Netflix is a college student’s favorite pastime. The problem is, Netflix is often overwhelming. You have two hours to relax between classes or are giving yourself a short study break, yet you waste half your free time poking around through each genre and the suggested movies. By the time you actually find one that seems appealing you have ten minutes left until class or you need to get back to work. Here’s our guilty pleasure guide to great Netflix shows and movies.
Movies
Silver Linings Playbook
Pat (Bradley Cooper) moves in with his parents after a stint in a mental hospital, and meets Tiffany, who’s just as unstable as he is. Both Pat and Tiffany try to work out their own personal demons while helping each other out and developing their own crazy relationship. Not only did this movie win JLaw her Oscar, but it is packed full of heart.
“You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, you have a shot at a silver lining.”
Ella Enchanted
An oldie but a goodie, Ella Enchanted is a great mix of fairytale, musical, and romance for any girl out there. Ella is not your normal fairytale maiden: she’s independent, opinionated and doesn’t wait to be rescued by Prince Charming. That’s not to say she isn’t though – as Ella goes on her own quest to get her fairy godmother to undo her gift of obedience, Ella makes friends with an elf, ogres, giants and a very charming Prince Char.
“If there’s one thing to learn it’s you just can’t go wrong, if you follow your heart, and end with a song.”
Stardust
Stardust is a hidden gem. A mix of The Princess Bride, Hocus Pocus, and Treasure Island, this movie has something for everyone: fantasy, adventure, action, witches, pirates, love, and the quest for a kingdom. To win the heart of his true love, Tristan crosses the town wall and journeys to a forbidden realm in search of a star. When the star turns out not to be what he expected, a woman, Tristan and his new companion Yvaine face constant pursuit and danger in their journey back to the wall.
“A philosopher once asked, ‘Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?’ Pointless, really… ‘Do the stars gaze back?’ Now that’s a question.”
Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
Who doesn’t watching the adventures of Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swan? Wait, there should be a Captain in there somewhere. Watch the movie that started it all and fall in love with the crazy antics of Jack all over again as Will and Elizabeth fall in love and find their true place: as pirates.
“The only rules that really matter are these: what a man can do and what a man can’t do.”
TV
Scandal
After watching Scandal, you’ll constantly want to channel your inner Olivia Pope: the woman who can fix all, conquer all, and command the whole White House, all while wearing a white pantsuit, looking fabulous, and drinking red wine. Watch Olivia and her self-proclaimed team of gladiators try to clean up the political scandal of Washington, working for the good guys and figuring out that they aren’t always easy to spot.
Friday Night Lights
Never has there been a television show with more heart. Okay, that might not be true, but Friday Night Lights is close to the top of that list. While originally the show–centered around Dillon, Texas, a complete football crazed town–may seem unappealing, the heart of the show is not in the football itself. The heart is in the characters, from all walks of life, that find themselves affected by the football craze of the town, whether they like it or not. You see the hardship each teenager faces, the pressure to do well, and the awkwardness that comes with growing up. The star of the show, though, is always Coach Eric Taylor, the moral compass and the true leader.
“Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose.”
Gilmore Girls
Netflix just recently added Gilmore Girls to its online streaming: probably one of the greatest things of the decade. Again, exaggerating, but still. Finally being able to watch all seven seasons of the fast talking mother-daughter duo of Lorelei and Rory along with the rest of the quirky Stars Hollow gang is magical. The story is one of heart; Lorelei’s relationship with Rory is one that developed because of teen pregnancy and being a single mother, estranged from her own parents. It makes the bond and chemistry of the characters even greater, yet the show never takes itself too seriously. Whether it be Lorelei’s and Rory’s pop culture references, their caffeine induced states, the odd cast of characters that make up Stars Hollow, or the properness of Emily Gilmore.
“Dab on some lipgloss clear but fruity, maybe a little mascara, wear your hair down and your attitude high.”
Psych
Psych is a hidden gem that after eight long seasons has stopped running. Thankfully though, you can find it on Netflix. This show is constant comedy with best friend duo Shawn and Gus. Shawn uses his excellent skills of observation, taught by his ex-cop father, to open a fake psychic agency that helps solve crimes and aids the Santa Barbara police department. Gus, his sidekick, is there at every turn to help Shawn and also bring him back to earth. The pop culture references are great and the absurdity of it all is what makes it easy to get into and so fun to watch.
“How can you tell that someone’s a compulsive liar? I mean, assuming that their pants aren’t on fire.”
So next time you give yourself a Netflix break, don’t waste it searching through the thousands of movies and television shows. Pick one of these must watches and sit back, relax and enjoy. You might just find a new favorite.