10 More Movies to Stream While Quarantined

Since we're all still stuck at home, here are ten more films you can watch with your family to take your mind off of things. The list spans multiple genres and years, so there should be something for everyone! They can all be found on popular streaming services and, most importantly, have my stamp of approval.

Onward (2020)

One positive development of the brutal COVID-19 pandemic is that, with theaters closed, studios have begun streaming films that were just released earlier this year. I posted a full review of this film and you can check that out if you want a deep dive into Onward. The film takes place in a Dungeons and Dragons-like world where two elf brothers attempt to use lost magic to spend one final day with their deceased father. Although it does not quite reach the heights of the best Pixar films, it's a fun watch with a touching finale.

Available on Disney+*

Minority Report (2002)

Part sci-fi, part film noir, Minority Report centers on a fascinating question: What if we could stop crimes before they happen? Tom Cruise is John Anderton, an official part of the "pre-crime" program that sees and prevents murders before they are carried out. However, he begins to question whether this is truly right when the system predicts that he will murder someone in thirty-six hours. This film has everything you could ever want: exciting action scenes, an engaging mystery, complex moral dilemmas, and a thrilling twist.

Available on Netflix

The Social Network (2010)

Deemed by many critics to be the best film of the 2010s, The Social Network feels even more relevant in 2020 as Facebook has continued to play a massive role in our personal lives, media, and politics. Fincher and Sorkin tell the story of Zuckerberg, the founding of Facebook, and the effect this had on those closest to the founder. Full of great performances and compelling writing, this film is worth revisiting or enjoying for the first time. 

Available on Netflix

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

If you have never watched non-English language films, Crouching Tiger is a wonderful place to start. Set in ancient China, the story centers on a young warrior who steals a famous sword of legend from a master swordsman. This film has some of the best fight scenes put to screen in the last twenty years. It keeps you engaged from start to finish with its beauty and ingenuity. Don't let the subtitles scare you away.

Available on Netflix

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

I didn't think we needed another Spider-Man movie after the previous six. Spider-Verse not only changed my mind; it completely redefined what a comic book movie could be. The movie follows the familiar Spider-Man origin story as Miles Morales is bitten by a radioactive spider. Then the plot takes a turn and introduces multiple Spider-People from different universes. The premise seems silly, but this film was beloved by critics for a reason. The animation is unlike anything done before and the story is creative and refreshing for the most often-told story this century.

Available on Netflix

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

This legendary comedy about a teenager skipping school is simple, straightforward, and wonderful. This film is oft-imitated, never equaled in its carefree depiction of youth and freedom from "the man." In this crazy world, we could all use a day off from our concerns, and Ferris Bueller is just the medicine we need.

Available on Netflix

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Modern comedy owes so much to the guys from Monty Python. Forty-five years later, this film is still hilarious. The writing is as clever as they come and endlessly quotable. Presented as multiple skits strung together with a common narrative theme, the jokes are non-stop from the opening credits to the finale. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is guaranteed to lift your spirits.

Available on Netflix

Fighting with My Family (2019)

This is a one-of-a-kind film. The premise is odd: a girl whose family is obsessed with professional wrestling gets a chance to try out for the WWE. Fighting with My Family takes you into the world of professional wrestling in a way that's both informative and intriguing. Florence Pugh is a star in the making and is wonderful as the lead. Even if you aren't a wrestling fan or have no familiarity with the sport—I'm not and I didn't—you will find this film a fun and engaging watch.

Available on Prime Video and Hulu

Annie Hall (1977)

If you like Seinfeld or observational comedy, you'll love this film. The quintessential New York movie, Annie Hall follows a quirky, neurotic comedian who falls in love. With one of the best scripts ever written, this film is witty and thoughtful. Woody Allen walked so Jerry Seinfeld could run.

Available on Prime Video

Rango (2011)

In the spirit of The Three Amigos, this film puts a twist on the "I'm not who I say I am" trope. Rango centers on a domesticated chameleon who finds himself in a desert town whose inhabitants turn to him to save them from bandits. It's a fun, clever animated flick that appeals to both adults and children. 

Available on Prime Video

CJH

*Availability as of April 2020