Netflix in the modern computer age is more than just an American entertainment company. As a streaming and DVD by mail service, Netflix offers over 1,000 television and over 3,000 movie titles as of 2016. The company started out as an underdog tech company. So how did it evolve from just a rental service to a streaming empire worth $47 billion? It started to take off when Hastings offered 49 percent of Netflix to Blockbuster; evidently, Blockbuster turned Netflix down. By 2010, Netflix had 16 million subscribers. By 2011 however, Hastings had started to air its very own original television series. Releasing the Netflix original “House of Cards” in 2013 not only did it result in nine Emmy nominations, but the series also tripled Netflix’s stock value. The forward thinking tech company dominated the entertainment industry with its numerous original productions. I have compiled a list of my favorite Netflix original documentaries, television series, movies, and comedy specials that were not just beautifully produced but also exemplified meaningful entertainment.
1. Orange is the New Black (2013- )
This original television series is a show that illustrates the complex lives of women in a female dominated prison. The dramedy is one of Netflix’s most successful shows, as it has been winning awards such as the Prime time Emmy award since its release.
2. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015- )
This is one of my favorite Netflix originalshows; this comedy brings to light how anyone can overcome any hurdle in life with optimism and friendship.
3. Master of None (2015- )
This is Netflix’s more low-key original titles. Despite its “low-keyness” however, it does not fail to be one of Netflix’s more interesting comedies. Following the life of a young man in the modern technology-driven world points out the realities of love, compassion, and life in general.
4. The Get Down (2016- )
This is a show that follows the lives of a group of New York teens. Taking place in the 1970’s, during New York’s prominent economic struggle, this T.V series shows how culture was embellished through verbal games, dance moves and street art.
5. Black Mirror (2011- )
This a great yet underrated show. Illustrating the realities of different lives every episode, this anthology series does an exceptional job at shedding light on the dark side that technology can have on average life.
6. Making a Murderer (2015- )
This docu-series was filmed over a 10 year period based off of the life and trial of Steven Avery. This show took me inside the realities of a criminal trial in which reputation is everything, corruption dominates, and the unexpected should always be expected.
7. 13th (2016)
The 13th amendment was passed by congress in order to abolish slavery. This documentary however focuses on a significant yet commonly overlooked loophole in the amendment itself. By tracing America’s history of justice, this documentary expresses how freedom is as core values of the United States and how incarceration is it away from American citizens.
8. Stranger Things (2016- )
One of Netflix’s more spooky shows, Stranger Things is a drama that takes place in a small town in the early 80’s. After a group of kids take it upon themselves to help a mysterious little girl that identifies as ‘11’, things start to get really weird, really fast.
9. House of Cards (2013- )
Betrayal is something that knows no bounds. For if there is any Netflix show that illustrates this concept, it is House of Cards. Taken place in modern Washington D.C. the drama features a conniving husband and wife duo geared towards making it to the top of political food chain.
10. Dave Chappelle: The Age of Spin and Deep in the Heart of Texas (2017)
This comedy special is probably one of Netflix’s most impactful specials. To some, it might seem as if some comedian doing a stand-up routine, but it is so much more than that. After a break from comedy, Chappelle marks his comeback with two Netflix specials that are marked with explosive humor and just pure fun.
