Creative Inspiration Explosion: Top 5 Netflix Movies to 'Light a Fire' for Designers

Design is not just about creating beautiful products, but also about telling stories, expressing emotions and conveying messages through every visual detail. In that creative journey, designers always need endless inspiration from art and cinema is one of the endless treasures of creative inspiration.

Netflix, with its diverse collection of movies from different genres, not only meets entertainment needs but also opens a "window" to unique artistic perspectives. Carefully selected movies with unique images, colors and layouts have inspired and stimulated breakthrough ideas in design. Below is a list of 5 inspirational movies for Designers on Netflix that SaDesign has carefully selected along with a detailed analysis of the plot, message and outstanding design elements.

1. Top 5 selected movies

1.1. Abstract: The Art of Design (2017 – 2019)

Abstract: The Art of Design is a unique documentary series that takes viewers on a journey into the minds and creative processes of the world's leading designers. Each episode not only introduces the designers' working process but also reveals the secrets, inspiration and passion in their creative work.

This series features inspiring personal stories from designers across a range of disciplines. Each episode follows a journey from initial ideas to finished products, with a message of risk-taking, commitment and relentless passion. It teaches that every creative idea starts with genuine inspiration and boundless curiosity.

Outstanding design elements:

Visual style: Each episode uses color and light subtly, making it easy for viewers to recognize the personal touch of each designer.
Cinematography: Close-ups, slow motion shots and unique camera angles help highlight the process of turning ideas into reality.
Compare with design trends: The frames are built in a modern style, helping viewers visualize more clearly the connection between art and technology in modern design.

1.2. The Creative Brain (2019)

The Creative Brain is a philosophical documentary that delves into the journeys of creative people from various fields, from art to science to business. The film not only depicts the creative process but also explores the psychology and emotions behind breakthrough ideas.

The film tells the story of typical characters, the “masters” of creativity, and how they exploit inspiration from their surroundings. The main message of the film is “Creativity has no limits”, affirming that every human being has the ability to be creative when they know how to exploit their emotions and critical thinking.

Outstanding design elements:

Color and light: “The Creative Brain” uses warm tones mixed with bright colors, creating an inspiring visual space.
Shot Composition: The shots are well-arranged, alternating between vivid images and deep psychological segments, providing a multi-dimensional visual experience.
Application in design: Filming techniques and image processing can be a source of inspiration for designers to experiment with new compositional styles, thereby creating groundbreaking works.

1.3. Designated Survivor (2016 – 2019)

Although Designated Survivor is a political action series, its uniqueness lies in its setting and visuals. The film tells the story of the turning points in American politics, but it is impossible not to mention the way design elements such as light, color and space are used to create a tense, suspenseful atmosphere.

The story revolves around the main character – a man who is suddenly given the task of leading a country after a horrific attack. The message of the film is not only about the power of courage and determination, but also reflects the creativity in using space, light and color to convey the psychology and state of the character in each tense moment.

Outstanding design elements:

Space and light: The scenes of “Designated Survivor” are built with open spaces, combined with dark lighting to create impressive visual effects, helping viewers clearly feel the character's mood.

Visual style: The film's main color scheme is often cold, adding to the drama and tension of the story.
Application in design: Designers can learn how to use space and light in film to create media products with depth and emotion, especially in user interface (UI) or user experience (UX) design.

1.4. Chef’s Table (2015)

Chef's Table is a famous documentary series about the culinary arts, but for designers, it is a treasure trove of inspiration on how to express art through the smallest details. Each episode is a journey of discovery behind the success of talented chefs - people who not only make delicious dishes but also know how to "present" them as works of art.

The film tells the creative journey of groundbreaking chefs around the world, from the process of choosing ingredients, creating dishes to the sophisticated presentation. The main message of “Chef's Table” is the art of creating value from the combination of dedication, meticulousness and passion - factors that every designer also needs to create great products.

Outstanding design elements:

Details and meticulousness: Each scene is meticulously cared for, from the way the food is arranged to every line on the plate, giving a highly artistic feel.
Color and texture: The combination of bright colors of ingredients and dark background colors creates a unique visual picture, helping the audience feel the depth of each dish.
Application in design: Designers can learn lessons from “Chef's Table” about paying attention to every small detail, and apply them to product design, packaging or interior decoration.

1.5. The Social Dilemma (2020)

The Social Dilemma is not only a documentary about the impact of social media on society, but also a lesson in how technology and interface design can influence user behavior. The film offers insight into the connection between technology, data, and emotions – a topic that modern designers cannot ignore.

The film follows the technologists and people behind major social media platforms, showing how algorithms and interfaces are built to attract and retain users. The film’s message is a wake-up call about the influence of modern technology, while also opening up ethical questions about design. It pushes viewers to think about how to design interfaces that are not only beautiful but also responsible for users.

Outstanding design elements:

Interface Design and User Experience: The film helps viewers better understand how interfaces are designed to optimize user interaction and engagement.
Color and Composition: The visual segments in the film show the subtle use of color and composition to guide user emotions and behavior.

Application in UX/UI design: “The Social Dilemma” opens up opportunities for UX/UI designers to rethink the way they build products, thereby creating more friendly and responsible experiences.

2. Compare and contrast the movies

After going through the details of each film, let's review the similarities and differences to help designers have a more general view:

Common points:

All films aim to maximize the power of images and visual storytelling.
They all carry inspirational messages, encouraging creativity and the desire to explore the limits of art.
Regardless of genre, from documentary to drama, each film contains valuable lessons for any designer.

Difference:

Abstract: The Art of Design and The Creative Brain focus on the individual creative journey, opening up a personalized perspective in design.
Designated Survivor is a visual narrative in a political context, with an emphasis on the use of space and light.
Chef's Table opens up another world where culinary art is presented through the lens of design, showing that inspiration can come from everyday experiences.
The Social Dilemma takes viewers on a journey to explore the connection between technology, user interfaces, and social psychology, thereby opening up new perspectives on UX/UI design.
As we delve deeper into each work, it becomes clear just how powerful cinema is in inspiring and opening up new creative horizons. Netflix’s films are not only entertaining, but also invaluable sources of inspiration for those pursuing a career in art and design.