Let’s face it. There are too many choices on Netflix. There’s no way you can possibly watch everything they have to offer, even if you’re a curious person like me and wish you could. Having been a Netflix subscriber since the O.G. DVD days, I’ve come up with some solid strategies for picking what to watch on Netflix. AND I’m nice and I’m going to share them with you.
This post is sponsored by Netflix #StreamTeam
Side note: Did you know they still have the DVD option?! Someone told me this recently and I was shook. If you add DVDs to your subscription you’ll have a larger variety of choices, including newer releases.
Anyway, here are my top 5 tips for deciding what to watch on Netflix, and a bonus section on getting your fam to watch what you want to watch. Muahaha.
1. Search and browse with InstantWatcher
InstantWatcher is my personal favorite resource. It’s a website that lets you sort Netflix’s offerings in pretty much any way you please, like by highest rating, what’s leaving Netflix soon, or by a comprehensive list of genres and subgenres.
2. Get suggestions from A Good Movie to Watch
If you don’t really have anything in mind, A Good Movie to Watch will be your best friend. You can get a random suggestion or browse by mood, critic ratings, or just by what’s newest. Bonus points: The site has a really nice-looking layout.
3. Go with a safe bet: Netflix Originals
Almost all of my latest favorites have been Netflix Originals. They just keep knocking it out of the park! Head over to the Originals section in Netflix and look around or try one of our favorites:
- Grace & Frankie: comedy with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin
- Ozark: money laundering with cutie Jason Bateman
- Santa Clarita Diet: zombies with Drew Barrymore
- Chef’s Table: amazing foodie docuseries and no I will never stop talking about it
- The Keepers: true crime docuseries
4. Improve your suggestions
After you watch something, always make sure to rate it! Rating your faves and hates will improve the selection of shows and movies that Netflix puts in the Recommended for You section. And of course the more you watch, the better Netflix will understand you, so when you get that “Are you still watching?” message, don’t be offended. Own it.
5. Ask your friends & fam
You’re not always right. I know it hurts, but sometimes other people just know you better than you know yourself. If there’s a show or movie on Netflix that someone in your life keeps talking about, give it a shot. You might like it!
Giving other people’s opinions a chance is how I found out about Grace & Frankie, Friends from College, and Chef’s Table.
Evil genius tip: Convincing everyone to watch what you want
Guard the remote AT ALL COSTS
When it comes to entertainment choices, you’re probably facing a house divided most of the time. Doesn’t it seem like a miracle when everyone can agree on one thing to watch? If you find yourself endlessly scrolling and just want to get the show on the road, here’s what to do:
- Try to point out something about your show that tickles their fancy. Want to watch a thriller but they love dramas? Point out the love story subplot.
- Let them pick this time; you can pick next time.
- Call it a wash and let one of the websites above decide for you: use the Random option!
Happy streaming!
Jenny says
There’s so much to sift thru on Netflix, it can take me an hour to find something. I like how Instant Watcher helps you choose by popularity. I’ll have to give them a try next time.
Juliette says
Cool tips. Sometimes it feels like there is so much to watch on netflix and then out of no where nada. I’ll be sure to use these ideas!
Jennifer says
I totally had no clue that they still offer dvd to watch. I will have to go look and see what I can find now! Thanks for that reminder. 🙂
Tami says
We usually watch Netflix based on family recommendations. The searchable website will be invaluable as we finish our current series.
Mimi Green says
I’ve been watching a lot of the Netflix originals as well. They have partnered with great artist to create dope content. I also still watch a different world.
Our Family World says
Me and my husband only get to watch shows on the weekends so we get to decide what to watch. I am lucky that our preferences don’t differ that much so most of the time, we agree on the show to watch.
uprunforlife says
I always struggle at finding shows that I want to watch on Netflix. My son on the other hand, has no trouble. 🙂 He loves his cartoons and movies.
Shannon Gurnee says
These are some great suggestions for ways to find new shows to watch! I love Netflix and watch it all the time.
Cherri Megasko says
Thanks for this! We just ended a three-month period of zero TV. Netflix and my computer were my best friend! I love binge watching when a new season of one of my shows is released!
Marysa says
There is so much stuff on Netflix, it can be tough to choose something! We just finished Santa Clarita Diet and were thinking of trying Ozark. Great tips, it helps to cut down on all the time we spend looking through Netflix.
Travel Blogger says
Great tips! Sometimes there is just so much to watch on Netflix that I have no idea where to even begin. I will have to remember to rate what I watch. I always forget to do this, but that would definitely help me get better recommendations.
Jenn says
There are so many options…my favorites are the show like orange is new black which I need to catch up with!
I always start flipping through and end up watching movies I have been dying to watch.
Chanelle says
I need to catch up on OITNB too!
Melissa Dixon says
There are so many things to watch on there it can be confusing on what to watch. I never can seem to narrow it down.
reesa says
I didn’t know about the instant watcher, I need to check that out! I have so many things I want to watch, just not enough time!
Joyce Brewer says
As a binge watching fan, I truly love these suggestions. Thanks for the DVD recommendations.
Bree says
Oh this is so helpful! I’m a Netflix junkie and can never seem to find new shows to watch. Once a series is over, I’m stuck lol.
Louise says
I only really use Netflix for catching up with TV shows I’ve missed over the years. I need to start getting my money’s worth by using your tips! Thank you 🙂
Louise x
Carol Cassara says
I really appreciate these suggestions! I always have a difficult time deciding what to watch apart from the shows that I’m really interested in. It’s nice to see that there are ways to help me decide!
Dogvills says
When my work load is not heavy, I binge watch on Netflix. These are awesome suggestions. I haven’t heard of InstantWatcher. I will check this out.
Janelle says
I’m a Netflix fan and love their original series
AnnMarie John says
I sometimes end up browsing for some time until I finally decide on what to watch. That site that helps you decide is awesome! I’m definitely considering that one!
ricci says
I am a huge Netflix fan and have recently discovered their original movies!! LOVE them!!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
These are really great tips!! I will definitely try the InstantWatcher! Sounds really helpful.
Hali @daytodayMOMents says
These are some great tips, I often have something on in the background while working and run out of the good and popular ones quickly! lol I have been watching Netflix for years too, and actually used to get DVD’s but then I got too busy for it.
Cynthia says
A good movie to watch is an awesome suggestion, I didn’t know about this service. Luckily, my husband and I share the same taste in movies so we usually agree on what to watch 🙂
Sarah says
It’s been a while since I binge watched a show on Netflix. We’ve been so busy this summer! I can’t wait for winter when I just lay in bed and watch shows.
Vanessa Delia says
You listed some of my favorites. It’s always so hard for me to finally choose one because there are so many good options!
Lois Alter Mark says
These are great tips since the choices on Netflix can be overwhelming! There are always so many good movies and shows to choose from!
Camesha | Mama Motivator says
You’re right. Netflix Originals is always a safe bet!
Aaaannnd, I totally forgot that Netflix started with DVD’s!!!
Jasmine says
I’m a huge Netflix binge watcher and I didn’t know these options even existed! I normally just know what I’m looking for but I’ve been hitting a wall lately and needed something new, this will be perfect!
Dawn Nieves says
This is great! I have a tendency to get overwhelmed on a Netflix sometimes! So much to watch. So little time!
krystal says
Ozark and The Keepers were SO gOOD! I love watching the Netflix Originals because there is always something new and entertaining.
Lisa Favre says
Oh my goodness – yes! Why have I never seen a list like this before?! I can sometimes take hours deciding on what to watch on Netflix!
Joely Smith says
My husband and I are NetFlix JUNKIES! LOL I love the NetFlix originals too they ARE amazing!
I need to check out your first suggestion! To me that sounds the best, for me.
Stephanie says
My little guys loves Neflix. He controls the remote and loves loves picking the shows.
andrea says
We have been debating on getting Netflix and I think it might be on our “must” have for the cooler months.
Thanks for the insight on how to pick something, I’m horrible at finding new television programs. We always watch old re-runs of our favorites Great post.
Amy Desrosiers says
I cannot wait for Stranger Things to start back up. I pretty much love Netflix Orginals!
Randa says
Ohhh great tips! I had never heard of some of these sites but I’ll be checking them out now. I love Netflix!
Kelly Hutchinson says
I had never heard of these movie recommendation sites. I love watching Netflix originals. Have you seen Ozark? It was fantastic! But I want to marry Justin Bateman so….
Chanelle says
My mom keeps telling me to watch Ozark. I guess I should take the hint!
Ashley says
You nailed it with ask your friends. I always do that once I have binged a whole show!
reesa says
I have so many shows I want to watch on Netflix! It’s hard to decide!
Meagan says
It can definitely be hard to pick. I know I am a binge watch a show kinda person.
Brandi Crawford says
You’ve got some great tips here! I haven’t heard of InstantWatcher. I definitely need to try it out.
Lisa Bristol says
I will have to give InstantWatcher a try. The other day I spent almost an hour browsing the titles. There is just so many great movies and programs to choose from.
Claudia Krusch says
We love to binge watch our favorite shows on Netflix. Sometimes it can be hard to choose something. I will have to give these a try.
Gisele says
I used to have Netflix but I dropped the subscription. It is a good source for entertainment. I’m busy with my home business and when I do watch TV it’s usually Animal Planet or Travel Channel.
Sadie Roach says
These are some really good tips! The worst thing is wanting to watch something and finding yourself just scrolling through things you’re not interested. InstantWatcher seems really neat and will definitely be checking it out!
Chanelle says
Ugh, yes, I can’t stand indecision!
Vera Sweeney says
InstantWatcher sounds like a great way to navigate Netflix. Right now, I generally just go with what’s suggested for me, but I HAVE been looking for something new.
Chanelle says
I usually do the same, but I agree…sometimes ya just need a little inspiration!
Roger D Willis says
We don’t have Netflix. It would eat our data up too much just watching one show! I watch it sometimes at my son and daughter’s-in-law house when I’m on papa duty, watching my grand kids while they’re working.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I have now watched so much on Netflix for so long that I don’t even have to look for something new anymore. Netflix knows EXACTLY what I’m looking for. LOL
Chanelle says
Lol mine is pretty damn accurate too!