Kayla Michaud | Netflix has its own category of originals available to view while scrolling through playlists.
Now that it has officially dropped below freezing temperatures, it is the perfect time to curl up at home with friends and Netflix. Here are some of the top Netflix Originals that you can binge in under two hours.
“John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City”
Following his previous comedy specials “New In Town” and “The Comeback Kid” (also available on Netflix), comedian John Mulaney returns with a new and extremely relevant show driven by his signature vivacity. In “Kid Gorgeous,” John Mulaney dishes on his experiences writing for Saturday Night Live and the reality of meeting idolized celebrities. In a shameless manner, he questions the validity of his childhood education on every matter from anti-bullying campaigns to learning how to be “street smart.” Though he typically doesn’t delve into the realm of politics, Mulaney addresses the current administration with mildly scornful attacks that are balanced out by a playful edge. He also questions the value of his college education, wondering if the ability to think freely in class or get drunk every weekend is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars – a sentiment that is likely shared by the majority of American college students. Overall, Mulaney’s distinctive stage presence, relatability, and youthful energy will have the viewer hooked until the last word.
“The Fundamentals of Caring”
This Netflix Original movie follows the story of Ben (Paul Rudd), a dejected writer who takes up employment as a caregiver. His first job involves taking care of Trevor (Craig Roberts), a sardonic 18 year old who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. After weeks of helping Trevor through his monotonous lifestyle and discovering Trevor’s interest in American roadside attractions, Ben decides that the two of them should embark on a road trip to see all of the attractions that Trevor is fascinated with. What ensues is a hilarious and heartbreaking journey that introduces Ben and Trevor to new experiences, places, and people, including the cynical and adventurous Dot (Selena Gomez). Despite each character’s obvious flaws, the viewer will love every character by the end of the movie. In a darkly humorous and unexpectedly hopeful way, “The Fundamentals of Caring” shows that despite one’s past mistakes or misfortunes, they can do almost anything with a little support.
“To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”
Based off of the bestselling book by Jenny Han, this Netflix Original movie portrays the story of high school junior Lara Jean (Lana Condor), a book-lover who prefers to keep her romantic fantasies in her head and out of her life. In fact, whenever she has a crush, she writes letters addressed to her crushes that she never sends – until Lara Jean’s younger sister decides that she needs a better social life and mails the letters. Lara Jean’s life turns upside down as her love letters uproot all of her previous crushes and bring them into her life, including her childhood best friend Josh (Israel Broussard) and senior heartthrob Peter (Noah Centineo). While navigating a fake relationship and hiding secrets from her family, Lara Jean’s life goes from painfully mortifying to adorably sweet in this ultimate teen romantic comedy.
“Dumplin’”
Based off the novel of the same name by Julie Murphy, this Netflix Original movie follows the story of Willowdean “Will” Dickson (Danielle MacDonald), a Texan teenager who spends most of her childhood being raised by her Aunt Lucy (Hilliary Begley) and hanging out with her best friend Ellen (Odeya Rush). Lucy fosters Will’s sense of self-confidence and her undying love for Dolly Parton, but six months before Will and Ellen’s senior year of high school, Lucy dies. Now, Will is left to deal with her grief and preserve Lucy’s memory as Will’s mom Rosie (Jennifer Aniston) tries to move forward with her career as the previous winner and head of the local beauty pageant. Will resents her mother’s world because her entire hometown places so much emphasis and value on physical beauty, a sore subject for Will due to her more heavyset figure. So, to carry on her Aunt Lucy’s legacy and make a point to her mother, Will decides to enter the beauty pageant. Even though her small act of rebellion started out as a personal vendetta, Will finds herself encouraging other girls to stand up for those who have been body-shamed, learning what real confidence looks like, and finding truly loyal friends – and a love interest – along the way. With tons of lovable characters and a catchy soundtrack by Dolly Parton, “Dumplin’” is a heartwarming, empowering story for anyone who has ever felt uncomfortable in their own body.