The long list of Netflix originals continues to grow. What started out as a DVD delivering service has grown to become one of the most powerful entertainment outlets in the world. The streaming giant started pushing out original content with House of Cards years ago, and they haven't looked back since. I know, it takes countless minutes to dig through the Netflix catalog. Although their algorithms can predict what shows and movies you may want to see next, they aren't always on point. We got you.
This will be a docile weekend, before Thanksgiving and Black Friday turn families into food filled shopaholics. That means, you have one weekend to yourself before your cousins, aunts, and grandparents ask if you're married with kids yet, although you're only in your mid-20s. Let's get the thought of intrusive family and long lines for electronics out of our minds though. Netflix has a great list of original content that you can binge this weekend. Chris Pine and Aaron Taylor-Johnson step out of the comic book world and into the past with Outlaw King, an epic historical drama. The Holiday Calendar is a dope movie for those who may be itching to get into the holiday spirit. If historical dramas and holiday movies aren't your thing, don't worry. We've got a varied list of Netflix Originals for you below, check them out.
Outlaw King
Starring Chris Pine, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh
This historical action drama follows Robert the Bruce, a Scottish king who launched a guerrilla war against the English army. Reviews for the film claimed it was boring, but it appears the critics got it wrong once again. Viewers are falling in love with what is being dubbed at Chris Pine’s Game Of Thrones moment. If you love war epics, Outlaw King is a must watch.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
Starring James Franco, Liam Neeson, Tim Blake Nelson
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is an anthology western that gives viewers six separate stories in one film. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Near Algodones, Meal Ticket, All Gold Canyon, The Gal Who Got Rattled, and The Mortal Remains all interweave stories about cowboys, gold miners, traveling performers, bank robbers, and more. Directed by the Coen brothers, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is dark, funny, and wildly entertaining.
Narcos: Mexico
Starring Diego Luna, Michael Peña, Alejandro Edda
Netflix's Narcos is leaving Colombia and heading to the mainland. The series will now focus on the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel in the 80s. Félix Gallardo unified several Mexican gangs to become one of the most dangerous men in history. DEA Agent Kiki Camarena is assigned to take down Gallardo as an undercover operative, and things become complicated fast. You can head to the history books to see how this story ends, or you can wait for Narcos: Mexico to blow your mind.
The Degenerates
Starring Brad Williams, Christina Pazsitzky, Big Jay Oakerson
Six stand-up comedians deliver some of the crudest and most raunchy entertainment that Netflix has to offer. The comedy special gives Yamaneika Saunders, Big Jay Oakerson, Christina Pazsitzky, and others the opportunity to lay down irreverent humor that will force you to let out your most embarrassing laugh. Skip whatever other stand-up flicks you had in mind, and start The Degenerates today.
Medal Of Honor
Starring Oliver Hudson, Ben Schwartz, Paul Wesley
This Netlifx original documentary honors soldiers that have earned the Medal of Honor award. The actions that led these heroic warriors to earn the medal are re-created for the show. The eight-part series shines a light on the same number of soldiers who were involved in epic battles from the 20th and 21st century. If historical drama based in non-fiction is your thing, Medal of Honor offers an in-depth look into the life of eight real-life heroes.
Joe Rogan Strange Times
Starring Joe Rogan
Netflix describes Rogan’s latest stand up as “Outspoken as ever,” as he takes on “current culture, pro wrestling, pot laws, cats, vegans and more in a stand-up special shot in Boston.” If you’re familiar with Rogan’s work, Strange Times won’t be a shocker for you. He touches on several topics that highlight his own political and societal views, without making the comedy trite or preachy.
The Kindergarten Teacher
Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Parker Sevak, Gael García Bernal
Based on the breakout Israeli hit of the same name, The Kindergarten Teacher is one of the most talked about dramas of the season. The story follows Gyllenhaal as a kindergarten school teacher who is in a passionless marriage that resulted in kids who don’t have much time for their mother. She discovers a young child who appears to be a poetic prodigy, and her struggles to cultivate his talent leads her on an emotional journey.
Westside
Netflix understands that people enjoy reality television in the same way they enjoy junk food. Westside highlights nine struggling artists who are thrown together to help create a Hollywood showcase. “We didn’t have a mission to get into music TV, but we knew that American Idol and The Voice had been such an important part of the reality lexicon,” Netflix’s director of unscripted originals and acquisitions Jenn Levy told Billboard. “Kevin and Michael wanted to tell an authentic story about young people pursuing their dreams and broaden the storytelling with original music. They pitched a great idea that spoke to us. That’s what made us say yes.”
The Patriot Act With Hasan Minhaj
Starring Hasan Minhaj
Hasan Minhaj gets his own weekly talk show where he touches on politics, current events, sports, and other trending news. Minhaj is the first Indian-American host of a weekly comedy show, and he delivers his authentic views about the US from a global perspective. Netflix ordered 32 episodes of the series from the Daily Show alumni, which will be one of the few series on the streaming site that isn’t packaged in a binge-ready format.
The Holiday Calendar
Starring Kat Graham, Quincy Brown, Ethan Peck
The holidays are around the corner, and a good Christmas romantic comedy is always essential for the snuggling season. The Holiday Calendar follows Abby Sutton, who receives an advent calendar that gives her hints about what will transpire in her love life. Sutton gets twisted up in magical intervention and love just in time for the most wonderful time of the year. The classic tale of unrequited, or unrealized, love between best friends plays a part as she has her eyes on another lover altogether. Nothing like a Christmas love story to keep things cozy.