Foreign Films: Top Movies To Watch On Netflix

Netflix is one of the best entertainment packages on the market today. For under $10 per month, you gain access to such a wide array of television and movies that you’ll never be without something to watch. You can watch the most popular movies in the world only months after they leave theaters, full seasons of hit network and cable television shows shortly after their season’s end, or popular originals that can be found nowhere else. Best of all, all Netflix content is available to binge immediately, meaning you can watch as much or as little of a TV show as you want.

Amid all that entertainment, you might want a change of pace. One of Netflix’s hidden gems is the wide range of international content they have available. This includes television series and movies from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America. You’ll be introduced to cultural content that was largely unavailable before Netflix expanded – all of it subtitled, with many options having English dubs. Much of this content is new, but mixed in are some of the most timeless and acclaimed foreign films of all time.

No matter what your taste in foreign films, you’ll find something on Netflix to your tastes. You’ll find acclaimed Oscar-winning dramas, stunning animation, classic dramas, emotional romances, and lush fantasies. You’ll be introduced to the stars of the biggest foreign films ever made, and see surprisingly big names from Hollywood making a foreign-language detour in their career. Here at Netflix Update, we’ve put together a list of the six best foreign films to watch on Netflix. These foreign films are all acclaimed, were highly successful in their country of origin, and cover a wide variety of genres. Read on, and find the best foreign films to spice up your Netflix viewing routine.

Foreign Films to Watch on Netflix

Y Tu Mamá
También

Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, the Oscar-winning director of Gravity, this 2001 road-trip coming of age drama from Mexico focuses on a pair of punk teenagers played by Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna. Their trip across the coast of Mexico with an older woman named Luisa (Maribel Verdu) turns into one of sexual awakening for the young men, and a bittersweet story of regret for unfinished business for Luisa, who receives devastating news before the trip begins. A poignant dual story of beginning a new stage of one’s life and coming to terms with one’s unfinished business, Y Tu Mama Tambien is one of the most acclaimed foreign films to come out of Mexico and is one of the few foreign films to be nominated for Best Original Screenplay at both the Academy Awards and the BAFTA Awards.

Veronica

This 2017 Spanish horror film has been called one of the scariest films ever made, and since its 2018 Netflix release it has been terrifying viewers worldwide. Directed by Paco Plaza or the REC franchise, it centers on the title character, a teenage girl played by newcomer Sandra Escacena, who has recently lost her father. With her mother consumed by trying to keep the family afloat, Veronica and two of her classmates become involved in dark affairs. During a solar eclipse, they use a Ouija board to try to contact Veronica’s father, but her father’s spirit isn’t what comes back. Soon, Veronica finds herself haunted by a dark presence everywhere she goes. The movie excels in dramatic tension and jump scares and is inspired by a true story. Americans have been discovering the unique styles of horror in foreign films in recent years, and Veronica is one of the best examples of the genre.

City of God

Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund and based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Paulo Lins, this sweeping and gritty 2002 Brazilian drama is set in the impoverished slums of Rio de Janeiro. There, the ruthless drug dealers live as kings and enforce their rule with violence. Focusing on the violent neighborhood of Cidade de Deus, the film concentrates on the ongoing battle between two rivals for control of the slums. Violent drug dealer Lil Ze’ (Douglas Silva, Leandro Firmino da Hora) and neighborhood vigilante Knockout Ned (Seu Jorge) have been opposing each other since they were children, and now their conflict threatens to erupt and engulf the whole neighborhood and the innocents inside. Acclaimed for its brutal action sequences and in-depth portrayals of life in the Brazilian slums, City of God is one of the most praised foreign films of the 21st century. Although names and events have been changed, the story is inspired by real events. City of God was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Film Editing.

Cinema Paradiso

Written and directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, the 1988 Italian drama Cinema Paradiso is considered one of the most acclaimed Italian films of all time and the movie that kicked off a new age of Italian cinema. It centers on Salvatore Di Vita (Philippe Noiret), an acclaimed Italian film director who returns to his childhood home in Sicily to attend the funeral of his childhood mentor, an elderly film projectionist named Alfredo (Salvatore Cascio) who gave him his first job in movies as his assistant. A series of flashbacks show the early lives of both Salvatore and Alfredo, and the various ways love for film has influenced both of their lives. Though tragedy darkens their lives and threatens to take one of them away from the world of movies forever, their powerful bond shapes both their lives. An unabashedly romantic film about lost love and childhood memories, Cinema Paradiso was one of the most popular foreign films ever released in the United States at the time. Acclaimed for its timeless themes and tribute to the joy of film it won the 1989 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.

Blue Is the Warmest Color

This 2013 French coming of age romantic drama is easily the most controversial film on this list, as director Abdellatif Kechiche was highly acclaimed for his vivid and powerful portrayal of a young lesbian love story (a subject rarely tackled in foreign films before this movie). However, lead actresses Lea Seydoux and Adele Exarchopolous described the filming process as horrible and uncomfortable. It was later revealed that the filming process was among the longest on record, with hours of film left on the cutting room floor. The final product is divisive but widely praised. The story, based on an acclaimed graphic novel by Julie Maroh, focuses on high schooler Adele (Exarchopolous) and her romance with the free-spirited painter Emma (Seydoux). The story begins in Adele’s teenage years as she’s swept off her feet by the slightly older Emma and continues over the years as they drift in and out of each other’s lives. Widely praised for its powerful, emotional take on the joy and pain of young love, Blue is the Warmest Color won the Palme d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for eight Cesar Awards.

Clouds of Sils Maria

Filmed on location in the Swiss village of Sils Naria, this complex drama by French director Oliver Assayas is a French-German-Swiss co-production. Set in the world of French cinema, it stars Juliette Binoche as acclaimed actress Maria Enders, who has a complex and intertwined relationship with her young assistant Valentine (Kristen Stewart, in the most acclaimed role of her career). When she returns to a play she starred in years ago, this time playing the role of the older woman, she finds that the unique dynamic between the two female leads causes her to question whether her connection to Valentine is more than purely professional. Complicating things is Chloe Grace-Moretz’ Jo-Ann Ellis, the calculating Hollywood starlet who is taking over the role Maria originated years ago and planning to overshadow her costar by any means necessary. Building to an ambiguous and poignant finale, Clouds of Sils Maria was one of the most acclaimed foreign films in recent years. The film received overwhelming critical praise, especially for Kristen Stewart, who won a Cesar Award for the role of Valentine.

Conclusion

For someone who has never watched foreign films before, the language barrier and stylistic differences can be jarring on first watch. For those who are interested in exploring the world of film, these six films make for a compelling introduction. Each offers their own appeal in a different genre. City of God is a brutal urban action thriller, while Cinema Paradiso is a sweet and comforting love letter to the world of film. Those who grew up on classic teen coming-of-age comedies like Porky’s will find the bawdy humor of Y Tu Mama Tambien right up their alley, while those looking for a heartbreaking love story will fall for Adele and Emma’s passion in Blue is the Warmest Color. Veronica offers chills and thrills that equal or exceed any American offering, while Clouds of Sils Maria will leave you with questions and theories long after the final reel. Just like Netflix’s English-language originals and library of American films, their library of foreign films has something for everyone. What are you in the mood for tonight?

Netflix New Releases – 10 Lifetime Movies And TV Shows Coming Out This Year

When you sign up for Netflix, you open yourself up to a whole new world of entertainment. For the modest sum of under $9 a month, lifetime movies and television are at your fingertips. You’ll find classic movies, modern blockbusters, nostalgic television favorites, and bold, original content. Television networks also offer their formerly exclusive specials including Disney Channel animation, CW superhero dramas, and Lifetime movies. So where to begin? That depends on what you want to watch first – television or movies? Netflix Update is here to help you navigate your brave new world of original content.

Netflix – A New Way to Enjoy Movies

Watching movies on Netflix couldn’t be easier. Your computer, tablet, or smartphone is now your own personal movie theater. Just open Netflix, search in the movies tab, and browse until you find something you like. If you have a specific movie in mind, type it into the search bar. The chances are Netflix has it available! Some movies may only be available through Netflix’s supplemental DVD service, but a wealth of movies are available through the basic service. Then, click play – and you’re done! Sit back, enjoy your movie with the snack of your choice in the privacy of your own home.

Get an important phone call, or the kids need your attention? No more ducking out into the hallway to take a call and missing key scenes. Just click on the screen to pause and come back when you’re ready. With Netflix ramping up their original film content and importing new films from around the world every week, you’ll never run out of content. Enjoy unlimited lifetime movies in every genre and subject!

How to Prepare for a Binge

Lifetime movies with new ones every week are great but don’t forget about Netflix’s wide array of television content. From old favorites to Emmy-winning originals, Netflix’s massive TV library is growing every week. The one area where TV on Netflix is the most different is that just like with movies, you set your own schedule. That means you can watch as many episodes of your favorite show as you want every day. And that means it’s time for everyone’s favorite part of Netflix – the Binge. Your favorite show’s new season just dropped? Strap in and get ready to binge, but first, you should make sure you’re prepared.

Before your next Netflix binge, make sure you have the essentials:

  • Clear your schedule of all other obligations for the next few (or many) hours.
  • Stock up on your favorite snacks.
  • Invite any friends who will enhance your experience.
  • Wear comfortable clothes you can sit around in.
  • Find a comfortable spot.
  • Pick a time with few distractions and competing events.
  • Enjoy!

10 Movies and TV Shows to Lookout For

Netflix is ramping up productions and is expected to drop over $10 billion worth of new content over the next two years. When Lifetime movies, Hollywood blockbusters, and old TV favorites run out, there’ll always be something new and exciting just around the corner. Below, we’ll profile ten of the biggest up-and-coming Netflix original TV and movies coming to your Netflix account in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

The Dragon Prince (Series, September 2018)

Netflix has been using the power of animation to tell epic original stories which are appealing for all ages. From the producers of Avatar: The Last Airbender and the director of Green Lantern: The Animated series comes this fantasy adventure. Set in a world filled with fantastical beings and magical conflict, The Dragon Prince follows two princes, Callum and Ezran, who are targeted for assassination by a mysterious young elf named Rayla. After stopping her and learning about the ancient conflict that has defined their kingdom, they form an uneasy alliance to try to bring peace between their people. The first season is dropping on Netflix in under a month.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Series, October 2018)

Remember Sabrina, the Teenage Witch? This is not the old TGIF fan favorite. In this darker reboot, teenage Sabrina Spellman (kiernan Shipka) learns to balance her life as a high school student with her secret powers as a half-witch with the help of her aunts Hilda (Lucy Davis) and Zelda (Miranda Otto). But as she digs deeper into her family history, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten to unleash an ancient evil on her hometown. Based on the popular Archie Comics horror series, this should be a must-view for fans of Riverdale.

A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding (Movie, December 2018)

A Christmas Prince was considered by its avid fanbase to be the best Lifetime movie that wasn’t actually one of the official Lifetime movies. The 2017 modern fairy tale about a journalist whose ruse leads her to a deep connection with the Crown Prince of the fictional nation of Aldovia is getting a sequel. And as the title makes clear, wedding bells are in the air for the lead characters.

Sure to be the romantic event of the 2018 Christmas season, A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding stars Rose McIver, Ben Lamb, Alice Krige, and Tahirah Sharif. Lifetime movies specialize in romance and fantasy, but this romantic fantasy can’t be found on cable – only on Netflix.

3 Below: Tales of Arcadia (Series, 2018)

Oscar-winning director Guillermo Del Toro made his mark on Netflix with the 2016 animated fantasy Trollhunters. The story of an ordinary teenager who gets pulled into a millennia-old war between competing factions of rock trolls became one of the platform’s most acclaimed all-ages originals, and the final season introduced a new group of players – a pair of alien teenagers undercover as high school students in the central town of Arcadia.

Now in their own spinoff, the alien siblings attempt to adjust to life on Earth and fix their spaceship so they can return home and liberate their planet from a brutal conqueror. 3 Below and Trollhunters will eventually crossover in the 2019 sequel Wizards.

The Final Table (Series, 2019)

Netflix has made a name for itself with its slate of cooking shows, playing host to international sensation The Great British Bake-Off and debuting original baking/comedy hit Nailed It! Now they’re rolling out a high-level original in The Final Table, a global cooking competition hosted by Bon Appetit editor Andrew Knowlton.

Twelve teams of two chefs will compete to master the national dishes of nations including Brazil, England, France, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. Each episode will feature a guest judge considered that country’s greatest chef, including Grant Achatz for the United States. The Final Table is brought to you by the producers of the hit cooking competition Masterchef.

Green Eggs and Ham (Series, 2018)

The original Dr. Seuss book is one of the all-time classics of children’s entertainment, but did you ever wonder what happened to Sam-I-Am and his squeamish friend after the book ended? Produced by Ellen DeGeneres and Jared Stern, Green Eggs and Ham follows the two friends as they go on a cross-country adventure trying new things. Featuring songs and comedy alongside timeless lessons about getting out of your comfort zone, Green Eggs and Ham is one of the most high-profile animated series produced by Netflix and is expected to become a new favorite for parents and kids alike.

Ratched (Series, 2018)

Nurse Ratched from the classic film One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is one of the most terrifying villains in all of the film, but how did she go from healer to sadistic jailer? Produced by American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy and acclaimed actor Michael Douglas, Ratched stars Emmy winner Sarah Paulson is a story beginning in 1947. Over the decades, audiences will see a young nurse evolve into a monster. Murphy’s pedigree as a producer means this series – the first under his new Netflix deal – will likely be one of the most disturbing shows of the year.

Mowgli (Movie, 2019)

Andy Serkis’ live-action adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic The Jungle Book was originally slated for a theatrical release but became the latest major motion picture to get a deal to go exclusively to Netflix. Boasting a darker take on the classic legend, it will focus on the young boy torn between two worlds – the world of man, where he is seen as a savage who needs to be civilized, and the world of animals where he feels at home but faces great danger. Starring Rohan Chand, Matthew Rhys, and Frieda Pinto, along with the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, Cate Blanchett, Naomie Harris, Andy Serkis, and Christian Bale as the famous animals.

Central Park 5 (Miniseries, 2019)

Centered around one of the most famous criminal cases in New York history, Central Park 5 begins in 1989 when a woman is brutally assaulted while jogging in Central Park. Five Harlem teenagers are quickly convicted amid a massive public outrage and sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Over the next three decades, doubts begin to arise about the convictions, and new investigations uncover a shocking truth. Directed by Ava DuVernay and starring an ensemble cast including Michael K. Williams, Vera Farmiga, John Leguizamo, Niecy Nash, and Felicity Huffman, Central Park 5 shines a new light on an open wound in New York’s history.

Carmen Sandiego (Series, 2019)

90s kids will remember spending countless hours trying to catch the titular thief in her educational computer games, and the PBS game show “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego” was a fan favorite. Now, for the first time, the mistress of landmark heists takes the lead in an animated series focusing on her origin. Combining globe-trotting adventure with an intimate look into Carmen Sandiego’s youth, this original Netflix series features the voices of Gina Rodriguez as Carmen and Finn Wolfhard of Stranger Things as “Player.”

Netflix Lifetime Movies – Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for drama, fantasy, animation, romance, or horror, Netflix’s original content is reaching levels never before seen. Top creators like Guillermo Del Toro, Ryan Murphy, and Ava DuVernay are dropping originals, and classic franchises are getting new reinventions. So sign up today, and for under $9 a month, you’ll enjoy lifetime movies, TV, and the boldest original content anywhere.

The 10 Best Indie Movies You’ve Never Heard Of On Netflix

It would surprise you how many indie movies are on Netflix, but indie movies are great when you don’t know what else to watch and you’re looking for something that’s different. Not all of them are diamonds in the rough, but when you find an interesting one, it’s usually worth the time to watch it. The beauty of Netflix is being in the comfort of your own home and being able to turn off something that you’re not enjoying. However, we’re here to give you a list of indie films you may love. Here are 10 indie movies you haven’t heard of that are available on Netflix right now.

What is an Indie Movie?

Indie movies are passion projects; low-budget films that don’t rely on flashy CGI or distribution from a major motion picture studio, or if they are getting distribution, they may only be receiving less than 50% of their budget from the studio. What makes indie movies great is their focus on the story and bringing the characters to life. It’s not about selling a brand, like Marvel Studios films, or being the hit blockbuster romance of the summer. Indie movies are about real stories and highlighting universal truths. They’ve all got something we can relate to.

Top Indie Movies of All Time

There’s a lot of indie movies out there that transcended their status because they resonated with people. Movies like Juno, Little Miss Sunshine, and Garden State achieved timeless status from the masses, but so too did early indie films that became cult classics. From directors that would eventually rise to fame, cult classic indies like Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction or Peter Jackson’s Dead Alive captured mass followings that boosted them into indie classic status.

The same applies to actors such as Jake Gyllenhaal in Donnie Darko. Indie movies are everywhere, but sometimes it takes a while to discover them. That’s why we’re here to help you find them.

Here are 10 indie movies you should watch right now.

The 10 Best Indie Movies You’ve Never Heard of on Netflix

Tallulah (2016)

Run Time: 111 min, IMDb: 6.7

Tallulah, a Netflix original movie written and directed by Sian Heder, who also wrote and produced “Orange Is The New Black,” is a complex story of a drifter (Ellen Page) who kidnaps a neglected child. She passes the child off as her daughter to her ex-boyfriend’s mother (Allison Janney).

The context for the set up is unclear because the decisions made by the drifter don’t make the best sense, but the interactions between Page and Janney are really what makes this movie worth watching. It’s really the whole focus of the story, and they have a chemistry that can’t be denied as they go through the laughs and pathos of this stunning film.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Run Time: 94 min, IMDb: 7.8/10

If you’re a Wes Anderson film buff, you’ve probably already heard of Moonrise Kingdom, but it’s too good to leave off the list. It’s the story of two kids in love who run away causing their town to panic, but Sam and Suzy aren’t just kids; they’re precocious and hold pain in their hearts beyond their level of maturity, finding solace with each other as they create their own Eden on the beach. It’s a story you won’t want to miss as you watch adults lose control and children struggle to hold on to sanity.

Sunshine Cleaning (2008)

Run Time: 91 min | IMDb: 6.9/10

Amy Adams and Emily Blunt play sisters who run a maid service, Sunshine Cleaning, but it’s not the usual sweep, mop, and dust; these girls clean crime scenes. It’s a dark gory mess, but someone has to do it. However, the sisters aren’t qualified and aren’t actually good at their jobs. It’s a living though, and these two are struggling to get by in a small town and trying to find themselves. If you don’t mind some blood and guts, this is a pretty fun viewing experience.

Cube (1997)

Run Time: 90 min, IMDb: 7.3/10

Cube is like Saw before the jigsaw existed, but the beauty of Cube is the simplicity. Six strangers: a cop, a math whiz, a building designer, a doctor, an escape master, and a disabled man awaken to find themselves inside a giant cube that they must escape from. There are hidden traps and not everyone will make it out alive. Together, they must use their skills to help each other escape the cube. This is a low-budget horror, it’s dark and gruesome and bloody. You’re going to need a strong stomach for this one, so prepare accordingly before watching it.

The Babadook (2014)

Run Time: 93 min, IMDb: 6.8/10

Horror fans know The Babadook, a psychological horror about the struggles and frustrations of being a parent. When a mother, played by Essie Davis, loses her husband in a car accident on the way to give birth, she bears some mixed feelings for her child. Her son is 6 in the film and she both loves and resents him because of the accident; these fears manifesting in a strange and supernatural pop-up book called Mister Babadook that shows up on her son’s shelf. The fear is present in the stylish and creepy shots of the film, but it’s the acting that truly makes it real. You won’t sleep after watching this one.

All These Sleepless Nights (2016)

Run Time: 100, IMDb: 6.6/10

All These Sleepless Nights is a slice of life film that straddles the line between fiction and documentary. It’s a coming of age story about two art school students in Warsaw, Poland who are seeking the most out of life in a place that doesn’t seem ready to be fully awake. It’s indulgent and decadent as the students drift through parties and clubs seeking pleasure and new experiences as they push each other to the brink. It’s largely plotless and experiential as each moment passes by becoming something new as they try to add meaning to the meaningless. This film is great if you want to experience something and not think too hard about it; it’s about existing in the moment and loving it.

Buster’s Mal Heart (2016)

Run time: 96 min, IMDB: 6.0/10

Starring Rami Malek from “Mr. Robot,” this is a film about conspiracies, paranoia, and delusions. A drifter living in the mountains is on the run from the police and an event only known as The Inversion. He is haunted by a recurring dream in which he is lost at sea and suffers flashbacks to his former life as a family man. If your thing is conspiracies, this is the movie for you.

Super Dark Times (2017)

Run time: 100 min, IMDb: 6.6/10

Super Dark Times is the directorial debut of Kevin Philips. It portrays the atmospheric aesthetic of the 90s in the same way Stranger Things portrays the 80s. Teenagers Zach and Josh are best friends, but an accident in the woods causes another boy to get stabbed in the throat with a Katana. They hide the body and the sword, and the aftermath of the ordeal threatens to pull them apart.

Reminiscent of Stand By Me, this film is about the loss of innocence but with more jealousy, violence, and paranoia. It’s a story about an adolescent obsession with danger and how that can spin wildly out of control and is a must watch for any nostalgic 90s kids.

To the Bone (2017)

Run time: 107 min, IMDb: 6.9/10

A fan of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” may recognize the name Marti Noxon as one of the head writers on that groundbreaking show. To The Bone is a film written and directed by Marti Noxon about her personal struggles with eating disorders. Starring Lily Collins, this film is about an anorexic young woman who has been in and out of treatment 5 times and is now in a communal house as part of an inpatient treatment facility that is overseen by an innovative doctor (Keanu Reeves).

It shows dangers of the disorder and the self-destructive tricks patients use, but it also has a dark humor and touching friendships that form when under duress. It’s a beautiful film that portrays mental health and struggles people deal with daily.

Blue Valentine (2010)

Run Time: 112 min | IMDb: 7.4/10

A romantic drama, Blue Valentine is a non-linear love story about a couple falling apart. Starring Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling, we see these two fall in love. Then addiction, failing careers, unhappiness, and dishonesty all collide to make the relationship become a train wreck of a story. All great love stories are like that, though, because they’re the ones with the most passion. This great love story follows the couple that fights to make it work when they should have given up, all because they’re blinded by love. If you’re a sucker for tragic romances, this is the indie movie for you.

Conclusion

These indie movies each have a unique genre and story that will pull you in and won’t let you go. If you’re a film enthusiast looking for something interesting, check them out and you won’t be disappointed.

5 of the best cooking shows to watch on Netflix this weekend

Do you crave fine dining and love to immerse yourself in the beautiful aesthetics practiced by world-famous chefs? Or are you a home cook who also really enjoys baking? Whether you fall into one of these categories or view cooking shows as a window into the wider world, Netflix has some choice delights for your discriminating palate.

The variety of cooking shows available for viewers on any number of networks and streaming sources has become so large that it is sometimes difficult to find a cooking show that suits your preferences. Whether you prefer the hominess of bake-offs, the elegance of fine dining or the informative shows that stimulate further interest in geography, other cultures and travel, there is something for you. The following shows are tailored to viewers with different interests, perspectives and feelings about cooking and how it embodies life, community, and family.

Some Top Cooking Shows

There are many great cooking shows you can look forward to watching on Netflix. Some of the most popular ones include:

The Great British Baking Show

The great British baking show

 

 

The most well-liked cooking show on right now is The Great British Bake Off, aired in America as The Great British Baking Show. The Great British Baking Show is the polite and proper alternative to the cutthroat atmosphere that pervades so many other competitive cooking shows. The contestants are friendly and even feel sad about the loss of their fellow contestants when they get eliminated. The light tone and positive atmosphere create a cooking show that is both soothing and tempting to your tastes.

The show also highlights a variety of multicultural contestants adapting their own knowledge of British cuisine and creating original dishes by integrating their backgrounds into them. This makes for many delicious sounding items you can attempt to cook at home. They have credited the show with creating a renewed interest in home baking and adding a better understanding of the diverse people and cuisines that inhabit Great Britain. With dialogue like, “I’m not eating like Henry VIII, you know, quail’s eggs and lark’s tongues”, there is no mistaking this show’s British identity. The competitors are charming and good-natured and are allowed to cook at a relatively relaxed pace.

Signature Challenge

Each episode has a series of three challenges. In the first, the amateur bakers on the show make a familiar recipe they have made for friends and family.

Technical Challenge

In the second challenge, the baked goods are ranked from worst to best. The bakers are all given very limited instructions and the same recipe right before the challenge.

Show-Stopper Challenge

This last challenge allows the amateur bakers to highlight their skills. The judges are looking for a baked item that is both technically and presentationally exquisite.

The three challenges take place over two days. They eliminate one contestant at the end of each episode. In the final episode of the series, three bakers are left and they choose a winner.

Chef’s Table

 

This show is what many expect from a cooking show, replete with softly lit and languid panning shots of beautifully plated dishes choreographed with complementary classical music. Each episode focuses on one famous chef and the exposure to different things that have informed their culinary decisions. In an episode from season 1, chef Massimo Boturra explains how he was inspired to make edible paper from seawater by a painter’s work that he saw in New York. These anecdotes illustrate how the artistic qualities of cooking tie into the other cultural areas of our lives. This is further emphasized by the consistent use of classical music to highlight some of the inviting plates as they are shown.

 

The Food…

Is absolutely stunning. The artistic plating for high-end cuisine does not disappoint, and the stories behind the inspiration for some of the dishes are fascinating to hear. This show is fairly ripe for parody, so much so that it was parodied in an episode of Documentary Now!, the American mockumentary television series. There is also a Chef’s Table Pastry spinoff that maintains the tone of the original Chef’s Table.

The Big Family Cooking Showdown

 

This show is a series that was spun off from The Great British Baking Show. The first season was co-hosted by the winner of the sixth season in 2015 and very popular British chef and personality, Nadiya Hussain, along with British television personality Zoe Ball. Three family teams with three members each compete to make a full meal for judges including Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli and British cooking instructor Rosemary Shrager as well as the hosts of the show. There are multiple heats before each team advances to the semi-finals.

 

This show is even homier than The Great British Baking Show since the competitors are families and all of the episodes are filmed at a barn built in 1870 in Kent. There will be a second season of The Big Family Cooking Showdown with 14 episodes and new hosts. The BBC announced in 2018 that the new hosts will be Celebrity MasterChef winner Angellica Bell and Michelin star head chef Tommy Banks.

Cooked

 

In this show based on his 2013 book, Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation, Michael Pollan focuses on the human side of cooking and how food gets to the plate. This cooking show is a four-part documentary series that focuses on getting more in touch with our evolutionary relationship to food and uses the four elements of fire, water, air, and earth to do so.

Fire

The first episode covers the cooking of meat and how it has helped shape the development of our modern diet as a pit master teaches Pollan about the uses of fire in cooking.

Water

In the second episode, Pollan goes to India to discuss pot cooking. He also details the possible threats the corporatization of food practices proposes to family recipes and cooking knowledge that has been passed down through generations.

Air

The third episode, air, touches on the relationship of human beings to gluten and Michael learns how to transform grain and water into bread.

Earth

The fourth episode covers foods that are made using fermentation. He meets ‘fermentors’ that include cheese-makers, brewers, and picklers of a variety of items. They explain to him how the earth plays a role in the formation of the fungi and bacteria that make their products delicious.

Pollan emphasizes the additives that processed foods often contain and suggests that the basics are a lot safer and less likely to lead to health ailments.
Processed foods contain large amounts of fat, sugar, and salt. They also disrupt our link to foods from the natural world. He contrasts the ideas of corporate cooking versus the knowledge passed on to individuals through their families. This show is incredibly informative while it also touches the heart. He is inquisitive about the connections, relationships and the transformative experiences that food preparation gives. The show is directed by Alex Gibney, a documentary filmmaker who has made other documentaries on Enron and the Church of Scientology.

Parts Unknown

 

 

 

Anthony Bourdain will live forever as nothing short of a legend. The paragon of cooking shows, Parts Unknown, addresses anthropological and sociological perspectives on cooking while integrating the idea of cooking as just one facet of life to be enjoyed along with others. Every trip he took on Parts Unknown was a magnificent sensory experience. Bourdain was an esteemed chef at the French restaurant Les Halles in New York City; he then decided that he was more interested in exploring and writing about the elements that influenced cooking, including those of geography and the history of conflict in whatever area he was in at the time.

He is tremendously respectful of localized tradition and cultural preferences while visiting a variety of countries, territories, cities and even areas far off of the beaten path. Bourdain visited cities we all know well, in addition to areas that we know nothing about at all. His absolute adaptability to any sort of circumstances and surroundings is what made him one of a kind. So many viewers love Bourdain due to his unassuming nature, dry sense of humor and easygoing ways. Eternally respectful to others, his show speaks strongly to the layperson about the significance of food in our lives.

Conclusion

These shows are wonderful contributions to the many lenses through which we can view food and enjoy cooking. Food is the glue that binds together individuals, families, communities, countries and even people throughout the globe. There is no question cooking connects us as human beings. All of the Netflix cooking shows seem to have an understanding of and appreciation for this.

They employ different ways in which they emphasize the important role that cooking and food plays in our lives. Despite differing approaches, each of these cooking shows have the common thread of reminding us that the most important thing about food is that we enjoy the company of others while making and eating it. The nourishment of your soul must go hand in hand with the nourishment of your body. These Netflix cooking shows make it easy to learn how to do both of these things.

10 Best Classic Movies That Can Be Enjoyed on Netflix

Nothing is like spending an evening with a classic movie. You might know the plot, scenes, and dialog by heart and you may watch it with a friend who does too, since classic movies are a shared bonding experience. So grab some popcorn and a drink, set aside some time for yourself, and snuggle into the couch to enjoy any of these oldies but goodies with which you are familiar.

This list reflects modern classics, meaning movies made since the 1970s, with one exception. These are movies that reflect the cultural sensibility of the decades in which they were produced and the issues affecting people. The 1970s were a time when the classic movies were socially conscious and confrontational about societal structures. Most likely the civil rights battles of the 1960s inspired the films of this era.

The 1980s were a dichotomy of cynicism and optimism spurred on by the excesses of the Reagan years. They were also a time when people of color and others on the fringes gained access, becoming auteurs and creating innovative films. The classics of the 1990s reflect the audience demand for original ideas and narrative structures, and many new filmmakers did not disappoint. Non-linear narratives, the evolution of CGI, and shockingly unexpected twists dominated popular films of this era.

What Is a Classic Movie?

There are many factors that come together to create a classic movie. The first two components are the director and writer, although the producer may also be involved in creating the ideal circumstances. The writing has to be perceptive enough to provide you with further insight into the characters. As mentioned earlier, the timing of the classic movie’s release has to be right, and the movie should reflect the cultural zeitgeist.

Often, these classic movies produce taglines that are used and understood many years after the release of the movie. There are examples of this from The Godfather, Dead Poets Society, and The Sixth Sense.

What Makes a Movie Classic?

Whether a movie is a classic is ultimately determined by its popularity with viewers. Classic movies are typically unlike most other films and stand out from the crowd. The movie might even catch the interest of many people at the time of its release and become a cultural touchpoint for moviegoers of that generation.

There are also the rare gems that may have been flops at the box office, but developed a cult following well after they were released. You can often tell the decade in which a classic movie was released by some of the lines that people quote from it, but classic movies never feel dated. Below are some of the more recent classic movies that can be enjoyed on Netflix.

10 Best Classic Movies To Watch On Netflix

Taxi Driver

If you’ve ever used or heard the phrase “Are you talkin’ to me?” then you know a little snippet about Taxi Driver. A young Robert De Niro plays a mentally unstable Vietnam vet who drives a taxi in NYC. The more he learns about his fares and the world around him, the more unstable he becomes.

Directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring not only De Niro, but Jodie Foster and Cybill Shepherd, Taxi Driver is one of those classics you can’t stop watching — it’s that compelling. Watch De Niro become unraveled as he plots and prepares for murder.

Rocky

“Adrian!” There’s probably not a person on the planet who hasn’t heard of Rocky. How can you even see Sylvester Stallone without thinking of Rocky and the American Dream? You can’t. Rocky might start off as a street fighter, but he ends up the world heavyweight champ.

But that’s not the whole story. If it were, it wouldn’t be worth watching. Just like anything in life, it’s not the destination, it’s the journey to get there! Watch Rocky struggle on the road to fame and gather inspiration from his heart and grit. And if you’ve already seen it, see it again! That’s why Rocky’s a classic — it never gets old.

Grease

In 1978, John Travolta and Olivia Newton John stole our hearts as Danny and Sandy in Grease. The soundtrack alone makes this classic impossible to forget. This love story about two young lovers from different sides of the tracks shows that despite our differences, love wins out in the end.

We dare you to watch Grease and NOT sing along. It simply can’t be done. So, step back into DAs and poodle skirts, get your dancing shoes on for some hand jive, and warm up those wind pipes for some Grease lightening. This classic is worth watching again and again.

Rosemary’s Baby

Maybe you’ve just heard whispers of Rosemary’s baby or maybe you’ve just heard the jist, but this classic will take you for a trippy ride and will make you ask so many questions. Mia Farrow plays Rosemary, a 60s housewife, who moves with her husband into a new apartment complex.

When the neighbors get a little too friendly and her husband’s career suddenly takes off, Rosemary begins to wonder if all is what it seems. Little by little, a pregnant Rosemary is isolated from the outside world. And when her friends finally get a good look at her, they know something is wrong with her — and maybe her baby.

But what’s wrong with the baby and who can she trust? You’ll have to watch to find out.

She’s Gotta Have It

This classic movie was made during a renaissance of black filmmakers that gave us the work of not only Spike Lee but also Julie Dash. In this revolutionary film from 1986, Nola Darling is a single woman who is dating three very different men. Even today, this strong female role is one that is almost never seen in a movie. One suitor is played by Spike Lee, who has often appeared in significant roles in his own films. Last year, Netflix began airing a series version of the concept which is receiving positive critical acclaim.

Heathers

There are so many things that make the movie Heathers a classic, including the writing and especially the dialogue. The direction, by Michael Lehman, is visually stunning and the design of the whole production reflects the confectionary style of fashion popular in the 1980s among the well-heeled. The cast, shockingly enough, comes in a distant third as far as reasons this movie is a classic. This is impressive considering that the movie contained career-making roles for both Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.

Carrie

High school kids can be relentless, especially if you’re different. With an abusive religious zealot for a mother who skewed Carrie’s view of the world and how she interacted with it, she never stood a chance. Lucky for her, she didn’t have to put up with bullies — for long. And once she figured out her special abilities, she didn’t have to put up with her mother either.

Watch Carrie as she gets revenge on an entire town in once gruesome night. After all, you can only push a person so far. This novel by Stephen King turned classic movie is a must watch. They have a remake too, but why go for a copy when you can have the original?

Daughters Of The Dust

This classic movie is a nonlinear narrative that really resonates with the place they set it in, the Gullah region of South Carolina and Georgia. It traces the history of the African Americans who remained largely isolated due to being on the islands in this region and even developed their own language.

Eula is one of these Gullah women. Set in 1902, the classic movie takes place in the period of the great migration of African Americans from the South to the North and West. Narrated by Eula’s unborn child, the movie explores many aspects of slavery and the legends that grew from the stories of confinement and escape. The director of this classic movie, Julie Dash, continues to helm projects that focus mainly on the female experience in the African American community.

The Matrix

Did you ever thing there was more to this world? If the world you live in were nothing more than a smokescreen, would you want to know the truth? That’s what Keanu Reeves has to decide. Truth or blindness? Red or blue pill? Follow Neo down the rabbit hole as he learns with truth about the world we all live in.

He might be the chosen one to save our ignorant selves from the enemy we don’t even know exists. Is he that hero? Morpheus and Trinity think so. Do you?

Pulp Fiction

This classic might not be your cup of tea, but that doesn’t make it less classic. Quentin Tarantino brings us into multiple storylines and violence that all converge in unexpected ways. The story telling alone keeps you invested in the story, and with the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Bruce Willis, there’s really no way this stay out of instant classic territory.

And not only can you not miss Jackson’s burger speech, but Thurman and Travolta kick it over the top with their dance at the burger joint. Noticing a pattern? You will with this classic.

Conclusion

Netflix boasts many classic movies to choose from, and one view may not be enough; you may want to watch the same ones time and time again. Perhaps it is because of the characters, or maybe the writing really draws you in. Maybe the tension created by your favorite thriller still gets to you every single time. Whatever your reasons are for loving classic films, Netflix classic movies will not disappoint. Choose one of these favorites and see if it becomes your classic.

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Netflix New Releases – Start The New Year With A Bang!

Happy New Year means happy new Netflix, but the hits just keep coming! On January 1, Netflix released an enormous list of new and classic viewing favorites- movies, TV series, and Netflix originals. Although the start of the year is one of the most popular times for Netflix additions and changes, there are Netflix new releases to enjoy throughout the year.

Shows and movies released at the beginning of the year are still maintaining popularity. Some of the most popular Netflix new releases of January 2018 include The End of the F***ing World, a well-reviewed show about a teenager with murderous fantasies; My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, a unique interview-based show featuring David Letterman and guests including former President Obama, George Clooney, and more; and Rotten, a documentary series about food production. Along with releasing new seasons of fan-favorite shows like Grace and Frankie, Netflix has continued to release new original content (movies, TV shows, and specials): 47 new Netflix originals will be released in August alone!

Don’t Forget To Catch Up On These New Netflix Releases Of Early 2018:

  • Season 6 of Orange is the New Black
  • 2 seasons of Queer Eye (a remake of the 2003 hit)
  • Wild Wild Country, a binge-worthy documentary of the Rajneesh movement in Oregon
  • Season 4 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
  • Season 3 of Love  
  • The Break with Michelle Wolf, a combination of stand-up, sketch comedy, and political and cultural commentary
  • Season 10 of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (featuring Kate McKinnon, Dave Chappelle, and Ellen DeGeneres)
  • Season 2 of GLOW
  • The Standups, a collection of short stand-up comedy bits
  • Season 3 of Marvel’s Jessica Jones
  • Season 4 of Black Mirror
  • Season 2 of Big Mouth
  • American Vandal, a mocumentary crime procedural
  • Mindhunter, a criminal-profiling show focusing on the creators of the term “serial killer”
  • Season 2 of Stranger Things
  • Easy, an anthology-style drama focusing on millennial romance

Fall is on its way in, but the quality and quantity of Netflix new releases isn’t falling! Check out the list below to see what’s coming in the rest of this year.

NEW CONTENT

August 21st

Year One

One of few releases that is not a Netflix Original, this 2009 neanderthal adventure/comedy stars Jack Black and Michael Cera

August 23rd

Deadwind (Netflix Original Series)A widowed detective discovers a body on a construction site in this Finnish crime drama

Follow This (Netflix Original Series)Follow BuzzFeed journalists as they discover and investigate topics ranging from personal to political

Great News (Season 1)In this comedy, a woman and her daughter begin work for the same news team

August 24th

Bert Kreischer: Secret Time (Netfix Original)A new comedy special focusing on the ups and downs of fatherhood

Ghoul (Netflix Original Series)The main character of this Indian horror miniseries discovers the terrorists he’s supposed to interrogate are less than human

The After Party (Netflix Original)A young rapper gets a second chance at fame and fortune in this comedy film

The Innocents (Netflix Original Series)A young British couple with supernatural powers struggle to remain together

August 29th

Inequality for AllOriginally released in 2013, this documentary follows Robert Reich (former US Labor Secretary) and explores the economic gap in the US population

Netflix logo

August 31st

Inside the Criminal Mind (Netflix Original Series)This nonfiction series focuses on a variety of criminal types and attempts to explain the psychology of crime with the help of leading experts and criminal backgrounds.

Paradise PD (Netflix Original Series)A new adult animated comedy about low-performing first responders in a small town

The Laws of Thermodynamics (Netflix Original)A physicist attempts to understand his failure to find love in this part-romantic comedy part-mocumentary

Undercover Law (Netflix Original Series)An undercover cop finds herself making a deal with a drug mule

September 7th

Sierra Burgess Is a LoserRomance blossoms after a case of mistaken identity  in this retelling of the classic story of Cyrano De Bergerac

September 21st

The Good Cop (Season 1)Tony Danza stars as the father (with son Josh Groban) in a father-son detective duo in this cop dramedy

Hilda (Season 1)This animated series based on the popular comic book follows Hilda through a series of obstacles as she starts her new life in the city of Trollberg

ManiacBased on a Norwegian miniseries of the same name, this dark comedy miniseries focuses on two people (Emma Stone and Jonah Hill) in the midst of a psychotropic drug clinical trial that does not have the intended results

Private LifeThis Sundance award-winning drama explores the world of infertility as a couple attempts to maintain a strong marriage despite their struggle to conceive

QuincyDirected by his daughter Rashida Jones, this documentary explores the life and influence of jazz musician Quincy Jones

October 19th

Salt, Fat, Acid, HeatBased on Samin Nosrat’s book of the same name, this 4-part series enters kitchens around the world to explore simple cooking traditions

Wild DistrictThis Spanish-speaking Colombian series features a guerilla fighter who finds it difficult to remain away from crime after returning to his civilian life

October 26th

The Chilling Adventures of SabrinaThis new, darker take on the story based on the Archie comic includes supernatural elements as well as a more sinister coming-of-age conflict for the protagonist

November 2nd

The Other Side of the WindA restoration and completion of the classic Orson Welles drama, finished by a post-production team of Hollywood elite including Bob Murawski, FrankMarshall, and Scott Millan

They’ll Love Me When I’m DeadA documentary of the last 15 years of the life of Orson Welles and the creation of his previously unfinished film The Other Side of the Wind (see above)

November 16th

The Kominsky MethodSet in LA, this Chuck Lorre comedy features an aging actor and his agent trying to remain in the Hollywood limelight

December 15th

Springsteen on BroadwaySpringsteen’s one-man Broadway show (based on his autobiography) will be released on Netflix the same night his show finishes its Broadway run

Recurring Shows

Along with brand-new shows and movies, the following additional seasons are also Netflix new releases coming in 2018!

  • August 24- Ask the StoryBots (Season 2)
  • August 24- Trolls: The Beat Goes On! (Season 3)
  • August 24- Young and Hungry (Season 2)
  • August 28- The Good Place (Season 2)
  • August 31- Ozark (Season 2)
  • August 31- The Comedy Lineup: Part 2
  • Ultimate Beastmaster: Survival of the Fittest (Season 3)
  • September 7- Marvel’s Iron Fist (Season 2)
  • September 14- BoJack Horseman (Season 5)
  • September 14- Ingobernable (Season 2)
  • September 28- Chef’s Table (Season 5)
  • October 26- Castlevania (Season 2)
  • November 2- House of Cards (Season 6)

Netflix New Releases With Uncertain Dates

January 1 saw the biggest influx of Netflix new releases, but new shows and movies will continue to be added throughout the year. Although the majority of Netflix new releases have announced specific release dates, keep watching for release dates for the following shows expected to release in 2018:

what's new on netflix

  • Making a Murderer (Season 2)
  • Mindhunter (Season 2)
  • You (Netflix Original series thriller examining the dangers of over sharing on social media)
  • After Life (Netflix Original series starring Ricky Gervais in a dark comedy about a widower who discovers his own special superpower)
  • American Vandal (Season 2)
  • Dogs of Berlin (Season 1 of a German detective series)
  • The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell (a DIY series instructing viewers on how to create creepy creatures for the home)
  • Friends From College (Season 2)
  • Generation Q (Season 1 of a French romantic comedy series)
  • Green Eggs and Ham (Season 1 of a show based on the popular Dr. Seuss book)
  • Hache (Season 1- a woman takes charge of a drug-running business in Barcelona)
  • Madam C. J. Walker (This miniseries explores the life of the first female African American millionaire)
  • What/If (A series focusing on the impact of choices starring Renee Zellweger)
  • White Lines (A new mystery series- a woman tries to uncover the truth of her brother’s death 20 years ago)
  • Roma (Netflix Original film by Alfonso Cuaron set in Mexico City in the 1970s)

Conclusion

Some of the most eagerly anticipated shows and films are yet to come- Netflix’s fall and winter lineups feature some of the best in TV series, documentaries, and movies. This year, Netflix has been overwhelmingly focusing on original, unique creations, often blending filmography styles as well as well-known and new actors on screen.

Viewers are especially looking forward to second seasons of some of Netflix’s biggest shows, including Ozark, Mindhunter, and Making a Murderer. Continue to follow www.netflixupdate.wpengine.com to get the most up-to-date information and release dates for your favorite shows and movies!

Get An Inside Look At Next Years Netflix Original Series Releases

Netflix original series are on the cutting edge of entertainment for a variety of reasons. Netflix has more than proven its strength and staying power and has recently become one of the heaviest hitters in entertainment due to their media deals with Shonda Rhimes, the Obamas, and Martin Scorsese. They operate under the theory that the creativity of their media producers should not be hampered by the over-involvement of financial production interests. This is a completely new formula that contrasts with the more traditional approach of most movie production and distribution companies.

The shows that have come from Netflix in the last number of years are so exceedingly good they have made streaming the only way to go. Netflix original series have received numerous accolades, including the largest number of Emmys for any network in 2018. There are more amazing programs on their schedule for 2019.

For years people have had watercooler discussions about Orange is the New Black and Stranger Things. Glow and Making a Murderer captured the minds of people around the world. Series like Grace & Frankie prove that Netflix produces shows traditional networks may pass on, to their own demise; Grace & Frankie received huge accolades even with protagonists above the age of 70.

Netflix series tend to become popular due to the hands-off approach of the company. The chief content officer of the company, Ted Sarandos, believes in going against conventional television wisdom and creating culturally relevant events for under-served audiences. The successes have included both documentary films and documentary series, feature films and foreign offerings. The meat and potatoes of Netflix, however, has always been the unique Netflix original series that populate their selections.

What Is a Netflix Original Series?

The main component of the Netflix formula is the distribution of their original content. Their shows are something you cannot see anywhere else. The company may finance the show to some extent, but the secret to Netflix is buying and owning the rights to certain shows. They do this with American productions and also global ones, such as their purchase of rights to the popular Peaky Blinders from the BBC.

The enthusiasm for Netflix has grown since it has become clear they cater to all interests, tastes, and backgrounds. This has drawn prominent and talented producers and directors as well as exciting actors, actresses, and comedians to the Netflix brand. They know a Netflix original series allows them the freedom to both make good art and have a strong and supportive company behind them. Demographic studies give the company an understanding of the content that viewers are hankering to see.

Highest-Rated Netflix Series

Netflix has some of the most unique series offerings available right now. Their highest rated Netflix original series, Stranger Things, has been enormously successful since 2016 and continues to be a crowd-pleasing powerhouse. Its popularity is fueled by nostalgia, innocence, and a return to classically suspenseful horror that is popular across the globe.

The second-highest rated show is a touchstone of sorts for Netflix. Orange is the New Black is as popular as it ever was as it enters its sixth season as a Netflix original series after receiving sixteen Emmy nominations and four Emmy wins for the first five seasons.

Upcoming Original Series

There is a variety of new and returning series arriving at the end of 2018. First, there is the eagerly anticipated Maniac starring Jonah Hill and Emma Stone, based on a Norwegian dark comedy. The popular Ozark and BoJack Horseman are also coming back.

Some fascinating new Netflix original series are set to air in 2019.

The Central Park Five

This scripted drama series centers around the infamous crime committed in New York City in 1989 when a jogger was assaulted in Central Park and five teenagers were wrongly convicted and sent to prison for the crime. The series looks at how the crime affected the citizens of NYC, the media feeding frenzy that followed it, and the eventual release of the wrongly accused men.

The series will be directed by Ava Duvernay, known for Thirteenth, a Netflix original documentary that depicts the direct line from slavery to prison for many African Americans. The Netflix original series The Central Park Five has a special significance now, since, in 1989, the current US President took out a full-page ad in The New York Times asking for the return of the death penalty to New York state based on the case and his belief that the perpetrators were guilty.

The Last Dance

The heyday of the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan is explored in this ten-part documentary series from Netflix original series and ESPN. With the expansion of sports television in the 1990s and around the clock coverage of the individuals involved, players became people you grew to know intimately. More accessibility to athletes as people and not just players worked together to tie the legend to a man that any fan could relate to as they would a friend.

Not only was Michael Jordan known as a fantastic basketball player, you also got to know what a good-natured, down-to-earth, and even funny man he could be. Through interviews with the players and footage of the important moments in championship games, you gain a greater understanding of the many threads woven together to create such a powerful squad. The ‘Last Dance’ of the title refers to the Bull’s final championship season after they had already won five championships with the legendary team that included Scottie Pippen and was led by coach Phil Jackson.

Our Planet

This is a sweeping nature project that has been shot and edited over the course of four years. It continues to display the breathtaking camerawork and vivid imagery the likes of which you may have previously seen in the BBC productions Planet Earth and Planet Earth II. Now the team behind both documentary series has teamed up with Netflix to create the Netflix original series Our Planet.

Like the previous shows from this team, Our Planet combines dazzling, picturesque cinematography with brilliant HD footage taken from the enormous and majestic mountains of the world to the smallest nooks and crannies inhabited by tiny animals and insects. Our Planet is a mind-blowing confection for nature lovers and urbanites alike, and the four-year wait to see some of the most amazing images you have witnessed in your life is well worth it.

Raising Dion

Comic book writer Dennis Liu knew in 2015 that his comic book, Raising Dion, was a diamond in the rough and tried doing something completely different with it. He wrote the first comic book and, with total belief in his creation and its value to young children discovering their individuality shot a trailer/short film based on the book.

In the Netflix original series, Dion’s mother discovers that her seven-year-old son is developing superpowers. She takes it upon herself to raise a boy into a young man who will know that his powers are something to be used judiciously. She tries to navigate Dion through the perils he faces from those who might try to use his superpowers for nefarious reasons while also navigating the treacherous minefield of being a single mother to a seven-year-old boy.

This story is very different from the other superhero stories we have grown used to seeing and already has many fans champing at the bit to see the Netflix original series, which is also directed by Dennis Liu. The ten-episode season promises a new and original perspective to a genre that many people felt had run out of ideas.

The Netflix original series follows the same story as the comic and stars Alisha Wainright as Dion’s mother, Nicole, and Michael B. Jordan as his father. The series which intertwines the challenges of mothering a young man and teaching a future superhero about right and wrong, promises to be a wholly original take on the genre that many are eagerly awaiting.

Jinn

This show is a first for a Netflix original series because it is the first series shot entirely using the Arabic language and a cast of Middle Eastern actors. Shot in Jordan, this six-episode supernatural thriller follows a group of Arab teenagers whose lives change when one of them accidentally releases a mystical creature with power over supernatural forces while summoning a teenage boy.  There are both male and female characters with compelling back stories in the show, and it looks to be an exciting addition to Netflix.

Conclusion

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to watching any of the original series available only on Netflix. The new offerings for 2019 range from documentaries to dramas and even contain childlike magic and a dash of mystical wonder. There is something to entertain and engage any viewer of quality original programming.

After an eighteen-year record of HBO getting the most nominations of any network, Netflix has finally broken the HBO streak in 2018, largely on the strength of their Netflix original series.  After receiving 112 Emmy nominations to HBO’s 108, the newest kid on the block has now become the most valuable player.

Netflix And Chill With The 10 Best Love Movies On Netflix

The best date nights are Netflix and chill date nights. When you’re snuggling on the couch next to that special someone, nothing sets the mood better than something romantic. What’s better to watch than a love movie? Nothing. You can have your action and your horror, but those aren’t going to give you the successful date night you want.

Even though some love movies can seem sappy or cheesy or ridiculous, superheroes and x-men are even more ridiculous. There’s nothing wrong with the fantasy world of caped crusaders, but love movies are based in something real. Even if the fantasy chance encounter would never happen in real life, the human connections are what make love movies special and always a pleasure to watch.

Grab your snuggie and some snacks, get in the prime cuddling position, and we’ll pick out some fantastic love movies just for you and your date that are available on Netflix right now.

What Makes the Best Love Movie?

Love movies span a variety of genres and themes. There are love movies that are dramas or comedies, zombie love movies, Disney princess love, and even love and horror. So, how do you decide what the right love movie for the occasion is? We want to provide you a list that gives you not only a choice of love movies, but a choice of genre because they’re not all the same.

If it’s close to Halloween, you may want something with a scary love movie twist. If you want to laugh, rom-coms are always a classic go to with a wealth of options. If you want to cry it out and be sad, there are love movies for that too with lost loves and bitter break ups.

Are There Enough Romantic Love Movies on Netflix?

There’s no shortage of love movies on Netflix; many, many more than I could list here. However, like I said they’re not all the same and some don’t shine as bright as others. You may have to dig to find something worthwhile that you’ll enjoy, but we can give you a top 10 list that will give you a clue where to start looking.

How to Set the Love Mood on Netflix: Looking for the Right Romantic/Love Movie

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)

Run time: 99 min

The hot new Netflix Original based on the book by Jenny Han and starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo is a classic, but also fun fake dating trope. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is a touching story about a girl, Lara Jean Covey, who’s afraid to fall in love, but who fantasizes about it and writes secret letters to her crushes. When the letters get sent, she is forced to fake date one of the boys, Peter Kavinsky (Centineo), in an effort to avoid another boy, who was previously dating her sister. Eventually fake dating leads to the possibility of something real, but is the boy really worth it? Watch and find out.

13 Going on 30 (2004)

Run time: 98 min

A girl makes a wish on her 13th birthday to be older and wakes up as 30-year-old who is living all of her dreams; the perfect job, the perfect boyfriend and best friend, and the boy she hasn’t seen in years. He was her best friend and neighbor growing up; he loved her, but she was interested in being popular. She realizes reconnecting with him that maybe he was actually the one all along. A best friend to lovers trope that doesn’t get enough hype for how great it is. Plus, there’s that ‘Thriller dance’ sequence. This is a movie to watch again and again.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Run time: 94 min

A Wes Anderson classic about two kids, Sam and Suzy, who fall in love and run away, creating an eden for themselves on the beach of their island while the town scrambles to find them. Moonrise Kingdom is a pure and bizarre film you’ll want more of as soon as it’s over. It is a film about living in a world with pain that you don’t fully understand, but finding solace in another to brave the storm and the world around you.

Love Actually (2003)

Run time: 135 min

The quintessential love movie, Love Actually is the story of eight different couples in London on Christmas, who are dealing with the romance in their lives. In some cases, it’s gone a bit sour, but in the end they all find the love they desire most. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll be happy because of the warmth of the love in this movie.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)

Run time: 101 min

A film from the director of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is a post-apocalyptic love movie in which a man, Dodge Peterson (Steve Carrell), takes a road trip to visit his high school sweetheart after his wife leaves him as an asteroid named Matilda nears Earth, threatening to destroy the planet in 3 weeks. His plans get complicated when his neighbor Penny (Kiera Knightly) decides to tag along. As time ticks down to nothing, who will he end up with?

Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)

Run time: 180 min

An LBGT+ love movie that is a 3-hour epic about a girl named Adele who is unsatisfied with the love in her life until she meets Emma, who has blue hair and is a free spirit. Together they explore the depths of love and their sexuality as their relationship matures emotionally. If you’re looking for a film that portrays a beautiful relationship between two women, this is the movie to watch as it delves deep into what a relationship is and what it means to love someone.

Sliding Doors (1998)

Run time: 99 min

Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Sliding Doors uses the butterfly effect showing us how one women’s love life and career hang in the balance determined by whether or not she catches the train after getting fired from her PR job, and the film shows both outcomes: finding out if her boyfriend cheats on her and if she stays or leaves and falls in love with another man. You’ll have to watch to see which reality is the right one.

Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Run time: 129 min

Beauty and the Beast is the Disney princess animation turned live-action romance between a girl and a beast, starring Emma Watson and a CGI beast version of Dan Stevens. This story is a classic ‘tale as old as time’ that doesn’t really grow old. The songs are beautifully re-mastered for the film, sung by the star-studded cast. What’s more, this film will give you a sense of nostalgia and leave you wanting more when it’s over, and don’t worry because ‘Be Our Guest’ is still a full CGI spectacle with dancing utensils. You won’t be able to stop yourself from singing along.

Wedding Crashers (2005)

Run time: 119 min

Getting married soon? If yes, then you’ll want to watch (or probably rewatch) the unconventional rom-com of this century: Wedding Crashers. This film defined iconic even when it was first released. With an absolutely stellar cast of comedians including Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Christopher Walken, and Rachel McAdams this love movie was a laugh riot from start to finish. We can’t forget that cameo either by the one and only Will Ferrell as the funeral crasher Chazz Reinholdt. There’s not a good reason to not watch this film, it’s got everything even a love story with star-crossed soulmates John Beckwith (Wilson) and Claire Cleary (McAdams). Go watch it and thank us later for reminding you it exists.

The Great Gatsby (2013)

Run time: 143 min

Their is no greater love story or love movie than that of The Great Gatsby. It’s 1922, New York, and Wallstreet man, Nick Carraway, gets pulled into the world of the wealthy where he meets Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio). After a legendary party, Gatsby asks Carraway to bring his cousin to the next party because they used to be in love prior to the war, but she is now married. Gatsby has created himself as a wealthy and available bachelor to win Daisy (Carey Mulligan) back, but the world and a drunken afternoon consipires against him. Carraway sees the illusions and deceit of the wealthy and pens Gatsby’s story of impossible love, loss, and tragedy.  Put on your flapper dress and get ready to party all night long with Gatsby tonight.

Conclusion

Love movies are all unique; they can be about chance meetings with your soulmate or learning to make it work again in a long relationship or finding love at the end of the world with the girl you didn’t expect. We hope you enjoy watching these Netflix love movies and let a little love in your heart for whoever you’re watching with.

7 Best Christmas Movies To Put You In The Holiday Spirit On Netflix

The cold weather. Hot coffee and warm sheets. Your favorite movies on the queue. What better way to spend your holiday break than binge-watching on Christmas movies?

The holiday bells haven’t rung yet, but it is never too early to watch the best Christmas movies. Be it is a classic feel-good story, a wholesome tale for the family, a beautifully animated film, or a cheesy romantic comedy, there’s no shortage of flicks on-stream to jumpstart the holiday vibes. So get your popcorn ready and check out this list we have for you. Here are the 7 best movies on Netflix that will put you on Christmas mode.

7 of the Best Christmas Movies

Holiday Engagement

Girl unlucky in love asks Boy to pretend to be her boyfriend. Boy plays the part well. Boy and Girl falls in love for real. Sounds familiar, right? If you don’t mind this romantic clichĂ©, then Holiday Engagement is for you.

A made-for-TV movie released on Hallmark Channel on November 28, 2011, Holiday Engagement stars Bonnie Somerville, Shelley Long, and Jordan Bridges. This romantic comedy takes the “pretend relationship” trope and twists it for the online dating age. But it is by Hallmark, so expect wholesome mushiness.

Bonnie Somerville plays Hillary Burns, a woman who like most career women feels the pressure to settle down. But her lucky stars won’t align for her love life. Until she gets engaged to a lawyer. Finally, Hillary has a fiancĂ© to introduce to her demanding mom Meredith (Shelley Long) during Thanksgiving.

But workaholic lawyer dumps her at the last minute. Devastated and desperate, Hillary posts an ad online looking for a “boyfriend.” In comes David (Jordan Bridges), a down-and-out actor whom she hires to pretend as her partner. She introduces him to her family. But the fake engagement starts to become real as Hillary falls for David.

This is no While You Were Sleeping, but Holiday Engagement is a good enough film to tickle your romantic bones – best to watch while snuggling up with your loved one.

White Christmas

When it comes to Christmas movies, nothing beats the classic 1954 musical, White Christmas. After all, this movie popularized the feeling of snow-covered holidays. Also, the main actor Bing Crosby serenaded generations with his movie version of the song White Christmas, one of all-time great Christmas songs.

White Christmas combines musical, romance, a heartwarming story, and best set of actors cast in movies during the glory days of 35mm. The film stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney.

Set in the United States after World War II, the film follows two former US Army soldiers Captain Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Private Phil Davis (Danny Kaye). The two first met in Europe while performing for the 151st Division on Christmas Eve, 1944. Bob is a Broadway entertainer while Phil is an aspiring performer.

During a bombing raid, Phil pushes Bob out of harm’s way. As gratitude for the private’s heroism, Bob agrees to perform with Phil in New York City. And thus begins a tale of friendship and Christmas that would stay in every US household for generations to come.

This film is as timeless as Christmas itself, so if you are in for a nostalgia fix, add this movie on your Netflix queue.

Christmas Inheritance

Netflix is on a mission is to stamp itself on every form of TV screen. Its quest for entertainment domination reaches the realm of Christmas movies, with its exclusive distribution of holiday romantic drama Christmas Inheritance on December 15, 2017.

The film stars Eliza Taylor as business heiress Ellen Langford, together with her love interest Jake Collins, played by Jake Lacy. The film also stars Andie MacDowell, Lori Hallier and Neil Crone.

The premise of the film is simple: in order for ambitious Ellen to inherit her father’s business, she must fulfill his wish first. He wants her to deliver a Christmas letter to his former business partner in Snow Falls, a rural hometown she has no clue about. But she gets stranded due to a blizzard. There, she gets forced to work for her keep and then finds herself the love of her life.

A heartwarming story about self-discovery, change and human relationships – sounds nice, right? Add a dash of romance, a sprinkling of comedy, and a splash of drama and you have yourself a nice dish for your Christmas movies binge. Pop this next on your Netflix playlist.

Dear Santa

Romantic-comedies are common in most Christmas movies, so a film must have that special something to make itself stand out. Which is the case for Dear Santa, a 2011 romantic comedy starring Amy Acker, Emma Duke andDavid Haydn-Jones.

Amy Acker plays Crystal Carruthers, a spendthrift thirty-year-old woman who floats through life spending her parents’ money. To set her straight, her parents gave her an ultimatum: change or her credit cards gets canceled. Her feathers ruffled, Crystal set out to change.

One day, she finds a letter from Olivia (Emma Duke), a seven-year-old girl who asks Santa for a new wife for his father Derek (David Haydn-Jones). As a gift for this Christmas, no less! Charmed by the kid’s letter, Crystal decides to be the gift. And what follows is a heart-tugging, feel-good tale.

What makes the movie special is the performance of actress Amy Acker, who’s popular for her roles in TV shows Alias, Angel, and Person of Interest. Far from her usual tough lady roles, Amy makes one believable charming woman who wants to change someone’s life – and hers, too. David Haydn-Jones and Emma Duke make up one cute single-dad-and-kid combo. So if you want more rom-com in your list, add this movie.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Christmas movies are meant to be jolly and wholesome, bathing in bright lights, vibrant colors, and rainbow goodness. But not if you are Tim Burton.

A maestro of goth and auteur of eccentric films, Tim Burton puts his dark fantasy twist on Christmas with his now-classic 1993 animated musical, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Burton produced and conceived the stop-motion film, directed by Henry Selick. The film features the voices of Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, Paul Reubens, Glenn Shadix, and Ken Page.

The film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the “Pumpkin King” of Halloween Town, a fantastic underworld place populated by monsters, demons, deformed creatures, ghost, and other stuff of nightmare. Every year, the residents hold Halloween celebrations, which tires Jack, who yearns for something new. One day, while wandering in the woods, he stumbles upon a portal that leads him to… Christmas Town. Delighted by this strange but interesting discovery, Jack decides to get for himself what makes Christmas town special.

If you are a fan of Tim Burton’s works and wants to get away from the usual cheerful vibes of Christmas, then this movie is perfect for your dark fantasy cravings.

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas

If you feel like Christmas is too full of Christmas vibes, and want a movie that is not very Christmas-y, then watch the king of anti-Christmas movies: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Based on the popular children’s story of the same name, this 2000 film stars Jim Carrey as the Grinch, a misanthropic creature who hates Christmas. This comedy film is directed by Ron Howard and a take on Dr. Seuss’ 1957 story, which makes it the first work of Seuss to be adopted into a feature film.

The film is set in Whoville, a fantasy village whose residents (called Whos) celebrate Christmas with so much fanfare and happiness. This irritates the Grinch, who makes it a habit to pull practical jokes, which earns the ire of the residents and makes the Grinch an outcast. One day, he meets Cindy Lou, who is worried that everyone is missing the real meaning of Christmas.

The Grinch is classic Jim Carrey comedy, so expect slapstick scenes and rapid-fire witticisms to balance the negative vibes of his character. If you are in for a real laugh, or just want to become the Grinch for a day, then watch this movie next.

Disney’s The Santa Clause

To round up our list, play another classic American Christmas movie, the Tim Allen-starred fantasy comedy released in 1994, The Santa Clause.

The film tells the story of Scotta Calvin (Tim Allen), a man who by accident causes Santa Claus to fall off the room during Christmas Eve. So he and his son decides to deliver Santa’s gifts on his behalf. But upon reaching the North Pole, his temporary gig becomes real as he must become the new Santa. And thus begins a wild riot of a Christmas film that would soon popularize the Christmas movies tradition of Hollywood.

This Disney-produced film is the first of Santa Clause trilogy (if you feel doing a movie marathon). A Tim Allen gold, add this film on your list if you want trip down memory lane.

 Conclusion

Christmas movies are a tradition of Hollywood so there’s a trove of goodness from different genres, from comedy to drama, to adventure, to fantasy, and the best of all,-feel-good stories that will surely warm your heart and hearth. Christmas is not here yet, but it’s always good to be in Christmas spirit any time.

7 Best Book To Movie Adaptions On Netflix: Written Word To Big Screen

There is nothing quite as satisfying as sitting down with a good book. Falling in love with a story is easy when you are transported from your living room to another time or place. The words on the page allow your imagination to take over, filling in the gaps the author left for you.

So why do so many of us flock to see the newest book to movie adaptation in theaters when the act of reading is enjoyable? Because it allows us to experience a story, we enjoy an entirely different medium. While it may seem simple to take the written word and adapt it to the big screen, it is far more complicated than simply having actors read the words off the page. Many who try inevitably fail. We have broken down the list of the best book to movie adaptations available on Netflix and why we think these films were so successful.

What Are Book to Movie Adaptations?

A book to movie adaptation occurs when a story previously written as narrative prose is recreated and reinterpreted in a visual medium. This means that what previously needed to be explained through descriptive language can be easily shown to the audience. Instead of having to explain what the main character’s home looks like, down to the color of the front door, the director can show the viewer the entire street is a single shot.

Family watching movies at home

This means that characters, which were once left up to the reader’s imagination, are now front and center. When you picture Harry Potter, does he have green eyes like J. K. Rowling described in the novels or blue ones, the natural color of actor Daniel Radcliffe’s eyes? For most, his eyes matched the books’ description until the movie came out and forced you to forever associate the child actor with The Boy Who Lived.

Now, this may seem trivial, but a major story arc in the book is how everyone who meets Harry can easily identify him as Lily’s son because “he has his mother’s eyes.” Changing the color in the movie to match the actors playing the roles may seem insignificant, but for some, it brought them out of the fantasy.

What Makes a Good Adaptation

Creating a good book to movie adaptation is complicated. It requires a combination of genius, inspiration and a good starting narrative; managing your viewer’s expectations are also incredibly important to the success of the film.

Book to movie adaptations on Netflix

The descriptions of characters, locations, and landscapers in books allow the reader to use their imagination to construct a whole new world. Matching their expectation with the visuals on screen paves the way for a well-received adaptation. Paying too little attention to the visuals can lead to an unsuccessful adaptation but so can paying too much attention. It is easy for the visuals to overpower the rest of the film and then the narrative is lost.

It is also important to note that there is a difference in how we consume books versus movies. Reading a book is a solitary endeavor while watching a movie is typically shared with others. When viewers go into the movie theater expecting to have the same experience, they had when they first read the book; they are setting themselves up for disappointment.

7 Best Adaptations on Netflix

After discussing what can go wrong when creating a book to movie adaptation, now is the time to discuss when it went well. Below are our pick for the top seven best adaptations on Netflix.

Bridget Jones Diary

The Bridget Jones’s Diary films are based on the books by Helen Fielding, which are actually based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The first film was released in 2001 and stars Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant. The film is a feel good, a romantic comedy about a Londoner trying to get her life together in the new year and her quest to find a boyfriend. The success of the film is due in large part to how real the character of Bridget was originally written. She is witty, honest and flawed; Renée Zellweger is able to capture this perfectly and deliver a believable and relatable character.

Holes

Holes is a book to movie adaptations based on a book by the same name written by Louis Sachar. Released in 2003 and starring Shia LaBeouf, Sigourney Weaver, and Jon Voight, the film follows Stanley Yelnats after he gets sent to a detention camp for boys in the middle of the desert. At camp Greenlake, campers are forced to dig holes that are five feet deep and five feet wide every day in order to build character. Only later in the film do we begin to unravel the secrets behind the camp and the reasoning behind this particularly inventive form of discipline.

The success of this movie comes in large part from the casting. Each boy was written with a unique personality and appearance, and the casting directors followed these descriptions to the letter. Their acting skills, as well as a strong script, made this film a winner.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Considered one of the best book to movie adaptations, this 1962 film stars Gregory Peck, John Megna, and Frank Overton. The film is based on the book by Harper Lee and is set in a small town in Alabama in the year 1932. A black man is put on trial for rape while two young kids go on a series of adventures. These adventures end up teaching them some valuable lessons about prejudice.

This film is considered such a successful book to film adaptation for several reasons. The cast is electric, the directing is top notch, and the care that went into converting the book into a script is evident by how well the movie flows. The cinematography of the film, specifically in how they handle courtroom, is groundbreaking.

Atonement

This film was released in 2007 and starred Keira Knightley and James McAvoy. Based on the novel by Ian McEwan, the movie tells the story of an inspiring writer in 1935. Briony Tallis is a 13-year-old when the film stats. She sees her older sister with her boyfriend, misconstrues the situation and sets in motion a series of events that forever change their lives.

One of the most complicated parts of bringing this movie from the pages of a book to the big screen is the reliance on first-person thoughts; much of the book takes place inside its characters’ minds. The book is also especially wordy. The film takes this in a different direction and plays with the use of silence.

Coraline

This 2009 film is the only non-live action picture to make the list. This stop-motion film is based on the book by Neil Gaiman and stars Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher. The story follows a young girl named Coraline who discovers a parallel universe accessible through a secret door in her new home. The world turns out to be only slightly different from her own.

In order to create a story that works well for the movies, the filmmakers took a lot of liberties with the plot. They added backstories to some characters and even changed some of the personality traits of the main character to make her more three dimensional and well rounded.

The Secret Garden

This 1993 children’s movie is another book to movie adaptations based on the classic book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It tells the story of an orphaned young girl who is sent to live with her uncle at his large estate. She befriends a wheelchair-bound young boy and discovered a hidden garden.

One of the hardest parts of this adaptation was capturing the magic that was in the secret garden. In the book, it is described with such attention to detail that the reader feels like they are walking with Mary Lennox through the flowers. A large portion of the budget for this movie was spent to make sure the garden was what the viewers were expecting.

Carol

This 2015 book to movie adaptations is based on the 1952 novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith. Considered one of the first love stories written featuring two women where neither of the characters ends up crazy or dead. The film follows these two women, one a married older woman and the other a young women working as a clerk in a department store, in 1950s New York.

This movie took a different road from book to film than the others on this. Almost 15 years before it was a movie, Carol was converted into a play. This first step of turning the novel into a screenplay was necessary in order to tinker with the script over the years to make sure the movie captured the drama and love from the original work.

 Conclusion

While book to movie adaptations are common, only a select few are done well. Those that make it start with a well-written novel full of engaging characters. Then, with proper direction and guidance, the film is able to capture the essence that made the book so special.

Fortunately for you, our top seven picks are currently available on Netflix so you can experience them yourself and decide if you agree with our list.