Looking for something new to watch but bored of scrolling through Netflix?…
Write down some of your favourite films, actors and directors and I (or the community) will try to give you personalised recommendations based on your tastes.
If you have any recommendations of your own, feel free to share them!
First off, Arrival is a great film! I think you might also like:
1. Ex Machina | Although it's not very much 'like' Arrival, I'd argue it's very character-driven.
2. Sunshine | Directed by Danny Boyle, Cillian Murphy and a team of scientists go to 'reignite the sun'.
3. Blade Runner | It's very 80's dark and moody, but it inspired a lot of modern sci-fi and once you've watched that you can watch Blade Runner 2049, which is arguably 'better' for a modern audience,
Ooohh, interesting. Okay, well here are some Crime Thrillers, but I'm not promising they have a twist, otherwise that would spoil any potential twists 😉
1. Nightcrawler | Not exactly crime-focused, but it's shady af. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and is currently on Netflix!
2. Prisoners | Another film with starring Gyllenhaal alongside Hugh Jackman and Paul Dano. Big thriller vibes, Hugh Jackman's daughter goes missing and because the police take their time in looking for her, Jackman tries to find her himself. Also on Netflix.
3. The Departed | Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson. This film is all about crime... It's just fantastic. Also, I found out recently it's an American adaptation of a Chinese film called Infernal Affairs. This one is on Amazon Prime, included with a premium subscription.
4. The Usual Suspects | If you don't mind watching Kevin Spacey, this is a definite crime thriller and is on Amazon for £3.49.
Thanks so much Tom, these all sound fantastic - I can clearly see you're a fan of Jake Gyllenhaal 😂 I've added them to my list! I swear I've seen The Departed before, but can't remember the storyline that clearly, so probably time to refresh my mind there!
Oh, good one.... Well, if you've not seen Three Billboards that would be the obvious place to start as it's also written and directed by Martin McDonagh - as was Seven Psychopaths (but I didn't like that).
Otherwise, you might like these:
1. Filth | James McAvoy plays a twisted copper in Glasgow, based on the book by Ivine Welsh. I'd say it's darker than In Bruges but not as funny, though it does have its moments. It's on NowTV or Amazon Prime for £2.49
2. The Grand Budapest Hotel | A very different feel (as it's Wes Anderson), but a similar witty and dialogue-driven humour. It's a bit 'whackier' than In Bruges but I really enjoyed it. It's on Disney+ and Amazon Prime for £3.49
3. Confessions of a Dangerous Mind | I've not actually seen this but have recently added it to my watch list based on the trailer. It's got good reviews & ratings, a good cast and the trailer makes me think it has a similar vibe to In Bruges. On Amazon Prime for £3.49
4. Layer Cake | You've probably seen it but it doesn't get much attention these days and it's still a pretty good crime drama, with some pretty funny scenes. On Amazon, free if you have Prime or £2.49 if you don't.
I want to watch something about a super hero. A dark super hero, preferably one played by Christian Bale and includes other stars such as; Michael Caine, Tom Hardy and Morgan Freeman. Any suggestions?
1. Batman Begins, The Dark Knight & The Dark Knight Rises should keep you happy for a while.
2. The Prestige | It's not a superhero film but it's directed by Christopher Nolan and stars Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine and Scarlet Johansson. It's on Netflix too!
3. Chronicle | I'm pretty sure I liked this when it came out in 2012 but it doesn't get much attention. It's pretty dark mind you, and although it's not a superhero film per se, the characters do have super powers! On Disney+ or Amazon Prime for £3.49
How about a whimsical rom/com that doesn't really feel like a rom/com, that I can talk about confidently as a film that I like... I'm thinking like Midnight in Paris or About Time. No more Richard Curtis suggestions though - I've seen them all 😬
Oooh, whimsical is a word that that's not used enough. Also, Rom-Coms can be so hit and miss, so I'm glad you asked. Here's what I've got for you:
1. Palm Springs | This came out just a few months ago and it's a very refreshing take on the typical rom-com... I don't want to give too much away but I loved it, as has everyone else I know to have seen it. Serious top pick right here. It's on Amazon Prime, free for Prime customers.
2. Plus One | Watched this last year, a definite rom-com. It's funny, and although it's not totally original, it doesn't feel overdone if that makes sense. Basically, two single friends agree to be each other's plus-ones for all the weddings they've got coming up. This one is on Netflix.
3. Crazy Stupid Love | Not new but I've always enjoyed this film. Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell and Emma Stone - what's not to love? This is on Amazon Prime for free if you're a customer, or for £3.49.
4. Blinded by the Light | Is it a rom-com or a tribute to Bruce Springsteen? It's both! Lots of great music and really quite delightful, I watched this last year and really liked it. Also, has a good cameo from Rob Brydon.
Ah nice, been meaning to watch blinded by the lights for a while, this might be the little nudge I need to prioritise it. I have a soft spot for Springsteen too.
Sorry for the late reply - was on my way to the pub! This is a tough one as I've not seen it. In fact, I know nothing about it! 😬 That said, based on the trailer and a little research, I think you might like these...
1. Sideways | Another (I think) dry(ish) American rom-com about a couple of guys that go to a vineyard for a 'bachelor party', stars Paul Giamatti and Sandra Oh... I watch some of this on Film4 when I was 15 and honestly I was really bored, but I was probably too young. If I remember rightly, they're very snobby about wine. It's on Disney+ or on Amazon for £3.49
2. Kajillionaire | This could go either way, it's quite a strange film. Very off the wall, a little arty (but not pretentiously) with a bit of a love story. It's quite different, but it might surprise you. Can watch on Sky Cinema or Now TV, or pay £7.99 on Amazon Prime... It's quite new!
3. Blue Valentine | Ryan Gosling stars alongside Michelle Williams in this, I wouldn't say it's particularly light and probably lacks the comedy aspects of The Unbelievable Truth but something about the TUT trailer reminded me of Blue Valentine. This one is on Amazon Prime for £2.49
I hope you like these, as I said it's hard to make recommendations based on a film I've never heard of! Let me know if you watch any of the above and what you thought!
Great recommendations!! I have seen Sideways and absolutely love it - agree this would be an excellent choice. I’ll certainly give the other two a go and would encourage a viewing of at least one Hal Hartley film at some point. (With reference to your piece about the Sopranos— Edie Falco who plays Carmela is also cast in Hartley’s film ‘Trust’)🍿
I'm glad you think so! Definitely, the hardest comment to respond to 😅 I'll look into Hartley because I've not seen any of his films. Just watched the trailer for 'Trust' and Falco is unrecognisable! Seriously, I couldn't figure out who she was!
Gangster movies with a twist... Okay, well twists are ruined if you're expecting one so there's no guarantee in these recommendations 😉
1. Heat | I watched this recently, and although it's quite long and can be slow at times, it stars Robert De Niro alongside Al Pacino in a cops & robbers / cat & mouse chase. It's different to what I expected, and there are some really cool scenes. It's the kind of film that makes you want to rob a bank. Free on Amazon if you're a Prime member.
2. Road to Perdition | This is old-school gangsters, Tom Hanks tries to save his young son who's a witness to his boss committing a murder. It's on Amazon for £3.49
3. Reservoir Dogs | One of Quentin Tarantino's earliest films, and one of his best. Not your typical gangster film but it's very compelling. It's on Amazon for £2.49
4. Uncut Gems | If you've not seen this yet, get on it. Arguably Adam Sandler's best film. It's not much of a gangster film exactly, but it's not a million miles away. You can watch this one on Netflix.
Hope that helps, also check out the recommendations for Romy, you'll probably like those as well. I think The Departed especially.
Ah, this is a bit of a test as White Chicks isn't quite my taste but I'll do my best...
1. The Other Guys | Another whacky (but less able) cop duo (Will Ferrel and Mark Walhburg) try to take on a big case and prove to their colleagues that they're not as incompetent as everyone thinks... This one is on Netflix. I don't like it as much as the two films below, but it might be more like White Chicks than either of these ones...
2. Hunt for the Wilderpeople | This is one of the best comedies I've seen in recent years. It's absolutely nothing like White Chicks, not in any way, shape or form but I loved it and I don't think it's talked about enough. So, give it a go, it's really good. You can watch it on Amazon for £1.99 - that's less than a meal deal!
3. Booksmart | Moving away from male-dominated films, this is a newish film that I hadn't heard of until recently and it made me laugh A LOT. Two high-school girls are about to graduate and, having played it safe throughout their school lives so far, want to have a blow-out night to commemorate the occasion. You can watch this on Netflix as well.
Oh god, you've seen both of them! Well, if you like Wilderpeople then you should also try What We Do in the Shadows, same writer-director but a very different film.
Currently, I've got a lot on my head, so I'm in need of some good comedies, comedy-dramas, comedy-romances. I mean something like "The Big Sick" or "Yesterday" movies or "The Marvelous Ms. Maisel" and the "Ted Lasso" series. Please help me out here :)
So, while comments are technically closed, I can't leave you to flicking through Netflix forever! Here's a few I think you might like:
1) Palm Springs
AND
2) Plus One
I've stolen these from another recommendation above (scroll up for more info) but both of these are a refreshing take on the typical rom-com... Of the two, Palm Springs is my favourite - very, very funny.
3) Minari. If you're in the UK there are a few streaming options, including Amazon for £4.99. It's not exactly a super happy, feel-good film, but it did leave me feeling good. So it's not a comedy, but if you're looking for a distraction this film is delightful - and it picked up an Oscar earlier this year.
As a side, if you want a fairly easy-going, comedy/drama I really loved Call My Agent on Netflix - it's set in Paris, all in French and includes regular cameos from big French stars.
Hey Thomas, I've seen Palm Springs before and I really enjoyed it, so I was sure that the rest of your recommendations will hit the spot 🎯. Last night I watched Plus One and it was great. I had many laughs and aww moments. Seeing Hughie from "The Boys" series in this role was fun. My plan is to see Minari or Call My Agent next weekend. Thanks for all and have a great day ✌️
Hey Stygi, very glad to hear I'm hitting the mark and even happier to hear you liked Plus One... I think that's a big one that went unnoticed last year (year before?). Call My Agent is a series, I've just finished it (unless they're making another) and I feel a big hole inside me - I'm sure you'll like Minari too but it's not like any of the other recommendations. Let me know how you get on! 😊
Arrival-esque Sci-fi dramas, please!
First off, Arrival is a great film! I think you might also like:
1. Ex Machina | Although it's not very much 'like' Arrival, I'd argue it's very character-driven.
2. Sunshine | Directed by Danny Boyle, Cillian Murphy and a team of scientists go to 'reignite the sun'.
3. Blade Runner | It's very 80's dark and moody, but it inspired a lot of modern sci-fi and once you've watched that you can watch Blade Runner 2049, which is arguably 'better' for a modern audience,
Thanks 😎
Pleasure! I should have said:
1. Ex Machina is on Amazon Prime, free if you have a subscription.
2. Sunshine is on Disney+ (which surprised me) or Amazon Prime for £3.49
3. Blade Runner is on Sky Cinema, or Amazon for £3.49.
Crime/Thriller with a twist please :)
Ooohh, interesting. Okay, well here are some Crime Thrillers, but I'm not promising they have a twist, otherwise that would spoil any potential twists 😉
1. Nightcrawler | Not exactly crime-focused, but it's shady af. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and is currently on Netflix!
2. Prisoners | Another film with starring Gyllenhaal alongside Hugh Jackman and Paul Dano. Big thriller vibes, Hugh Jackman's daughter goes missing and because the police take their time in looking for her, Jackman tries to find her himself. Also on Netflix.
3. The Departed | Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson. This film is all about crime... It's just fantastic. Also, I found out recently it's an American adaptation of a Chinese film called Infernal Affairs. This one is on Amazon Prime, included with a premium subscription.
4. The Usual Suspects | If you don't mind watching Kevin Spacey, this is a definite crime thriller and is on Amazon for £3.49.
Thanks so much Tom, these all sound fantastic - I can clearly see you're a fan of Jake Gyllenhaal 😂 I've added them to my list! I swear I've seen The Departed before, but can't remember the storyline that clearly, so probably time to refresh my mind there!
Got anything that can scratch my In Bruges itch? :)
Oh, good one.... Well, if you've not seen Three Billboards that would be the obvious place to start as it's also written and directed by Martin McDonagh - as was Seven Psychopaths (but I didn't like that).
Otherwise, you might like these:
1. Filth | James McAvoy plays a twisted copper in Glasgow, based on the book by Ivine Welsh. I'd say it's darker than In Bruges but not as funny, though it does have its moments. It's on NowTV or Amazon Prime for £2.49
2. The Grand Budapest Hotel | A very different feel (as it's Wes Anderson), but a similar witty and dialogue-driven humour. It's a bit 'whackier' than In Bruges but I really enjoyed it. It's on Disney+ and Amazon Prime for £3.49
3. Confessions of a Dangerous Mind | I've not actually seen this but have recently added it to my watch list based on the trailer. It's got good reviews & ratings, a good cast and the trailer makes me think it has a similar vibe to In Bruges. On Amazon Prime for £3.49
4. Layer Cake | You've probably seen it but it doesn't get much attention these days and it's still a pretty good crime drama, with some pretty funny scenes. On Amazon, free if you have Prime or £2.49 if you don't.
Thank you!
I want to watch something about a super hero. A dark super hero, preferably one played by Christian Bale and includes other stars such as; Michael Caine, Tom Hardy and Morgan Freeman. Any suggestions?
Also, preferably a trilogy.
I see what you did there....
1. Batman Begins, The Dark Knight & The Dark Knight Rises should keep you happy for a while.
2. The Prestige | It's not a superhero film but it's directed by Christopher Nolan and stars Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine and Scarlet Johansson. It's on Netflix too!
3. Chronicle | I'm pretty sure I liked this when it came out in 2012 but it doesn't get much attention. It's pretty dark mind you, and although it's not a superhero film per se, the characters do have super powers! On Disney+ or Amazon Prime for £3.49
How about a whimsical rom/com that doesn't really feel like a rom/com, that I can talk about confidently as a film that I like... I'm thinking like Midnight in Paris or About Time. No more Richard Curtis suggestions though - I've seen them all 😬
Oooh, whimsical is a word that that's not used enough. Also, Rom-Coms can be so hit and miss, so I'm glad you asked. Here's what I've got for you:
1. Palm Springs | This came out just a few months ago and it's a very refreshing take on the typical rom-com... I don't want to give too much away but I loved it, as has everyone else I know to have seen it. Serious top pick right here. It's on Amazon Prime, free for Prime customers.
2. Plus One | Watched this last year, a definite rom-com. It's funny, and although it's not totally original, it doesn't feel overdone if that makes sense. Basically, two single friends agree to be each other's plus-ones for all the weddings they've got coming up. This one is on Netflix.
3. Crazy Stupid Love | Not new but I've always enjoyed this film. Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell and Emma Stone - what's not to love? This is on Amazon Prime for free if you're a customer, or for £3.49.
4. Blinded by the Light | Is it a rom-com or a tribute to Bruce Springsteen? It's both! Lots of great music and really quite delightful, I watched this last year and really liked it. Also, has a good cameo from Rob Brydon.
Ah, and Blinded by the Light is on Netflix 😁
Ah nice, been meaning to watch blinded by the lights for a while, this might be the little nudge I need to prioritise it. I have a soft spot for Springsteen too.
I thought you might like a bit of Bruce! It’s really good - you’ll like this.
Hal Hartley/ The Unbelievable Truth - but no David Lynch please!
Sorry for the late reply - was on my way to the pub! This is a tough one as I've not seen it. In fact, I know nothing about it! 😬 That said, based on the trailer and a little research, I think you might like these...
1. Sideways | Another (I think) dry(ish) American rom-com about a couple of guys that go to a vineyard for a 'bachelor party', stars Paul Giamatti and Sandra Oh... I watch some of this on Film4 when I was 15 and honestly I was really bored, but I was probably too young. If I remember rightly, they're very snobby about wine. It's on Disney+ or on Amazon for £3.49
2. Kajillionaire | This could go either way, it's quite a strange film. Very off the wall, a little arty (but not pretentiously) with a bit of a love story. It's quite different, but it might surprise you. Can watch on Sky Cinema or Now TV, or pay £7.99 on Amazon Prime... It's quite new!
3. Blue Valentine | Ryan Gosling stars alongside Michelle Williams in this, I wouldn't say it's particularly light and probably lacks the comedy aspects of The Unbelievable Truth but something about the TUT trailer reminded me of Blue Valentine. This one is on Amazon Prime for £2.49
I hope you like these, as I said it's hard to make recommendations based on a film I've never heard of! Let me know if you watch any of the above and what you thought!
Great recommendations!! I have seen Sideways and absolutely love it - agree this would be an excellent choice. I’ll certainly give the other two a go and would encourage a viewing of at least one Hal Hartley film at some point. (With reference to your piece about the Sopranos— Edie Falco who plays Carmela is also cast in Hartley’s film ‘Trust’)🍿
I'm glad you think so! Definitely, the hardest comment to respond to 😅 I'll look into Hartley because I've not seen any of his films. Just watched the trailer for 'Trust' and Falco is unrecognisable! Seriously, I couldn't figure out who she was!
Gangster movie with a twist maybe?
Gangster movies with a twist... Okay, well twists are ruined if you're expecting one so there's no guarantee in these recommendations 😉
1. Heat | I watched this recently, and although it's quite long and can be slow at times, it stars Robert De Niro alongside Al Pacino in a cops & robbers / cat & mouse chase. It's different to what I expected, and there are some really cool scenes. It's the kind of film that makes you want to rob a bank. Free on Amazon if you're a Prime member.
2. Road to Perdition | This is old-school gangsters, Tom Hanks tries to save his young son who's a witness to his boss committing a murder. It's on Amazon for £3.49
3. Reservoir Dogs | One of Quentin Tarantino's earliest films, and one of his best. Not your typical gangster film but it's very compelling. It's on Amazon for £2.49
4. Uncut Gems | If you've not seen this yet, get on it. Arguably Adam Sandler's best film. It's not much of a gangster film exactly, but it's not a million miles away. You can watch this one on Netflix.
Hope that helps, also check out the recommendations for Romy, you'll probably like those as well. I think The Departed especially.
Something as hilarious as White Chicks - if that’s even possible…😂
Ah, this is a bit of a test as White Chicks isn't quite my taste but I'll do my best...
1. The Other Guys | Another whacky (but less able) cop duo (Will Ferrel and Mark Walhburg) try to take on a big case and prove to their colleagues that they're not as incompetent as everyone thinks... This one is on Netflix. I don't like it as much as the two films below, but it might be more like White Chicks than either of these ones...
2. Hunt for the Wilderpeople | This is one of the best comedies I've seen in recent years. It's absolutely nothing like White Chicks, not in any way, shape or form but I loved it and I don't think it's talked about enough. So, give it a go, it's really good. You can watch it on Amazon for £1.99 - that's less than a meal deal!
3. Booksmart | Moving away from male-dominated films, this is a newish film that I hadn't heard of until recently and it made me laugh A LOT. Two high-school girls are about to graduate and, having played it safe throughout their school lives so far, want to have a blow-out night to commemorate the occasion. You can watch this on Netflix as well.
Thank you! Loved booksmart and the other guys, so will definitely give hunt for the wilderpeople a go :)
Oh god, you've seen both of them! Well, if you like Wilderpeople then you should also try What We Do in the Shadows, same writer-director but a very different film.
Currently, I've got a lot on my head, so I'm in need of some good comedies, comedy-dramas, comedy-romances. I mean something like "The Big Sick" or "Yesterday" movies or "The Marvelous Ms. Maisel" and the "Ted Lasso" series. Please help me out here :)
So, while comments are technically closed, I can't leave you to flicking through Netflix forever! Here's a few I think you might like:
1) Palm Springs
AND
2) Plus One
I've stolen these from another recommendation above (scroll up for more info) but both of these are a refreshing take on the typical rom-com... Of the two, Palm Springs is my favourite - very, very funny.
3) Minari. If you're in the UK there are a few streaming options, including Amazon for £4.99. It's not exactly a super happy, feel-good film, but it did leave me feeling good. So it's not a comedy, but if you're looking for a distraction this film is delightful - and it picked up an Oscar earlier this year.
As a side, if you want a fairly easy-going, comedy/drama I really loved Call My Agent on Netflix - it's set in Paris, all in French and includes regular cameos from big French stars.
Hey Thomas, I've seen Palm Springs before and I really enjoyed it, so I was sure that the rest of your recommendations will hit the spot 🎯. Last night I watched Plus One and it was great. I had many laughs and aww moments. Seeing Hughie from "The Boys" series in this role was fun. My plan is to see Minari or Call My Agent next weekend. Thanks for all and have a great day ✌️
Hey Stygi, very glad to hear I'm hitting the mark and even happier to hear you liked Plus One... I think that's a big one that went unnoticed last year (year before?). Call My Agent is a series, I've just finished it (unless they're making another) and I feel a big hole inside me - I'm sure you'll like Minari too but it's not like any of the other recommendations. Let me know how you get on! 😊