How to Use Netflix Secret Codes for Hidden Genres in 2024

Netflix’s recommendations often feel repetitive. While the platform's algorithm works to surface popular picks, it frequently overlooks a wealth of hidden gems. It can be really frustrating when you’re in the mood for something specific, but you can’t get past the endless wall of blockbusters and Netflix Originals.

Luckily, you can use Netflix’s secret codes to break free from its algorithm and explore the platform’s vast library with ease. Whether you’re looking for British TV shows or something more specific, like goofy horror movies, there’s a code to help you find what you’re looking for.

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What Are Netflix’s Secret Codes?

Netflix’s secret codes are a simple way to unlock hidden categories that aren’t always visible in the platform’s default browsing options. Because the platform offers thousands of titles, it doesn’t have space to showcase them all on your homepage or even on the genre-specific sub-menus.

Netflix uses a data-driven recommendation algorithm to personalize each menu. It tracks what you watch, how long you watch it, and whether you finish or skip content. This data is used to build a profile of your preferences, which the algorithm uses to suggest similar titles.

While this personalization can be convenient, it often limits what you see. Netflix often prioritizes what's currently popular and promotes its in-house content. As a result, it might miss suggesting lesser-known titles or more niche genres that fall outside your regular viewing habits.

Unless you use a secret code, it can be difficult to find something new, particularly if you’ve not got a specific title in mind. That’s why this is our top tip for getting the most out of your Netflix subscription.

How to Use Netflix’s Secret Codes

Using Netflix’s secret codes is incredibly simple and requires just a few steps. You just need to find the right code, and you can unlock specific genres and subcategories that aren’t easily visible in the platform’s main interface. Here’s how you can start finding hidden content:

1. Log in to Netflix

To start exploring Netflix’s hidden genres, log in to your Netflix account on your preferred device. You can use secret codes on any device that supports Netflix, whether it's your computer, smartphone, or smart TV.

I tested the codes on both my app, and browser and they worked perfectly

2. Find a Code You Want to Use

There are thousands of secret codes, each corresponding to a specific genre or subgenre. Choose a code that matches the type of content you're in the mood for. Some examples include:

• Action & Adventure: 1365
• Classic Movies: 31574
• Documentaries: 6839
• Goofy Horror Movies: 4021
• Political Comedies: 2700

While we don’t have the space to list every code that’s out there, we’ve listed some popular and fun codes below, from sci-fi thrillers to family-friendly animations. Whether you’ve got a specific genre in mind or you’re searching for something to match your mood, there's likely a secret code that will help you find exactly what you want to watch.

3. Enter the Code

How you enter the secret code depends on the device you're using, as there’s a different process for browsers and the Netflix app.

On browsers:

After logging in to Netflix, go to the address bar in your browser and modify the URL. Replace the current URL with “www.netflix.com/browse/genre/[CODE]”. For example, to browse anime, type “www.netflix.com/browse/genre/7424”. Press Enter, and the genre-specific page will load.

if you run into trouble with a specific code, try a different one

On the Netflix App:

Type the code into the app's search bar. The app will then display relevant content for that genre, but it won’t necessarily show you the same category page that you’ll see on the desktop version. I was able to browse the documentaries list when I entered “6839.”

You'll still see lots of Netflix Originals, but keep scrolling for lesser-known titles

4. Find a Show You’d Like to Watch

Once you’ve entered the code, Netflix will display a selection of titles that fit the genre or subgenre you’ve chosen. Browse through the list to find a show or movie that catches your interest.

While I was testing a variety of Netflix’s secret codes, I used 6548 to browse the Comedy Movies list. It inevitably brought up a lot of Netflix Originals content first, but it didn’t take me long to find titles that I rarely saw in my recommendations.

5. Start Streaming

Once you’ve found something you like, simply click on the title to start streaming. Enjoy discovering new shows and movies with genres you might not have encountered through Netflix’s default browsing experience.

I was able to fill my Netflix watchlist with lots of new content

If you’re using a smart TV, you can cast your computer display on your big screen. It’s far less frustrating to browse hidden genres when you’re not using a TV remote to navigate, and you can enjoy your chosen content in greater comfort.

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How to Stay Safe While Using Netflix's Secret Codes

Accessing Netflix’s hidden genres can enhance your viewing experience, but your account being compromised will ruin the fun. Here are some essential safety tips to protect your privacy and security:

• Use a VPN. A VPN not only hides your IP address but also encrypts your internet connection, ensuring your browsing activity remains private. This is particularly useful if you want to prevent your ISP from tracking your activities. Plus, it’ll help you securely access Netflix from anywhere, even public WiFi networks that may block streaming services.
• Be wary of third-party websites. Some websites claim to offer Netflix discounts or free trial codes but could expose you to malware or phishing attacks. If you get an email telling you your account has been hacked or you need to update your payment method, log in to Netflix directly through your browser — never click the link in the email.
• Keep your devices updated. Ensure your devices, including your browser and any streaming apps, are updated regularly. Updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit.

Our Top Recommended Netflix Secret Codes and Categories

Netflix’s secret codes offer a straightforward way to unlock entire genres with just a few clicks. Use these codes to quickly explore a wide variety of content without relying solely on algorithmic recommendations.

This is only a small snapshot of the full list of codes. There are thousands out there, and I’d be here all day if I were to list them all! So, I’ve collected the codes that my colleagues and I use often while looking for new shows and movies on Netflix.

A Bit of Everything

These categories contain a variety of genres, so they’re a good place to start if you’re not sure what kind of content you’re looking for.

Action and Adventure

Children and Family

Classics and Cult Hits

Comedy

Countries

Crime and Thriller

Documentaries

Drama and Romance

Faith and Spirituality

Holidays

Horror and Monsters

Musicals and Dance

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Sports

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How to Use Netflix’s Secret Codes to Improve Your Recommendations

Using Netflix’s secret genre codes can do more than just help you find niche movies and shows — it can also improve your overall recommendations. Here’s how it can do that:

• Explore niche categories. Using secret codes to dive into highly specific genres (like Cult Horror Movies or Feel-Good Romantic Comedies) sends Netflix a signal about your preferences. The more you explore and watch, the better Netflix’s algorithm will tailor future recommendations based on your viewing habits.
• Give the algorithm a more balanced view of your interests. Netflix’s algorithm often focuses too much on recent viewing habits. Secret codes can help diversify the content you watch, balancing out the algorithm’s tendency to push similar content.
• Discover hidden gems. Secret codes let you find underrated content that may not appear in Netflix’s popular sections. That’s because Netflix’s algorithm takes into account how many people are watching a show or movie, so it’s biased towards newer content. But, by watching older or less popular titles, you can update your algorithm so it recommends more of this content.
• Expose you to international content. Secret codes help you to find foreign films and shows from various regions, such as Scandinavian thrillers or Turkish dramas, which may not appear in your default recommendations. Expanding your viewing habits with international content helps Netflix diversify its algorithm to recommend more culturally varied titles.
• Improve recommendations across profiles. Since Netflix recommendations are profile-specific, secret codes offer a way for individual users within a shared account to explore distinct genres. Each person can use codes to develop a unique set of recommendations based on their taste.

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FAQs on Accessing Netflix's Secret Movie Codes

Where is the hidden menu on Netflix?

Netflix doesn’t have a traditional “hidden menu,” but you can browse more specialized content categories using Netflix’s secret genre codes. These codes allow you to unlock niche genres and subgenres that aren’t easily found through the regular browsing menus. To use them, simply modify the URL in your browser to include a specific code or type the code in the Netflix app’s search bar.

How do I use Netflix secret codes in my region?

Using Netflix secret codes in your region is simple. Log in to your Netflix account, and enter the code in the URL (if you’re using a browser) or search bar (in the app) to browse a new genre or subgenre.

Netflix secret codes can be used in the UK, Canada, India, and any other region where Netflix is available. However, due to regional licensing restrictions, the content that you can see with these codes may differ depending on your location.

Can I use Netflix’s secret codes on my smart TV?

Yes, you can use Netflix’s secret codes on your smart TV. If you have the Netflix app, simply enter the secret code directly into the search bar. This gives you access to the same hidden categories that are available on other devices, making it easy to discover more tailored content directly from your smart TV.

If your smart TV doesn’t have the Netflix app or you’d rather not have to fight to navigate it with your remote, then you can cast Netflix to your smart TV from your computer. Head over to our Smart TV VPN guide for a more detailed explanation of how to set up screen mirroring.

Conclusion

Netflix secret codes offer a simple yet effective way to transform your streaming experience. Instead of relying on the algorithm's usual suggestions, which are biased towards Netflix Originals and popular content, you can take control and find movies and TV that truly match your taste.