Greetings to you all!
Since we're all at home (and likely will be for quite a few weeks to come), what better time is there to binge some Netflix? By popular demand, I am back with my Netflix recommendations, so if you're stuck for something to watch or you're just looking for something new to entertain yourself in quarantine, this one's for you.
I've been watching Netflix for around 8 years, so this list could get extremely long. I'll try to separate my recommendations into categories so hopefully by the time you're reading this I came up with a logical order!
TV series recommendations
Sitcoms
1. Gavin and Stacey
This comedy classic follows Gavin Shipman and Stacey West in their bid to find love and unite their hilarious, melodramatic families and friends. If you haven't seen this, it is a perfect Quarantine watch and promises to cheer you up! For my British readers, every episode is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
2. Outnumbered
The series follows Peter and Sue Brockman and their three children Jake, Ben and Karen. As an ordinary family, with ordinary family woes, this series works best because of its simplicity. A must watch for all parents (and children), with something that everybody can relate to and laugh about together. Definitely a good family watch, but also something to make your home feel less quiet if you're on your own at the moment. All episodes (right from 2007) are available to stream on Netflix UK, and BBC iPlayer (free to anyone in the UK with a TV license).
3. Bad education
Written and starring my favourite comedian, Jack Whitehall, as useless history teacher Alfie Wickers. This is a pretty whacky comedy but very relatable and enjoyable if you went to an out-of-control public school like me. Americans, if you want to know what British students are really like (not just the tea-drinking, posh-speaking stereotype that appears on your screens) this is one for you! All episodes are available to watch on Netflix UK and I believe you can now also stream it on Netflix USA.
4. After Life
A new comedy as of last year, written and starring comedian Ricky Gervais as a newly widowed journalist. This is a hilarious and heartbreaking sitcom with some weird and wonderful characters. The second season in arriving on Netflix later this month, so now is the perfect time to catch up!
5. Miranda
Miranda Hart stars in her own sitcom about, well, herself; or at least, a version of herself. Unlucky in love and constantly trying to impress her overbearing mother Penny (Patricia Hodge), Miranda shows us how she lives her life, happy and free from the constraints of modern societal pressures. Such fun!
6. Friends
I doubt I need to write a synopsis for this, but just in case you've just arrived from Mars, this wildly popular sitcom is about six friends: Ross, Chandler, Rachel, Monica, Joey and Phoebe, who all live in New York City. The series follows 10 years of their lives. I promise once you've started watching, you'll never want it to end. Available to stream on Netflix in virtually every country in the world, so there's really no excuse!
Docuseries
1. Tiger King
This one has its own category because, honestly, it deserves it. This is the weirdest, most disturbing, most insightful thing I have ever watched. You watch the first couple of episodes on the edge of your seat, thinking "this is what everyone was talking about, this is why everyone said this was so weird," when really, it's barely begun. At the end of every episode I thought that was the peak craziness one show could reach, but it just kept getting crazier and crazier. You'll never be the same again after watching this. It will be all you can talk about for a week. And if you're one of those people up there on your high horse thinking you're better than us lowly folk who binged the whole series in 2 days, get down here and join us. You won't regret it.
Crime/Drama
This being my favourite genre, there are many I could mention so I'll try to keep it to a minimum and only include my favourites!
1. Doctor Foster
Suranne Jones gives her best performance (in my opinion) in this drama about a wife who begins to suspect her husband is cheating on her. Even typing this now I have the urge to re-watch this series. Absolutely mind-blowing and an insight into the basic human need to search for truth when something feels wrong. Also starring Jodie Comer, before she was Villanelle in the hit series Killing Eve.
2. Sherlock
A British classic and pretty much the sole reason that the rest of the world fell in love with Benedict Cumberbatch. Sherlock Holmes, a smart-mouthed consulting detective solves crimes with impossible-to-see details and the help of ex-army doctor John Watson. All episodes are available on Netflix UK, USA and the majority of Europe.
3. Safe
A Netflix original series about the hunt to find a missing teenager. The ending can make or break a show like this, and let me tell you, it was the best part of this already amazing series. There is currently only one season, and I can't imagine there being another one. So get your fix on Netflix now!
4. Luther
DCI John Luther (portrayed by Idris Elba) might be the best in the business, but his personal life has gone awry. With a whole host of twists you're lying if you say you saw coming, this one is sure to keep you on your toes. Originally a BBC series, but now available to stream on Netflix UK.
5. The Sinner
After a woman kills a man on a crowded beach in the presence of her family, the hunt for an explanation begins. Difficult when she can't remember a thing about it. There are now two seasons available to stream, each one with a focus on a different case. An excellent series with some characters you'll fall in love with!
6. Bodyguard
Heart-throb Richard Madden stars as a protection detail to the Home Secretary Julia Montague. This series has everything! Drama, crime, love, action, heartbreak, humour. You name it, it's got it all! Has previously streamed in both the UK and the USA on the BBC channels so if you can't get it on Netflix outside of the UK, it may be available on another catch-up service.
7. The Stranger
I started this new Netflix original and finished it within three days - I couldn't stop watching! "The stranger" knows who you are, knows your family secrets before you do, and isn't afraid to blackmail you into staying quiet. But how? And at what point do the consequences of knowing everything outweigh the benefits?
8. Dead to Me
I cannot even begin to explain to you the twists and turns in this show! Starring the bautiful and talented Christina Applegate, this drama follows Jen as she tries to make sense of her life after her husband's sudden death. I thought this show would be depressing and a rainy-day watch but it turned out to be so much more than that! If you like being on the edge of your seat and completely unpredictable plot twists, you will love this! A Netflix original so I believe it is available wherever you are.
Fantasy/Horror
1. Locke and Key
When tragedy strikes, a family reluctantly moves into their father's childhood home. It soon becomes clear that this is no ordinary house. It is filled with hidden keys that open doors to things you couldn't imagine. At first the children can't believe there luck, but it quickly becomes clear that having all that power is not as straightforward as it seems.
2. The Haunting of Hill House
A horror series that follows a family plagued by memories of their complicated past and that haunted house they grew up in. As adults, it seems it couldn't be true. Until a tragedy leads them all back together, and right back into the clutches of Hill House. Based on the movie, a terrifying series with an intriguing story line. If you like horror, you'll love this.
Last minute honourable mentions
1. Gossip Girl
Does this even need an introduction?
2. The Vampire Diaries
Team Damon. That's all I'm going to say.
3. You
The main thing I took away from this series is that men who remain interested for more than 5 minutes might be stalking you...
4. How to get away with Murder
I equal parts love and hate every single character in this show. If anyone knows when the next series is out please send me a message, I'm in withdrawal.
5. Suits
I fell in and out of love with every character at least a dozen times and I would do it all over again for the chance to watch this for the first time again. I've never wanted to be a legal secretary but if I could be Donna Paulsen, I wouldn't begrudge it.
Movie recommendations
So I'll be honest, I watch a lot of Netflix. If I was to list every single movie I've watched, I'd be sitting here for weeks. So I'm going to try to break down my favourites and the ones I really recommend you watch. If I don't list your favourite, feel free to leave a comment and share it with me!
Comedy
1. Just go with it
When Danny (Adam Sandler) lies to his girlfriend that he's a divorced family man, he enlists the help of his assistant (Jennifer Anniston) and her kids to help him make the lie come to life.
2. The Hustle
Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson are the perfect pair in this comedy about two women who, essentially, con men. Hilarious, witty and uplifting. Need I say more?
3. He's just not that into you
A bit of a chick-flick, or a Friday night movie. How do you know when a guy's into you? Well, one lucky lady has a guy friend to do all the heavy-lifting for her in this comedy about the quest to find true love.
Horror
1. Bird Box
Starring Sandra Bullock as a desperate woman attempting to flee the unseen creatures that have destroyed the world as we know it. If you see it, it's already too late...
2. In the Tall Grass
I'm not that easy scared but this one really got me. It's sort of confusing and non-nonsensical, which is really what makes it so terrifying. Underrated movie.
3. A Quiet Place
I thought this movie was over-hyped until I watched in a couple of weeks ago and I am eating my words because it was one of the best movies I've ever seen!
I could write about dozens more (I absolutely love horror movies) but I know it's an acquired taste so I'll leave it to you guys to share some more of your favourites with me!
Drama
1. Unforgotten
Katherine Heigl portrays a woman scorned in this drama/thriller about a woman who moves to rural California to start a new life with her fiance and his daughter. Whatever she does though, she just can't escape the clutches of his ex-wife, and her own haunting past.
2. Contagion
Maybe not the right one to watch right now, or maybe this is the perfect time? You guessed it! A movie about a deadly virus sweeping through the world. I like this movie because it's fairly accurate (as accurate as a feature length film designed to entertain the general public can be, anyway).
3. A Simple Favour
Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick star in what I can only describe as a fast-paced movie with about a hundred twists and turns. In face it has so many that by the end I was in fits of laughter because it just seemed so ridiculous... and then I watched it again... and again. So it turns out I like whacky movies with a good cast.
4. The Great Gatsby
One of my all-time favourite movies, starring Leonardo DiCaprio in a movie he 100% should have won an Oscar for (yes, I am extremely bitter). Set during the Roaring 20s in New York City, Mr. Gatsby enlists the help of his friend Nick to win back his one true love, Daisy.
Action/Adventure
1. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
When I first went to watch this I didn't have high hopes as I loved Robin Williams' original. I was so wrong. This movie is hilarious, feel-good and cast brilliantly! It instantly made its way onto my favourites list and is a real feel-good movie.
2. One for the Money
Katherine Heigl stars as a bounty hunter tasked with bringing in her ex-boyfriend, Joe. It was never going to be so straight-forward though, especially not when she still has feelings for him...
3. Outbreak
Like contagion, this will either be the only thing you want to watch, or it'll be something to avoid at all costs. Tells the tale of a pandemic, and finding patient zero. Be warned, there are some themes that touch on corruption and could lead you down a hole of conspiracy theories. Watch with this in mind!
4. Kingsman: The Secret Service
Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Firth and Taron Egerton star in this action/comedy about training up new Secret Service agents. A great cast, a great plot and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing!
5. White House Down
My guilty pleasure movie. Starring Channing Tatum who ends up being the only thing between the President of the United States and death when a terrorist group enters the White House whilst he is on a tour with his daughter. Has everything you need in an action movie, including eye candy.
Musicals
1. La La Land
I think I put this on my list of favourite movies a couple of months ago, but in case you didn't know, it's on Netflix! A beautiful story, a beautiful soundtrack and a beautiful (if not heart-breaking) ending. Cannot recommend this highly enough.
2. Annie
A classic musical that if you haven't seen, you need to. That is all.
Stand up comedy
1. Katherine Ryan: In trouble
5 stars. That's all I'm going to say.
2. Jack Whitehall: At Large
I love all of his stand up, but this one was definitely my favourite so it's a good place to start if you're new here.
3. Russel Howard: Recalibrate
He just says what were all thinking. That's why it's so funny. You'll see what I mean.
Documentaries
1. The Great Hack
If you are interested in where your data goes and what it is used for (or at least what it's been used for in the past) then this one's for you. Exercise caution though, ignorance is bliss in some cases, and you might never log into Facebook, Google, Instagram or your laptop again!
2. Miss Americana
I saved the best until last, of course. Miss Taylor Swift herself shares an insight into song writing, life on stage and why she disappeared. A stunning, heart-wrenching and beautiful documentary about life, love and how you never really know what's going on behind closed doors.
I've realised whilst writing this that I might have a Netflix addiction...
I hope you enjoyed and can't wait to hear what you think of my recommendations!
Charlotte. X
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