Everyone who has a Netflix membership has most likely seen the typical selection of programs that are the basis of our modern pop culture references, such as “Stranger Things”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, and almost every Sandra Bullock rom-com you can imagine.  While the hype behind these works is definitely well deserved, it’s understandable that most of us are looking for something fresh. Through tiring and extensive research, I have come up with a list of films perfect for wasting away your well earned weekends.

1. “Liberal Arts” (2012)

This quirky ‘dramedy’ is just the film we all need to warm us up this holiday season. Starring Josh Radnor (aka Ted Mosby from HIMYM), “Liberal Arts” tells the story of a newly single college counselor living in New York who returns to his alma mater for the retirement party of one of his professors. There he reunites with his one true love, an unnamed liberal arts college in Ohio, and perhaps meets another true love along the way. This movie is perfect for anyone looking to watch a not-so-typical cheesy romance movie and also targets anyone seeking to relate to the feeling of returning to their college campus and feeling like a 20-year-old all over again.

2. “The Girl In the Book” (2016)

“The Girl In the Book” is one of those movies that will leave you thinking about it for days, trying to understand what on earth you just watched. Telling the story of a New York book editor’s assistant with a mysterious past, this movie is an emotional drama that teaches a very important lesson: you can’t hold onto the past forever. With ghosts from the Alice’s life suddenly reappearing, the audience gets to go along on her journey of choosing whether she will let her past experiences dictate her life or if she will let them sabotage all of her meaningful relationships.

3. “I Believe in Unicorns” (2014)

Art films don’t always appeal to every type of audience, and this may not be an exception, but this movie really has the potential to pull in everyone who watches it. “I Believe in Unicorns” portrays a young and imaginative young girl’s volatile first love with a boy from her town. While this sounds unbelievably depressing, it’s super interesting to watch the evolution of their once cute (goals, if you may) relationship into a manipulative and abusive affair. Watch for a good cry.

4. “Memoria” (2016) 

This book to movie adaptation is based off of “Palo Alto”, a collection of stories written by actor James Franco (also starring James Franco). “Memoria” tells struggles of a teen growing up in a strict Russian- American family in Palo Alto, California. This is the second movie installment of the “Palo Alto” series, which have been widely well received as indie dramas. Since it has just recently been added to Netflix, you will have plenty of time to check out this angsty yet relatable film and stare at James Franco for two hours.

5. “White Bird In a Blizzard” (2014) 

This mystery/ thriller/ drama/ emotional roller coaster will leave you speechless, numb, and desperate for an explanation. This celebrity fueled cast tells the story of Kat Connors, a teenage girl who’s homemaking mother mysteriously vanishes in the winter of 1988. The story is told through numerous flashbacks, all giving the audience clues as to where her mother could have gone and why she could have disappeared. Unlike the previously mentioned “Liberal Arts,” this film will leave you chilled to the bone.

6. “Prince Avalanche” (2013) 

Set one year post the 1987 Texas wildfires, a man and his girlfriend’s brother spend the summer painting traffic lines on Texas country roads. As the story progresses, you see how their life in solitude affects them and how they get along with each other. Because of the initial hostility, the audience gets to enjoy their transition from foe to friend. This serves as a great undiscovered flick because the setting and light- hearted plot is sure to put you into a fall- time mood.