Don’t get me wrong, I love sitting down and experiencing a fresh, new story to invest a few hours in, but there’s nothing like a night with a classic. From lighthearted screwballs to masterpieces of world cinema, spending time inside leaves room for amazing stories to be told and retold!
If you’re looking for something new to watch, or want an excuse to revisit a favorite, here are some recommendations to fill your days.
The landmark, award-winning show Atlanta landed onto my classic’s list for the sole reason of being one of the most refreshing comedies with snappy dialogue, great soundtrack, and brilliant acting paired with a semi-surreal take on our modern pop-culture and politics.
Showrunner Donald Glover and collaborator Miro Murai persistently innovate music videos and hip hop television in Atlanta’s brilliantly rewatchable two seasons.
Where to Stream: Hulu (which has a student plan with Spotify)
Barry Jenkin’s generation-defining Oscar winner Moonlight is a masterpiece in LGBTQ+ and African American cinema. The number of times I’ve seen Chiron’s coming of age and interpersonal struggles are equal to the stars I give Jenkin’s sensitive and emotional classic.
Moonlight will send you on a journey of identity and provide a launch board into a whole world of amazing LGBTQ+ stories!
Where to Stream: Netflix
A light-hearted, star-studded classic that I’ve unapologetically seen thousands of times. Paddington is a cute, family movie of that one bear with the cute red hat being nothing more than a cute little bear with a cute red hat. Paddington of course is played by Ben Whishaw alongside Oscar-nominee Sally Hawkins, Peter Capaldi of Doctor Who fame, and Nicole Kidman, who provides the film with a perfectly lighthearted villainous presence.
There’s nothing more wholesome to watch when you’re in the mood for marmalade.
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime (to rent)
Big Little Lies is yet another ensemble cast with one of the most well-written and well-acted shows that I have had the chance to view. The delves into all kinds of topics, such as domestic abuse, femininity, wealth, and it’s drenched in drama and a stellar soundtrack.
A cast consisting of Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Zoe Kravitz, Adam Scott, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, and Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies will keep you pressing “Next Episode” for the entirety of its two seasons.
Where to Stream: Hulu, HBO Now, YouTube (with subscription)
All right, this list wouldn’t be complete without a superhero movie. Call me simple, but I’ve always loved Spider-Man for the quirky action and the development of the hero over the dozens of film and TV adaptations. After 21 years of Spidey viewing, nothing beats the style and creative direction Into the Spider-Verse innovated with the superhero genre. All the while, it allowed us to fall in love and root for Miles Morales, doing what Spider-Man does best: shoot webs and… turn invisible?
Into the Spider-Verse is a refreshing re-watch from every facet, breathing life into an endlessly fun genre and character!
I hope this list meets your summer re-watch cravings, ranging from LGBTQ+ cinema to blockbusters to nail-biting drama. Beat the heat and revisit some new classics!
