With the many streaming services these days, it’s hard trying to find something worth your while to watch and something that is available to you.
Let’s start off with Netflix.
Home to hundreds of titles, including many originals, Netflix is one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world. Here are some popular and trending titles:
“Adolescence” (TV-MA): a psychological crime drama miniseries, following 13-year-old Jamie Miller as he is arrested for the murder of his schoolmate, forcing his parents to confront their worst nightmares. Ever since it premiered on Netflix, it has been watched by millions of people around the world, with critical acclaim for its directing, writing, and cinematography, specifically the fact that it was filmed in one continuous take. Adolescence brought to light the effects of social media and toxic masculinity, and without trying to give too much away, how impressionable young teens are. Adolescence is not an easy watch and can be triggering for some, so watch at your discretion.
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (TV-14): a workplace sitcom similar to Superstore and Abbott Elementary, Brooklyn Nine-Nine follows detectives Jake Peralta, Amy Santiago, Charles Boyle, Rosa Diaz, and their Commanding Officer, Captain Raymond Holt, as they fight crime in the Big Apple. Even while being amazingly hilarious, it has touching moments that make you love the characters even more. You might be familiar with the iconic cold open where Jake Peralta makes five suspects sing “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys-10/10
“The Life List” (PG-13): “Alex is stuck in a rut, so when she sets out to fulfill a teenage list of life goals, it’s a chance to finally find herself – and maybe true love, too.” Having recently been released on Netflix, it has since remained on the Top Ten Movies in the US. It’s a sweet and heartfelt movie and shows love, grief, and self-love.
Prime Video
“The Summer I turned Pretty” (TV-14): “A girl is caught in a love triangle between two brothers as she deals with her first love and first heartbreak during the perfect summer.” Based on the best-selling books by Jenny Han, author of “To All The Boys I’ve Loved,” it’s a coming of age story, full of teenage drama, love, and heartbreak, something which many high schoolers can relate to.
“Invincible” (TV-MA): “Everything changes as Mark is forced to face his past and his future, while discovering how much further he’ll need to go to protect the people he loves” Based on the comics by the same name, “Invincible” is rather known for its intense violence and gore, and helps to show that animation isn’t just for children.
“Ford v Ferrari” (PG-13): “American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British race car driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Co. Together, they plan to compete against the race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966. Based on a true story.” Unlike typical racing movies, it features retro and vintage cars, given it takes place during the 60s. It features amazing performances from Matt Damon and Christian Bale, with an outstanding background score and sound mixing. 10/10
“Oppenheimer” (R): “Christopher Nolan’s breathtaking global phenomenon about the father of the atomic bomb stars Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr. and Florence Pugh” Released in July 2023, it became a global sensation for good reason too. Not only did it have a star-stuffed cast and story, but it also features some of the best special effects and cinematography. 10/10
“Twisters” (PG-13): “The blockbuster disaster epic returns with whirlwind thrills as Kate and Tyler, rival storm chasers with distinct styles, race to survive a tornado season like no other”. A sequel to the 1996 film, Twisters features some amazing special effects when it comes to the tornados. Sitting in a theatre, the tornadoes seemed incredibly real and felt like the viewers were also tornado hunting. 8/10
Apple TV+
“Severance” (TV-MA): “In this Emmy winner from director Ben Stiller, Mark leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. They begin to discover the truth about their jobs—and themselves.” Director Ben Stiller is famous for his comedies, however, since his directorial debut show premiered, it has been popular ever since, capturing viewers with its “innie” and “outie”.
“Ted Lasso” (TV-MA): “Winner of 13 Emmy awards, including back-to-back Outstanding Comedy Series wins (2021, 2022). Jason Sudeikis is a football coach leading a British soccer team. What he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for with optimism… and biscuits”. A feel good show that has just a bit of British humour and football thrown into the mix.
Peacock
Wicked (PG): “Set in the Land of Oz, before Dorothy Gale’s arrival from Kansas, its plot follows Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her friendship with her classmate Galinda, who becomes Glinda the Good.” Popular with theatre fans and non-theatre fans, Peacock is the home of this grand musical movie. Catch up on the film before the release of the sequel this November.
“Mamma Mia” (PG-13): The story “follows a young bride-to-be named Sophie (Seyfried) who invites three men (Brosnan, Firth, and Skarsgård) to her upcoming wedding, with the possibility that any of them could be her real father”. Featuring ever popular songs by ABBA, Mamma Mia is a feel good musical movie that can brighten up anyone’s day. 10/10
Disney+/Hulu (Bundle)
“Mufasa: The Lion King” (PG): “Explore the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the pride lands” This film explores the story behind one of Disney’s most famous characters of all time, Mufasa, and how he became king of Pride Rock.
“Daredevil: Born Again” (TV-MA): “Blind lawyer Matt Murdock and former mob boss Wilson Fisk find themselves on a collision course”. Following the previous seasons of “Daredevil” on Netflix, this new series finally combines the vigilante’s story into the main “Marvel Cinematic Universe,” bringing in other characters like Wilson Fisk and Frank Castle.
Max
“The Pitt” (TV-MA): “Emergency medicine doctors juggle personal crises, workplace politics, and high emotions in this drama series”. Since its release around two months ago, The Pitt is praised for its portrayal of the healthcare industry and its workers, and is very different from other medical dramas out there. While other shows focus more on the drama aspect of their story, the production crew of “The Pitt” worked with real life medical professionals to make sure their portrayal of doctors and nurses in the Emergency Room and Emergency Trauma room were real and factual. Thank you to all of our healthcare professionals.
“The White Lotus” (TV-MA): “The White Lotus is a sharp social satire following the exploits of various employees and guests at an exclusive Thai resort over one highly transformative week. As darker dynamics emerge with each passing day, the series gradually reveals the complex truths of the seemingly picture-perfect travelers, cheerful hotel employees, and idyllic locale itself.” Celebrating its 3rd season, “The White Lotus” features a dark-comedy series focusing on the lives of the rich guests of the hotel and the mysteries behind them and their picture-perfect lives.
“The Last of Us” (TV-MA): “In 2003, a parasitic fungal infection ravaged the planet, turning humans into violent creatures known as the Infected. Twenty years later, hardened survivor Joel (Pedro Pascal) is hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie (Bella Ramsey) to the rebel Fireflies. Season 2 of The Last of Us picks up five years after the events of Season 1. Joel and Ellie’s collective past catches up to them, drawing them into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.” Based on the video game by the same name, “The Last of Us” brought video-game-based storytelling to the centerstage, showing the game’s complex character development and storytelling.
Movie Theatres
“A Minecraft Movie” (PG): Having only been released exactly one week ago, this movie has been popular worldwide. It draws the attention of gamers young and old, while also having mixed reviews from viewers. Many find the film to be so bad and nonsensical, while others claim that it’s so bad that it’s good.
“Disney’s Snow White” (PG): Infamous for its controversy surrounding their lead actors, the film finally released this year, and is now famous for being the lowest rated live-action Disney movie. Some find the story refreshing, while others find it absolutely revolting. The question remains, how is it?
“Pride and Prejudice” (PG): Based on Jane Austen’s famous 1813 novel, “Pride and Prejudice” features an evergreen love story with some of literature’s most independent female characters. Being re-released in theatres for its 20th anniversary, catch a limited time screening of this amazing film. 10/10
What will you be watching this spring break?
Comment down below with your favorite shows and films recommendations!
