The festive season is approaching and we all know that this year, the holidays will be different. There will be fewer family gatherings, lesser social hangouts, and more at-home stays. This may sound like a bummer, but it is a great way to unwind, relax, and focus on some self-care. In this era of the internet, after virtual meet-ups, get ready to binge-watch the greatest shows made, with a bag of buttered popcorn. Since these shows are on Netflix, you would need a stable internet service that enables you to watch the shows uninterruptedly. Therefore, we highly recommend Xfinity bundle deals as they offer consistent internet speeds with unlimited data allowance, a TV or phone connection, whichever you may please so that you can stream the movies without keeping track of your usage.
This list has been compiled based on viewer reviews, award nominations, Netflix top-10 rankings, and personal preference!
1. The Queen’s Gambit
The most talked-about show of this year, The Queen’s Gambit is a recent Netflix release that is topping the charts worldwide. Contrary to popular belief, the show is not only for strong chess players but for anyone who is looking for a spectacular story based on true events. Of course, knowing chess is a cherry on top. Fun fact? Because of this show, there has been a 70% increase in ‘how to play chess’ searches. The story revolves around an orphan girl, who realizes her liking for chess at an early age.
Our rating: 9/10
2. The Crown
Quite literally, but rather loosely based, on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the drama has a 91% rating on rotten tomatoes, an 8.7/10 rating on IMDb, and is our favorite pick! It takes you down the historic lane of true events and occurrences with uncanny resemblances to the actual people! Fun fact? The new season features Princess Diana’s story and it has stolen millions of hearts!
Our rating: 10/10
3. Stranger Things
Do not get fooled by the child cast. For those of you who are sci-fi fans, and love adventure, Stranger Things is your must-watch this holiday season. From Christmas lights to supernatural beings, it has it all. Moreover, it is set in the early 90’s so for some of us, it will surely be nostalgic!
Our rating: 8/10
4. Money Heist
What if I told you that from the edge of your sofa seat, I could take you out on a thrilling ride, jam-packed with the craziest plot possible? This show revolves around an actual heist planned by The Professor; a brilliant mastermind, who gathers convicts, criminals, and geniuses and makes up a team like no other. The best part? It has a little of all things – drama, romance, adventure, tragedy, and humor!
Our rating: 8/10
5. You
If you are looking for a holiday twist, know that this show will make you shudder. It showcases the story of a stalker, as told by the stalker, based on a best-selling book and we all know that book adaptions are the very best – you know that the story is interesting. The show is ongoing with the third season set to release soon, so binge-watch the first two right now!
Our rating: 9/10
6. Orange Is the New Black
A bit slow-paced, but just as spectacular, the show is set around an utterly unique concept of living in a women’s prison, the show is the perfect festive binge watch. It is all about womanpower, death, inmate drama, love, the LGBTQ community, and a lot of law and order. A favorite, this show will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride.
Our rating: 9.5/10
7. HoliDate
Often, we want a light watch, something to take our mind off things, something that does not require thinking, and makes us happy. This movie is a hot cup of cocoa for the eyes. It is a lovely romantic comedy starring Emma Roberts and we are all aware of her outstanding acting skills. The movie will put you in the perfect holiday mood and help you de-clutter your mind.
Our rating: 7.5/10
8. Dark
Bewitching. Thrilling. Marvelous. If I had three words to describe this topsy-turvy, time-traveling season, I would use these. Be forewarned – this is the show if you want to have a break from life and not think about it at all. This show will leave you no choice but to ponder upon the unexplainable and complicated yet truly magnificent plot twists.
Our rating: 9/10
9. Enola Holmes
Calling all Sherlock Holmes fans! If you love Sir Arthur’s novels and the BBC Sherlock series, you are in for a treat. This movie is actually about Sherlock’s sister, who is a gifted, curious child and has learned the art of suspicion and solving mysteries from her mother – who has gone missing herself. She is rather un-ladylike, but a very ambitious and determined young woman who sets on a voyage to find her missing mother.
Our rating: 7/10
With this list in hand, you do not have to ask Santa for anything! You have it all figured out because surely, these holidays will be like no other!