My Top Ten Films on Netflix right now

This is a hard one for me, not only because writing about movies makes me miss the cinema more, but because at the minute I can't watch Netflix as I gave it up for lent, not realising lent would coincide with this lockdown. Serves me right for thinking it was an easy option. I also haven't included films that are available on Netflix but are also on my other list, 'My Top Ten Films of the last decade,' should anyone wish to read that.

10. Dunkirk (2017)

We are all probably in need of a reminder of what human determination can achieve in the face of all adversity, as demonstrated in Christopher Nolan's spectacular take on the Dunkirk evacuation, where hundreds of civilians used their own vessels to rescue thousands of stranded British troops. It's a gripping and thrilling film, telling the story from three perepectives; land, sea and air. But it's also a very moving account of that spirit. I used to live next to an elderly veteran who was there, and this film only increased the respect I had for him. Nolan is a film-maker capable of such things, and I would highly recommend this to remember that we can get through tougher things than this together.

9. Jaws (1975)

We also need a bit of escapism during a time like this, so why not return to the original summer blockbuster? The film, despite its age, never gets old. It's terrifying and gripping in equal measure, with most of the tension being in scenes where you can't actually see the shark. But, thanks to Steven Spielberg, it's also a good human story about one man's tough decisions, and the male relationships between the three central characters. And if you get really bored, read about the making of the film which is equally interesting.

8. Spotlight (2015)

More serious fare, 'Spotlight' follows a tradition in recent true crime films that expose white collar crime, the central crime here not being the horrific abuse of children by Catholic priests, but the even more horrifying covering up of the abuse by the church. It's a tough watch at times, but an important film, with an incredible cast, that thoroughly deserved it's Best Picture Oscar.

7. The World's End (2013)

If, like me, you're missing the pub, then why not escape into the third entry of the 'Three Flavours of Cornetto' trilogy, which is based around the ultimate pub crawl, with the addition of a great cast, some brilliant British humour and aliens thrown in for good measure (and to make up for the fact that you can't join in).

6. Snatch (2000)

Maybe you can't go out for a drink and have a had a few in the house, and this Guy Ritchie comedy is a good watch when you're a bit drunk, making it even funnier than it already is. Yesss, I know it's far too similar to his earlier movie, 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,' but it is better. And, if like I did, you watch this first, then you aren't going to notice. Also, when else do you get the opportunity to see Brad Pitt portray an Irish gypsy boxer?

5. Shutter Island (2010)

This is often regarded as one of Scorsese's weakest films, but I think it's brilliant. An homage to noir films, it's got a creepy period setting, a gripping mystery, plot twists and even asks philosophical questions. I love movies like this as escapism and I'm glad I found it.

4. Groundhog Day (1993)

Got to have a laugh during times like this, and perhaps it's quite fitting and relatable as many of us are stuck in the same place and routine. The film follows Bill Murray's self-centred weatherman getting stuck in a time loop, and, after much hilarity, finally taking a look at himself in the mirror. It never stops being funny and I could watch one particular scene again and again and still keep laughing and anyone who has seen it probably knows which scene I mean.

3. The King's Speech (2010)

Annoying this one as it's been a while since I've seen it and would like to watch it again soon. Colin Firth gave an excellent and moving performance as George VI who struggled with a stammer and then unexpectedly found himself having to become King after his brother abdicated. It's an admirable account of a man who powers through much adversity to do his duty as a King, just as the country moves into war. Not everybody may be a Royalist, but on watching it you have to admire his courage.

2. Goodfellas (1990)

One of my all-time favourites and one of the best films ever made. Really. It's better than 'The Godfather.' Why? Because where as the latter explores the drama of family ties and relations between senior Mafia members, this explores the "wiseguys," "Good fellas," the ones at the bottom of the pile, the ones who'll never get made, the most brutal, heartless criminals in the Mafia, and let's be honest, that makes way more interesting and entertaining cinema. It's even more fascinating when you Google it after watching and realise that most of it is true as well. This really is Scorsese at his best.

1. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-3)

Okay, I know it's technically three films, but I like to see it as one, and that one is the greatest film of all time. If you haven't seen them (all in one go of course) then now is the perfect opportunity. It's not often you have 11 hours spare time to watch a movie (unfortunately Netflix does not offer the even longer - and better - extended editions). The movie is the ultimate epic. A story of friendship, good and evil, and the power of the small, everyday deeds of ordinary folk. It also boasts, depite being nearly 20 years old, spectacular special effects and beautiful scenery thanks to WingNut films and the location shoots of director Jackson's native New Zealand, which became Middle-Earth.

P.S. If none of these sound good to you, I would leave one more recommendation available on Netflix, the TV show 'Mad Men.' I honestly think its the best TV show ever made, and there surely must be something in it that everyone can take away. I hope.