It’s been awhile since I posted some reviews of what to watch on Netflix- so here we go. This list includes some of my favorite 90s movies, some great lesser-known indie flicks which are definitely worth checking out, some rom-coms for all your romantic, girl movie needs (aka Valentine’s Day) and more.
Labor Day
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet are simply magic in this down to earth, sweet romance movie. The characters are strong and well written; the dialogue is right on cue, and the ending blows the whole thing out of the water. I could probably watch this over and over again. Great movie to watch with your significant other this Valentine’s day.
Watch Now.
Silver Linings Playbook
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro, this movie follows Pat, a guy diagnosed with bipolar disorder who has just been released from a mental hospital. After a breakdown following the news that his wife had been cheating on him, he is released back into his parents care and works on moving on from the past… kind of.
Watch Now.
http://youtu.be/2MP7A1k8Jr0
Short Term 12
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: This movie has heart like no other: in fact it’s probably one of the better movies I’ve seen in the past year. Wonderful acting and writing take this one far. Based around the premise of teens living in a group home, this film touches on dark subject matter which we don’t usually see in the more mainstream movies. Don’t miss this one.
Watch Now.
Almost Famous
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Ah, this movie is like a dream- following the crusades of a young rock writer who is tasked by Rolling Stone magazine to follow around a band while on tour (a Led Zeppelin-esque band. Kate Hudson stars as the fantastic character Penny Lane, who shares some pretty great wisdom with the audience throughout:
“I always tell the girls never take it seriously. If you never take it seriously, you never get hurt. If you never get hurt, you always have fun. And if you ever get lonely, you can just go to the record store and visit your friends.”
The Out-of-Towners
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: How do I love this movie? Let me count the ways. Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn are a match made in heaven in this movie. The couple play empty nesters who’ve the comfort of the midwest to visit New York City- hilarity ensues. John Cleese is an added bonus.
Watch Now.
Sleepless in Seattle
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Ohhhh Sleepless in Seattle- one of my favorite romantic comedies of all time. Be still my heart! Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are nothing short of amazing together. Even though this movie was only made in 1993, it is a true classic. If you watch only one movie on Valentine’s day, it should be this one. SERIOUSLY.
Watch Now.
Bruce Almighty
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: This movie is a hilarious comedy, albeit a bit cheesy (and sacrilegious, probably, to some.) Jim Carey is suddenly given God’s powers, and naturally he learns some life lessons along the way. It shouldn’t go without mentioning that personally, I love almost anything starring Jennifer Aniston.
Watch Now.
Notting Hill
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Another rom-com for the list, and a British one at that! This movie is cute and funny in my book. Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts are great but I feel like the dude who plays Spike the roommate is the real star. Remind me never to date a celebrity.
Watch Now.
The Other Sister
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Juliette Lewis and Giovanni Ribisi are absolutely impeccable in this movie. They play two mentally challenged people who fall in love and start a life together. I don’t think the acting could be better executed by anyone.
Watch Now.
http://youtu.be/Y3Kjxnti1Es
American Beauty
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Oh how I love you, Kevin Spacey. This film is great. It goes without saying that every time I see a plastic bag swept up in a wind current, this movie automatically comes to mind. It’s sweet, smart and well done.
Watch Now.
Election
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: All hail 90’s movies! Reese Witherspoon seriously shines in this adorable 90s movie which shines a spotlight on the ridiculousness that is politics. Matthew Broderick is great in this flick too.
Se7en
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Seven… one of the best movies with a twist ending I’ve ever seen. Super dark, super chilling, but also, super good. It’s suspenseful and clever, starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, as well as other well known stars. I wish I could watch this one again for the first time.
Watch Now.
Stand By Me
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Another classic movie- this is something of a coming of age story, dealing with the friendship of several boys. Fun fact: This movie was written by the well known horror writer, Stephen King. Surprised much? I was too! I suppose then it goes without saying how well written this movie is.
Watch Now.