If you’re like me, then you’ve probably scrolled through all of the streaming services you own and some you’ve simply borrowed. Passing the time during this pandemic seemed like child’s play in the beginning, with all of the technology and resources, I knew I wouldn’t have a problem with staying cooped up in the house.
Two weeks later, I realized that there is only so much TV you can watch. Between Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, I thought I had seen enough. However, out of boredom, I decided to look past the “Popular” recommendations and weekly “Top 10” highlights. While being a couch potato can have an impact how productive I feel throughout the day, I’ve found several movies that stir my ambition and encourage me to be productive for the rest of the day.
So here’s the top 5 Netflix Movies I’ve watched that may give you the same motivation it gave me.
Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)
Fyre is about one of the biggest scams of the decade. An entrepreneur, Billy MacFarland, manages to market a festival on a posh private island with luxury music, mind-blowing celebrity performances, and comfortable lodging. However, this film follows the rise and fall of the entire scheme.
I highly recommend this movie because it shows how someone can make something from absolutely nothing. While I don’t support MacFarland’s business antics, it inspired me to realize how powerful marketing and connections can be.
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind (2019)
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind follows the life of a 13-year old boy, William Kamkwambain, from Kasungu, Malawi. Due to family hardships, William is forced to leave school. During this time, the village is facing drought and famine. Using his passion, knowledge and desire to save his village, we see William attempt to build a windmill to power an electric water pump that could save them.
This film was extremely touching but also motivational. William is faced with every obstacle imagined, yet his drive and determination endure.
They Gotta Have Us (2018)
They Gotta Have Us is a Netflix mini series highlighting several African American directors, producers, actors and actresses over the decades. Each person provides insight into their experiences with the film industry and how the evolution of the industry has affected their craft.
This series was a gem due to the raw storytelling by each person. While I didn’t recognize a few people, I was familiar with their work and therefore could easily see the passion behind their art. It was inspiring to see how each generation was inspired by the one before and how African American artists continue to grow and evolve in the industry.
She Did That (2019)
She Did That is a documentary about Black female entrepreneurs discussing the evolution of their business. They discuss a lot of personal and professional hardships they had to overcome to break through the glass ceiling in their business. Each woman’s story is heartfelt and inspiring as we get a glimpse into the decision-making process that boosted them into the limelight.
My reasons for recommending this film are pretty obvious. As I work to mold my brand, I look up to women like them who are unapologetic about their struggles and their success.
Molly’s Game (2017)
Molly’s Game is a film about the Former Olympian Molly Bloom who went from competitively skiing down the slopes to running high stakes poker tables with some very powerful men. Her transition is very inspiring in the sense that she took the bare minimum and grew it into an enterprise that was all her own. However, in her efforts to secure that lifestyle, she makes some illegal decisions that could put her behind bars.
As a fan of both Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba, I was easily drawn to the film. However, the story behind Molly Bloom’s life is what held my attention. Her intelligence and drive pushed her into a world of power that seems unattainable to most. And even when she lost everything, her name and her character allowed her to stand up and own up to her transgressions.
These films have definitely changed me during this pandemic. I’m no longer satisfied with the day to day droll and opinions of others. I want so much more out of life and I intend to push myself to reach those new goals. I am motivated and empowered by each story because I know I am capable of being just as successful.
What are your thoughts on the films I listed? Do you have any recommendations I should check out?
D'Miria Collins 