How to Unlock Netflix’s Secret Menu & Discover Hidden Gems

Are you tired of endlessly scrolling through Netflix, trying to find something new and exciting to watch? What if I told you there’s a secret menu that can unlock a treasure trove of hidden content?

That’s right. Netflix has been keeping a little secret from you, but today, we’re going to spill the beans and show you how to access Netflix’s secret menu.

What is the Netflix Secret Menu?

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The Netflix secret menu is a collection of hidden categories and subgenres that aren’t readily visible on the main interface. These categories range from highly specific niches like “Campy Movies” to broader genres like “Classic Westerns.” By accessing these hidden categories, you can discover new titles that you might have never come across otherwise.

According to Mary Bertone of Netflix’s Curation and Taxonomy team, these secret codes date back to the early days when Netflix was still a DVD-by-mail service. At the time, Netflix.com had a public-facing genre tree that linked out to all the various types of films and TV series, each with its own specific ID code.

A fan scraped the genre tree for all the codes and shared the list online. People have been using those codes, along with thousands more that have been added since, to explore the depths of Netflix’s library.(ref)

How to Access the Secret Menu

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Accessing the Netflix secret menu is surprisingly simple. All you need is a web browser and a special code. Here’s how it works:

  1. Open your web browser and go to Netflix.com.
  2. In the address bar, type in “http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/XXXX”, replacing the “XXXX” with the code for the hidden category you want to explore.
  3. Press enter, and voila! You’ll be taken directly to the hidden category page.

You can also access secret categories through the Netflix app on your phone or tablet. Simply type the category code into the search bar, and the relevant titles will appear. However, not all codes work in the app, so using a web browser is the most reliable method.

Uncovering the Best Hidden Categories

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With over 36,000 unique categories to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are a few of the most popular and interesting hidden categories to get you started:

  • Short-Ass Movies (Code: 81603903) – Inspired by Pete Davidson’s SNL skit, this category features movies under 90 minutes.
  • 90-Minute Movies (Code: 81466194) – Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to watch something satisfying.
  • Supernatural Soaps (Code: 81238162) – For those who like their drama with a side of the paranormal.
  • Witchcraft & the Dark Arts (Code: 81552046) – Dive into the world of magic and mystery with this spooky category.
  • Schemers & Scammers (Code: 81493295) – Scripted series and real-life stories about con artists and fraudsters.
  • Goofy Horror Movies (Code: 4021) – A collection of horror-comedies that bring the laughs and the scares.

Enhancing Your Netflix Experience

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Using the Netflix secret menu is just one way to take your streaming experience to the next level. Here are a few more tips and tricks to keep in mind:

  • Create separate profiles for each member of your household to keep your recommendations tailored to your individual tastes.
  • Use the “My List” feature to save titles you want to watch later.
  • Rate the titles you watch to help Netflix better understand your preferences and suggest more relevant content.
  • Adjust your account’s playback settings to ensure you’re streaming in the highest quality possible for your plan and internet connection.
  • Use browser extensions like Netflix Party or Teleparty to watch and discuss shows with friends remotely.

With these tips and the Netflix secret menu at your fingertips, you’ll never run out of new and exciting things to watch. Happy streaming!

nancy
Nancy Maffia
Author & Editor | + posts

Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.