It is a new year, woohoo 2021!! Yeah, that victory screech did not last long since we are all still quarantining in our respective homes. The one bright side to being stuck at home all day is the opportunity to binge watch all the new and exciting shows that streaming sites, like Netflix has. Here are the top five best hidden gems that Netflix has to offer!
1. Sweet Home
Sweet Home is based on a Korean Webtoon of the same name by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan. Directed by Lee Eung-bok, Sweet Home follows a troubled teen, after an unexpected family tragedy, is left alone and is forced to move out of his family home.
Not long after moving into his new apartment, the world turns upside down as people mysteriously start transforming into ferocious monsters. Now in a fight for his survival, he must band together with his fellow neighbors to try to find a way to live in this new world.
Sweet Home is the perfect twist on the zombie apocalypse genre, and with only 10 episodes is easy to finish in one sitting! The show has everything you need in an apocalyptic show: strong storyline, interesting characters, terrifying threats, and let’s not forget the intense battles with the monsters! This show will definitely leave you at the edge of your seat, and make you wish there were more than just 10 episodes! Definitely one of the best shows to come out of 2020.
2. Cobra Kai
If you grew up in the 80’s watching Karate Kid, or if you just have immaculate taste you probably already know about this one. Cobra Kai originally premiered in 2018 on Youtube Red, however in 2020 Netflix acquired the rights to the series. With the third season being released earlier this month, you can binge all three seasons now on Netflix!
Cobra Kai is set thirty four years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, the tournament that hosted the ultimate showdown of Johnny Lawrence vs. Daniel LaRusso. The series follows Johnny Lawrence’s life all these years later, and the rivalry that reignites between Daniel and himself with the opening of the infamous Cobra Kai.
Even if you did not grow up on the famous Karate Kid franchise, there is still much to love in this show. Of course it is highly recommended in watching the first Karate Kid to fully understand and connect with the characters. Cobra Kai has something for everyone: romance, comedy, and of course action! Definitely a series to binge watch until the sun comes up!
3. Alice in Borderland
If you read the title and thought of Alice in Wonderland, you are absolutely right—well in a sense. Alice in Borderland is a Japanese show based on the manga series by Haro Aso. In this show, overly obsessed gamer Arisu finds himself suddenly thrust into an emptied version of Tokyo. With his friends by his side, they find themselves forced to compete in dangerous life or death games in order to survive.
Without giving too much away, this show does not take long before the action starts. Almost immediately the characters are teleported to a parallel Tokyo, and the danger quickly ensues. There is not one moment where you could sit back and relax, as the show is filled with twists and turns. Alice in Borderland is nail biting intense, and with only eight episodes is an easy binge!
4. Julie and the Phantoms
Julie and the Phantoms is a meaningful show that anyone can enjoy. Directed by Kenny Ortega, Julie and the Phantoms follows teenager Julie who loses her passion for music when her mother passes away. While cleaning out her mother’s belongings in her family’s garage, Julie stumbles upon an old CD. Once playing the CD, three teen ghosts magically appear before her eyes—which is revealed they were from a late ‘90s band Sunset Curve.
Strangely enough, when they all play together everyone can see and hear the ghosts—yet without playing with Julie no one can see them. Banding together, Julie helps the band try to live out their dreams; while they also help her find her love for music again.
Julie and the Phantoms is a heartfelt musical series that consists of nine episodes. Not only are the songs very catchy, but the show also has a good storyline that has a lot of representation. This show is easily able to be complete in one sitting, and may have you reaching for those tissues.
5. The Dragon Prince
Last but certainly not least is The Dragon Prince which was released in 2018. The Dragon Prince consists of three seasons, with each having nine episodes within them. The show opens up introducing the magical land of Xadia, where magic comes from six primal sources. However, when a human mage creates a seventh kind of magic—dark magic—the humans begin to collect magical creatures to suck the magic out of them. From these actions, a war ignites between the Human Kingdoms and Xadia.
Three kids, two human princes and one elven assassin who was sent to kill them, band together when they discover a secret that could stop the impending war. They set off on an epic, yet dangerous journey to hopefully end all the fighting, and restore peace between the two kingdoms.
The Dragon Prince is an exceptional series that combines action, comedy, fantasy, diversity, mystery and heart into one beautiful show. The show has a strong plot that carries into all three seasons, and there is never a dull moment. Definitely an entertaining show that will leave you on the edge of your seat!
The Beat @APU 