Netflix is the world’s most popular streaming service for a reason — it has a great library filled with classic and blockbuster hits, like Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner and Spider-Man: Homecoming with Tom Holland.
The streamer just added some more films Watch With Us thinks you’ll enjoy watching over the August 14–16 weekend.
At the top of our list is Elysium, an underrated sci-fi thriller starring Matt Damon as a reformed criminal trying to take down the 1 percent.
We also recommend watching the inspirational drama Soul Surfer, based on an amazing true story about a teenage surfer who overcame impossible odds to pursue her dream, and the family dramedy Tortilla Soup, which will make you both cry and crave a home-cooked meal.
‘Elysium’ (2013)
Matt Damon, Wagner Moura in Elysium. Kimberley French/©Sony Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection
In 2154, humanity is split into two main groups: the ultra-rich, who live in a luxurious space station called Elysium, and everyone else, who live on an Earth ravaged by ecocide. Wily hacker Spider (The Last House‘s Wagner Moura) wants to illegally transport as many poor people to Elysium as possible. He strikes a deal with ex-convict Max (Matt Damon) – if he can help Spider find an Elysium and extract valuable information from him, he’ll smuggle Max aboard a shuttle to the station so he can treat his soon-to-be-fatal radiation poisoning. But Elysium’s defense secretary, Jessica Delacourt (Jodie Foster), will do anything to prevent them from entering the station – including hiring a contract killer to eliminate them for good.
Directed by District 9 helmer Neill Blomkamp, Elysium is a thrilling sci-fi film that imagines a world that isn’t so far-fetched as it was over a decade ago. Class divisions, the rise of the super wealthy and the increasing concern over global warming have made the film more relevant than ever. It’s also just a fun ride, with a bald and buff Damon portraying a gruff, unlikable character who is miles away from his sweet-natured Will in Good Will Hunting and even Odysseus in The Odyssey. As the film’s villain, Foster is winningly vile as a crafty manipulator who will do anything to preserve Elysium’s rich and exclusive status quo.
Elysium is streaming on Netflix.
‘Soul Surfer’ (2011)
All Hawaiian teenager Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) wants to do is surf in the ocean and hang out with her friends. When a shark attacks her during a night swim, she almost dies – and loses her left arm. With the help of her parents Cheri (Helen Hunt) and Tom (Dennis Quaid), she recovers enough to resume school. But can she ever go back in the water and do the thing she enjoys the most – surfing?
Based on real-life events, Soul Surfer is an inspirational story about overcoming impossible odds through the power of belief and a family’s unwavering support. Yes, this is a faith-based film, but it’s remarkably unpreachy. Instead, it takes Bethany’s spiritual beliefs seriously and shows how they help her get through a traumatic event that would’ve decimated others. Hunt and Quaid stand out as devoted parents who do their best to make sure their child realizes her dreams, even if everyone keeps telling them they’re impossible to achieve.
Soul Surfer is streaming on Netflix.
‘Tortilla Soup’ (2001)
Martin Naranjo (Héctor Elizondo) loves his three grown daughters, but ever since his wife died, he’s been feeling a little lonely. When she begins to show interest in family friend Yolanda (Constance Marie), his daughters can’t quite process their father moving on from their beloved mother. They’re too busy to do anything about it, though, as each daughter is experiencing their own romantic turmoil. The Naranjo household may be chaotic, but the one thing that holds it together is the weekly dinners that bring everyone together before they inevitably part once again.
Based on the hit foreign film Eat Drink Man Woman, Tortilla Soup is a loving ode to the power of family – and the everlasting appeal of a well-cooked dinner. Don’t watch this film on an empty stomach; otherwise, you’ll start craving all the delicious dishes the Naranjos prepare for themselves. With a cast that includes Elizabeth Peña, Paul Rodriguez and the dynamite Raquel Welch as a man-hungry widow, Tortilla Soup is a big-hearted family drama that will make you hunger for some quality time with your relatives – and a hearty Mexican meal.
Tortilla Soup is streaming on Netflix.
