Now that that there is a bit of a chill in the air, my family and I will be spending more time indoors then we would during the warmer months. Living in a tiny condo doesn’t allow us much space to do too many things. We read books. We play games. We actually have conversations with one another (which is surprising since our kids are 18 and 20). We try and do as much fun things together as possible.
One thing we enjoy doing is watching movies together and our favorite television shows. Thank goodness there is a plethora of things to watch on Netflix.
We’ve been Netflix subscribers for as long as I can remember – long before streaming was even an option. We used to do that one DVD at a time subscription. Now we just stream on our devices.
Netflix came to our rescue recently when our satellite service went out and we were told it was going to be 10 days (yeah, that’s right!) until a repair technician could come out to our home. My family was able to watch plenty of our favorite shows and movies on Netflix (my husband was able to fix the issue himself).
Since we are regular Netflix watchers, I thought I would list my Top Five Things to Watch on Netflix. Perhaps it might help you to discover a new show or movie?
#1 – Stranger Things (Season 1 and Season 2)
I cannot say enough about this Netflix original series. It’s amazing! I have been patiently waiting for Season 2 to begin. I have seen the first season four times thus far (I even purchased the DVD of the first season). This past Friday and Saturday night I re-watched Season 1 again. Last night I started Season 2 and I watched the first five our of nine episodes already. That is how good the series is! It’s hard to stop watching. If I didn’t have to get up early to go to work I would have watched the remaining four episodes. I’m already looking forward to turning on Netflix after dinner tonight to see if I can watch another episode (or two).
This series has it all – excitement, cool special effects, sci-fi thriller, monsters, romance, action, adventure… the list goes on and on.
I don’t want to divulge too much about the shows synopsis. Let’s just say it’s REALLY good. It’s already gained a huge following. You can buy plenty of Stranger Thing merchandise too.
I’ve just started the second season and it’s just as good as the first one. I hope that there is a third season on the horizon (and hopefully we don’t have to wait another year to see it).
#2 – Train to Busan
I’m a HUGE fan of horror movies. The sad thing is that no one makes good horror movies anymore. Today’s horror movies are all about the blood and guts, as well as sex and nudity. Seriously… do you need sex and nudity to sell a movie? Especially a HORROR movie?
Blood and gore doesn’t bother me, but today’s movies are trying to “out gross” one another (who can have the grossest film). Is that necessary? There wasn’t a lot of blood and guts in the classics like The Exorcist, The Shinning, or The Amityville Horror. Yet some how those films managed to scare people to their very core.
I’m always on the look out for a legitimate GOOD horror film. Months ago I was sent a copy of the film Train to Busan to review.
WOW! WOW! WOW! This die hard horror movie fan will tell you that this film is AWESOME! Yes, there is blood and gore (after all, it’s a movie about zombies), BUT it’s done in a good way (not trying to be the grossest film ever made).
I tell all my horror movie loving friends to watch this film.
Netflix has Train to Busan, but it’s subtitled. If you don’t mind subtitles, and you love horror movies, you should check out Train to Busan.
#3 Stick Man (newly added to Netflix)
If you are looking for a wonderful, family friendly movie, I would strongly recommend Stick Man. It’s based on the book by Julia Donaldson. She’s the same person who wrote The Gruffalo and Room on a Broom (if you have young children/grandchildren you probably know those titles).
I review a lot of movies for my blog, both grown-up movies and movies for kids and families. Stick Man was one of the movies I was sent to review.
This film is only 27 minutes long, but it left a lasting impression on me. I loved it so much that I purchased a copy of the book.
This could be considered a Christmas film, but I think it can be enjoyed year round.
Stick Man is the story of a father stick who accidentally gets separated from his family and spends the next year trying to make his way back to them.
The story is delightful and the animated is charming. I’m an adult and I fell in love with this sweet story. It’s worth checking out, especially if you have children/grandchildren.
#4 Documentaries
I know that Documentaries is not a singular program like the above mentioned ones, but it’s worth noting that Netflix has A LOT of documentaries.
Personally, I love documentaries. I find them educational, “eye opening” and thought provoking. My husband on the other hand finds them boring for the most part. To each his own, right?
Some of the most interesting ones I have watched on Netflix include Food Inc., Maxed Out (only available on DVD now), Cropsey (only available on DVD now), Planet Earth (LOVE this one!), What the Health, and Fed Up. There are many others I have enjoyed. These are just a few of the titles that come to mind.
Whether you find paranormal stuff interesting, history or true crime… Netflix has plenty of documentaries available in a variety of subject matters.
#5 Disney
Just like with documentaries, there are too many great films to list individually.
Netflix currently has MANY wonderful Disney and Pixar films to choose from, making it the ideal destination for your next Family Movie Night. Whether you are in the mood for the classics like Lil0 & Stitch, Fantasia or The Brave Little Toaster, or newer titles like Moana or the live action version of Beauty and the Beast – Netflix has what you are in the mood for. They even have Star Wars: Rouge One and Star Wars: Clone Wars (animation).
There is nothing I enjoy more than snuggling under a soft, fuzzy blanket surrounded by my family and enjoying hot cocoa with marshmallows and watching a great Disney film.
Netflix has something for everyone in my family – young and old. And considering that a monthly streaming subscription costs less than one movie ticket, it’s well worth it. There are hundreds – if not thousands – of shows and movies to choose from.
I personally know plenty of people who have ditched cable and satellite for Netflix only. We have considered doing that too, but my husband loves to watch football and other sports too much. Too bad Netflix couldn’t stream live sporting events.
If you would like to learn more about Netflix visit Netflix.com. You can also check them out on social media.
Do you subscribe to Netflix? If so, what are your “must watch” shows and/or movies? Feel free to tell me about them. I’m always on the look out for something new to enjoy.
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.