Everyone can stop throwing around the term "better than sliced bread" because Netflix has taken the throne as the best thing since. Although the company has been around since 1997, the Internet has given rise to this genius idea. Netflix offers a bountiful array of movies and shows available at your fingertips for around $10 a month. Now that we've all allowed binge-watching to become a relatable topic, let's discuss the most binge-worthy titles available on Netflix right now.
1. "Shameless"
I have been waiting ages for Netflix to finally put this masterpiece on. Believe me, this show will not disappoint. I began watching this show about two years ago, first with the English version. I wasn't too enthused, but my friend Michele quickly turned me to the U.S version and I was hooked. This show centers around a financially unstable family with an alcoholic father. The oldest daughter, Fiona, struggles to maintain the excitement of early adulthood whilst raising her own siblings. The show follows each family member as they begin to come of age. Characters deal with their sexual orientation, finances, love life, absentee mother and father, school, and personal rebellion. Despite all of this, the show carries a light-weight tone at most times and will have you rolling on the floor laughing one moment and then bawling the next. This show reigns as my all time favorite, and inspired me to pursue screenwriting. You're missing out if you haven't watched this masterpiece.
2. "Almost Famous"
Another favorite of mine, "Almost Famous", captures the coming-of-age of a young, aspiring music journalist, William. He poses as an adult while merely fifteen in order to write for Rolling Stone. William follows the fictional band Stillwater as they embark on a major tour in the midst of continual band meltdowns. The group is joined by a famous groupie who lives under the alias of Penny Lane. As the lead singer finds himself in a rut among frustrated band members, and a relationship with the ever-mysterious and very young Penny Lane, he becomes a close friend to William. Penny Lane finds solace in the boy as well, leaving William in the eye of the hurricane. The movie, set in 1973, captures rock and roll at its peak and maintains the dirty, gritty backstory as well. This movie is a go-to for me and any other rock and roll fan.
3. "Breaking Bad"
4. "Sons of Anarchy"
If you're looking to feel like a badass, start watching "Sons of Anarchy". This show is literally a wild ride start to finish. Jax Teller is the show's main character, a leader of his lawless biker gang that thrives in the illegal arms business while simultaneously keeping drug dealers out of their territory. Jax learns what lose, love, and loyalty mean as he struggles to maintain balance in his family and gang. Biker or no biker, this show keeps every viewer on the edge of their seat. There are twist and turns in each episode and dramatic storylines that expertly unfold. You will undoubtedly grow a heart for these dark souls, and once you start watching, you won't be able to let go.
5. "Sherlock"
"Sherlock" still remains one of the brightest intellectual thrillers in this British adaption. Dr. Watson, a Afghanistan veteran, teams up with the eccentric Sherlock Holmes in order to solve the most outrageous crimes. Benedict Cumberbatch truly debuts his enormous acting talent in this series. Although the shows come in movie format (an hour and a half long) with only three episodes in each series, the excitement only build throughout hiatuses. Each show is, in itself, a well-recounted tale from Sir Author Conan Doyle, that will leave viewers laughing, crying, and gasping. Notable villains pop into play, and clear character development alongside the challenges. Once you finish this series (in one day), you'll be left like the rest of us, begging for more.
6. "The Office"
At this point, I'm sure everyone has at least heard of "The Office". There is no other show that can make me cry-laugh like this does. Just in case this comedy has slipped passed you, "The Office" is a sitcom based on a paper company in Scranton, PA. The entire point of very boring premise is the relativity to what all middle class adults face: there's the wild boss, the chatterbox, the crazy cat lady, the grumpy old man, the dimwit, the loose single parent, the *insert college here* graduate who is all too proud of his alumni school, and the few who seem to be actually normal. Regional Manager, Michael Scott, absolutely carries this show's torch with his outrageous antics that are only too true in the weird working world. It takes all kinds, and this show is a testament. Assistant (to the) Regional Manger, Dwight Shrute, is part beet farmer, part salesman extraordinaire. The relationship between these two make the entire show. The writing will have you laughing until your stomach hurts, but will throw in some sensitive moments as well. I grew up with this show and was devastated when it was cancelled. I cried my way through the finale, but in the end, I couldn't imagine how much more "normal" my humor would've been had I never started watching "The Office". And maybe I never want to know anyways.
7. "Parks and Recreation"
If I mention "The Office", there is no way I can avoid its fraternal sister, "Parks and Recreation". These two shows are extremely similar, yet different in all the complimenting ways. The characters in "Parks and Rec" are completely unique and full of surprise. Leslie Knope is the leading lady in this story. She heads her beloved city's Park's and Recreational Department, but looks ahead to further her career as a politician. Meanwhile, characters such as Andy, Ann, April, Tom, and Ron provide hilarious backing with their personalities that range from an anti government conservative to a wacky, stylish, and modern entrepreneur. There is no shortage of laughter from this television series, which has unfortunately ended much like "The Office". No matter how much I will miss "Parks and Recreation", I will never forget Lil' Sebastian.
8. "Arrested Development"
Much like the previous two shows, "Arrested Development" is a modern comedic masterpiece. Full of running gags, the show separates itself from the rest with its sometimes-witty sometimes-dim brand of comedy. The show focuses on the wealthy Bluth family, who own a real estate company, but find themselves in a period of economic crisis. The father, George Bluth Sr., lands himself in jail. His son Michael is forced to take on his father's failing company whilst remaining the only "normal" member among his family. Brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and grandparents all contribute to the story's undeniably brilliant comedic value. Despite the hardships, the show teaches us the most important life lesson: there's always money in the banana stand.
9. "Across the Universe"
Any fan of the Beatles is contracted to watch this movie at least once a week. Seriously. Even if we would consider the possibility that some people aren't Beatles' fans (WHY?), this movie is still a jaw-dropping and unique twist on cinema. Lead cast member, Jim Sturgess, plays Jude, a free-loving, typical 60's kid who embarks on a drug-induced journey across the open land. He's joined by draft evaders, free-spirts, and drifters. The movie is set as a musical to the entire Beatles' discography. The songs are expertly portrayed and woven effortlessly into the fabric of the storyline. Seeing one of my favorite band's music be brought to life in a modern-day rendition is truly a dream.
10. "One Day"
In all honesty, I am not one for romantic anything. Movies, books, you name it - I still feel vomit every time I read the same love-to-heartbreak-to-love story line. "One Day" is different. I can't spoil too much, but just know this story follows Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess, again) as they relationship warps. The story flashes from the same day in different years. Viewers watch the pair run from strangers, to friends, to enemies, to lovers, and back again. Their complex and long-standing friendship leads them to different paths and different people, yet they always are drawn to each other. Mastered character development within the story makes the leading characters just so much more lovable. Watch this, alone, with loved ones, or with friends. It's truly a beautiful film from start to finish. There's a reason why these Netflix films stand the test of time and remain on the site's radar.
