Quarantine recommendations
- Sana_M
- Apr 11, 2020
- 8 min read
I think it is fair to say that as a result of the current Covid-19 situations, one practice the entire race of humanity has resorted to is watching Netflix, youtube and in general entertainment for hours on end. Although, I usually don’t recommend watching too much Netflix as unlike this time that we have that me might as well make use of, Netflix will be there even afterwards. However, in moderation, watching movies can not only be a great family activity but a great way to relax with all the chaos going on. Therefore, to help navigate the thousands of shows, movies and videos available, I decided to make a small list of movies and show recommendations using my expert knowledge of Netflix obtained through hours of mindless watching. Please Enjoy!
I will try my best to update this per week and include as many recommendations as possible including general movie and TV show reviews, franchises, books, plays, top 10 ratings, games etc. For today I decided to do a mix of family friendly movies, TV shows and general movies for adults. Please comment and let me know of any suggestions or feedback on what to write about or any mistakes I made!!
(But please note that the ratings I have added for most of the shows/movies are internet based so when picking a movie be sure to do your own research or judgment to decide what is appropriate for your family! Also, as for the family friendly movies, I have purposely not added Marvel or Disney type of movies due to the large range of movies in the franchise and because some Disney movies are boring for adults)
Family friendly Movies: The following movies are movies you can watch with your children as they include little inappropriate content. I have decided to refrain from adding Disney, marvel and movies that have large franchises as not only have you probably already watched them but it makes the list shorter and the entertainment more fun for your ENTIRE family.
Jurassic Park: Adventure, fantasy
Summary: John Hammond, an entrepreneur, opens a wildlife park containing cloned dinosaurs. However, a breakdown of the island's security system causes the creatures to escape and bring about chaos. A classic movie about dinosaurs.
Location: You can find Jurassic park #3 on Netflix and the others are available to download on many websites and are shown often on TV channels
Extra info: There are 3 movies in the Jurassic Park franchise and 2 in the jurassic world franchise. I personally recommend the first jurassic park movie as it is the most iconic and less violent compared to the more recent iterations of the classic.
Parent Trap: Comedy, kid-friendly
Summary: Identical twins Hallie and Annie are separated after their parents divorce. Years later, they discover each other at a summer camp and decide to switch places in an effort to reunite their parents.
Location: You can find this movie on Netflix
Extra Info: This movie is a bit more childish compared to the others
Jumanji: Action, adventure
Summary: Two children come across a magical board game. While playing it, they meet Alan, a man who was trapped in the game, and attempt to free him while facing different kinds of danger.
Location: It is available on Netflix
Extra info: Although it is relatively safe to watch for children, very small children might find some action scenes scary so please keep that in mind. This is the original movie featuring star Robin Williams.
Blind side: Sport/drama
Summary: Michael, a homeless African-American teenager, is adopted by a Caucasian family who help him overcome his learning difficulties and achieve excellence in American football.
Location: Netflix
Extra Info: A heartwarming tale about a once homeless boy to a star along with the help of an unexpected character, this is a classic movie that is not to be missed. Despite the occasional humour, this movie goes over deep and very important issues.
Inception: Sci-fi, thriller
Summary: Cobb steals information from his targets by entering their dreams. He is wanted for his alleged role in his wife's murder and his only chance at redemption is to perform the impossible, an inception. This intense, complex and brilliant sci-fi is great for teens and adults.
Location: Netflix
Extra Info: This movie due to the complex plot can be very confusing at times so please watch it slowly and for that reason might be confusing for younger children but overall a great family movie for teens and adults.
Sleepless in Seattle: Romance and rom-com
Common sense media age rating: 11+, (don't be fooled by the ratings, this movie list can be enjoyed by parents and children)
Summary: Realising that Sam has still not come to terms with his wife Maggie's death, his eight-year-old son Jonah forces him to call a national radio talk show, with the hopes of finding him a companion. A tearful romantic comedy with the iconic Tom Hanks, this is a must watch
Location: Netflix
Extra Info: I recommend this along with You’ve got mail, another brilliant movie that must not be missed, it also includes the great Tom Hanks
TV Shows: This is a list of classic and great TV shows ranging from more recent ones such as the tiger king to old more iconic ones. For both parents and kids
Tiger King: Murder, mayhem and madness: Crime, suspense, thriller
Age rating: Common sense media- 16+, Netflix- 18+
Summary: An exploration of big cat breeding and its bizarre underworld, populated by eccentric characters. Trailer
Location: Available on Netflix!
Extra info: It is a crime based show and I would not recommend watching it with young children due to the profanities and inappropriate content however the older generation might enjoy it.
Modern family:
Age rating: Common sense media- 13+
Summary: Three modern-day families from California try to deal with their kids, quirky spouses and jobs in their own unique ways, often falling into hilarious situations.
Location: Available on Netflix, ABC network and Hulu (only season 11)
Extra Info: There are 11 seasons in total but don’t let that intimidate you as not only is each episode only 20 minutes but it is addictive enough to make you watch the entire thing in one sitting. A classic, funny and award winning sitcom. This arguably one of the best shows I have ever watched and I highly commend it. With a mix of humour, character growth and the mention of important issues that are faced by many of the characters, this show is amazing.Trust me, you won’t regret watching this!
Brooklyn Nine-nine: Comedy, action
Ratings: Common sense media- 14+
Summary: Ray Holt, an eccentric commanding officer, and his diverse and quirky team of odd detectives solve crimes in Brooklyn, New York City.
Location: Netflix, Hulu and NBC (not sure about the last one)
Extra info: Some parts do contain inappropriate aspects so I might monitor certain episodes if you are watching with children. Please note that all of the TV shows I have listed can be watched by children and adults and will be equally enjoyed!
Peaky Blinders: Mystery, drama, historical fiction
Age rating: Common sense media- 18+
Summary: A dangerous Tommy Shelby leads Peaky Blinders, a criminal gang based in Birmingham in 1919. Chief Inspector Chester Campbell decides to nab him and put an end to the activities of this gang.
Location: Netflix
Extra Info: Although I haven’t watched this one, it has been highly commended by all who do watch it and in general is a popular show.
House of cards: Politics, drama
Age rating: Adult show, common sense media- 16+
Summary: Frank Underwood is a Democrat appointed as the secretary of state. Along with his wife, he sets out on a quest to seek revenge on the people who betrayed him while successfully rising to supremacy.
Location: Netflix
Extra Info: I haven’t watched this one either but it is recommended
Money Heist/La casa de papel: A Spanish show filled with crime and suspense, what else do you want?
Age rating: Mainly catered to adults, common sense media- 16+
Summary: A criminal mastermind who goes by "The Professor" has a plan to pull off the biggest heist in recorded history -- to print billions of euros in the Royal Mint of Spain. To help him carry out the ambitious plan, he recruits eight people with certain abilities and who have nothing to lose. The group of thieves take hostages to aid in their negotiations with the authorities, who strategise to come up with a way to capture The Professor. As more time elapses, the robbers prepare for a showdown with the police.
Location: Netflix!
Extra Info: Haven’t watched it but everyone who does highly recommends. Unlike other shows, this bilingual show entertains you and teaches you Spanish!
Suits: Drama, law related
Age rating: common sense media- 15+, depending on your choice it an be for children and adults but be aware of the content before allowing your child
Summary: Mike Ross, a talented young college dropout, is hired as an associate by Harvey Specter, one of New York's best lawyers. They must handle cases while keeping Mike's qualifications a secret.
Location: Netflix
Extra info: With 7 seasons, it is a successful show that really opens your eyes to the field of Law. Here is a fun snippet of the first season- Link
Popular and iconic movies for adults: For this list, although some of the movies and shows can be watched by children it is up to your own research and judgment. This is just a final quick compilation of classic and new films.
Die hard: Action, cops
Summary: Just as Detective McClane lands in LA to spend Christmas with his wife, he learns about a hostage situation in an office building. Hans Gruber is the culprit and McClane's wife is one of the hostages.
Rating: 7/10
Audience: If you like violent, cop movies. The founding father of dramatic cop movies featuring the famous Bruce Willis. Not all will enjoy this. Not suitable for children
Catch me if you can: Action, crime
Summary: Notorious con artist Frank Abagnale has duped people worth millions of dollars with his masterful art of deception. With his scams getting bolder, he is soon pursued by FBI agent Carl Hanratty.
Rating: 8/10
Audience: Most people like this film, it’s a fun story about a criminal who deceitfully swindled the entire nation, based on a true story. Pretty much everyone will enjoy this. Contains some scenes which are not suitable for children.
The proposal: Rom-com
Summary: When New York editor Margaret faces deportation to Canada, she convinces her assistant Andrew to marry her in return for a promotion. A trip to his hometown, however, brings many surprises her way.
Rating: 8.5/10
Audience: Funny romantic comedy featuring Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock. Although it features intimate scenes not recommended for younger viewers, children and teens will enjoy this one.
The Italian Job: Action/crime
Summary: After Charlie Croker is betrayed and left to die in Italy, he assembles a team of con artists and retaliates with a plan to conduct an elaborate gold heist against his former ally.
Rating: 9/10
Audience: A super fun movie about a revenge driven heist, fairly appropriate for children and thrilling overall.
The Shawshank redemption: Drama/prison
Summary: Andy Dufresne, a successful banker, is arrested for the murders of his wife and her lover, and is sentenced to life imprisonment at the Shawshank prison. He becomes the most unconventional prisoner.
Rating: 9/10
Audience: A universal brilliant movie about a prison escape. This will lighten up your quarantine
Parasite: Mystery, drama, suspense, foreign film, horror?
Summary: Greed and class discrimination threaten the newly formed symbiotic relationship between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan.
Rating: It won multiple oscars! 10/10
Audience: Definitely not suitable for children due to various bloody, scary and violent scenes. This is an amazing movie that brings attention to destitution and the various plot twists and suspense puts you on the edge of your seat. Not only that, but this film changed history by being the first foreign (Korean) film to win so many oscars. Directed with precision and skill. You have to watch this film!
Now you see me (1): Magic, heists
Summary: Four street magicians, Daniel, Merritt, Henley and Jack, ransack a huge amount of money belonging to insurance baron Arthur Tressler while being chased by FBI agent Dylan and Interpol agent Alma.
Rating: 9/10
Audience: In my opinion, this film can be enjoyed and marvelled by all. Filled with confusing magic tricks and an interesting plot. This is a great movie to watch during the MCO.
Thank you so much for reading my recommendation list. Please do comment and suggest any mistakes, anecdotes, reviews about the movies and any suggestions of what I should review next. Please tune it next week to see my other recommendations which could feature popular books to read, top 10 lists for famous franchises, more movies and TV shows or even recipes. If you want some further advice, please check out @quarintine_reviews. They provide great detailed review on potential entertainment in these trying times. Hope you found this useful!
Please leave any feedback or suggestions here for my next post! Stay safe! :)