We’ve all been on a collective streaming journey since quarantine first began last March, myself included. I’ve never watched more television than I have in the past 12 months, but I can honestly say I’m so happy with some of the shows and discoveries we have made.
I know we’re all constantly looking for updated streaming recommendations, so today I thought I would share a few of the tv shows and movies we have streamed and enjoyed lately. Hopefully this post answers the question— what should I watch on Netflix in 2021?
These are all Netflix Originals, which is nice because this post will never really be out of date. All these movies and tv shows can be streamed on Netflix! I’m constantly impressed with the Netflix Originals, it really is what they’re going to have to keep doing to keep up with the competition in the streaming industry right now.
Click on the title of each recommendation to view the trailer. This roundup focuses on Netflix movies and TV documentaries or shows based on true events!
1. Athlete A, Netflix- 4 stars
*Trigger Warning— sexual assault, rape, abuse, child abuse.
Description: An August 2016 article in the Indianapolis Star about USA Gymnastics protecting coaches accused of abuse leads to the explosive revelation that the USAG women’s team doctor, Larry Nassar, had been abusing athletes for over two decades. This film follows the IndyStar reporters as they reveal the extensive cover-up that allowed abuse to thrive within elite-level gymnastics for more than two decades, the attorney who is fighting the institutions that failed these athletes, and most importantly, the brave whistle-blowers who refuse to be silenced.
My thoughts: I will admit I was nervous to watch this. Sometimes really deep and vulnerable movies like this make me overthink everything and find myself deeply saddened by the state of the world. The story greatly interested me though, and I wanted a more comprehensive look at how this all unfolded after seeing it everywhere in the news for a while. I watched this with my husband and my in-laws, and I’m glad to say this documentary was a great, great watch.
There was such a tone of hope throughout and knowing how the story plays out made it better to watch the entire time. It is extremely hard to watch still, though. The case is just so unbelievable, but I think the ending ensures you leave with a better outlook on how to support people during these experiences. It will also send you deep into a googling spiral about how the state of everything is now- one of my favorite takeaways from documentaries and movies alike.
2. Derry Girls, Netflix- 5 stars
Description: This candid, family-centered comedy and coming-of-age story `Derry Girls’ follows 16-year-old Erin and her friends as they grow up in a world of armed police in armoured Land Rovers and British Army check points in the 1990s of Northern Ireland— the story is set during the time of The Troubles. Teenage life goes on despite the bleak circumstances, and Erin is more concerned about her boy crush not knowing that she exists, or her nosey cousin meddling with her life. `Derry Girls’ is a reminder that the teenagers of Northern Ireland dealt with the same growing pains as the rest of the world.
My thoughts: Wow this show is so unique. I’ve never watched anything quite like it, and it honestly sounds too niche to be interested in at first. I was recommended it several times by trusted streaming friends, but somehow I was still wary of it. We decided to give it a chance though, and I’m so happy we did.
If you’re unfamiliar with the details of The Troubles period, you will still be fine. I knew the gist of everything but very unclear of most of the details, but even if you know nothing, you’ll be fine. Basically The Troubles were a tumultuous time of political unrest in Northern Ireland that escalated in the 1990s. This show follows a group of teenage girls living in Derry, Northern Ireland, and what their experience was like going through the difficult teen years during this very difficult period.
There are two seasons but only 12 episodes that are 24 minutes long in each. It’s definitely a quick watch, but I will say, I feel like you need to really pay attention and not be working on too many other things while watching if you want to pick up on all the humor.
3. Trial of the Chicago 7, Netflix, 5 stars
Description: The film is based on the infamous 1969 trial of seven defendants charged by the federal government with conspiracy and more, arising from the countercultural protests in Chicago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The trial transfixed the nation and sparked a conversation about mayhem intended to undermine the U.S. government.
My thoughts: Can you tell I like to watch content based on true events? Anyways, this film is wild and even more so because it’s based solely on true events. The entire time I kept thinking, “there’s no way this actually happened,” but a long time spent googling later, this movie seems to be an accurate depiction of the events.
It’s so relevant to today, I think the creators were spot on in producing and releasing this now. The acting is amazing, and it was fun to see Eddie Redmayne in something other than Fantastic Beasts.
Oscar nominations haven’t been released at the time I’m writing this, but I think it’s fair to say this will be nominated for something.
4. Mank, Netflix, 4 stars
Description: 1930s Hollywood is reevaluated through the eyes of scathing wit and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish “Citizen Kane.”
My thoughts: We were really excited to watch this because we’re huge movie fans. Citizen Kane is generally regarded as the best film of all time— while I do think movie preferences are so subjective, I do think the movie is really good and I want to learn more about why it’s so highly regarded.
Anyways, moving back to Mank, I thought this was a really good movie to watch right now, especially as we can’t really go to the movies. I knew nothing about this infamous movie, so it was nice to have a little bit more background on it, no matter how dramatized it might have been. The cast was amazing, and the costumes were so classic, even in black and white.
This is also bound to get some notice from the Academy Awards.
5. Rebecca, Netflix, 3.5 stars
Description: A young newlywed arrives at her husband’s imposing family estate on a windswept English coast and finds herself battling the shadow of his first wife Rebecca, whose legacy lives on in the house long after her death. A modern adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier’s gothic novel comes to Netflix: starring Armie Hammer, Lily James, and Kristin Scott Thomas.
My thoughts: I watched this a while ago on a complete whim, but I think I have a new appreciation for it after reading the book in February. It was really well done in my opinion, and it also felt like a total escape to watch— something I know we’re all looking for as of late.
6. Murder Among Mormons, Netflix- 4 stars
Description: Murder Among the Mormons is an American true crime documentary television miniseries following Mark Hofmann, one of the most notable forgers in history, who created forgeries related to the Latter Day Saint movement.
My thoughts: This docuseries is a journey. I really love anything I can learn something new about people, place or things, and I really felt like this made me more knowledgable about the Mormon/LDS faith. I think almost anyone would like this series, and it’s definitely not too scary if that’s something that you usually worry about with true crime.
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Those are the six of the best movies and TV shows to watch on Netflix right now. I will try to keep this as a regular series so you always have new recommendations! What have you been watching on Netflix recently? Let me know in the comments of this post.
