What to watch while at home.
While most of the world remains working and studying at home, not having a commute or any after-school activities has left us with a lot of free time on our hands. While there are hundreds of things you can do with this time (go check out some of the Phoenix’s articles on what to do in addition to watching Netflix), now’s probably the best time to catch up on shows or movies you’ve been meaning to watch, or simply have some sense of entertainment when you get bored. Here are some ideas of the movies and TV shows you can watch while at home.
If you’re in the mood for a good laugh…
MOVIE:
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986): An 80’s classic, with a premise centered around not going to school. Save Ferris!
- Where to Watch: Available on Netflix
SHOW:
The Good Place (2016): A lighthearted comedy about the after-life, with multiple twists.
- Where to Watch: Available on Netflix
If you want to see that one everyone’s talking about…
MOVIE:
“Knives Out” (2019): A murder-mystery/comedy with an all-star cast, including Chris Evans, Daniel Craig, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
- Where to Watch: Available to rent on iTunes and Amazon Prime.
SHOW:
Tiger King: Murder Mayhem and Madness (2020): A crime documentary about a zookeeper, that has taken the internet by storm and managed to entertain the country during a stressful time.
- Where to Watch: Available on Netflix
If it’s time for family bonding…
MOVIE:
The Incredibles (2004): Rewatch one of your favorite Pixar movies, like this relatable superhero comedy.
- Where to Watch: Available on Disney+ and to rent on iTunes and Amazon Prime
SHOW:
How I Met Your Mother (2005): Although it’s not technically about an actual family, the comedy series is like Friends in it being about a group of people in New York, trying to navigate life together. Also, the show centers around a father telling their kids how he met their mom, hence the name, and for nine seasons, the show is hilarious and heart-warming at the same time.
- Where to Watch: Available on Hulu and to rent on iTunes and Amazon Prime
If you need an escape from the world…
MOVIE:
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003): Chances are, you’ve probably seen it – at least, you’ve heard of it – and the three movies together tell one of the greatest stories of all time in one of the greatest fictional worlds of all time. It’ll take your mind of things for 9+ hours, and, once we all go back to school, you can chat with Dr. McInerny about it!
- Where to watch: Available to rent on iTunes and Amazon Prime
SHOW:
The Twilight Zone (1959): A classic anthology series. Every episode has new characters and storylines, and it’s a creepy, but fun science-fiction show about strange things.
- Where to watch: Available on Netflix
If you you’re looking for something to watch with friends over face time…
MOVIE:
Ratatouille (2007): We all love it, it’s another great Pixar movie, and it’s really fun to watch.
- Where to Watch: Available on Disney+ and to rent on iTunes and Amazon
SHOW:
On My Block (2018): A relatable comedy/drama about a group of teens in Los Angeles who navigate high school and gangs. It can be sad, but, overall it’s a funny and enjoyable show to watch.
- Where to Watch: Available on Netflix
If you want something relating to the pandemic…
MOVIE:
Contagion (2011): This movie’s been trending for a while now and it makes sense why. It’s very realistic and very similar to what’s been going on, so if you’re into it, it’s an interesting watch.
SHOW:
Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak (2020): It’s interesting to think that this show came out a mere months before the spread of the coronavirus, and it covers those on the front lines fighting to stop the spread of deadly viruses, as well as those who predict when and where the next outbreak will occur.
If you’re tired of being stuck inside…
MOVIE:
Free Solo (2018): This is a popular but under-the-radar documentary flick about Alex Honnold, a professional climber who attempts the first-ever free solo climb (meaning climbing without any protective equipment, like a harness or rope) of El Capitan’s vertical rock face, over 900 metres of sheer cliff. Even if you don’t like documentaries an interesting and thrilling movie.
- Where to watch: Available on Disney+ and to rent on iTunes and Amazon Prime
SHOW:
Night on Earth (2020): A show like Planet Earth that explores animals and nature, this time looking at what certain animals do at night. Using new technology, the show delves into different places around the planet to look at seas, jungles, and even cities where animals roam. It’s very pretty to look at, and it’s something you can watch to learn about nature without giving your 100% attention.
- Where to Watch: Available on Netflix
If you want to catch up on the award-winning stuff…
MOVIE:
Parasite: This year’s Best Picture at the Oscars, Parasite is highly-acclaimed worldwide and follows two families, where the less-privileged Kims con the rich Park family to tell a story on class discrimination.
- Where to watch: Available to rent on iTunes and Amazon Prime
SHOW:
Mad Men (2007): This one’s caught on in recent years, and had previously won dozens of awards in between the 7 years that it aired. In the world of 1960’s New York advertising firms, Don Draper and others fight to stay at the top of the pile. It’s definitely a very mature show, but it offers an interesting and symbolic take on consumerism and greed.
- Where to watch: Available on Netflix