Stranger Things
When Will Byers goes missing under supernatural circumstances in fall of 1984, his friends and family, the chief of police and a mysterious, young girl are all thrown into the search before an otherworldly monster can find him first. Somehow spooky and adorable at the same time, this new series absolutely deserves all the hype it’s been getting.
All eight episodes are available on Netflix for streaming.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
This 80s comedy classic follows three hooky-playing high schoolers, led by the mischievous Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick), as they are pursued by their relentless principal, Ed Rooney (Jeffrey Jones). Giving any more away would spoil the movie, but believe that there’s definitely a reason this hilarious movie has stood the test of time.
Available for streaming on Netflix and for rent or purchase on Amazon Video.
The Village
This small, traditional community has been living in peace with the hostile inhabitants of the surrounding woods for years. Some people, though, risk the wellbeing of the whole village by exploring its secrets a little bit more than they should.
Available on DVD from Netflix and for rent or purchase on Amazon Video.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
When his flight home is canceled, Neal Page (Steve Martin) is forced to find alternate means of transportation to get home to Thanksgiving dinner with his family–with only a messy, shower curtain ring salesman, Del Griffith (John Candy), as his company. From the same director as “Ferris Bueller,” this is another laugh-out-loud 80s comedy, plus it includes an extra dose of heartwarming feelings towards the end, with a reason for its continued popularity.
Available on DVD from Netflix and for rent or purchase from Amazon Video.
The Great British Baking Show
Also called The Great British Bake-Off overseas, 12 amateur British bakers complete a series of challenges each weekend in this reality TV show. Seven seasons in now, this is one of the top-watched shows on the BBC, and for good reason. It’s one of the sweetest shows out there, with genuinely likeable contestants and delicious-looking food. Only one season is currently available on Netflix, but it’s one that will keep you waiting for more.
Available for streaming on Netflix.
Remember the Titans
Based on true events, “Remember the Titans” stars Denzel Washington playing the head football coach of a Virginia high school that has just been racially integrated. Over the course of the 1971 season, the coaches and teammates must both overcome the tension between the members of the racially-divided team as they play their way to the championships.
Available on DVD from Netflix and for rent or purchase on Amazon Video.
The Dead Poets Society
When a slightly eccentric English teacher (Robin Williams) is hired at a stifling New England boarding school, his life-changing take on the beauty of poetry inspires every boy in his class to change himself in some way. Doing so, however, turns out much better for some than for others. Truly one of the best Robin Williams films–this is one of those movies that might inspire you to change your life, too.
Available for rent or purchase from Amazon Video.
ParaNorman
From the same studio that made “Coraline,” this stop-motion film follows Norman, who can see ghosts, and his ragtag group of “friends” on a mission to save their town from a centuries-old curse. Wonderfully quirky and funny (and much less creepy than “Coraline,” don’t worry), this film is a wonderful addition to the creepy-cute stop-motion genre dominated by Tim Burton.
Available on DVD from Netflix and for rent or purchase from Amazon Video.