Best films on Netflix to beat the January Blues
Now's the time to beat the January Blues: Netflix has plenty to offer in feelgood films sure to lift your spirits and find ways to feel better this month
Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde
Party season is over and work is back in full swing, but there are still reasons to be cheerful in the midst of a foggy, neverending month. While awards season soldiers on, sometimes a bit of comfort is just what you need. We round up the best films on Netflix to put a spring back in your step, and beat those January Blues – at least for a couple of hours.
Is this the best Reese Witherspoon film? Legally Blonde
A sequel was confirmed last Summer, but there's still no beating the original: Reese Witherspoon plays Elle Woods, an unlikely whirlwind who takes Harvard law school by storm. Woods is only respected for her looks at first, but the film's feminist edge (ahead of its time) proves that women can and deserve to have it all.
New to Netflix: Lionheart, a triumph for Nollywood
Genevieve Nnaji in Lionheart, the first Netflix original Nollywood hit
How well do you know Nollywood? The Nigerian film industry remains a major hub for worldwide entertainment, and this powerhouse is finally entering the mainstream sphere with Lionheart, the first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria. The film follows Adaeze Obiagu – played by Genevieve Nnaji, who also directs the film – as a businesswoman navigating her family and company politics. Nollywood Reinvented said the film 'works because it's heartfelt'.
The Grand Budapest Hotel: Wes Anderson paints the world in pastel colours
Saoirse Ronan will also star in Wes Anderson's new film, The French Dispatch
Pinks and purples fill the screen with sweetness and your minds with wonder as you discover the hotel in Wes Anderson's 2014 delight The Grand Budapest Hotel. The indie director capitalises on his best qualities, bringing together an eyewatering ensemble cast including Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray and Tilda Swinton. Whip-smart dialogue and crystal-cut design make this a treat to savour again and again – especially ahead of Wes Anderson's upcoming ode to the city of lights...
Happy birthday, Marilyn Monroe: Some Like It Hot turns 60
Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon shine in a comedy that remains a classic
Billy Wilder remains one of the most cherished directors of the Hollywood Golden Age of cinema. Famous for classics including The Apartment and Double Indemnity, his most recognisable hit remains Some Like It Hot, as this is where Marilyn Monroe sang 'I Wanna Be Loved By You' and stole the world's hearts. The 1959 romantic comedy stars Monroe opposite Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, who play two musicians who dare to dress in drag in order to escape the mafia, and, more importantly, to woo Sugar Kane, played by Monroe.
Magic Mike: live in London, or just as nice on Netflix
Missed out on London tickets? Magic Mike is free for all on Netflix
Channing Tatum leads the pulsating comedy that dives deep into the world of male stripping. It's the kind of film you might feel embarrassed to watch with company, but past the more immediate appeal, Magic Mike delivers powerful drama and surprisingly intelligent musings on the power of masculinity, and its associated toxicity. If you couldn't get a ticket for the live tour, there's nothing better than a late night rewatch...
Stand-up special: Sarah Silverman shines
A sprinkle of Sarah Silverman could be just what you need to perk up January Blues
Netflix is brimming with fresh stand-up comedy, crafted especially for the platform in a new format that offers viewers an intimate and cinematic experience from their favourite comedians. From John Mulaney to Chris Rock, there are plenty of familiar favourites. Our pick to brighten up those blues goes to Sarah Silverman with her new special A Speck of Dust, full of daring jokes and vital truths.
Is this the best Reese Witherspoon film? Legally Blonde
A sequel was confirmed last Summer, but there's still no beating the original: Reese Witherspoon plays Elle Woods, an unlikely whirlwind who takes Harvard law school by storm. Woods is only respected for her looks at first, but the film's feminist edge (ahead of its time) proves that women can and deserve to have it all.
New to Netflix: Lionheart, a triumph for Nollywood
Genevieve Nnaji in Lionheart, the first Netflix original Nollywood hit
How well do you know Nollywood? The Nigerian film industry remains a major hub for worldwide entertainment, and this powerhouse is finally entering the mainstream sphere with Lionheart, the first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria. The film follows Adaeze Obiagu – played by Genevieve Nnaji, who also directs the film – as a businesswoman navigating her family and company politics. Nollywood Reinvented said the film 'works because it's heartfelt'.
The Grand Budapest Hotel: Wes Anderson paints the world in pastel colours
Saoirse Ronan will also star in Wes Anderson's new film, The French Dispatch
Pinks and purples fill the screen with sweetness and your minds with wonder as you discover the hotel in Wes Anderson's 2014 delight The Grand Budapest Hotel. The indie director capitalises on his best qualities, bringing together an eyewatering ensemble cast including Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray and Tilda Swinton. Whip-smart dialogue and crystal-cut design make this a treat to savour again and again – especially ahead of Wes Anderson's upcoming ode to the city of lights...
Happy birthday, Marilyn Monroe: Some Like It Hot turns 60
Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon shine in a comedy that remains a classic
Billy Wilder remains one of the most cherished directors of the Hollywood Golden Age of cinema. Famous for classics including The Apartment and Double Indemnity, his most recognisable hit remains Some Like It Hot, as this is where Marilyn Monroe sang 'I Wanna Be Loved By You' and stole the world's hearts. The 1959 romantic comedy stars Monroe opposite Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, who play two musicians who dare to dress in drag in order to escape the mafia, and, more importantly, to woo Sugar Kane, played by Monroe.
Magic Mike: live in London, or just as nice on Netflix
Missed out on London tickets? Magic Mike is free for all on Netflix
Channing Tatum leads the pulsating comedy that dives deep into the world of male stripping. It's the kind of film you might feel embarrassed to watch with company, but past the more immediate appeal, Magic Mike delivers powerful drama and surprisingly intelligent musings on the power of masculinity, and its associated toxicity. If you couldn't get a ticket for the live tour, there's nothing better than a late night rewatch...
Stand-up special: Sarah Silverman shines
A sprinkle of Sarah Silverman could be just what you need to perk up January Blues
Netflix is brimming with fresh stand-up comedy, crafted especially for the platform in a new format that offers viewers an intimate and cinematic experience from their favourite comedians. From John Mulaney to Chris Rock, there are plenty of familiar favourites. Our pick to brighten up those blues goes to Sarah Silverman with her new special A Speck of Dust, full of daring jokes and vital truths.
