Netflix has thousands of movies and shows in its catalog, but scrolling is exhausting.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Netflix has so many TV shows, movies and documentaries. You name it and it’s probably in the streaming service’s massive library. Not to mention Netflix’s growing list of binge-worthy original shows like Bridgerton, Stranger Things, The Crown, Shadow and Bone, Squid Game and Mindhunter. With a seemingly endless list of content to choose from, you can easily spend more time scrolling through recommendations than actually watching something.
Netflix uses algorithms to help subscribers sift through their options by highlighting TV shows and movies you may like based on your profile and what you’ve watched before. But your preferences might be a bit more specific than trending titles, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, anime or award winners. Depending on what you’ve watched, Netflix’s recommendation algorithm might’ve buried the perfect movie or show. If so, Netflix codes can help you filter through the onslaught of content to find more interesting recommendations than the usual fare.
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Read more: 53 best TV series to watch on Netflix this week
What to know about Netflix codes
Netflix codes — though not a new discovery — are based on a number system the service uses to categorize films and shows by genre and subgenre. Note that codes can only be used on Netflix’s website, not in its apps.
This is what you’ll see when you visit the Netflix codes website.
Screenshot by Shelby Brown/CNET
Where to find Netflix codes
Check out netflix-codes.com for a full list. There are about 20 categories like anime, foreign movies and classic movies. Those categories are broken down into more specific subgenres. For example, horror movies — coded 8711 — houses 12 more codes like deep-sea horror movies, zombie horror movies, teen screams and more.
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How to use Netflix codes
The easiest way is by installing the Better Browse for Netflix extension for Chrome. Here’s how:
1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search “Better Browse for Netflix.”
2. Click Add to Chrome.
3. Click Add Extension.
4. Log into your Netflix account in a new tab.
At the top of the Netflix home screen, you should see a new option — Browse All — next to My List. Click that to search manually or scroll through the subgenres available.
Use the code 5475 and you’ll unlock a trove of romantic comedies on Netflix.
Screenshot by Shelby Brown/CNET
Another way is through the Netflix codes website. Here’s how:
1. Visit netflix-codes.com in your PC or mobile browser.
2. Find the genre or subgenre you want to explore.
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 the genre or subgenre you chose. If you don’t have the app installed, it’ll open Netflix through the browser and you can view the specific movies and shows available.
5. Tap the title you want to watch.
You can also use the Netflix codes manually in your browser. Here’s how:
1. Visit netflix-codes.com in your PC or mobile browser.
2. Find the genre or subgenre you want to explore.
3. In another tab, type in <http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/INSERTNUMBER>, but replace INSERTNUMBER with the specific genre or subgenre code.
4. You’ll be taken to Netflix to peruse the titles available in that section.
From there, you can either make a mental note of the movie you want to watch and go back to the app on your preferred device, or log in to watch in your browser.
