Things have been extremely boring lately with everyone in self-isolation and Netflix having only the same old TV shows and movies as they had two months ago.

You might think this leaves everyone with no choice but to re­watch The Office or Friends for what feels like the 10th time in a row.

Never fear, my friends, here is a guide to international TV shows and movies that may teach you a thing or two about our vast world. All the following are available with English subtitles or English dubs.

Japanese

Kimi no Na wa (Your Name)

This much-anticipated movie came out in 2016. It may be ani­mated but its cinematography will absolutely leave you breathless. All the locations in the movie are actual places in Japan, providing the perfect backdrop for the movie and insight into Japanese life.

It’s a bit of a heart-wrencher and a perfect introduction into an­ime. This movie comes with subtitles but unfortunately, it’s not on Netflix Canada. You may have to do some internet surfing to find this one but I promise you, it’s worth it.

A Silent Voice

Y’all, this is redemption at it’s finest. A bully grows up to redeem himself to the deaf girl he bullied as a kid, and I swear it will make you cry. This movie also features some sign language so you might learn a bit in the process of watching. This baby is available on Netflix Canada.

Angel Beats!

This anime series will leave you rolling in laughter, crying really hard and wanting to be in love all at the same time.

Set in a high school in purgatory, this show follows the lives of people who have experienced trauma or hardships and must overcome them before passing on to reincarnation. This anime will always be in my heart. It is available on Crunchyroll and Net­flix Canada.

Midnight Dinner

This series not only makes you hungry but also showcases little bits of the day to day lives of a group of people who all end up eating at the same small diner in Tokyo. The food is all realistic and the gossip and drama are to die for. This show is available on Netflix Canada.

Korean

Train to Busan

Watching pandemic movies during this time? Feels a little too real. However, this one comes with a bonus — zombies. Also Gong Yoo, the father? To­tal hottie and a hilarious actor in the famous dra­ma Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. Long live zombie movies. Regardless, this movie is available on Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime.

Goblin

This show is a huge rep to us Canadians and Old Mon­treal. The show really blew up Canadian tourist sites in Montreal and for good reasons too.

In this series, a decorated military general is unjustly killed and his murderer is cursed with immortality and forced to watch his loved ones die. The plot thickens from then on.

It’s not only an iconic TV show but the comedic relief in this movie will genuinely make you laugh. The chemistry between the cast is one to watch. You can watch it on Viki.

Strong Girl Bong-soon

This drama makes me want to fall in love in such a wholesome way. It’s hilarious to no end and has an amazing female lead. It features a girl born with super­human powers who dreams of creating a video game with herself as the main character.

This K-drama is a must watch and is available on Netflix, Viki and JustWatch. Let’s hit the gym after this one, bois.

Spanish

La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)

Who doesn’t love a money-grabbing scheme? This iconic show has taken millions by the heart with its unique characters and interesting storyline. Robbing the freaking Royal Mint of Spain? Ballsy. This show is also available on Netflix.

Vivir Dos Veces (Live twice, love once)

Y’all, we don’t talk about old people falling in love enough. This family movie is funny because of the witty banter between the main character, who is an old man, and his granddaughter. The soundtrack of this movie is also amazing and will warm your heart. Available on Netflix.

El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth)

This is horror fantasy at its finest. Guillermo del Toro is a freaking genius and knows how to send chills down your spine.

This is set in Spain five years after the Spanish Civil War — it mixes real life with an otherworldly labyrinth. The visuals and plot in this movie are absolutely insane and haunting. It’s a pretty mind-boggling movie and worth a watch if you’re into dark stuff. Available on Amazon Prime.

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Yashica Bither

Graphic: Kiminonawa.fandom.com, www.yesasia.com, www.yesasia.com