The movie library available on Netflix is as good as it gets across any streaming service. That makes it all the more difficult to pick out what to watch with each pᴀssing week, as there are just so many options. That’s why we make it a bit easier for you by recommending five films that’ll be ideal watches this week.
This week’s recommendations are another varied bunch with something for almost everyone. Among these selections are a classic Stephen King adaptation, an incredible international animated film, an Oscar-nominated music biopic, a hidden gem female-led indie flick, and a Netflix original rom-com that kick-started a franchise.
Tick, Tick…Boom! (2021)
One of the best Netflix original movies ever made is 2021’s Tick, Tick…Boom! The film is the directorial debut of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the man behind the iconic Hamilton and In the Heights musicals. This is a story that also surrounds music and is based on the life of Jonathan Larson.
For those unaware, Larson is the playwright behind Rent, one of the most famous musicals in Broadway history. This biopic follows his life as he struggles to break out in the theater industry, balances his work and love lives, and deals with tragic news about a close friend.
It all comes together for a spectacular experience that perfectly blends the gripping story with some intricate musical numbers. Whether it’s the catchy “30/90,” the incredibly well-edited “Therapy,” or the emotional “Real Life,” the musical numbers in Tick, Tick…Boom! are masterful.
Tick, Tick…Boom! was a major awards contender, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Andrew Garfield’s riveting performance as Larson saw him win the Golden Globe for Best Actor while also being up for the Academy Award.
Stand By Me (1986)
It’s no secret that Stephen King adaptations can be hit or miss. There are great films like The Shining (even if King doesn’t like it) and The Shawshank Redemption, as well as missed opportunities like Firestarter and The Dark Tower.
However, there’s no denying that Stand By Me ranks among the best of the bunch. It’s one of the most nostalgic movies ever too, expertly capturing the ’50s era while also being a film that so many millennials grew up watching over and over.
Stand By Me follows a quartet of friends who, when they were young boys, embarked on a journey to find the missing body of a kid killed near their home. The story is told from the perspective of the boys, as he recalls this Labor Day weekend as an adult after finding out one of his friends died.
The legacy of Stand By Me is iconic as it’s one of the most memorable King adaptations ever made, gets referenced often throughout pop culture, and was nominated for an Oscar. It’s a comfort watch for many, but if you’ve never seen it, you can find out why for yourself.
Shiva Baby (2020)
Criminally overlooked at the time of its release, Shiva Baby is one of the more impressive directorial debuts of the decade. First premiering in 2020 at South by Southwest before hitting video-on-demand in 2021, Shiva Baby was a coming-out party of sorts for its filmmaker and cast.
The story of Shiva Baby centers on Danielle, a college senior who attends a shiva with her overbearing family, complicated ex-girlfriend, and her sugar daddy, who is also her professor. It all comes together for a stressful day of social interactions.
What makes Shiva Baby work so well is Emma Seligman’s efforts as director and screenwriter. She captures every moment in fantastic fashion, especially when it comes to the claustrophobic, frantic nature of the day.
On top of Seligman’s work, which she parlayed into a tremendous second effort for 2023’s Bottoms, Shiva Baby has two incredible actors at the forefront. Rachel Sennott is brilliant as Danielle, while Molly Gordon plays her ex Maya, and their scenes together are electric.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
It’s not often that romantic comedy movies become entire franchises or even get sequels. However, Netflix’s adaptation of Jenny Han’s To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before was such a success for the streaming service that all three books in the series ended up getting made.
The first installment tells the story of Lara Jean Covey, who wrote secret letters to the boys she had crushes on when she was younger. Now in high school, Lara Jean’s sister sends out the letters to all the boys, turning her life upside down.
Her best friend, who is also her sister’s boyfriend, is one of the boys she wrote to, and then there’s Peter Kavinsky, a popular boy at her school. Lara Jean and Peter enter a fake relationship that benefits them both, only for the romance to turn real.
That’s not an overly fresh rom-com tale, but what makes it stand out is the chemistry between Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, as well as the strong supporting cast and sharp writing. The next two installments were good and worth a watch, but the original To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before remains the best.
Suzume (2022)
When people think of Japanese animation in cinema, their minds often go to Hayao Miyazaki and rightfully so, as he’s been putting out great movies for decades. That said, an underrated name in that world is Makoto Shinkai, thanks to his Disaster Trilogy.
Although the three movies aren’t directly connected in terms of things like characters, they all share similar themes. The first is the outstanding Your Name and the second is Weathering With You, while Suzume marks the end of the trilogy.
Suzume focuses on the тιтular 17-year-old girl who finds a magic door that allows her to enter a fantastical world. However, the door also opens up her world to a dangerous monster that causes earthquakes and it’s up to her and a stranger she bonds with to save everyone.
Although Suzume isn’t as well-known around the world as some other Japanese animated movies, it’s among the best. It was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globes and earned seven nominations at the Annie Awards. It’s a must-see for its emotional story and breathtaking visuals.
