I Was About to Cancel Netflix, Then These Hidden Menus Pulled Me Back In
If your Netflix lineup is starting to feel a little too predictable this summer, you're not alone. Despite the constant influx of new shows and movies, the homepage algorithm somehow keeps pushing the same tired recommendations -- rom-coms you've already seen, docuseries you're not in the mood for or that one show everyone keeps skipping. After enough scroll sessions, it starts to feel like Netflix just doesn't get you anymore.
But here's the game-changer: Netflix has secret category codes that let you unlock hidden collections of shows and movies by theme, genre, or vibe. Want a '90s teen comedy? There's a code for that. Craving an offbeat indie drama or a summer camp slasher flick? Covered. Once I started using these, I spent less time scrolling and more time actually watching. I've rounded up the best ones so you can finally escape the endless scroll and dive straight into something fresh.
For more, check out our favorite sci-fi movies on Netflix and learn how to share your favorite Netflix clips via text message or social media.
Netflix codes are a set of unique numerical identifiers that can help you find specific genres or sub-genres in the Netflix library on the streamer's website (not the app).
Typically, you're constrained to the genres available to you via the main Netflix menu. There's no way to choose by specific category other than what's been chosen for you when you log on. Using these codes opens up an entire library of options for you to choose from that can help you better settle on what to watch for the night. It can even help you discover new shows and movies.
Adding these codes to the ends of Netflix URLs lets you directly access collections of movies and TV shows that fall under your chosen category. For example, if you're short on time and want to queue up a shorter movie, you could check the 90-Minute Movies category with the code 81466194. Looking for something for your entire brood to enjoy? The "Family Movie Night" collection, accessed with code 2013975, is chock-full of favorites even Grandma can get into.
There are more than 36,000 codes to choose from so don't worry about memorizing them or trying random sequences. Resources like Netflix-Codes.com have an entire directory to sift through so you can search for what you'd like to watch there and find corresponding codes in no time.
There isn't an all-encompassing Netflix secret menu per se. Instead, you will use URLs with special codes to display certain curated collections of movies and shows.
Netflix-Codes.com has a good list of the streaming platform's hidden genre categories and subcategories. In total, there are about 20 top-level categories covering genres like animation, foreign films and classic movies. Within those main genres are many more hyper-specific subgenres denoted by numeric codes.
All you need to do is find the category you want, copy the related code and append it to the end of a Netflix URL.
There's much more to Netflix than what you've been scrolling through. At last count, there were more than 36,000 unique categories to explore.
The entirety of the categories available on Netflix starts with broad main genres like Action, Comedy and Drama, but they get more specific as you dive even deeper. There are straight-to-the-point collections like Movies Directed by Women (code 2974953), or more specifically targeted curated lists, like Supernatural Soaps (code 81238162), just in case you like your werewolves with a side of angst and romance.
Feeling "Very Demure, Very Mindful?" The very queen of that TikTok trend, Jools Lebron, has a collection just for you. Likewise, if you're missing football in the off season, check out Touchdowns, Triumphs & Trials.
Rather than relying solely on the standard homepage categories or Netflix's algorithm, you can use these secret codes to pinpoint and explore different nooks and crannies of the catalog to find hidden gems.
Netflix secret codes are exactly that -- secret. There's no official directory, and it's hard to get a full list, as categories will go empty as movies and shows move on and off of Netflix. The names of categories will also change often as well so you'll want to be vigilant when you go searching for what you want to watch.
To make it easier for you, there are even categories that you can use to find all the award-winning movies and shows to be discovered on the streamer.
Award-winning movies: 89844
Award-winning TV programs: 89814
Award-winning documentaries: 93108
If you're not comfortable with editing Netflix URLs, you can use a browser extension to access the secret menus. The Better Browse for Netflix extension for Chrome is a great choice. Here's how to use it:
1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for "Better Browse for Netflix." (Note that this extension is unavailable for Firefox users.)
2. Click Add to Chrome.
3. Click Add Extension.
4. Log into your Netflix account in a new tab.
If the extension is installed, you'll see a Browse All option at the top of your Netflix home screen next to My List. Click it to scroll through the subgenres or to search through specific categories.
Alternatively, you can use the FindFlix: Netflix Secret Category Finder browser extension for Chrome or Firefox. This add-on will create a drop-down menu complete with Netflix categories for your browser that you can scroll through by clicking on the FF icon that will appear on the top right of your screen. There's no need to scroll Netflix natively with this add-on, and it features 7,500 categories alphabetized for your convenience.
A third way is through the Netflix Codes website. Here's how:
1. Visit Netflix-codes.com in any PC or mobile browser.
2. Find the genre or subgenre you want to explore.
3. Tap the code next to the genre or subgenre you want.
4. If you're on a device that has the Netflix app installed, the app should open and take you directly to the genre or subgenre you chose. If you don't have the app installed, it'll open Netflix through the browser and you can view the specific movies and shows available.
5. Tap the title you want to watch, and it'll start playing.
Finally, if you're comfortable with creating custom URLs, you can use Netflix codes manually in your browser. Here's how:
1. Visit Netflix-codes.com on any PC or mobile browser.
2. Find the genre or subgenre you want to explore.
3. In another tab, type in http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/INSERTNUMBER, but replace INSERTNUMBER with the specific genre or subgenre code. For instance, http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/81466194 will take you to "90-Minute Movies."
4. If done correctly, you'll be taken to Netflix to peruse the titles available in that section.
Simply repeat this process the next time you find a code for a Netflix category you'd like to explore. You can do this as many times as you'd like.
For more Netflix tips, learn how to get the most out of Netflix on your phone or mobile device and how to improve picture quality on streaming services.
Check out Yahoo's latest streaming advice, based on hands-on testing.
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