Craving an escape this summer but just can’t get away? Our writers have found the best original series and movies that will make you feel like you’re on vacation, take you out of this world, or sweep you away to another time and place.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is a fun time filled with impressive acting by its talented cast. Between the laughs, heartfelt moments, and action, this flick checks off all the genres in Cage’s filmography.
Parallels
This French time-travel series on Disney+ has been compared to Stranger Things and Dark, but you can actually watch it with your kids.
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Everything Everywhere All At Once is a collage of farce, action, sci-fi, and metaphysical drama that’s entertaining, yet not overdone.
Moon Knight
The first Disney+ series to introduce a character we haven’t already met in the MCU, Moon Knight throws everything at the wall, and most of it sticks thanks to a diligent and dedicated creative team.
Bridgerton
Emmy nominated for Best Drama and Best Actor (Regé-Jean Page), this sexy, modern, and diverse take on Regency romance is a delightful departure from the traditional. Yet it still has enough conventional elements to appeal to fans of classic Jane Austen.
Our Flag Means Death
Our Flag Means Death is a fun escape into the absurd, and we could all use a reminder that even in the 1700s people had mid-life crises and needed to escape reality as much as we do today.
The Worst Person in the World
The Worst Person in the World is a fluidly told story not about love, but instead about self-awareness, acceptance, and the persistent insecurity that accompanies the pursuit of both.
The Alpinist
Joie de vivre never looked so effortless as it does in The Alpinist. While the spectacular cinematography wows the senses, the beautiful character portrait at its core of an eccentric, backwoods mountain climber stirs the humanity in us all.
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet
This film might break your heart, but it also might inspire you to action. I ended up energized by the idea that we can reverse the loss of wildlife and slow the pace of climate change, and that doing so will make our lives better.
The Lost Daughter
The Lost Daughter proves that Gyllenhaal has a gift for directing and screenwriting. She’s made a film about real, complex people that sticks with you.
Twentysomethings: Austin
This series provides an honest exploration of young adulthood and all the struggles that come with it in a relatable, yet entertaining way. It serves as a refreshing reminder that humor, curiosity, and optimism can serve as important tools in trying and tumultuous times.
The French Dispatch
This is the most Andersonian of Wes Anderson’s movies so far, and arguably his most ambitious work to date. You may find yourself craving more and wanting to re-watch it immediately to pick up what you missed amongst the sensory overload.