There is nothing worse than realizing you have finally made it to the end of your Netflix queue. You have watched Fuller House, Stranger Things, and Luke Cage. Netflix is quietly pleading with you not to start Gilmore Girls over again, and you have plowed through all of your favorite '00s rom-coms. If this sounds all too familiar, congratulations, you are stuck in a Netflix rut. If you don't do something now, you will soon be seriously contemplating watching Slow TV.
Before things get that dire, let me help you. Everyone needs a list of things to watch on Netflix when they have run out of ideas. This one can be yours. Seriously, you might have to go outside if you don't make a decision soon, and I hear it is almost winter out there. Let me guide you back to the land of Netflix goodness.
The good news is the streaming service is full of movies and TV shows you have probably never considered watching. There are documentaries on every subject matter imaginable, funny comedies from the other side of the world, and fascinating movies hiding between your well-watched favorites. And hey, if all else fails, you can watch a group of Norwegians try to break a knitting record. That's just the kind of place Netflix is.
Despair not my friends, here are 17 ideas of what to watch on Netflix the next time you are certain you have finally run out of things to watch. (Trust me, you haven't.)
1. Rita
Go inside Denmark's school system with the tough-talking, beloved teacher Rita. There are three seasons of Rita taking no prisoners when it comes to her job and motherhood, and by the end you will not be able to stop talking about this dramatic comedy's fearless lead.
2. Atari: Game Over
There truly is nothing stranger than reality, and this documentary about the disposal of the most notorious video game in history confirms it. Whether you have caught the '80s nostalgia bug, love video games, or you are just curious how E.T. toppled an empire, this documentary will fascinate you.
3. Chaplin
Before he was Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. gave one of the best performances of his career in the 1992 biopic about the iconic film pioneer, Charlie Chaplin.
4. A Young Doctor's Notebook
Jon Hamm and Daniel Radcliffe play older and younger versions of a doctor working during the Russian Revolution, but they communicate with each other. And it's hilarious. Basically, it is the perfect miniseries for a chilly night, especially if you have ever dreamed about Hamm and Radcliffe sharing a bath.
5. Burn, Burn, Burn
I'll let this film's deceased guide describe why it is such an enjoyable watch: "It's like Thelma and Louise and Casper the friendly ghost." An epic road trip, lots of self discovery, and Edith from Downton Abbey collide in this perfect little indie.
6. Ace Of Cakes
Reality TV is rarely relaxing, but Ace of Cakes was a gentle Food Network show, featuring a collection of true artists and lovable geeks who made the coolest cakes imaginable. Happily, you can watch a selection of episodes on Netflix anytime you need a pick me up.
7. Grand Hotel
Still miss Downton Abbey? Then indulge in this gorgeous Spanish upstairs, downstairs hotel drama full of mystery, forbidden love, and class conflict.
8. Invisible Sister
There is a good chance you missed this adorable DCOM starring Rowan Blanchard. Correct that mistake immediately and be prepared to be impressed by how good modern DCOMs can be.
9. The Discoverers
A modern family goes on an 1805 journey to retrace the steps of Lewis and Clark, and make their patriarch happy. Yes, there will be tears.
10. Doctor Foster
Suspicion shatters a marriage and awakens an obsession in a woman, who seemingly has it all in this too short, but unbelievably addictive British drama.
11. Janis: Little Girl Blue
Janis Joplin was a trailblazer, a legend, and gone way too soon. This documentary charts her all-too-short life by interweaving private letters Joplin wrote with commentary on her career.
12. Sirens
USA canceled this comedy too early. Two perfect seasons of silliness and fun will keep you enthralled on a lazy afternoon, though.
13. Bill Nye The Science Guy
That's right, Bill Nye is on Netflix. And he's just as entertaining and informative now as he was when you watched episodes of the show in your elementary school science class.
14. Haven
Once you have worked your way through The X-Files, Supernatural, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, give Haven a go. The show has an intricate mythology, a compelling love triangle, and the monster of the week episodes rarely disappoint.
15. Lila & Eve
Viola Davis and Jennifer Lopez did a cop movie together, you guys. And yes, it is good.
16. Monsters
An ultra low budget works in favor of this slow moving, but ultimately rewarding film about two people trying to evade aliens in Mexico.
17. Bomb Girls
This show is full of feminism, awesome female characters, and revolution. Set during World War II, this period drama has everything you could possibly want out of a show and there are three glorious seasons for you to marathon.
When it comes to Netflix, you never truly run out of options, and like I said, if all else fails there is always Norwegian knitting.
Image: BBC Worldwide
