Netflix’s Algorithm Is Terrible. Use These Secret Codes to Find Something Watchable

Let’s be real: you’re tired of Netflix’s terrible recommendations. You scroll and scroll, only to show you the same handful of shows that the algorithm thinks you’ll want. But what if I told you there’s a secret, hidden version of Netflix that you don’t see?

That’s where secret codes come in. Think of them as a master key that unlocks thousands of hidden movies and shows, allowing you to browse hyper-specific genres like Scandinavian crime dramas or awkward ’80s comedies. This is your one-way ticket from the endless scroll and into a world of things you actually want to watch.

Stop letting a robot control your movie night. Here’s how to use the codes to unlock the real Netflix.

For more, check out our favorite sci-fi movies on Netflix and learn how to share your favorite Netflix clips via text or social media.

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What are Netflix Secret Category Codes?

Netflix codes are a set of unique numerical identifiers that can help you find specific genres or subgenres in the Netflix library on the streamer’s website (not the app).

Typically, you’re limited to the genres available through the main Netflix menu. There is no way to choose by specific category other than what was chosen for you when you log in. Using these codes opens up an entire library of options for you to choose from, helping you better tune into what to monitor for the night. It can even help you discover shows and movies.

Adding these codes at the end of Netflix URLs allows you to 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 can check out the 90-minute movie category with the code 81466194. Looking for something for your entire brood to enjoy? The Family Movie Night collection, viewed with Code 2013975, is filled with favorites that even Grandma can enjoy.

There are over 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 browse so you can search for what you want to watch there and find matching codes in no time.

How to find secret menus of Netflix movies and shows?

There is no global Netflix secret menu per se. Instead, you’ll use URLs with special codes to view certain curated collections of movies and shows.

Netflix-codes.com has a good list of the streaming platform’s hidden genre categories and genre subcategories. In total, there are around 20 high-level categories covering genres like animation, foreign films, and classic films. Within these main genres are many more hyper-specific subgenres designated by numerical codes.

All you have to do is find the category you want, copy the related code, and add it to the end of a Netflix URL.

What types of categories does Netflix offer?

There’s a lot more to Netflix than what you’ve scrolled through. At last count, there were over 36,000 unique categories to explore.

The entire categories available on Netflix start 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 Women Directed Movies (code 2974953), or more specifically focused curated lists, like Supernatural Soaps (code 81238162), just in case you like your werewolves with a side of angst and romance.

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Rather than relying solely on standard homepage categories or Netflix’s algorithm, you can use these secret codes to identify and explore different nooks and crannies of the catalog to find hidden gems.

Netflix codes for award-winning movies and shows

Netflix secret codes are exactly that – secret. There is no official directory, and it’s difficult to get a complete list, as categories will become empty as movies and shows move on and off Netflix. Category names will also change often, so you’ll want to be vigilant when going to find what you want to watch.

To make it easier, there are even categories you can use to find all the award-winning movies and shows to check out on the streamer.

• Award-winning films: 89844
• Award-winning TV shows: 89814
• Award-winning documentaries: 93108

How to find more Netflix codes?

If you are not comfortable with changing Netflix URLs, you can use a browser extension to access secret menus. The best browse for Netflix extension for Chrome is a great choice. Here’s how to use it:

1 and 1 Go to the Chrome web store and search for Netflix better. (Note that this extension is not available for Firefox users.)

2 Make a click Add to Chrome.

3 and 3 Make a click Add an extension.

4 Log in to your Netflix account in a new tab.

If the extension is installed, you will see a Browse all Option at the top of your Netflix home screen next to My List. Click on it to scroll through subgenres or to search within specific categories.

Alternatively, you can use the Findflix: Netflix Secret Category browser extension for Chrome or Firefox. This add-on will create a drop-down menu complete with Netflix categories for your browser which you can scroll by clicking on the FF icon which will appear at the top right of your screen. There’s no need to scroll through Netflix natively with this add-on, and it has 7,500 alphabetized categories for your convenience.

A third way is through the Netflix Codes website. Here’s how:

1 and 1 Visit Netflix-codes.com in any PC or mobile browser.

2 Find the genre or subgenre you want to explore.

3 and 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 your chosen genre or subgenre. If you don’t have the app installed, it will 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 will start playing.

Finally, if you are comfortable creating custom URLs, you can use Netflix codes manually in your browser. Here’s how:

1 and 1 Visit Netflix-codes.com on any PC or mobile browser.

2 Find the genre or subgenre you want to explore.

3 and 3 In another tab, enter http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/insertNumber, but replace INSERTNUBLIMER with the specific genre or subgenre code. For example, http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/81466194 will take you to “90 Minute Movies”.

4 If done correctly, you will be taken to Netflix to browse the titles available in that section.

Simply repeat this process the next time you find a code for a Netflix category you want to explore. You can do this as many times as you want.

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.