Unfortunately for most of us, we’ve reached the point in the semester where things start to get pretty hectic. With multiple exams, group projects and papers due every week, the leaves aren’t the only things that are falling. My confidence, motivation and sleep are at all-time lows, and many of you may be feeling the same way. I will admit that I am a champion procrastinator and there’s a good chance that I will leave something until the very last minute no matter the size of the task. If life has got you down and you feel the need to avoid it for a while with a good Netflix binge, I’ve got you covered. I’ve taken the time to peruse many of the available titles and have compiled a list of my favorites so that you don’t have to spend hours searching for something to watch.
1. Stranger Things
Stranger Things is currently all the rage. With Halloween right around the corner, there’s really no better time to get a little spooky. This show is about a missing boy and the hunt for him, which uncovers terrifying supernatural entities. There are only eight episodes so far, but season two is already in the works.
2. The High School Musical trilogy
Currently, only the first and second movies are on Netflix, but that’s okay because the third wasn’t really all that great anyway. High School Musical is a great throwback, and you probably still remember all the words. Maybe the characters’ can-do attitudes will inspire you to get it together and open your textbooks, but if you’re anything like me, it’ll probably just encourage you to continue onto Camp Rock and Jump In, which are also available.
3. Clueless
Clueless is my all-time favorite romantic film. Between the fashion, lessons about finding yourself, and a great love story, what’s not to love? If Cher can argue to make her grades better, maybe we can, too.
4. Legally Blonde
You must always have faith: in yourself, in the fact that eventually midterm season will be over, that you will graduate, that you will succeed. Elle Woods is a very inspirational woman in these films, and she shows us that a little hard work will go a long way and that you don’t have to be the smartest to be successful. This light-hearted film is sure to brighten your day and leave you feeling ready to take on the world.
5. The Office
“Why am I like this?” I ask as I click the button to go onto the next episode. We’re all in need of a little comic relief during this stressful time, and The Office is the perfect solution. Its short episodes make it great for a study break, but it’s also addictive enough that you can spend hours watching it without realizing what you’ve done. Michael Scott for president!
6. Amanda Knox
I personally have not watched this yet because I’m saving it for a rainy day. Casey Schmauder, our VP, wrote a great article detailing the case and the documentary. A good true crime documentary is sure to get your brain moving even if you’re not studying.
7. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Although this movie is absolutely heart-breaking, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Set in pre-war Germany during the Holocaust, this film is about the innocent friendship between the son of a Nazi Commandant and a Jewish boy awaiting execution. The lessons you stand to learn from The Boy in the Striped Pajamas are far more valuable than what you might learn studying for your history midterm.
8. Documentaries
I have another confession: I love documentaries, and there are so many fantastic ones available on Netflix. A lot of people think they’re boring, but I think that they are very compelling, and I am often shocked to learn much of what they present. Some of my favorites are Miss Representation, Food Inc. and 9/11: Stories in Fragments.
This is, of course, only a fraction of the wonderful titles I have used to procrastinate. Happy watching and may the curve be ever in your favor.