Netflix’s algorithm thinks it knows you. It studies your watch history, analyzes your pause patterns, and curates endless rows of “Because You Watched” suggestions. The homepage feels personalized, but it’s actually designed to keep you scrolling through the same narrow channels the algorithm has decided you belong in. What if you could bypass that entire system and browse Netflix the way it was never meant to be browsed: by direct access to thousands of hidden categories the interface doesn’t want you to see?
Netflix secret codes are the closest thing streaming has to cheat codes, and they’ve been hiding in plain sight for years. These aren’t hacks or exploits. They’re simply Netflix’s internal category ID numbers, the same IDs the platform uses to organize its vast library behind the scenes. Type one into a specific URL structure, and you jump straight into a hidden genre page packed with titles the homepage buried six rows deep (or never showed you at all). According to Netflix’s own Tudum blog, these secret category codes number over 36,000 and keep growing, covering everything from “Deep Sea Horror Movies” to “Gentle British Reality TV” to the gloriously specific “Short-Ass Movies.”
The public lists floating around online range from partially outdated to impressively comprehensive. One of the most reliable databases, maintained by What’s on Netflix, claims to index more than 4,100 working codes in what it calls the “Netflix ID Bible.” And while you’ll never need all 36,000 categories, having the right 50 or 100 codes bookmarked transforms Netflix from an algorithm-driven experience into something closer to a true on-demand library. You stop letting Netflix choose for you. You start choosing for yourself.
Here’s how the system actually works, what the best codes are (organized into tables you’ll actually use), and why this entire hidden category universe exists in the first place.
How Netflix Secret Codes Actually Work (The Method That Hasn’t Changed)
The process is simple, but it only works reliably through a web browser. Smart TV apps, game console interfaces, and even some mobile apps can be inconsistent with code-based URLs. Desktop browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) are the cleanest path.
Here’s the exact method, confirmed by Netflix Tudum itself. Open Netflix in your browser and make sure you’re signed in. Then paste this URL into your address bar: https://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/CODE. Replace “CODE” with any category ID number from the tables below, hit Enter, and you’ll land directly on that hidden genre page.
Want to watch “90-Minute Movies” because you only have a short window tonight? Use code 81466194. Craving “Deep Sea Horror Movies” for reasons you can’t quite explain? Code 45028. Looking for “K-Dramas for Beginners” because everyone’s been telling you to watch Korean shows but you don’t know where to start? Code 2953105. The system is that straightforward once you have the codes.
One important caveat: regional licensing affects which titles populate each category. A code that opens a robust page in the U.S. might show fewer options in Canada or the U.K., and some niche categories might appear completely empty depending on your location. That’s not the code failing. That’s Netflix’s content library varying by region, the same reason certain shows and movies vanish when you cross borders.
Most guides recommend adding titles to your Netflix list from the browser if you want to watch them later on your TV or phone. Once something’s in your list, it syncs across all devices. That workflow (browse via browser codes, add to list, watch anywhere) is how power users have been navigating Netflix for years.
Why These “Secret” Codes Even Exist
Netflix didn’t create this system for users. It created it for internal organization. Every piece of content Netflix licenses gets tagged with metadata: genre, subgenre, mood, decade, cultural origin, runtime, awards, and dozens of other attributes. Those tags feed into category IDs, which the algorithm uses to organize the library and generate recommendations. The secret codes are simply the visible edge of that backend taxonomy.
The reason Netflix doesn’t surface all 36,000 categories on the homepage is obvious: decision paralysis. If you opened Netflix and saw a list of thousands of micro-genres, you’d spend 45 minutes scrolling through categories and never actually watch anything. The algorithm narrows your choices to keep you engaged. The codes let you break out of that loop when you already know what kind of mood you’re in.
And yes, Netflix knows about this. The company has never shut down code-based browsing, and Tudum (Netflix’s official entertainment blog) has published multiple articles highlighting specific codes, including ultra-niche categories like “Witchcraft & the Dark Arts” (code 81552046) and “Cyberpunk” (code 1964512). The system isn’t a secret in the sense that Netflix is trying to hide it. It’s a secret in the sense that most casual users have no idea it exists.
The Master List: Netflix Secret Codes You’ll Actually Use
What follows is the curated, organized, genuinely useful core of Netflix’s hidden category system. These aren’t all 36,000 codes (no one needs that). These are the categories worth bookmarking, broken into tables by type: broad genres for general browsing, micro-genres for hyper-specific moods, utility pages for power users, and awards/prestige rows for when you want something critically acclaimed.
Save this section. Screenshot the tables. Copy them into your Notes app. These are the codes that turn Netflix into the streaming service it could have been if the algorithm wasn’t in charge.
The “Root Menu” (Start Here)
This table covers the big, obvious genre categories. If you’re new to Netflix codes, these are your entry points. They’re broad, reliable, and consistently populated across most regions.
| Category | Code |
|---|---|
| Action & Adventure | 1365 |
| Anime | 7424 |
| Children & Family | 783 |
| Classic Movies | 31574 |
| Comedies | 6548 |
| Documentaries | 6839 |
| Dramas | 5763 |
| Horror Movies | 8711 |
| Music | 1701 |
| Romantic Movies | 8883 |
| Sci-Fi & Fantasy | 1492 |
| Sports Movies | 4370 |
| Thrillers | 8933 |
| TV Shows | 83 |
These headline categories are indexed in What’s on Netflix’s ID Bible and referenced across multiple Netflix code databases. Think of them as the main menu Netflix doesn’t show you by default.
Action & Adventure (When You Want Explosions and Chase Scenes Fast)
Action is one of Netflix’s most overstuffed genres, which makes the algorithm’s curation especially frustrating. These codes let you drill down into specific action subgenres without wading through everything Netflix thinks counts as “action.”
| Category | Code |
|---|---|
| Action Comedies | 43040 |
| Action Thrillers | 43048 |
| Classic Action & Adventure | 46576 |
| Martial Arts Movies | 8985 |
| Spy Action & Adventure | 10702 |
| Crime Action & Adventure | 9584 |
| Comic Book & Superhero Movies | 10118 |
| Westerns | 7700 |
Action Comedies and Action Thrillers are explicitly listed in the comprehensive code databases, and they’re genuinely useful categories. “Action Comedies” gives you the Shane Black energy (buddy cops, quippy dialogue, things exploding in the background). “Action Thrillers” skews darker and more intense. The distinction matters when you’re picking a Friday night movie.
Horror: The “I Dare You” Table (Mainstream to Ultra-Specific)
Horror is where Netflix’s category system gets wonderfully weird. The algorithm lumps everything from “Get Out” to “Sharknado” into one general horror row. The codes let you find exactly the kind of horror you’re craving, from prestige A24-style films to schlocky creature features to themed micro-collections like “This Place is Evil.”
| Category | Code |
|---|---|
| Horror Movies (main) | 8711 |
| Deep Sea Horror Movies | 45028 |
| Teen Screams | 52147 |
| Slashers and Serial Killers | 81613750 |
| Witchcraft and the Dark Arts | 81552046 |
| High Brow Horror | 3261672 |
| This Place is Evil | 81476889 |
| Horror Hidden Gems | 81613739 |
| Modern Horror Classics | 81336552 |
| Halloween Comedies | 81510605 |
Netflix Tudum specifically highlights “Witchcraft & the Dark Arts” and “High Brow Horror” as examples of how granular these categories get. According to Tom’s Guide, micro-collections like “This Place is Evil” and “Slashers and Serial Killers” are part of Netflix’s strategy to create thematic browsing experiences beyond traditional genre labels.
“Deep Sea Horror Movies” (code 45028) is a personal favorite because it’s so specific yet still populated with enough titles to feel like a real category. Think “The Meg,” deep ocean thrillers, underwater creature films. It’s niche enough that the algorithm would never surface it, but broad enough to deliver a satisfying browsing experience.
Sci-Fi & “The Algorithm Thinks You’re a Nerd” (It’s a Compliment)
Science fiction on Netflix spans decades, budgets, and tones. The secret codes let you separate cerebral sci-fi from action-heavy space operas, dystopian futures from time travel stories, and classic genre films from modern streaming originals.
| Category | Code |
|---|---|
| Sci-Fi & Fantasy (main) | 1492 |
| Cyberpunk | 1964512 |
| Dystopian Futures | 2299461 |
| Alien Sci-Fi | 3327 |
| Classic Sci-Fi & Fantasy | 47147 |
| Sci-Fi Thrillers | 11014 |
| Sci-Fi Horror Movies | 1694 |
| Sci-Fi Adventure | 6926 |
Netflix Tudum directly calls out “Cyberpunk” (code 1964512) and “Dystopian Futures” (code 2299461) in its coverage of secret codes. These aren’t just useful categories. They’re evidence that someone at Netflix genuinely understands how sci-fi fans think about the genre. Cyberpunk fans don’t just want “sci-fi.” They want neon-lit futures, corporate dystopias, hackers, and existential dread. Code 1964512 gets that.
Romance, Upgraded (Not Just Rom-Com Rows)
Romance is another genre where Netflix’s algorithm tends to flatten everything into “feel-good rom-coms” or “steamy dramas.” The codes reveal a more textured taxonomy, including action-romance hybrids, dating-themed collections, and categories that acknowledge not all romance has a happy ending.
| Category | Code |
|---|---|
| Romantic Movies (main) | 8883 |
| Romantic Comedies | 5475 |
| Romantic Dramas | 1255 |
| Romantic Favorites | 502675 |
| Spicy Romance | 81572628 |
| Swipe Right | 81582488 |
| Swipe Left (romance gone wrong) | 82011890 |
| Action with a Side of Romance | 81647318 |
| Quirky Romance | 36103 |
According to Netflix Tudum, “Action with a Side of Romance” (code 81647318) is part of Netflix’s effort to acknowledge genre-blending titles that don’t fit neatly into one category. “Swipe Right” and “Swipe Left” are thematic collections inspired by dating app culture, curating titles around meet-cute success stories and relationship disasters, respectively.
K-Dramas & International TV (The “One More Episode” Trap)
Korean dramas exploded in global popularity over the last few years, and Netflix has leaned hard into K-content. But the algorithm still treats “Korean TV Shows” as one monolithic category. The codes let you separate beginner-friendly entries from romantic comedies, crime thrillers, and binge-worthy international series.
| Category | Code |
|---|---|
| Korean TV Shows (main) | 67879 |
| K-Dramas for Beginners | 2953105 |
| Romantic Korean TV Comedies | 1461331 |
| Binge-Worthy British Crime TV Shows | 1192582 |
| Binge-Worthy International TV Programmes | 1193401 |
| British TV Shows | 52117 |
Netflix Tudum includes “K-Dramas for Beginners” (code 2953105) in its list of useful category codes, acknowledging that the genre can feel overwhelming for newcomers. This category surfaces accessible, crowd-pleasing titles that won’t require prior knowledge of K-drama tropes or pacing conventions.
“Binge-Worthy British Crime TV Shows” (code 1192582) is a gift for anyone who’s ever fallen down the rabbit hole of British detective series. Think “Luther,” “Broadchurch,” “Line of Duty.” The category does the curation work for you.
“I Want Something Short” (The Best Codes for Busy Nights)
One of the most useful category innovations Netflix has rolled out is runtime-based collections. These codes filter the library by length, making it easy to find a complete movie that fits your available time. No more starting a film, checking the runtime halfway through, and realizing you’re not going to finish it tonight.
| Category | Code |
|---|---|
| 90-Minute Movies | 81466194 |
| 90-Minute Thrillers | 81466222 |
| 90-Minute Rom-Coms | 81466228 |
| 90-Minute Comedies | 81466224 |
| 90-Minute Horror | 81466239 |
| Short-Ass Movies | 81603903 |
Netflix Tudum specifically highlights “90-Minute Movies” (code 81466194) and confirms that “Short-Ass Movies” (code 81603903) is a real, official collection. The name alone is evidence that Netflix’s internal taxonomy team has a sense of humor. This category surfaces films under 90 minutes, perfect for when you want a full story arc without committing to a two-and-a-half-hour epic.
Prestige Mode: Awards, Auteur Rows, and Serious Film Energy
When you’re in the mood for something critically acclaimed or artistically ambitious, the algorithm often fails spectacularly. It’ll recommend a middling Netflix original alongside an Oscar winner with no distinction. These codes surface awards-based collections and auteur-focused categories for when you want quality over algorithm-friendly engagement metrics.
| Category | Code |
|---|---|
| Oscar-Winning Films | 51063 |
| Golden Globe Winners | 108861 |
| Emmy Award Winners | 109298 |
| BAFTA Winners | 499385 |
| Sundance Film Festival Award Winners | 108850 |
| Auteur Movies | 801360 |
These awards and curation rows are indexed in the comprehensive What’s on Netflix ID Bible. “Auteur Movies” (code 801360) is particularly interesting because it surfaces director-driven films where the filmmaker’s vision is the primary draw. Think Wes Anderson, Christopher Nolan, Bong Joon-ho. It’s Netflix’s version of a Criterion Collection shelf.
The “Food, Comfort, and Lifestyle” Shelf (Netflix as Background Therapy)
Not every Netflix session is about intense drama or adrenaline. Sometimes you want something calming, cozy, or aspirational playing in the background. These codes surface reality TV, lifestyle content, and comfort-viewing collections designed for low-stakes, feel-good browsing.
| Category | Code |
|---|---|
| Don’t Watch Hungry | 3272152 |
| Gentle British Reality TV | 81240711 |
| Lavish Reality Lifestyles | 81418611 |
| Small Town Charm | 81615585 |
| Food & Travel | 72436 |
According to Netflix Tudum, “Gentle British Reality TV” (code 81240711) is one of the platform’s most beloved micro-categories. It’s the antithesis of American reality TV chaos. Think “The Great British Bake Off,” gardening shows, and pottery competitions where everyone is supportive and no one throws a drink. “Don’t Watch Hungry” (code 3272152) is exactly what it sounds like: food content that will make you immediately order takeout.
Bonus: “Utility” Pages Power Users Should Bookmark
Beyond genre codes, there are a few utility pages and special collections worth knowing about. These aren’t genres in the traditional sense, but they’re part of the same URL-based navigation system and equally useful for avoiding the algorithm’s curation.
Recently Added (The Underrated One)
The “New & Popular” tab on Netflix’s interface shows trending titles and recently added content, but it’s curated and limited. The “Recently Added” category code gives you the raw chronological feed of everything Netflix has added recently, sorted by upload date.
| Page | Code |
|---|---|
| Recently Added | 1592210 |
According to What’s on Netflix, code 1592210 is the “Recently Added” category, and it’s one of the most consistently useful utility pages in the entire system. If you check Netflix every few days and want to see exactly what’s new without relying on algorithmic curation, this is your bookmark.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Netflix browser window showing the “Recently Added” page with a grid of newly uploaded titles sorted by date]
Franchise and Creator Hubs (For When You’re Deep in a Rabbit Hole)
Netflix also maintains curated collections for specific creators, franchises, and media partnerships. These aren’t always discoverable through normal browsing, but they exist as code-accessible pages.
| Hub | Code |
|---|---|
| Shondaland Collection | 81349039 |
| Ryan Murphy Collection | 81173845 |
| Harlan Coben Collection | 81180221 |
| WWE Collection | 81921063 |
| The World of The Witcher | 81517755 |
The Shondaland Collection (code 81349039) surfaces everything from Shonda Rhimes and her production company, including “Bridgerton,” “Inventing Anna,” and future releases. The Ryan Murphy Collection (code 81173845) does the same for the prolific producer behind “Dahmer,” “The Watcher,” and dozens of other Netflix originals.
Find “More Like This” for Any Title (No Guessing Required)
This one’s slightly more advanced but incredibly powerful. Every title on Netflix has a unique ID number visible in its URL. You can plug that ID into a special “similars” page to see a much larger list of related recommendations than the “More Like This” row the interface shows.
The URL structure is: https://www.netflix.com/browse/similars/NETFLIXID
To get a title’s ID, just look at its URL when you’re on its page. The number after “title/” is the ID. For example, if you’re watching a show at “netflix.com/title/80057281,” the ID is 80057281. Plug that into the similars URL (netflix.com/browse/similars/80057281), and you’ll see an expanded recommendation list based solely on that title.
According to the What’s on Netflix ID Bible, this similars trick is one of the hidden features power users rely on to break out of Netflix’s limited recommendation bubbles.
Where the True Mega-List Lives (If You Want to Go Full Archivist)
If you genuinely want to browse thousands of codes beyond what fits in a readable, usable article, two databases are the definitive sources.
Netflix Tudum (netflix.com) is Netflix’s official entertainment blog. It publishes periodic roundups of secret codes, confirms the URL method, and acknowledges the system’s scope (36,000+ categories and growing). Tudum articles also highlight ultra-specific micro-genres like “Witchcraft & the Dark Arts” and “Cyberpunk,” giving you a sense of how weird and wonderful Netflix’s internal taxonomy really is.
What’s on Netflix (whats-on-netflix.com) maintains what it calls the “Netflix ID Bible,” a publicly accessible list of more than 4,100 category codes. The site embeds the full list on its code directory page, making it searchable and browsable. If you’re the kind of person who wants to scroll through every niche category Netflix has ever created (including dead or region-locked codes), this is the archive.
You can’t realistically paste all 36,000 codes into a single article without turning it into an unusable phone book. The tables above cover the most useful, most consistently populated categories. The two sources above are where the completionist mega-lists live.
Do the Codes Still Work in 2026?
Yes, with the same caveats power users have dealt with for years. Regional licensing means a code that works beautifully in the U.S. might open an empty page in another country. That’s not a code problem. That’s a Netflix content library problem.
Browsers remain the most reliable access point. Smart TV apps, game consoles, and some mobile apps can be inconsistent with code-based URLs. The desktop browser workflow (browse via codes, add to list, watch on any device) is still the cleanest path.
And Netflix continues to expand the category universe. Tudum confirms the system has grown to over 36,000 codes, meaning new micro-genres and thematic collections are being created regularly. The codes that worked in 2022 still work in 2026. The system isn’t going anywhere.
Why This Matters More Than It Seems
Netflix’s algorithm is extraordinarily good at keeping you engaged. It’s not always good at showing you what you actually want to watch. The difference matters. Secret codes represent a version of Netflix where you’re in control, where the library is browsable instead of algorithmically curated, where “Hidden Gems” isn’t just another row the algorithm decided to show you.
The fact that Netflix has never shut this system down (and even acknowledges it publicly through Tudum) suggests the company understands a segment of its user base wants this level of control. Power users, film enthusiasts, and anyone who’s ever spent 20 minutes scrolling without finding anything have been using these codes for years. The only reason they’re still “secret” is because Netflix doesn’t promote them on the homepage.
Bookmark this page. Save the tables. The next time Netflix’s algorithm fails you, you’ll have 4,100+ other ways to browse.