Just when it seems like the market is already too saturated, a new streaming service is announced. The abundance of platforms leads to an overall decrease in quality across the board as shows and movies are shuffled between each service as their contracts renew and expire. Trying to find a new show or movie to watch on any one of these platforms can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack; the truly good ones are hidden underneath piles and piles of mediocre filler. Despite these platforms not having an overall strong showing of content, each one has truly great gems interspersed throughout. Here are my personal rankings for the best show and movie on each streaming service.
nETFLIX
tv show: Breaking Bad
It’s no shock that many consider Breaking Bad to be one of the greatest shows of all time. Vince Gilligan’s brilliance shines through in this five-season series. Breaking Bad will have you on the edge of your seat as you follow the rise and fall of anti-hero Walter White and the dark world of New Mexico’s methamphetamine cartel. Breaking Bad is perfect through every episode, running for just the right amount of time to make you want more, but ending at a fitting stopping point without dragging on past its need.
movie: the dark knight
The Dark Knight is the second film in DC’s 2000’s Batman trilogy but can essentially be viewed on its own. Heath Ledger’s iconic performance as the Joker and the epitome of an incredible opening scene make this film worth watching.
HULU
TV SHOW: LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE
Based on Celeste Ng’s novel, Little Fires Everywhere is an incredible drama that will have you questioning your own beliefs of right and wrong.
MOVIE: PARASITE
In 2019 Parasite became the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars, and rightfully so. Parasite is easily the best film I’ve ever watched, filled with symbolism and themes that resonate in both South Korea and the United States. Parasites’ message transcends language and culture, creating an incredible film that will leave your thoughts lingering on its subject for days.
Apple TV
TV Show: Severance
Severance is reminiscent of a Black Mirror episode that’s been fully fleshed out into an entire season full of twists and turns. With a cliff-hanger at the end of each episode, Severance will have you on the edge of your seat as you wait to find out what happens next. Debuting this February, I had the experience of waiting each week for a new episode to drop and I must admit that I spent the better part of each week theorizing what was to come in the next episode. If you decide to watch this show, I guarantee you won’t regret it.
Prime Video
TV SHOW: game of thrones
This one seems pretty self-explanatory. If you haven’t watched GOT already, one: where have you been? and two: you must start now. Be prepared to fall in love with this incredible show but also be warned to not form an emotional attachment to any character, this is for your own good.
movie: midsommar
If you love thrillers and gory horrors this one is for you. Ari Aster’s Midsommar will leave you haunted and unable to fall asleep for days. Midsommar is a bit of a polarizing film with most people either loving or hating it. This unsettling Swedish cult film will either be one of your favorites or something you wish to never watch again, but you won’t know until you try, right?
Peacock:
Tv show: Parks and Recreation
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Parks and Rec is the best sitcom of the 2000s-10s. I genuinely believe it’s better than The Office, though it has a similar feel since they both share the same creator. The characters in Parks and Rec are hilarious and wildly outlandish while also being extremely wholesome at times. The show also has two of my favorite ever tv-couples, though I won’t spoil it by saying who. Parks and Rec is funny from start to finish, without a weak season, getting better and better with every season, without dragging the show on past its expiration date. This show is a must-watch for everyone.
Movie: Mamma Mia!
If you’re in the mood for a fun musical or a bit of European island life escapism, Mamma Mia never disappoints.
Paramount +:
TV SHOW: SURVIVOR
Survivor has been a long-standing favorite show of mine. It’s so much more than a reality show; Survivor is a social experiment and microcosm of American society with such interesting gameplay and strategy dynamics. Paramount + has every single season of Survivor, including the currently airing 42. If you haven’t ever watched Survivor before, now’s the time to become fully invested.