As we change our calendars from April to May, Netflix alters its wide array of things to stream. This month, they’re adding everything from childhood classics to original shows. If you’re stuck at home, these titles are sure to keep you busy. There’s nothing wrong with using a show or a movie as a way to temporarily take your mind off of your worries – especially in this difficult time. Without further ado, here’s what to look forward to this month!
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
This 1971 musical fantasy film is sure to lift your spirits. Based on the Roald Dahl novel and starring Gene Wilder, it’s a nostalgic classic. In case you’re not familiar with the plot, here’s a quick summary: Willy Wonka, an eccentric and secretive candy maker, hides five golden tickets inside his chocolate bar wrappers. Those golden tickets will allow five lucky people inside his candy factory, which has never been seen before. Charlie, a young boy from a poor family, dreams of finding one of the coveted tickets. But will he be lucky enough to find one? Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a wonderfully whimsical film with charming characters, catchy musical numbers and fun all around.
Available starting May 1
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
This 2005 film follows a similar storyline as the 1971 version, but Tim Burton takes a very different route in terms of direction. Starring Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka and Freddy Highmore as Charlie Bucket, the cast is exceptionally strong. Burton allows Depp to dive past Willy Wonka’s surface-level personality, giving him a more fleshed-out backstory and motive. The modern-day special effects and intricate costuming make the visual appeal mesmerizing. If you’re looking for a darker, more detailed take on this classic childhood tale, go with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Available starting May 1
Back to the Future
In this ’80s sci-fi classic, small-town teen Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) travels back to the ’50s after an experiment by his scientist friend Dr. Emmet Brown (Christopher Lloyd) goes wrong. As Marty travels through time, he encounters his parents in their youth and has to make sure they’ll meet and fall in love – otherwise, he’ll cease to exist. This film does it all – sci-fi, comedy, action and even a bit of romance. If you haven’t seen this one, you’re seriously missing out. Check it out and transport yourself back to the 1980s.
Available starting May 1
Back to the Future Part II
In this sequel film, Marty and Dr. Emmet Brown return from saving Marty’s future son only to realize their own time has been altered. Marty and the Doc have to embark on an adventure to save their timeline as they know it. Many sequel films, especially if their predecessor was a cult classic, are downright painful to witness. But Back to the Future Part II is pretty much every bit as enjoyable as the first flick. Its slapstick humor has great timing, each scene contributes to the plot and it still manages to surprise the audience. Some critics regard it as one of the best sequel movies of all time and they’re not too far off. It’s worth the watch.
Available starting May 1
Hollywood
A miniseries straight from the mind of Ryan Murphy, Hollywood details a post-WWII Hollywood in which aspiring members of showbiz will do anything to achieve their goals. The all-star cast includes Patti LuPone, Darren Criss, Jim Parsons, and Queen Latifah. Personally, I binged this the day it came out and while it wasn’t my favorite series ever, it’s still an entertaining one. I found myself able to genuinely connect with all of the characters and while I can attest some of that to the talent of the actors that play them, Murphy does do a genuinely good job creating sympathetic characters. I actually found myself tearing up during the last few scenes – and I never get emotional watching television. This alt-history show does have more than a few flaws, but it’s gripping enough to keep you watching.
Available starting May 1
Dead to Me: Season 2
This Emmy-nominated show chronicles the lives of Jen (Christina Applegate) and Judy (Linda Cardellini). Jen’s husband recently died in a hit-and-run and she’s determined to figure out who killed him. Judy has also suffered a loss of her own. When the pair meet at a support group, they become friends despite their polar-opposite personalities. As they bond, Judy struggles to conceal a life-ruining secret from Jen. If you haven’t checked out the first season yet, do so now. The storyline has one of the best buildups I’ve seen on television. It’s beautifully executed and Applegate and Cardellini make a compelling duo onscreen. I’m really looking forward to Season 2 of this black comedy thriller.
Available starting May 8
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy Vs. the Reverend
Remember Black Mirror’s interactive episode, Bandersnatch? Looks like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is taking a page out of their book. The upcoming episode follows Kimmy (Ellie Kemper) as she prepares for her wedding – but she soon discovers that her former kidnapper Reverend Richard is hiding another group of women in an underground bunker. Will she save them in time? Well, that’s up to you. I’m not entirely sure what to expect from this interactive episode, but I’m still really excited for it. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a modern television gem. Thanks to creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, the writing is the perfect blend of humor and emotion. Not to mention its insanely kooky and lovable characters! I’m definitely looking forward to being reunited with some of my favorite characters from Kimmy Schmidt this month.
Available starting May 12
The Flash: Season 6
This popular CW series stars Grant Gustin as Barry Allen, a.k.a. The Flash. The show began in 2014 and has been going strong ever since. It follows Barry Allen as he tries to balance saving his city as The Flash with maintaining his “normal” life. Out of all the CW’s superhero shows, this is one of the best. Whether or not you’re a fan of the comics, you’ll most likely find something to love about The Flash. It incorporates light humor, impressive action sequences and good-quality special effects. Not to mention, if you’re a first-time viewer, the 131 episodes will keep you occupied for a while.
Available starting May 20
Dynasty: Season 3
A reboot of the 1980s primetime soap opera, Dynasty is about two of America’s richest families – the Carringtons and the Colbys. The first season primarily follows Fallon Carrington (Liz Gillies), daughter of billionaire Blake Carrington; and her feud with her soon-to-be stepmother, Cristal. From there, it’s just drama, drama and more drama. Dynasty is an over-the-top show that also showcases the dark side of wealth. This is one of my guilty pleasure shows – its glitz and camp is just so much fun to witness. Also, props to the wardrobe department for the fashion on this show. It’s insane.
Available starting May 23
I don’t know about you, but my watch list is looking pretty booked. Why not have a nostalgia marathon by pairing the Willy Wonka films with the Back to the Future franchise? Or maybe go full drama with Hollywood and Dynasty. You could even laugh your head off with Dead to Me, Kimmy Schmidt, and The Flash. Or just watch them all – which is what I plan on doing! Thanks to Netflix, your entertainment possibilities are virtually endless. So, what do you plan on watching this May?
Featured image via YouTube
