Secret Netflix codes unlock hidden categories: See the 2023 list of special menus for shows and movies to watch

There are thousands of movies and TV shows on Netflix. So why does it seem like Netflix always recommends the same ones?

If you're looking for new movies or shows to watch — especially if your favorite genre is an obscure one — try using Netflix codes. These short codes let you find and watch titles that you'd never see otherwise.

Here's how Netflix codes work, how to use them, and some of our personal favorite codes.

How to use Netflix codes

Although it's easy to miss, almost every page on Netflix has a "code." This code decides what shows and movies will appear on the page, and there's a specific code for every genre and subgenre on the service. You'll find this code in the page's URL when watching via the website — not the mobile or smart TV apps.

For example, the Netflix code for "Animation" is 4698. As such, head to https://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/4698 and you'll find all of Netflix' most popular and recommended animated titles.

To use genre and subgenre codes, take the URL https://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/XXXX and replace the four Xs with the code you've found.

Every movie and TV show has its own code, too. You can use these codes to find other titles similar to the one you've got the code for.

For example, the Netflix code for their sci-fi horror show "Stranger Things" is 80057281. If you head to https://www.netflix.com/browse/similars/80057281 you'll get every Netflix title they think is similar to "Stranger Things."

To use specific movie or TV show codes, take the URL https://www.netflix.com/browse/similars/XXXX and replace the four Xs with the code.

Once you've reached the page you're looking for, you can browse through the titles in two ways. By default, Netflix will just show you everything it recommends — but if you click the small square under your profile picture, and then Suggestions for you, you can pick a new order to browse in.

Your options include Year Released, which will order the titles from newest to oldest; A-Z, which puts them in alphabetical order; and Z-A, which puts them in reverse alphabetical order.

These are the absolute best ways to find titles that you haven't seen or heard of before.

Of course, to do any of this, you'll need a Netflix code to start with. Here are some of our favorite codes, which you can use to find all sorts of content.

Netflix codes by genre

When you find a genre code you like, plug it into the URLs provided above, or follow the links.

TV Shows

Comedy

Action

Drama

Animation

Documentaries

Miscellaneous