How to Choose What to Watch: A Guide to Finding Your Next Favorite Show or Movie
Explorix Team
October 14, 2024
In today’s digital landscape, the sheer volume of available movies and TV shows can be both a blessing and a curse. With an ever-growing number of streaming platforms and a seemingly infinite array of genres, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might find yourself endlessly scrolling through options, only to settle on rewatching an old favorite or, worse, giving up entirely. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by choice or uncertain about what to watch next, this comprehensive guide is for you. We’ll delve deep into practical tips, strategies, and resources to help you navigate the vast world of entertainment and discover your next favorite show or movie with ease.
Understanding Your Preferences
The first step in finding something new to watch is understanding your own preferences. This self-awareness will serve as a compass, guiding you through the myriad of options available.
Identify Your Favorite Genres
Genres are broad categories that can help narrow down your choices.
- Drama: If you appreciate deep character development, emotional narratives, and complex storylines, dramas might be your go-to. Think of titles like Breaking Bad, The Godfather, or The Crown.
- Comedy: For those who love to laugh, comedies offer a light-hearted escape. Whether it’s situational humor, satire, or slapstick, shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, or movies like Superbad can be great choices.
- Action/Adventure: If you crave excitement and fast-paced plots, action and adventure titles are ideal. Franchises like Mission: Impossible, Mad Max, or shows like Game of Thrones might appeal to you.
- Science Fiction/Fantasy: For imaginative worlds and speculative concepts, sci-fi and fantasy are unparalleled. Explore universes in Star Wars, Stranger Things, or The Lord of the Rings.
- Documentary: If you’re interested in factual content and real-world events, documentaries can be both educational and engaging. Titles like Planet Earth, Making a Murderer, or The Social Dilemma offer insightful perspectives.
Consider Themes and Topics
Genres are just the starting point. Delve deeper by considering specific themes or topics that intrigue you.
- Coming-of-Age Stories: Films like Lady Bird or The Perks of Being a Wallflower explore the complexities of growing up.
- Historical Events: If you’re a history buff, movies like Dunkirk or series like Band of Brothers can be captivating.
- Psychological Thrillers: For mind-bending plots, consider titles like Inception, Black Mirror, or Shutter Island.
- Romance: If love stories resonate with you, films like The Notebook or shows like Bridgerton might be appealing.
- Supernatural and Horror: For a dose of the eerie or unexplained, consider The Haunting of Hill House or Get Out.
Reflect on Mood and Tone
Your current emotional state can greatly influence your viewing pleasure.
- Light and Uplifting: If you need a mood boost, opt for feel-good movies like Amélie or comedies like Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
- Thought-Provoking: For intellectually stimulating content, consider Interstellar or documentaries like Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey.
- Dark and Gritty: If you’re in the mood for something intense, shows like Ozark or movies like Joker might fit the bill.
Utilize Streaming Platform Features
Streaming services are designed to help you find content that suits your tastes. Understanding how to use their features can significantly enhance your viewing experience.
Personalized Recommendations
Most platforms use algorithms to analyze your viewing history and suggest similar content.
- Netflix: Offers a “Top Picks for You” section based on your watch history and ratings.
- Amazon Prime Video: Provides recommendations and allows you to see what other customers watched after viewing a particular title.
- Hulu: Curates a “Recommended For You” list that updates as you watch more content.
Tips:
- Regularly rate shows and movies you’ve watched to improve the accuracy of recommendations.
- Create separate profiles for different household members to ensure personalized suggestions.
Watchlists and Queues
Compiling a watchlist can save you time in the future.
- Adding Titles: Whenever you come across an interesting title, add it to your watchlist so you won’t forget it.
- Organizing: Some platforms allow you to categorize your watchlist or prioritize certain titles.
Explore Categories and Collections
Streaming services often curate collections around themes, genres, or events.
- Seasonal Collections: During holidays, you might find collections like “Holiday Favorites” or “Spooky Halloween.”
- Award-Winning Titles: Sections dedicated to Oscar winners or critically acclaimed films can guide you to high-quality content.
- User Trends: “Trending Now” or “Most Watched” categories can keep you in the loop about what’s popular.
Leverage External Resources
Going beyond streaming platforms opens up a world of recommendations and insights.
Review Aggregators
Websites that compile reviews can offer a balanced perspective.
- Rotten Tomatoes: Provides a “Tomatometer” score based on critic reviews and an audience score for user opinions.
- Metacritic: Aggregates reviews from various critics to give a weighted average score.
- IMDb: Offers user ratings, reviews, and detailed information about cast, crew, and production.
How to Use:
- Read both critic and audience reviews to get a comprehensive understanding.
- Look for titles with high scores in categories you enjoy.
Social Media and Forums
Engaging with online communities can yield personalized recommendations.
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/MovieSuggestions or r/TVSuggestions allow you to ask for recommendations based on specific criteria.
- Twitter: Follow hashtags like #NowWatching or #FilmTwitter for real-time discussions.
- Facebook Groups: Join groups dedicated to film and TV enthusiasts where members share and discuss their favorite content.
Advantages:
- Get recommendations tailored to your specific interests.
- Participate in discussions to deepen your understanding of certain titles.
Podcasts and Blogs
Content creators often provide in-depth analyses and suggestions.
- Podcasts:
- The Rewatchables: Discusses classic movies worth watching again.
- Pop Culture Happy Hour: Covers a range of entertainment topics, including reviews and recommendations.
- Blogs:
- Roger Ebert: Offers professional film reviews and insights.
- Collider: Provides news, reviews, and features on movies and TV shows.
Benefits:
- Stay updated on new releases and industry news.
- Discover lesser-known titles through expert recommendations.
Try Something New
Expanding your horizons can lead to unexpected delights.
International Films and Shows
Global content can offer fresh narratives and cultural insights.
- Korean Dramas (K-Dramas): Shows like Crash Landing on You or films like Parasite have gained international acclaim.
- Nordic Noir: Scandinavian crime dramas like The Bridge or The Killing are known for their gripping storytelling.
- Bollywood Films: Indian cinema offers vibrant musicals and dramas like Lagaan or 3 Idiots.
How to Access:
- Streaming platforms often have international sections.
- Enable subtitles or dubbing based on your preference.
Indie and Art House Productions
Independent films can offer unique perspectives not found in mainstream cinema.
- Sundance Film Festival Winners: Films like Little Miss Sunshine or Whiplash started as indie projects.
- Art House Cinemas: Platforms like MUBI specialize in curated selections of indie and classic films.
Why Watch Indie:
- Experience innovative storytelling techniques.
- Support emerging filmmakers.
Classic Cinema
Exploring cinema history can be both educational and entertaining.
- Silent Films: Titles like Metropolis or The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari showcase the roots of filmmaking.
- Golden Age of Hollywood: Films like Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, or Singin’ in the Rain are timeless classics.
Benefits:
- Gain an appreciation for the evolution of film.
- Understand references and tropes in modern media.
Make It Social
Sharing the viewing experience can enhance enjoyment.
Host Watch Parties
Gathering friends or family can make the experience more engaging.
- In-Person: Plan themed movie nights with snacks and decorations.
- Virtual: Use services like Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) to watch simultaneously with remote friends.
Tips:
- Choose a theme or genre everyone enjoys.
- Encourage discussion during or after the viewing.
Join Viewing Clubs
Similar to book clubs, these groups watch the same content and meet to discuss.
- How to Find:
- Local community centers or libraries may host clubs.
- Online platforms like Meetup can connect you with virtual groups.
Advantages:
- Gain new perspectives through group discussions.
- Stay motivated to watch new content regularly.
Follow Influencers and Celebrities
Public figures often share their favorite shows and movies.
- Social Media Recommendations: Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon have book clubs and share film recommendations.
- Influencer Lists: Bloggers and YouTubers often create curated lists of must-watch content.
Considerations:
- Align your followings with individuals whose tastes match yours.
- Be open to discovering new genres or titles.
Set Criteria for Selection
Having specific criteria can simplify decision-making.
Time Commitment
Assess how much time you have to dedicate.
- Short Films and Episodes: If you’re short on time, opt for sitcom episodes or short films under 30 minutes.
- Mini-Series: For a limited commitment, choose shows with one season or limited episodes like Chernobyl or The Queen’s Gambit.
Content Ratings
Ensure the content is appropriate for your viewing context.
- MPAA Ratings: G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17 provide guidance on suitability.
- TV Parental Guidelines: TV-Y, TV-G, TV-PG, TV-14, and TV-MA help assess TV content.
Usage:
- Check ratings especially when watching with children or in mixed company.
- Be mindful of content warnings for violence, language, or sensitive themes.
Awards and Accolades
Recognitions can be indicators of quality.
- Academy Awards (Oscars): Highlight outstanding achievements in film.
- Emmy Awards: Recognize excellence in television.
- Golden Globes: Cover both film and television.
How to Use:
- Explore past winners and nominees in categories you enjoy.
- Consider both major and technical categories for a broader selection.
Use Decision-Making Apps
Technology can assist in narrowing down your options.
Reelgood and JustWatch
These apps help you navigate across multiple streaming services.
- Features:
- Search for titles and see which platforms they are available on.
- Filter content based on genre, release year, ratings, and more.
- Benefits:
- Consolidate your search to save time.
- Discover where to legally stream content.
Taste.io
Provides recommendations tailored to your taste.
- How It Works:
- Rate movies and shows you’ve seen.
- Receive personalized suggestions based on aggregated user data.
Advantages:
- Get more accurate recommendations than standard algorithms.
- Find hidden gems not prominently featured on streaming platforms.
Keep an Open Mind
Being open to new experiences can lead to unexpected enjoyment.
Give It a Chance
First impressions aren’t always accurate.
- Three-Episode Rule: For TV shows, watch at least three episodes before deciding to continue or drop it.
- Avoid Judging by the Cover: Don’t dismiss a title based on its poster or thumbnail image.
Examples:
- Slow Starters: Shows like Parks and Recreation or The Expanse have been known to improve significantly after initial episodes.
Avoid Overanalyzing
While it’s good to be selective, overthinking can hinder enjoyment.
- Limit Research Time: Set a time limit for browsing to prevent endless scrolling.
- Embrace Serendipity: Occasionally, pick a title at random to break out of analysis paralysis.
Additional Tips
Use Recommendations from Streaming Platforms Creatively
- Cross-Reference: If you find a title that interests you, look up similar titles across different platforms.
- Actor or Director Search: If you enjoy a particular actor’s or director’s work, explore other titles they’ve been involved in.
Consider Rewatching Favorites in a New Light
- Director’s Cuts: Some films offer extended versions with additional content.
- Fan Theories and Analyses: Reading about different interpretations can enhance your understanding and appreciation.
Stay Updated with Release Calendars
- Upcoming Releases: Keep an eye on new content being added to platforms.
- Seasonal Content: Some shows release new seasons annually; knowing when can help you plan your viewing schedule.
Conclusion
Navigating the vast ocean of entertainment options doesn’t have to be an overwhelming ordeal. By understanding your preferences, leveraging the tools at your disposal, and keeping an open mind, you can transform the process into an enjoyable journey of discovery. Remember that the goal is to enrich your viewing experience, whether by finding comfort in familiar genres or exploring uncharted territories. So next time you’re unsure of what to watch, refer back to this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to finding that next great show or movie that captivates your imagination.
