Team Favorites | Quarantine Watchlist Week 1

As many people in the world continue to be shut in their houses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we thought we might try and help negate the day-to-day boredom with a few good movie recommendations. We'll be posting weekly, every Sunday, with a new list of 7 films that are available across various streaming services until everyone is able to begin going about their daily lives once more. To start off we thought we'd do some of the team's favorite movies that are currently available for streaming. If you don't want to read the list, CLICK HERE to watch our video instead. Now, without further ado, here are WEEK ONE of our recommendations:

Mission Impossible: Fallout (2019) | Prime and Hulu

The sixth film following Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt is a unanimous favorite among the GW&CO team. Writer and director, Christopher McQuarrie, returns to Mission Impossible once more to bring the most action-packed film to date. This film follows Hunt as he and his team race against time to try to retrieve 3 plutonium cores that could be utilized for devastating nuclear attacks across the world. Tom Cruise continues to prove his lack of care for his own well-being, as well as the fact that he must be lying about his age (as if we'll believe he's actually 56 after this) with his incredible stunts. Over the course of this nearly two and a half-hour film, Tom Cruise goes from pulling a helicopter out of a spiraling dive, breaking his ankle while jumping between rooftops only to then continue to run, and much more that we'll leave for you to watch and discover. Alongside wonderful actors such as Rebecca Ferguson, Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, and so many more, this star-studded film really is a complete package. And while we do recommend watching the other films in the series, you can definitely enjoy this one on its own as well.

Train to Busan (2016) | Netflix

This South Korean zombie horror/thriller film will keep you on the edge of your seat, while not being too scary. With its semi-sequel, Peninsula, on the way, there isn't a better time to catch up on the world that Yeon Sang-ho has created. The film follows a young father (Gong Yoo) and his estranged daughter (Kim Soo-Ahn) when their quick train ride turns into a fight for survival as the zombie apocalypse begins. Gong Yoo shows just how far a father's love can go. Train to Busan has since garnered a cult following and until the inevitable Hollywood remake that people will be mad at, this movie with subtitles remains the best way to experience this story.

Super 8 (2011) | Hulu and Prime

J.J. Abrams, before manning the debatable Star Wars sequels, created this wonderfully crafted Sci-Fi film that was Stranger Things before Stranger Things. The film follows a group of kids who are filming a zombie movie (#relatable) when suddenly they witness a sudden train derailment. They are forced to flee from their makeshift set, scared for their lives. Their quiet small town becomes a lot more interesting, and frightening, as they discover the cause of the accident. Stars Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Ryan Lee, and Riley Griffiths show off their exceptional talent at a young age and J.J. Abram's staple lens flares have never looked better than with Larry Fong behind the camera.

Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020) | Netflix

If you are looking for films that will take up a lot of time, I definitely recommend a deep-dive into the world of Indian Cinema, where most movies average around 2hr 30mins. (Don't worry they have intermissions in case you need to pause and take a break.) This South Indian Telugu-language film stars Stylish Star Allu Arjun, Pooja Hegde, as well as many other talented actors and actresses. Allu Arjun plays Bantu, a middle-class young man who has spent his whole life being told that it will never get any better, only to discover that the man he's always called dad had switched him at birth with his millionaire employer's son. The film came out earlier this year to good critical reception and has since become Allu Arjun's most successful film yet. It is also full of great songs that I've added to many playlists, and listen to all the time, my favorite being Butta Bomma. The film's over-the-top action and comedy creates a fun film that the whole family can enjoy

Annihilation (2018) | Hulu and Prime

This 2018 science fiction film based on the first novel in Jeff VanderMeer's Southern Reach Trilogy, is sure to leave you thinking. Led by a mostly female cast with Natalie Portman at the head, this psychological thriller explores a curious and frightening bubble that is Area X. Director Alex Garland brings this twisted tale to life to create a suspense-filled 2 hours as the group of experts dive further into this beautiful and dangerous landscape, trying to discover what caused it. If your experience with the movie is anything like ours, you're sure to watch it a few times to fully grasp its meaning.

Creed 2 (2019) | Prime

Creed 2 is definitely best watched after seeing the first, however, we think it can still be enjoyed on its own. Micheal B Jordan and Tessa Thompson give emotional and empowering performances in their roles, and Sylvester Stallone may bring you to tears with some of the movie's more heartfelt moments. The story, as is all the Rocky films, proves to everyone that hard work pays off, and this one also teaches the importance of family, both knowing when to reach out, when to hold on and when to let go. Jordan as Adonis Creed, son of Apollo Creed, is challenged by the son of Ivan Drago, the man who killed his father. The son is played by real-life boxer Florian Munteanu. The filmmakers worked hard to improve upon the fighting in the first Creed in order to make it look even more like an actual boxing match. Whether you're a fan of boxing or not, there is something for you in this film.

Inception (2010) | Netflix

No "Favorite Movies" list is complete without a Christopher Nolan film. As with his other films, Nolan's complete command over storytelling keeps you on your toes as you delve into the complex world of dreams. Leonardo DiCaprio works with an elite team to delve into people's dreams in order to steal their secrets. But this enemy may be more than they bargained for. This movie is also quite a thinker, so be ready to re-watch this film a few too many times in order to fully understand all of its many layers.

BONUS | Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) | Netflix

Since this is the first list, we decided to add a bonus film, and couldn't think of one better suited. The world is definitely a bit heavy right now, and there's truly nothing like a good laugh during tough times. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is chock-full of non-stop humor. Be warned though, it is indeed extremely silly. This is the kind of movie that you can re-watch many times, and quote even more. "Just a flesh wound" and "Tis but a scratch" will forever be my favorite responses to "are you okay?" after an injury of any kind. The Monty Python comedy troupe comes together to create a film that perfectly exemplifies their nonsensical style of hilarity.

For next week's list click HERE! Leave anymore suggestions for some of your favorite films that are available to stream in the comments below and stay safe!