As UT’s fall break (finally) comes, many students use the time to go home, catch up with their family and friends, and just take a break between the chaos of midterms and the stress of finals. However, it’s also a super popular time for new entertainment releases. Here are some must-watch movies and shows for your time away from campus:
Dancing With The Stars Finale
Between the viral lift from Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach’s Argentine Tango and the controversial eliminations each week, odds are you’ve already seen something related to Dancing with the Stars on your social media feed. The season is coming to a close this Tuesday, November 25th. After last week’s Prince Night, the top five contestants will battle it out in three rounds of competition, each looking to win the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Those who watch the show live can vote for their favorite dancers, helping select the winner of the 34th season. Happy voting!
Stranger Things Season 5 – Volume 1
Nearly a decade after the first season, Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things is releasing its fifth and final season. Returning to Hawkins, Indiana, the Party and their family and friends must join forces to fight Vecna after his victory in the fourth season. The popular series will be released in three parts, with the first part coming out on Wednesday, November 26th, the day before Thanksgiving, and consisting of four episodes. The series might require a rewatch (or at least a recap) before diving into the new season, so you may have to plan if you really want to remember the first four seasons.Â
Wicked: For Good
If you, like me, happened to miss UT’s early screening on campus, Wicked: For Good is now in theaters. The movie will follow Elphaba and Glinda, now the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good, as they change Oz and deal with the fallout of their choices from the first film. Dress up in pink or green and go watch the, to paraphrase Glinda, thrillifying new musical. If you love it, you can pick up some of the (many) merch collaborations with brands like LEGO, Puma, and Dunkin’ Donuts.Â
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t
I’ll admit – I loved the first two movies, so this is a biased recommendation. However, the third film in the Now You See Me series was recently released to theaters on November 14th, with many of the actors from the original films and some new additions. The movie will feature the return of the Horsemen, a group of magicians working to do good through, of course, elaborate magic acts and tricks. Get some tickets for you and your friends before they disappear!Â
Zootopia 2
I remember loving Zootopia in elementary school when it first came out in 2016. For students going home to younger siblings or young cousins, or for students who just really like Zootopia, the sequel, Zootopia 2, is a great choice. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, now partners after the first movie, have to solve a tough new case dealing with the arrival of Gary De’Snake, a pit viper. The film comes out on November 26th, making this movie perfect for families spending Thanksgiving together.Â