Smiley
A charming, escapist Spanish rom-com series that pivots around two gay men, Smiley takes a playful and practical look at all of the complexities surrounding gay and straight modern relationships.
20th Century Girl
A sweet and sentimental 90s-set rom-com, 20th Century Girl is an endearing YA K-drama that reminds us of how important coming-of-age friendships can be.
RRR
A wild, breathtaking, high-octane action blockbuster from India that’s also a parable about the dignity of mankind and the fight for independence and self-rule.
Love & Gelato
Love & Gelato is pretty corny but it’s the exact kind of sweetly innocent confection that will melt in your mouth. What’s more, the film offers a slightly more authentic ending than the average rom-com fare.
Old Enough!
Though the idea of sending a three-year-old to the supermarket by themselves might seem terrifying, the Japanese documentary series Old Enough! is hardly a white-knuckle experience. It’s a sweet and watchable show showcasing the kids’ natural charisma.
We are Lady Parts
This is a funny, endearing, fresh show that demonstrates what proper representation looks like.
Pachinko
Pachinko is a beautiful, sweeping, historic epic spanning generations as one family faces wars, strife, peace, and its own complex legacy.
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.
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.
Letterkenny
Contrary to typical portrayals of small-town folks, the residents of Letterkenny are quick-witted and fully aware of broader social issues. Though they trade unrelenting insults, the warring factions come together more than once to defend one of their own.
The Tinder Swindler
The Tinder Swindler starts as a too-good-to-be-true love story and quickly evolves into a revenge thriller, then a cautionary tale. Though this serves as a reminder that one should trust their gut and be on the lookout for red flags, it’s also a story of perseverance.
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.
Silent Sea
While the American film Don’t Look Up is getting a lot of buzz, Netflix viewers should also check out The Silent Sea for a different perspective on the future of our planet, and the role of our outer space in the search for answers.
Single’s Inferno
A cross between Love Island and Survivor, Single’s Inferno is the perfect guilty pleasure to supplant your own dearth of a social life right now.
Belfast
Belfast benefits from a stellar cast and skilled direction in its depiction of a personal story with a fresh perspective on a complicated moment in history.