With everyone from young children and angsty teenagers to parents and grandparents huddled around the TV these days, picking a movie to watch on Netflix can prove… challenging. After one too many nights of our family members covering each other’s eyes in preparation of a risqué scene, we decided it was time to step up with a list of seven films that are both entertaining and devoid of ensuing awkwardness – one for each day of the week.
Lion
This biographical drama follows the journey of Saroo (Dev Patel), a young Indian man who was separated from his mother at the age of five, and adopted by a kind Australian couple (Nicole Kidman and David Wenham). Over the years, a need to connect to his birth mother haunts young Saroo, leading him to an improbable search for her on Google Maps. This emotional rollercoaster of a film is based on a true story, so the only downside is that the whole family may be reaching for the tissue box.
Watch it here.
The King's Speech
This Academy Award-winning historical drama is an inspiring tale of King George VI, who overcomes a stammering problem with the help of a speech therapist, and it’s the unusual friendship between the two that forms the DNA of the film. The incredible cast – which includes Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, and Geoffrey Rush – is just the proverbial cherry on top.
Watch it here.
Wonder
Based on R.J. Palacio’s award-winning book of the same name, Wonder is the heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with distorted facial features who is admitted into a mainstream school for the first time in the fifth grade. His inspiring journey towards acceptance is portrayed exceptionally by child actor Jacob Tremblay, and his breakout performance is something all your family members will undoubtedly agree on.
Watch it here.
The Terminal
With countries shutting down their airports and grounding all airplanes, the world does seem a bit unreal at the moment. But what happens when you are stranded at an airport indefinitely? Inspired by the touching true-life tale of a refugee stranded at Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years, this tender comedy starring Tom Hanks is sure to make you laugh – and cry.
Watch it here.
La La Land
Oscar-winning musical La La Land might just be the perfect antidote to all the panic-driven news we are being bombarded with every single day. Starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, this love story between a pianist and an actress is nothing short of hauntingly beautiful – can these two keep their relationship together while they pursue their dreams in the City of Angels?
Watch it here.
Spirited Away
Another Academy Award winner, Spirited Away blends the realms of mythology, fantasy, and reality, all supported by what is considered to be some of the finest animated art in cinema history. Trapped in a mythical world after her parents are turned into pigs and held in captivity, young Chihiro must navigate this strange universe and figure out a way to get home. You’ll find yourself suspended in the magic of this incredible movie and transported to a land of dreams in no time.
Watch it here.
A Dog's Purpose
A Dog’s Purpose follows a dog through four different lifetimes with four very different owners as he comes to realize his true purpose. While it might otherwise be a task to get everyone on the same page, we’re certain your entire family will rally around this emotional film. After all, who can say no an adventure film about a furry friend?
Watch it here.
