Movies on Netflix that are worth the watch (if you have time)

Movies+on+Netflix+that+are+worth+the+watch+%28if+you+have+time%29

Varun Singh, Staff Writer

For many of us, the past couple months have been characterized by constant work, sports, and other demanding activities that consume a great deal of our time. However, we are, at the moment, without the ability to simply go outside per usual and engage in the various carefree activities that take away from the stress of each week. We now spend a bit more of our free time at home. Many of us have certain routines that put this extra-time to good use. But for those who seem to still have more time than they know what to do with, watching a movie is a great idea: especially one you haven’t heard of, or previously paid any particular attention to. That way, the enjoyment of that particular movie becomes a healthy surprise. Below is a list of ten movies from Netflix, from a range of  genres, that just might satisfy your extra time.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Photo credit: Paramount Pictures

The start of a truly special, genre-defying series, Raiders of the Lost Ark does not get old. A spectacular opening scene leads to an even more alluring movie. Including somewhat, still impressive set pieces, the effects have aged well and are only strengthened by the charismatic acting of Harrison Ford and Karen Allen. This movie is also funny everytime, and would certainly be an enjoyable first watch or rewatch. 4.75/5

GoldenEye (1995) 

Photo credit: 1995 United Artists

Pierce Brosnan’s first outing at 007 in 1995 provided a well-needed revival for the series. Although not as polished as it once seemed, GoldenEye is a solid Bond flick and was the first of what ended up as four Brosnan movies before the actor was replaced by Daniel Craig. This film also introduces Judi Dench who plays “M” as if she was born for the role. Indeed, she carried on playing the character for 17 years after GoldenEye. This is an all-around good Bond Film, and particularly noble for introducing Pierce Brosnan and having Sean Bean beside him. Rating: 3.5/5

Casino Royale (2006) 

Photo credit: Getty Images

This is the first James Bond film to star Daniel Craig and arguably the best of the past four films. 007 has just received his license to kill and has been entered into a high stakes poker bout in order to investigate a potential terrorist banking agency. Not only does the film maintain a fresh take on a classic character, but it is comedic and undeniably engaging. This is a great movie to watch, especially as the next Bond film is releasing this November (which will likely be Daniel Craig’s last go at the character). Rating: 4.75/5

The Social Network (2010) 

Photo credit: Merrick Morton/ Columbia Tristar Marketing Group

This movie tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg and his time at Harvard University during which he created Facebook with then co-founder Eduardo Saverin. This movie not only explains the massive success of Facebook, but also why people were so drawn to what began as a college dating site. Originally released in 2010, this film garnered several critical reviews and was a fan favorite from the year. Rating: 5/5

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) 

Photo credit: Saeed Adyani

Starring Matthew McConaughey, this movie is about a successful lawyer who usually defends the most vile and criminal individuals in Los Angeles. However, when he takes a case defending a well-to-do Beverly Hills socialite, the case turns into something he couldn’t have imagined. After a series of unexpected turns, he finds himself and his family at risk. Rating: 3.75/5

The Theory of Everything (2014) 

Photo credit: Liam Daniels/Focus Features

This emotional yet comedic film dives into the life of Stephen Hawking and his wife, Jane Hawking. Known all around the world today, Stephen Hawking was a renowned professor and celebrity. Equally awe-inspiring is the true story of him and his wife and the journey they embarked on together after Stephen’s diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) disease. Rating 5/5

Steve Jobs (2015)

Photo credit: Getty Images

This movie starts with Steve Job’s initial tenure at Apple and ends with the launch of the iMac in 1998. A large focus of the film is Steve’s strained relationship with his daughter and former wife, who, despite Apple’s initial success, were living on welfare. The movie offers not only an intimate look at a deeply complicated individual, but also an explanation of one of the most monumental developments in recent human history. Rating: 4/5

The King (2019) 

Photo credit: Peter Mountain/Netflix

Based on the Shakespearean play, this historical epic is about King Henry V (played by Timothée Chalamet) as he assumes the monarchy of England and is thrown into the chaos and unrest that follows his father’s death. After the young ruler decides to wage war against France, the movie shows a brutally grim and unglamourous depiction of what that process really entails. As well as the outstanding visuals and war scenes, The King has a great score and fantastic acting. Rating 4.5/5

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

Photo credit: Getty Images

Based on a true story, this Netflix original film follows William Kamkwamba as he looks for a way to save his village from drought and famine. William refuses to give up even when those around him, including his father, ridicule his idea, and he is able to achieve  something incredible even without the basic resources first world countries too often take for granted. Rating 4.5/5

The Two Popes (2019)

Photo credit: Netflix

A Netflix Original, The Two Popes tells the recent history of the Catholic Church and the dissension regarding the Church’s next steps for the future: whether the church should continue on a conservative path including strict rules on same-sex marriage, abortion/birthcontrol, and female priest-hood, or undertake reform and increase its reach to the impoverished and underprivileged across the globe. Not only does the film cover some pressing issues, but it is an equally endearing story with friendship and humanity at its core. Rating 4.5/5