I know I am a film major and should know every single TV show and movie by heart but I don’t. I like film because I like watching and hearing things that make me feel something. I like to leave whatever I just watched learning something new, feeling sad or angry or happy or hopeful, and knowing it impacted me in some way. During quarantine, I’ve had a lot of time to watch a lot of new things, but I’ve also rewatched a TON of old things. Here are my TV show and movie recommendations for a variety of genres and audiences. (I am only going to give 5 TV recommendations and 5 Movies but feel free to message me if you have a specific genre you would like to watch and need a suggestion!)

Movies

The Green Mile (1999)

This movie makes me sob for hours. It’s a bit weird, being based on a 1996 Steven King novel. It’s not paranormal as much as you would expect from Mr.King but it is so good. It’s about the inmates of death row in prison who are about to walk the mile to the electric chair. The relationship between prison guard Paul (Tom Hanks) and John Coffey ( Michael Clarke Duncan) is so unique and touching. If you want to cry your eyes out, this is the movie for you. It has stuck with me since the minute I watched it years ago and I will rewatch it forever.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

I admittedly JUST watched this last night, but it was very good. It is s story about two men somewhere in Nothern Italy in 1983. I thought the cinematography was fantastic and I adore Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hamer. The movie showcases the journey of being gay in that time period as well as the culture of Italy and a family who is dedicated to the historical arts. I really appreciated this film and the monologue by the father at the end of the film made it for me. It is heartbreaking and shows exactly what it feels like to meet the right person at the wrong time.

Kill Your Darlings (2013)

When you think of the aesthetic (one of my favorites) dark academia, this movie embodies it. This movie is loosely based on the life of poet Allen Ginsberg. It is based in 1944 where Ginsberg and his friend, Lucian Carr come together to solve the murder of one of their classmates in college. Daniel Radcliffe plays Ginsberg and that was enough for me to watch it. The film is suspenseful, beautiful to watch, and honestly just a  good underrated movie everyone should see. If you liked Robin William’s Dead Poets Society, you will probably like this.

Hercules (1997) (Disney)

This is just a feel-good movie. It’s my favorite Disney movie and it never gets old. The music is great, the characters are great, and we love Danny Devito in this household. I love this movie because I always enjoyed the complexity of Hades as a villain. He is so enjoyable, and my favorite character, but it feels wrong because he’s the villain. Hercules is also a great hero, and Megra is an independent woman, which was really great to see on the screen growing up. It’s just a light-hearted, super watered down greek mythology tale with great songs. 10/10

Singin’ in the rain (1952)

One of the most iconic films to grace the silver screen during the golden age of Hollywood. Asa former dancer, the actual performance of dancing and singing is visually stunning and exciting to see on screen. It’s very dated, but that’s the fun of it. The chivalry, backstage look at the creation of a 1950’s film and music make this film a knock out for me. It’s iconic and fun and I just love it.

Honorable Mentions

• Beauty and the Beast (2017)
• Baby Driver (2017)
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vo. 1 & 2
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower
• Dirty Dancing
• Purple Rain
• All of the Harry Potter Movies

TV Shows

Girls (HBO)

I loved this show because I hated it. I hated every single main character. They are the most self-absorbed assholes I’ve ever seen on screen. I liked them because they felt real. I would leave some episodes so angry at how someone treated another person or hoping one couple would get together and even the finale I was like no it can’t end like this. It was literally frustrating to watch this show, which is why I think you should. It’s about 4 girls who live in New York and their journey through life together. Also, Adam driver is in it so that’s a plus.

Mad Men (AMC but available on Netflix)

This show is about advertisers at a prestigious agency in New York, starting in 1960 and ending in 1970. This show not only showed me how far women have come socially but also how different the world was just 50 years ago. I know most of it is fabricated, obviously but the whole demeanor of people in that era is fascinating. The way they dressed, spoke, lived their lives is all so alien and very cool. The plotlines are amazing and Peggy Olsen and Joan Holloway are the feminist icons I didn’t know I needed. Apart from the story the fashion and aesthetic of the time is very inspiring and I love it.

The Real Housewives of New York (Bravo)

I’m a sucker for reality TV. That’s pretty much it. It’s a bunch of rich women living their best lives in New York. It’s mindless and fun to watch! What else can you expect from a reality TV show?

Sex and The City (HBO)

Are you catching a theme here? I like watching things about what I want my life to be, which apparently is currently living in New York. This show is iconic, the fashion is iconic and it tackled issues way ahead of its time. It makes me not feel weird about wanting to talk about anything and everything. It shows women that being open is acceptable and encouraged. I like each character and what they have to offer equally and it’s just a great show to chill with! If you’re into chick flicks, this is the show for you.

Schitt’s Creek

This show is so funny and I am so sad it has ended. The entire show is about a super-wealthy family who lost all of their wealth suddenly and has to find a way to survive like normal people. The family has some interesting characters and the plot is very comedic. My mom and I watch this together and it makes us laugh every time.

Happy Watching!