STREAM TOWN — Not long ago were the days when you wanted to watch something and you’d flip through the seven channels you actually got reception on and would say to yourself, “Man. There is nothing on.”

Then you finally got cable or that giant monstrosity of a satellite dish and you now have hundreds of channels, and you’d flip through them and say to yourself, “Man. There is nothing on.” Now we have streaming services that offer thousands of titles right to our phones and TVs, and I’m here to tell you in the month of May, you no longer need to say, “Man. There is nothing on.”

Here are some of the best titles streaming during May so you can waste away these gorgeous days in your house watching endless hours of entertainment. (Please don’t do that. Get outside once in a while.)

Netflix

“The Prestige”

If you have read my reviews and articles over the years, you know I am a Christopher Nolan addict. I recently asked my wife to put me in a coma until July when his newest film “Dunkirk” came out. She refused and I pouted.

Regardless, one of Nolan’s best films that is too often forgotten is now streaming on Netflix. “The Prestige” is a taut thriller that manages to be a romance, horror, mystery and all-around intriguing movie bolstered by strong performances from Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. If you haven’t seen it, I suggest you take the time. If you have, I suggest watching it again.

“Sing Street”

Not many people have seen or even heard of “Sing Street,” but I have yet to meet someone who has and did not thoroughly enjoy it.

The small Sundance film takes place in 1980s Ireland and tells the story of a young boy who’s a hopeless romantic with a love of music. The story is touching, the comedy is clever and the music is infectious. Give “Sing Street” a try.

“Documentary Now!”

Personally, I think Fred Armisen and Bill Hader are two of the smartest and most talented comedians out there, and their genius is on full display in the IFC series “Documentary Now!” which is currently streaming on Netflix.

The first two seasons are available, and I was in awe as I watched them at how smart and well-made each episode was. Every episode is a mock documentary paying homage and taking jabs at common documentary styles, and it is almost too smart for its own good.

“Documentary Now!” may currently be my favorite TV show.

“Spotlight”

“Spotlight” took home the Academy Award for best picture in 2016, and it’s a film that will stick with you for days (if not months) after you watch it.

The film is not an easy watch as it chronicles how the Boston Globe broke the story on the child abuse cases in Boston revolving around some religious leaders in the community. Again, the film is difficult because of its subject matter, but it also feels very important and educational as it reminds us of the importance of doing what is right and keeping a vigilant eye within our communities.

"Spotlight" is rated R for some language including sexual references.

“Trollhunters”

As a father, I like watching something with my kids, but at times it’s brutal because a lot of kids shows out there are downright awful. One night when searching for something to watch with the family, we stumbled upon the Netflix original series “Trollhunters,” and I’m glad we did.

The animated show is an action-adventure with a lot of laughs and enough story to keep me interested along with my kids. The show may not be for everyone, but my 6-year-old and 4-year-old love it, and I don’t feel it’s too much for either of them.

Hulu

“10 Cloverfield Lane”

The most pleasant surprise of the 2016 movie year for me was likely “10 Cloverfield Lane.” The movie is tense, funny, engaging and at times terrifying, and I loved every minute of it.

If you don’t like tense and unnerving situations then steer clear of the film, but if that’s up your alley, then you’re going to love this film that is now streaming on Hulu.

“O.J.: Made in America”

If you want to fill up the next several nights of entertainment with one show, then look no further than the documentary “O.J.: Made in America.”

The whole film is nearly eight hours long, so you have to break it up into chunks, but it is fascinating to watch the story unfold in a new light. There is a reason this won best documentary at the 2017 Academy Awards.

“Sicario”

I am warning you right now that “Sicario” is a dark film that earns its R rating and will not be for everyone. But for cinephiles looking for a brilliantly constructed film with what is arguably Benicio Del Toro’s greatest performance, then “Sicario” is a film worth streaming on Hulu. I highly suggest you look at the content guide on the film before venturing in, but if you are curious, I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

“Indiana Jones 1-3”

I feel like I don’t really need to say much here because it’s Indiana Jones. What else needs to be said? Well, maybe the fact that the fourth film is streaming but should not be watched needs to be said, but those first three films speak for themselves. It’s hard not to want to watch these movies over and over again.

“Tommy Boy”

Some people have told me that “Tommy Boy” isn’t as funny as it used to be, but I call those people crazy because I still think this movie is hilarious. I’ve seen this a thousand times, and thanks to Hulu, I plan on watching it a thousand more.

Amazon Prime

“Manchester by the Sea”

Casey Affleck won best actor for his performance in “Manchester by the Sea,” and I believe it’s one of the best performances dedicated to the silver screen in a very long time.

This is a very difficult movie to watch from an emotional standpoint, and it will even make the toughest of people cry. The film contains quite a bit of language and adult situations, so this will be another one you’ll want to find out more about its content before jumping in. But if you do venture into these waters, prepare yourself for one of the most authentic and real movies you’ve ever seen, which makes it equal parts mesmerizing and heartbreaking.

"Manchester by the Sea" is rated R for language throughout and some sexual content.

“What We Do in the Shadows”

I may have an odd sense of humor and I can live with that because this sense of humor has led me to enjoy movies like “What We Do in the Shadows.” The mockumentary about four vampires who live together in New Zealand and share everything from clothes to victims is one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in a very long time.

Jemaine Clement will make you laugh out loud, and the rivalry between the vampires and the werewolves will go down in history as one of the greatest movie showdowns of all time. Well, maybe not, but it is hilarious.

“What We Do in the Shadows” is rated R for some comic gore and language, so make sure you’re comfortable with that before jumping in.

“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”

So “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” is not my personal favorite of all the kid's shows, but it’s actually quite good and it’s one I really don’t mind my kids watching. I include it here because Netflix dropped the show from its streaming service, but thankfully, it’s now available on Amazon Prime.

I know this is a family favorite of many, including my family, so I’m happy to see it has not totally disappeared. Signing up for Amazon Prime may be worth it now for the free shipping and “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.”

What are your favorite movies and shows currently streaming? Let us know in the comments.

Related topics