Okay, so everyone’s stuck at home and we’ve pretty much exhausted our options for entertainment; all the books have been read, nothing left you want to draw, and obviously you can’t game all day.

Maybe you’ve taken to randomly scrolling through Youtube or Netflix hoping for something you like to pop up. And that works—sometimes, but not always.

That’s why I’ve presented five fantastic shows and movies to watch!

1. Our Planet

Enchanting docuseries

This is a spellbinding docuseries showing you the lives of animals all over the world. It takes you to wetlands, rainforests, deserts, and—while describing the countless wondrous animals that inhabit the place—explains how human impact has destroyed these magnificent creatures’ homes.

Narrated by David Attenborough with beautiful footage, this is a must watch.

If you don’t have Netflix but you’re itching to give it a try, you can find several episodes on Youtube (just search “Our Planet full episode”) along with the trailer here, and the official website here.

SPOILER ALERT: If you need further bait, there’s an episode with a scene of an orangutan picking his nose.

2. Doctor X

Dramatic medical TV show

This is a brilliant Japanese series that follows the many operations of Daimon Michiko (her last name is Daimon), a very very skilled freelance surgeon hired by different branches of the same university hospital every season.

There’s no words to describe the way nearly every episode captures you; it’s a mix of excitement, thrill, humour and drama. There’s that pause and dramatic music coming in when you sense incoming danger, but a solution out of sight with nearly every diagnosis incorrect or impossible to treat.

Granted, the first episode isn’t that captivating, but once you get into the flow it’s impossible to stop watching. You’ll reach the end of the last season—season five—before you know it.

Need something more to egg you on? Well, how about this: by the end you’ll have learned at least two phrases in Japanese: “I never fail” and “I won’t do it”.

3. Klaus

Christmas Movie

It doesn’t look like a Christmas movie, does it? Starts with a spoiled postman used to a life of luxury and being worst in the class, and the next thing he knows he’s been shipped off to a misty, grey island full of creepy children, strange traditions and a huge skeleton of…something.

Pretty gloomy. But this movie is surprisingly warm-hearted. 

As you venture deeper and deeper into the world of this postman and the village he now lives in, you’ll find a toymaker, a teacher-turned-fish-seller and back again, and a perfect balance of tension, comedy and misunderstanding.

Still doesn’t sound attractive, with Christmas over? Try the trailer first by clicking here, and before you know it you’ll be gravitating towards Netflix.

4. Modest Heroes

Animated Adventure Movie

Modest Heroes is a movie that consists of three stunningly animated tales showcasing bravery and perseverance. Each one of the main characters are heroes in their own right, which you learn as you delve into their backstories.

The first is about a tiny family that lives underwater. When their father is swept away by the current, they decide to venture out and find him.

The second is of an ordinary boy with a deadly allergy to eggs. But how can he live his life when most foods use them? Unconventional storyline? Quite.

The third tells the story of a man who longs to be noticed, but who is, literally, invisible.

You can watch the trailer to get a taste of what it’s like. It certainly is well worth your while.

5. Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey

Surprising documentary about something you probably never really thought of before

I bet you’ve watched Sesame Street before, or at least heard of it, with its cast of furry monster puppets (named Muppets). They’ve even had postage stamps dedicated to them! 

Being Elmo is a documentary chronicling the extraordinary story of how Kevin Clash became a puppeteer for Elmo—and what being Elmo took.

If you want more information, take a look at this trailer and read the description below. Sesame Street's favourite muppet awaits you!

As you sit down to watch Netflix on your next weekend, holiday or burnt out afternoon, be sure to remember these mesmerising shows and movies!