The 2011 film The Help is trending this week on Netflix as the Black Lives Matter movement gains momentum in the United States following the killing of George Floyd. While some think this is a fair way to educate themselves on Black history, others are urging white viewers to consider other options.
Celebrities, like Emma Watson, have shared alternative viewing experiences to help further their education. One that continuously returns to the conversation is the Netflix documentary 13th, a 2016 film that looks inside America’s prison system and the number of black men and women behind bars.
Some Twitter users advertised The Help, while others explained why it shouldn’t be anywhere on your advocacy watch list.
The Help sat in the fifth position on Friday. Steve Carell’s new workplace comedy, Space Force, which has incredibly mixed reviews, led the list at No. 1. Some think the humor falls short, while others are simply thrilled to see Carell in a comedy again.
Space Force may not rest in the top spot for long, though. Netflix released Season 5 of Queer Eye on Friday, which will likely make the Top 10 list before this weekend is over. Though it’s not included in this list, 10 new episodes of the Fab 5 are ready for your viewing, too.
Here are Netflix’s Top 10 as of Friday, and what they’re all about.
Space Force
The United States just created a new branch of the military: Space Force. Carell’s character heads the mission, which is fueled by comedic moments. To some, the series fell short. This may be because it’s been unfairly compared to Carell’s past venture, The Office. The styles of humor are different, which may throw some dedicated Office fans off the bandwagon.
Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich
This emotional documentary series dives into the stories of sexual abuse by American financier Jeffrey Epstein. The survivors tell their stories of interactions with Epstein, all of which are eerily similar. Viewers get to know the story behind the headlines surrounding Epstein’s arrest and death, but should beware of the triggering content.
Fuller House
The final episodes of this family-loved reboot just launched on Netflix. If you’re looking for nostalgia and fun, the entire collection of Fuller House is now streaming. Viewers know there’s a wedding to look forward to…or three.
Sweet Magnolias
This southern drama leans more toward the power of friendship than anything else. There’s love, heartbreak, family conversations and lots of margaritas. Viewers are impatiently waiting for Netflix to renew the show for Season 2 after one of the best (most frustrating) cliffhangers ever.
The Help
The 2011 period film is on Netflix now, with all of its inspirational quotes and powerful message. However, as the film begins to climb the chart on Netflix, though, critics and internet users alike are urging viewers to watch other films to educate themselves on Black history and the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
This childhood classic has been in the Top 10 chart for weeks, seemingly because of its ultra-dedicated fanbase. Viewers who grew up watching Avatar continue the conversation, even now, about the show’s loveable characters. Newly added to Netflix, it’s now ready for a new generation to watch and love, too. If you get in deep and have a CBS All Access subscription you can follow up your watch with the sequel series, Legend of Korra.
Clueless
One of the best-known chick flicks of all time is now streaming, and it’s not surprising it’s risen to the Top 10 charts already. Clueless follows one, tirelessly superficial high schooler on her quest to makeover the new girl. But her plan backfires completely.
The Healer
Meet Alex Bailey, a complete player who gambles a lot. He’s a repairman grappling with his twin brother’s death, but what Bailey doesn’t realize is he has a whole lot to give. Bailey has a superpower of sorts that allows him to heal the sick, and it may just snap him out of his old ways.
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs
This family favorite is now streaming for all of your Friday and Saturday movie night plans. Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs is an animated film that questions how society operates when food literally falls from the sky.
Riverdale
This CW favorite continues to hold a spot in Netflix’s Top 10 from dedicated fans and new viewers. Inspired by the Archie comics, the teens of Riverdale fall in and out of both love and mystery throughout the series, which has a little bit of everything.
