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- Time to kill? Here are 126 riveting movies you can watch on Netflix right now
- Couch bound? Here are our favorite shows currently streaming on Netflix
- 10 Colleges and Universities With the Most Competitive Admissions Rates
- U.S. orders girls' locker room access for transgender Illinois student
- South Korea's 'history war' intensifies
- US: School district violated transgender student's rights
- Latino Leadership Education Summit takes a closer look at Latino students
Time to kill? Here are 126 riveting movies you can watch on Netflix right now Posted: 03 Nov 2015 10:15 AM PST This list is updated monthly to reflect recent availability and to showcase films currently streaming on Netflix, whether talking classics or modern gems. Netflix offers roughly a gazillion different movies available through its streaming platform — well, approximately a gazillion. However, while the landmark service might become surprisingly accurate with its suggestions once you've been using it for a while, it's still often tough to find something worth watching amid the trove of terrible choices.That being the case, we've taken the time to wade through the ridiculous amount of content in order to bring you a list of some of the best films currently available on Netflix Instant. Planning your weekend has never been easier. Related: Here's what's new on Netflix in November, and what's going away Choose a genre: Recent Additions Documentaries Comedies Dramas Thrillers & Action Adventure Foreign Sci-Fi & Fantasy Kids Horror Romance New for November 2015 The Addams Family Please enable Javascript to watch this video In our day and age, no series or sitcom is safe from becoming a potential revival. The Addams Family is no exception, even if it is a feature-length film instead of a modern rehashing of the popular TV show from the mid-1960s. The film's dreary atmosphere and punchy one-liners take a cue from Charles Addams' cartoon of the same name, acting as a droll canvas on which director Barry Sonnenfeld, aka the Coen brothers' former cinematographer, fleshes out the story of Morticia (Anjelica Huston), Gomez (Raúl Juliá), and the entire Addams crew. The dry humor and Sonnenfeld's ace visual work capture the deadpan spirit of Addams' original work with splendor and wit, while the nightmarish gags and Huston's scene-stealing delivery further solidify it as a cult classic. Kung Fury Please enable Javascript to watch this video The 31-minute spectacle that is Kung Fury is a testament to what can be done with a touch of nostalgia, a few special effects, and more than $650,000 in backing. The short film began as the Kickstarter project of one David Sandberg, a Swedish music video director and special effects whiz, before coming to fruition and YouTube in mid-2015. The premise itself — which revolves around a Miami detective who travels back in time in order to assassinate Hitler and overthrow the Nazi regime — is as ridiculous as the over-the-top martial arts sequences, all of which benefit from the use of dinosaurs, vikings, ninjas, and leather-wielding David Hasselhoff. It's an action-packed homage to the prolific cop genre from the '80s, and though void of taste, it's better off because of it. Beasts of No Nation Please enable Javascript to watch this video The inevitable release of Beasts of No Nation was a long time coming. The Netflix-distributed film, the streaming service's first, simultaneously premiered on the service and in limited releases throughout the globe to widespread critical acclaim in October. Lauded director Cary Joji Fukunaga penned and shot the entire feature, which traces the harrowing life of a child soldier (Abraham Attah) who falls in line with a group of mercenaries and their larger-than-life commandant (Idris Elba). The latter actor is a powerhouse, both terrifying and charismatic, while the rest of the film tackles the brutal atrocities of war with just the right amount of impact and implication. It's certainly not an easy watch given the film's more bold and bloody moments, yet, why should it be given the nature of its content? August : Osage County Please enable Javascript to watch this video August: Osage County is a brilliant play, and in turn, August: Osage County makes for a brilliant film. The film and play both center on a dysfunctional family, three sisters in particular, who return to their childhood home in Oklahoma following the disappearance of their father. The A-list cast features everyone from Julia Roberts and Benedict Cumberbatch to Ewan McGregor and Meryl Streep, all of whom spend the majority of the film quarreling with one another over matters of incest, mistaken paternity, adultery, and a laundry list of grudges rooted within their childhood upbringing and their current state of affairs. The black comedy is ripe with dark humor and theatrical setpieces, not to mention scathing dialogue that will make your annual family outings seem tame. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Please enable Javascript to watch this video Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor-in-chief of French Elle magazine, suffered a massive stroke when he was a mere 43 years old. The crippling incident left him with a condition known as lock-in syndrome, which paralyzes nearly all voluntary muscles in his body except for his eyes. Bauby was still able to dictate an entire memoir by blinking his left eyelid, however, giving rise to the The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and the film adaptation thereof. The heroic film chronicles the day-to-day life with the condition, along Bauby's fantasies and past life, culminating in a film that brims with wisdom and celebrates life when it could very easily dawdle in despair given the grave subject matter. Moreover, French actor Mathieu Amalric's portrayal as Bauby is spectacular… right down to his stationary antics and frenzied twitching. The Terminator Please enable Javascript to watch this video There was a time, after Arnold Schwarzenegger's body building days and before his time in office, when he was a machine in more ways than one. The Terminator solidified his acting career and propelled director James Cameron to the forefront of Hollywood, helping spur a franchise that still continues to this day for better or worse. The original remains one of the best post-apocalyptic flicks of the entire '80s though, and tells the tale of a cyborg (Schwarzenegger) who travels back in time to kill a woman (Linda Hamilton) whose unborn son is destined to lead the human resistance against the machines. It's light on dialogue and backstory, sure, but the high-octane chase scenes, sly humor, and endless carnage are more than enough. The iconic theme music helps, too. The Secret of Kells Please enable Javascript to watch this video The fabled Hayao Miyazaki isn't the only director with a penchant for animated whimsy. Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey's The Secret of Kells is a delightful romp steeped in Irish tradition and Celtic mythology, one that beautifully employs ornate design and a luscious colors to tell the tale of a medieval monk (Evan McGuire) on a mission to save an enchanted forest and complete a storied book. The way the otherworldly images and story unfold on a flat, 2D plane is magnificent, as is the way the hand-drawn film meshes the ancient manuscript illustrations with modern animation. The ravenous wolves and dark forests of the film are as reliant on history as they are fantasy, and though they take a cue from a book first conceived in a remote Irish abbey more than a millennium ago, they do so with a contemporary twist that's suited for children and adults alike. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari Please enable Javascript to watch this video Director Robert Wiene's The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a strange film by all accounts, yet, it's often considered the quintessential work of German Expressionist cinema and arguably the first horror film in existence. A multitude of jagged landscapes and sharp angles punctuate the bizarre cinematography — giving the silent film about an evil hypnotist, an asylum inmate, and a psychiatrist an added depth of surrealism and two-dimensional mystique — while other cubist-esque touches and techniques further define its visual flare. Looks aside, the iconic film serves as an enduring expose on the mental state of Francis (Friedrich Feher), serving both as a vessel for examining the duality of human nature and our owns perceptions of reality. It's likely not, as some claim, a premonition of the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, but that doesn't render it any less unnerving. Terms of Endearment Please enable Javascript to watch this video Terms of Endearment is a classic tear-jerker of much renown. Much like Larry McMurtry's novel of the same name, the offbeat film follows widow Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine) and daughter Emma Greenway-Horton (Debra Winger) over the span of 30 years, exploring the humor and heartbreak that accompany the men they date. It's a bittersweet melodrama with wonderful performances and taut scripting at its core, so much that its examination of dating and our relationships comes off as natural as it gets. Jack Nicholson's supporting role only just bolsters it all, even if it is Winger's performance in the closing scenes that truly gives the award-winning film its gusto and humanity. Hook, line, and sinker. Next Page: Documentaries Choose a genre: Recent Additions Documentaries Comedies Dramas Thrillers & Action Adventure Foreign Sci-Fi & Fantasy Kids Horror Romance Documentaries Blackfish Please enable Javascript to watch this video See the film that is causing some major waves — pun intended — for Sea World. Featuring interviews from former trainers spliced with live video footage of killer whales in the wild and captivity, Blackfish examines if it's truly safe for humans to house the enormous creatures in captivity. The film showcases the horrid living conditions the captive whales are exposed to, along with the deaths of multiple trainers. Prepare to have your memories of Free Willy shattered in 123 minutes. Somm Please enable Javascript to watch this video Regardless of whether or not you enjoy wine, Somm is a heart-wrenching story about four men trying to pass the hardest test in the world of wine: the Master Sommelier exam, which only 214 people in the world have passed. You will be hooked watching the four men study all night to prepare for the most important test of their life, memorizing arcane wine facts pertaining to wine regions and methods. You may not be able to distinguish an oaky wine from one showcasing hints of grapefruit, but they do. Muscle Shoals Please enable Javascript to watch this video Muscle Shoals' Fame Studios is a legendary institution for many reasons. The fabled studio, which initially opened in 1969, has served as the home of everyone from Boz Scaggz and Aretha Franklin to the Rolling Stones and Paul Simon, with newer acts such as the Black Keys and Band of Horses rounding out its fourth decade of existence. Fittingly, Muscle Shoals chronicles the studio's unexpected rise to fame, along with the key cast of players that defined the funky, soulful undercurrents and undeniable grooves with which the studio became synonymous. Jiro Dreams of Sushi Please enable Javascript to watch this video You'll never look at the California Roll the same way again after watching this fascinating documentary about one of the best sushi chefs in the world. Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old legend in Tokyo, charges $300 a plate at his small restaurant. The film follows his never-ending quest to perfect the art of sushi, while profiling his two sons along the way, the latter of which is poised to succeed Jiro and carry on the family tradition at the renowned restaurant (Sukiyabashi Jiro). Iris Please enable Javascript to watch this video Albert Maysles' penultimate film is a fitting portrait of a fashion icon who, surprisingly, still remains at the top of her game despite her old age. The 93-year-old subject is Iris Apfel, one of the most renowned fashionistas and interior designers to have ever trotted the globe. Maysles' film depicts the stages of her life through a series of interviews, many of which contribute to a film that functions as both an ode to individual uniqueness and an intimate look into a marriage more than 65 years in the making. Apfel's life (and home) might be cluttered, but it's chock-full of charming insight more than anything else. Fed Up Please enable Javascript to watch this video Fed Up is the Inconvenient Truth of the health movement. Stephanie Soechtig's praised documentary looks to expose the underlying causes of childhood obesity, primarily with a focus on the effects of dietary sugars. It's a thorough examination — if not a scary one — of what's becoming one of the most serious medical issues in the United States, one featuring eye-opening statistics and a host of talking heads that outline our unregulated addiction to unhealthy foods. The film is a good deal to digest at times (pun intended), but the plainspoken interviews with obese teens are probably enough to make you pass on your next Snickers. Alive Inside Please enable Javascript to watch this video Michael Rossato-Bennett's documentary about using music to combat the effects of Alzheimer's and dementia is an astonishingly moving piece of filmmaking. Viewers follow Dan Cohen, founder of the nonprofit organization Music & Memory, as he struggles with America's failing health care system while attempting to show music's incredible power over those suffering memory loss. Each scene showing an Alzheimer's patient "awaken" after being played music from their past is as visceral an experience as you'll find in any movie. Maidentrip Please enable Javascript to watch this video Circumnavigating the globe alone is no small feat for anyone — especially a 14-year-old Dutch schoolgirl. However, Laura Dekker did just that in 2010, departing from Gibralter and sailing the world for two years using a 38-foot refurbished ketch named Guppy. She filmed the bulk of her trip using a Sony Handy Came, whether talking her onshore romps in the Pearl Islands to her harrowing encounters at sea, essentially documenting a modern coming-of-age tale that revels more so in loneliness than social media and an acute fascination with boys. Thank God. The Wrecking Crew Please enable Javascript to watch this video You've likely heard the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" and the Ronettes' "Be My Baby," but you probably never knew that neither band played the instruments on either track. The Wrecking Crew chronicles the collective of L.A.-based studios musicians that did, though, while emphasizing just how integral the rotating cast of players were to some of the most iconic sounds of the '60s. The nostalgia-seeped documentary — which is profiled by Denny Tedesco, a filmmaker who's late father was a guitarist in the band — is essentially an ode to these lauded, under-appreciated player that lacks conflict but shines with candid interviews. Honor Flight Please enable Javascript to watch this video Honor Flight is truly a film about volunteers and veterans. The feature-length tribute chronicles a band of Midwest volunteers who tirelessly work around the clock to send every local World War II veteran to Washington D.C., so they can look upon the memorials built in their honor. It's an emotional documentary to say the least, filled with wide-ranging interviews that encompass both the war itself and the ensuing aftermath for a small slew of vets, many of whom are now in their late '80s or '90s. The film's premier in Milwaukee in 2012 even drew a crowd of more than 30,000 people, setting a Guinness World Record for movie premiere attendance. That alone makes it worth the watch. 1 80° South Please enable Javascript to watch this video Chris Malloy's 180° South is an adventure documentary in the most basic sense. The film revolves around surfer-mountaineer Jeff Johnson's journey retracing Patagonia founders Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins' epic 1968 trip to Patagonia, Chile. Questions of ecological conservation and wanderlust belie the footage of rock climbing and surfing, though, prompting you to reconsider our role on this planet amid a phenomenal Ugly Casanova-anchored soundtrack. What Happened, Miss Simone? Please enable Javascript to watch this video Nina Simone, though one of the most gifted performers of all time, was often a mess behind the scenes when she wasn't in front of them. The classically-trained pianist and jazz singer regularly suffered from bipolar episodes and bouts of depression throughout her career, while continuing to advocate for civil rights and equality for blacks. Liz Garbus' excellent documentary is a tough-love portrait of the late legend, one that culls from audio interviews, rare performance footage, and lost diary entries to create a thorough examination of her life and times. To be honest, it will make you wonder how she didn't burn out sooner. The Short Game Please enable Javascript to watch this video Ever seen the excellent, 2002 documentary Spellbound ? Well, The Short Game is kind of like that, though, it focuses on eight entrants in the 2012 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship and their overzealous parents instead of a national spelling bee in Washington D.C. Director Josh Greenbaum's inspiring film follows the young athletes — five of which are boys and three of which are girls — beginning six months prior to the competition, profiling their athletic drive and personal interests in equal measure. Some of the athletes hog more of the spotlight than others, such as tennis superstar Anna Kournikova's younger brother, but they all wind up participating in a competition that spurs both laughter and tears alike for the children and their parents. I guess some people just can't handle defeat. The Battered Bastards of Baseball Please enable Javascript to watch this video Baseball, and sports in general, should really be about the love of the game. Netflix's original documentary chronicles an independent professional baseball team in the early '70s that truly exemplified the spirit and camaraderie of one of America's greatest past times. It's a heartwarming and surprisingly-true film, one following a ragtag group of players in Portland, Ore., you wouldn't believe — including a blacklisted former Yankee pitcher and team owner's son, actor Kurt Russell. Virunga Please enable Javascript to watch this video Conflict, like it or not, is often what makes a film what is. Virguna has a good deal of it, too, spanning everything from poaching and internal warfare to the looming threat of oil exploration. The heart-wrenching documentary follows four characters fighting to protect Virunga National Park, home of the last remaining sects of mountain gorillas, yet it does so with a keen environmental focus and attention to the region's complex political issues. It's exemplary in a multitude of ways, but none more so than the way it portrays the passion of all those involved in the conflict. Life Itself Please enable Javascript to watch this video Roger Ebert was the premiere American film critic before his death a mere two years ago. Drawn from his memoir, Life Itself chronicles his life from his earliest days at his school newspaper to his long-standing gig at the Chicago Sun-Times . It's composed of interviews taken with his family and peers — along with those carried out with iconic critic during his final days — as well as his numerous television appearances and clips from his popular show alongside Gene Siskel. There's a heavy focus on Ebert's final moments, which can be jarring and perhaps too revealing at times, but the film as a whole is awash with warm detail and affection. The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir Please enable Javascript to watch this video To Deadheads — and even many outside the Grateful Dead's cultish following — Bob Weir remains an unsung hero. As a longtime musician and the founding rhythm guitarist of the band, he spent decades on the road and recording swaths of both studio and live albums, effortlessly carving his signature sound into the throne of American music and paving the way for all jam bands to come. Netflix's moving documentary examines his modest upbringing, splicing contemporary interviews with the musician and his family alongside archival footage of his last days with the infamous Jerry Garcia and his long, strange trip into the realm of psychedelics. It's far out, sure, but worth a watch given his insightful take on Jerry's death and all that came prior. Man on Wire Please enable Javascript to watch this video On August 7, 1984, Frenchman Philippe Petit performed a tight-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, a quarter mile above the ground. The aptly-titled Man on Wire explores Petit's preparation and historic feat, using both actual and staged footage of the event and Petit's motley crew of accomplices. The preparation and stunt are enough to give someone without acrophobia an acute sense of vertigo, but the way the documentary seamlessly splices the two together renders it a unified statement of how ambition and passion can ultimately overshadow rational to glorious effect. After all, a 1,350-foot drop is just insane. Next Page: Comedies Choose a genre: Recent Additions Documentaries Comedies Dramas Thrillers & Action Adventure Foreign Sci-Fi & Fantasy Kids Horror Romance Comedies Chef Please enable Javascript to watch this video Jon Favreau may be best known for Swingers and his directorial efforts behind Iron Man , but the "back-to-the-basics" Chef is still poised to remain one of his most endearing films of all time. It revolves around failed restaurateur Carl Casper (Favreau), who decides to ditch Los Angeles and open a food truck in Miami near his ex-wife and son before toting it across the country. It's quirky and bitingly realistic at times — some say the new, quintesstntial date movie — with a stellar supporting cast that includes Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johannson, and others. Almost Famous Please enable Javascript to watch this video Almost Famous is essentially the story of director Cameron Crowe's early years. It chronicles William Miller (Patrick Fugit) as he sets out to cover the fictional band Stillwater in an effort to produce his first cover story for Rolling Stone — much like Crowe did while touring with the likes of Poco and Led Zeppelin during their heyday. Sure, it bombed at the box office, but it's excellent casting and honest, offbeat scenes make it more than a movie about friendship and unbridled love. Election Please enable Javascript to watch this video Believe it or not, Matthew Broderick shined in more than just one film. Election is a prime example, encompassing a high-school election in which he — a popular history professor — attempts to bolster a football player's chances of winning the student council presidency against sociopath Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon). The smart film is a bitter satire of the American electoral process and high school in general, with standout performances from everyone involved. Still, as Tammy Metzler (Jessica Campbell) might say, "Who cares about this stupid election?" Good point. Mean Girls Please enable Javascript to watch this video There's no finer take on high school social cliques than Tina Fey's Mean Girls . The cult classic stars Lindsey Lohan as Cady Heron, a 16-year-old girl who is forced to attend public school once her family returns from a decade-long research trip in Africa. Lohan joins the school's most exclusive outfit, but soon finds herself grappling with psychological status warfare when she falls in love with Aaron Samuels. It showcase girl-on-girl cattiness at its best (and most maniacal). Ferris Bueller's Day Off Please enable Javascript to watch this video Any self-respecting movie buff has seen this movie more times than they can count, but we just couldn't leave it off the list. The plot follows protagonist Ferris Bueller, who convinces his entire school that death is knocking at his door, then hits the streets of Chicago with his girlfriend and best friend for a day of complete and utter debauchery. It's a warm-hearted comedy about innocence and growing up, chock full of Chicago landmarks and unforgettable scenes. Oh, yeaaaaah. Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure Please enable Javascript to watch this video Although Stephen Herek's classic film only achieved modest box office success, the charming and goofy remains a mainstay among cult fanatics. The plot revolves around two underachieving high school students, Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves), who are destined to flunk their history class unless they ace their year-end presentation. The two travel back back in time via a time machine disguised as phone booth, meeting the likes of Socrates and Billy the Kid in the process. Legally Blonde Please enable Javascript to watch this video While you could read Amanda Brown's novel on which Legally Blonde is based, or the mediocre musical for that matter, MGM's sleeper hit of 2013 is far more entertaining. The featherweight comedy stars Reese Witherspoon as a ditzy, former sorority girl who attempts to win back her ex-boyfriend (Matthew Davis) with a law degree from Harvard. Witherspoon is more animated and witty in the film than she's ever been since, especially alongside co-stars like Luke Wilson and Selma Blair, offering up plenty of fashion advice, spa-centric one liners, and sound defense during the film's pivotal trial scene at the end. Sadly, the sequel doesn't exactly carry the same weight. The Addams Family Please enable Javascript to watch this video In our day and age, no series or sitcom is safe from becoming a potential revival. The Addams Family is no exception, even if it is a feature-length film instead of a modern rehashing of the popular TV show from the mid-1960s. The film's dreary atmosphere and punchy one-liners take a cue from Charles Addams' cartoon of the same name, acting as a droll canvas on which director Barry Sonnenfeld, aka the Coen brothers' former cinematographer, fleshes out the story of Morticia (Anjelica Huston), Gomez (Raúl Juliá), and the entire Addams crew. The dry humor and Sonnenfeld's ace visual work capture the deadpan spirit of Addams' original work with splendor and wit, while the nightmarish gags and Huston's scene-stealing delivery further solidify it as a cult classic. Zoolander Please enable Javascript to watch this video Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Christine Taylor, Will Ferrell, and Jerry Stiller all start in the star-studded film about a dimwitted male model who finds a iconic fashion mogul to be behind an assassination plot to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia. The film is saturated with notable cameos from everyone from David Bowie to Donald Trump, with memorable one liners — i.e. "Hansel, so hot right now" — that perfectly compliment the cast and the film's take on fashion. Kung Fury Please enable Javascript to watch this video The 31-minute spectacle that is Kung Fury is a testament to what can be done with a touch of nostalgia, a few special effects, and more than $650,000 in backing. The short film began as the Kickstarter project of one David Sandberg, a Swedish music video director and special effects whiz, before coming to fruition and YouTube in mid-2015. The premise itself — which revolves around a Miami detective who travels back in time in order to assassinate Hitler and overthrow the Nazi regime — is as ridiculous as the over-the-top martial arts sequences, all of which benefit from the use of dinosaurs, vikings, ninjas, and leather-wielding David Hasselhoff. It's an action-packed homage to the prolific cop genre from the '80s, and though void of taste, it's better off because of it. Hot Fuzz Please enable Javascript to watch this video Hot Fuzz is basically actor-writer Simon Pegg's shot at the buddy cop genre, though, one spliced with same comedic elements that made Shaun of the Dead so amusing in the first place. Pegg stars as a former London constable in the film, who's assigned to investigate the sleepy town of Sanford alongside the dimwitted Butterman (Nick Frost). However, things start to become interesting following a string of so-called "accidents" plaguing various members of the town. The biting, British film is the second in director Edgar Wright's Cornetto trilogy, which ultimately culminates with The World's End and capitalizes on the fantastic interplay between Pegg and Frost. Moonrise Kingdom Please enable Javascript to watch this video Few directors, writers, or producers showcase a visual or narrative style as distinct as Wes Anderson. The whimsical Moonrise Kingdom is one of the best to date, too, one that tells the escapade of a young boy scout (Jared Gilman) and a bookish girl (Kara Hayward) who decide to run away together in an effort to temporarily escape their lives, and more so, their parental figures surrounding them. A beautiful, subdued palette makes the oddity of a film a joy to watch, while a tremendous supporting cast — including Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Bruce Willis, and others — helps capture an eccentric summer filled with affairs, beachside portraits, and khaki's. Clueless Please enable Javascript to watch this video Another cult classic in the Mean Girls vein, Clueless adapts Jane Austin's 1815 novel, Emma , and turns it on its head with a modern twist. It follows the wealthy and winsome Cher (Alicia Silverstone), a Beverly Hills high school student who sets out to unite two teachers and then popularize new student, Tai Frasier (Brittany Murphy). The lighthearted film spurred a book series, but much like the TV series of the same name, it wasn't quite the sleeper hit the original film was. Wet Hot American Summer Please enable Javascript to watch this video David Wain's Wet Hot American Summer was, by all accounts, a complete flop when it hit theaters in 2001. It's garnered a commendable cult following in the years since, though, and even recently received additional backing from Netflix in the form of an eight-episode prequel debuting sometime this year. The raucous, satirical comedy chronicles the final day at the fictional Camp Firewood, one filled with lust, loose lips, and one of the most ludicrous talent shows to ever hit the state of Maine. It also stars a who's who cast of actors and actresses — Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, Michael Ian Black, Elizabeth Banks, Ken Marino etc. — many of which went on to topple television ratings and the modern standup circuit as we know it. In Bruges Please enable Javascript to watch this video Ripe with dark humor and showcasing Colin Farrell in what might be his only film worth watching, In Bruges remains a British-American drama of the highest caliber. Though the oddball film features a gloomy premise that revolves around two hit men who must lay low at a bed-and-breakfast in Belgium until their boss contacts them, it finds an incredible amount of humor in its witty and sharply-written script. Farrell is stupendous, too, whether portraying an offhanded killer or a fumbling lover that's as nervous as a 13-year-old boy fresh out of middle school. Next Page: Dramas Dramas Choose a genre: Recent Additions Documentaries Comedies Dramas Thrillers & Action Adventure Foreign Sci-Fi & Fantasy Kids Horror Romance Django Unchained Please enable Javascript to watch this video Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained is a brilliant, though jarringly violent and stylistic, take on slavery in the 1800s. It follows a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz) and a freed slave named Django (Jamie Foxx) as they set out to free Django's wife from a sadistic plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio). The linear western is undeniably brazen, with heavy use of vulgarity and racial slurs, but it's still a sensational satire — so long as you can overlook a few historical inaccuracies and stomach the atrociousness of the gladiator-like Mandingo scene. Rosewater Please enable Javascript to watch this video Not everyone thought comedian and satirical news anchor John Stewart would leave behind his primetime charades to direct a film, especially one as dramatic and heavy-hitting as Rosewater . The turbulent film, which is based on Maziar Bahari's memoir ( Then They Came for Me ), recounts a London-based journalist who is imprisoned, tortured, and interrogated in Iran for nearly four months as an alleged U.S. spy. Stewart seamlessly captures the overwhelming tension of the whole ordeal alongside lead actor Gael García Bernal, and moreover, does so while shedding light on political absurdities of it all and upholding the utmost respect for the Iranian people. Beasts of No Nation Please enable Javascript to watch this video The inevitable release of Beasts of No Nation was a long time coming. The Netflix-distributed film, the streaming service's first, simultaneously premiered on the service and in limited releases throughout the globe to widespread critical acclaim in October. Lauded director Cary Joji Fukunaga penned and shot the entire feature, which traces the harrowing life of a child soldier (Abraham Attah) who falls in line with a group of mercenaries and their larger-than-life commandant (Idris Elba). The latter actor is a powerhouse, both terrifying and charismatic, while the rest of the film tackles the brutal atrocities of war with just the right amount of impact and implication. It's certainly not an easy watch given the film's more bold and bloody moments, yet, why should it be given the nature of its content? August : Osage County Please enable Javascript to watch this video August: Osage County is a brilliant play, and in turn, August: Osage County makes for a brilliant film. The film and play both center on a dysfunctional family, three sisters in particular, who return to their childhood home in Oklahoma following the disappearance of their father. The A-list cast features everyone from Julia Roberts and Benedict Cumberbatch to Ewan McGregor and Meryl Streep, all of whom spend the majority of the film quarreling with one another over matters of incest, mistaken paternity, adultery, and a laundry list of grudges rooted within their childhood upbringing and their current state of affairs. The black comedy is ripe with dark humor and theatrical setpieces, not to mention scathing dialogue that will make your annual family outings seem tame. City of God Please enable Javascript to watch this video Although the 2014 World Cup may have depicted otherwise, Rio de Janeiro isn't the most hospitable of places. Adapted from author Paulo Lins' semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, City of God follows a young boy named Rocket as he attempts to skirt the drugs, gang violence, and crime plaguing the Brazilian slums he calls home for three decades. It's both breathtaking and terrifying, with excellent character development, camerawork, and authenticity. The Hurt Locker Please enable Javascript to watch this video Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker may be the lowest-grossing film to have ever won Best Picture, but it's still one of the best dramatizations of the Iraq War to date. The gripping drama follows a three-man, Explosive Ordinance Disposal team in the war-torn country tasked with eradicating bombs during the height of the Iraq War. It received quite a bit of flack for inaccurately portraying certain aspects of wartime, yet the brilliant film's suspenseful action and steely atmosphere render it more than simply a movie about mindless explosions and special effects. It's also the undisputed highlight of Jeremy Renner's career thus far, showcasing a confidence and charisma most people never thought he possessed. Lee Daniel's The Butler Please enable Javascript to watch this video Director Lee Daniels has been on a roll as of late, first with Precious and again with the acclaimed Empire . With The Butler, he helped hone a melodramatic tale regarding a White House butler who served under eight U.S. presidents during his 34-year career. The understated Forest Whitaker shines as butler Cecil Gaines despite the film's uneven narrative, which slowly unfolds alongside dramatic shifts in politic perspective and American culture. It's sentimental in a Forest Gump kind of way, with a host of historical anecdotes that tie one generation with the next. And to think, President Barack Obama teared up just thinking about it. Get Low Please enable Javascript to watch this video Bill Murray is a well-loved guy, sure, but he doesn't typically tout the kind of acting chops showcased by one Robert Duvall. In Get Low , the essentric Duvall stars as a backwoods hermit who organizes his own funeral — before his death — alongside Frank Quinn (Murray), so he can attend the proceedings. It's loosely based on a true incident involving a Tennessee man in the '30s, and though the film may come off as unbelievable and overly melodramatic at times, Duvall's brilliant performance propels the tidy narrative through until the end. To Kill a Mockingbird Please enable Javascript to watch this video Robert Mulligan's To Kill a Mockingbird has been heralded as a masterpiece ever since it graced the silver screen in '62. The heartfelt film is based upon Harper Lee's Pulitzer-winning novel of the same name, which follows lawyer Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) and the maelstrom of hate and prejudice that swirls around him as he works to defend an innocent black man (Brock Peters) accused of raping a white woman. In many ways, the historical film is a strong portrayal of how justice functioned in small-town Alabama, one which also examines the innocence of the children and the special bond between a father and child. Peck's incredible performance is also one for the books, so much so his role has essentially become synonymous with the character. Tracks Please enable Javascript to watch this video Underrated director John Curran's Tracks is particularly known for its high-octane excitement and penchant for action, but more so its sprawling cinematography and actress Mia Wasikowska's exemplary performance as real-life adventurer Robyn Davidson. The film is based on Davidson's novel of the same name, which chronicles her 1,700-mile trek across the Australian outback during the late '70s with little more than four camels and her dog. Adam Drivers plays a National Geographic photographer charged with periodically capturing her journey along the way, and though it never achieves the widespread acclaim of similar titles such as Wild , it remains an inspiring tale of one steely broad who just strives to be alone. Stand by Me Please enable Javascript to watch this video Director Rob Reiner's coming-of-age tale tugs at more than just your heartstrings. It's awash with honest humor, recalling a group of childhood friends who set out to find a missing teenager's body in the rural backwoods of Oregon, while showcasing fine acting from the likes of a young Kiefer Sutherland and the late River Phoenix. It's also a marvelous adaptation of the Stephen King novella on which it is based, teeming with a familiar innocence and the inevitable turbulence of growing up. Million Dollar Baby Please enable Javascript to watch this video Million Dollar Baby actually cost around $30 million to make, but frankly, it paid off. The performances in the film swept the Academy Awards — garnering Clint Eastwood, Hillary Swank, and Morgan Freeman an Oscar — subsequently establishing it as one of the most revered sports dramas every conceived. It's based on a collection of short stories depicting an underappreciated trainer and the amateur boxer beneath him, yet, the film's scathing emotion and vivid characterization render it far more memorable than the any work produced by fight manager F.X. Toole. It's an undisputed triumph, even if the story itself is not. Rounders Please enable Javascript to watch this video Underground, high-stakes poker is both lucrative and lethal, which is probably why ace players Matt Damon and Edward Norton aren't exactly thrilled when they're forced to come up with $15,000 within five days due to an outstanding gambling debt. Nonetheless, the brilliant film remains a go-to among poker players to this day, featuring well-staged games and solid performances across the board. Norton's mischievous nature and John Malkovich's performance as Russian mobster Teddy "KGB" are particularly grand, even if you can't quite get behind the latter's accent when he rattles off lines like "Ho-kay, Meester sum of a beech" in his club. Philomena Please enable Javascript to watch this video Based on the true story of Philomena Lee's five decade-long search for her adopted son, Philomena is a powerfully affecting drama film lovers won't soon forget. Judi Dench and Steve Coogan head this incredible film's cast, with each giving some of the most moving performances of their entire careers. If you haven't heard much of the movie's real-life source material don't worry, director Stephen Frears leaves no stone unturned and gives this heartwarming tale of love and family its proper due. It's not the least bit surprising this film turned critics heads en masse in 2013. The Aviator Please enable Javascript to watch this video The late Howard Hughes was a big name, not necessarily in stature but in vision. Scorsese's stylistic, Oscar-winning film looks back upon the life and times of Hughes, touching upon his earlier days as an aviation magnate to his later work producing what would essentially become the world's first blockbuster to include sound. Scorsese litters the film with insight and intrigue, and DiCaprio's portrayal as the eccentric Hughes manages to capture both his golden years and the dark, troublesome life he would later inhabit once he locked himself within the Beverly Hills Hotel. The supporting cast is also phenomenal, particularly Cate Blanchett and Kate Beckinsale, as is the set design and the film's ability to examine the complexity of man few have tried. Braveheart Please enable Javascript to watch this video Just try to overlook Mel Gibson's personal affairs for a moment and take Braveheart for what it is: one of the best medieval epics to ever grace the big screen. It's centered on Scottish warrior William Wallace (Gibson) and the revolt he led against King Edward I in the First War of Scottish Independence. Despite the wealth of historical inaccuracies, the film has single-handedly bolstered Scottish tourism more than anything else. It's brutal and violent, but so was the 13th century and Blind Harry's epic poem on which the film is based. Forrest Gump Please enable Javascript to watch this video There's never been a film quite like director Robert Zemeckis' Forrest Gump. A romantic dramedy of sorts, the film stars Tom Hanks as a slow-witted Alabama with exceptional athleticism, one who finds himself in some of the most pivotal and defining moments of the second half of the 20th century (i.e. the Watergate scandal). Though it swept the 67th Academy Awards, it remains a polarizing film given the undisclosed symbolism and vague political interpretations. Nonetheless, it was a box office success and one of Hanks' strongest roles to date. Finding Neverland Please enable Javascript to watch this video The beauty of Marc Forster's Finding Neverland lies in its stark use of contrasts. The semi-autobiographic, Edwardian film follows author J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) and his relationship with the family who inspired him to write Peter Pan. No performance is particularly exemplary, even if Depp was nominated for an Oscar, but it unconventionally blends the whimsy of nostalgia with the harsh realities of the world, allowing the slow-paced film to curb an demeanor that may come off as maudlin or hokey on first glance. The costumes and score take it all one step further. There Will Be Blood Please enable Javascript to watch this video Daniel Day Lewis won an Oscar for his portrayal as Daniel Plainview, a mineral prospector in New Mexico in 1898. Life is pretty good for Daniel and his adopted son H.W. — that is, until companies start to vie for Daniel's oil source. There are gun-fights, murder, arsonists, and of course oil. The film is based on a novel by Cormac McCarthy, so prepare yourself for violence and grit, and lots of it. Boogie Nights Please enable Javascript to watch this video While Paul Thomas Anderson's 1997 drama Boogie Nights does, in fact, focus on the porn industry of the 1970s, it's anything but a raunchy or lewd piece of filmmaking. Over the course of the film's semi-long run time of two and a half hours, Anderson tells the story of Dirk Diggler (played by Mark Wahlberg), a young high school dropout who stumbles into the world of porn because of his large… personality. With a star studded cast and perfectly written script, Boogie Nights excels at nearly every turn. Next Page: Thrillers & Action & Adventure Choose a genre: Recent Additions Documentaries Comedies Dramas Thrillers & Action Adventure Foreign Sci-Fi & Fantasy Kids Horror Romance Thrillers & Action & Adventure Batman Begins Please enable Javascript to watch this video Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy revitalized superhero films, and though Batman Begins is certainly the worst of the three, that doesn't necessarily mean it's bad. The gritty action film tells Batman's origin story and initial beginnings like other films before it, however, it delves into the character's motives and psyche with an unparalleled sense of depth. It's more centered on a solitary Christian Bale and his tragic relationships with those around him, and less so on the high-tech gadgets and gizmos that have come to define past installments in the franchise. The redefined focus works wonders for the film, however, and helps set the stage for all that follows. Superheros are rarely as human. Return of the Dragon Please enable Javascript to watch this video Whether your refer to it as The Way of the Dragon or its U.S. title, Bruce Lee's iconic film is mainstay in the realm of kung-fu flicks. The action-comedy traces Tang Lung's path from Hong Kong to Rome as the martial arts master works to make quick work of a gang of knife-wielding mobsters at the beckoning of a feeble restaurateur. The plot certainly isn't the best, but the articulate fight sequences are stupendous and the film remains the only one in which Lee dons double nunchuks. And who would have guessed Chuck Norris would be that hairy without his shirt? The Great Escape Please enable Javascript to watch this video Steve McQueen died before his time, but that didn't stop him from starring in one of the greatest World War II capers to ever be captured on film. Based on Paul Brickhill's experience and that of his peers while held captive in a German POW camp, the WWII epic revolves around their audacious plan to escape the prison via a network of crude tunnels jetting beneath the complex into the nearby woods. McQueen's performance, which is an amalgam of at least two pilots, remains the standout, but there's no denying the authentic German locale and nimble script didn't help the film achieve universal acclaim. Hell, even the troubled 1986 video game of the same name received fantastic reviews… Nightcrawler Please enable Javascript to watch this video Jake Gyllenhaal has done exemplary work in the past — take Donnie Darko and Brokeback Mountain , for instance— but nothing quite compares to his eerie performance as TV stringer Louis "Lou" Bloom in Nightcrawler . The modern thriller, a resounding success of first-time director Dan Gilroy, follows an amateur journalist and former thief as he trolls the mean streets of Los Angeles looking for heinous accidents and crimes to capture on film. Gilroy's script and vision is both dark and thought-provoking, however, it's Gyllenhaal's twisted charisma and his sordid actions as he navigates the lucrative business that truly bring the film to the forefront of recent, neo-noir films. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Please enable Javascript to watch this video Paul Newman and Robert Redford lead a gang of outlaws in this Wild West classic. It has everything you could want from an action movie: gun fights, knife fights, fist fights, and of course, mustaches. The film is loosely based on actual events, following the two seasoned train robbers after a heist goes wrong and they flee to Bolivia in order to avoid the posse pursuing them. It's widely regarded as one of the first buddy films, leaving a legacy for many movies to follow in suit. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 Please enable Javascript to watch this video Kill Bill is, quite simply, Tarantino's gritty two-part tale of revenge. After being shot and left for dead by her employer (David Carradine) and other members of her squad, a deadly assassin known merely as "The Bride" (Uma Thurman) sets out to kill her ex-colleagues. The film is undeniably violent, brimming with homages to old-school martial arts films, spaghetti westerns, and Japanese anime, yet done with a style and non-linear story that's incredibly captivating and utterly unique. Lord of War Please enable Javascript to watch this video Nicholas Cage is an actor some love to hate, but Lord of War remains proof he's got more up his sleeve than most would suspect. It's the story of a two-bit, Ukrainian immigrant that goes from small-time to the big leagues when he becomes the world's leading arms dealer. Ethan Hawke, Jared Leto, and Bridget Moynahan round out the cast in the form of Interpol agents and family, though, it's Cage who manages to give the bleak film its character. If it reads like a political satire concerned with international gun trafficking, that's because it is — one that doubles as an intelligent examination of the cost of war. Protagonist Yuri Orlov is even loosely based on factual criminals such as Sarkis Soghanalian, subsequently furthering the film's air of realism. Rambo: First Blood Please enable Javascript to watch this video Rambo: First Blood is not a film to be trifled with — even if it doesn't really have much of a plot. The iconic film remains one of the most influential action flicks of all time, revolving around battered Vietnam vet John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) and his standoff with aggressive sheriff Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy). The bulk of the film features a melange of cops hellbent on stalking Stallone through the rugged forests of the Pacific Northwest, yet the action is still so over-the-top and classic you can almost simply overlook its lack of character complexity. And what other film on our roundup lists a rat wrangler and the craftsman responsible for Rambo's exotic knife in the closing credits? That alone should be more than enough. Once Upon a Time in the West Please enable Javascript to watch this video Once Upon a Time in the West is the direct result of the late Sergio Leone trying to retire from the same genre that made him an international icon in the mid-'60s. It's a spaghetti western at heart, one pertaining to unyielding gunslinger named Frank (Henry Fonda) and the western expansion of the railroad, but it also represents a notable shifts from Leone's earlier work. Nonetheless, its profound influence on filmmakers like Tarantino and Scorsese cannot be overstated, nor can its subtle irony or the ample references to previous western films and literature. The Silence of the Lambs Please enable Javascript to watch this video Silence of the Lambs was the sleeper hit of 1991. It stars the insatiable Anthony Hopkins as the cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lector, along with Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee who ventures into a maximum-security asylum to pick his brain in an effort to catch a rampant serial killer on the loose. The film bridges a gap between psychological thrillers and the full-blown horror genre, owing mostly to Hopkins and Foster's sterling performances. Calling it, or the novel on which it is based, anything short of creepy would be an understatement. Marathon Man Please enable Javascript to watch this video Adapted from William Goldman's novel of the same name, Marathon Man is more than just an escapist film starring Dustin Hoffman as the likable "Babe" Levy. It's a tour-de-force thriller that whirls around a student who gets catapulted into a deadly game with a Nazi fugitive, one who also happens to have disturbing affinity for torture. The great Laurence Olivier portrays Dr. Christian Szell with a twisted zeal, and despite the films heavy censorship, there's still plenty of graphic moments worthy of a cringe (i.e. the unforgettable torture scene with Levy's teeth). Oldboy Please enable Javascript to watch this video Spike Lee should have never remade the South Korean Oldboy , especially with Josh Brolin as the lead role. The 2003 iteration of the neo-noir film is still a standout, based on a manga and anchored in bloody, operatic anguish. In the film, Choi Min-sik plays a business man who's drugged, imprisoned, and tortured for 15 years before seeking revenge on his captors. It's a statement, violent and maddening, with unforgettable scenes and thought-provoking climax. There's a reason Quentin Tarantino praised the film at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. Patriot Games Please enable Javascript to watch this video The sequel to Tom Clancy's The Hunt for Red October and the first featuring Harrison Ford as C.I.A. operative Jack Ryan, the film follows the virtuous agent as he navigates a international terror network in the aftermath of a spoiled assassination attempt on a member of the British royal family. Clancy disowned the film upon its release and many have criticized it for straying to far from the book, but the riveting tension and Ford's solid performance still make it worth mentioning in the same breadth of Star Wars — which is actually saying quite a bit. Enemy at the Gates Please enable Javascript to watch this video Enemy at the Gates has it's faults, but the film is exemplary if you focus on its historical significance and overlook the whole romance aspect of it all. The title is taken from William Craig's nonfiction book of the same name, and though the film is more considered a work of fiction, it still loosely examines a lengthy game of cat-and-mouse between Soviet sniper Vasily Zaytsey (Jude Law) and renowned Nazi sharpshooter Erwin König (Ed Harris). Both actors give commendable performances, as does the young Gabriel Thomson, but the film's allure simply lies in the game of wits and wills played out amid the blasted ruins of Stalingrad — everything else is just there to tie the scenes together. The Bourne Supremacy Please enable Javascript to watch this video The second film in the original Jason Bourne trilogy, The Bourne Supremacy yet again finds Damon's Bourne utilizing his special set of assassin skills to get out of a series of sticky situations. This time around, someone frames Bourne for a botched CIA operation and inadvertently kills his wife, sending the amnesic former operative on the hunt for even more answers. Joan Allen, Brian Cox, and Julia Stiles join Damon in this action packed sequel which owns the rare distinction of being as good, if not better, than its original film. You won't find as much intense action anywhere else and for what it's worth, Damon is at the top of his game. Next Page: Foreign Choose a genre: Recent Additions Documentaries Comedies Dramas Thrillers & Action Adventure Foreign Sci-Fi & Fantasy Kids Horror Romance Foreign Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Please enable Javascript to watch this video If you sat through the Daniel Craig version of author Stieg Larsson's best-selling book and thought, "I wish there were at least six more hours of this," then Swedish version of Larsson's "Millennium" trilogy is surely for you. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo recreates the books scene by scene, starting with an investigation into a 40-year-old case and ending with an engrossing murder and government conspiracy. Also, Noomi Rapace's portrayal of the lead heroine is impeccable. Kung Fu Hustle Please enable Javascript to watch this video Kung Fu Hustle was once the highest-grossing film in the history of Hong Kong — and it's easy to see why. Co-written and directed by Stephen Chow, who also stars in the leading role, the film revolves around a hapless mobster and his pal whom attempt to dupe the residents of Pig Sty Alley into thinking they're members of the dreaded Axe Gang. The oddball flick harkens back to the '70s heyday of kung-fu films, though, it does so while ditching in-depth character development in favor of cartoon elements and a heavy dose of slapstick. Retired actors such as Yuen Wah and Yuen Qiu round out the outstanding ensemble cast, the latter of which has been away from film for nearly 20 years. Think Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon meets Looney Tunes, with rampant use of black comedy. Amelie Please enable Javascript to watch this video Director-writer Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Amelie remains the highest-grossing French film released in the United States (and for good reason). It's the whimsical tale of a shy waitress in contemporary Paris who decides to return a collection of toys she found behind a baseboard in her apartment to their original owner, an act that helps her cope with her own isolation and despair after a difficult upbringing. Still, the film is warmhearted and quirky, with laughs to spare. IP Man Please enable Javascript to watch this video There are hundreds — if not thousands — of kung-fu movies on Netflix, but few of them are as good as the film dramatizing the life of Yip Man, one of Bruce Lee's teachers and the first to teach Wing Chun martial arts in China. Film title controversy racked the film even before its debut in Hong Kong, and though we wouldn't say the film is historically accurate when it comes to detailing Ip's life in the city of Foshan during Sino-Japanese War, the spectacular stunts belie its accuracy. The Square Please enable Javascript to watch this video House of Cards isn't the only Netflix original of merit. Egyption filmmaker Jehane Noujaim's Oscar-nominated film is a powerful documentary that depicts the rapid series of revolutions and toppling of successive governments in Egypt during the Arab Spring. It's both troubling and encouraging, a thought-provoking testament of what can happen when an oppressed society attempts to regain its freedom from the corrupt regime moonlighting as a functioning government. Blancanieves Please enable Javascript to watch this video Spanish director Pablo Berger's modern retelling of the classic Snow White story is not what you might expect—and the band of bullfighting dwarves and remarkable gladiatorial scenes don't even begin to sum it up. The silent film is shot entirely in black-and-white and brims with an eerie sense of ambiguity and melancholia, which further capitalizes on the sadomasochism of the evil stepmother and inspiration drawn from the likes of horror masterminds such as Hitchcock and Browning. It's a dark portrayal of Spanish culture set in 1910, yet, there's also an unspoken beauty lining the vivid close-ups and flamenco-flecked score. Instructions Not Included Please enable Javascript to watch this video Starring Eugenio Derbez, Instructions Not Included focuses on Acapulco playboy Valentín and his growing relationship with a baby girl thought to be his daughter. The amusing film represents the highest-grossing opening for a Mexican film of all time, and though it often comes off as overly comical, it remains teeming with serious commentary on the nature of life. It features a lackluster supporting cast, but Derbez and Peralta's film chemistry is a wonder to watch. Living is Easy with Eyes Closed Please enable Javascript to watch this video Living is Easy with Eyes Closed is an appropriate title for this Spanish comedy, given the title is culled from a Beatles song and revolves around an English schoolteacher (Javier Camara) and two hitchhikers who road trip across Spain in 1966 in the hopes of meeting John Lennon. The low-key film swept the country's Goya Awards upon its release and was even selected to represent Spain at the Academy Awards, owing to Camara's winning performance and that of fledgling actress Natalia de Molina. It's also based on a true story, one that takes a tender turn with the help of director David Trueba's vision and subtle, political undertones. Rememberance Please enable Javascript to watch this video Films depicting the Holocaust are, understandably, emotional. However, few exhibit the kind of passion and unparalleled love carried out within German filmmaker Anna Justic's Remembrance. It's the narrative of a married woman who discovers her former lover, one who previously rescued her from a concentration camp and she believes to be dead, is still alive 30 years down the line. In the end, it's as suspenseful as it is heart-wrenching, with an unexpected ending many find far from bittersweet. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Please enable Javascript to watch this video Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor-in-chief of French Elle magazine, suffered a massive stroke when he was a mere 43 years old. The crippling incident left him with a condition known as lock-in syndrome, which paralyzed nearly all voluntary muscles in his body except for his eyes. Bauby was still able to dictate an entire memoir by blinking his left eyelid, however, giving rise to the The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and the film adaptation thereof. The heroic film chronicles the day-to-day life with the condition, along Bauby's fantasies and past life, culminating in a film that brims with wisdom and celebrates life when it could very easily dawdle in despair given the grave subject matter. Moreover, French actor Mathieu Amalric's portrayal as Bauby is spectacular… right down to his stationary antics and frenzied twitching. The Admiral: Roaring Currents Please enable Javascript to watch this video South Korean director Kim Han-min's look on the 1597 Battle of Myeongnyang is a David-and-Goliath tale of the highest caliber. It focuses on Korean admiral Yi Sun-shin — played by Choi Min-sik if Oldboy acclaim — and his efforts to thwart an encroaching fleet of 330 Japanese ships with little more than 12 of his own and a literal boatload of courage. However, the characters in the film are only secondary to the Michael Bay-esque action sequences strewn throughout the film, all of which seamlessly combine model warships and computer-generated effects to great effect. The way Sun-shin utilizes the currents and whirlpools to his advantage is captivating, even if Han-min doesn't delve into the logistics of it all with that much attention to detail. Ode to My Father Please enable Javascript to watch this video South Korean director Yoon Je-kyoon's Ode to My Father is teeming with political controversy — some feel it attempts to idealize the country's past under the rule of a authoritarian regime — but that hasn't stopped it from becoming one of the country's most glorified films in recent years. The epic melodrama traces Korean history from the 1950s through the present day using the lens of one Yoon Deok-soo (Hwang Jung-min), an everyday refugee and shopkeeper who spends his life attempting to care for his family after the death of his father and sister. The film's merit lies in its resounding ability to interweave historical events, such as the Hungnam Evacuation, with a concise narrative, while managing to wring a sentimental familiarity from the distant events. Shall We Dance? Please enable Javascript to watch this video Shall We Dance? should never have been remade for American audiences with Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon in the starring roles. Japanese actor Kôji Yakusho does a fine job portraying the lovable Shohei Sugiyama, a dejected office worker who begins taking dance lessons after becoming infatuated with the instructor in passing. The original is a delightful and winsome examination regarding the healing powers of self-expression, rooted in superb character development and built upon an award-winning screenplay. Too bad ballroom dancing is still considered shameful and on the verge of taboo to many Japanese residents. Headhunters Please enable Javascript to watch this video If you like smart, gut-wrenching thrillers, you must watch this movie. Norwegian actor Aksel Hennie plays Roger Brown, an art thief who finds himself in hot water after stealing a rare painting from an ex-mercenary and expert tracker, and his oddball fight to stay alive will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's the highest-grossing Norwegian film of all time, one teeming with dark humor and offering a gritty twist on the familiarity likened to author Jo Nesbø's novel of the same name. Next Page: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Choose a genre: Recent Additions Documentaries Comedies Dramas Thrillers & Action Adventure Foreign Sci-Fi & Fantasy Kids Horror Romance Sci-Fi & Fantasy 2001: A Space Odyssey Please enable Javascript to watch this video The harrowing, intergalactic satire that is Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey is more than a cult classic. The hugely influential film pushed the boundaries, in terms of both special effects and narrative, chronicling the two astronauts who wage ware against their ship's intelligence system while investigating the appearance of a mysterious monolith in deep space. Dialogue is limited and interspersed with classical music, which gives the film differing shades of nuance, while the film's accurate depiction of space flight and ambiguous imagery only further the existential questions it brings up regarding what humankind is truly capable of. You could say it delivers on a cosmic scale, even if Matt Damon is nowhere to be found. The Terminator Please enable Javascript to watch this video There was a time, after Arnold Schwarzenegger's body building days and before his time in office, when he was a machine in more ways than one. The Terminator solidified his acting career and propelled director James Cameron to the forefront of Hollywood, helping spur a franchise that still continues to this day for better or worse. The original remains one of the best post-apocalyptic flicks of the entire '80s though, and tells the tale of a cyborg (Schwarzenegger) who travels back in time to kill a woman (Linda Hamilton) whose unborn son is destined to lead the human resistance against the machines. It's light on dialogue and backstory, sure, but the high-octane chase scenes, sly humor, and endless carnage are more than enough. The iconic theme music helps, too. Big Trouble in Little China Please enable Javascript to watch this video Ignore the fact that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is starring in a remake of John Carpenter's Big Trouble in Little China . The original film, starring trucker extraordinaire Kurt Russell and then-heartthrob Kim Cattrall, remains the kind of cult classic you can only dream up. It appeased Carpenter's long-standing desire to make a martial arts film when it was made in '86, telling the story of Jack Burton (Russell) and his heroic encounter with the ancient sorcerer residing beneath San Francisco's Chinatown. The movie's premise is over-the-top, especially when you factor in the complicated special effects and the melange of canny references to other iconic films, but its the two-fisted Russell that truly gives it a timeless appeal. Snowpiercer Please enable Javascript to watch this video Snowpiercer is based directly on the French graphic novel, Le Transperceneige. It's follows the aftermath of an experiment to counteract the threat of global warming, one that leaves the remaining citizens of Earth confined to a single, class-divided train circling the globe. It's an ambitious spectacle, anchored by director Bong Joon-ho's claustrophobic action scenes, Hong Kyung-pyo's progressive cinematography, and reveling in a refreshing vision of post-apocalyptic society. No one is as fed up with traveling coach than protagonist Chris Evans. Big Fish Please enable Javascript to watch this video Big Fish doesn't quite showcase the hallmarks of a typical Tim Burton film. Nonetheless, the father-son fantasy is a charming tale of one reporter's attempts to learn the truth behind his dying father's bevy of tall tales. Many people still liken it to Forrest Gump without political facade, but it's a smart celebration of the art of storytelling even if you don't see the numerous parallels. Protagonist Edward Bloom is also one of Ewan McGregor's better roles, a steadfast rendition of the man Daniel Wallace first forged in his 1998 novel of the same name. The Day the Earth Stood Still Please enable Javascript to watch this video Much like 2001: A Space Odyssey , director Robert Wise's black-and-white vision of the short story Farewell to the Master is both epic in scope and vision. It remains one of the most influential sci-fi films of all time, revolving around an alien visitor (Michael Rennie) who comes to Earth with a mechanical companion and a message that will ultimately affect the future of the entire human race. Rennie and his cool, collected demeanor present a universal call for peace to those living during the Atomic Era, though, many of the films sentiments still echo today. Now, if only the 2008 remake starring Keanu Reeves wasn't such a catastrophe. From Time to Time Please enable Javascript to watch this video "This movie is exceptional fare," begins one Netflix review, "tears may be forthcoming, but it's just a good and beautiful fairy tale!" Said review encapsulates the heart of Julian Fellowes' From Time to Time , a century-spanning tale centered on young boy (Alex Etel) who travels through time to unlock the secrets of his grandmother's estate after his father is reported missing in action. The ghostly film jumps between 1944 and 1811 on the drop of a dime, and even though it's directed more toward bookish pre-teens than older audiences, Maggie Smith delivers an excellent performance alongside a cast of familiar faces. It's touching, too, without being overly twee. Underworld Please enable Javascript to watch this video What Underworld lacks in thoughtful character development, it makes up for with sublime Gothic visuals and an extensive backstory that chronicles the troubled relationship between vampires and werewolves (aka Lycans). It stars Kate Beckinsale as Selene, a vampire who's ultimately forced to go against her own clan when she falls in love with a mortal that she believes is being targeted by the Lycans. The film is certainly not for everyone — in fact, it seemingly shares more in common with a cologne commercial than your standard horror epic — but the trademark style and over-the-top acting of the entire series are utterly entertaining. The Brothers Grimm Please enable Javascript to watch this video The Brothers Grimm is not an amazing film, but it is one of the few fantasy films currently streaming on Netflix that's worth watching. It tells the tale of Jake (Heath Ledger) and Will Grimm (Matt Damon), two con artists in 19th-century Germany who spend their time performing bogus exorcisms as a way to extort money from various townsfolk. Things change when they encounter genuine black magic, though, culminating in a Gothic fantasy teaming with bouts of dark humor. The writing and acting is drab, but at least the visual design is top-notch (for 2005). A Trip to the Moon The legacy of Georges Méliès' A Trip to the Moon cannot be understated, whether you prefer to watch the original silent film or opt for the remastered, hand-painted version that was first shown at the Telluride film festival. The pioneering work is often considered to be the first science fiction film and was widely considered a technical marvel upon release, one that dazzled exhibition goers in 1902 and told the tale of a band of astronomers on an expedition to the moon. It's overtly theatrical and incredibly short, but remains one of the most influential — and memorable — works in all of cinema to this day. The fact French electronic duo Air soundtracked the remastered version doesn't hurt, either. Sharknado Please enable Javascript to watch this video Sharknado is one of those films that's so bad it's good. The movie quickly became a cult film following its TV debut on the SyFy channel in 2013, revolving around a group of residents who attempt to fend of a slew shark-filled tornadoes that descend upon Los Angeles. It's littered with B-level acting for the most part, with the film's only "claim to fame" being Tara Reid. Fortunately, the horrendous acting, brainless action, and terrible CGI are what makes it. Oh, and that chainsaw scene. Stardust Please enable Javascript to watch this video Stardust probably isn't the Oscar-worthy, fantasy film you hope it will be. Nonetheless, it's surprisingly more entertaining than most matinees your kids would drag you to. It's the whimsical tale of love-struck Tristan Thorn, one following as he travels to a forbidden realm in an effort to capture a fallen star that has taken human form. It's rather lighthearted and campy, and moreover, it's always somewhat refreshing to see the renowned Robert De Niro out of his usual element. Next Page: Kids Choose a genre: Recent Additions Documentaries Comedies Dramas Thrillers & Action Adventure Foreign Sci-Fi & Fantasy Kids Horror Romance Kids The Nightmare Before Christmas Please enable Javascript to watch this video It's difficult to overstate the overwhelming success of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas . It's long been heralded for its exemplary use of stop-motion animation and creative storytelling, revolving around Halloween Town resident Jack Skellington and his ploy to play Santa Claus on Christmas morning after kidnapping the real deal. It's timeless in many ways, with Grinch-like parallels and a host of memorable songs courtesy of Danny Elfman, rendering it as entertaining to adults as kids. And to think, it all started as a mere poem written in '82. How to Train Your Dragon 2 Please enable Javascript to watch this video The second of three planned films, How to Train Your Dragon 2 expands on the hallmarks of its predecessor in every way imaginable. The animation is more vibrant and fluid, while the high-flying action sequences featuring Hiccup and his dragon Toothless are more invigorating and entertaining than ever before. The charming film is also chock-full of valid life lessons for kids, whether in regards to family or ecology and war, with a saccharine story and an imaginative cast of characters courtesy of writer Dean DeBlois. Moreover, the family film takes cues from Star Wars and Game of Thrones, which provides it with an unexpected inkling of maturity and a vision that exceeds most animated endeavors in the same vain. Hook Please enable Javascript to watch this video When the nefarious Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) kidnaps Peter Pan's kids and whisks them off to Neverland, an aged Pan must venture back to into a world he had previously forgotten — or so goes the premise of Spielberg's 1991 film. No other film in the director's catalog has culled from Spielberg's strained relationship with his father quite like Hook , and although it was never reviewed favorably among critics, it remains a flagship of Robin Williams' career years after its debut. Plus, it's a classic, with a cast of familiar characters and plenty of sword fighting. The Secret of Kells Please enable Javascript to watch this video The fabled Hayao Miyazaki isn't the only director with a penchant for animated whimsy. Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey's The Secret of Kells is a delightful romp steeped in Irish tradition and Celtic mythology, one that beautifully employs ornate design and a luscious colors to tell the tale of a medieval monk (Evan McGuire) on a mission to save an enchanted forest and complete a storied book. The way the otherworldly images and story unfold on a flat, 2D plane is magnificent, as is the way the hand-drawn film meshes the ancient manuscript illustrations with modern animation. The ravenous wolves and dark forests of the film are as reliant on history as they are fantasy, and though they take a cue from a book first conceived in a remote Irish abbey more than a millennium ago, they do so with a contemporary twist that's suited for children and adults alike. The Gruffalo Please enable Javascript to watch this video The Gruffalo is more of a dedicated short than a feature-length film, which makes it perfect for those with short attention spans (i.e. probably your kids). Regardless, the 27-minute short was nominated for an Oscar and culls its story from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's picture book of the same name. The computer-animated characters are nothing short of charming, while Helena Bonham Carter's voicework imbues the delightful story about a mouse and a Gruffalo with an air of familiarity that simply cannot be denied by anyone who's seen a Tim Burton film. Fantasia 2000 Please enable Javascript to watch this video The original Fantasia was a sight to behold, even in 1940. It seamlessly blended classical orchestrations with brilliant animation, and as its successor, Fantasia 2000 does the same. The mix of traditional and computer-generated imagery is fitting, as is the melange of lighthearted and conceptional pieces spanning the film's eight shorts. Few sequences top the natural beauty of "Firebird Suite," though, the restored version of "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" from the original film comes damn close. And the image of Mickey in a wizard's cap is still just as iconic. The Emperor's New Groove Please enable Javascript to watch this video Aside from Lilo and Stitch, there are relatively few films of merit adorning Disney's post-Renaissance era. The buddy-centric The Emperor's New Groove is one of them, though, centered on a South American emperor who suffers from a role reversal when his greedy adviser transforms him into a llama. It features a refreshing and humorous cast of characters, most notably Patrick Warburton as the lovable henchman Kronk Pepikrankenitz, along with iconic animation fleshed over a period of years. The film was apparently a pain to make, as evident in The Sweatbox . Hachi: A Dog's Tale Please enable Javascript to watch this video This Richard Gere and Joan Allen starring drama concerns the story of a college professor and his relationship with an abandoned dog named Hachiko. After a Japanese Akita Inu escapes his cage en route to America, professor Parker Wilson (Gere) finds the young pup wandering in a local train yard. Intent on returning the dog to its rightful owner, Wilson begrudgingly brings the dog home to his family while he waits. Much to their delight, the dog brightens their life in ways they hardly expect and soon becomes a part of Gere's daily life. Perfect for family movie night, Hachi: A Dog's Tale is a heartwarming story of companionship and love. James and the Giant Peach Please enable Javascript to watch this video What Tim Burton and Henry Selick did with Roald Dahl's infamous children's story in 1996 raised the bar for what could be down with stop-motion animation. The imaginative film spliced together live action and animation with a resounding amount of fluidity and grace, recounting the fairy-tale journey of a young orphan who traverses foreign — and freakish — lands alongside a band of colorful, offbeat insects. The artful film isn't just for children, either. The entire film has a macabre edge about it, whether talking the death of James' parents or the oh-so-sweet finale in the Big Apple, one that makes you wonder when Disney stopped releasing films intended to make parents balk. The Perfect Game Please enable Javascript to watch this video The love of the game often transcends age and language barriers more than anything else. Based on true events, The Perfect Game chronicles the journey of the Industrial Little League of Monterrey, Mexico, as they work toward the 1957 Little League World Series. You likely know how it's going to pan out for the team despite heavy amounts of racial discrimination and the team's visa troubles upon entering the United States, but it's still an inspiring underdog story that features excellent casting and a true sense of heart. And you gotta love Cheech Marin. Jumanji Please enable Javascript to watch this video Robin Williams was a talented individual in many respects, but no more so than when he was cast in the right role. Adapted from a Chris Van Allsburg novel, Jumanji encompasses the story of two sibling who discover a magical boardgame, one in which 12-year-old Alan Parrish (Williams) has been trapped for 26 years. The game essentially brings the fictional to life, catapulting four individuals in a race to finish the unique game before someone is killed. It's teaming with action and over-the-top moments, but still plays on your emotions given the wonderful performances. Chicken Run Please enable Javascript to watch this video Nick Park, the stop-motion mastermind behind the Wallace and Grommit series, is known for his unconventional approach to storytelling. Chicken Run, a film about a smooth-talking rooster who leads a group of complacent hens in a prison escape, is a prime example. Mel Gibson and Julia Sawalha lend their voices to a stellar cast of whimsical characters, each of which imbues the clever family film with a touch of slapstick, a dash of charm, and a grim nuance that's typically absent from more formulaic comedies. It's an ode to British inventiveness in a way, and moreover, a claymation-bred tribute to the Great Escape. It just goes to show the power of home-spun ingenuity. Mulan Please enable Javascript to watch this video Since its release in 1998, Mulan has been a film riddled with feminist quandaries and controversial stereotyping. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most beloved cartoons in the classical Disney arsenal, portraying the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan with a set of memorable songs and lighthearted camaraderie. The animation is superb, and moreover, the film addresses themes of honor and duty while still managing to deliver a story suitable for children. Mulan isn't a fabled Disney princess, either, and her resounding bravery is a conscious decision we can all learn from. Holes Please enable Javascript to watch this video Yes, there was a time when actor Shia LaBeouf wasn't completely off his rocker. Holes takes Louis Sachar's novel of the same name to the big screen, focusing on a Texas detention camp where juvenile delinquents are forced to spend their days digging holes as part of a supposed "character-building" exercise in the middle of desert. Cinematographer Stephen St. John's shots only further convey the film's feel of isolation, and being true as it is to its literary source, it offers a sense of friendship and quaint quirkiness not always found in Disney films. Next Page: Horror Choose a genre: Recent Additions Documentaries Comedies Dramas Thrillers & Action Adventure Foreign Sci-Fi & Fantasy Kids Horror Romance Horror The Babadook Please enable Javascript to watch this video One of the most original horror movies of the past decade, The Babadook is a tense thriller sure to have you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Amelia, a widowed single mother who attempts to help her son Samuel overcome his arresting fear of monsters. After stumbling upon a book depicting a horrific, shadow-dwelling monster called the Babadook, both mother and son start feeling an eerie presence in their house. Several attempts to destroy the book fail, leaving both Samuel and Amelia in a constant frenzy to stay alive and avoid the sinister Babadook. Rosemary's Baby Please enable Javascript to watch this video Regardless of what you think about Roman Polanski as a person, there's no denying the guy knows a thing or two about directing a movie. Coming in as the second film of Polanski's "Apartment Trilogy," Rosemary's Baby stars Mia Farrow as an expecting mother who fears her husband sold their first born child for sacrifice to their neighbors. As her pregnancy continues, nearly everything around her feeds into the suspicion her unborn child's safety may be in jeopardy. Frighteningly eerie and just downright creepy, Rosemary's Baby is one of the best horror movies in the history of cinema. The Exorcist Please enable Javascript to watch this video The Exorcist stands as the pinnacle of horror, and quite possibly, one of the most disturbing films to ever hit the big screen. The film was based on William Peter Blatty's novel of the same, which in turn, recounted the 1939 exorcism of one Roland Doe. That being the case, the supernatural horror film revolves around a 12-year-old girl (Linda Blair) and her mother's attempts to rid her of evil with the help of two priests. Ellen Burstyn's performance as the mother is soaring, but you'll also have to deal with her on-screen daughter who urinates, vomits, masturbates, and unleashes obscenities like no other throughout the course of the film. We wouldn't say watching it makes for an enjoyable experience, but it is a classic one. The Omen Please enable Javascript to watch this video Don't let the 2006 remake of The Omen sour your taste for this chilling franchise. The original iteration is classic horror at its best. Lee Remick and the superb Gregory Peck star in this film as Katherine and Robert Thorn, a happily married couple who set their sights on having children and starting a family. After the couple's first child is stillborn, Robert substitutes a perfectly healthy baby as their own. Little do they know, the substituted baby is none other than the son of Satan who brings the family misery and terror. It spawned a series of sequels and remakes, but this serves as the cream of The Omen crop. Dead Snow: Red vs. Dead Please enable Javascript to watch this video Dead Snow was entertaining, yes, but it wasn't nearly as good as its successor. Nonetheless, Norwegian director Tommy Wirkola helmed both films and employed the same kind of comedic horror in the second installment as he did the first, except with a bigger budget for grotesque effects and Martin Starr of Party Down fame in tow. The splatter-fest of a film — which picks up directly where the first film left off — still falls very much in "The Evil Dead" vein, revolving around a bloodthirsty battalion of Nazi zombies and a student hellbent on gathering an army to fend them off. The Star Wars references can be a bit much, however, the excessive gore never dulls. Let the Right One In Please enable Javascript to watch this video Tomas Alfredson's brilliant Let The Right One In puts an incredibly unique spin on the "outcast falls in love with the new girl in town" romance story. The film centers around 12-year-old Oskar, a particularly puny child who bullies at his school pick on regularly. After a strange new girl named Eli moves in next door, Oskar begins to learn from her how to fight back. Problem is, Eli is a vampire. As Oskar starts to fall in love with Eli, he's filled with a series of emotions over how to handle this startling truth. A competent American remake of Let The Right One In popped up in 2010, though Alfredson's reigns supreme. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night Please enable Javascript to watch this video Tagged as "The first Iranian Vampire Western," A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is screenwriter Ana Lily Amirpour's directorial debut, and one which has critics calling her the next Quentin Tarantino. Based off Amirpour's graphic novel of the same name, the film takes place in an Iranian ghost-town called Bad City; a town a lonely vampire stalks the streets of, unbeknownst to its citizens. Viewers follow Arash, a teenager battling with the fact his father is a drug addict and the notion he may have fallen in love with a vampire. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is one of the most original takes on the vampire genre in years. Housebound Please enable Javascript to watch this video Being under house arrest is bad enough, but being under house arrest in a house full of evil spirits is even worse. That's the basic premise for Housebound , a recent film meticulously orchestrated to be as funny as it is terrifying. The film, Gerard Johnstone's directorial debut, follows a troubled Kylie Bucknell (Morgana O'Reilly) and her strange family throughout the duration of her stay — a stay that's brimming with the kind of unforeseen plot twists and ace editing that made it an unexpected hit amid the festival circuit. It's a thrilling, and frankly, a much needed facelift for the haunted-house genre as a whole. Sleepy Hollow Please enable Javascript to watch this video When first released in 1999, Sleepy Hollow was the strangest and most fully-realized of Tim Burton's works since Batman Begins. It was based on Washington Irving's short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow , which reeled around New York detective Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp) and his investigation into the deaths of a host of decapitated victims. The charismatic cast and excellent set design give what would be an excessive slasher flick its true character, while Depp's steadfast performance and the bizarre special effects endow the age-old tale with a modern touch. It all makes for a film that excels when it comes to atmosphere, even if the tongue-in-cheek nature of the story sometimes retracts from the film's overall image. And if that weren't appealing enough, it features a dude who stalks the town headless. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari Please enable Javascript to watch this video Director Robert Wiene's The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a strange film by all accounts, yet, it's often considered the quintessential work of German Expressionist cinema and arguably the first horror film in existence. A multitude of jagged landscapes and sharp angles punctuate the bizarre cinematography — giving the silent film about an evil hypnotist, an asylum inmate, and a psychiatrist an added depth of surrealism and two-dimensional mystique — while other cubist-esque touches and techniques further define its visual flare. Looks aside, the iconic film serves as an enduring expose on the mental state of Francis (Friedrich Feher), serving both as a vessel for examining the duality of human nature and our owns perceptions of reality. It's likely not, as some claim, a premonition of the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, but that doesn't render it any less unnerving. From Dusk Till Dawn Please enable Javascript to watch this video Quentin Tarantino flashes his writing chops in this Robert Rodriguez-directed action-horror, From Dusk Till Dawn . ER -era George Clooney joins Tarantino, Harvey Keitel, and Juliette Lewis in this film about two criminals who intend to abscond to Mexico after robbing a bank. After kidnapping an unsuspecting family and forcing them to take them across the border, the group comes across a dive bar inhabited by vampires. Through one gruelingly long night, the criminals must fight for their survival against the pack of vampires until dawn hits. Though it's directed by Rodriguez, fans of Tarantino's filmography will no doubt enjoy this gore-fest. Next Page: Romance Choose a genre: Recent Additions Documentaries Comedies Dramas Thrillers & Action Adventure Foreign Sci-Fi & Fantasy Kids Horror Romance Romance Silver Linings Playbook Please enable Javascript to watch this video David O. Russell directs this award-winning romantic comedy — starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence — about a man struggling with bipolar disorder and lost love. After returning home from a stay at a mental institution, Pat Solatano Jr. (Cooper) attempts to rekindle a relationship with his wife, Nikki. After learning she's moved on, Pat meets another wayward soul in Tiffany (Lawrence) and begins a rather a awkward relationship with her. While Pat tries to use Tiffany to get a note to his lost love, the couple begin to grow an off-the-wall romance that's far from normal due to their neurotic behavior. Robert DeNiro, Jacki Weaver, and Chris Tucker also star in this terrific adaptation of Matthew Quick's novel, Silver Linings Playbook. Chocolat Please enable Javascript to watch this video More often than not, woman swoon at the mere mention of one John Christopher "Johnny" Depp III. Well, the light-hearted Chocolat offers plenty glimpses of the American actor alongside terrific co-star Juliette Binoche, who also just so happens to be the centerpiece in a film regarding a young mother who opens a small chocolaterie in a fictional French village. The 2000 film functions much like a traditional fable, except with adult undertones, a standout soundtrack, and phenomenal supporting cast highlighted by Judi Dench. It hits the sweet spot just like a Cadbury bar, not only in context but in character as well. Dear Frankie Please enable Javascript to watch this video Director Shona Auerbach's Dear Frankie doesn't state the obvious, but more so, prides itself in it's ability to show it to you. The plot of the Scottish romance deals with an overly protective mother (Emily Mortimer) and her deaf son (Jack McElhone), along with a unnamed man (Gerard Butler) who pretends to be the boy's father for a day so his mother can keep up a charade years in the making. However, although the liner notes might portray the film as a sappy tearjerker, the honest writing and poignant performances render the working-class tale something rich and beautiful. It's basically a touching portrait of three bruised individuals, with subtle shades of humor and nuance that belie even the most cumbersome parts of the film. Terms of Endearment Please enable Javascript to watch this video Terms of Endearment is a classic tear-jerker of much renown. Much like Larry McMurtry's novel of the same name, the offbeat film follows widow Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine) and daughter Emma Greenway-Horton (Debra Winger) over the span of 30 years, exploring the humor and heartbreak that accompany the men they date. It's a bittersweet melodrama with wonderful performances and taut scripting at its core, so much that its examination of dating and our relationships comes off as natural as it gets. Jack Nicholson's supporting role only just bolsters it all, even if it is Winger's performance in the closing scenes that truly gives the award-winning film its gusto and humanity. Hook, line, and sinker. Shakespeare in Love Please enable Javascript to watch this video It's easy to knock Shakespeare in Love , however, you probably shouldn't. Although the witty film stands on its own, depicting a fictional love affair between Viola de Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow) and a young Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) while he's writing Romeo and Juliet , it also functions as an ode to the aforementioned playwright's sterling collection of works. Allusions abound in the form of passionate love and politics, both of which play on a fair share of topical references and screwball timing. It even showcases a contemporary humor and solid performances — particularly Paltrow — along with more sweetness than a white chocolate mocha from Starbucks. The Way He Looks Please enable Javascript to watch this video A story of love, independence, and new beginnings, The Way He Looks follows Leonardo, a blind teenager looking to get out from the grasp of his overprotecting mother. Against the well wishes of his friends, Leonardo decides to embark on an exchange program, intent on gaining some independence for himself. Leo's entire viewpoint on his life, and those around him, completely changes once he meets Gabriel, a new student who arrives in town. A touching love story, The Way He Looks has the power to make you laugh, cry, and smile with joy. Jerry Maguire Please enable Javascript to watch this video People tend to forget that Tom Cruise has done other films besides those lining the Mission Impossible series, and honestly, who can blame them? That said, Jerry Maguire remains a phenomenal example of what the now-53-year-old actor is capable of when paired with right vision. Cameron Crowe's script blends sports and romance with a surprising amount of panache, focusing on a sports agent who leaves behind his high-profile job with little more than single co-worker (Renee Zellweger) and client (Cuba Gooding Jr.) in tow. It's loaded with more subplots than need be, sure, yet, it's also heartwarming and chock-full of the kind of performances that garner universal acclaim and Academy Awards. Case in point: Cuba Gooding Jr. Breakfast at Tiffany's Please enable Javascript to watch this video Truman Capote's brilliant novel about an unlikely connection between a struggling writer and a New York socialite is the toast of literary circles. The film adaptation — which sees Audrey Hepburn playing the iconic Holly Golightly — did wonders with Capote's written word and faithfully recreates this wonderful, romantic tale. George Peppard and Mickey Rooney also star in the film, though it's Hepburn's performance which easily steals the show. The Cider House Rules Please enable Javascript to watch this video Lasse Hallstrom directs this touching story starring Tobey Maguire, Michael Caine, Charlize Theron, and Delroy Lindo. The film centers around an orphanage run by Dr. Wilbur Larch (Caine), who serves as both the director of the site, and its physician and abortionist. When one orphan named Homer (Maguire) desires a life outside the orphanage, he leaves with a couple who visits the orphanage looking for an abortion. After Homer proceeds to have an affair with the wife — and subsequently abandoned — he returns to the orphanage to follow in Larch's footsteps. The Cider House Rules is a compassionate story about love, loss, and morality. Copenhagen Please enable Javascript to watch this video What do you do if the girl of your dreams is half your age? Mark Raso tackles this question in his romantic drama, Copenhagen. After travelling through Europe for several weeks, 28-year-old William lands in Copenhagen, the birthplace of his father. While there, he meets 14-year-old Effy and the two instantly hit it off, with Effy making William feel like no other woman has before. As the couple sets out to locate William's grandfather, William battles with the fact he's falling in love with a woman 14 years his junior, while uncovering particularly ugly details about his family's history. The chemistry between the two leads makes this thoughtful love story a pleasure to watch. Cinema Paradiso Please enable Javascript to watch this video Giuseppe Tornatore's foreign drama Cinema Paradiso took the award circuit by storm in 1989, bagging a Golden Globe and an Academy Award as that year's "Best Foreign Language Film." The movie revolves around a celebrated film director who reflects back on his childhood spent at Cinema Paradiso, a theater which helped foster his love for films. During the flashbacks, the director returns to his former home at a Sicilian village where he quickly remembers Elena, his first love and the one who got away when he moved to Rome some 30 years prior. A beautiful love story sure to make you bawl your eyes out, Cinema Paradiso is top-notch filmmaking. |
Couch bound? Here are our favorite shows currently streaming on Netflix Posted: 03 Nov 2015 07:24 AM PST This list is continually updated to reflect recent Netflix availability as TV shows are frequently added and removed. Netflix has a treasure trove of awesome movies that you can stream right now, but if you're looking for more than just a two-hour commitment, it's also got a boatload of great TV shows you can delve into to keep yourself occupied for days, or even weeks on end. If you just finished a good series and you need a new one to fill the void, Netflix is the place to go. Nothing beats a weekend-long marathon with no commercials, so without further ado, we give you our tightly-curated list of the best Netflix Instant TV shows. Related: Best movies streaming on Hulu | Best movies streaming on YouTube Jump to: New this month Drama Comedy Sci-Fi/Fantasy Action/Mystery Reality TV/Documentary Memory Lane Kids Note: For a complete list of everything coming to Netflix, as well as what's going away, take a look at our comprehensive monthly breakdown. New for November 2015 Master of None (November 6) Created by and starring comedian Aziz Ansari, Netflix's Master of None concerns the everyday life of Dev, a 30-year-old actor who attempts to navigate the twists and turns of adulthood while making a living for himself in New York City. Reportedly based somewhat loosely on Ansari's own life, the show even features the former Parks and Recreation actor's real life mother and father as Dev's parents in the show. Even if you haven't dabbled in Ansari's prior work (you should; he's absolutely hilarious) Master of None is sure to please with its witty dialogue, multidimensional cast of characters, and relatable storylines. It appears Netflix has struck gold, once again. Marvel's Jessica Jones (November 20) With the massive success of Daredevil 's first season already in the books for Netflix, Big Red decided to tap into yet another Marvel character with Marvel's Jessica Jones . Breaking Bad alum Krysten Ritter hops into the virtual shoes of the titular Jessica Jones, a semi-troubled young woman who possesses a particularly enhanced set of powers which make her a menace to criminals. Alongside Ritter are David Tennant as the mysterious and evil Kilgrave, Mike Colter as Luke Cage, and Carrie Ann Moss as a hard-nosed lawyer named Jeri Hogarth. Not just for comic book fans, Marvel's Jessica Jones is a wild good time. With Bob and David (November 13) Bob Odenkirk and David Cross team up yet again for the Netflix-exclusive sketch comedy show, With Bob and David . Much like their HBO series Mr. Show with Bob and David , the show plans to feature the over-the-top, yet wildly hilarious, comedy stylings of the show's billed duo who also serve as the show's creators and writers. Though Odenkirk has made it clear this pseudo-reboot won't feature a similar structure as Mr. Show , Netflix's latest comedy should be heavy on the kind of outrageous spoofs and hilarious writing fans of David Cross and Bob Odenkirk have come to expect. Next Page: Drama Jump to: New this month Drama Comedy Sci-Fi/Fantasy Action/Mystery Reality TV/Documentary Memory Lane Kids Drama Mad Men Set in New York in the 1960's, Mad Men follows one of the city's most prestigious ad agencies on Madison Avenue. The agency is doing well, but as the industry grows the competition begins to stiffen. The agency tries to survive in a time when everything, including the ad industry, is undergoing a radical shake-up. The two protagonists are the enigmatic Don Draper (Jon Hamm), a self-made executive who's childhood seems to always get in the way of his happiness and ultra-terse Peggy Olson (Elizabeth Moss), a former secretary who works her way up the corporate ladder. Breaking Bad Walter White (Bryan Cranston) is a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer. To secure his family's finances before he dies, White uses his chemistry background to cook and deal premium blue meth. His partner is former student, and burn-out Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). It's teeming with moral consequences and family issues, and fittingly, as addicting as the crystal meth Walt produces in his beat-up van in the desert. House of Cards The Netflix-produced series is one of the best political dramas since The West Wing . The show revolves around protagonist Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey), the U.S. Senate Majority Whip who uses every political secret and inch of his clout to dethrone enemies and leverage his way to the top. His alliance with environmental lobbyist Claire (Robin Wright) is arguably one of the best alliances on TV, brilliantly showcasing just how the two characters are willing to go to beat their opponents and catapult — or destroy —approval ratings. Bloodline This one has family melodrama written all over it: the Rayburns have a slew of secrets that unravel when family black sheep Danny (Ben Mendelsohn) arrives home during his parents' 45th wedding anniversary. The show is narrated by John Rayburn (Kyle Chandler) the middle brother and Florida Key's detective who instantly clashes with Danny's lawless ways. Bloodline debuted in March of this year and received immediate positive reception. So much, in fact, that Netflix has already signed on for 2016. The West Wing Quite possibly the best political drama of all time, The West Wing follows fictional President Jed Bartlett (Martin Sheen) and his staff as they fight various personal and political battles, through his two terms as president. Critics and people close to the White House praised the show for its accuracy and the Aaron Sorkin's razor sharp dialog, and even now, the show lives on through multiple Twitter Handles for several West Wing characters. Still, Netfflix offers all seven seasons. Friday Night Lights Director Peter Berg's Friday Night Lights never excelled in terms of viewership, but it was frequently lauded for its deep characterization and emotional portrayal of heartland America throughout its five-season run. The series is based around a high school football team in the fictional town of Dillion, Texas, and as such, it frequently deals with family troubles, drugs, racism, and the swath of problems students encounter growing up. It's not so much the acting that renders it sublime — though, Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton are standouts — but the realistic writing and accompanying cinematography. We only wish Billy Bob Thornton could have made the crossover from Berg's film of the same name. Bates Motel While cable network A&E is best known for its bevy of reality shows, its foray into thrilling drama with Bates Motel is as impressive as anything in its lineup. The show follows the lives of Norma and Norman Bates some time prior to Norman's infamous turn in Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 classic, Psycho . After Norma's husband passes, she sets out for the fictional city of White Pine Bay, Oregon with Norman where they purchase a small hotel to begin anew. As expected, things begin to unravel mere days after arriving at said hotel, with each move made by Norma and Norman setting the stage for the latter's eventual fondness for butcher knives and showers. Heroes With the NBC series Heroes Reborn set for 2015, it's time for a rehash. The original story revolves around a group of ordinary people who discover they posses superpowers, like the ability to read minds or regenerate. Of course, there are several "non-gifted" individuals who attempt to kill off all the gifted. The show has the feel of a comic book, with a strong focus on the visual and major plot arcs that span entire seasons and give birth to smaller more nuanced personal stories. Halt and Catch Fire AMC's Halt and Catch Fire, another period piece in the same vein as the network's smash hit Mad Men, takes place in Texas during the technology boom of the 1980s. The show centers around former IBM sales executive Joe MacMillan, Cardiff Electric engineer Gordon Clark, and programming whiz Cameron Howe as they navigate the tumultuous landscape of the personal computer revolution. Headlined by superb writing, brilliant acting, and a unique inside look at one of the most influential eras in human history, Halt and Catch Fire has binge-worthy written all over it. Damages Glenn Close and Rose Byrne star in this legal thriller which features all of the same twists, turns, and storytelling which made Law & Order a bonafide hit. Though, instead of featuring one case per episode like the Dick Wolf classic, Damages tackles just once case over the course of an entire season. During its successful five season run, Damages garnered heaps of critical acclaim due to its expert use of nonlinear storytelling, along with superb performances from its star studded cast; it's not the least bit surprising the show was a mainstay at the Golden Globes and Emmy's during its tenure. Rectify How would you handle readjusting to life after being wrongfully imprisoned for 19 years of your life? Sundance TV's Rectify addresses this quandary as it follows the life of Daniel Holden. Convicted and sent to death row as a teenager for the rape and murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend, new evidence vacates Holden's original trial, setting the stage for his return home to Paulie, Georgia. Now in his late 30s, Holden attempts to rekindle relationships with his family and friends, something not easily accomplished for someone whose name had been denounced for so long. The House of Cards Trilogy (BBC) Set after British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's resignation, the original House of Cards features as much backstabbing and morally corrupt political drama as its current day, Netflix-only counterpart. Similar to the Kevin Spacey-starring drama, House of Cards concerns a Chief Whip of Britain's Conservative Party who attempts — at all costs — to slither his way to the seat of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Ian Richardson and Diane Fletcher star as the infamous power couple Frank and Elizabeth Urquhart, bearers of a black heart, twisted moral compass, and insatiable need for immense control. With a gripping storyline and incredible performances from the show's impressive cast, House of Cards Trilogy is a wildly fun ride, even if you've seen the remake. Dancing on the Edge Dancing on the Edge takes place during 1930s London and follows the ups and downs of a local black jazz band. After scoring a gig at the legendary Imperial Hotel, the band becomes an instant success and starts playing shows for many of London's elite, including the Royal Family. Before any of the members have a chance to take a breath, the group's star power soars to astronomical levels. Chiwetel Ejiofor, Angel Coulby, and John Goodman star in this period piece which garnered heaps of critical acclaim for both its storytelling, as well as the performances of its actor, when it aired on BBC Two in 2013. A Young Doctor's Notebook Jon Hamm and Daniel Radcliffe star in this British dark comedy about a Russian doctor who recounts a period in his life where he worked at a tiny village hospital. The show constantly shifts between a present-day version of the doctor (played by Hamm), and a version of the doctor some 16 years prior (Daniel Radcliffe). As the story unfolds, viewers get an up-close and personal look at his humble beginnings during the Russian Revolution, as well as how he became wildly addicted to morphine – and how it ended up ruining his life. Based off book of short stories of the same name, A Young Doctor's Notebook is gripping drama that begs to be binged. Narcos The latest Netflix-produced piece of content to grace subscribing TV sets is Narcos , a chronicled take on the story of Colombian drug kingpin, Pablo Escobar. With its fast-paced style of storytelling, brilliant acting, and the fact the show was filmed on-location in Colombia, the series appears to be yet another impressive win for the massive streaming company. Brazilian actor Wagner Moura plays the role of the iconic Escobar, while Boyd Holbrook fills the shoes of DEA agent Steve Murphy, the one tasked with tracking and killing Escobar. If you're a sucker for such dramas as House of Cards or Breaking Bad , you'll no doubt want to dive into the cocaine-filled world of Narcos . Person of Interest Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson, and Taraji P. Henson star in this science fiction drama about an ex-C.I.A agent who's recruited by a mysterious man to fight violent crimes. By using an advanced AI system called "The Machine," the duo sniffs out various persons of interest before they can cause serious harm. This CBS-airing show features the production expertise of Jonathan Nolan — the lesser-known Nolan sibling — and J.J. Abrams of, you know, Fringe, Star Trek, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens fame. With 90 episodes under its belt, Person of Interest is the perfect companion piece for the changing season (i.e. the onset of rainy days). iZombie (October 6) A morbid, yet mildly funny, take on the tried-and-true procedural cop drama, iZombie concerns the life of a recently zombified medical student who takes up a job with a local Coroner's Office so she can eat its stock of brains. After enjoying a few delicious meals of local gray matter, Liv (our zombie medical student) soon realizes she absorbs the memories of each brain she consumes. In light of this shocking discovery, she uses her newfound power to help the police solve mysteries surrounding these people's deaths. Based off a DC comic book series of the same name, iZombie is a refreshing take on a genre that is no doubt starting to dry up. Next Page: Comedy Jump to: New this month Drama Comedy Sci-Fi/Fantasy Action/Mystery Reality TV/Documentary Memory Lane Kids Comedy Master of None (November 6) Created by and starring comedian Aziz Ansari, Netflix's Master of None concerns the everyday life of Dev, a 30-year-old actor who attempts to navigate the twists and turns of adulthood while making a living for himself in New York City. Reportedly based somewhat loosely on Ansari's own life, the show even features the former Parks and Recreation actor's real life mother and father as Dev's parents in the show. Even if you haven't dabbled in Ansari's prior work (you should, too, he's absolutely hilarious) Master of None is sure to please with its witty dialogue, multidimensional cast of characters, and relatable storylines. It appears Netflix has once again struck gold. BoJack Horseman Netflix's original, animated comedy features voices from some of the brightest stars on TV today (i.e. Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul). Comedian Amy Sedaris also lends her voice in this raucous show about a washed up, fictional horse who attempts to reignite his stagnant celebrity career. Ridiculous in all aspects, BoJack Horseman is good for some hearty laughs at the expense of the commonplace celebrity lifestyle. Let's just say it's a show about horsing around (pun intended). How I Met Your Mother This CBS sitcom ruled television sets for over eight and a half years, attracting a host of viewers who all wanted an answer to the same question: Who is the mother of Ted Mosby's children? Over the course of nine seasons, How I Met Your Mother dangled this question in front of its viewers while also providing some hearty laughs by way of its supporting cast. American Pie alum Alyson Hannigan, Forgetting Sarah Marshall funny-guy Jason Segal, and the always hilarious Neil Patrick Harris join Josh Radnor in this hilarious comedy. Archer Archer isn't your average animated series. It's like a hybrid between Arrested Development and every spy flick ever. The show whirls around I.S.I.S., an international spy agency filled that deal with global crises. Considering the spy agency is essentially a pressure cooker that is Sterling Archer's mother, Malory Archer (Jessica Walter), and Arher's ex-girlfriend, Lana Kane (Aisha Tyler), most events are just opportunities to screw-over co-workers. The show is a tad cynical, with rapid-fire dialogue and characters unlike anything else on Netflix. Arrested Development After his father is imprisoned for accounting fraud, Michael Bluth finds the assets of the family-owned business frozen. By default, he's responsible for holding his dysfunctional family together as they all wig out. The show unfolds as the formerly wealthy Bluth family recoils from the shock of bankruptcy. Despite receiving much critical acclaim the show was dropped after the third season due to low ratings. Even so, the writing and a talented cast make the it a comedy you can't miss — especially since Netflix recently revived it for a fourth season. Louie The show follows Louie through his everyday life. But somehow the finished product is unlike pretty much everything else on television (and Netflix). It's a bit like Seinfeld in that it mirrors the real life of its lead star-director-writer-editor and doesn't have much of a plot. Similar to real-life, Louis is a comedian and divorced father of two girls. The show incorporates stand up scenes and shows Louie attempting to find comedy in his life. It's a comedic masterpiece that you'll simply have to watch for yourself. Netflix has three seasons. 30 Rock Is it too early to declare 30 Rock a comedy classic of the highest caliber? It's only been a couple years since its series finale aired, drawing to a close the story of the head writer of a sketch-comedy series (Tina Fey) and her oddball group of colleagues-friends. Tracy Morgan, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Krakowski help round out the cast, but it's Alec Baldwin's portrayal of corporate executive Jack Donaghy that makes it all worthwhile. Eh, I guess we're calling it a classic. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia If Seinfeld and Trailer Park Boys had a baby, and that baby sniffed a lot of glue, it would grow up to be a TV show that's something like It's Always Sunny . The show centers around "the gang," a group of friends who co-run an Irish pub in South Philadelphia. Narcissism and vanity run rampant in the comedy that usually involves ousting one member of the group and blackmail or fraud. Netflix has nine of the seasons, and moreover, Frank Reynolds (Danny DiVito) has the best hair on TV. Portlandia Given Digital Trends is headquartered mere blocks from the show's namesake Portlandia sculpture in downtown Portland, sometimes the deadpan humor — nearly always done at the expense of Portlanders — is so dead-on it hurts. Even so, the show represents a landmark success considering you'll laugh more than you'll wince as Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein guide you through their version of Portland, which is only slightly zanier than the real thing. Its scripted, but the two stars leave plenty of room for improvisation and cameos. Parks and Recreation What started out as a sitcom done in the typical, post- Office mockumentary style turned into something truly amazing. It's a hilarious study of the comical residents of Pawnee, Indiana. The show centers on public servant Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), an excitable mid-level official in the Parks and Recreation department, along with a team that diligently works to make the city of Pawnee a better place for everyone. The cast is filled with the biggest names in comedy including Nick Offerman, Aziz Ansari, and Rashida Jones. The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Kimmy Schmidt, portrayed by Ellie Kemper of Bridesmaids fame, is one four women rescued from an underground bunker where she was imprisoned alongside a polygamist cult leader. She then goes to work as a nanny for a socialite, Jane Krakowski, in the bustling streets of New York City. Although the sitcom's premise doesn't exactly scream "hilarious," it's blanketed with Tina Fey's comedic timing, often coming off as a spiritual successor to 30 Rock. Watching Kemper haphazardly adjust to the foreign complexities of the modern world, such as emojis and hashtags, is more than inviting — even if she does occasionally exhibit some PTSD from her 15 years underneath the Indianian soil. Orange is the New Black Based on a true story, this Netflix original comedy follows Piper Chapman as she goes from comfortable middle-class living to an all-female prison as a result of a drug-related crime she committed a decade prior. The show is based upon the real-life Piper Kerman, who wrote a memoir based on her money-laundering years and subsequent time in jail. The drama is often funny, with hilarious interactions between cell mates, but that doesn't mean it doesn't get heavy. Netflix currently offers both season, with a third season slated for 2015. Bob's Burgers Let it be known that Tina Belcher, the eldest daughter on Bob's Burgers is one of the most hilarious and likeable characters on TV right now. The show follows the Belcher family as they navigate the woes of running a family burger joint. After watching a few episodes you get the sense that times are tough for the Belchers. The restaurant falls victim to a fire, rodent infestation, and street lamp crashing on the entrance. But staying in the black is always secondary to the hilarious dialogue between family members. New Girl Zooey Deschanel plays the quirky Jess in this Fox comedy about a woman who moves into a loft in L.A. with three guys she meets online. While Jake Johnson's Nick character serves as the second lead behind Deschanel, it's performances from Max Greenfield (Schmidt) and Lamorne Morris (Winston) who steal the show. This single-camera sitcom perfectly blends elements of drama into its comedic writing, and remains one of the wittiest shows on TV. To top things off, it even created its own drinking game called "True American;" what other show has this on its resume? Californication While David Duchovny's alcoholic, drug-dependent, sex addicted character in Californication seems an eerily similar rendition of who he is in real life, Showtime's hit drama is formally labeled a work of fiction. Nevertheless, this Tom Kapinos-created dramedy focuses on Hank Moody, a hedonistic author who struggles with the ability to make just one good decision, while also trying to fix the broken relationships he has with his ex-wife and daughter. Duchovny is fantastic as Hank, while the rest of the series' cast is as colorful as Moody's eyes after a weekend bender. Grace and Frankie The Netflix-exclusive comedy, Grace and Frankie, hails from legendary TV producer Marta Kauffman — of Friends and Veronica's Closet fame — and stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as the series' leads. This comedy deals with Grace (Fonda) and Frankie (Tomlin) shortly after they find out their husbands — played perfectly by Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen — fell in love with each other and intend to leave their wives to start their own life. Now, the two divorcees must figure out how to live in the same house and support each other without for one another's throats. Expertly written and hilariously acted, Grace and Frankie is an outstanding addition to Netflix's already impressive lineup of programming. Saturday Night Live (The 2010s) It's had its fair share of ups and downs, but there's nothing quite like a good episode of Saturday Night Live . With Netflix recently serving up streaming access to the hit sketch show's 2010-era run, viewers have access to a bevy of Andy Samberg, Kristen Wiig, and Fred Armisen-starring episodes. Although it may never quite live up to '70s and '80s SNL , there's no shortage of laughs, awkward moments, and outrageous cameos sure to please any fan of the series. Moreover, no matter if a certain week's host ended up bombing or not, the musical guests routinely provided performances worth the price of admission. Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp Fans of 2001's Wet Hot American Summer won't want to miss Netflix's eight-part prequel series featuring all the same wild gags and over-the-top hilarity of its source material. Despite many of the actors from the original going on to enjoy super-stardom, the show somehow retained each member of the original cast, while also adding a slew of new and hilarious cast members. Although it might feed off the 2001 movie's cult status to garner viewers, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp bears plenty of its own unique comedy and outrageous scenes to stand out of the shadow of the original. Moreover, since it's a Netflix-exclusive, each episode released on the same day so this has binge-worthy written all over it. Maron Similar to shows like Louie or The Jim Gaffigan Show, Maron takes viewers on a pseudo-fictionalized journey through comedian Marc Maron's life. While the premise centers around his popular podcast program, the events surrounding each podcast – along with what happens to Marc outside of his show – are wildly sensationalized. Few comedians match Maron's wit, cynicism, and downright original comedy, so even though it feels like a show that's been done so many times before, it hardly feels stale or repetitive. You'd be hard-pressed to find another show with as many laugh-out-loud moments as Maron. It's that hilarious. The Inbetweeners This British sitcom follows the life of Will McKenzie, a witty teenager who's just recently transferred to a private school following the divorce of his parents. While there, McKenzie becomes friends with three other boys attending the institution, and goes on to fall victim to a series of pratfalls every high school student has experienced in one way or another. From failed sexual encounters and bullying, to a rocky home life and bonding with friends, The Inbetweeners shies away from no touchy subject, though it's the four main characters who ultimately make the show such an absolute pleasure to watch. With three six-episode seasons and two feature-length movies taking place in the world of The Inbetweeners , this is one of the most successful British comedies of the last several decades. The League Though FX's riotous comedy The League centers on six friends who participate in a fantasy football league together, an understanding of fantasy sports is actually not necessary to grasp the show's humor. Though each episode features some sort of football-related joke peppered in over the course of the 30 minutes, the episodes typically revolve around various ridiculous situations the characters find themselves in. Whether it's Taco's invention of the offline social network My Face, or the group traveling to Vegas for their annual draft, there's no shortage of outrageous hijinks and ridiculous behavior. With Bob and David (November 13) Bob Odenkirk and David Cross team up yet again for the Netflix-exclusive sketch comedy show, With Bob and David . Much like their HBO series Mr. Show with Bob and David , the show plans to feature the over-the-top, yet wildly hilarious, comedy stylings of the show's billed duo who also serve as the show's creators and writers. Though Odenkirk has made it clear this pseudo-reboot won't feature a similar structure as Mr. Show , Netflix's latest comedy should be heavy on the kind of outrageous spoofs and hilarious writing fans of David Cross and Bob Odenkirk have come to expect. Next Page: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Jump to: New this month Drama Comedy Sci-Fi/Fantasy Action/Mystery Reality TV/Documentary Memory Lane Kids Sci-Fi Star Trek: The Next Generation For those of you unacquainted with perhaps the most popular sci-fi television series of all time, there's not much we can say, other than Netflix all seven seasons of Star Trek: Next Generation . Created in 1987, 21 years after the original series, the shows follows the exploits of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his space-faring crew upon the new USS Enterprise . Despite Netflix's omission of the rest of the Star Trek library and Paramount's decision to end the show prematurely before the final season, there's still 187 episodes lined with Romulans and the Borg, not to mention a entire world of adventure with which to expand your cult-classic knowledge. After all, it did manage to live long and prosper. Doctor Who Considering there are 26 seasons of Doctor Who, it's not surprising it's the longest running Sci-Fi TV show of all time. Netflix has all seven seasons of the 2005 remake, and like the 1963 version, the remake follows an eccentric and super-intelligent scientist (David Tennant) as he travels through time and space to thwart various evildoers. Sure, there's the classic Doctor Who nostalgia that factors into the show's appeal, but at its core, it's the time-travel component that remains the most fascinating part of the show for modern viewers. The Walking Dead If you've ever watched a gut-wrenching zombie flick like Dawn of The Dead and found yourself wishing there was more than a couple hours to watch, then The Walking Dead is what you've always wanted. AMC's zombie-centric show is based on Robert Kirkman's series of graphic novels of the same name, following sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) who finds himself in an abandoned hospital and amasses a band of survivors. Zombie's aside, there's plenty of human-to-human and interpersonal drama as well. Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Fully entrenched in all things Marvel, director Joss Whedon brings the incredibly popular superhero universe to the small screen with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The show revolves around Clark Kregg's character, Agent Coulson, who mans a team of superhero agents responsible for investigating unusual events and enemies. Though the show involves characters not typically seen in the big Marvel movies, it does still share continuity with the long list of past and future Marvel films. Black Mirror Each episode of Black Mirror tells a single story, with a theme of modern and near-future technology that runs through each unnerving tale. It's often compared to The Twilight Zone for its episodic nature, and just like the classic series, some of the stories will leave you only able to sit and stare at a blank television, wondering what you just watched. Beyond all of the thought-provoking, mind-bending, and world building, the acting and aesthetic is smart and nuanced, and will leave even the best spoiler guessers out there reeling from the sharp twists and turns in every episode. Fringe From the imaginative minds of J.J. Abrams, Roberto Orci, and Alex Kurtzman comes Fringe , a paranormal, science fiction thriller reminiscent of Chris Carter's brilliant X-Files (see below). Joshua Jackson, Anna Torv, and John Noble highlight this impressive cast, which also features The Wire alum Lance Reddick and a special appearance by Leonard Nimoy. It ran for an even 100 episodes and consistently pushed the envelope in terms of outrageous storylines, alternate dimensions, and eerie mysteries. X-Files At their core, Dana Scully and Fox Mulder are fundamentally different. Mulder believes in aliens, Scully does not, yet the two FBI agents investigate cases relating to paranormal activity. The show is immensely satisfying because somehow the duo always manage to solve the mystery, no matter how bizarre. Despite initially garnering a cult following, the show transformed into a '90s classic because — let's be real — who doesn't believe in aliens? The show even inspired everything from Lost to Fringe , garnering it even more acclaim. Arrow Yet another television show drawing from the pages of popular comics, CW's Arrow takes its influence from the DC Comics character, Green Arrow. Actor Steven Arnell tackles the lead as playboy billionaire Oliver Queen, who soon takes up the role of the Green Arrow to subdue crime in the fictional setting of Starling City. Netflix offers the first two seasons of this highly regarded show, while new episodes of its third season currently air on the CW. Sense8 From the — sometimes — brilliant science fiction minds of Andy and Lana Wachowski comes Sense8, a sci-fi drama concerning eight strangers who suddenly find themselves strangely connected to one another. After enduring an awakening of sorts, these strangers now have the ability to communicate and share knowledge and skills with one another. A much different take on the sci-fi genre and one featuring a diverse lineup of characters, Sense8 continues to show Wachowski's and J. Michael Straczynski's incredible knack for dense storytelling. Next Page: Action/Mystery Jump to: New this month Drama Comedy Sci-Fi/Fantasy Action/Mystery Reality TV/Documentary Memory Lane Kids Action/Mystery Marvel's Jessica Jones (November 20) With the massive success of Daredevil 's first season already in the books for Netflix, Big Red decided to tap into yet another Marvel character with Marvel's Jessica Jones . Breaking Bad alum Krysten Ritter hops into the virtual shoes of the titular Jessica Jones, a semi-troubled young woman who possesses a particularly enhanced set of powers which make her a menace to criminals. Alongside Ritter are David Tennant as the mysterious and evil Kilgrave, Mike Colter as Luke Cage, and Carrie Ann Moss as a hard-nosed lawyer named Jeri Hogarth. Not just for comic book fans, Marvel's Jessica Jones is a wild good time. Sherlock Not all adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic novels are good. Thankfully, Sherlock is terrific right out of the gates. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the leading role in the show, which serves as a modern reimagining of Sherlock's London exploits. Charm and elementary brain work come standard, but unlike most past renditions of the crime-drama, many criminals manage to outwit Holmes. Still, Cumberbatch delivers a Sherlock that is surprisingly brawny and moody, with a dependable Watson (Martin Freeman) to match. Sons of Anarchy Everything about this show is excellent, from the writing and acting to the cinematography and sets. You wanna know what's not great? Their business practices. The show encapsulates a conflict between motorcycle gang leader Clay and his step-son, Jax. Clay, the old-fashioned club president, wants to preserve the gang's risky and often aggressive methods for turning a profit while Jax wants a better life for his new son. You're exposed to the lives of the bikers along the way, along with their inevitable encounter with the law and rival factions. Daredevil The latest Netflix-produced show to strike gold, Daredevil brings the Marvel Universe to the small screen in a big way. While movie adaptations of Marvel's blind lawyer-by-day, blind crime-fighter-by-night never quite lived up to expectations, Drew Goddard's episodic version garnered near universal acclaim. Charlie Cox — who plays the iconic Daredevil — headlines an impressive cast which also features Vincent D'Onofrio and Rosario Dawson. Gritty, expertly produced, and packed to the brim with action, Netflix's Daredevil is one you won't want to miss. Luther The BBC's Luther revolves around John Luther (Idris Elba), a brilliant but troubled English police detective, and his cases. It's similar to Sherlock in many ways given Luther's detective work is always a bit unorthodox, except the reveals a grittier London than Sherlock. Elba's character is crude and unrelenting, and surprisingly, he often finds himself establishing bonds with criminals and taking the law into his own hands. He's a shoot-from-the-hip kind of character, with his biggest threat being the bureaucracy of his very own unit. Broadchurch When an 11-year-old boy is killed, the coastal town of Broadchurch is subjected to the onslaught of media attention. At only eight episodes, this British show is easy to binge in a weekend, with twists and turns that will keep you watching. David Tennant stars as the head investigator of the murder and finds himself dealing with high emotions and high stakes on his search to find the person that would do an unthinkable act. Lost The J.J. Abrams-produced cliffhanger that is Lost begins with a group of plane-crash survivors on a mysterious island. The show follows the lives of the survivors as they cope with the fact they'll never return to society. The show introduces an interesting psychological twist as they adapt to the island, revealing other island inhabitants, otherworldly forces, and time travel along the way. The show is fairly abstract, yet remains grounded enough to keep viewers engaged and remain arguably one of biggest binge-watching shows of all time. Dexter Showtime struck gold in 2006 with Dexter, a blockbuster show featuring a main character who doubles as both a serial killer and a blood splatter analyst for the Miami Metro PD. If this twist isn't enough to already hook you, Dexter chooses only to kill people he deems worthy of deserving to die (i.e. rapists, child molesters, murderers of the innocent, etc.). As gripping as it is interesting, Dexter is quite the wild ride across its incredible, eight-season run. Marco Polo If you want all of the violence, nudity, and drama of Game of Thrones but prefer the Netflix binge-watching format, their new original series Marco Polo is worth a look. The series recounts a dramatized version of the titular explorer's time in Kublai Khan's court, a brutal ruler whose character shines as both a leader in battle and a conflicted soul. It's a little slow initially, but the character development and action sequences make the early drudgery worth it. Graceland USA Network's latest off-the-wall cop drama Graceland centers around a rookie FBI agent who's assigned to move to sunny Southern California to join an undercover team of fellow FBI, DEA, and ICE agents. While the team's goal of ridding the SoCal streets of hard drugs and violence seems straightforward, the fact the agents all live in a recently confiscated drug house gives this show a particularly unique wrinkle. If you liked USA's other cop dramas — see Burn Notice, Psych, Monk, etc. — you'll no doubt enjoy taking a stroll through Graceland. Transporter: The Series Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen's popular Transporter franchise inspires this TNT-broadcasted episodic take on the Frank Martin universe. Though while noticeably void of Jason Statham's likeness, Transporter: The Series does feature all the raucous action of the original films. English actor Chris Vance steps into Franks shoes as the freelance courier-for-hire who possesses a particular set of skills necessary to get him out of any sticky situation. Like the movies, there's a lot of fast driving, punches to the neck, and damsels in distress; it's not revolutionary but it's a ton of fun. The Flash (October 6) Not content with Marvel hogging the spotlight for comic book-themed TV shows and movies, DC comics entered the fray with 2014's surprising action show, The Flash . After awakening from a nine month coma stemming from a horrible lightning accident, protagonist Barry Allen realizes he now possesses the power of super speed. Bestowed with this super human ability, Allen assembles a capable team of allies to help him fight crime and rid the streets of all evil doers. If you like comic book-based programming, you don't want to miss The Flash . Next Page: Reality TV/Documentary Jump to: New this month Drama Comedy Sci-Fi/Fantasy Action/Mystery Reality TV/Documentary Memory Lane Kids Reality TV/Documentary TED Talks: Best of TEDx TED Talks are a series of educational and highly informative documentaries that consistently feature commentary from industry-leading experts, renowned academics, and otherwise smart people. Each episode runs about 15 to 30 minutes long and, for the most case, involves a pretty refined focus. You can scan through different lecture series, each of which broadly encompasses a particular theme or topic. This series has some TED Talk gems including What's Wrong with your Pa$$word and Own your Body's Data. Departures It often said that life is more often about the journey than the destination. Departures , a Canadian travel series, takes the aforementioned sentiment to heart throughout the course of several seasons. The series stars high-school friends Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach, chronicling their adventures and then challenges they face while skirting the globe. The show isn't known for its high-production value or portrayal of iconic locations, but more so, providing insight into culture as seen through the eyes of a couple of 20-year-old dudes who drop their agendas and decide to trudge off the beaten path. Nonetheless, the cinematography is tastefully done, whether the hosts are climbing the tallest mountain in the south Atlantic or drinking a couple beers on the side of the road. Top Gear If you like cars, motorcycles, or basically anything with an engine, you'll love Top Gear . The British version has been on air since 2002, giving the hosts (Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May) full reign to try to wreck a Toyota Hilux and race a slew of dilapidated vehicles from Miami to New Orleans, among other automobile-centric tests. The show is pretty much the best thing on Netflix for motor enthusiasts and those with a need for speed, so much so we have an entire article outlining the ten best Top Gear episodes. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey Carl Sagan's thirteen-part TV series, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage , remains a watershed moment in science television despite being more than three decades old. Fortunately, the 2014 reboot presented by Neil deGrasse Tyson is just as enchanting, detailing the latest revelations regarding time and space within a series of 45-minute installments. The show touches on everything from the first steps of evolution and the impact of paleogeography to electromagnetism and the irreparable consequences of global warming. Religion isn't an option. Planet Earth Just in time for Earth Day 2015, Netflix partnered with the BBC to offer streaming of its smash-hit documentary series, Planet Earth. Over the course of 11 episodes, Planet Earth takes viewers to all corners of the globe, allowing them to see Earth as they've never experienced before. From the depths of the open ocean, to the jungles of Uganda, this docuseries sheds light on the most fascinating areas of the world. Moreover, Life presenter David Attenborough superbly narrates Planet Earth's globe-spanning expedition. ESPN's 30 for 30 There's nothing really like 30 for 30. Netflix has been issuing the sport documentaries under the umbrella 30 for 30 and ESPN Presents since 2010. The documentaries which chronicle spectacular sport stories has endured over the past few years mostly because of the range of storytelling. 30 for 30 doesn't only go "in-depth" on famous athletes. Some of the best episodes are of the lesser known athletes and trials they endured. Ken Burns: The National Parks — America's Best Idea As the lauded winner of two Emmy Awards, one for outstanding writing and the other for outstanding non-fiction series, director Ken Burns' latest documentary is a testament to our nation's most prestigious and breathtaking sites. It's essentially a historical presentation chronicling the formation of the parks and the democratic motives behind it, one with fantastic celebrity narrations from the likes of Tom Hanks and Josh Lucas. The PBS documentary may come off like propaganda at times, but the beautiful cinematography alone is enough to fill you with a deeper admiration for the parks and people fighting to preserve them. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown CNN may not be particularly known for its ace reporting and unbiased perspective when it comes to politics, but it's far tougher to put a spin on food coverage. In Parts Unknown , American chef Anthony Bourdain scours regions of the globe — from the Bronx and Tanzania to Shanghai and the Mississippi Delta — for lesser-known cuisine and local delicacies rarely offered in mainstream America. It's a captivating examination of different cultures and customs, and though Bourdain often comes off as rather dry and a bit abrasive, his knowledge of food and the way he addresses heartbreak and hardship is phenomenal. And no, the Los Angeles episode from season one is still not available… Bill Nye the Science Guy Bill Nye's sensational educational program Bill Nye the Science Guy quickly became a household and classroom staple when it debuted back in September of 1993. During its nearly five year, 100 episode run, Bill Nye taught a wide range of natural science topics aimed at educating youngsters about everything from the Earth's core to how the brain works. Nominated for 23 Emmy's — and winners of 19 — Bill Nye the Science Guy easily holds up as well today as it did when it aired some 20 years ago. Death Row Stories The first season of CNN's Death Row Stories consists of just eight episodes, but packs a serious punch by examining and questioning America's death penalty. Each episode tackles a different capital murder case, each chock full with their own fair share of peculiar evidence, egotistical prosecutors, and questionable convictions. With interviews from those who've lived on death row, as well as up close and personal accounts from the people who knew each case best, Death Row Stories is a startling look at the state of the U.S. legal system. The First 48 Collection Fans of Homicide: Life on the Street or HBO's The Wire will no doubt want to check out A&E's superb — though, slightly controversial — series, The First 48. Each episode of the show gives viewers an inside look at real-life homicide investigations, from a variety of different viewpoints. The First 48 also shows how detectives utilize a wide range of advanced tactics, such as forensic evidence and witness testimony, to apprehend the suspects of each case. You won't get a closer look at the way detectives do their job, and this fact alone makes The First 48 gripping television. House Hunters International Collection A spin-off of the aptly-titled HGTV show House Hunters, House Hunters International chronicles various couples as they set out to find a new home. Because this version is the international variety, the show finds abode-searching individuals in country's like France, Thailand, Portugal, and everywhere in between. It's particularly fascinating to see the different kinds of houses specific to different regions, and also incredibly fun to drool over some of the more expensive homes. Human Planet Like Planet Earth , Human Planet presents viewers with an in-depth look at nature, humanity, and its impact on each other. Instead of viewing the different ways environments adapt and grow, this episodic series examines the relationship between humans and the world around them. The show looks at the various ways humankind has adapted to life in nearly every environment on Earth, such as shark calling in Papua New Guinea, herding reindeer in Norway, or hunting tarantulas in Venezuela. Each gorgeous locale comes packed with an equally interesting story told by the show's narrator, though it's arguably Human Planet's cinematography that truly makes this show an addictive pleasure. Over the course of the eight-episode season, Human Planet presents more than 100 different stories making it one of the richest programs streaming on Netflix. The Mind of a Chef By combining travel, food, history, and science into several 20-minute episodes, the creative minds behind The Mind of a Chef have no doubt created a wildly fascinating program fit for casual and binge-watching Netflix fans alike. Those familiar with the work of Anthony Bourdain — who appears on this show's first season — are likely already accustomed to the tried-and-true formula that makes The Mind of a Chef so good, and those new to the genre are in for a treat. Each episode tackles a different food sub-group such as simple dishes, cooking with rotten food, or rice, while providing viewers and abundance of the historical background and peculiar uses native to each subject. We recommend eating before watching, however, there's just something about watching someone on TV eat delicious dishes that always has us running to the fridge. Throwdown with Bobby Flay Collection In this particular reality show, celebrity chef Bobby Flay shares center stage each week with a host of renowned cooks, challenging them to a cook-off of their quintessential recipe. With foods ranging from cheeseburgers and pizza to meatloaf and heuvos rancheros, there's no meal Flay won't attempt. At the conclusion of each episode, a panel of judges rates each chef's finished meal and awards one as the ultimate winner. Unsurprisingly, Flay has a number of wins under his belt though it's typically the chef he challenges who walks away victorious. Barefoot Contessa: Back to the Basics Collection A plain and simple cooking show, Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa: Back to the Basics will have you preparing everything from the perfect French dinner party to the best brunch you've ever tasted. Not only is Garten a pleasure to watch on screen, the way she clearly leads her viewers through recipes makes it easy for anyone to successfully pull off her recipes. Barefoot Contessa: Back to the Basics is no doubt a perfect companion as you start to plan for all those potlucks, Thanksgiving dinners, or otherwise on the horizon for the next few months. Next Page: Memory Lane Jump to: New this month Drama Comedy Sci-Fi/Fantasy Action/Mystery Reality TV/Documentary Memory Lane Kids Memory Lane Columbo Lots of crime shows showcase brilliant, yet asocial protagonists (i.e. the aforementioned Sherlock and Luther ). However, Columbo doesn't follow suite. Columbo (Peter Falk) may be a homeless-looking guy with a cigar hanging out of the corner of his mouth, one with unfailing manners and an underwhelming demeanor, but nothing is farther from the truth. For all his moderate and enjoyable manners, he's LAPD's best detective. The show follows Columbo as he investigates the high-profile cases of LA's rich and entitled. Alfred Hitchcock Presents Film icon Alfred Hitchcock plays host in the classic TV series featuring his namesake. Each episode is a textbook example of how to scare the living hell out of someone, proving Hitchcock's short films are just as alluring as his full-length. Some episodes represent adaptations of short stories from writers such Roald Dahl, John Cheever, and Ray Bradbury,with notable guest appearances from Dick York and the like. Every story is surprising and horrific, whether a drama or mystery, relishing in Hitchock's droll sensibilities. Goosebumps never fail. Twin Peaks This cult classic of the early '90s came from the mind of director David Lynch. After homecoming queen Laura Palmer is murdered, FBI agent Dale Cooper arrives in the small Washington town to investigate. Weirdness ensues, featuring everything from homicidal demons and cryptic dreams to doppelgängers of dead people and an FBI agent who really likes cherry pie and a "damn fine cup of coffee." Unfortunately, though it was one of the most popular shows of the entire decade, it was never renewed for a third season — that is, until David Lynch decided he would be revisiting the iconic town in early 2016 as part of a limited release on Showtime. Cheers Cheers is a series about a Boston bar "where everybody knows your name," along with the people who hang out and work there. It's still astonishing to think that nearly every scene in Cheers' 11 seasons was set in a single bar room, but the show managed to break a bevy of records while it aired, tackling controversial issues such as abortion and homosexuality in its own genre-defining way. Even today, popular culture is littered with references to Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and his iconic bar. And thankfully, Netflix has every season. Cheers indeed. Quantum Leap Quantum Leap may not register with every viewer. After leading a team of scientists into the desert in order to research his theory of time travel, Dr. Sam Beckett (Scott Bacula) is forced to enter an accelerator before it was ready, subsequently vanishing in the process. He then finds himself in someone else's body with partial amnesia and a hologram for a partner, who only he can see and hear. Beckett then "leaps" into the body of those needing help, traveling through time and playing a key role in landmark historical events as he does. Oh, boy. M*A*S*H Based on the Oscar winning film, the series follows a rag tag crew of doctors in the Korean War. Classified as a "dramady," the show is written in a classic sitcom format, but doesn't shy away from the realities of war. Chief Surgeon Hawkeye, played by Alan Alda, leads an ensemble cast of real characters. Radar, Gary Burghoff, can predict and repeat everything the Commander Officer says and protects his teddy bear. Klinger, Jaime Farr, dresses as a woman so the army will think he's crazy and discharge him. Then there's Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan, Loretta Swit, who's no nonsense and doesn't put up with Hawkeye's shenanigans. Netflix only has five of eleven seasons, but we hope they'll add the rest as the year goes on. Freaks & Geeks Freaks & Geeks is about two unique groups of teenagers dealing with high school life in the '80s. Like the title suggests, one group is labeled as the "freaks" the other as the "geeks." The show features many now-famous actors — James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, etc. — and helped propel showrunner Judd Apatow to big screen directorial fame. The first season show covers a variety of experiences that define coming of age in America, including drugs, bullying, and more. It was cancelled too soon, but you can still watch all 18 episodes. The Wonder Years At age 13, Fred Savage became the youngest actor ever nominated for an Emmy as a Outstanding Lead Actor for a Comedy Series. It was his for his outstanding portrayal of Kevin Arnold, the main protagonist and focal point of The Wonder Years. The classic show aired for six seasons, following Arnold and those surrounding him as he lurched his way into adulthood during the '60s. It was both a comedy and a drama much like life, filled with just as much amusement as heartbreak and featuring a memorable cast with which all of us can relate in some way. Saved by the Bell Saved by the Bell , which originally aired from 1989 to 1993, remains one of the most beloved shows of all time, and now Netflix offers all six seasons of the hit show for your streaming pleasure. Starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Dustin Diamond, and Tiffany-Amber Thiessen, Saved by the Bell centers around a group of high school students who attend a Los Angeles-area high school named Bayside High. While mostly comedic, the show does touch on a range of social issues like homelessness, drug use, and death, giving the show an educational side and sets it apart from much of the programming airing during its time. Next Page: Kids Jump to: New this month Drama Comedy Sci-Fi/Fantasy Action/Mystery Reality TV/Documentary Memory Lane Kids Kids Star Wars: The Clone Wars George Lucas' incredibly popular Star Wars: The Clone Wars first made its triumphant appearance on Netflix last March, which means all 121 episodes are ripe for your viewing pleasure. Set in the years between Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith , The Clone Wars depicts various locales, characters, and battles within the Star Wars galaxy. Moreover, Netflix also streams the series' companion film, which should quench your sci-fi appetite while you wait for J.J. Abrams' much hyped Star Wars: The Force Awakens to release. Arthur Based on Marc Brown's landmark book series of the same name, Arthur really only pales only in comparison to Sesame Street . It's gained a cult following since it debuted in 1996, with an average audience topping nearly 10 million viewers in the United States alone. Though certainly a kids show, the anthropomorphic aardvark often finds himself in notable parodies of popular shows like The Sopranos and South Park, reinforcing creativity and empowerment in all-too-real situations. It deals with everything from bullying and cancer to asthma and bed wetting, but does so in a humorous and self-referential way that is far too uncommon in today's modern media. Goosebumps Like author R.L. Stine's fabled Goosebumps series, every episode of the like-minded The Haunting Hour features a different cast of characters and horror plot line. Sometimes the show deals with clowns, witches, and otherworldly beings, while other times it addresses dark issues of morality that never end well. Either way, the show serves as a great introduction to the world of horror and features celebrity guests such as Christoper Lloyd and Ariel Winter (among others). There's no gore, sex, drugs, or anything else unwholesome — but we suggest you screen some of the episodes in advance of your kids. Hell, "The Red Dress" episode is enough to keep you up at night. The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Forget that Josh Whedon's 2012 blockbuster, The Avengers, is currently streaming on Netflix for just a moment. The animated children's show features better visuals than its dated counterparts, plenty of witty dialogue and no-frill action sequences, and a melange of cameos from pretty every character ever featured in the Marvel universe. The tone and style is reminiscent of the early day of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, as is the iconic roster that includes the likes of Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, and other classic heroes. The voice acting is superb, as is the artwork, rendering the show as appealing to kids as it is to adults still engrossed by the classic characters first introduced in the '60s. Curious George Kids like animals. George is an animal. Therefore, it's not particularly surprising that most kids enjoy the latest animated show based on Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey's beloved children's series. Each episode consists of two short cartoons, each centered around the escapades of George (Frank Welker) and the Man with the Yellow Hat (Jeff Bennett), with a short live-action segment following each story. The series teaches explains math and science concepts in a way they can grasp, while at the same time remaining endearing, innocent, and educational. Moreover, it gives the original animated series a run for its money — unlike the recent animated film featuring Will Ferrell and the direct-to-DVD sequel. The Magic School Bus With the Netflix-honed The Magic School Bus 360° coming to a Netflix queue near you in 2016, there's no better time than now for your kids to join Ms. Valerie Frizzle (actress Lily Tomline) and the anthropomorphic school bus that shuttles students to impossible locations. It's an Emmy-winning show heavily rooted in science, examining the human anatomy or the far regions of outer space, providing kids with a general understanding of how everyday facets of our world function. The National Science Foundation provided the bulk of the funding alongside Microsoft, thus giving it a little more merit, while rock legend Little Richard laid down the title theme song. Phineas and Ferb The heralded Phineas and Ferb is one of the kids shows on our list that gets more than one celebrity stamp of approval. Everyone from Ben Stiller to Bob Eubanks enjoys the show, with reviews often praising the creators for their keen sense of wit and well-placed cultural references. It follows two step brothers as they undertake a new project with each new day of summer and continually try to stay a step ahead of their pesky sister, Candace. The running jokes and complex plots make a standout, as does the diabolical Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz and platypus-turned-spy, Perry. The metahumor, wordplay, and quick timing make it a lot like Family Guy in many ways (sans the vulgarity). Dinosaur Train Produced with the help of the Jim Henson Company and created by the writer behind Rugrats, the PBS original is unlike anything that came before it. The premise of the show relies on a young Tyrannosaurus Rex that's adopted into a Pteranodon family, one who then vows to learn everything there is to know about dinosaurs. He and his family ride the Dinosaur Train through various time periods, discovering real-life species with the help of passengers and the train conductor. Each episode is even followed by a live-action segment featuring renowned paleontologist and consultant Scott Sampson, so there's plenty of detail and further clarification regarding any facts in the show. Danger Mouse The animated British children's show Danger Mouse aired for a staggering 161 episodes, and due to its popularity, became the first British cartoon to make the jump to American TV. Danger Mouse's premise, which plays heavily off British spy novels like the James Bond franchise, concerns a secret agent mouse who travels the world ridding it of monsters and evil criminals. Danger Mouse's biggest foe however, is a toad named Baron Silas Greenback and his assistant, a crow named Stiletto Mafioso. With terrific animation — even for a '80s-era cartoon — and a long list of wacky characters and storylines, Danger Mouse is heaps of fun for the entire family. Reading Rainbow The legendary LeVar Burton narrates and hosts this educational program geared towards encouraging kids to pick up a book or two outside of school. While the show originally aired from 1983 to 2006, a recently successful Kickstarter campaign — led by Burton himself — assured the show would come back to life, and now those new episodes are ripe for streaming. Featuring a similar format as the classic program, Reading Rainbow finds Burton yet again exploring the world of children's literature, interviewing a host of interesting guests, and reading excerpts from some of his favorite books. Older audiences won't help but be captivated by the show's nostalgia, while the younger crowd will no doubt enjoy taking in this rebooted classic. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood As far as classic children's programming is concerned, few shows have reveled in as much success as Mister Rogers' Neighborhood . Famous for Rogers' method of simply having a conversation with his TV friends, the show graced the airwaves for an astounding 31 seasons, and remains considered to be one of the best television programs of all-time. During each episode, Rogers invites the viewers into his humble home, greets them, then educates them on a wide range of topics while often times making use of puppets in his Neighborhood of Make Believe. As anyone who's ever witnessed Fred Rogers' brilliance on TV can attest, there just wasn't — and frankly, still isn't — anyone on the air who could make someone feel so comfortable. Considering this was a children's program, this fact alone did wonders for its legacy and allows it to stand the test of time. |
10 Colleges and Universities With the Most Competitive Admissions Rates Posted: 03 Nov 2015 06:00 AM PST The U.S. News Short List, separate from our overall rankings, is a regular series that magnifies individual data points in hopes of providing students and parents a way to find which undergraduate or graduate programs excel or have room to grow in specific areas. Be sure to explore The Short List: College, The Short List: Grad School and The Short List: Online Programs to find data that matter to you in your college or grad school search. |
U.S. orders girls' locker room access for transgender Illinois student Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:18 AM PST The U.S. government on Monday found that a Chicago suburban high school district discriminated against a transgender student and gave the school a month to provide full access to girls' locker rooms or lose federal funding. After an investigation stemming from a 2013 complaint by the ACLU, and months of negotiations, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights found Township High School District 211 was violating federal non-discrimination rules. The case is seen as clarifying federal rules on locker-room access at a time of expanding awareness of transgender issues. |
South Korea's 'history war' intensifies Posted: 02 Nov 2015 09:27 PM PST South Korea on Tuesday pushed ahead with a highly controversial plan to introduce government-issued history textbooks in schools, despite angry protests by opposition parties and academics. The policy has become a bitter ideological battleground between left and right in South Korea, with critics accusing President Park Geun-Hye's administration of seeking to deliberately manipulate and distort the narrative of how the South Korean state was created. Following an obligatory 20-day period to canvass public opinion, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-Ahn and Education Minister Hwang Woo-Yea confirmed that middle and high school students would each receive a single government-issued history textbook from 2017. |
US: School district violated transgender student's rights Posted: 02 Nov 2015 07:45 PM PST CHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. Department of Education said Monday that a suburban Chicago school district is violating the rights of a transgender student by refusing to allow her the unrestricted use of a girls' locker room. |
Latino Leadership Education Summit takes a closer look at Latino students Posted: 30 Oct 2015 08:03 PM PDT |
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