7 Best Shows and Movies to Stream Right Now
The streaming world is kind of insane right now. There’s so much content that I sometimes spend more time scrolling through options than actually watching anything. Sound familiar?
Look, every platform’s fighting for your attention, and that means we’re drowning in choices. But here’s the thing – buried in all that noise are some genuinely incredible shows and movies that deserve your time. I’ve dug through the endless catalogs to find seven options that are actually worth hitting “play” on.
1. “Succession” – Family Drama at Its Messiest
If you haven’t watched “Succession” on HBO Max yet, what are you even doing? This show takes family dysfunction and cranks it up to eleven. We’re talking about a media empire where family members will literally destroy each other for power.
Brian Cox is absolutely ruthless as the patriarch. The writing’s sharp enough to cut glass. It’ll make your own family drama seem pretty tame by comparison. Every episode feels like watching a car crash – you can’t look away, even when it gets uncomfortable.
2. “Ted Lasso” – The Antidote to Everything Terrible
Apple TV+ hit gold with this one. Jason Sudeikis plays an American football coach who somehow ends up managing a British soccer team. Sounds ridiculous, right?
But it actually works. Ted’s relentless optimism should be annoying, but instead it’s exactly what we all need right now. The show proves that kindness isn’t weakness. Plus, you’ll probably tear up at least once per episode. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
3. “The Queen’s Gambit” – Chess Has Never Been This Cool
Netflix turned chess into appointment television. Who saw that coming?
Anya Taylor-Joy plays Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy dealing with addiction and trauma while dominating tournaments. The show’s gorgeous to look at, and Taylor-Joy’s performance is magnetic. Fun fact: chess set sales skyrocketed after this aired. That’s cultural impact right there.
4. “Nomadland” – Beautiful and Heartbreaking
This one’s on Hulu, and it’ll stick with you for days. Frances McDormand plays Fern, who loses everything and decides to live in a van, traveling across America.
Chloé Zhao directed this masterpiece, mixing real nomads with actors. The result? Something that feels incredibly authentic. It’s not exactly uplifting, but it’s honest about economic hardship and finding community in unexpected places. McDormand deserved that Oscar.
5. “Dark” – Your Brain Will Hurt (In a Good Way)
Netflix’s German sci-fi thriller “Dark” is complicated. You’ll need a notebook to keep track of all the timelines and family connections.
But stick with it. The payoff’s incredible. This show treats time travel seriously – no hand-waving or plot holes. Every detail matters. Fair warning, though: you can’t watch this while scrolling your phone. It demands your full attention.
6. “Fleabag” – Breaking All the Rules
Phoebe Waller-Bridge created something special with “Fleabag” on Amazon Prime. The main character talks directly to the camera, sharing her most embarrassing thoughts.
It’s funny and devastating, sometimes in the same scene. The second season’s even better than the first, which seemed impossible. Waller-Bridge ended it perfectly – two seasons and done. More creators should have that kind of discipline.
7. “Molly’s Game” – High-Stakes Poker Drama
Netflix has this gem about Molly Bloom, who ran exclusive poker games for celebrities and millionaires. Jessica Chastain’s fantastic as Bloom, who’s whip-smart and refuses to back down.
The movie’s based on a true story, which makes it even crazier. We’re talking about games with millions on the table. For anyone interested in online poker or who just loves a good underdog story, this delivers. Aaron Sorkin wrote and directed, so expect rapid-fire dialogue and courtroom scenes.
The Bottom Line
Streaming’s overwhelming, but these seven picks won’t let you down. Each one offers something different – family drama, feel-good comedy, visual poetry, mind-bending sci-fi.
Stop scrolling. Pick one. Start watching. Your next obsession’s waiting.
