Lockdown Inspiration II - TOP 45 TV-Shows & Movies

Do we have to say more? Watch Marie Kondo's teachings applied and experience how liberating and cleansing culling can be. Keep your tissues close, some episodes are very emotional. If you have meant to declutter your life for a while, Marie will get you started for sure.

Once you've understood the power of discarding things that do not bring joy, find excitement in organising it. The Home Edit is a fun series that shows how pretty and exciting structure can be.

Understandably, more space seems a very desirable thing during lockdowns. However, Tiny House Nation set out to show you how living in smaller spaces can be not only fulfilling but liberating, too.

This thought-provoking documentary is for those of us who ponder over the question of what is truly essential. Do I actually need all the things I own and want? While you might not (want to) become a minimalist, it's a cleansing and calming watch.

Grand Designs (Binge)

Can one ever get enough of Grand Design?!!?! Binge has all of the UK, Australia and New Zealand series on offer. An absolute inspirational must for every future home builder or renovator. 

Three Australian women are transforming houses and are taking you with them. Listen and learn as the ladies explain how and why to this or that. Be inspired by the beautiful results. And start dreaming about your very own reno project. What is there not to love?!?!? 

Set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, watch the New York housewife Miriam "Midge" Maisel transform into a stand-up comedian against all odds. Very funny, extremely well produced and so captivating!

If you do not want to get hooked up into yet another series but also don't have the energy to get through a whole movie each night, Modern Love might be for you. Each episode is a separate story that somehow has to do with love. Mature love, first loves, love for someone who cares, love of someone you'll never meet again. Love in all its facets: quirky, heartwarming and thought-provoking.

In 2033, humans can be "uploaded" into a virtual afterlife of their choosing. So when Nathan dies prematurely, he is uploaded to the very expensive "Lake View" where he adjusts to the pros and cons of digital heaven. Here he bonds with Nora, his living customer service rep, which, of course, creates problems. Very strange, a little frightening yet strangely addictive.

Seasipracy is for those who want to know more about what humankind is doing to planet earth. It is an incredibly eye-opening documentary about how we are destroying and over-fishing our oceans; and with that, how we are destroying our very own habitat. Moving and thought-provoking.

Trying, 2 Seasons (Apple TV)

Trying is the story of Nikki and Jason. When trying to have a baby does not work for them, they attempt to adopt on. However, this is not only not easy but gut-wrenchingly difficult. Yet their English humour, Nikki's heart and naiveness, and so many funny conversations lighten the show into a heartwarming, wish-in-was-in-London journey to watch.

The Queen's Gambit, Mini-Series (Netflix)

This mini-series will have you glued to the screen. Sent to an orphanage in the 1950s, young Beth reveals an astonishing talent for chess. The episodes show her unlikely journey to stardom while she's also grappling with addiction.

Call My Agent, 4 Seasons (Netflix)

Do you love the French? Are you looking for a series that is funny, smart and quick-witted? Check out "Call My Agent". It's all about an actors' agency, its stars, but even more so its agents and their lives. Just to let you know, you will have to read subtitles! But it's worth it!

Emily in Paris, 1 Season (Netflix)

Emily, a driven 20-something American, moves to Paris for an unexpected job opportunity. It is her job to bring an American point of view to a venerable French marketing firm. Expect cultures clashes, drama, little wins, and many laughs.

Physical, 1 Season (Apple TV)

Set in San Diego in the 1980s, Physical is a dark comedy following Sheila Rubin (played by Australian actress Rose Byrne) through her journey of self-discovery. Expect cliches, drugs and a severe eating disorder. However, Sheila seems to find her way and becomes more confident as she discovers aerobics.

Morning Wars, soon 2 Seasons (Apple TV)

Alex (Jennifer Aniston) anchors The Morning Show, which has excellent viewership ratings. However, after her on-air partner of 15 years (Steve Carell) is fired amidst a sexual misconduct scandal, Alex has to fight for her job. She is challenged by a haphazard reporter (Reese Witherspoon) whose impulsive decisions bring her into a new world of television journalism.

Knives Out, 2019 (Binge)

This mystery film follows a master detective investigating the death of the patriarch of a wealthy, dysfunctional family. With lots of twists and turns, this is a captivating must-watch!

Mad Men, 7 Seasons (Amazon Prime Video)

This period drama, set in the time from March 1960 to November 1970, follows the life of Don Draper, the Creative Director of a successful Manhattan ad agency. And that involves a lot of alcohol, sex, cigarettes, and broken relationships. Eventually, he, the agency and everyone around him will have to face the question of what truly counts in a changing society.

Downton Abbey, 6 Seasons (Amazon Prime Video)

Another period drama, this time set between 1912 and 1926. It depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era. (Re-)experience many historical events like the sinking of the Titanic, the outbreak of the First World War and the Spanish Flue pandemic while also bonding with the characters and their challenged lives.

Modern Family, 11 Seasons (Binge)

In complete contrast sits Modern Family, a sitcom that follows the lives of three modern-day families from California. Each of them tries to deal with their kids, quirky spouses and jobs in their unique ways, often falling into hilarious situations. If you haven't watched it and need a good laugh, it's a must!

The Wolf of Wall Street, 2013 (Amazon Prime Video)

You'll love this movie if you are into epic biographical black comedy crime films! Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government. Directed by Martin Scorsese and staring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Lion, 2016 (Netflix)

Based on real-life events, Lion is Saroo's story about how a five-year-old boy was separated from his mother but eventually adopted by an Australian couple. At age 25, Saroo sets out to find them, using his last memory of his home and Google Earth. Starring Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel.

Love Actually, 2003 (Amazon Prime Video)

An absolute classic which you can watch over and over again! This feel good movie is the ultimate romantic comedy from the makers of Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill. Funny, irresistible and heartwarming, and with an all-star cast (Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth and Emma Thompson)!

The Holiday, 2006 (Amazon Prime Video)

Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet star as two women who have just survived bad bouts of man trouble just before the holidays. Desperate for a change of scene, they swap houses and travel in different directions (Diaz to London, Winslet to Los Angeles), each finds herself alone in an unfamiliar town, but neither remains a stranger in her new surroundings for long.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, 2012 (Amazon Prime)

An award-winning vibrant comedy that’s filled with genuine emotion. When seven cash-strapped seniors decide to retire to an affordable resort in far-away India, friendship and romance blossom there in the most unexpected ways in this smart, life-affirming, genuinely charming film.

David Attenborough - A life on our Planet (Netflix)

Amazing recount of an incredible live. David Attenborough's observations show us what we are doing to our planet and through this to ourselves. It is a very moving and thought-provoking documentary that will lead to many important conversations with the children about our future.

Best for children 7+

The Water Horse

A beautiful, touching movie about the friendship of a boy who lost his father in WW II and the monster of Lock Ness.

Best for children 7+

Mia and the White Lion (Amazon Prime Video)

Another thought-provoking, heart-warming movie in which Mia finds her heart's purpose and indirectly helps her family grow back together again.

Best for children 7+

Sonic The Hedgehog (Amazon Prime Video)

Fun movie to watch with the kids. Not too deep but entertaining enough. With the brilliant Jim Carry.

Best for children 6+

The War with Grandpa (Amazon Prime Video)

Another fun movie for the whole family. Many laughs guaranteed. Staring Robert De Niro.

Best for children 6+

Dolittle (Amazon Prime Video)

A fascinating story about love, trust, friendship and animals. That in combination with Robert Downey Jr - a definite must-see!

Best for children 7+

Raya and the Last Dragon, 2021 (Disney +)

Long ago, humans and dragons lived together harmoniously in the world of Kumandra. But when evil threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, lone warrior Raya must track down the legendary last dragon to stop the evil force that has returned…and once again threatens her home world.

Best for children 6+

Luca, 2021 (Disney +)

Set in a seaside town on the Italian Riviera, “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about a young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer. Luca shares these adventures with his friend, Alberto, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world below the water’s surface. 

Best for children 6+

Paper Planes, 2014 (Netflix)

A schoolboy dealing with the death of his mother channels his grief into the art of making paper airplanes, ending up in a national championship. 

Best for children 6+

H for Happiness, 2020 (Amazon Prime Video)

Set in the colourful Australian coastal town of Albany, H IS FOR HAPPINESS is a classic feel-good film for all ages that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer with delight. It's also a great movie to get talking about depression and how life goes on.

Best for children 7+

Skater Girl, 2021 (Netflix)

When a teen in rural India discovers a life-changing passion for skateboarding, she faces a rough road as she follows her dream to compete. As this movie is predominately in Hindi, it's better to watch it with children who can read subtitles. Fantastic opportunity to talk about child marriages and different societal views of boys and girls.

Best for children 8+

Onward, 2020 (Disney +)

In Onward, elf brothers, Ian and Barley, get to spend a day with their late dad and go on a quest aboard Barley’s epic van Guinevere. It's a heart-warming movie about people we love passing away and wanting one more memory...

Best for children 5+

Soul, 2020 (Disney +)

Jamie Foxx leads an all-star cast in this hilarious, heart-filled adventure. Joe lands the gig of his life at the best jazz club in town. But one misstep lands him in a fantastical place: The Great Before. There, he teams up with soul 22, and together they find the answers to some of life’s biggest questions.

Best for children 5+

School of Rock, 2003 (Netflix)

Musician Dewey Finn gets a job as a fourth-grade substitute teacher, where he secretly begins teaching his students the finer points of rock 'n' roll.

Best for children 6+

The Greatest Showman, 2017 (Disney +)

Hugh Jackman stars in this bold and original musical - inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum - celebrating the birth of show business and dreams coming to life. 

Best for children 6+

Dumbo, 2019 (Disney +)

From Disney and director Tim Burton, the grand live-action adventure Dumbo expands on the beloved classic where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. A struggling circus makes an incredible comeback with a baby elephant that can fly, but when they attract a new investor they soon discover his new plans conceal dark secrets.

Best for children 7+

Alladin, 2019 (Disney +)

This is the thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of the animated classic Aladdin, the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous, self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Staring Will Smith as the genie!!

Best for children 5+

Mrs. Doubtfire, 1993 (Disney +)

The eccentric dad of three children dresses as a British nanny so he can care for his children at the home of their mother in this touching comedy. Robin Williams at his best!!!

Best for children 6+

The one and only Ivan, 2020 (Disney +)

An adaptation of the award-winning book about one very special gorilla, “The One and Only Ivan” is an unforgettable tale about the beauty of friendship, the power of visualisation and the significance of the place one calls home.

Best for children 6+

Yesterday, 2019 (Amazon Prime)

After a mysterious blackout, Jack discovers he is the only person on earth who remembers The Beatles! As he rockets to fame by passing off the Fab Four's songs as his own, Jack risks losing the one person who has loved him and believed in him from the start. 

Best for children 7+