Entertainment

What To Watch On Netflix When You're With Friends

by Jordana Lipsitz

Friends are great, and hanging out with them is even better. That being said, hanging out with friends while watching something on Netflix can be the absolute worst. A crucial part of the "Netflix & Chill" experience is the chill part (and I mean chill in the literal sense) but when a bunch of people are there, chilling can be tough. When you're trying to watch Netflix with a group, someone's always got to make that one last comment, someone else is always getting up to go to the bathroom, and someone else is always breathing way too loud. So the key technique for watching a movie or TV show with a whole crew is to choose only content you have seen before or content you won't care about being spoiled for, since you just know that's gonna happen.

With a whole group alongside you, you're definitely not going to be able to grasp everything from what you watch — the distractions will be far too many. So it basically comes down to finding content that is entertaining but simple enough that the magic of the moment isn't totally ruined by your BFF and his loud popcorn chewing. The 14 movies and shows on Netflix below are ones that you can get away with watching even while hanging out with those chill-ruiners some call friends.

1. Pulp Fiction

If you haven't seen all of Pulp Fiction yet, or even a few parts, I am totally surprised and you should get on it. This movie is the perfect one for a large group because most people have already seen the film, so when that girl sitting on the floor gets up for the third time to see if anybody wants water because she's running into the kitchen again to check on the cookies she's baking — the moment-ruining won't be that annoying.

2. Family Guy

A whole group is perfect for this cartoon. It's one of those shows where your "funny" friend can make as many comments after a joke that he or she wants, because the show has the tendency to put viewers in that sort of a mood. Meanwhile, the show doesn't follow that much of a storyline, so spoilers aren't much of an issue.

3. Back To The Future

This classic is perfect for a large group because it's such an old favorite, and no one's going to get too upset if someone's talking during a moment because they've already seen it a zillion times. As long as no one interrupts Marty McFly's guitar solo at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance, we're cool.

4. Gilmore Girls

In light of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life coming to our screens this November, Gilmore Girls is always welcome at any event, no matter the size. The GG-flavored fever is upon us all.

5. The Babadook

Let's face it, the only way to keep that audience engaged is to scare the pants off of them. On the other hand, sometimes the only way to get through a horror movie is to have a whole crew reminding you that you're actually quite safe.

6. Friends

There is probably no show better for viewing with friends than Friends, right? And since this series aired in the '90s, you won't get salty that the girl dating your ex-boyfriend keeps misquoting all the lines and therefore making it sort of hard to hear.

7. Sharknado

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Sometimes the best movies to watch with friends are the ones where you're screaming at the screen, experiencing the whole thing together.

8. Saturday Night Live

It's always interesting to go back in time and watch old SNL — the topical references are fun to pull out. This sketch show is perfect for when you and your friends can't decide on what else to watch, too.

9. Lilo & Stitch

It never hurts to watch an oldie but a goodie. Sometimes the best thing to view with some of your oldest friends is a nostalgic classic. If you're not all collectively crying at Stitch saying, "Ohana means family," you may be made of stone.

10. House

Throw a little competition into your co-watching by seeing who can solve the medical mystery first — one of you or Dr. House.

11. Mean Girls

Chances are, everybody has seen this movie more times than they can count, so it's the perfect choice for a bonding experience where you all quote as many lines as possible during the movie's runtime.

12. Firefly

It is the unsung duty of pop culture lovers to acquaint the entire world with every show that got canceled too early. Introduce your squad to Firefly and forever be remembered as the one who taught them the greatness television can hold. If they're already fans, they certainly won't mind a good re-watch.

13. Oldboy

That one friend who simply has to talk about stuff outside of the movie can be satisfied during the fight scenes and other violent parts of this film. Meanwhile, the rest of you will be distracted by the intense action and drama of this remake of the original Korean Oldboy.

14. Buffy The Vampire Slayer

It's so easy to pick an episode of this show that diehard fans and first-timers can both enjoy. The monster-of-the-week format is a great tool for introducing this (greatest series of all time) to a Newbie Scoobie.

No matter what you choose to watch, the ultimate goal is to watch movies and shows with your friends that create a prime viewing experience for all. Good luck, and don't forget to bring snacks that everyone will enjoy.

Images: Miramax, Giphy (14)