Are you out for the summer and wondering what to watch? We’ve pulled the top streaming shows and movies for the 2023 summer season- according to educators. Please be sure to watch these from the pool, your porch, or in your bed!
Top Shows
These are the top streaming shows and movies, according to educators. Whether the shows are on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or other streaming services.
“Bridgerton” (Netflix): is a period drama series based on the bestselling novels by Julia Quinn. Set in Regency-era England, the show follows the lives and romantic escapades of the powerful Bridgerton family and the London elite. Narrated by the mysterious Lady Whistledown, the series revolves around the debutante season, where young women of noble birth are presented to society in search of love and marriage.
“Stranger Things” (Netflix): Set in the 1980s, a group of friends in a small town uncover a dark secret when a young boy goes missing, leading them to encounter supernatural forces and a parallel dimension called the Upside Down.
“The Crown” (Netflix): This historical drama chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, exploring her personal life, relationships, and the challenges she faces as the leader of the British monarchy.
“Outlander” (Netflix):The Outlander television series is an adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s book series of the same name. It follows the story of Claire Randall, a World War II nurse, who finds herself transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland. Here’s a short summary of the Outlander show series:
“Ozark” (Netflix): A financial planner, played by Jason Bateman, is forced to relocate his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. As they navigate the criminal underworld, they must find a way to stay alive while establishing a new life.
“The Mandalorian” (Disney+): Set in the Star Wars universe, a lone bounty hunter, known as the Mandalorian, embarks on a series of adventures across the galaxy while protecting a young alien creature known as “The Child” or popularly referred to as “Baby Yoda.”
“Game of Thrones” (HBO Max): Based on George R.R. Martin’s novels, this epic fantasy series follows the power struggles, political intrigue, and battles for the Iron Throne in the fictional world of Westeros.
“Breaking Bad” (Netflix): A high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, played by Bryan Cranston, teams up with a former student to navigate the dangerous world of drug trafficking while keeping his new life hidden from his family.
“The Office” (Netflix): A mockumentary-style sitcom that depicts the everyday lives of office employees working at the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the Dunder Mifflin paper company, featuring an ensemble cast and plenty of comedic moments.
“Friends” (HBO Max): This beloved sitcom revolves around a group of six friends living in New York City, showcasing their personal and professional lives, romantic entanglements, and enduring friendships.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu): Based on Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel, the series portrays a totalitarian society in which women are subjugated and fertile women are forced into reproductive servitude as handmaids.
“Black Mirror” (Netflix): This anthology series presents thought-provoking, often dark, and satirical stories that explore the consequences and implications of technology on society and individuals in the near future.
“Dead Poets Society” (Various streaming platforms): This classic film starring Robin Williams follows an English teacher who inspires his students at a strict boarding school to embrace their passions and think critically. It highlights the transformative power of education and the importance of pursuing one’s individuality.
“The Wire” (HBO Max): This critically acclaimed series explores various aspects of life in Baltimore, including the education system. It delves into the challenges and complexities faced by teachers, students, and administrators, shedding light on the social issues that impact educational institutions.
“Mr. Holland’s Opus” (Various streaming platforms): This heartwarming film tells the story of a dedicated music teacher who spends decades shaping the lives of his students while also pursuing his own musical aspirations. It highlights the impact that passionate educators can have on their students’ lives.
“The Mindy Project” (Hulu): While primarily a comedy series, “The Mindy Project” features a main character who is an OB/GYN doctor navigating her professional and personal life. It provides glimpses into the medical field and the challenges of balancing work and personal aspirations.
“The Great British Bake Off” (Netflix): Although not directly about education, this popular baking competition showcases the learning process and growth of amateur bakers as they face challenges and develop new skills. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance, creativity, and continuous improvement.
“Sesame Street” (HBO Max): A beloved children’s show that has been educating and entertaining young viewers for decades. It focuses on early childhood education, promoting literacy, numeracy, and social skills through engaging characters, stories, and songs.
Ted Lasso (Apple TV): “Ted Lasso” is a comedy-drama series that follows the story of the eponymous character, Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis. Ted is an American football coach who unexpectedly finds himself coaching a professional soccer team in England, despite having no prior experience with the sport.
“The Morning Show”(Apple TV): Set in the world of morning television, this drama series explores the power dynamics, behind-the-scenes struggles, and personal crises faced by the anchors and staff of a popular morning news program. It delves into the complexities of the media industry and the challenges of navigating personal and professional boundaries.
“For All Mankind”(Apple TV): This alternate history series imagines a world where the space race never ended and the global space program continues to evolve. It explores the lives of astronauts, scientists, and their families as they push the boundaries of space exploration and grapple with personal and political complexities.
“Servant” (Apple TV): A psychological thriller created by M. Night Shyamalan, “Servant” follows a Philadelphia couple who hire a nanny to care for their reborn doll, which they believe to be their deceased baby. As mysterious events unfold, the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred, raising questions about identity, grief, and supernatural occurrences.
“Defending Jacob”(Apple TV): Based on the novel of the same name, this miniseries tells the story of a district attorney whose son is accused of a shocking crime. As the family’s life is upended, they navigate the legal system and confront the complexities of loyalty, doubt, and the lengths parents will go to protect their child.
“See”(Apple TV): Set in a dystopian future where most of humanity has lost the sense of sight, “See” follows a tribe of individuals with the ability to see. When twins are born with sight, they become a target, and their father must protect them from those who seek to control their power.
“Dickinson” (Apple TV): This period comedy-drama series offers a modern and irreverent take on the life of poet Emily Dickinson. It explores the challenges and aspirations of a young woman struggling against societal constraints while infusing her story with contemporary language and themes.
“The Diplomat” (Netflix): “The Diplomat” is a drama series that follows the life of a skilled diplomat named Jonah Mulray. After his wife is killed in a suspicious car accident in Hong Kong, Jonah uncovers a web of conspiracy and intrigue as he delves deeper into her death. The series explores themes of international politics, personal loss, and the pursuit of justice.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”(Amazon): Set in the 1950s and 1960s, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is a comedy-drama series that revolves around Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a housewife who discovers her talent for stand-up comedy after her marriage falls apart. Midge navigates the male-dominated comedy scene, challenging societal norms and pursuing her dreams of becoming a professional comedian.
“Night Agent”(Netflix): “Night Agent” is a thriller series centered around a former intelligence officer named Vladislav Strizh. After an operation goes wrong, Strizh is forced into early retirement, but he soon discovers that he has been framed for treason. Determined to clear his name, he embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth, facing enemies from within and outside the intelligence community.
“Yellowjackets” (Showtime): “Yellowjackets” is a suspenseful drama series that follows the members of an all-female high school soccer team who survive a plane crash in the remote wilderness. Stranded for months, the survivors face a harrowing struggle for survival and must confront their darkest secrets and inner demons. The series weaves between their present-day adult lives and their traumatic experiences as teenagers, exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and the complexities of human nature.
“The Boys” (Amazon Prime): In a world where superheroes are revered, “The Boys” presents a darker take on the genre. This action-packed series follows a group of vigilantes who set out to expose corrupt and abusive superheroes while facing their own personal demons and uncovering a conspiracy that could change the world.
“Fleabag”(Amazon Prime): Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, “Fleabag” is a dark comedy-drama that delves into the life of an unnamed protagonist known as Fleabag. Through her sharp wit and raw vulnerability, Fleabag navigates relationships, grief, and her own self-destructive tendencies in modern-day London as one of the top streaming shows and movies, according to educators.
“The Expanse”(Amazon Prime): Based on the book series by James S.A. Corey, “The Expanse” is a science fiction series set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system. The show follows a diverse group of characters, including a detective, a ship’s captain, and a political leader, as they uncover a vast conspiracy that could lead to interstellar war.
“Upload”(Amazon Prime): This comedic series takes place in a future where humans can choose to be uploaded into a virtual afterlife. When computer programmer Nathan dies prematurely, he finds himself in the luxurious but bizarre virtual world of Lakeview. As he adjusts to his new existence, he forms an unexpected connection with a living woman who becomes his guide.
“Hunters”(Amazon Prime): Set in 1977 New York City, “Hunters” follows a diverse group of vigilantes known as the Hunters, who track down and eliminate Nazis hiding in America. Led by a Holocaust survivor, they uncover a vast conspiracy and seek justice for the atrocities committed during World War II as one of the top streaming shows and movies, according to educators.
“The Man in the High Castle”(Amazon Prime): Based on Philip K. Dick’s novel, this alternate history series depicts a world where the Axis Powers won World War II and the United States is divided between Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. It follows a diverse set of characters as they navigate political intrigue, resistance movements, and the search for a mysterious film that shows a different reality.
Movies
These are the top streaming shows and movies, according to educators. Whether the shows are on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or other streaming services.
“Freedom Writers” (2007): Based on a true story, this movie follows a young teacher, played by Hilary Swank, who uses writing to inspire and empower her at-risk high school students. It highlights the impact of a dedicated educator in challenging circumstances.
“Stand and Deliver” (1988): Inspired by real events, this film portrays the story of a math teacher, played by Edward James Olmos, who transforms the lives of his students at a disadvantaged high school. It emphasizes the value of high expectations, determination, and the belief in students’ potential as one of the top streaming shows and movies, according to educators.
“To Sir, with Love” (1967): Sidney Poitier stars as an engineer who takes up a teaching job in a tough London school. Through his unconventional methods and dedication, he connects with his students and teaches them valuable life lessons.
“Mr. Holland’s Opus” (1995): Richard Dreyfuss plays a musician turned high school music teacher who inspires his students while pursuing his own musical aspirations. The film explores the transformative impact of a dedicated educator and the importance of fostering creativity and passion.
“Dangerous Minds” (1995): Based on a true story, this film follows a former Marine, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, as she takes on a challenging teaching job in an inner-city school. It addresses themes of overcoming obstacles, cultural understanding, and the power of believing in students.
“The Miracle Worker” (1962): This classic film portrays the inspiring story of Helen Keller, a young deaf and blind girl, and her dedicated teacher Annie Sullivan. It explores the transformative impact of a teacher’s determination, patience, and belief in a student’s potential.
We’ve worked all year and let us rest this summer and REST to watch the top streaming shows and movies, according to educators. Whether the shows are on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or other streaming services.
