Eighty percent of the time you spend on Netflix is spent trying to find something to watch. Rom-coms get repetitive, and no matter how many times you start Pretty Little Liars, you just can’t get into it. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of obscure options that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

MOVIES:

Heathers (1989) explores the delicate balance of high school’s social hierarchy. At first glance, the Heathers– a group of girls who rule the school– appear as the archetypical mean girls. However, things take a darker turn when Veronica, the renegade of the group, gets involved with a boy whose sole mission is to topple the school’s power structure. With witty one-liners and philosophical themes that betray the conventional “teen movie” genre, Heathers has remained a clever cult classic since the 1980s. Rating: R

American Beauty (1999) investigates the mundane life of being trapped in suburbia. Lester Burnham quits his nine to five job to re-experience the thrill of being a teenager, giving up all responsibilities in his life. When he develops a crush on his daughter’s best friend, his life begins to come crashing down. Rating: R

Léon: The Professional (1994) tells the story of Léon, a hired hitman for the mob. When his neighbor, who stores drugs for corrupt cops, is killed by a crooked DEA agent, Léon has no choice but to take his neighbor’s twelve year old daughter under his wing. An unlikely friendship between the two form, and she works with Léon to avenge her family’s death. Highly rated among critics, Léon: The Professional is a gripping and suspenseful story about drugs, guns, and death. Rating: R

Wayne’s World! (1992) Wayne’s World! Party time! Excellent! Based off of the popular SNL 90s sketch, Wayne’s World sings the ballad of Wayne Campbell and his friends as they rock through life: one guitar solo at a time. When one TV producer sinks his claws into Wayne and best friend Garth’s cable show, things take a turn for the worse as Wayne’s World gets owned by The Man. But with the power of AC/DC and a surprising amount of romancing in Cantonese, Wayne’s World shows that the most fun ultimately comes from just being with one’s friends. Rating: PG-13

Adventureland (2009) takes place in the greatest place a kid could be for the summer: an amusement park. James isn’t a kid anymore. As a recent college graduate in the class of 1987, James wants nothing more than to spend the summer in Europe, studying journalism and waxing poetic about Russian literature before pursuing his master’s degree in the fall. However, when his funds run low, he is forced to cancel the trip and instead reluctantly takes a job in Adventureland, a fun ride he cannot wait to get off of. But when he meets Em, a girl with a cart full of emotional baggage, he discovers life outside of his own head and sees the world around him for the first time in this coming-of-age dramedy. Rated: R

Warriors (1979) depicts the story of a New York City street gang named the Warriors who are wrongfully blamed for the murder of a rival gang’s leader. When the rumor spreads, every gang in the city is out to kill them, and the Warriors attempt to make it back to their turf safely. Noted as one of the most controversial movies ever, Warriors explores the dynamics of gangs and gang violence on the island of Manhattan. Rating: R

A Trip to the Moon or Le Voyage dans La Lune (1902) takes audiences on a 20 minute expedition to the moon and back. This Netflix special is a revival of the 18th century French original film: frames carefully restored in color and silence filled with the floaty space music of indie band Air. Inspired by several sources– one among them being Jule Verne’s Around the Moon— A Trip to the Moon is a short film that may well be one of the earliest sci-fi films in existence. Astronomers build a capsule and are fired into space as a bullet from a gun, landing on the moon and finding that things on the moon are not as they thought on earth. Rating: TV-G

Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013) kicks butt and takes names. Loosely based off of the classic 16th century novel from China, Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons brings comedy where one would not expect it– in the face great evil. As a Buddhist and messenger of pacifism, Tang Sanzang is arguably the worst demon hunter ever. However, when he meets an elusive girl named Duan, his fortune changes forever as he struggles to balance his human instincts with his divine. In the first scenes, the movie sets a serious pace, but one should remember that it is a satirical comedy! With its absurd situations and larger-than-life characters, Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons kicks butt and takes names, inviting audiences to laugh along to the fighting sound effects. Rating: PG-13

Fruitvale Station (2013) follows the story of ex-convict, Oscar Grant, as he attempts to clean up his life to support his girlfriend and their daughter. While heading back from fireworks in San Francisco on New Year’s Eve, Grant and his friends get into an altercation with the police that ultimately ended in woe. Based on a true story, this independent film explores the underlying issues of racism among the police force and the fatalistic effects of police brutality. Rating: R

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1982) accompanies self-righteous senior, Ferris, as he cuts class to spend the day in the city of Chicago with his girlfriend and best friend attempting to not get caught. Amidst the stolen Ferraris, Cubs games, and parades are underlying themes of growing up, self realization, and responsibility.This coming of age film will make you laugh, cry, and question all your future plans. Rating: PG-13

The Shining (1980) is the most terrorizing film on this list. Set in an isolated hotel in the mountains of Colorado, Jack Torrance is hired as a winter caretaker and moves in with just his wife and son for the winter. Soon after moving in, his son, a somewhat clairvoyant, has visions that tell him the hotel is haunted. Overtaken by evil spirits and isolation, Jack morphs into a homicidal maniac attempting to murder his wife and son. An eerie flick, it is recommended that this is not watched alone. Rating: R

TV SHOWS:

Narcos (2015) follows the notorious Medellín drug cartel and the rise and fall of drug lord Pablo Escobar. Flipping between Escobar’s and DEA Agent Steve Murphy’s points of view, this series displays all perspectives of what was to become the war on drugs. With real footage of Escobar, snippets of past newsreels, and the mainly Spanish dialogue, this show is nothing less than intriguing.

Wilfred (2014) is a dog. To the rest of the world, he is a squirrel-chasing, tongue-lolling dog. But is he really? Ryan just wants to die. Nothing is going right in his life; one night, he dresses up in his nicest suit, waves hello to the pretty girl next door, and drinks a smoothie full of pills to end his life. But it doesn’t end. And in the morning, he sees Wilfred for the first time and realizes that something really has changed. From that day, Ryan embarks on the most unconventional of quests for happiness with Wilfred the man-dog, chasing tails and smoking pot at one moment and then discovering the meaning of life through strange dreams the next. Rating: TV-MA (for mature audiences)

The Tudors (2007) confronts the life of King Henry VIII through the political intricacies of 14th century England with a more personal eye. Set in the middle of Henry VIII’s reign, The Tudors follows the theological and political war of the Catholic Reformation, showing the complications of Henry’s desire for love and power and the lengths to which he would go in order to command a country nearly ripped in two. At times raunchy and hedonistic and at others, profound and complex, The Tudors brings with it historical drama with a perspective much more human than a textbook. Rating: TV-MA

Scrubs (2001) has a whole lot of fun with cadavers and roof toilets. This medical comedy-drama takes a different stance on shenanigans in the hospital, a much lighter alternative to the angst-heavy drama of Grey’s Anatomy. After four years of med school, intern J.D. feels ready to face the world as a doctor. However, as an intern and aspiring attending physician, his road to medical success won’t be easy. Especially with a mischief-making gang of friends and a list of bosses (and a janitor?) who are always on his tail. Fun, spontaneous song, and inner monologues ensue. Rating: TV-PG

Jane the Virgin (2015) examines the life of Jane Villanueva, an aspiring teacher who has every detail of her life planned out. Yet when she becomes artificially inseminated during what was meant to be her routine pap smear, her life gets turned upside down. Jane now has to navigate her work, family, and love life with an unexpected baby on the way– and she still has not done the deed. This fast paced telenovela has won over viewers with its witty banter, attractive cast, and has helped paved the way for more Latina actresses in leading roles on television.

Freaks and Geeks (1999) was a short-lived, one season TV show that juxtaposed the grunge of the 80s and teen angst. Lindsay Weir is a mathlete turned pothead when she gives up the books to impress a bad boy who associates himself with the freaks of the school. On the other hand, her younger brother, Sam, is an awkward freshman trying to navigate girls and puberty who will never escape from his band of geeks. Jumpstarting the careers of James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jason Segel while exploring themes of growing up and apprehension, this eighteen episode series has remained a cult classic since it was cancelled almost seventeen years ago.

Rubi  (2004) es una mujer descarada. Desperate to escape the fate of a modest life, this telenovela follows Rubi Perez’s game of power and love, ultimately bringing self-destruction with it. Manipulative, dark, and twisted, Rubi finds herself sacrificing her self worth in exchange for money and prestige. This telenovela originally aired in Mexico and it’s completely in Spanish, but have no fear, English subtitles are available for this flamboyant drama. Rating: TV-PG

Portlandia (2011) might as well be a city on another planet. Set in Portland, Oregon, the series both crowns and laughs at the strange sort who live in a city where everything weird is praised and encouraged. From town members concerned about the lives of chickens to Battlestar Galactica fans and women’s bookshop owners, comedians Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein bring a refreshing pace and fun comedic moments, playing most of the show’s roles between the two of them. “Stay weird,” graffiti announces in the opening credits. And boy, does it get weird. Rating: TV-14

DOCUMENTARIES/REALITY TV:

Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine (2014) talks about an idea that is always present but that many are not always aware of: death doesn’t only happen to a person but to everyone around them. On October 6, 1998, Matthew Shepard was taken from a bar near Laramie, Wyoming, beaten, abused, and left to die on a fence because he was gay. This documentary shows the world from which he was taken, featuring interviews from those who loved him and the hope that future generations never have to endure such pain again. Rating: Not Rated

This is Life with Lisa Ling (2014) follows acclaimed journalist Lisa Ling as she investigates the lives of those in unorthodox subcultures that shy away from the mass media. With a humanistic eye and an unafraid face, Ling reveals the layers behind stories that the public doesn’t always understand, reporting in a style that features people of nonconformist groups in their most simple form: as people. From traveling strippers to pill-popping Mormons and sugar daddies, audiences are shown how these subcultures live and are continually asked questions that challenge conventional thought. Rating: TV-14

Cosmos: a Spacetime Odyssey (2014) transports audiences forward, backward, and upside down in the timeline of the universe, traveling in the magic ship of Imagination. Continuing on in a modern update of mentor Carl Sagan’s 1980 television series, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson offers a guided tour of the universe, communicating science to people of all ages. Presented not as a lecture but as an adventure, deGrasse Tyson invites audiences to explore the mysteries of space with him and returns them back before dinner. Rating: TV-PG

Fixer Upper (2014) stars Joanna and Chip Gaines, a married couple from Waco, Texas who turned their passion of home decorating and design into a prosperous franchise. With Chip’s goofy sense of humor and Joanna’s southern charm, this magnetizing couple makes backsplashes and open concepts the most interesting thing on television. Rating: TV-G

Chopped (2012) gives four chefs the chance to win $10,000 during every show. The twist? The contestants need to create meals that wow judges…using all of the ingredients in the baskets. With unconventional ingredients that one sometimes wouldn’t even think of using in recipes, chefs must create innovative dishes that impress judges enough. Or else they are chopped. A contestant is chopped during every round — appetizers, entrees, and desserts– until evaluated for their entire meal. Accompanied by a culinary theme that incorporates all of the ingredients, Chopped gives a $10,000 shot to the best chef and inspires audiences to live creatively with their food. Rating: TV-G

NETFLIX SPECIALS:

Jessica Jones (2015)  is no hero. After the traumatic experiences of a past life, she remains haunted by the same villainous ghost and wrestles with demons that just won’t die. Based off of the Marvel comics, Jessica Jones follows its namesake, the tragic antihero, around her story and around New York City, revealing piece by piece what happened to her and the choices she makes when she finds herself in the same trap again. The film noir frames and bluesy soundtrack justly accompany rich relationships between developed characters and an exploration of true power, evoking pithy messages and a fearlessness that perhaps brings Jessica Jones– once and for all– redemption. Rating: R

Sense 8 (2015) goes halfway around the world without even moving. Following the stories of eight different people, Sense 8 explores hidden connections between people in completely different continents, bringing with it a diverse cast and a sense of community for the human race. From professional jewel thieves to underground boxers and telenovela stars, Sense 8 provokes audiences in a refreshing way to experience connection with the characters, as well as each other. Rating: TV-MA

What (2013). What? What. Bo Burnham’s sometimes delightfully offensive and sometimes genius comedy show brings profound messages in the guise of entertainment, throwing out challenges to comedic form in song, stand-up, poetry, and dance. This show could be the subject of a graduate student’s dissertation or the popular pick at a sleepover in between your first and third slice. Diverse and fun, Bo Burnham brings humor and communicates with a show that is “incomparable. Like a….” Rating: Not Rated

Thea Gonzales contributed to this article.