Finding the right show or movie to watch on Netflix is a tedious task. I don't want to watch something that I won't enjoy, so after hours of careful curation, here are a wide range of shows and films for your viewing needs (and my all-time favorites). They are in no particular order.
1. Psych
The perfect show for watching with friends. It's funny and always has a good story built into it. Shawn Spencer, the "psychic detective," works with the Santa Barbara police department to solve crimes with his best friend, Burton Guster a.k.a Gus. Shawn's not really a psychic though; he's just really observant. The viewers know this, but he has the SBPD convinced. For added fun: search for the pineapple. There is one in every episode!
2. Black Mirror
Want a show that will really make you think? This is it. Dark and satirical themes highlight modern society and all its flaws, especially with new technologies. The best part is that all the episodes are radically different, so you don't know what to expect. My favorites are "The Entire History of You" and "White Bear," but I love them all in their own ways. I can't say more without ruining episodes for you. Seriously, just watch it. You know it's good when Stephen King tweets that he loves it. And Netflix commissioned a third season, so don't be sad when you finish binge-watching seasons one and two in one sitting.
3. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father
Want a really eye-opening documentary about the legal system, relationships, and family? Only watch if you are ready to bawl your eyes out. And I mean soul-crushing grieving and clinging to your best friend in tears. This documentary is well made, profound, and beautiful despite tragedy. In 2001, 28-year-old Dr. Andrew Bagby was found dead in a park in Pennsylvania. He was shot by his ex-girlfriend, who then fled to Canada, where she was freed on bail. The terrible twist of fate? She is pregnant with Andrew's child. Andrew's parents attempt to gain custody of the child and convict their son's killer... you can't fathom what happens next.
4. Eyes Wide Shut
Stanley Kubrick. Need I say more? It's a weird film, as most of Kubrick's films are, but its profound commentary on relationships, monogamy, power, and sex make it worthwhile. Also spot Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman circa 1999. The story starts with Dr. Bill Hartford's (Tom Cruise) wife, Alice (Nicole Kidman), admitting to having sexual fantasies about a man she met. Bill becomes obsessed with having a sexual encounter. He ends up somewhere he doesn't belong--big, big mistake. It's a long and albeit confusing film, but don't look up spoilers for this one. To really get it, you have to watch it. It's a movie that requires discussion.
5. Lie to Me
A deception researcher named Dr. Cal Lightman studies facial expressions, body language and tone of voice to determine when a person is lying and why, which then helps law enforcement and government agencies uncover the truth. He uses his skills to deceive others. Played by the irreverent Tim Roth, Lightman is a mix of insufferable and mad genius. Best to watch when you want to pick a random episode.
6. Firefly
This is a show set 500 years in the future after a universal civil war. The crew of a small transport spaceship takes any job they can get to survive. However, they face constant challenges, such as the Reavers (flesh-eating creatures who live on the fringes of the universe). Sound too sci-fi for you? I thought so too, until I watched it. You attach yourself to the characters, and the actors and actresses are so good.
7. Prison Break
This is the first show I ever binge-watched. Michael Scofield gets himself incarcerated to help his brother, Lincoln Burrows, who was convicted of a crime he didn't commit and put on Death Row. He has a plan to break Lincoln out and prove his innocence. Once out of jail, the brothers must flee to escape recapture and end up battling an intricate political conspiracy. So many twists and turns. Love and family are put above everything. Plenty of action, love, and intellect.
8. Daredevil
I just started watching this show, but was immediately drawn in. Set in the Marvel universe, "Daredevil" follows Matt Murdock who is both an attorney and a vigilante. Blinded in an accident as a child, Murdock uses his heightened senses to fight crime syndicates working out of New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. The stunt choreography is stunning and you'll want to know what happens next in every episode.
9. A Clockwork Orange
Another Kubrick classic and my favorite movie. The film is based off Burgess' novel and uses the made-up English/Russian language Nadsat. The story follows Alex and his friends who commit violent crimes and feel no empathy. However, Alex gets caught. He finds a way to earn his freedom and society uses him. Highly intellectual. Highly uncomfortable. Highly violent. Watch the whole thing. Maybe our true human nature is a destructive Alex in hiding.
10. I couldn't choose a single number 10, so I devote number 10 to my best friend and her suggestions.
Films: American Beauty, Hot Girls Wanted, Reservoir Dogs, Inglorious Bastards, What's Eating Gilbert Grape
TV Shows: Breaking Bad, House of Cards, Gilmore Girls, Freaks and Geeks, The West Wing
*Not on Netflix, but honorable mentions: Castle and Broad City
