You're probably stuck inside anyway.
As Reddit is wont to do, it's bestowed another indulgent gift upon its readers. Instead of neurotically hitting refresh on Netflix's "New Releases" section, a lovely Redditor has compiled a list of notable films that have been released from the vaults as of January 1, 2014 and are now available for your streaming pleasure. Considering they just took away some of the classics and since a large portion of the United States is hidden under a thick layer of blizzard, it's the optimal time to receive a fresh batch for your queue. Put on your binging robe and get to work.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
The iconic ending. The supreme acting of Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis. A dashing and corrupt Brad Pitt with a Southern accent. There are just too many rewarding features of this movie. Rarely are films with two female leads considered "buddy movies," but that's what makes Thelma & Louise so perfect.
American Psycho (2000)
Do you feel like watching a compelling film about a gajillion murders committed by Christian Bale? Okay. Go ahead. Don't worry about what it says about your character.
Raging Bull (1980)
A young, troubled Robert De Niro boxing his way through a Martin Scorsese masterpiece. The classic was nominated for eight Academy Awards. As one Netflix commenter puts it, "An excellent movie about a bad person."
West Side Story (1961)
You mean, I don't have to watch the "America" number on a really shitty YouTube video anymore? The musical about racial divides and young lust won Best Picture at the Academy Awards, so it's hardly a guilty pleasure. You can even shamelessly sing along. It's not like you didn't already memorize every lyric to "I Feel Pretty."
What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
This is for when 4 p.m. rolls around and you're suddenly in a "thinky" mood. Johnny Depp, pre-Pirates and pre-fake accent stew, in his most emotionally daring role. If you have Wolf of Wall Street burn-out, there's also Leonardo DiCaprio in arguably one of his most impressive acting turns as a mentally handicapped young boy. It will make you cry and it will be worth it.
Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961)
Maybe you spotted this poster hung on the wall of every college dorm room and for good reason. This romantic classic ages just as gracefully as Audrey Hepburn. Have you seen homegirl?
Spaceballs (1987)
You probably feel alienated every time someone references this film because you've never seen it. Now you can save face. A Mel Brooks' spoof of Star Wars starring John Candy and Bill Pullman is the perfect uninvolved companion when you're cooking lunch (read: Mac and cheese). May the Schwartz be with you.
Drinking Buddies (2013)
A film about four intelligent, charming actors you've already separately fantasized about sitting around, drinking, contemplating, and building mass amounts of sexual tension? This only came out last year, so we know Netflix is sucking up to us.
Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Now you need dinner to digest all that junk. Don Cheadle delivers a performance of a lifetime as a heroic hotel manager during the Rwandan genocide. You will not leave this film feeling warm and fuzzy and ready to go sledding with your friends, but you will feel more enriched, aware, and full. Crying is a form of detox, right?
Good Burger (1997)
This is a historic moment, folks. You haven't seen Good Burger since you lost your VHS 16 years ago. Young generations will only recognize Kenan Thompson from his modern day SNL work, but we can change all that. This is a time to educate the masses about a small burger franchise that once valiantly competed against rival Mondo Burger. Rejoice at the first "Can I take your orrrrrder?" and never look back. Fondly remember K & K in their glory days, because apparently they don't speak now and that's heartbreaking.
For more available selections, see here.
