Ten Netflix Films Worth The Watch

 I think it’s safe to say that Netflix has played a pretty big role in this winter’s edition of indoor blues.  With the snow and ice keeping us inside for the majority of the past month, I know that I’ve personally succumbed to the great procrastination tool that is Netflix.  As much as I love their selection, I think I speak for most people when I say that there’s often just too much.  People become overwhelmed by the vast array of movies and T.V. shows available, that by the time you’re done searching through everything on your homepage, you’ve wasted an hour, and found that the only movies you recognize, or want to watch, are ones that you’ve already seen.

I’ve compiled a list (from both American and Canadian Netflix) that will save you from searching and inevitably re-watching Bridesmaids for the umpteenth time.  With a little bit of everything - from semi-old to new, comedies, documentaries and television shows - I think there’s something here for everyone.10.  Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Year: 2004Director: Michel GondryEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a heart-wrenching romantic sci-fi thriller, starring Jim Carrey as the lead male character, Joel Barish, and Kate Winslet as his ex-girlfriend, Clementine Kruczynski.  After finding out that his ex-girlfriend has erased all memory of him during an experimental procedure, Joel decides to do the same.  Through his memories, we’re shown their great love story as it unfolds and then dwindles.  Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind takes you through a strange and romantic love story that will change the way you see Jim Carrey forever.9.  Frances Ha

Year: 2012Director: Noah BaumbachStarring the hilarious Greta Gerwig, Frances Ha is a dry, sarcastic comedy that will make you feel thankful that you’re still in school - and also a little scared to move on.  The film follows young adult, Frances Halladay, as she tries to make her way into ‘adulthood’.  Living with her best friend in New York, working a job that she enjoys, and living a seemingly careless life, Frances’ world takes a turn for the worst when her friend decides to move out.  With nowhere to go, and a lack of friends to turn to, Frances is forced to move around, find new work, and along the way, eventually find herself.   Frances Ha shows just how awkward and scary the world can be sometimes, but it will leave you feeling hopeful for what can be.8.  It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia

Starting Year: 2005Writers: Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Mehar SethiIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a hilarious sitcom that follows the lives of five depraved underachievers known as "The Gang," who own an Irish pub in South Philadelphia.  Each contributing their own unique and outrageous personalities, "The Gang" is one unlike any other friend group on TV today; always bringing something new and hilarious to each episode. With episode titles like “Frank Sets Sweet Dee on Fire”, and “The Gang Solves the North Korea Situation,” you know it has to be worth checking out. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a fresh, sarcastic show that’s definitely worth the marathon.7.  Chasing Ice

Year: 2012Director: Jeff OrlowskiChasing Ice is a great environmental documentary that will open your eyes to the blatant temperature change happening in response to global warming.  The film follows environmental photographer James Balog as he attempts to put together a photo montage for National Geographic, showing the undeniable melting of glacial ice in the Arctic. The film attempts to prove James Balog’s findings of melting glacial ice through the gathering of photographic evidence.  You’ll be shocked by the imagery captured in this movie, as it shows you just how much and how fast glacier ice has and is changing.6.  Celeste and Jesse Forever

Year: 2012Director: Lee Toland KriegerCeleste and Jesse Forever is a nice romantic comedy that’s perfect for a night in after a full day of class.  Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg play a surprisingly well suited, sweet couple, who are actually separated, despite seeming "perfect" for one another. I know, it sounds like the beginning of a typical cheesy love story,  but I promise it’s not.  In fact, the story takes a lot of unexpected turns, winding its audience through their lives as they begin to grow apart and find new people.5.  It’s Kind of a Funny Story

Year: 2010Directors: Anna Boden, Ryan FleckIt’s Kind of a Funny Story follows the story of a young boy, Craig Gilner ( played by Keir Gilchrist) who admits himself into a New york City mental institution after claiming to be suicidal.  We are shown his fast growth and transformation as he comes to terms with the stresses of his life, and meets some new friends (Zach Galifianakis and Emma Roberts).  It’s Kind of a Funny Story reminds me a bit of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, in that it seems like a very "coming-of-age" type movie.  Though it deals with somewhat heavy subject matter, the movie is still very entertaining and funny.4.  Sherlock

Starting Year: 2010Writers: Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat, Stephen ThompsonThis series has to be one of the most captivating and intriguing T.V. shows that I’ve ever seen. Sherlock is a British crime-drama mystery, that depicts the well-known story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s infamous character Sherlock Holmes, and his trusty side-kick Watson.  Though Robert Downey Jr. does a great job in the movies, I have to say that Benedict Cumberbatch gives him a run for his money, completely recreating the character of Sherlock Holmes. This contemporary adaptation of the series gives the show a new spin; each episode as intriguing as the last, featuring a new and impossible-to- solve mystery.3.  Thelma and Louise

Year: 1991Director: Ridley ScottStarring two fantastic actresses, Gina Davis and Susan Sarandon, Thelma and Louise is a must-see classic.This empowering, drama-filled comedy tells the story of one of the greatest fictional road trips of all time: the story of Thelma and Louise, as they take off for a weekend getaway from the men in their lives.  Unfortunately, before arriving at their destination, they run into some trouble.  The movie follows the two women as they run from the law, ending with one of the most iconic and referenced final scenes in movie history.2.  Jackie Brown

Year: 1997Director: Quentin TarantinoPulp Fiction fan? This movie incorporates every element of what makes Quentin Tarantino movies great.  Jackie Brown is a violent, funny, and at times vulgar movie - great for when you need a crime/action fix.  Though it might not be for everyone, I can guarantee that if you’re a fan of Tarantino, or Tarantino-esque movies, this is definitely one to check out.  Starring Pam Grier, Roberto De Niro and Samuel L. Jackson, this crime drama is definitely worth a watch.1.  Nowhere BoyInitial Release: 2009Director: Sam Taylor-WoodBe prepared to re-fall in love with John Lennon and The Beatles.  Nowhere Boy tells the story of young John Lennon, and how he grew up to be the legend we all know him as today.  The film takes place during his adolescent years, growing up with his aunt, being introduced to music and the guitar, and meeting the boys that would one day help him form an iconic band.  The story is laced with triumph and tragedy, and definitely a must-see. Yours creatively,Callie Mathieson, Online Entertainment ContributorImages: Tumblr, We Heart It