- @Stage&Story
6 Great Movies or Shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime -- Right Now
Netflix and Amazon Prime...you have paralyzed us! Who hasn't wasted an entire evening looking for something good to watch? And ask my wife, I don't like wasting time...and neither should you.
Well, I'm trying to do something about it.
But, I'll be honest with you, it has become more difficult to recommend things to watch on Netflix and Amazon Prime, especially if you're looking for something family friendly.
There are lots of "best of" lists out there, but I don't see a regular one that meets my criteria.
FOUR THINGS WE NEED IN A LIST
We need a curated list of films and shows in which the stories ask important questions, highlight universal themes, or delight in a manner good for the heart and soul.
I want the individual or organization doing the selecting to come from an informed Christian worldview, able to tell us (if we ask) when God's grace shines through a secular work or when a religious work fails to tell the truth.
I'd like this list to be up-to-date, because the streaming platforms add and remove films each month.
I'd like it posted on a website that doesn't overwhelm you with video and banner ads.
Keeping a list like this up-to-date is difficult and time-consuming, so I'd love your help. If you can recommend a movie or TV show, email me or post a comment where you found this article.
Until then, Stage & Story would like to work toward meeting this need. So, here are six stories (movies and shows) that are worth your time and available on Netflix or Amazon Prime as I write.
THE LIST
1. Being Elmo (2011)
Streaming on: Netflix
Rated: TV-PG
Genre: Documentary
Family Friendly: Some mild language
IMDB Summary: "The Muppet Elmo is one of the most beloved characters among children across the globe. Meet the unlikely man behind the puppet - the heart and soul of Elmo - Kevin Clash."
Why it stands out: This well-made documentary is a heart-warming adventure that inspires creativity and a smile.
2. The Pixar Story (2007)
Streaming on: Netflix
Rated: G
Genre: Documentary
Family Friendly: Yes
IMDB Summary: "A look at the first years of Pixar Animation Studios - from the success of 'Toy Story' and Pixar's promotion of talented people, to the building of its East Bay campus, the company's relationship with Disney, and its remarkable initial string of eight hits. The contributions of John Lasseter, Ed Catmull and Steve Jobs are profiled. The decline of two-dimensional animation is chronicled as three-dimensional animation rises. Hard work and creativity seem to share the screen in equal proportions."
Why it stands out: When it comes to quality of artistry, just about everything Pixar does stands out. This documentary is a fascinating look into the ups and downs of this studio.
3. North and South (2004)
Streaming on: Netflix
Rated: TV-PG
Genre: Mini-series (4 episodes)
Family Friendly: I recommend parents watching alongside kids
IMDB Summary: "North and South is a four part adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's love story of Margaret Hale, a middle class southerner who is forced to move to the northern town of Milton."
Why it stands out: My wife and I love this mini-series. We've seen it multiple times. It's a moving love story that allows us also to see how the difficulties of life bring out character and integrity. As to be expected from BBC, phenomenal acting!
4. Miracle (2004)
Streaming on: Netflix
Rated: PG
Genre: Sports drama
Family Friendly: Yes
IMDB Summary: "Miracle tells the true story of Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell), the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad."
Why it stands out: This may be my favorite sports movie! I've seen it many times and we own it. The acting is stellar. The themes of dedication and hard work are expertly woven in this film, which is based upon a true story. Even if you don't like sports, but you like great drama, watch this!
5. Avenger's: Infinity War (2018)
Streaming on: Netflix
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Family Friendly: Not for children. Even younger teenagers should watch with an adult.
IMDB Summary: "The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe."
Why it stands out: I like the Marvel films, but this is the best Marvel film I've seen. One of the main reasons is because of the important philosophical questions it asks. Yeah, you heard me: this film has depth to it! We actually dedicated an entire episode to discussing it on our Stage & Story podcast (episode is forthcoming). Thanos, by far, is the most complex and interesting villain I've seen in a Marvel film. So, if you don't mind the violence and some mild adult content, go see this movie and then talk about it.
6. The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966)
Streaming on: Amazon Prime
Rated: TV-G
Genre: Comedy
Family Friendly: Yes!
IMDB Summary: "The misadventures of a TV writer both at work and at home."
Why it stands out: Where do I start? This is one of my favorite TV shows of all time. Why? Perhaps, it's because Dick Van Dyke plays a comedy writer, and I like to write. Perhaps, it's the stellar relationship between husband and wife we get to see? Or, just maybe, Dick Van Dyke is one of the greatest TV performers of all time? This show always lightens my mood, makes me laugh, and inspires my creativity.
If you missed my first set recommendations of movies and TV shows, you can find the list below, though some of them may not be available any longer.
"7 Great Movies or Shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime -- Right now" (Posted August 30, 2018)
As I mentioned earlier, I'd love your help keeping this list up-to-date. If you can recommend a movie or TV show, email me or post a comment.
Dane Bundy is president of Stage & Story and cast chaplain at LifeHouse Theater in Redlands, CA.