Best Films to Watch on NetFlix or Prime Video during lockdowns

Nothing beats watching a good film.  Throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic- in all three of the lockdowns I can probably speak for most of us when I say I’ve been watching A LOT of films and series.

This third lockdown has been REALLY hard physically and mentally for the entire country. Have you found that too?

We’re all staying in to keep the world safe right now so thank goodness for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video (don’t worry it’s not an affilite link – wish it was I bet they pay well!?! it’s just linking out to help with SEO). It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Always something new to watch. 

Another thing that has been getting me through it (apart from zoom quizzes with family and friends) has been the snacking and food.

I’ve gained a few pounds (not in £, it’s all going on food & heating!!) but when we’re allowed to get back into the wilderness the weight will hopefully come right off again. 

How to watch your film. Well, some fake candles on, twinkly light, literally feet up, with a drink or a tea and ta-da it’s a movie night at home. Plus a takeaway or a home made pizza would be the ultimate.

It’s a great opportunity to also do some ‘self-care’ while it’s on:

• Put a face mask or cleanser on for the first 15 minutes
• Let your newly painted nails dry (to be honest, who’s reguarly painting their nails in lockdown?!)
• Give your hands a well deserved massage with some organic hand cream (all the hand washing and hand sanitiser can make them dry)

Gotta have the lounge wear on, with cosy socks and with snacks to hand obviously. 

Films that have been getting me through 2020 and 2021 include some old movies and new ones really, so I’m sharing my list in case you’ve run out of stuff to watch. 

Okay, well I might just as well share my all time list of favourite film quotes and my most favourite actors/actresses include, in priority order:

Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Leonardo Di Caprio, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, Matt Damon, Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock.  

Best film quotes of all time

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” –Ferris Bueller, Ferris Buellers Day Off

“You complete me” -Dorothy, Jerry Maguire

“My mama always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”-Forrest, Forrest Gump

“Wilson” Chuck Noland, Castaway

“Sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.” –Alan Turing, The Imitation Game

“My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next..” Maximus, Gladiator

“You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing you should be trying to control.” –Richard, Eay Pray Love

Series to watch on Sky Atlantic, Netflix or Amazon 

• Cobra Kai -just epic! Addictive watching especially as a karate fan like me. Follow up to the original Karate Kid trilogy starring Ralph Macchio and William Zabka (Jonny, obvs).
• The Undoing – very gripping and disturbing series with Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman.
• The Crown (Series 1, 2, 3)  absolutely incredible – the palaces, the outfits the characters, the history, it’s a must watch.
• Money Heist – amazing series in Spanish about a mastermind plan to rob a bank.
• The Looming Tower – about 9/11, incredibly realistic and awful and tragic.
• Billions – about a billionaire and his trading affairs. brilliant storyline and characters. I’d watch this again actually.
• Ratched – horrendous but original.
• Away – Hilary Swank stars in this series about going up to Mars, very realistic and great cinematography
• The Fall – omg with Jamie Doran and Gillian Anderson – this is absolutely brilliant. About a seriel killer. 
• Bosch – I started this, a cop series and it was really good, then gave up after the 3rd season.
• You – psycholigical thriller about a bookstore owner that becomes obsessed with women. Humourous hut it’s sinister
• Ozark – Jason Bateman stars, really clever and gripping.
• Bombshell & The Loudest Voice – both are true stories about Roger Aisles – a sexual predator that worked at Fox TV.
• Dirty John – true crime story, absolutely catastrophic what he did to her, but worth watching.
• Reign – about Mary Queen of Scots – compelling drama and I learn about history.
• Virgin River – lovely series, enjoyed this after all the seriel killer ones. Definitely warm and heartfelt.
• The Serpent – horrific viewing but a true story about a seriel killer. (loathed watching it but my partner wanted to).
• Mr Robot – brilliant, techy, quick, smart, intruiguing – Christian Slater and Rami Makek.
• Animal Kingdom – very watchable series about criminal activities following their heists.

Recently Watched Films on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video 

• Parasite – korean (it’s subtitled) totally original and really unexpected viewing. A must-see in my book!
• Dark Waters -terrifyingly true story with Mark Ruffalo. I changed ALL my frying pans to ceramic after I saw this.
• The Gentleman -modern Guy Ritchie gangster film with Matthew McConaughey and Hugh Grant
• Rhythm Section – Blake Lively as an assasin.
• The Shallows – about shark attack, gripping starring Blake Lively.
• 1917 – incredible story, 2 soliders risked their lives in the war. Directed by Sam Mendes, inspired by his grandfather.
• Zodiac – scary detective film, but good
• Her – Scarlett Johanson plays an Artifical Intelligence system to help a writer write. 
• Into the Wild – great film about travelling
• If Beale Street could talk – love story, heartfelt about a crime that he didnt do.
• Me before you – just so sad
• The Holiday – one of the best Christmas films to watch with Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jude Law and Jack Black
• Hustle – hilarious comedy with Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway
• The Greatest Showman – feel good musical, brilliant songs.
• Dare to Dream – about the Secret. I love this, it’s all about the universe and positive thinking
• Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2 – a must watch at Christmas time! Fun but deep with Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn (in 2)

My Favourite Movies of All Time 

Film verdict

I must admit, I have actually watched the above ‘Favourites movies of all time’ list MULTIPLE TIMES.

That’s right, some of those bad boys I’ve seen over 20 times each and yes I CAN actually recite the whole film. Is that wierd?

All the Karate Kid films, all the Back to the Future and the Goonies. I have the box sets. (And I have the Sex and the City box set too and I pretty much know most of the lines from some of the episodes). I’m a proud film geek!

Gives you some inspiration if you need a quick film fix. I’m actually glad I’ve written the list, it serves as my reference. I can 100% say they are BRILLIANT.

I am so grateful to all the actors and actresses that worked so hard to make these films. They have got me through peaks and troughs in life. THANK YOU!

Ooh and one more thing – there are other actors I like too (not to exclude anyone!) Will Smith, John Candy, Jodie Foster, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Hugh Grant.

What are your absolute favourite films ever?