Skip to main content

How to use Netflix’s secret category codes to find what you want to watch

With an ever-growing library of content, there’s plenty to watch on Netflix — as long as you can find something that interests you. We’ve all experienced the problem of content overload, when you have an idea of what you want to watch but you just can’t quite narrow it down with so many options available. The streaming service conveniently allows users to search by general categories, but if you want to get even more specific, there’s a trick to help you out.

Further reading

Each genre and subgenre has its own assigned code, making navigation a breeze. According to What’s On Netflix, you can manually access a full list of movies or programs for each genre or subgenre. You don’t have to scroll through predefined carousels on your homepage anymore. You can go directly to the genre categories that interest you the most.

To access the library of codes, type http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/INSERTNUMBER into your preferred browser. You’ll need to substitute your genre code in place of the “INSTANTNUMBER” portion of the URL. At that point, you’ll be directed immediately to the genre you’d like to browse and see all of the options Netflix has available in that category. 

There are codes for more general, overarching genres, like anime, drama, and TV series. However, you can also browse through several specific subcategories, for example, movies for ages 5 to 7, teen comedies, or werewolf horror movies. This tool can direct you to the particular kind of content you like to watch, instead of having to wade through Netflix’s sea of content. Once you’re directed to your genre category, you can navigate it just as you would Netflix’s familiar interface.

If you’re a Google Chrome user, you can effortlessly search lesser-known genres after installing the FindFlix extension. With this program, you won’t need to manually log URLs and codes to find what you’re looking for. If you’re not a Chrome user, check out our list below for our favorite “secret” Netflix codes. You can simply click through these hyperlinks for direct browsing.

Action and adventure

Anime

Children and family

Classic movies

Comedy

Horror movies

Documentaries

Dramas

Foreign movies

Musicals

Romance

Sci-fi and fantasy

Sports

Thriller

TV shows

Editors' Recommendations

Parker Hall
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Parker Hall is a writer and musician from Portland, OR. He is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin…
If you like Monk on Netflix, watch these three great TV shows right now
Tony Shalhoub in Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie.

After more than a decade away from screens, Adrian Monk returned for one last adventure in Mr. Monk's Last Case. The movie was a perfect opportunity to remember why so many of us fell in love with Tony Shalhoub's obsessive-compulsive detective in the first place, and also a great excuse to watch Monk (currently streaming on Netflix) if you haven't already.

If you've already seen that USA comedy, though, you might be looking for other shows that will give you roughly the same feeling. Here are three great TV shows you can check out if you love Monk and want something that feels a lot like it.
Pysch (2006-2014)

Read more
How to watch the Netflix Slam: Rafael Nadal vs. Carlos Alcaraz
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz set up for a tennis shot in the Netflix Slam.

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, two of the best tennis players in the world, will face off in the inaugural Netflix Slam. The tennis exhibition match will stream live on Netflix. This is the fourth matchup between the Spaniards, with Nadal holding a 2-1 lead. Their last meeting came at the 2022 ATP Masters 1000 Madrid, a match won by Alcaraz.

Nadal remains a legendary figure in tennis. The 22-time Grand Slam champion battled leg injuries for most of the 2023 season, causing him to miss important tournaments like the French Open and Wimbledon. Nadal, 37, is the healthiest he's been in two years as he tries to wrap up his iconic career with a few more wins. While Nadal is staring down retirement, Alcaraz is just getting started. The 20-year-old is already a two-time Grand Slam winner, with his last major coming at Wimbledon in 2023. Both players will use The Netflix Slam as a tune-up for next week's BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.
Watch The Netflix Slam on Netflix

Read more
The best Netflix original series right now
Three people including a young child are preparing to fight in a scene from Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix.

It's too soon to say how badly Netflix's 2024 original series lineup will be affected by the writers and actors strikes that paralyzed Hollywood for six months last year. But through the first two months of this year, Netflix hasn't missed a beat. While many of Netflix's TV additions in February were shows from other studios, like Monk and the 10th season of The Blacklis, Netflix also had a strong lineup of originals, including the big-budget adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Action fans also had House of Ninjas to enjoy, while romance lovers were able t dive into One Day.

The great thing about Netflix's original series is that even if you're done with one show, there's almost always something new that you haven't seen. Even the older Netflix originals are still worth checking out if you missed them the first time. The good news is that we've put together this list of the best Netflix original series right now so you won't have any trouble finding your next binge.

Read more