During the lockdown, Netflix is definitely one of the escapism tools people are using to fill their time. With so much content, it can be hard to know what to watch. Getting into a cycle of bad series and movies can leave you feeling bored and listless. So, whether it’s some easy watching, a cheesy chick flick, drama or documentary, we’ve got options for everybody in our Netflix guide.
Safe
If binge-worthy drama series are your thing, look no further than Safe. This crime mystery is full of suspense and slightly addictive. You’ll want to watch episode after episode. Set in England, the plot centres around a seemingly safe (says it on the tin) gated housing community/estate and the murky lives of the affluent residents. Tom Delaney’s 16-year-old daughter Jenny goes missing after a party one night and he uncovers a web of secrets as he searches for her.
On My Block
There are three seasons of this series on Netflix and for anyone looking for something to help them switch off, this is a good option. This teen comedy drama focuses on four friends in an inner-city Los Angeles neighbourhood, who find their friendship tested as they start high school. The street-savvy quartet of Monse, Ruby, Jamal and Cesar confront the challenges of adolescence and all the triumph and pain that comes with it.
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness
If there’s one thing absolutely everyone is talking about on Netflix at the moment, it’s Tiger King. This seven-part documentary series is one of the most-watched shows on Netflix right now. Populated by eccentric characters, Tiger King is an exploration of big-cat breeding and its bizarre underworld. There’s more to it than just big cats though, it takes several twists and turns in different directions.
Derry Girls
If you haven’t seen Derry Girls (what?), go watch it now. The first series is on Netflix. If you have seen Derry Girls, watch it again! This comedy series written by Lisa McGee is a refreshingly light-hearted and absolutely hilarious take on the lives of five teenagers during the Troubles. The characters, from “the wee English fella” to Aunt Sarah and Granda Joe, are totally unique. It’s a show that’s guaranteed to put you in good mood.
Spenser Confidential
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Spenser Confidential is an action comedy film that was released on Netflix in early March. The movie is very loosely based on the novel Wonderland by Ace Atkins. It centres on a guy named Spenser, an ex-convict and former Boston police officer, whose task is to take down a drug gang after two Boston officers are murdered. With plenty of action and high drama, Spenser Confidential has received favourable reviews thus far.
The Longest Ride
Warning, chick flick alert! If they are not your thing step away now. If they are, read on with glee my friend. The Longest Ride is based on a Nicolas Sparks novel, the same author as The Notebook. Luke is a professional bull rider from North Carolina. Sophia is a city slicker and studying art at university there. Due to their different lives, they decide things can’t work out between them. That is until Ira, a widower they saved from a car crash, shows them parallels between their budding relationship and that of his with his late wife.
I, Tonya
This biopic is based on the life of controversial but brilliant figure skater Tonya Harding. Although the events portrayed are unbelievable, they are true. The plot takes us from Tonya’s mother pushing her into skating aged four, to her link to the attack on her top-ranked rival Nancy Kerrigan. Starring Margot Robbie, the film is peppered with “interviews” with the main characters – but acted out by the cast. They show the conflicting sides of the story.
Blackfish
The feature-length documentary Blackfish has been around a while, but if you haven’t seen it, you should. Its focuses on the controversy surrounding the use of orca whales in entertainment shows at theme parks. Particularly in the Seaworld chain in the US. It follows the captivity of Tilikum, an orca responsible for the deaths of three humans, and the consequences of keeping these whales in captivity.
Netflix costs €7.99 a month and has a one-month free trial.
While Netflix has been the steaming service of note for some time, Disney+ is certainly making its presence known of late. It’s a video streaming service that allows you to watch loads of Disney movies and TV series. The Lion King, Aladdin, Toy Story 4 and Frozen 2 are all on there. If you’re a Disney lover it’s a must.
There’s also Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic content, but Disney really is the star of the show. Kids will love it and plenty of adults (both guilty and proudly) will adore it to. There’s a seven-day free trial and it’s €6.99 a month after that.