It’s that time of the year again: the weather is turning colder, the threat of another miserable Boston winter looms large, and the last thing you want to do is leave your bed. Tis the season of Netflix and Chill, and I mean real Netflix and chill, not ~Netflix and chill~. For the next time you’re ready for a night in with your one true love (movies) and you don’t know what to watch, here’s a list of the most underrated films on Netflix to get you through these cold Boston nights.
1. The Kids Are Alright
This is a fantastic, Oscar-nominated film that is just the right amount of lighthearted and dramatic. The plot centers around what happens when two kids (Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson) decide to get in touch with their sperm donor (Mark Ruffalo), much to the dismay of their two moms (Julianne Moore and Annette Bening). You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll just love it I promise.
2. Good Will Hunting
Three reasons why you should watch this movie: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Boston. The movie is about an MIT janitor who turns out to be a math genius (Damon) and his interactions with his friends, his therapist (Robin Williams)and an MIT who is determined to take him under his wing. Look out for some nice shots of the Boston Commons, and some unreal bromance.
3. The Prince and Me
What happens when a driven, Midwestern college student (Julia Stiles) is swept off her feet by a foreign prince (Luke Malby)? Guess you’ll just have to watch and find out. Expect every romantic comedy that Julia Stiles has ever starred in, but better.
4. Chef
The perfect movie for when you’re starving at 2 a.m. but don’t want to get out of bed. The movie is about a celebrity chef (Jon Favreau) who has a public meltdown, forcing him out of his restaurant and into a food truck. You will be actively drooling at the food in this movie (look out for one really amazing grilled cheese).
5. Mona Lisa Smile
This movie is about a radical art history professor from California (Julia Roberts) who comes to teach at Wellesley College during the 1950s. She struggles against the traditional administration, and she seeks to find meaning in teaching women who are destined to get married as soon as they graduate.
6. Dear Zachary
This is a slightly depressing documentary about a boy whose father was murdered by his mother (okay maybe more than slightly depressing). The documentarian set out to interview people about Zachary’s father, so that he could know more about him when he grew up. Be ready for a twist at the end, moments of heartbreak, and two badass grandparents fighting for custody.
7. The Babadook
Perfect for this Halloween season, The Babadook is an Australian movie about a boy who seems to become possessed by the monster in his creepy bedtime story. It’s a slow burn, but the scares are well worth it in the end.
8. Any Disney Movie
Okay so maybe this is cheating, but you can’t really go wrong with any of the Disney movies on Netflix right now. You’ve got Pocahontas, Mulan, Lilo and Stitch, Tarzan, Hercules, and so many more classics to help you relive your childhood (without the struggles of rewinding the VHS).
9. Short Term 12
This is an incredible movie about the leader of a short-term foster care center (Brie Larson) who is trying to deal with her demanding job as well as her troubled past. It’s a critically acclaimed film that doesn’t tend to get as much attention as some other movies, but it definitely should not be overlooked.
10. Mean Girls
Definitely not underrated, but always a good option. You go Glenn Coco.
Photo Sources:
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