What to Binge on Netflix

By: Natalie Oganesyan ‘22

For self-care purposes, obviously.

I don’t know about you, but for me, Netflix is on par with therapy (okay, maybe that’s an overstatement). However, I can recall turning to Netflix for help any time I was upset, overwhelmed, angry, or felt any other negative emotion. Not only do I believe that taking your mind off of things by watching TV is stress-relieving, but I also believe media, movies, and shows can enrich your mind. Especially nowadays, more and more movies offer political and social commentary on important topics and present themes which were previously left untouched. So, without further ado, in the name of self-care and college student survival tips, I present to you my comprehensive list of the most binge-worthy shows and movies to watch on Netflix.

TV Shows

That 70’s Show: I remember watching That 70’s Show when I was in third grade when half of the jokes went over my head. This one is such a classic if you want a hint of nostalgia, a taste of dry and sarcastic humor, or some silly slapstick comedy. This show has it all, and each episode is only around 25 minutes, so it’s a super easy watch.

The Get Down: I don’t care who you are or what shows you like watching, you absolutely have to watch this show — for the culture, of course. With the way in which hip hop, rap, and black culture have become mainstream (and often appropriated), this show depicts the underground origins of hip hop in the Bronx and provides relevant context to the creation of black art. The show is creative, cinematically engaging, and explores important political themes like classism, racism, sexism, and economic mobility.

On My Block: A Netflix original, this show in many ways echoes the themes of The Get Down in that it represents often marginalized and low-income black and brown communities and youth. The show has touching moments laced with perfectly-timed humor. A must see, in my opinion. (Season 2 is also out now!)

What are you doing? Go watch it now!

Queer Eye: This show centers around five gay men who make over people that need lifestyle help. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cried while watching Queer Eye episodes. If you need a good heartwarming show, this is the one for you.

Stranger Things: If you haven’t heard of this show, you might be living under a rock. No matter how overrated it is, it’s truly a work of art in its content, presentation, and cast. And stay on the lookout for season 3, which comes out July 4!

The End of the F***ing World: This one is not for the feign of heart. It depicts a teenager who believes he’s psychopathic. To prove his theory, he wants to kill a person to see how he feels. Before you recoil at the strange premise of the show, know that its uniqueness, twists and turns, and strong personality make it worth watching.

Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj: Ask any of my friends — I have literally not stopped plugging this show. If you love John Oliver, SNL, or any other satirical and politically-charged comedy show, you absolutely need to watch this show. From topics on affirmative action to the hyped brand Supreme, Minhaj offers insightful and humorous commentary that’s sure to get you snort-laughing.

Black Mirror: If you like dystopian themes or are curious about the idea that technology could lead to the downfall of human relations, you need to watch this show. I recommend it to everyone, but if you’re not a fan of shows which disturb you or fill you with a sense of impending doom, this one’s not for you. If that is your thing, I particularly recommend the choose-your-path interactive episode Bandersnatch.

Sex Education: This show is so important, y’all. Not only does it depict teen sex in its true and varied forms, but it also significantly works to deconstruct stigmas surrounding virginity, kinks, and same-sex relations. Watch this show if you went to a Christian high school or taught yourself sex ed through the Internet. Or even if you were taught proper sex ed. 

Movies

Legally Blonde: I watch this movie to remind myself of the power I have as a woman. Not only is this movie funny, charming, and stars Reese Witherspoon, but it also passes the Bechdel test and promotes feminist themes. It’s honestly the perfect post-boy trouble movie.

Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther: I grouped these together because they fall under the same genre. If you’re into action, these are definitely a must-watch. These movies also explore themes of friendship, loyalty, dilemma, and more.

The Edge of Seventeen: This movie is so funny. It’s a typical coming-of-age story set in modern times, complete with all the teen awkwardness which you know exists but you never really see depicted on screen. What sets this movie apart is that it picks fun at the tropes it often also falls into. It’s also incredibly endearing.

Incredibles 2, The Emperor’s New Groove, Coco, Atlantis: The Lost Empire: If you want to feel like a kid again or want to take a trip down memory lane, watch any one of these movies. Not only are they super fun, but they also teach a lot of good lessons.

Heathers: If you’re into cult classics, this one’s for you. While it definitely wasn’t one of my favorite movies, it’s still an interesting watch. It’s bizarre but compelling. If you want to explore your dark side, give this one a go.

Hush: If horror movies are your jam, this one has it all. Gore, suspense, irony, bad timing — you name the theme, this movie has it. Without giving too much away, Hush is a movie about a deaf woman who’s being targeted by a serial killer trying to break into her home. Watch this for an adrenaline rush and one of the best endings to a movie I’ve ever seen.

Ex Machina: In the same vein as Black Mirror, this movie explores the dangers of technology and Artificial Intelligence. It explores dark themes and problematic human behavior. The soundtrack is also phenomenal. What else could you ask for?

13th: This documentary explores the corruption of the American prison system and how the 13th amendment has been the centerpiece of mass incarceration. It’s an incredibly interesting documentary which focuses on civil rights, race, class, and gender.

Cowspiracy: This is my second documentary recommendation for people who are interested in the ethical debate surrounding factory farming and veganism. Even if you never want to forego meat, it’s an intriguing and well-written documentary that may teach you something that you maybe didn’t know before.

Scary Movie 3: This one’s perfect if you just want to shut off your brain and watch something hilarious. If you’re not familiar with the Scary Movie franchise, it essentially satirizes scary movie tropes to an extreme, humorous degree. Watch this if you just want to unwind and relax.

Happy watching!

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