Can you believe that 2017 is rapidly coming to an end? It seems like only yesterday that we were ringing in 2017. Now, in just a few short days we’ll be signing 2018 on our checks and other documentation. It usually takes me a month to get used to writing the new year on things. LOL!
How do you plan on celebrating the end of 2017 and the start of 2018? As of this moment in time my family and I plan on spending the evening at home. That is fine with us. We can watch the countdown in Times Square from the comfort of our living room.
My husband and I both have the week off from work (he works in a college, I work in a school). Both of our kids are home from work/school this week too (for the most part, our son works two days this week, or daughter has one day of work). That means we have plenty of time to catch up on our favorite Netflix programming, as well as binge watch those shows we have been anxious to watch.
With the countdown to the new year upon us, let me give you my top 10 “must see” programs on Netflix.
10 – The Walking Dead
I am a HUGE Walking Dead fan. I have never, ever missed an episode since day one. I have no plans of even missing an episode. We even own all seasons on Blu-ray/DVD.
If you are a fan of the series, or you are interested in watching the series (a new viewer), Netflix has you covered. Netflix has seasons one through seven of The Walking Dead.
It’s a great way of catching up on episodes you missed, re-watching your favorite episodes, or for those who are new to the Walking Dead universe.
9 – Train to Busan
I am a die hard horror movie fan. Sadly, 99.9% of horror movies made today are either filled with gratuitous sex and nudity, or it’s just about grossing you out with no real story line. I have yet to find a horror movie, aside from the classics, that is both scary and entertaining. That is until I saw Train to Busan.
Train to Busan is a Korean horror movie. I received a copy of the film to review. I have seen it numerous times (on DVD). I was thrilled to see it on Netflix.
The Blu-ray/DVD version of the film has English subtitles, or you can opt to have it dubbed in English. Netflix only has the Korean version, unfortunately, but you honestly don’t need to know much of the conversation to appreciate the film. Most of it is pretty much self explanatory. People are stuck on a commuter train with zombies and they can’t stop the train anywhere because no matter where they stop there are even more zombies.
When I first saw the film it had English subtitles and I honestly didn’t read them. I was too caught up with what was happening on the screen. You really don’t need to have them. Just watch and enjoy this engrossing film.
8 – Disney
Did you know that many Disney films are available on Netflix? Films like Moana, Frozen, Beauty & The Beast (live action version), Zootopia, The Jungle Book (live action version), Finding Dory, Pete’s Dragon (live action version) and Rouge One: A Star Wars Movie. These are just a FEW Disney titles available on Netflix.
I don’t know about you but I can watch Disney movies over and over and over again. I can never get tired of them.
7 – Okja
This is a Netflix original movie. I saw a trailer for it on the Internet before it aired. I knew I had to watch it when it came out on Netflix.
Okja is the story of a genetically modified creature named Okja, and the little girl who has raised him since he was a baby.
Okja was created as a way to feed many people for a little bit of money. He was never meant to be kept alive. It’s up to his owner and a few others who are trying to protect Okja, to save him from eminent doom.
My husband didn’t really like this movie (he thought it was too drawn out), but my kids and I were totally captivated by it and were glued to our television screen the entire time.
6 – Fuller House
Fuller House is one of those series that people might not admit they watch because it’s so silly, but that is part of the appeal. It’s silly and fun. It’s not meant to make you think. It’s meant to entertain you, which is does.
We’ve been watching Fuller House since it first aired. They are now in season 3. We’re a wee bit behind in the new season, but that is only because we have been watching other Netflix shows and movies in it’s place. We fully intend on watching all of season three before another season starts.
Fuller House is something you can watch with your kids (older kids, very young ones might not “get” a lot of it).
5 – Marvel’s The Punisher
I just started to watch The Punisher. I’ve only seen two episodes already, but so far I am totally into this series. It stars Jon Bernthal, who played “Shane” on The Walking Dead.
If you have ever seen the Death Wish movies about a vigilante father, The Punisher is Death Wish to the extreme. It does star a father who is seeking justice for the death of his wife and children, but that is where the similarities end. This series is much more complex then the old Death Wish films.
This series really sucks you in from the start. My husband especially likes this series and keeps mentioning it to me when we are flicking around looking for something to watch.
I don’t see the connection with Marvel – yet. But I guess that is because I don’t consider myself a die hard Marvel fan.
4 – Black Mirror
If you are a fan of Twilight Zone, then you’ll love Black Mirror.
Black Mirror is a series of “stand alone” episodes, done in the same vein as the Twilight Zone. Each episode makes you think, which I happen to like about that. Some episodes are a bit creepy (not scary). It’s kind of creepy how far technology has come, and sometimes not for the better.
Black Mirror is not a new series. In fact, it’s on season 3 now. That means there are plenty of episodes to binge watch. I’m not sure if there will be a season four, but I am confident that this brilliant show has plenty of fans begging for more. I know that I’m one of them.
3 – Glitch
I recently learned about this Netflix series. It’s very “binge-worthy”.
Glitch is the story of seven people who were once deceased that have inexplicably came back to life, in perfect health, and with no recollection of who they are.
With the help of a local police officer and doctor, the mysterious people try to figure out who they are, what happened to them and how their “re-birth” (for lack of a better description) are connected.
Please note – the risen are NOT zombies. They are regular people. That is what makes it even more mysterious (most people who rise from the dead are zombies – LOL).
This is one of those shows that you might pass on if you scrolled on to it. But don’t pass on this gem. It’s really interesting and it sucks you right in. You’ll want to move on to the next episode after you finish one in hopes of finding out more about who these people came back to life and HOW they came back from the dead.
2 – Dark
Dark is a new series on Netflix. I’ve only just started to watch it but already I am totally hooked. I have binged watched a few episodes already. I have three more episodes to go. I’m already hoping that there would be a second season of this very interesting new series.
Dark is a bit like Stranger Things, but not exactly like it. It’s set in the 80’s (as is Stranger Things) and it has similar eerie sci-fi factors to it, as well as missing people. It also keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it next to impossible to not watch another episode (and another, and another…) after you finish an episode.
Unlike Stranger Things, Dark is a wee bit harder to follow along. Admittedly I have had to replay parts of the show because I felt like I missed something. Once you understand the story lines it’s a lot easier to follow along with.
This is a great new series. If you like dark and mysterious shows with a touch of creepiness and sci-fi, you’ll enjoy Dark.
1 – Stranger Things Seasons 1 & 2
I am OBSESSED with Stranger Things. I love it so much so that I have several Stranger Things collectibles in our home.
The first season of Stranger Things was amazing. I honestly didn’t think that the second season could top the first one, but I believe it did. Season two was just as awesome as the first season, if not more so.
Stranger Things has it all – action, adventure, humor, sci-fi elements, horror, romance and so much more. Not to mention very likable characters and super cool monsters.
I especially like all the references to the 80’s, which is when the show is supposed to take place. I was a teenager in the 80’s, so I can appreciate that aspect a bit more than my kids can.
Even my co-worker is crazy about Stranger Things, so we have conversations about the series often.
Stranger Things is by far my most favorite Netflix original series. I cannot wait for season 3!
As you can see, Netflix has a lot to offer, whether you are looking for a “date night” movie, or a series you can enjoy each week (or in a matter of a few days if you are into binge watching).
Netflix even has plenty to offer little ones, including New Year’s Eve countdowns.
Most little children are in bed long before the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t want to participate in the festivities. For that reason Netflix has an assortment of mini-countdowns featuring their favorite series characters like King Julien, Skylanders Academy and Trollhunters. Simply do a search for “New Years” on Netflix to check out all the ones that are available.
To learn more about what Netflix has to offer, visit Netflix.com. You can also check them out on social media.
You can also see what others are saying on social media by checking out the hashtag #StreamTeam.
What is YOUR favorite movie or series on Netflix? Can you give me YOUR top 10 “must see” Netflix shows or movies? Feel free to share them with me in the comments section of this post.
Kimberly
*I have partnered with Netflix to bring you this information. I have received free service and promotional products in exchange for my participation. There is no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Calvin says
Great suggestions, already finished stranger things, train to busan is good too I hear.
Cheryl says
I love The Walking Dead too and have watched every season on Netflix. I’m going to have to watch Train to Busan.
Cynthia C says
I’ve been watching The Crown and am looking forward to the new season of Grace and Frankie. Love my Netflix!