Netflix is single-handedly one of the best things to happen to our generation. The access and convenience of thousands of movies and shows at your fingertips is unmatched.
However, what started its popularity was the content it brought on, now, for a lot of people, it's the content Netflix creates itself.
Netflix originals have grown in popularity throughout the years, inspiring actors like Adam Sandler to hop on board full-time. What I have for you here today is a list of must-see's (in my opinion), from a mix between originals and regular content.
If you are looking for a sign that its time to start binge-watching a new series... Well, here it is.
"Black Mirror"
I am sure that this isn't the first time you have heard of this show or have been recommended to watch it. Let me tell you, the hype is real. The best way I can explain "Black Mirror" is that it is a series of episodes, all seemingly unrelated to each other, that take on the benefits and consequences of potential technological advances in society.
What every episode does have in common though is a reoccurring song by Irma Thomas "Anyone Who Knows What Love is," reoccurring names, an underlying sexual theme, and the ability to blow your mind by the end of each episode. My favorite part about "Black Mirror" as a series is the ability to be able to re-watch each episode a million times over and pick up on a new subtle clue or element that relates to the conclusion each time.
My top five episodes, not in order, that are MUST-WATCHES, are: "NoseDive," "Men Against Fire," "White Bear," "White Christmas," and "Black Museum."
"Black Mirror" is that kind of show that gets your mind thinking.
"Brain On Fire"
If you are looking for a movie that leaves you with more knowledge about the human experience than you had before watching, 'Brain On Fire' is that movie.
Without revealing too much, the movie adaptation was based on a best-selling book about a young girl with an undiagnosed auto-immune disorder.
"Dirty John"
Netflix
Oh, John, we wanted to like you. ''Dirty John'' was a show I recently stumbled upon during an endless search for new content on Netflix (we've all been there) and boy, am I so glad I found this gem.
If you are a fan of the series "YOU," I highly recommend this eight-episode show on what modern-day deception truly looks like. I promise by the final two episodes, you will be reconsidering your relationships with a lot of new people in your life... and for good reason.
"Wentworth"
Netflix
Tired of the innocence of "Orange Is The New Black" and looking for a prison show with a little more grit? This female-led narrative on prison life is a must-watch.
The action, aggression, sexuality, and drama is sure to have you watching six episodes in a night. The main characters change as the seasons do and the plot-lines only become more intertwined as you go. It's a small world out there and 'Wentworth' is sure to remind you of that.
"Dead To Me"
Netflix
Speaking of a female-led show, "Dead To Me" is a hilarious take on a widowed woman's experience trying to solve her husband's murder and figuring out life without him.
This is not your average show and it is what it does not seem to be (you will see what I mean after watching). Netflix does an amazing job of breaking down the barriers of traditional living/lifestyle and what it looks like to grieve a loss.
'The Mind Explained'
Netflix
All I can start by saying is bravo to the creators of this show. I have never been so intrigued by content then I have with this series ("Black Mirror" holds a very close second place).
These short five episodes really pack a punch and take on unique topics with the grace of unbiased perspectives. My favorite, in order, is the "Psychedelics" episode, the "Anxiety" episode, the "Dreams" episode, the "Memory" episode, and last but not least, the "Mindfulness" episode.
It's a great break-up from fiction based shows to sit back and watch something that you can actually learn from. I can only hope they manage to bring us more episodes on the mind.
"Messiah"
Netflix
There seems to be a lot of controversy surrounding this show, but I refuse to listen. I believe Netflix goes above and beyond in this series to take on what radical leaders tend to look like in the Middle East and how the United States stays on top of them to protect the confused, the easily-manipulated, and the seekers of something, anything, that's better then what they currently have.
If you are interested in the "Messiah topic," immigration, and life outside of the USA and Europe, watch this show. I can't say too much without spoiling anything, but I can only hope the angry chatter towards this show doesn't defer Netflix from making a second season.
We need a second season because, in a lot of ways, this show shows a reality many don't want to see.
