It's not often that a new Netflix movie catches me by surprise, but that was the case with “Rez Ball” I had overlooked this sports drama prior to its release, and now, just days after it was released on the world's most popular streaming service, it is making a serious effort to become the No 1 film on the entire platform [Released last week (September 27), “Rez Ball” currently ranks third on Netflix's most-watched movies list, behind the animated family film “The Garfield Movie” and the true crime doc “Jailbreak: Love on the Run” This is because the film seems to have all the attributes necessary to be a true champion of the streaming game

If you're looking for something new on Netflix this week, “Rez Ball” has a pretty appealing combination of likable characters, an underdog story, and a worthy message Here's what you need to know about this feel-good sports drama

Produced by LeBron James and directed by Sidney Freeland, “Rez Ball” centers on the Chuska Warriors, a high school basketball team in Chuska, New Mexico that is steeped in Native American tradition

The team dreams of winning a state championship, but their chances of success take a major hit when they lose their star player To become champions, they must come together as a team and beat the odds

Netflix describes this sports drama as “a true underdog story deeply rooted in Native American culture and spirit, a journey of resilience and unity”: a novel by New York Times journalist Michael Powell, Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Reservation” by New York Times journalist Michael Powell

“Rez Ball” has been available on Netflix for less than a week (at the time of writing) and has already won over audiences Critics have also praised the stirring sports drama The film holds an impressive score of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, with a solid 86% viewer score

Nicholas Rappold of The New York Times wrote, “The film tends to compete with the actual gameplay - although the actors can at least handle the ball Meanwhile, Variety's Steven Sciuto was impressed by the film's ability to “add to the fun” and praised “Rez Ball” for its appeal to all audiences

Meanwhile, IndieWire's Jourdain Searles praised the Netflix film for “maintaining a feel-good tone without becoming saccharine, ‘Rez Ball’ is an engaging film with enough edge to keep viewers coming back” TheWrap's William Bibbiani described it as “a winner,” though “not a total game changer”

“Rez Ball” makes a strong case to be your next Netflix viewing While its underdog sports story doesn't seem like the most original tale, its collection of misfits is easy to root for, and its examination of the Native American experience makes it more than just a clichéd sports movie about a brave team trying to win a championship game

“Rez Ball” may not have had the pre-release hype of more recent Netflix films like “Rebel Ridge,” but it is clearly an original film that should not be missed, and it is a pleasure to see it on the podium in the streamer's top 10 list! That's a good thing Let's hope this spirited team of ballplayers can go one step further and secure a top ranking soon

Meanwhile, if you want to know what's coming to Netflix in the next few weeks, here's a guide to all the new releases coming to Netflix in October 2024 Don't miss another new original film from the heavily red-headed streaming service

Watch “Rez Ball” on Netflix Now [25]