Struggling to watch on Netflix tonight? Look no further! We understand how difficult it is to browse through the thousands of movies, so we’ve compiled a curated list on our top picks. From everything to thrillers and animated films, we’re here to plot your next quarantine watch. And don’t worry, we’ve compiled the less-obvious gems too, so you’ll find a great movie that you don’t already know about!
SHUTTER ISLAND (2010) Psychological Thriller Age 18+
Shutter Island’s gleefully unapologetic genre thrills represent Scorcese at his most unrestrained. Set in 1954, World War II veteran and current federal marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner, Chuck (Mark Ruffalo), ferry to Shutter Island, a water-bound mental hospital housing the criminally insane to investigate the disappearance of a patient admitted after murdering her three children. Full of suspense and gritty drama, Shutter Island combines thrilling- and almost nightmarish- imagery with surprise plot twists.
THE SHINING (1980) Horror/Thriller Age 18+
“Director Stanley Kubrick can make your own living room seem creepy and unfamiliar.”
Based on the Stephen King novel, this film provides excellent character arcs and development and manages to transverse a complex world of spectral murder and supernatural visions. Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson), a writer entrusted as a caretaker of an isolated hotel is slowly drawn to madness and violence through the punishing snowstorms and a sinister presence lurking in the shadows, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future. Regarded as one of the scariest and thrilling movies of all time, this is worth a definite watch.
THE KISSING BOOTH 2 (2020) Romantic Comedy Age 13+
Intended for younger audiences, this cheesy teen romantic comedy follows the life of a high school senior (Joey King) juggles college applications and a slippery long distance relationship. The sequel to ‘The Kissing Booth’, this film is a must watch for those who enjoyed the previous movie. It’s currently very popular, so hop on this trend!
TO ALL THE BOYS: P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU (2020) Romantic Comedy Age 13+
With another lovable performance from Lana Condor and Noah Centino, this film is the sequel to ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’, a movie based on the famous novel by Jenny Han. It addresses the problems that come after Lara Jean and Peter’s relationship grow- the reuniting of Lara with another recipient of her old love letters. A bright coloured, exciting 80’s style teen romance trilogy, we recommend this for all rom-com lovers!
GOOD FELLAS (1990) Crime/Drama/Mafia Age 16+
Director Martin Scorsese manages to create a community wholly isolated from society by it’s warped values and staggering amoral code. This tale of mob life in New York is a visually stunning glimpse at the cold-eyed and unforgiving nature of the Italian mob. Based on a true story, Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) was a member of the mob- he broke laws, was untouched by corrupt cops and revered by fawning hanger-ons. Yet, his mistakes, fueled by drug addiction and paranoia, lead to his eventual downfall. With the icy Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and violent Tommy Devito (Joe Pesci), Scorsese manages to create a complex, volatile and stunning masterpiece.
SE7EN (Seven) (1995) Psychological Thriller Age 18+
Director David Fincher’s creepy, stylish thriller combines moody photography and vivid special effects to one of the most influential box office successes. Set in a hellish New York, Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and David Mills (Brad Pitt) search for the diabolical serial killer staging grisly murders and choosing victims to represent the seven deadly sins. One of the bleakest films in cinema history, Se7ven depicts a dark universe where the lines between good and evil are blurred.
THE IRISHMAN (2019) Crime/Drama/Mafia Age 17+
As you can tell, we’re suckers for a good mafia movie! Another epic crime drama by Director Martin Scorsese, this film assembles actors who previously appeared in Scorsese’s classics. “In telling Frank Sheeran's (Robert De Niro) long life story, the movie creates a tragic, passive character who comes close to greatness without ever achieving it and whose penchant for following orders and remaining loyal allows him to overlook any moral quandaries.” Alongside Al Pacino and Joe Pesci, this film combines scenes of violence and suspense to leave us with questions about legacy and regret.
THE AVIATOR (2004) Drama/Epic/Action Age 16+
In this richly detailed movie, Leonardo Dicaprio charts Howard Hughes’ descent from eccentric billionaire to reclusive madman. This larger-than-life true story is fascinating, grand and impressive. Despite its 3-hour-long run time, the character arcs are well defined and it’s a gripping and engaging film. We didn’t think it was possible to adore Leonardo more than before!
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968) Sci Fi/Adventure Age 12+
“One of the most influential of all sci-fi films -- and one of the most controversial -- Stanley Kubrick's 2001 is a delicate, poetic meditation on the ingenuity -- and folly -- of mankind.”
A must watch for Sci/Fi lovers, A Space Odyssey tracks the dawn of man 4 million years ago to the exploration of deep space. In a few short minutes, we’re transported from a desolate time when our ape-like predecessors scoured for food, to mankind launching it’s journey to the universe. Kubrick poses questions of evolution and destiny, and what humans are drawing closer towards.
DOLEMITE IS MY NAME (2019) Comedy/Drama Age 17+
“This biographical comedy follows the beats of similar showbiz-related movies, but its rambunctious, playfully vulgar sense of humor and infectious can-do attitude make it a satisfying winner.”
Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) is working at a record shop while his attempts at being a singer fail and his comedy career fades away. One night, he stumbles past a local homeless man who tells the tale of a black hero named ‘Dolemite’, and more is inspired. He decides to incorporate Dolemite into his act, and soon his comedy records start hitting the charts. Bold and brash, this hilarious film portrays real-life Rudy Ray Moore and his path to stardom in the 70s.
NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND (1984) Animation/Fantasy Age 10+
One of Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki’s most acclaimed films, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind tracks the tale of warrior and pacifist Princess Nausicaa who desperately struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet. The setting of the 1984 anime borrows from the post-apocalyptic genre, and combines beautiful hand-drawn and animated scenes to create a strikingly creative film with a great message and admirable heroine. Nausicaa leads the people of the Valley of the Wind centuries after war has devastated the world. Find this on Netflix in English and Japanese!
FULL METAL JACKET War/Drama Age 18+
“Intense, tightly constructed, and darkly comic at times, Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket may not boast the most original of themes, but it is exceedingly effective at communicating them.”
Full Metal Jacket depicts the ugly realities of war in a timeless effort to crystalize the experience of the Vietnam War and capture the dehumanizing effects of the Vietnam War. A US Marine observes the dehumanizing effects of the war on his fellow recruits from their brutal boot camp to bloody street fighting in Hue. This film is easily relevant today, and captures stunning visual imagery with impactful dialogue and acting.
THE TERMINAL (2004) Comedy/Drama Age 12+
Who doesn't love a little Tom Hanks? Director Steven Spielbery and the Cast Away star have created a story of great warmth and depth- the film is more of a fantasy, even a parable. Navorisku, an Eastern European tourist (Hanks) unexpectedly finds himself stranded in JFK airport, and must take up temporary residence there. He manages to enrich the lives of those around him, from a bitter janitor to a would-be smuggler and a vulnerable flight attendant. We recommend this for all those looking for a happy, feel good movie!
Stay tuned for more Netflix recommendations- we’re here to make the best of your quarantine. Let us know what you think of our picks!
