The normalcy of Netflix can be a pain, especially when you're paying a monthly fee to be thoroughly entertained. Nine dollars is pretty steep to watch the same 10 seasons of Family Guy on repeat—yes, even Peter Griffin can be a bit mundane. To be honest, Netflix has something for everybody if you just take the effort to dig through the fluff. I've compiled a list of shows and movies that won't have you wishing you took your 9 dollars and ordered a flat bread pizza instead.
Heathers
Before you think to yourself, "Oh no, not another highschool movie", give this one a try. You won't regret it. This movie is set around the cliché group of mean girls, "The Heathers", who set out to ruin the lives of those beneath them. Until one day they recruit Veronica, the insider who plans to ruin The Heathers and bring equality back to the forefront of highschool. I know this sounds like "Mean Girls", but things get pretty dark here. Between explosives, murder and suicide notes, this movie will draw you in and make you wish you had a red hairband as cool as Heather C's.
Nebraska
You see that old man in the plaid shirt and god awful jacket, he's Woody Grant. He's an alcoholic war Veteran with dementia who is convinced that he's become a millionaire through some sweepstakes giveaway. That guy behind him with hair like John Travolta is his son, David who decides to finally humor his father and voyage with him to claim his earnings. The story line makes for a dynamic movie—one that you have to see to believe.
Blackfish
If you're an avid, annual SeaWorld enthusiast, I apologize in advance. "Blackfish" is a documentary that is critical of SeaWorld's treatment of whiles all while being willing to expose the behind the scenes reality of all that goes into the training of these orcas. Its a bit gruesome but all the while interesting. Very informative documentary with enough drama to have you forgetting how educational it actually is.
Bernie
"Bernie" is a tragic comedy heavy laden with the idea of "normalcy" in murder. Jack Black plays Bernie, a mortician and town hero-- also a murder. Seems normal right? But what is most baffling about this particular story is that the townspeople sympathize with the murderer and almost agrees with his decision; Not to mention that this movie is based off of a true story. Jack Black is an amazing actor, and his role in "Bernie" will show you why.
Mad Men
Set in the 1960s, "Mad Men" has such style and elegance that is quite rare in television cinematography. The writing and historical authenticity is what makes this TV show so critically acclaimed, and it's hiding on Netflix waiting for you to watch. Secrets, business moves and scandal all all intertwined in this series and brings the right amount of drama to your TV screen. The Mad Men mean business-- literally.
Black Mirror
Once referred to as the "twilight zone for the digital age", "Black Mirror" is an odd show with only two seasons comprised of three episodes each. However, once you set your eyes on an episode, maybe less will be more. Prepare to be disturbed and equally captivated as you're taken on a technological whirlwind that seems all too familiar to be fiction.
Bates Motel
A sick and twisted, yet witty and clever show about a mother and son duo who plan to take over the world, rather gruesomely, and all from the confinements of a motel. That's "Bates Motel". If you don't recognize the prequel references from the 1960 film Psycho, this show portrays the life of Norma and Norman Bates before the events of the film. Creepy and all around weird is how I would describe this show, but captivating nonetheless.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Two words: Danny DeVito; and if that isn't enough to make you watch, I'm sure you'll find something equally as enjoyable about this show. It follows the "The Gang", a group of misfit underachievers who run a bar, and each other's lives, into the ground. They are the kings and queen of harebrained schemes and manage to only lookout for themselves in the process. You'll laugh, you'll smile and you'll cringe, but most of all you'll have fun with these five dynamic weirdos.
So don’t curse at your computer and exit Netflix in a fit of rage, instead let this list be your guide to entertainment heaven.
