Columbia Pictures
Labor Day is a holiday that’s an American institution. Just as the Memorial Day three-day weekend signifies the beginning of summer, the Labor Day three-day weekend represents the end of it. After this weekend, it’s pumpkin spice, holiday planning, back to school, and sweater leggings from here on out. So say goodbye to summer the right way. Were you planning on doing something active or being sociable? Going outside, spending time with friends and family, jumping into the pool, or grilling out? Well, don’t do any of that. Instead, spend all your time indoors watching television. That’s what you really want to do, right?
We’ve got a list of the best movies on Netflix that you should watch today. So, put on your favorite white outfit–it’s taboo after tomorrow!–and nix the barbecue plans and order a pizza instead. Here is nearly a full day’s worth of Labor Day Netflix viewing suggestions, so you have no excuse to get out and do anything.
Dear White People
Here’s a satirical dramedy for your Labor Day, chronicling the lives of four black people at an Ivy League college as white students throw a black-face party. Justin Simien, the director and writer of the flick, has given us a screenplay that pops off the pages and onto the screen in a poignant, funny, and meaningful way. Dear White People navigates the waters of race and self-identity by addressing topics that are normally ignored in movies.
Narcos
If you miss Breaking Bad, you will love Narcos. Centering around the true story of Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, who became the wealthiest criminal in history, amassing a $30 billion net worth, this series takes you through the growth of his drug cartel and was just renewed for a second season. Each of its 10 episodes is about 45 minutes long, but you might catch yourself binging on this series.
Up in the Air
When Up in the Air came out in 2009, it was right at the tail-end of a collapsing economy and years of high unemployment rates. This movie chronicled the happenings of George Clooney’s character who traveled extensively to fire people for a living, along with a new recruit, played by Anna Kendrick. This movie proved that Kendrick was more than just a minor character in Twilight and got several Oscar nominations.
Muffin Top: A Love Story
If you’re a female professor who analyzes women’s bodies in the media for a living, and you live in Los Angeles, then having your husband knock up a thin, attractive women while you’ve been going through IVF trying to get pregnant is probably one of the worst things that could happen to you. This movie is lighthearted and comedic, with a wonderful performance from Cathryn Michon as the main character. If you’re going through a break-up and need some self love, you can’t do better than Muffin Top: A Love Story this Labor Day.
Princess Arete
If part of your Labor Day includes watching kids who are out of school for the day, you might want something a little more child-friendly, but still palatable for adults. Princess Arete is a good choice for that. It’s a powerful movie about a princess who is forced to marry an evil sorcerer against her wishes, and yearns for independence from her mundane lifestyle. This movie’s central feminist message is fantastic, and the story and animation are similar to films produced by Studio Ghibli.
Hardball
Hardball is a classic sports movie–you can’t go wrong. Keanu Reeves plays an unwilling children’s coach for a Little League team of poor kids in Chicago’s projects, as he looks for ways to get out of debt. He grows to become a father figure to the boys, and, through triumph and tragedy, finds greater meaning in life than gambling. You might also notice a young Michael B. Jordan in the movie! This movie will run you about an hour and 45 minutes.
Tig
Tig Notaro became a legend after she performed a stand-up set at Largo discussing her diagnosis just days after discovering cancer in both breasts. Louis C.K. was so impressed that he released her audio on his website, which helped launch her to further fame. This summer, Netflix released an exclusive documentary about her experiences with cancer, becoming famous, and trying to have a baby with her fiancee Stephanie. This documentary is a little bit sad and a little bit funny, with a lot of inspiration mixed in. This is definitely one to add to your Labor Day list.
Hit Record on TV with Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt has come up with a pretty groundbreaking idea… getting content, opinions, and videos from all over the world and editing it into one variety-style series. With its highly open collaboration and excellent production value, each episode has a completely different theme. Hit Record on TV is informative and unique, reminiscent of PBS shows like Reading Rainbow or Bill Nye the Science Guy made for millennials, addressing adult subjects. This is the future of television, and it looks like it’s off to a great start.
Lawrence of Arabia
If you’ve never watched Lawrence of Arabia, Labor Day is the perfect day to go for it. Netflix is showing the restored version, and you don’t want to miss it. With a run time of three hours and 48 minutes, this movie is an investment — but with the phenomenal cinematography and excellent music set against the gorgeous Arabian landscape, it’s one that’s worth making.
