What Should I Watch, Reddit? A Deep Dive for Discriminating Viewers

So, you’re staring blankly at your streaming service, the endless scroll of thumbnails mocking your indecision. You’ve cried out to the digital oracle of Reddit: “What should I watch?” Fear not, weary traveler! I’m here to cut through the noise and offer not just recommendations, but a curated path through the vast wilderness of film and television. The answer, of course, is maddeningly simple: it depends! It depends on your mood, your tolerance for subtitles, your preferred genre, and whether you’re seeking escapism or intellectual stimulation. But consider this your starting point, a guide to unlocking your next binge-worthy obsession.

Beyond the Algorithm: Thinking About What You Really Want

Before diving into specifics, let’s level-set. Streaming services excel at serving you more of what you’ve already watched. This creates an echo chamber, preventing you from discovering hidden gems. Break free! Think beyond the obvious:

• What am I in the mood for? Do you crave action, romance, suspense, or something thought-provoking?
• Am I willing to venture outside my comfort zone? Foreign films, documentaries, and experimental cinema offer unique perspectives.
• How much time do I have? A quick episode? A three-hour epic?
• Am I watching alone, with a partner, or with the family? This drastically alters the playing field.

With those answers in mind, let’s explore some starting points, carefully selected based on trends I’ve seen bubbling up from, yes, even Reddit itself.

If You’re Looking for Something to Make You Think

• Succession (HBO): A masterclass in character-driven drama and savage satire. This show is a must-watch.
• Severance (Apple TV+): A mind-bending thriller about the work-life balance taken to the extreme.
• Dark (Netflix): A complex and gripping German series about time travel and interconnected destinies.

If You Want Edge-of-Your-Seat Thrills

• Slow Horses (Apple TV+): A darkly humorous spy thriller featuring a stellar cast.
• Reacher (Amazon Prime Video): Pure, unadulterated action based on Lee Child’s novels.
• Ozark (Netflix): A nail-biting crime drama about a family laundering money for a drug cartel.

If You Need a Good Laugh

• What We Do in the Shadows (FX/Hulu): A hilarious mockumentary about a group of vampire roommates.
• Ted Lasso (Apple TV+): An endlessly optimistic and heartwarming comedy that will leave you feeling good.
• The Good Place (NBC/Netflix): A philosophical comedy about the afterlife.

If You Crave Escapism

• The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon Prime Video): A visually stunning return to Middle-earth.
• Foundation (Apple TV+): A sprawling science fiction epic based on Isaac Asimov’s novels.
• Arcane (Netflix): A beautifully animated series based on the League of Legends universe.

Beyond the Mainstream: Delving into the Underrated

Don’t always chase the trending titles. Sometimes the greatest finds are buried beneath the surface. Explore films from different countries, indie darlings, and those shows that slipped under the radar despite their brilliance.

• The OA (Netflix): Canceled too soon, but remains a truly unique and unforgettable sci-fi drama.
• Station Eleven (HBO Max): A beautifully poignant adaptation of Emily St. John Mandel’s novel about a post-apocalyptic world.
• Patriot (Amazon Prime Video): A darkly comedic spy thriller with an offbeat sensibility.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. How do I find hidden gems on streaming services?

Aggregators are your friend. Sites like JustWatch or Reelgood allow you to filter by genre, rating, and streaming service, making it easier to discover films and shows you might have missed. Also, seek out curated lists from reputable sources, not just algorithm-driven recommendations.

2. What are some great foreign films to watch?

Consider the usual suspects like Parasite and Pan’s Labyrinth, but delve further: Amelie (France), City of God (Brazil), Seven Samurai (Japan), The Lives of Others (Germany), and Roma (Mexico) are all exceptional. Don’t be afraid of subtitles!

3. How do I know if a show is worth investing my time in?

Read reviews (but with a grain of salt). Pay attention to the consensus, but consider whether the reviewers’ tastes align with yours. Also, check the pilot episode. If it doesn’t grab you within the first 30 minutes, it might not be worth pursuing.

4. What’s the best way to watch a movie with someone who has different tastes?

Compromise is key. Take turns choosing movies, or find something that appeals to both of you. A documentary about a shared interest can be a good starting point. Consider a double feature where each of you picks a movie.

5. How can I avoid spoilers when discussing shows online?

Be mindful of the timeline. Don’t post about recent episodes until at least a week has passed. Use spoiler tags and vague language when discussing plot points. Most importantly, respect other people’s viewing experiences.

6. What are some good resources for finding movie recommendations?

Beyond Reddit, explore sites like IMDb, Letterboxd, and Rotten Tomatoes. Follow film critics and bloggers whose opinions you trust. Also, don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Ask friends and family for recommendations.

7. How can I expand my taste in movies and TV shows?

Step outside your comfort zone. Watch something from a genre you typically avoid, or try a film from a different country. Take a film course or join a film club. Read books and articles about film history and theory.

8. Are there any websites that help me track what I’ve watched?

Letterboxd is the gold standard. It’s a social networking site for film lovers where you can track what you’ve watched, write reviews, and follow other users.

9. What are some classic movies everyone should see?

This is subjective, but consider Citizen Kane, Casablanca, The Godfather, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Pulp Fiction. These films are considered classics for a reason and offer a glimpse into the history of cinema.

10. How do I deal with the feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content available?

Prioritize and be selective. Don’t try to watch everything. Focus on what truly interests you and don’t be afraid to abandon something if it’s not working for you. Curate your watchlist and tackle it one item at a time.

11. What are some good documentaries to watch?

Icarus (Netflix), Man with a Movie Camera, The Act of Killing, Free Solo, and My Octopus Teacher are all highly recommended. The subject matter ranges from sports doping to filmmaking to the Indonesian genocide.

12. How do I find independent or arthouse films?

Seek out independent cinemas and film festivals in your area. Follow film distributors that specialize in independent cinema. Utilize streaming services like the Criterion Channel, which offers a curated selection of classic and contemporary arthouse films.

Ultimately, the “best” thing to watch is whatever resonates with you. Take these recommendations as a springboard, explore, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy watching!