Needless to say we’ve all had plenty of time to ourselves over the last twenty-four months. And with that came the emergence of streaming services not just as a mainstay in our lives, but as a genuine must-have.
Now obviously no one is advocating for another lockdown, but who’s to say what’s really next to come at this point. So if we do indeed end up shutting down once again, here are ten things to binge watch during quarantine.
- FRIENDS
Alright, before I get those of you who want to tell me this is the best show around and there’s no better show for casual viewing blah blah. I know, and I even agree with you. But Friends has to be this low on the list because at this point, who hasn’t seen this show yet? For those of you who have yet to watch this show in its entirety however, do yourself a favour and go watch it right away. It really is as hilarious as people say it is. The cast of this show is one of the best of any TV show around, and they constantly make you feel like you’re watching a real group of friends -your own friends even- hanging out and living their lives.
Unfortunately the show was taken off Netflix and moved over to Crave, so for those who don’t have Crave, go start your free-trial and binge Friends before it’s over.
- The Harry Potter Saga
This entry is arguably as popular as Friends but is nowhere near as casual viewing as a tv show. Harry Potter is a little bit more of a time consuming watch than some other entries on this list but it is without question worth the commitment. There’s seven movies in the series and almost all of them are amazing. (If you want to know which are the best, head over to Evolution’s youtube page and check out the hit show Ranked wink-wink*). Honestly though, the storytelling from these movies is incredible from start to finish and they feature some of the best casting I have seen from any movie franchise. The series is not available for free on any streaming service that I’m aware of but they can be rented for cheap on Amazon Video or i’m sure your local Walmart has a box set available as well.
- Snowpeircer
The youngest entry on this list, but also one of the most exciting. At only three seasons this Netflix special doesn’t take much of a commitment making it even more worth the time. Snowpeircer offers some fresh new, young faces to the screen and is supplemented with some household names on the cast as well, but it’s the up-and-coming actors that really carry this show in its still very early days.
The plot is simple, and easy to get behind. The world has ended, and the richest man on the planet has built a thousand-car long train to house the surviving population. But, there’s a very clear, and very strongly enforced class system. And the lower class is not happy.
- The Star Wars Saga (Original 6, only)
Hey remember that hit show on Evolution’s youtube channel, there might be another episode featuring this saga. Let’s get one thing clear also, you only need to watch the original six movies. You can watch the Disney movies if you want, but don’t. They don’t exist to me. This saga is a complete story of good versus evil at its best. The casting is a little hit and miss which ranks it lower on this list, but when the story hits, it hits hard. There’s a reason Star Wars is as big as it is, and it’s all available on Disney Plus.
- Clone Wars Animated Series
Once you’ve finished watching the Star Wars movies on Disney Plus, head over and watch the Clone Wars Series. Taking place between the second and third instalments of the saga this show was supposed to be tailored to a younger age but was too popular with the hardcore Star Wars fan base. The animation is incredible and allows for complete storytelling of some of the best characters you saw in the movie series.
- The Dark Side of the Ring Documentary
Probably the least popular genre on the list, but this documentary goes behind the scenes of some of the biggest controversies from the world of professional wrestling. The production of each episode is immaculate and features raw, never before heard interview segments from the stars that lived through it all. From the Montreal screw job, to the plane ride from hell it covers all the dark sides of the ring. Each episode is available on Vice Tv and HBO and are a must watch.
(Youtube/ Vice TV)
- The Walking Dead
Now I know I have another article released that completely rips this show apart, but thats from the perspective of a hardcore fan who’s read the comics multiple times over and seen the show more times than he’d like to admit. But this show early on is one of the best shows of its time and yes it does go off the rails at one point but it still does enough to make you need to know what happens after the end of every episode. As frustrating as the show can be, it’s still the best post-apocalyptic show available. There are eleven seasons now so head over to Netflix and get started on it.
- Jim Can’t Swim Criminal Psychology
Changing it up a bit with this entry, JCS is not a show or movie series but a Youtube channel. An absolutely incredible one at that, and my favourite on Youtube. Every single video on this channel takes you behind closed doors exposing the world’s worst criminals. The footage is raw, intense and captivating, featuring interrogations, confessions, and court trials. Jim, as a criminal psychologist himself, breaks down methods used by the world’s best detectives and there isn’t one single episode that doesn’t have you on the edge of your seat.
- The Dark Knight Trilogy
There is no better film trilogy than The Dark Knight Trilogy. Yes, you read that right. Batman Begins is considered the worst of the three, but that’s only because the latter two of the trilogy are THAT good. I don’t care what anyone says either, Heath Ledger as the Joker is the greatest casting decision and performance that has ever graced the big screen. I can’t even imagine how much better the third movie could have been if Heath was able to be a part of it. Christopher Nolan has created a masterpiece with this trilogy and lucky for everyone, they are available to view on Netflix. Go now and watch.
(Youtube/ Aitor Martin)
- Breaking Bad
The top spot has to be Breaking Bad. If you ignore every other entry on this list, fine, but watch Breaking Bad. This show is a masterpiece of storytelling, casting, emotion and intensity. Bryan Crantson, Aaron Paul, Gian Carlo Esposito, Anna Gunn, the list of amazing performances doesn’t end. Every character is portrayed perfectly, and no show tells a story and ties up loose ends better than Breaking Bad. If you haven’t seen it yet, go watch it now because I’m judging you. And when you’re done watching it, watch it again because I promise you, you missed something the first time around. I have seen this show more than 5 times and something new in the plot presented itself every single time. Do yourself a favour, close this list, and go start Breaking Bad. Now.
(Youtube/ Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul)
If we do unfortunately head back into a lockdown, these are the shows or movies you need to binge watch. Except for Breaking Bad, you need to watch that regardless. Seriously, go now.