These are the Netflix filters you’ve been looking for

Luca Fontana

17.1.2023

Translation: Veronica Bielawski

Netflix isn’t your friend when it comes to browsing for new content. Fortunately, there’s a solution: netflix-codes.com.

Netflix filters are horrendous. For example, why must I see the categories «Popular on Netflix», «Trending Now» and «Top 10 TV Shows in Switzerland Today» when I open the app? Aren’t they all the same thing? Then there are the descriptive words accompanying the titles. For example, «The Grey Man» is supposed to be slick. What in the world is a slick movie? Eminem’s «8 Mile» on the other hand, is described as rousing. Are the other movies not?

This at times rather vague categorisation serves Netflix’s algorithm to better assess your taste through overlaps with other slick or rousing content. Movies and series suggestions are allegedly generated based on your previously viewed content. But what if I just want to use plain old genre-based filters such as «Action», «Thrillers», «Comedies» and «Anime» when searching for something new?

Netflix did implement these filters a few years ago, but they’re somewhat hidden and not everyone’s familiar with them. First, you need to click on «TV Shows» or «Movies» in the top bar. You can then select the desired filter from a drop-down menu.

The crux of the matter is that the filters are superficial and incomplete. Here’s the thing: Netflix has many more filters, and they’re much more accurate – you just can’t see them. Here’s the best page to access them: netflix-codes.com.

Better filters – finally!

First things first: unfortunately, this filtering only works on a web browser. On the TV, it’s a bit fiddly to control. But on the computer, smartphone or tablet, I find netflix-codes.com to be an absolute blast. Here’s how to use them.

1. Get an overview

On the left side of the page, you’ll find a rough categorisation including «Action & adventure», «Comedies» and «Dramas». The number next to it shows how many subcategories each of those main categories has. To the right, you’ll find the expanded subcategories for each main category. Under «Action & adventure», for example, you’ll find «Action comedies», «Action thrillers», «Adventures» and more.

2. The code is key

The red numbers next to the main categories and subcategories are codes that Netflix itself has assigned to each genre. If you want to browse content on Netflix by genre, type in this URL, replacing the «xx» at the end with the code: https://netflix.com/browse/genre/xx.

Too cumbersome? netflix-codes.com agrees, which is why the red numbers are also hyperlinks. Simply click on them to get to the corresponding main category or subcategory on Netflix. On the TV, smartphone or tablet, it even opens directly in the app – awesome!

But we haven’t got to the real highlight just yet.

3. Netflix as usual – but only with content from your chosen genre

In my opinion, this is the best part: Netflix opens and looks like it always does. That is, with vague categories such as «Popular on Netflix» or «Trending Now». The big difference is that now only content from the selected main category or subcategory is displayed. I, for one, have had a thing for Japanese anime movies and series for a few months now. If I click on the code for «Anime», here’s what Netflix looks like:

Not bad, right? It almost looks like Crunchyroll. If I wanted to, I could further filter by anime horror or anime sci-fi. This isn’t possible on Netflix alone.

This is a tremendous help when browsing for new content. Gone are the days of Netflix’s tangled and, above all, confusing suggestion algorithm. Most of the time, I know best what I’m in the mood for. It’s just that Netflix doesn’t allow me to search for it as specifically as I’d like to. And that’s despite the fact that genre classification is built into the system – otherwise netflix-codes.com wouldn’t work.

Apparently, the streaming service just doesn’t want me to actively use these genre filters. For one, they’re super hidden. In addition, the algorithm already puts a dent in my plans the second I open the home page, showing me what’s allegedly currently hot. Guess I’ve gotta watch it then. This mechanism allows Netflix to inconspicuously but directly influence the success of its own productions and, if necessary, push titles that aren’t performing well.

But that’s a topic for another day.

Luca Fontana

Senior Editor

Luca.Fontana@digitecgalaxus.ch

I'm an outdoorsy guy and enjoy sports that push me to the limit – now that’s what I call comfort zone! But I'm also about curling up in an armchair with books about ugly intrigue and sinister kingkillers. Being an avid cinema-goer, I’ve been known to rave about film scores for hours on end. I’ve always wanted to say: «I am Groot.» more

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