For when you need inspiration: the 11 classics on Netflix to watch

I often hear this around me and I experience it myself too: Netflix is struggling with the luxury problem of causing choice stress. Want to have a nice movie night on the couch, you spend at least half an hour to an hour choosing a suitable candidate. Thriller? Here, you have about 100 to choose from. Romcoms? Multiply that 100 by another 3. So, luxury problem and choice stress. Every now and then a new movie comes out and you immediately know you want to see it, with a bit of ‘luck’ that's a movie like The Irishman so you can split it into three (saves you two times the choice stress), but unfortunately that doesn't happen very often. And I notice that I automatically look at the newer movies that are online, those in between. Last night I was scrolling on the Netflix site again and was actually looking at some of the older movies. What turns out? There are quite a few gems among them that are definitely worth (re)watching. So if you also have no inspiration for Netflix, definitely check out these movies.

1. Yes Man
Jim Carrey in his heyday. I don't know, but I think he looks more like a homeless person than an actor lately and he seems to be surrounded by scandals... Such a shame, because I used to think he was a fun actor. And Yes Man, correction, I still think is one of his most rewatchable films. Also spot Bradley Cooper in this 2008 film.

2. What A Girl Wants
Hmm, what applies to Jim Carrey also applies to Amanda Bynes actually, who plays the lead role here. Although she seems to be picking up her life a bit again. How many times I've seen this movie is definitely not countable on one hand, but it remains enjoyable to watch. Very nice that you don't have to think about it and Colin Firth in a movie is always a plus.

3. We’re The Millers
This one isn't that old either, I thought when I saw this movie, but it actually dates back to 2013, so maybe I'm the old one here. But anyway, Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis, and he is genuinely funny. Not a standard romcom, which I honestly thought when I saw Jen in the cast. However, she plays a very different role than her usual comedy roles. Also fun to watch with your lover because it's definitely not a chick flick.

4. Wedding Crashers
Comedy that might be doing a bit less in 2020 (it actually dates back to 2005). Especially considering the whole #metoo issue, because Isla Fisher with Vince Vaughn... Well, that's not entirely okay, but further it's just a decent comedy. Again in the not-thinking category, so good for a lazy Sunday or if you just feel like a light-hearted movie.

5. Now You See Me
Not that long ago I saw this movie for the first time. Strange actually, because it came out in 2013. I think I was late to the party. But anyway, I thought it was really cool and I did not see the plot twist coming at all. Very nice actors too; Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Mark Ruffalo, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson, and Jesse Eisenberg, to name a few. Yes. Just watch it.

6. The Break-Up
Yeah, these are the kind of movies I know Jennifer Aniston from. But the entire movie is just a bit different from all romcoms and that's definitely a plus. Co-star Vince Vaughn (who apparently also dated her in real life) is also always fun in my opinion. Just a decent movie, I give it a 7 and that's sometimes just good enough.

7. Gone Girl
Not just romcoms and comedies in this list, this 2014 film with Ben Affleck definitely deserves a spot. Admittedly: after the first time watching, the plot twist is already revealed, but I find it good to rewatch. And since I read in a study that spoilers regarding plot twists have no influence on your viewing pleasure, I behave accordingly. Just rewatch it.

8. Jumanji
And then the old version, huh, just the original with favorite actor Robin Williams. He was on TV recently and I watched it again, it's still so much fun. Even if it's just for the bad special effects (that lion, those monkeys, those mosquitoes). Jumanji always gives me a nostalgic feeling. It actually dates back to 1995, so that's not so strange. If you really prefer those remakes... Okay, those are also on Netflix.

9. Inception
Movie with another favorite actor Leo DiCaprio. There's a good chance that if you've seen this once, you've already rewatched it a number of times, just to understand it a bit better. I still don't really know if I fully understand it now, but this is really one of those movies where you discover or see something new every time. Or understand. And we never get tired of Leo, do we? Exactly.

10. Eat Pray Love
Confession: I'm not really a fan of Julia Roberts, but in a few movies I can tolerate her. Those are these and Notting Hill. Not that she will lose any sleep over what I think, though. But this is definitely an ideal movie to settle on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, ice cream, and yourself and dream away. Wonderful.

11. The Hunger Games trilogy
For a movie marathon, I think this is the absolute best option. I saw the first part of The Hunger Games in the cinema and thought I was going to a Disney movie. Um... That turned out to be a big mistake on my part very quickly, but a welcome mistake. I think The Hunger Games is really awesome and I also have quite a girl crush on Jennifer Lawrence. The very last part (Mockingjay – Part 2) is not on there, but with three movies, you can still get quite far, right?