It seems a little strange to talk about movies and complain about being bored during self-isolation during a global pandemic, but this is the reality in which we live. Health systems are crumbling under pressure from thousands of sick people and an unknown new virus and we are told that the only way to stop this and save the world is to stay at home. That in itself looks like a plot for a film. But hey, we can’t keep thinking about it 24/7, we need a distraction. Something to get us out of this situation we find ourselves in and give us a different story to follow. Here are the best movies on Netflix to watch in quarantine.
1. The Irishman
We’ve all heard of this Oscar-nominated film, but 3.5 hours and some of us just can’t spend as much time sitting at the movies when we could do something else. Well, now we definitely have time, so make some popcorn in the microwave, sit back and immerse yourself in the gangster drama with the legendary Al Pacino, Rober De Niro and Joe Pesci.
2. The history of marriage
The story of marriage is a heartbreaking film, but sometimes we need something like that to just get all our emotions out and cry. It’s a story of divorce that will touch you like no other love story will leave you broken but will be reborn at the end.
3. Kate and Léopold
Now that we’ve removed these Oscar-nominated films, it’s time for some classics to feel good. If you haven’t seen Kate Leo before going on a great ride. If you have it, you already know it’s a perfect combination of Hugh Jackman in period costume being the perfect gentleman and Meg Ryan being a super lucky woman who has to face this confused but very beautiful stranger.
4. The talented Mr. Ripley
Matt Damon and Jude Law in a movie, what else could you want. It’s an old classic at this stage and the plot of this film is so far from our reality at this stage that it will look like a fantastic film, and who does not want to watch a fantasy about a spoiled rich playboy enjoying his life in Italy with Jude Law?
5. Crazy Stupid Love
You should just watch this movie every year. It’s the perfect rom-com in the best possible way. Steve Carell, Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling (and his abs) will provide the perfect distraction if that’s what you’re looking for. They will feel your heart with joy and make you laugh out loud along the way. Must watch, preferably on repeat.
6. Clueless
Leave the reality of self-isolation behind and dive head first into the life of a wealthy high school student whose biggest problem seems to be choosing a cool outfit to wear to school using a truly revolutionary computer program. I mean who else had his whole cabinet scanned? As if! Oh, and the maybe even more outrageous thing about this movie is Paul Rudd, who looks legitimately the same, and this movie was released in 1995.
7. About time
Another romantic time travel comedy, but this one is different. This movie is made by the creators of Love Actually and Notting Hill – that’s how you know it’s going to be good. The story is difficult to explain without spoiling it, but Tim, an ordinary British man, reveals a family secret that men in his family can travel back in time. So he uses it to make the girl of his dreams fall in love with him. Is this a questionable decision? Absolutely. But once you’ve watched this movie, you will have so many more questions.
8. Always be my maybe
If you love Ali Wong and his comedy, but have already watched each special stand up single and all of his stand up videos on Youtube – this may be the next best thing. A comedy written and produced by her, obviously starring her and the eye candy that is Randall Park, Daniel Dae Kim and a special appearance by Keanu Reeves.
9. The terminal
Tom Hanks is everyone’s favorite actor, right? I mean, have you ever watched a movie with him and you didn’t like it? It would be absurd. So basically what I’m saying is that you can choose any movie with it and it will be a great choice, but if I have to choose – go for the classic which is The Terminal. It is heartbreaking and funny at the same time. You will laugh, you will cry, you will watch the filmography of Tom Hanks in the days to come.
10. Julie and Julia
There are two reasons to watch this movie. The first is that Meryl Streep is a national treasure and everything she plays is absolutely great and a joy to watch. And the second is – it will make you feel like you can get out of your 40s as a real chef. Make sure you have food before you start this movie as it will make you hungry and make you want to cook too.
11. Two are needed
Did you know that this childhood classic was on Netflix? Well, now you know. It’s been far too long since you’ve seen little Olsen twins playing identical strangers in a movie. Two little girls, from very different worlds, come together to make two unconscious adults fall in love? What better?
12. Hatching
And if you’re one of those people who isn’t afraid to watch a movie about a scary virus in the middle of a global pandemic – this is for you. A city invented in the United States is quarantined because it becomes the epicenter of a terrifying deadly virus that makes people bleed from every possible opening. Watch doctors, the CDC and even the military fight to contain this virus and save lives. Does this sound familiar?
