863 agoodmovietowatch Staff Lists (Page 26)

Inspiration isn't one of the usual feelings that one assumes a television series can sustain. We're used to TV delivering a steady stream of laughs, drama, or thrills week after week, with those powerful moments of triumph and hope sprinkled only on occasion. But we think there are some shows out there that feel motivational just by existing: these are series that might keep you in a state of wonder, or have its characters constantly defy the odds, or just have love and kindness at their very center. For these lesser-known but highly recommended shows, inspiration doesn't have to be saved until the finale.

For the longest time, animated movies were unfairly relegated to the realm of kids' entertainment. They were the cartoons we watched on weekend mornings, made to be enjoyed and forgotten almost immediately. 

But near the turn of the century, something shifted. In the west, studios like Pixar were challenging narrative forms with Toy Story and A Bug's Life, while on the other side of the world, Japan's Studio Ghibli blurred the lines between children and adult stories with films like Graveyard of the Fireflies and Only Yesterday. Suddenly, animation was recognized as the art form that it was, full of experimental possibility and visual potential.

Below, we list the best films that demonstrate these qualities of animation. You've likely already seen all the Pixar (and most of the Ghibli) movies, however, so this rounds up the most underseen and underrated of the animated gems. 

Film noirs, those stylishly seductive black-and-white crime films that dominated the early 20th century, are challenging to come by these days. Even in the age of streaming, where supposedly everything is at our fingertips, classic movies aren't as easy to locate as contemporary films—which is why we thought it might help to compile a guide for the noir fans.

Below, we list the best streaming services to watch film noirs. Max and Prime Video are your best bets for on-demand streaming services, while Sling (which has TCM) and Tubi are the most ideal for live. Read on to see the other streamers that made our cut. 

The best way to experience a concert is to be at one. There's no beating the thrill of a live musical act, with music blaring and people chanting along with you. But the second-best way to experience a concert is to see it on screen, with the highest possible quality of screen and sound. Below, we list the best streaming services that can offer you this experience thanks to their enviable catalog of filmed concerts. Whether it's a rock band, festival, or K-pop group you're looking for, you're likely to find them in these music-wielding services.  

Love it or hate it (the latter of which is understandable, considering its buggy interface), HBO Max is one of the best streaming platforms for cinephiles. Thanks to its affiliation with Warner Bros. Studios and Tuner Media, among other production studios, it has a vast collection of blockbusters and classics alike. It even has a hold of international gems, including the vast majority of the Studio Ghibli catalog. 

It's hard to go wrong when selecting from this platform, but if you're looking for the crème de la crème of cinema, then we have you covered. Below, we gather the very best, must-watch movies that are on right now, on-demand, on HBO Max.

With HBO's focus on high production values and mature themes, "inspirational" content might seem a little frivolous for the network. But even with a content library that's been fluctuating in quality due to decision-making by new management, Max still offers a slate of films that should serve as a good pick-me-up, in contrast to the heavy movies and TV shows they're usually known for. And thanks to HBO's high pedigree, these inspiring films come from a variety of sources, proving that motivation and the triumph of the human spirit doesn't only have one face, and that there can be something extraordinary in the ordinary, too.

You may already know what the best streaming services for watching anime are—it's not a long list after all. But if you're looking to go beyond animation and into movies, then this list is for you. Below, we round up the best streaming services for Japanese films.

Thanks to their massive media libraries, Netflix and Amazon Prime are still your best bet when it comes to quantity. But there are other contenders too, like Max (which is home to the Studio Ghibli catalog) and Shudder (which is where the hidden horror gems are). Even live TV streamers like Plex and Philo have a surprisingly good amount of quality films. If you're a fan of Japanese cinema, read on to see which streaming services you should keep tabs on. 

Comedy is so much more than the loudmouthed slapstick humor that still dominates screens to this day. This isn't to slander the average farce, some of which are actually hilarious, but there are also dark comedies, romantic comedies, meta comedies, and satire comedies to enjoy. In other words, there are many shades of funny, but we miss out on a lot of them when we only tune into what's popular. 

Below we round up our 100 favorite comedy films of all time. These movies are highly rated but little seen, meaning there's a high chance of them being underrated. If you've already gone through the usual films that appear in lists like this, go give the ones below a try and have your faith in funny be restored. 

With the internet democratizing nearly everything these days, experimental films shouldn't be that hard to find. And yet, they still are. They're here, to be sure, just buried under a plethora of blockbusters and more straightforward, conventional, and (dare I say) boring fare.

If you're seeking the unique thrill that only rule-breaking arthouse gems can offer, then this list is for you. Below, we've rounded up the best streaming services that house experimental films.

Netflix is here because, despite all the schlock, it redeems itself by taking on risque films like I'm Thinking of Ending Things. But we've also made sure to include more niche services like Dark Matter TV and Arrow Player. Read on to see the other edgy platforms that made it to our list.

Miniseries are the best of both worlds. Think about it: they're cinematic and concise, like a slightly overlong film, but they're also episodic, filled with cliffhangers and special episodes, like a good old TV show. They're the best thing to put on if you want to binge something you can finish over the weekend (or evening, even!) and if you choose right, you can be sure it won't be time wasted. 

There are already many lists that compile the best mini-series of all time, so here we thought of narrowing the selection to just the foreign-language titles. If the success of shows like Squid Game and Money Heist prove anything, it's that there is a wealth of hidden gems in the non-English world of television. So below, we rounded up the very best you can find in a convenient four-to-eight-episode format, all of which are available to stream right now on various platforms.

 

With so many movies marketed as "inspirational," it's important to note that inspiration can come from anywhere—while still trying to weed out the films that don't really have much hope or motivation to offer. To make sure that you make the right decisions on what to stream or what to purchase or rent through Amazon, we've put together a list of lesser-known, high-quality films available through the service that should give you the boost you're looking for. But again, remember that these inspiring films aren't just feel-good fantasies; some can inspire empathy, others can leave you on a high from the creativity and passion they display. Either way, a healthy dose of inspiration is always good for your streaming rotation.

What makes a cult show? Often times you won't know till it's long gone on-air, but for the most part, it's a show ahead of its time—so visionary that it'll usually go over people's heads upon release, only to be discovered and appreciated by the next generation of viewers. Shows like Twin Peaks, Freaks and Geeks, and Firefly have earned a rep for being cult classics, and if you're wondering where you can find more of the same, read on. Below are the best streaming services to tune into for understated gems with loyal followings.

Every streaming service has its fair share of period dramas. It's a staple genre of TV after all, just as in demand as any mystery or romcom series. And every now and then, you'll have shows like Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, and The Crown emerge and captivate an entire legion of viewers, even (or especially) the non-history fans. 

To be sure, you won't have trouble finding one to love wherever you're subscribed to. But if you're looking for the best services to watch period dramas on, we got you covered. Below, we list the streaming services with either the most number of period dramas or the most well-received ones. Starz surely leads in this regard, but Netflix, Showtime, and Max aren't too far behind. Read on to see which services made it to our list.