By Peter Hall

Netflix has been doubling down on its original content this year, but since so much of the focus is on TV shows like Orange is the New Black and House of Cards, it’s easy to forget that they’re also expanding on the movie front, too. But now the upstart studio has announced a bunch of release dates, so go ahead and mark your calendars so you won’t need a reminder later.

In chronological order, we’ve got:

Beasts of No Nation
Release Date: October 16
Directed by: Cary Fukunaga (Jane Eyre)
Starring: Idris Elba
Why it’s a big deal: This is Netflix’ first major bid for some serious drama glory, and they may very well find it thanks to this also being Fukunaga’s first project since directing all of the first season of True Detective. Elba stars as an African warlord who mentors a child soldier. If this we’re being put out by any of the traditional Hollywood studios, people would already be placing bets on its Oscar potential.

The Ridiculous Six
Release Date: December 11
Directed by: Frank Coraci (Click)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Terry Crews, Jorge Garcia, Taylor Lautner, Rob Schneider, Luke Wilson
Why it’s a big deal: Adam Sandler comedies haven’t been doing great at the box office, but that doesn’t mean they need to go extinct. Netflix committed to making four movies with the actor’s Happy Madison banner, so if this does well for the company, you can expect three more just like it. And if it does terribly, at least it won’t be taking up precious space at the multiplex.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend
Release Date: First quarter of 2016
Directed by: Yuen Wo-Ping (True Legend)
Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Donnie Yen
Why it’s a big deal: This is perhaps the most high profile film on Netflix’ slate purely because it’s the only one that will be getting a simultaneous global release, while also getting released wide theatrically in China and in IMAX to boot..

Pee-wee’s Big Holiday
Release Date: March, 2016
Directed by: John Lee
Starring: Paul Reubens
Why it’s a big deal: Because it’s a new Pee-wee Herman movie. But if that’s not enough for you, Judd Apatow is producing it.

If you don’t happen to have a Netflix subscription, they are planning to give some of these theatrical releases on those same dates, but the trouble is a lot of the major theater chains have refused to play the films since they will also be available on streaming at the same time. So either hope an arthouse near you embraces the new distribution model, or just go ahead and get a Netflix subscription.

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Source:: http://www.movies.com/movie-news/netflix-movie-release-dates/18777?wssac=164&wssaffid=news