Show, then this collection is filled to the brim with light-hearted British reality TV.
From Gogglebox—where ordinary people watch TV shows, while you watch their reactions—to Come Dine With Me—where Brits with drastically different personalities take turns to host dinner parties for one another—this is your Sunday afternoon viewing sorted.
Literary Sagas Brought to Life—81589515
Whether you devoured Fifty Shades of Grey or dreamed of going on an "unexpected journey" with Gandelf, the Literary Sagas Brought to Life collection has a book-based feature for everyone.
Choose from YA fixtures like Twilight and The Hunger Games, thriller heavyweights such as Red Dragon, and fairytale-inspired stories like Snow White and the Huntsman.
Made in the UK—81426995
If you loved Sex Education and The Crown, then don't miss this collection including some of the U.K.'s biggest stars and filmmakers.
Modest Budget, Major Acclaim—81562556
Proving big hits can come from small budgets, this includes everything from French graphic novel adaptation Blue is the Warmest Colour, Jordan Peele's modern horror classic Get Out, and gritty tearjerker Dallas Buyers Club.
Need for Speed—3308933
Gearheads and daredevils will love this list of documentaries, movies and reality TV focusing on all things fast, from Death Race Inferno to F1: Drive to Survive.
Oddballs & Outcasts—1073915
If you're in the mood for something different, this quirky list features a range of eccentric underdogs.
Fall in love with the inmates of Litchfield Penitentiary in Orange is the New Black, rediscover 21st century New York with a cult escapee in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, or solve a mystery at Nevermore Academy in Netflix's new monster hit Wednesday (if you're curious, here's how they filmed Thing).
Sweets & Treats—81519147
Whether you love to bake or enjoy watching others create masterpieces out of flour and icing, then say hello to Sweets & Treats. Discover what it means to "bend" with School of Chocolate, or get in the festive spirit with Sugar Rush: Christmas.
The Art of Espionage—81630676
If you like ominous music and unbearable tension, all while solving a good mystery, then check out The Art of Espionage collection.
Choose from serious period pieces such as The Imitation Game, lovable psychopaths like Villanelle in Killing Eve, and softer family fair such as Enola Holmes, and its recently released sequel, Enola Holmes 2.
The Beautiful Game—3215
Soccer fans around the world will find something to love in The Beautiful Game collection, with everything from period drama The English Game (from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes) to documentaries on legends such as Pelé and Lionel Messi.
Twisted Christmas—2300975
Mcllwain's personal favorite right now is Twisted Christmas (2300975), which features movies such as Die Hard, Krampus and The Utah Cabin Murders.
"We have a lot of really fun, playful Christmas rows that are about family and animation, and as much as I love those movies, I do also like the dark side," said Mcllwain.
Wrapped with Romance—394388
Sometimes, you need a good festive love story, and Wrapped with Romance is like a hug you can stream.
Cozy up for Lindsey Lohan's comeback in Falling for Christmas, or watch Vanessa Hudgens have a royal Christmas in The Princess Switch.
Even if you can't stand seasonal rom-coms, Netflix has your back, with its new, aptly-titled mini-series I Hate Christmas.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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