Ever since freshmen year, Netflix has remained a staple in my life. From streaming episodes upon episodes of Grey’s and Friday Night Lights, Netflix serves as the TV that I have yet to purchase. For TV shows, it’s great. Movies, on the other hand, …not so much. How many Saturday nights have you stayed in hoping to find something to watch in the Instant Queue? Well, it’s been too many for me. I have had such a hard time deciding on a movie that I wish someone would just choose one for me. The problem is is that I have never heard of more than 80% of the movies and that Netflix groups them into oddly specific categories, such as “quirky-independent-raunchy comedies featuring a strong female lead.” After much research and endless Rotten Tomato reviews, here are the seven best movies streaming on Netflix that you don’t know about for those lazy Sundays and low-key nights.
The Graduate
Yes, this classic is available on Netflix. Featuring Dustin Hoffman and Simon and Garfunkel songs, The Graduate is a comedy about a young college student who is seduced my Mrs. Robinson, but proceeds to fall in love with her daughter.
Warrior
This film probably slipped under your radar in 2011 overshadowed by bigger, summer blockbusters like Harry Potter. However, this sports-drama boasts an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and garnered an Academy Award nomination as well. Starring Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy, it tells the story of two estranged brothers who both enter the same Mixed Martial Arts tournament.
Happy
This heart-warming documentary by Roko Belic explores human happiness and the effects of positive psychology. Belic interviewed twenty people, including a Louisiana fishermen and a rickshaw driver in India, and composed his findings into this 70-minute film.
Adventureland
Starring familiar faces like Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart and Ryan Reynolds, this film is a comedy/drama about a college graduate, who, instead of pursing his passion for journalism, winds up working at an amusement park.
Take This Waltz
This charming Canadian romance centers on Margot (Michelle Williams), her husband (Seth Rogen), and their young marriage. When Margot meets Daniel, an artist who lives across the street, she struggles to balance both her marriage and her developing feelings for Daniel.
Let the Right One In
For horror fans, this Swedish thriller has received nearly universal acclaim with a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Oskar is a 12-year-old boy struggling with his shyness and being bullied. One day, he meets the mysterious Eli — who just happens to be a vampire. Though the vampire plot may seem overplayed, this romance-horror somehow makes it work.
Blue Valentine
“Hey girl…” It obviously wouldn’t be a post about films without Ryan Gosling. Basically, this independent drama chronicles the relationship of a young couple from its first moments to the obstacles that they face in the present. But more importantly, Ryan Gosling is in it. That is all.
Photo Sources:
http://themostbeautifulfraudintheworld.blogspot.com/2012/06/retro-review-adventureland-2009.html
http://www.moviesonline2012.info/2012/08/06/the-graduate-movie-poster-pictures-id-398033/