22 Popular Must Watch Tv Shows & Movies On Netflix, Prime, & More!

I have been asking myself lately, what are the new movies and shows out there that we have not seen yet? I’ve been feeling a bit out of the loop in that field. That is why I knew I had to write this post. Not only did I need to catch myself up to date on the trending entertainment, but I have been absolutely craving some kind of show or movie to immerse myself into. Sometimes, you just need to veg in front of the tv for a minute and lose yourself in another world.

I briefly covered this topic in a previous article, Most Popular TV Shows To Watch – HBO, Netflix, Starz Series & More!, but this is a much more in depth follow up.

While we are not huge on movie theatres, we do love the option of renting a new release right on our tv. We are home. The bathroom break can be done within 2 minutes time, instead of a five minute trip down a maze of hallways and back again to the right damn theatre. (You miss half of the stupid movie right there!)

The snacks have already been purchased, as well as the drinks. Mom and dad have the option of having a cocktail while watching. AND…the best part…We have our comfy couch or recliners with pillows and throw blankets for extra comfort. What else do you need?

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Starter List

While I am still investigating, I decided to come up with some recommendations to get you started. We have seen all of these shows and movies over the last couple of years and all of them are well worth checking out. We binge watched some of them! I’ll list the most popular tv series first, followed by recent popular movies you may not have seen yet. Otherwise, they are in no particular order. I’ll also include for each, the release year as well as how you can watch.

All of the shows and movies can be either found on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Paramount, or other venue listed. Most of them are free, but even the ones you have to rent, can be rented all from the comfort of your own home! So, grab some snacks, settle into your favorite chair and find your adventure!

You (Netflix 2018 – )

Description: A dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young man goes to extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of those he is transfixed by. (Click here for the trailer)

My Review: Excellent series that we have kept up with. It is suspenseful, intelligent and shocking at times. Great show. All first 4 seasons are available on Netflix, with a 5th season in the works!

The Diplomat (Netflix 2023 – )

Description: Amid an international crisis, a career diplomat juggles her new high-profile job as ambassador to the UK and her turbulent marriage to a political star. (Click here for the trailer)

My Review: This is a show we discovered a few months back, when it was first released. We loved the first season and anticipate following up when the second season is dropped. Great show to catch up on!

The Night Agent (Netflix 2023- )

Description: While monitoring an emergency line, a vigilant FBI agent answers a call that plunges him into a deadly conspiracy involving a mole at the White House. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: We really enjoyed the first season of this series and will be keeping our eyes open for the release of the second season. It you like suspense, action, conspiracy, and mystery, you will definitely want to give this series a go. It apparently did so well, that Netflix decided to renew for another season, only 6 days after it had been released!

Kaleidoscope (Netflix 2023)

Description: A master thief and his crew attempt an epic and elaborate heist worth $7 billion dollars — but betrayal, greed and other threats undermine their plans. (click here for the trailer)

My Reiew: This was yet another great mini series we enjoyed and was almost kind of sad to see the end of. Lots of action and suspense, along with very intelligent characters. We loved watching how their minds worked in trying to create the ultimate heist. Great show!

Inventing Anna (Netflix 2022)

Description: Audacious entrepreneur or con artist? A journalist chases down the story of Anna Delvey, who convinced New York’s elite she was a German heiress. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: This was a very intriguing mini series. First, the main character, Anna, was played by one of our favorite actresses, Julia Garner. We loved Julia’s role in Ozark, and she did not disappoint in this series. Anna is a very impressive young lady in the way that she was able to manipulate so many people to steal so much money. Her entire facade is one that captures you and makes you want to know more. Fascinating show!

Midnight Mass (Netflix 2021)

Description: The arrival of a charismatic young priest brings glorious miracles, ominous mysteries and renewed religious fervor to a dying town desperate to believe. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: This mini series was recommended by a friend and for good reason. We soon became entrenched in the story line and ended up binge watching it. It explores faith, miracles, sacrifice, and overall, life’s mysteries. It has a creepy sort of ambiance, which only adds to it. Great show to watch on a rainy day.

Lucifer (Netflix 2016 – 2021)

Description: Bored with being the Lord of Hell, the devil relocates to Los Angeles, where he opens a nightclub and forms a connection with a homicide detective. (Click here to see trailer)

My Review: I absolutely love this show! It beautifully integrates suspense, humor, charm, and detective work, all while even giving a bit of food for thought in the spirituality area. Great show and all 6 seasons can still be found on Netflix!

Designated Survivor (Netflix 2016 -2019)

Description: America’s fate rests in the hands of a low-level official after an attack on Washington decimates the government in this gripping political thriller. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: This show had a fascinating plot that kept you guessing. If you are even a little interested in politics and the inner workings of our government, this series will become one of your favorites from Netflix. It dives into the positions and ranks of lawmakers, as well as behind the scenes motivations and decisions. It is suspenseful and educational, while presenting a well written fictional story.

Manifest (Netflix (2018-2023)

Description: When a plane mysteriously lands years after takeoff, the people onboard return to a world that has moved on without them and face strange new realities. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: The is one show we have kept up with. Admittedly, we had to take breaks in between. It can feel a bit redundant after a while, but does have a very interesting plot. We did finish it. Overall, it is a good series to keep you entertained.

Wednesday (Netflix 2022 – )

Description: Smart, sarcastic and a little dead inside, Wednesday Addams investigates a murder spree while making new friends — and foes — at Nevermore Academy. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: While I was never big into The Addams Family when growing up, I do really enjoy this show. Wednesday is quirky, sarcastic, intelligent with a bit of dark humor. She’s awesome in my book…lol! The first season is available on Netflix. While the second season is in production at the moment, there is no release date noted. Regardless, we look forward to the next season when it does drop.

Ozark (Netflix 2017-2022)

Description: A financial adviser drags his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks, where he must launder $500 million in five years to appease a drug boss. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: I can not say enough about this show! It is another series that was recommended by friends, and we loved every bit of it. The actors and actresses did a great job with their characters. The story overall, is compelling, suspenseful, and keeps you wanting more. We were sad when this one finally ended, but so glad to have seen it.

Outlander (Netflix/ Starz – 2014 -)

Description: This epic tale adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s popular series of fantasy-romance novels focuses on the drama of two time-crossed lovers. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: Love this show. It is one we catch every week when a new episode drops…totally addicted! History, time travel, adventure, and star crossed lovers…what more do you need? This is a show we anticipate seeing a new season of, every year. It is currently in it’s seventh season, and has been renewed for a final eighth season. While that makes me sad, there is a prequel series coming out in the future…that’s at least something!

In any event, you can catch the first 5 seasons of Outlander on Netflix, currently. For season 6 and 7, you may have to utilize Starz or some other venue. Awesome show not to be missed!

Succession (HBO 2018 -2023)

Description: The sale of media conglomerate Waystar Royco to tech visionary Lukas Matsson moves ever closer. The prospect of this seismic sale provokes existential angst and familial division among the Roys as they anticipate what their lives will look like once the deal is complete. A power struggle ensues as the family weighs up a future where their cultural and political weight is severely curtailed. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: We have kept up with this show since it’s release. It is very interesting, compelling, and does keep you guessing the whole way through. We are still currently working through the final 4th season. This is yet another show we have to take a break from, every now and them. While it is fascinating to watch, the family drama can be a bit intense. It definitely has humor involved, though, and all of the characters are quite intelligent. Overall, it is a very popular show that will keep you entertained.

Jack Ryan (Amazon Prime 2018 – 2023)

Description: When CIA analyst Jack Ryan stumbles upon a suspicious series of bank transfers his search for answers pulls him from the safety of his desk job and catapults him into a deadly game of cat and mouse throughout Europe and the Middle East, with a rising terrorist figurehead preparing for a massive attack against the US and her allies. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: This is yet another really good politically based show that leaves you completely intrigued with what will happen next. It is suspenseful, action packed, and overall, very entertaining. It is currently in it’s fourth and final season. We have seen the previous 3 seasons already and will be catching up on the 4th very soon. Great watch every time!

The Last Of Us (HBO 2023 -)

Description: After a global pandemic destroys civilization, a hardened survivor takes charge of a 14-year-old girl who may be humanity’s last hope.(click here for the trailer)

My Review: We were pretty sure we would like this show when it dropped this past winter. Along with the awesome trailers, we noticed the cast involved two of our favorite actors from Game Of Thrones (Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey). The first season did not disappoint and we are excited to see the second season when it is released. Well worth the watch!

House Of The Dragon (HBO 2022 -)

Description: The reign of House Targaryen begins: House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, is here. Based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” the series, which is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, tells the story of House Targaryen. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: This is a series we had anticipated seeing, far before it actually got released. I honestly can’t imagine it being better than Game Of Thrones, but I am willing to say it may become at least, as good. So far, it has kept us on the edge of our seat and the finale of the first season was a bit shocking, as HBO likes to do. We can’t wait for the 2nd season to be released. (They seem to be taking their time on that!)

Stranger Things (Netflix 2016 – )

Description: When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: If you have never seen Stranger Things, you don’t know what you are missing! It definitely has the “creepy” supernatural aspect, which will keep you on the edge of your seat. It also has the fascinating addition of a little girl with psychokinetic abilities. You will fall in love with all of the characters, especially Eleven. The plot will keep you guessing and you will quickly join the millions of fans that have followed this series since it’s premiere!

While there is no release date for the final 5th season as of yet, the first 4 seasons can be watched on Netflix.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime 2017 – 2023)

Description: In 1958 New York, Midge Maisel’s life is on track– husband, kids, and elegant Yom Kippur dinners in their Upper West Side apartment. But when her life takes a surprise turn, she has to quickly decide what else she’s good at – and going from housewife to stand-up comic is a wild choice to everyone but her. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: I love this show! Mrs. Maisel is a raunchy female comedian during a time it was quite improper for ladies to speak the way she does. Not only is she absolutely adorable, sarcastic, and funny, but she has a quirky sort of nature that will keep you entertained all the way through. Unfortunately this series has come to an end, but you can catch up on all of the previous seasons easily with Amazon Prime. A great show that will keep you laughing!

Run Rabbit Run (Netflix 2023)

Description: A single mother grows increasingly unsettled by her young daughter’s claims to have memories of another life, stirring up their family’s painful past. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: We actually just watched this movie the other night and it certainly kept our attention the whole way through. You couldn’t quite tell what was reality and what was being imagined or by whom. The ending was a bit surprising, but overall, I give it a thumbs up for psychological thriller. Worth watching for sure!

A Man Called Otto (Netflix 2022)

Description: Enraged by the world and hardened by grief, a cranky retiree plots his own demise but is foiled when a lively young family bursts into his life. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: This was a bit of a tough movie to watch, but a good one. It was only tough, because you feel so bad for the main character. He is eventually pushed to realize one major lesson in life: Even when it doesn’t feel like life will ever get any better and there is no point to continuing, the universe always has a plan for you. Someday, it will make sense.

Top Gun – Maverick (Paramount/Amazon Prime – 2022)

Description: After thirty years, Maverick is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN’s elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it. (click here for the trailer)

My Review: As expected, Top Gun (Maverick) was a great movie. The plot was very similar to the original Top Gun movie, but it still was a bit nostalgic for those of us who grew up with the original. I do wish we would have seen this on the big screen instead of at home…it would’ve definitely added to the experience. Overall, I recommend seeing this movie if you haven’t already.

John Wick #1, #2, #3, and #4 (Amazon Prime 2014 -2023)

Description: These films follow John Wick (Keanu Reeves), a legendary hitman who is forced out of retirement to seek revenge against the men who killed his puppy, a final gift from his recently deceased wife. (click here for John Wick #1 trailer), (John Wick #2), (John Wick #3), (John Wick #4)

My Review: We absolutely love the John Wick movie series. The character is badass and Keanu Reeves is exceptional at playing the role. Completely action packed, incredible fighting skills, with a heart breaking back story, this movie series is definitely one to get into. If you have been living under a rock and have never heard of it, you don’t know what you are missing!

We have seen John Wick #1 and #2 on a few occasions, but we have yet to see #3 or #4. That is certainly on our To-Do list for the very near future. I’m sure they will both be as good as the first two. Highly recommend!

Final Thoughts…

Again, these are only movies and shows I have seen that I can personally recommend. I have another small list already started for a future blog, but this should keep you busy for a few months I think 😉 Keep your eye out for future tv and movie recommendations! Better yet, sign up for our newsletter and you will receive a heads up as soon as those articles are published!

Until next time…Cheers!

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