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Ranking All the Songs from Moana

Next in my Disney Songs series is Moana.

I really love the soundtrack to Moana. It features songs written by Lin Manuel-Miranda of Hamilton fame, Opetaia Foa’i of South Pacific group Te Vaka, and Mark Mancina.

As I rewatched the movie, I realized there were far more songs than I remembered, as many songs are sung in Samoan, Tokelauan, and Tuvalu. I found myself loving those songs even more. There was only one song in the film that I didn’t really like that much...

10. You’re Welcome

“You’re Welcome” was Miranda’s attempt to squeeze in a rap song into the film. The style of the song doesn’t really fit The Rock’s singing voice. He sounds lovely behind an ukulele, but much less impressive with this one. I do like that the song fit all of Maui’s accomplishments, such as lassoing the sun, lifting the sky, killing the eel and producing coconuts — all of which are based on the many legends of Maui throughout the Pacific.

9. Tulou Tagaloa

This is the chant we hear at the beginning of the movie as the Disney castle appears. It’s a great opening and it sets the perfect mood for the movie.

8. Where You Are

“Where You Are” introduces us to the island of Motunui, its people, and the culture. We see farmers, lots of coconuts, basket weavers, and dancing. We also meet Moana’s strict father and the rules of the island. The song places importance on knowing where you come from, community, and your role in that community. At first its message of “You’ll find happiness right where you are... And no one leaves,” seems kinda freaky controlling, but Moana ultimately learns that it’s true. She just had to go on her adventure first. The beginning of the song is especially catchy as Moana’s dad sings, “Make way! Make way!” We hear a great cast of singers, including Auli’i Cravalho, Rachel House (Gramma Tala), Nicole Scherzinger, and Hamilton’s Christopher Jackson as Moana’s dad.

7. How Far I’ll Go (& Reprise)

“How Far I’ll Go” is the most recognizable song in the film. It was the most promoted and nominated for Best Song at the Oscars. It’s a great princess song that introduces Moana and her calling to sail across the sea. The Reprise is especially good as Moana finally sets out on her journey. BUT I think there are far better songs in the film than this one.

6. Shiny

It took me a good minute to really love “Shiny.” At first, I was a little taken aback by the rock song right smack in the middle of the movie, but I found myself loving this ode to the late David Bowie. I found it very clever and impressive. I love Jemaine Clement of Flight of the Concords. His humor and spot on Bowie-esque vocals became a highlight of the film for me.

5. Logo Te Pate

This song plays as we watch Moana and Maui form their friendship and finally work together. Maui regains control of his magic fish hook, and he teaches Moana to sail. It’s a really fun number that lifts the mood.

4. We Know The Way (& Reprise)

This is a great song we hear as Moana discovers the truth about her ancestors— that they were voyagers. It’s a wonderful mix of Polynesian language and English lyrics. I love the voice of Opetaia Foa’i. It conveys a wonderful sense of tradition that is part of the Pacific Islander heritage. The song reprises at the end as Moana returns to Motunui and restores the lost art of wayfinding to her people.

3. I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)

“The call isn’t out there at all, it’s INSIDE me!” This part gives me goosebumps. The spirit of Gramma Tala returns to encourage Moana during her moment of defeat. It’s the moment Moana realizes who she is. She takes hold of her identity as the descendant of voyagers and goes forth in confidence proclaiming, “I am Moana!” It’s a moment of strength and pride that will inspire any little girl.

2. An Innocent Warrior

In my opinion, the moment Moana meets the Ocean is one of the most beautiful moments in Disney animation. The Ocean plays with Baby Moana as she walks into the sea. We see clear turquoise waves, a sea turtle family, and the coral reef beyond. The moment is backed by the gorgeous vocals of Vai Mahina. We don’t know what is being said, but it doesn’t matter. It’s breathtaking.

1. Know Who You Are

This was a hard choice. “An Innocent Warrior” is such a beautiful song, but we hear it replay as Moana sings the climactic “Know Who You Are.” While “An Innocent Warrior” was Moana’s introduction to her purpose, “Know Who You Are” is the fulfillment of her purpose. It’s so powerful and beautiful. The words, “They have stolen the heart from inside you, but this does not define you...” is haunting. It resonates with anyone who’s had something stolen from them: trauma victims, indigenous peoples, and anyone who’s lost their identity in their pain. Auli’i Cravalho’s voice is perfect as it conveys so much emotion in just a few lines.

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Top 10 Greatest Shows From Nickelodeon’s SNICK

Since I’ve done so many lists on Disney, I thought I should do a throwback list on Nickelodeon. SNICK was Nickelodeon’s Saturday prime time lineup during the 90’s and 00’s. It aired every Saturday night.

Many different shows aired throughout its run, but these ten were the best.

10. KaBlam!

KaBlam! was a sketch comedy cartoon show created specifically for SNICK. It featured a variety of cartoon sketches including Action League Now, Life With Loopy, Prometheus and Bob, and many more. Many of the cartoons used alternative animation commonly used in indie films, such as stop motion animation and cutout photo animation. The humor was definitely on the darker side, as was most of Nickelodeon’s cartoons at the time.

9. Space Cases

Space Cases was a kids version of Star Trek and Lost in Space. It featured a kid crew who sneak aboard a ship and get lost in space. Some of the kids were aliens with special powers, like super strength and hearing, electricity blasts, and a supersonic scream. It featured Walter Jones (the Black Power Ranger) and Jewel Staite (Kaylee from Firefly). It was definitely cheesy but a fun show with a little bit of suspense thrown in.

8. Clarissa Explains It All

Na na na na! This show follows Clarissa as she explains everything in her life directly to the viewers. She has a rivalry with her younger brother Ferguson. Every day she gets a visit from her best friend Sam, who climbs through her bedroom window using a ladder. Clarissa Explains It All was Nick’s first show with a female lead. It’s success paved the way for many more to come.

7. GUTS

Before American Ninja Warrior, there was Nickelodeon GUTS. Hosted by Mike O’Malley, each episode featured three kids running through various obstacle courses. Each episode ended with all three climbing The Crag, a rock climbing fixture with various buttons the competitors had to push to earn points. The one with the most points who reached the top first won the episode. It was lots of fun.

6. Are You Afraid of the Dark?

A bunch of kids gathered around a campfire telling scary stories was a concept behind Are You Afraid of the Dark? Each episode featured a different spooky tale. Some of them were more silly than scary. But some were legitimately creepy.

5. Animorphs

Based on the popular book series, Animorphs was about a group of teenagers given the power to morph into animals to fight invading aliens. It was a combination of The X-Files, Power Rangers, and National Geographic. It was darker and more suspenseful than other Nickelodeon shows. Unfortunately, it was limited by the technology of the time and lasted only two seasons. A real shame as the books were fantastic.

4. The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo

The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo was a great show ahead of its time. It was about a teenage girl who interns at a police station. She can’t help but try to solve the mysteries that come in. The show follows her as she finds clues, suspects, and allows the viewer to try to solve the case along with Shelby Woo. It was a rare gem that featured an Asian American actress in the lead role. Mr. Miyagi Pat Morita also starred as Shelby’s grandfather.

3. The Secret World of Alex Mack

The Secret World of Alex Mack was about a junior high school teen who was accidentally covered in a mysterious chemical. That chemical gave her special abilities to shoot electricity from her fingers, telekinesis, and to turn into a puddle of water. It sounds really weird, but it was a really good show. It featured Jessica Alba in one of her first roles as a mean girl at Alex’s school.

2. Kenan & Kel

Kenan & Kel was a spinoff series starring All That stars Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell as best friends. Kenan was the schemer who came up with crazy ways to get rich, and Kel was his goofy best friend roped into every terrible plan. Of course, chaos and hilarity always followed. It’s running gags were Kel’s undeniable love for orange soda and ending each episode with “Aww here it goes!”

1. All That

All That will always be the greatest Nickelodeon show. It was a sketch comedy show for kids, starring kids. It was gut busting funny. The writing was really smart and the kids were crazy talented. It launched the careers of Kenan Thompson, Amanda Bynes, Nick Cannon, and Gabriel Iglesias. But the first two seasons and the original cast will always be the best. It featured spoofs of Oprah, Ross Perot, Superman, Steve Urkel, and more. Its best segments were Good Burger, Ear Boy, the Loud Librarian, and Vital Information. It was so successful it launched spinoff series Kenan & Kel, The Amanda Show, and Good Burger became its own feature film released in theaters.

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Ranking All the Songs from Frozen 2

I ranked all the songs from The Greatest Showman, so I thought why not do it with Disney movies? I have Disney+ so why not! 

Since Frozen II is the most recent animated Disney musical, I’m starting with that one.

7. When I’m Older

“In Summer” was a really great catchy song in the first Frozen movie, but this one pales in comparison. It’s not nearly as catchy, funny, or memorable.

6. The Next Right Thing

This song comes at a very emotional point in the movie. It has a really deep message. Anyone who’s dealt with grief, loneliness, or depression will resonate with it. I personally don’t like the way it sounds. It doesn’t really flow, and I find it less memorable than the other big songs. Maybe I’m just not a big fan of Kristen Bell’s singing voice.

5. All Is Found

I really like that Frozen II included more of Anna and Elsa’s mother. It helps us forget how horribly they treated them in the first movie. In this one, there’s clearly a loving relationship between mother and daughters. “All is Found” is their mother’s lullaby to them (and it sounds like one), but it also becomes a driving force in Elsa’s journey.

4. Lost in the Woods

We waited this long for a Kristoff solo and this was it. I like the song by itself. I could listen to it in the car or on YouTube and enjoy it. But I thought the cheesy 80’s Queen-style montages felt out of place with the rest of the movie. It took me out of the movie. I still think Kristoff deserves a better solo. Or maybe a duet with Anna. Just something better than this.

3. Some Things Never Change

This song as really grown on me. It’s a nice upbeat, perky opening number. I like that Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven all join in at different points of the song. Kristoff’s note in the end leaves me with warm fuzzies.

2. Into the Unknown

This part of the movie is really beautiful. I could just picture a grand fireworks display at Disneyland set to this song. It gets your heart pumping and makes you want to set out on an adventure with Elsa. Not only is Idina Menzel fantastic, but AURORA as the Siren gives the song a mystical, ethereal effect.

1. Show Yourself

“Into the Unknown” and “Show Yourself” are both great songs. Idina Menzel kills it in both. “Into the Unknown” was nominated for an Oscar, but I like “Show Yourself” a little more. It gives me goosebumps both at the beginning of the song and when she sees her mother. It’s such an emotional moment as Elsa finally finds the meaning behind her powers and why she’s so different.

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My Favorite Movies & TV Shows About Sisters

I already did a list of my favorite movies and tv shows about best friends. As I was compiling that list, a number of movies and shows about sisters popped into my head. I didn’t include them because I thought, “Well, they’re sisters, not friends.” So, now I present a list of my favorite movies and TV shows about sisters!

10. Switched at Birth

Switched at Birth is about two teen girls who discover they were switched at birth. They both choose to meet their biological families and become forever connected. Though Bay and Daphne are not actually sisters, they become sisters as they now share parents, siblings, and homes. They come from different walks of life. Bay is wealthy while Daphne was raised by a single working Latina mother. What’s especially great is the inclusion of deaf and hard of hearing leads and the use of sign language.

9. Sense & Sensibility

Pride & Prejudice is usually the most popular of Jane Austen’s novels (and movie adaptations), but I personally like Sense & Sensibility more. The 90′s version has an excellent cast that includes Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman. Marianne Dashwood (Winslet) is the hopeless romantic who wears her heart out on her sleeve. Sensible, dutiful Elinor (Thompson) keeps all her feelings to herself. They fall in love, have their hearts broken, and have each other’s backs even if they don’t totally understand each other.

8. Fuller House

The original Full House is a better show than Fuller House, but I like the female trio of DJ, Stephanie, and Kimmy in the sequel series. Kimmy isn’t a sister, but she essentially becomes one of their sisters and officially Stephanie’s sister-in-law. They all have their different personalities that align with the original male trio in Full House. DJ is the goody-goody, slightly OCD supermom (Danny). Stephanie is the fun loving aunt (Uncle Jesse). Kimmy is the wacky best friend (Joey). We get to see them go on girl nights out, plan parties, serve as bridesmaids, and more. Full House may be the classic, but I think Fuller House is more fun.

7. Charmed

I haven’t seen the new reboot of Charmed, so this is about the 90s-00s version. I’ll admit the current drama between the two casts has left a sour taste in my mouth. But the original show was one I looked forward to watching with my two sisters each week. We loved that each sister had their own distinct magical power and their own successful careers. I preferred when Shannen Doherty was in the cast as oldest sister Prue over Rose McGowan’s Paige. But watching either trio combat demons while navigating their love lives was good entertainment.

6. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Even though To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is mainly a rom-com about Lara Jean’s love life, it’s also a sweet story about sisters. The sister relationships were especially wonderful in the books, and one of the things I really loved about it. We see even though Lara Jean has had some sadness in her life, she is supported by her loving family. It’s nice that they are not jealous of each other or resentful towards one another. They may bicker from time to time, but ultimately the love between the three of them is clear.

5. 10 Things I Hate About You

One of my favorite movies of all time! Just like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, 10 Things I Hate About You is a rom-com that happens to feature a great sister relationship. Kat and Bianca are total opposites. Kat is anti-social while Bianca is a social butterfly. In the beginning we see resentment between the two due to their differences in personality. Bianca thinks Kat is a bitch. Kat thinks Bianca is shallow and conceited. But by the end they grow to respect each other. We see that Kat is actually a very strong, driven, independent woman. Bianca grows from a spoiled rich girl to someone who sees past vanity and stands up for her sister. Also, Heath Ledger.

4. Wish Upon a Star

Someone brilliant took the concept of Freaky Friday and applied it to sisters. The younger bookworm sister swaps bodies with her older, popular sister. While in each other’s bodies, they both grow into better people as they walk in the other’s shoes. The younger sister becomes more confident. The older sister becomes less superficial and a better student. They both learn to like themselves for who they are and grow closer as they have to rely on each other to switch back.

3. Hocus Pocus

In the spirit of Halloween, I had to include the Sanderson Sisters. Even though this movie isn’t exactly about sisters, it features one of the best sister trios ever. Winnie is the bossy one, Mary has hound dog-like sniffing abilities, and Sarah is the sexy airhead. They are so entertaining and funny. Classic!

2. Little Women

I haven’t seen the newest version of Little Women -- though I really want to. The 90′s version was one of my all time favorite movies. It had an all star cast with Winona Rider as feisty Jo, Claire Danes as shy Beth, Kirsten Dunst as young Amy, Christian Bale as boy next door Laurie, and Susan Sarandon as Marmie. They are all wonderful. We see the sisters play together, fight, and grow up. It sticks pretty close to the book, and it has a warm, charming Christmas vibe to it. Now I just have to see the new one!

1. Sister Sister

Two identical twins discover they were separated as babies after being adopted by different people. They find each other again and move in together. Tia is studious while Tamera is a party girl. They have a pesky little neighbor to deal with along with other high school adventures. Their parents, especially Tia’s mom Lisa Landry, are hilarious. Sister Sister was just a really cool show.

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10 TV and Movie Couples That Make Me Believe in Love

There are a lot of sweeping romances, but very few onscreen romances really move me. These are the couples that I will always always love. The ones that make my heart a flutter. The ones that make me say, “That. I want that.”

10. Jesse & Celine (Before Sunrise)

Have you ever met someone you connect with so easily that before you know it you’ve spent the entire night talking with them? I haven’t, but this movie sure makes me want to. Jesse and Celine meet on a train in Europe. They spend the entire night roaming around Vienna just talking together. It’s filled with little moments like the one above. Their time is limited until sunrise so every moment counts. It all adds up to an unforgettable evening of connecting with someone you’d never expect. The two are so natural and believable together you’ll feel like it’s happening for real.

9. Jane Villanueva & Michael Cordero (Jane the Virgin)

I loved Jane with Michael so much. He reacted really badly when Jane first found out she was pregnant, but who wouldn’t? He waited years to be with her. He never pressured her into bed with him or complained about it. He always fought to protect Jane and her family. Rafael was a rich pretty boy who offered Jane everything money could buy. But Michael felt more real. He was goofy and hardworking. He truly knew her. He loved her as she was, always encouraged her writing dreams, and ultimately supported her through the all the craziness in her life. I stopped watching after Michael “died” because my heart couldn’t take it.

8. April Ludgate & Andy Dwyer (Parks & Recreation)

There’s a quote by Dr. Seuss that describes Andy and April’s relationship perfectly. “We’re all a little weird... and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.” I want someone who loves me for all my weirdness, just like Andy and April love each other for their weirdness. That’s what I call perfect love.

7. Pacey Witter & Joey Potter (Dawson’s Creek)

I’m not usually one for teen dramas, but the romance between Joey and Pacey had me hooked. From the beginning of Dawson’s Creek it was clear that Dawson and Joey were meant to be soulmates. Then everything flipped on its head. Dawson’s wisecracking best friend became the romantic lead and Dawson became the villain. Talk about a real turn of events! What really made this relationship special was how it took its time. The two spent three seasons just being friends. The romance slowly crept up on them and we found ourselves wanting more. I mean, just look at the chemistry in that GIF! The show was perfect when they were together. When they weren’t it just wasn’t worth watching.

6. Chuck Bartowski & Sarah Walker (Chuck)

The relationship between Chuck and Sarah was so sweet and cute. Their struggle to keep things strictly professional despite their growing feelings for each other provided the show with some really great tension. I love that the gender roles are reversed in their relationship. Sarah fights to protect both Chuck’s life and his heart. She sees there’s a purity inside him and wants to protect him from all the corruption in the world. Chuck offers Sarah a life with love, something she never had before. They go through a lot of really crazy adventures together which makes everything even more fun. 

5. Rosie Dunne & Alex Stewart (Love Rosie)

I’m a sucker for best friends who fall in love. Rosie and Alex are childhood best friends whose lives go on different paths as adults. They support each other through university, marriages, affairs, divorces, and the death of a parent. It’s beautiful to watch such a loving friendship. The chemistry between the two is so palpable that we want them to be together forever. It’s a beautifully shot movie with beautiful lighting and beautiful people. 

4. Jake Peralta & Amy Santiago (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago are marriage couple goals. They have a real connection. They share inside jokes and work well together as a team. They understand, accept, and even prepare for the other’s kinks and flaws. They both respect each other at work without getting jealous of each other’s successes. They build each other up. Both are better people because of their relationship together, and it is very visible as we watch them grow throughout the seasons.

3. Lara Jean Covey & Peter Kavinsky (To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before)

I’m a grown woman, but I literally dream of Peter Kavinsky. He’s the ideal boyfriend. Popular and good looking, but more importantly, kind, considerate, and forgiving. He likes Lara Jean for who she is, even though she is shy, awkward, and wishy washy. Lara Jean is such a relatable character, we feel like we are falling in love with Peter Kavinsky along with her. Because we are! 

(I know some fans are going to bring up John Ambrose from the second film. I was totally Team John Ambrose in the books, but I liked that movie Lara Jean still chose Peter. I think Lana Condor still has better chemistry with Noah Centineo than with Jordan Fisher. Mostly, I think it’s easy to choose a new guy when things get hard or when you’re feeling insecure. Choosing to be with someone once you realize they aren’t actually perfect is when the relationship becomes real. Also, Lara Jean has a tendency to shut people out when things get hard. She needs to push through or she’ll never be happy. Though leading John Ambrose on was really bad... He deserves better!)

2. Cinderella & Kit (Cinderella)

I went into the live action remake of Cinderella with low expectations and came out with a massive crush on Richard Madden. Can we just look into his blue eyes for a minute? The chemistry between these two was electric. The scene where Cinderella and Prince Kit meet in the forest was perfect. They share mutual core beliefs of courage and kindness. He shows empathy towards her when he sees she’s being mistreated at home. We even see some playful interaction between them regarding the stag. And then there’s the ballroom scene. His line, “Believe me, they’re all looking at you,” will make you want to find someone who looks at you the way Kit looks at Cinderella.

1. Anne Shirley & Gilbert Blythe (Anne of Green Gables)

There have been a number of different versions of the classic Anne of Green Gables books, including the most recent Anne with an E. My favorite is still the 80′s version with Megan Follows. Anne and Gilbert will always be my Number One couple. Things start out bitterly as Gilbert offends Anne by teasing her about her red hair. As children they are rivals at school, but it actually pushes them both to excel. We watch them grow past their bad first impression into good friends who support each other. What I really love is that Anne pursues her own goals first. She gets the chance to be her own person first. Once she does, she realizes that she truly loves Gilbert. Both Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea end perfectly. The first with Gilbert lovingly calling Anne “Carrots” and the latter with the two finally kissing for the first time.

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Ranking All the Songs From “The Greatest Showman”

A friend of mine just watched The Greatest Showman for the first time. Of course, he absolutely loved it. It’s a rare musical where every single song is fantastic. Now he’s started a chat among our friends about which songs are our favorite. It’s been really cool to see which songs different people love the best. It inspired me to create my own list of all the songs from the movie.

There are several reprises of songs throughout the movie. I’ve lumped them together with the main song because they are so short. Just to make it clear, I love all of these songs! Anyway, here are my personal rankings of all the song.

9. Tightrope

The choreography in this scene is beautiful, but Michelle Williams is the weakest singer in the movie. It’s the only forgettable song in the movie.

8. Never Enough

This one is a favorite for many (including my friend), but it wasn’t one of my favorites. Although Jenny Lind’s vocals are impressive, this song marks the shift in Barnum’s character. Once a believer in creativity, mystery, and inclusiveness, the words “never enough” echo as we watch Barnum fall in love with the image and sounds of Jenny Lind. To him, she represents success, status, and acclaim. He becomes addicted to it, loses himself, and leaves his family (both personal and professional) behind. It’s a pivotal moment in the movie that for me is more sad than moving.

7. The Other Side

This is the scene where Hugh Jackman essentially cons Zac Efron into partnering with him. Their voices go surprisingly well together and the song is really catchy. The real star of the number, however, is the bartender. Seriously, check it out. That man has talent.

6. A Million Dreams

This little boy was amazing! I was really sad when he turned into Hugh Jackman and his little angelic voice was gone. If he had sung the entire song, this would’ve been even higher up on my list. Oh, why did he have to grow up? The beginning half was really magical.

5. The Greatest Show

The movie opens up to this foot stomping, spectacular song. It really gets you up and pumped. It’s a great opener. I actually prefer Zac Efron’s singing voice to Hugh Jackman’s, so I enjoyed the reprise even more. It’s more youthful and melodious, just a little bit happier than it already was. It’s a perfect way to end the movie.

4. From Now On

“From Now On” is Hugh Jackman’s best song in the film. He’s backed beautifully by Keala Settle, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and the rest of the ensemble cast. It’s the moment he “remembers who all this was for.” It’s a stirring number as we watch P.T. Barnum pick himself up from defeat and run back home to his family. The choreography in this scene is the best in all the movie.

3. Come Alive

“Come Alive” is the moment the world meets Tom Thumb, the Bearded Lady, Anne Wheeler, and many more of the wonderfully different people in Barnum’s circus. The message is to let the world see you for who you are and you’ll be more alive than you’ve ever been before. It’s like a much more upbeat “Let It Go” that will have you dancing and clapping your hands.

2. This is Me

“This is Me” has become an anthem for anyone who has been judged or deemed as other. It’s a rallying cry to stand firm in who you are, no matter how different you are, no matter how people treat you. Keala Settle’s powerful, emotional voice is incredible. The line, “We are warriors! That’s what we’ve become,” is my favorite. I personally think she should’ve been the star of the movie instead of P. T. Barnum. This song was nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, where their performance received a standing ovation. IMO, it should’ve won!

1. Rewrite the Stars

This was a hard choice for me. I really love “This is Me” but I had to be really honest with myself. I like this one just a bit more. First of all, Zac Efron blew me away with this song. It’d been years since his last musical and I forgot how good of a singer he really was. Not only that, he actually sounds better! When he hits that first high note, c’mon! Then Zendaya comes in with her smooth, velvety voice. The choreography as they fly together on the trapeze is really breathtaking. It’s just beautiful.

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Ranking all the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers

Go Go Power Rangers! I felt it was time for another 90’s throwback. Today I’m ranking all the Power Rangers from Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. Just about every 90’s kid was obsessed with this show. It was a phenomenon. It started out with the original five in its first season. As the show went on, we saw a number of replacements added to the cast.

As a child, I had my definite favorites based on my childhood memories. I later rewatched the series as an adult and my perspective on the characters really changed. This is my ranking based on what I observed as an adult looking back.

10. Kat Hillard (Pink Ranger)

Kat had the unfortunate task of filling Kimberly’s shoes as the new Pink Ranger. She was doomed from the start. The writers introduced the character as a villain -- a fellow student under an evil spell to undo the Pink Ranger. It made us not like her from the very beginning. Kat eventually grew into her role, especially in the following seasons of Zeo and Turbo. But initially, she felt like an imposter who literally did not fit the suit.

9. Aisha Campbell (Yellow Ranger)

I liked Aisha as a kid. I liked her sassy attitude and that she was girly and short. After watching the show again as an adult, I realized how completely useless she was as a ranger. She had no fighting ability whatsoever, couldn’t do any flips, and didn’t offer any brain power either. I actually felt embarrassed watching her fight scenes.

8. Rocky DeSantos (Red Ranger)

I think Rocky got a raw deal as the new Red Ranger. Many viewers were used to seeing the Red Ranger as a leader. However, when Rocky was introduced, he was just another ranger on the side. I don’t think this was his fault as Jason had already been demoted as leader after Tommy became the White Ranger. As a kid, I liked Rocky. I didn’t mind him as an adult either. His taekwondo skills were actually better than Jason’s. He was faster, more agile, could kick higher, and do more flips. Unfortunately, as one of the replacement rangers, he was always in the background.

7. Jason Lee Scott (Red Ranger)

Ranking Jason this low is gonna shock some die hard fans. As a kid, I absolutely loved Jason. He was one of my favorite rangers. I thought he was a great leader and strong fighter. He was the glue who got his team to work together. I especially preferred him as a leader over Tommy. But when I rewatched the show as an adult, I realized he really didn’t do anything! He had maybe two episodes about him. One was about him bench pressing a world record where he lifted weights the entire episode. That’s pretty much all he ever did. He lifted weights, punched bags, and occasionally taught a karate class or two. Essentially, he was there to flex his muscles and not much else. Even his sword, which I remembered being so cool, was pretty much useless. That was a big eye opener for me. I was also disappointed to see that his taekwondo skills weren’t as great as I remembered them. He was really slow, kinda clunky. Overall, Jason deserved better than what we was given.

6. Billy Cranston (Blue Ranger)

As the resident brain, Billy managed to invent the team’s communicators, which were also teleportation devices, and a flying car. He often operated the computers at the Command Center along with Alpha-5. It’s fair to say he contributed significantly to the team. He was a weak fighter in the beginning, but somehow became a super ripped expert gymnast by the end of his run. The show never explained that, but it was never a realistic show anyway.

5. Adam Park (Black Ranger)

I remember not liking Adam very much as a child. He was so quiet, shy, and often in the back as one of the replacement rangers. In my child mind that meant he was boring. However, as an adult, I realized how awesome he really was. First of all, he was way cute and I didn’t even see it before. He was smart and often operated the Command Center along with Billy (good ole Asian stereotyping). But mostly, he was an incredible fighter. His Shaolin kung fu style was a beauty to behold. His kicks, spins, and flips were so quick, effortless, and graceful. He had the best line in the movie: “I’m a frog,” which turned out to be the best zord as well. As the seasons went on (especially into Zeo and Turbo), he became much stronger, more confident, and a lot funnier too.

4. Zack Taylor (Black Ranger)

Zack is seriously underrated. He had a great personality. He was the life of the party, a great dancer, and funny. He even created his own martial arts style called Hip Hop Kido. He especially shined in the second season as he incorporated his karate with dance moves and incredible acrobatics. In my opinion, he was a way better fighter than Jason. If he had been given the proper treatment, Zack would’ve been on the same level as Tommy. After Zack left the show, the cast wasn’t nearly as fun.

3. Trini Kwan (Yellow Ranger)

Original Yellow Ranger Trini was the best. She was strong, brave, and intelligent. She had a spiritual side to her that was cool, calm, mature, and classy. She had natural leadership skills that were completely overlooked. I’d even say that when unmorphed, she was the true leader. She often stepped up and encouraged the other members no matter what situation they were in. She could understand Billy’s nerd talk and translated for the team. She also kicked serious butt. She became a big role model for many Asian American girls, as she was one of the first Asian American actresses with a visible role on television.

2. Tommy Oliver (Green & White Ranger)

I loved Tommy as the Green Ranger. His karate took the show to the next level. He was super bad ass and totally convincing as a villain. That evil laugh was perfect. Even after becoming good, the writers found a way to keep him around. His weakening powers and ultimately losing his powers gave him a tragic appeal. His relationship with Kimberly was also super cute. He was an exciting fighter and a compelling character. But, I didn’t really like him as the White Ranger. Once he became the White Ranger and the new team leader, he became a lot less interesting. He no longer had a real story. His martial arts was always top notch, but compared to the Green Ranger, White Ranger Tommy was too perfect and a lot more boring. Separately, I would’ve ranked White Ranger Tommy after Adam, but Green Ranger Tommy was awesome. Like I said, he elevated the show.

1. Kimberly Hart (Pink Ranger)

Kimberly was such a popular character. She was loved by girls who wanted to be like her, and by boys who had a crush on her. As an adult, I could easily see why and I was actually really surprised. She was hands down the star of the show. She had the most episodes dedicated to her out of all the rangers. Even when the episode wasn’t about her, she often saved the day with her bow and arrow. Seriously. She saves the team in almost every episode. Even though she wasn’t the strongest fighter unmorphed, her gymnastics skills were crazy impressive. Overall, she was the most valuable and consistent ranger on the team. Without her, they would’ve been toast.

Overall Thoughts

First of all, I couldn’t believe how poor quality the show was. They obviously reused the same footage over and over again. Even more unbelievable is how we all believed it as kids! But that cheesiness is now one of the best aspects of the show.

I was also surprised by how much the show favored certain characters over others. Kimberly had the most spotlight, followed by Billy. When Tommy showed up, it became all about him. Zack and Trini were tied for second to last place for air time. Jason was dead last. He was barely even in the show. It’s no wonder the three were unhappy and left the show when they did.

Rewatching the series also made me realize how much the movies glorified Tommy at the expense of the Pink Ranger. In the first film that meant Kimberly, who I mentioned in this list was an incredibly strong character. In the Turbo movie, they weakened Kat for Tommy to rescue her as well. That’s super disappointing as the show offered some really cool role models for young girls.

One thing I appreciated about the female rangers was how feminine they were. Kimberly was a fashion crazy mall rat, but she was never diminished for it. It just happened to be her personality. It was never a weakness. None of the girls were expected to act like boys in order to be strong. Later in Zeo and Turbo, Tanya was more tomboyish. She naturally excelled at sports and that was really cool too.

Overall, I was impressed by how much stunts these young actors did. The putty scenes were my favorite. We got to see the real actors (not costumed stunt doubles) do all their own stunts. They were all talented martial artists of various styles and masterful gymnasts. As the show progressed, so did the choreography. I can understand why the actors complained about not being paid enough.

Today, most of the newer Power Rangers shows don’t do their own stunts like the originals did. They’re a lot more flashier as well with explosions going off in every episode. Even though the budget is higher and the actors have more rights now, it doesn’t beat the nit and grit or the talent of the original Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers.

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Ranking Disney Princes and Heroes (from Worst to Best)

I ranked all the Disney Princesses from worst to best, so I thought I’d do the same for the male characters. This list includes princes, love interests, and also heroes from their own movies, such as Tarzan and Hercules.

This list is purely subjective. Sometimes I have really good reasons for liking one character over another. Sometimes I just like what I like! Without further ado...

15. John Smith

I hate John Smith. Sorry not sorry. The man was a colonizer. He was ready to shoot Pocahontas until he saw she that was pretty. His ignorant, racist attitudes toward the “savages” was not an attractive trait. A girl should not have to teach her boyfriend tolerance. 

14. Prince Charming

Prince Charming is hardly in Cinderella. We know nothing about him, not even his name. We don’t meet him before the ball, and we barely see him afterwards. Literally, all he does is yawn and dance with Cinderella. He doesn’t chase after her when she runs away, he doesn’t search for her, he doesn’t place the glass slipper on her foot. The Grand Duke did all of that. Pretty darn boring romantic lead if he makes the Grand Duke do everything for him.

13. Prince Naveen

I disliked Naveen in The Princess and the Frog for his spoiled, cocky attitude. He grows throughout the film as a frog, and he helps Tiana have a little more fun. But I found myself not wanting Tiana to fall in love with him, which is the opposite of what was intended.

12. The Prince

Similar to Prince Charming, we don’t know anything about the Prince in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. We don’t know his name, nor does he have a personality. However, he gets more points than Prince Charming, because he meets Snow White first and serenades her with a song. In the end, he awakens her with a kiss. He actually did stuff.

11. Maui

It pains me to put Maui this low on the list. He’s a real legend in many Polynesian cultures. I actually hoped Disney would make a Maui movie one day, so when it was announced he’d be a character in Moana, I was super excited. But then the movie portrayed him as an arrogant, dismissive jerk tossing Moana around like a rag doll. Super disappointing. There are some positives. His magic fish hook, his tattoos, and his shape-shifting abilities are all awesome features. He teaches Moana the ancient skill of wayfinding, which allows her to live out her purpose. If only Disney had made Maui more accurate to the tales. He would’ve been far more heroic.

10. Hercules

Hercules as a film is one of my least favorites. The Hercules character is okay, but I had a hard time connecting or empathizing with him. He has a really great song in the beginning (”Go the Distance”) and that was really the highlight of the film for me. 

9. The Beast

A lot of credit goes to the filmmakers. They made a selfish, vain, temperamental, spoiled brat likable. By showing how devastated, depressed, and lonely the Beast was from the curse, it allowed us to sympathize with him. Something The Princess and the Frog was less successful at. Because we can see his growth, we learn that he is also kind, generous, and funny. We grow to love him just as Belle does.

8. Kristoff

Kristoff is possibly the most sensible of all the male characters. He offers Anna some truth about knowing a person and who to trust. He respects her enough to listen to her, to let her love another man even when he’s developed feelings for her, and to fight her own battles. But he’s always there to help her when she needs it. He’s voiced by Jonathan Groff, who I love and whose voice is like purified butter. Also, he speaks Reindeer.

7. Tarzan

I didn’t get Tarzan’s appeal as a kid. When Jane said, “I’ve never seen such eyes,” I just thought he was creepy. But now I get it. There’s a mysterious soulfulness to him. His story of alienation and longing to belong is a really relatable one. We want him to be accepted, to find his identity and place in the world, and to be genuinely loved. In contrast to Clayton, we see he’s more of a man than animal regardless of his upbringing. Taking down the leopard with his bare hands is also way cool.

6. Quasimodo

Quasimodo doesn’t get the love he deserves. His story is similar to Rapunzel’s. He’s kept isolated in a tower by an evil narcissist who’s brainwashed him into submission. But unlike Rapunzel, who is a beautiful princess, Quasimodo is a disfigured outcast whose people are persecuted. When he finally takes a step of courage beyond his tower, he is humiliated and tormented by the people. Despite all the abuse he’s been through, he’s still kind. Most of all, he’s an absolute hero. He overcomes his own fears and insecurities, risks his life for his friends, stands up to Frollo, single handedly saves Esmeralda from execution, and selflessly hands Esmeralda to Phoebus despite his feelings for her. He might just be the greatest hero in all of Disney’s films. If this were an objective list, I’d probably put him as Number 1, but he’s not my favorite character of all time. 

5. Shang Li

Shang is a strong, honorable, and compassionate leader. He’s an excellent fighter and endearingly awkward around women. His song “Make a Man Out of You” is epic. He’s the type of masculine, brave, buff Asian male lead we need to see more of in live action films. Asian men are sexy too!

4. Prince Philip

I love Prince Philip. He was the first prince to have a name and a personality. He was genuinely charming, had a sense of humor, and didn’t care if he broke a stale old tradition. He initially thought Aurora was a peasant girl and was willing to marry her despite his father’s disapproval. He was even able to convince his oafish father to see otherwise without being disrespectful. Thanks to the help of the three fairies, he was able to escape Maleficent’s dungeon, slay the dragon, and wake Aurora. What’s not to love?

3. Prince Eric

Oh, Prince Eric. The first crush of so many little girls (and probably boys too). He was handsome, strong, brave, but most of all, he was kind. He longed to fall in love with a girl he could have a connection with. That’s ultimately what made him so swoon worthy. He was patient, didn’t look or talk down (or too loudly) to Ariel for being unable to speak, and he followed his heart. Oh yeah, he jumped onto a burning ship to save his dog and killed a giant, evil octopus lady. Major points for those two. But especially saving the dog.

2. Flynn Rider

Flynn Rider’s arc in Tangled is fantastic. He starts out as a vain con-man, but grows into someone real. Through his adventure with Rapunzel, we get to see more depth to him. His sad childhood, his desire for worth, and wanting to be someone more than who he really was. We watch him as he grows to respect, like, and ultimately fall in love with Rapunzel. It’s really great character development. She teaches him to be his real self, and he encourages her in a way no one’s ever done before. They both save each other’s lives in the end. That balance makes the relationship between him and Rapunzel even more amazing. He’s also the only male hero who serves as the film’s main comic relief.

1. Aladdin

I had to put Aladdin as Number 1. The film is classic, and Aladdin is the best of all the male title protagonists. He’s the equivalent to the Disney princess. A dreamer who longs for more than what his current life has for him. He does get into lying and trying to be something he’s not, but we know from the beginning he’s a genuine and good person. A diamond in the rough. He learns that who he is, despite his low status, is enough. Because his heart is good. I still have a crush on his voice after all these years. And c’mon, he takes Jasmine on a magic carpet ride around the world! 

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5 Actors Who Should Play Namor

Namor is a character that’s been hinted to make his MCU appearance. He was vaguely mentioned by Okoye in Endgame, so it’s rumored he might be Black Panther 2’s next villain. His casting has been something I’ve been very curious about.

Of course, with Chadwick Boseman’s tragic passing, we don’t know what’s going to happen to Black Panther 2, or how the script will change. Understandably, they are taking their time with it to honor Chadwick Boseman. As they should.

But I still like to imagine who could possibly play Namor if he does make his appearance one day.

Rumors were Marvel was looking to cast an Asian actor in the role. I’ve seen a lot of fans suggest their own picks, including Zachary Quinto and Luke Evans. Personally, I don’t think Namor should be white. The cast of Black Panther has mentioned they feel very protective of Wakanda, and since Wakanda has remained untouched by colonialism, I don’t think it would feel right to watch a bunch of white invaders attack Wakanda. I personally think Black Panther should remain a film about people of color.

Since Namor has an Asian look in the comics, it makes sense to look for an Asian actor. I would be more than happy to see more Asian representation in the MCU. However, I would also love to see a Pacific Islander Namor.

When DC cast Jason Momoa as Aquaman, he was quick to reference his Hawaiian culture’s influence and commonalities with his character. I thought it was a really brilliant connection. But then they made his Polynesian side human and his Atlantean side Aryan blonde. I understand that’s what the Atlanteans looked like in the comics, but it just didn’t make sense when we see this heavily tattooed Hawaiian man holding a giant five-pronged spear. I thought it was a real wasted opportunity.

Of course, Marvel will probably want to avoid as many comparisons to Aquaman as possible, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t go that route. But I would love to see them do what Aquaman didn’t. Especially since Pacific Islanders have had their own painful histories with colonialism, and the fact that they’re incredible warrior cultures, I think it would tie in well with Black Panther.

Anyway, enough with my ramblings. Here are my picks.

5. Dev Patel

Honestly, I just love Dev Patel and I want to see him in more stuff. If Marvel is looking to hire an Asian actor, why not a South Asian? He’s one of the best actors out there. He’s starred in Oscar winning films and has been nominated for his brilliant performance in Lion. (He should’ve been nominated for Slumdog Millionaire too!) He has martial arts training and the dedication to get in shape. He had an unfortunate turn as a villain in The Last Airbender. Perhaps Namor could be a chance to undo that. (Although, I think he’d make an even better hero.)

4. Jason Scott Lee

Jason Scott Lee is a little older now (53), but that hasn’t stopped Marvel before. Lee, who is of Chinese and Native Hawaiian descent, would tick both the Asian and Pacific Islander boxes. We know he can handle all the action and fight scenes, as most of his notable roles have been in martial arts films. His portrayal of Bruce Lee in Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story was 100% spot on. He’s actually someone I would like to see in Shang Chi (The full cast still hasn’t been announced yet, so who knows?). Recently, Lee has played villains in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny and the live action Mulan film. Playing Namor could be right up his alley.

3. Daniel Dae Kim

Simu Liu put it out there that he wanted to play Shang Chi and it came true. It’s only fair the same should happen to Daniel Dae Kim, who has been wanting to play Namor for years now. Kim has been a constant presence in television thanks to his roles in Lost and Hawaii Five-O. I’ll always remember him as the first time I’d seen a sexually attractive Asian man portrayed on TV. (Well, not since Russell Wong in Vanishing Son in the early 90’s!) Kim can play cold and threatening, but also loyal and loving (in the same character). He could definitely pull off a villain or an anti-hero Namor.

2. Daniel Henney

Daniel Henney previously had a role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine as Agent Zero. In my opinion, his presence in that film was one of the few highlights in that forgettable movie. He was a fantastic villain. I think we could just ignore his previous involvement in the X-Men universe since it was such a small role. Anyway, he’s 6’2”, the perfect height for a Marvel hero or villain, and he’s gorgeous. Someone just hire this guy already! I think he’s the perfect choice for an Asian Namor.

1. Uli Latukefu

As I mentioned, I’d love to see a Pacific Islander Namor... though it probably won’t happen. I think Tongan-Australian Uli Latukefu would be a great choice. He is still mostly unknown. His most notable role was as Byamba in Marco Polo (alongside Benedict Wong). Benedict Wong was hands down the best thing about that show, but Uli’s Byamba was definitely second. Don’t let the horrible haircut fool you, he’s a good looking man. On top of that, he’s 6’5”. With Marvel’s trainers he could be even more impressive than Chris Hemsworth. Now that’s what I’d like to see. What about a showdown with M’Baku? Yes, please! He next stars in Taika Waititi’s upcoming film Next Goal Wins. He already has a connection to Taika Waititi, so I say bring him over to Marvel. (Then get Taika to direct a spinoff Namor movie!)

[some-lists]

Marvel Side Characters I Want to See More Of

Here’s a list of side characters I’d like to see more of in the MCU. These are characters that have mostly been in the background and have not gotten the screen time they deserve.

This does not include characters about to get their own Disney Plus series (no Bucky, Vision, etc.), because we will be seeing more of them.

10. Sif

Sif was a great side character and a strong female warrior. The Dark World hinted at a love triangle between her, Thor, and Jane Foster. Then she disappeared and was never heard of again. I don’t miss the potential love triangle, but she was a cool character back when the only other female fighter was Black Widow. It would be nice to know what became of her. Valkyrie ultimately replaced her, but who says we can only have one strong female warrior per movie? It’s a stupid rule and I think she needs a comeback in the MCU. (Personally, I would’ve preferred her for a female Thor instead of Jane Foster.)

9. Nakia

I didn’t want to include love interests on this list, but now due to the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman, we don’t know what will happen to Nakia. She was absent in Infinity War and Endgame, and I would’ve loved to see her fight in the big battle scenes. Will she appear in Black Panther 2? I hope they do not write her out along with T’Challa (assuming they don’t replace him with a new actor).

8. Bill Foster

Bill Foster is far more likable than Hank Pym, IMO. He’s a fellow genius and a good man, who is occasionally willing to do morally ambiguous things to help someone he cares about. It’s actually a great parallel to Ant-Man himself. Laurence Fishburne was a welcome addition to the Ant-Man cast. The fools at The Matrix didn’t ask him back, and I hope Marvel doesn’t make the same mistake. More Laurence Fishburne in everything, please.

7. Maria Hill

I seriously need to see more Maria Hill. She was great in The Avengers and The Winter Soldier, but we didn’t see her again until the end credits scene in Infinity War. That’s a huge gap! She never got a chance to show us what she’s got. Personally, I kinda wish they used her instead of Sharon Carter in Civil War (minus the weird kissing scene). She’s way cool, has played an important part in previous films, and I just felt more invested in her than Sharon. Now that Samuel L. Jackson has returned to the MCU after a long absence, I’d like to see Maria Hill return too. Not just a brief cameo here or there, but with a real job to do.

6. Ned

Ned is Peter Parker’s loyal best friend. Jacob Batalon and Tom Holland have great chemistry together, and he’s super funny. Ned’s in on Peter’s secret identity and it makes it even funnier when has he has to cover for him. His one line in Infinity War is hilarious. I want to see more goofy buddy moments between Ned and Peter in future movies.

5. The Grandmaster

The Grandmaster made his appearance in Thor: Ragnarok and I need to see more of him. Taika Waititi geniusly got Jeff Goldblum to essentially be himself, and it’s glorious. I don’t know if we’ll ever see him again, but he’s way too entertaining for just a one time appearance.

4. Luis

I mentioned before that Drax was the funniest character in the MCU, but I might have to take that back. There isn’t a moment with Luis that isn’t absolutely hilarious. He asked Hope for a suit in Ant-Man and the Wasp and I think he should get one. Someone get this man a suit. Promote him. Just more screen time for this awesome character, please. Honestly, I think it would’ve been great if he had rescued Scott Lang from the Quantum Realm instead of some dumb rat. Can you imagine the 5 year recap he would’ve given Scott? Talk about perfect for this pandemic. It would’ve been too good.

3. Mantis

I love Mantis. She’s such a unique and interesting character. She’s unlike anyone else in the MCU. She’s wonderfully weird, awkward, funny, and adorable. Her relationship with Drax is both hilarious and sweet. James Gunn has said he wants a Drax and Mantis Disney Plus series, and so do I. Those two are too interesting to toss aside. Especially since Mantis has only been in two films, there’s still so much room for her to grow. I’d like to see her awkwardly learn more about emotions and social interactions. Mostly, I’d like to see her feel her own emotions instead on feeling through another person. How would she handle her own feelings of sadness or anger? And how would her powers grow as well? Will she learn to use them more aggressively? There’s so much potential here.

2. Wong

Wong is seriously underrated. He has the same awesome sorcery powers as Dr. Strange. Unfortunately, he’s stuck in a stoic Asian monk stereotype. He’s been sidelined in every film so far, and he deserves better. With Wanda scheduled to star in Doctor Strange 2, I fear Wong will be sidelined yet again. Benedict Wong is an incredible actor capable of so much more than what he’s been given. If you need proof, check out his performance as Kublai Khan in Marco Polo on Netflix. This guy should have Emmys. He has great chemistry with Benedict Cumberbatch and is funny in his brief moments. I think Wong deserves the chance to be fleshed out as a character instead of being designated the token Asian sidekick.

1. M’Baku

Endgame left a lot of my questions about Wakanda post-Thanos’ snap unanswered. I wanted to know who took over while T’Challa was gone. We saw in Infinity War that both Okoye and M’Baku survived. I hoped it meant we’d be seeing more of them as they stepped up in his absence (perhaps that was the plan for Black Panther 2?). I was disappointed that neither had much of a presence in Endgame. M’Baku was a delightful surprise in Black Panther. He’s a formidable opponent to T’Challa, a powerful leader and warrior, but also crazy funny! I hope he has a much larger role in Black Panther 2.

Again, I don’t know what’s going to happen with that film now. It’s a sensitive subject at this time. I hope M’Baku will be utilized to preserve the traditions of Wakanda after whatever changes are made in that film. Especially since T’Challa was such an important, positive male figure for the black community, I hope M’Baku can rise up to fill that need as well.

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10 Documentary Series for the Wanderluster

If you’re sick of being stuck indoors and isolated from the rest of the world, you might find yourself binge watching travel documentaries just like me.

I’ve always loved traveling. I’ve been to a handful of places, but there’s so much more out there. These docu-series will make you want to get off your butt and hop on a plane ASAP. Of course, that’s not really an option in this pandemic, but these shows can offer a nice dose of escapism right in your living room.

These are just a few available to stream that I really loved. (Btw, most of these are about food. Because I love food.)

1. Somebody Feed Phil

I love this show. Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal travels to some of the most beautiful locations around the world to try the best foods. He meets with locals, expats, and world renown chefs who show him the best local dishes and their culture. Phil isn’t the best food critic. Most of his commentary consists of, “Mmm, that’s good!” But his cheery, friendly demeanor makes for easy watching as he casually befriends locals in every international city he visits. Oh, and the theme song is killer.

Watch it on: Netflix

2. Street Food: Asia & Latin America

Get ready to be hungry! Made from the same people behind Chef’s Table, this series takes you to a different country in each episode. Street Food: Asia and Street Food: Latin America are actually listed separately on Netflix. But they are essentially two different seasons of the same show. You’ll meet local street chefs who’ve made their living cooking and selling their best comfort foods on the street. They share their stories of hardship, determination, sacrifice, joys, and successes. Each episode has close ups of every dish that will have you salivating.

Watch it on: Netflix

3. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

Season One of this National Geographic series is currently available on Disney Plus. We see chef Gordon Ramsay travel to some remote locations, where he not only learns about their local ingredients, but has to forage and hunt them himself. At the end of each episode, we see him face off with a famous chef from each region. It’s beautifully shot with some really breathtaking views of these amazing landscapes. We see the vast Sacred Valley of Peru, majestic glaciers of New Zealand, and tropical blue waters of Hawaii. Now, if only Disney Plus would release the second season.

Watch it on: Disney Plus

4. Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Down to Earth with Zac Efron is not just a feast for the eyes, but a series that will make you think. Zac Efron travels with his friend, Darin Olien, to learn about various methods of sustainable living. We learn about sustainable energy in Iceland, fresh water in France, and blue zone diets in Italy. They also take the time to explore and enjoy the best leisure activities and cuisine in each country.

Watch it on: Netflix

5. Conan Without Borders

Conan Without Borders is a segment of his talk show that is now available on Netflix (but only the first season). Of course, you can still watch more on YouTube, but those videos are cut into shorter segments. Conan’s buffoonery is put to good use as he travels to learn about other people and their countries. His shtick is the clueless, ignorant American abroad. It’s an honesty that’s rewarding, as he shows these countries in a light few Americans get to see. He’s hilarious in each episode as he accidentally (or not so accidentally) offends, but also learns from the locals in each country.

Watch it on: Netflix, YouTube

6. Travel Man: 48 Hours In...

Travel Man has had 10 seasons, and 7 (ish) of them are on Hulu. It’s a recent discovery for me, so I’m still making my way through the episodes. Richard Ayoade travels to a different city with a different celebrity for 48 hours. They do a lot of the typical things the average tourist would do. It features transportation, checking into a hotel (usually on the higher end), seeing the sites, and exploring different foods. Most of the celebrities who join him are British, so I’m not too familiar with them. It probably works better if you know who they are, but it doesn’t matter. Richard Ayoade’s dry humor makes each trip amusing regardless.

Watch it on: Hulu

7. Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

British comedian Jack Whitehall takes a belated gap year trip with his 70-something year old father. The stark contrast between their personalities make for a very interesting vacation. We go on a real ride with the two as we get to know them and as they grow from the experience. Jack is full of energy and definitely more open minded of the two, but we can also see why his father gets annoyed with him. He’s a big kid and, at times, spoiled. At first Jack’s father comes across as snobby and ignorant, but we learn to laugh at his biting humor and his efforts to connect with Jack. We also get a bit of a different view of each location. We visit eccentric temples in Thailand, watch trained rats search for mines in Cambodia, check out motocross skiing in Germany, and more.

Watch it on: Netflix

8. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

Seasons 7 and 8 of the late Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations can currently be viewed on Hulu. If you’re a humanitarian at heart, this one is for you. Anthony Bourdain is after truth. He’s not interested in commercialized tourist traps or filtered Instagram photo ops. He’s after the real place, the real people, and the real history. He visits disadvantaged populations around the world. He meets with locals, journalists, and humanitarians in each country. Their conversations are often about poverty, political corruption, and marginalization. But he also has some lighter missions as well. A trip to Naples in search of the real Italian food experience. A discovery of Croatian culinary greatness. A cook off in Tokyo between the world’s greatest chefs. What we see is not always pretty. Sometimes it’s truly upsetting. But sometimes it’s great too. Either way, it’s the truth. What Anthony Bourdain ultimately does is capture the heart of the people, something traveling tourists often overlook.

Watch it on: Hulu

9. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

I’m not a huge David Chang fan. I’ve only made it through one episode of Ugly Delicious. (It was the curry episode, because I love Indian food.) But I found Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner a much easier watch. It’s a lot more chill. There are only four episodes. (That helps.) He and a celebrity friend tour a different city, try the food, and just chat it up. This series focuses more on location and culture, rather than just the food itself. The personalities of his celebrity guests help provide color and humor to each episode. Kate McKinnon, as always, is a delight.

Watch it on: Netflix

10. Tales By Light

Tales By Light follows photographers around the world as they capture stunning works of art. This is a must see if you love art, especially photography. Watch humpback whales dance under water in Tonga, the colorful Festival of Holi in India, abandoned desert ghost towns of Namibia, and indigenous cultures of Australia. Season 3 is especially sobering. Photographer Simon Lister and UNICEF ambassador Orlando Bloom travel to Bangladesh to capture portraits of children in need. You’ll marvel at the beauty, but also cry for the less fortunate.

Watch it on: Netflix

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More Shows that Should Be Added to Disney Plus

I after I completed my last list, which consisted mainly Disney Channel shows, a few more shows popped into my head. I also remembered that Disney now owns Fox as well as ABC, so even more great shows popped into my head.

Some of these might not be on Disney Plus because of certain rights issues. I don’t know anything about those types of matters. I just think these are great shows that would make Disney Plus even better.

(Thankfully, some of these shows can be found on YouTube, thanks to some awesome people with VCRs. Of course, having them stream on Disney Plus with good quality would be even better!)

10. PB&J Otter

PB&J Otter was a cartoon about three otter siblings named Peanut, Butter, and Jelly. They lived a cute little fishing town inhabited by other cute little animals. It was created by the same makers of Doug and Allegra’s Window (anybody remember that one?). This show ran on Disney Playhouse and Disney Junior for quite some time. I think it’s only natural to include it on Disney Plus as well.

9. Braceface

Braceface initially aired on Fox Family, which later became ABC Family, and then aired on the Disney Channel. It’s about a teen girl whose braces somehow have an electric charge and constantly interfere with her life. It was executive produced and voiced by Alicia Silverstone. Other voice talents included Michael Cera and Kathy Griffin.

8. Second Noah

Second Noah was a great family drama about a married couple who took in stray animals and orphan children. Imagine if The Fosters lived in a zoo. The cast included a young James Marsden as the oldest adopted son. He sings in every single episode. That alone is worth the watch. Even though this was a great show, I doubt we’ll ever see it again. It was filmed at Busch Gardens in Florida before The Animal Kingdom had opened. Disney probably doesn’t want to promote its competition on its own streaming service. But one can dream... of James Marsden’s perfect singing voice.

7. The Koala Brothers

I am a grown adult but I will watch The Koala Brothers any day of the week. This claymation series takes place in the Australian outback, where two koala brothers fly their airplane to assist anyone in need of help. It features an adorable little community made up of a turtle postman, a storekeeper echidna, an ice cream truck driving emu, a forgetful cafe owner platypus, and more lovable creatures. It’s just a really adorable show that even adults can enjoy.

6. Brotherly Love

Brotherly Love originally aired on The WB and its reruns was aired on The Disney Channel for several years. Just like two other popular shows, Smart Guy (which is currently on Disney Plus) and Sister Sister. It featured Joey Lawrence has the oldest and estranged brother, who returns to help his two younger brothers (Matthew, Andy) and their auto mechanic business survive. The three brothers were played by real brothers in real life. It was a wholesome family show, with a cute Lawrence brother for every age group to crush on.

5. Higher Ground

This show. This show was amazing. It aired on the Fox Family channel for one year, then disappeared forever. But man, it was so good. It was set at a boarding school for at-risk teens in the mountains — like camping but with actual licensed counselors. It focused on a couple of counselors and their troubled teen students. It dealt with some very real issues, like sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, narcissistic/emotional abuse, neglect, self-harm, eating disorders, homelessness, gang violence, and prostitution. It never used these issues for shock value or preachy, saccharine plot lines. It never judged the teens for their hard lives, but portrayed them honestly. Anyone who’s lived through a difficult childhood will find themselves relating to these teenagers. The cast included a pre-Anakin Hayden Christensen (he’s seriously really good in this!), a pre-Criminal Minds AJ Cook, and a pre-Once Upon a Time Meghan Ory. It might be a little heavy for Disney Plus, so a disclaimer would be needed, just like when it originally aired on Fox Family.

4. Young Hercules

Following the success of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess, Young Hercules was developed for a younger audience. Much of the crew went on to work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy either during or shortly after this series. It debuted on Fox Kids in the late 90’s and starred a teenage Ryan Gosling as young Hercules. It was super cheesy, which makes it even better. Who doesn’t want to watch a spray tanned, bleached blond, eyelined Ryan Gosling slay imaginary beasts?

3. Bear in the Big Blue House

Bear in the Big Blue House was a really great show for preschoolers. It ranks up there with Sesame Street and Blue’s Clues. It featured a big bear welcoming you into his big blue house. There you sing and play with his puppet friends and roommates. At the end of each episode, there’s a lovely goodbye song with the moon (yes, the moon sings). It’s a wonderful, entertaining show for little ones. Parents won’t mind watching it for the millionth time either. If Disney Plus is including Out of the Box, they should definitely include this one too.

2. Movie Surfers

Movie Surfers is basically a behind-the-scenes preview of soon to be released Disney movies. It includes footage of the making process, cast interviews, and occasionally performances from the soundtrack. The original cast included Christina Milian, who then went by Tina. It’s still going on today as minis during commercial breaks. Some very classic movies have been featured, including Mulan, The Princess Diaries, and Finding Nemo. More recent films have also been featured, such as as the live action Beauty and the Beast, The Muppets, and Moana. This would be a great addition to Disney Plus as it would get viewers interested in other movies available on the streaming service.

1. Disney Channel in Concert

This Disney Channel Special series started in 1997 and ran until 2001. It featured a live concert, behind the scenes footage, and interviews with the musical guest and family members. After their 1998 performance, *NSYNC’s debut album immediately skyrocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard charts. After their tremendous success, many other young acts were quick to follow, including Britney Spears, LeeAnn Rimes, Jessica Simpson, 98 Degrees, and the Backstreet Boys.

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10 Shows That Should Be Added to Disney Plus

Disney Plus is a goldmine for all things Disney. They’ve got almost every animated film, all the Star Wars films, Marvel, Disney Junior cartoons, old 50’s shows, and more. I was excited to check out all the old Disney Channel Original Series from days past to sadly discover they only go back to 2000.

There are some really great 80’s and 90’s shows that are missing from Disney Plus. That’s two decades of material sadly not included in the streaming service. Here are 10 that should be added.

10. The Torkelsons

The Torkelsons was a family sitcom about an Oklahoman woman, whose husband has just left her and her five children. The show depicts her trying to survive financially while raising her kids. Her oldest daughter Dorothy Jane talks to the “man in the moon” like a diary. The second season saw the family move to the West Coast where they moved in with an upper middle class family. It featured a pre-famous Brittany Murphy, Jared Leto, and Ben Affleck.

9. The Famous Jett Jackson

The Famous Jett Jackson came out in the late 90’s, just before Even Stevens. It was about a famous teen movie star who moves back into his small hometown to be a regular kid. It was one of the Disney Channel’s first original series and it was a big hit. It had its own original TV movie and Beyoncé even made a guest appearance. Tragically, its star Lee Thompson Young committed suicide in 2013. I wonder if that’s the reason it wasn’t included in the streaming service.

8. Welcome to Pooh Corner

This was one the Disney Channel’s first preschool programs in the 80’s. It featured a narrator telling various adventures of Winnie the Pooh and his friends. All the characters were played by real people in costumes. I’ll admit, the costumes are a little creepy by today’s standards. But the theme song and soothing voice of the narrator are worth it.

7. Ready or Not

This wasn’t an original Disney series, but was picked up from Canada and aired on the Disney Channel throughout the 90’s. It was about two best friends and their life from sixth to ninth grades. It dealt with so many issues still relevant today in real, thoughtful ways. It’s still one of the best children’s shows to air throughout the channel’s history.

6. Adventures in Wonderland

This was a live action show about Alice and her daily adventures when she steps through her looking glass/mirror. There were cheery songs, dances, cheesy jokes, and life lessons. Every character was played by an actor in makeup and costume, including the White Rabbit, Mad Hare, and Catepillar. The Catepillar was especially creepy, but it was a fun show.

5. In a Heartbeat

This show has unfortunately been forgotten by too many. It’s such a shame because it was really great. Inspired by real teens, it was about a group of teenage EMTs as they balance high school and saving lives after school. It was like ER for kids. It was Disney’s first and last attempt at a drama series that aired in 2000. Unfortunately it only lasted one season, and Disney shifted to sticking to teen comedies.

4. Ocean Girl

Ocean Girl was acquired by the Disney Channel from Australia and aired for several years in the 90’s. It’s about a girl who lives on a deserted island in the middle of the ocean. She can swim at great depths holding her breath for long periods of time without any apparatus. It’s a little cheesy, but it was so good. It had elements of fantasy, sci-fi, suspense, romance, and comedy. It also taught about the importance of protecting and preserving the ocean. It would be great if Disney could somehow get the rights to this show and stream it again.

3. Kids Incorporated

Kids Incorporated aired on the Disney Channel from 1986 to 1994. It was about a group of kid performers who would sing and dance onstage at a club after school. All the kids did their own singing and were crazy talented. Several of them went on to become big stars, like Fergie, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Mario Lopez (pre-A.C. Slater).

2. The All-New Mickey Mouse Club (MMC)

The show that started the careers of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, JC Chasez, and Keri Russell. Ever wonder why Justin Timberlake was so good in all his SNL appearances? This is why. MMC was a variety show that ran from 1989 to 1994. All the kids acted in comedy sketches and sang and danced to popular songs in front of a live audience. They also recorded their own music videos and had a spin-off show for teens. It featured regular celebrity guests including TLC, Boyz II Men, New Kids On the Block, Jodie Sweetin, Tia and Tamera Mowry, and so many more. This show is a pot of gold and Disney’s just sitting on it. They already put up the 50’s version. Now Disney needs to do some digging and put the 90’s version back up pronto!

1. Flash Forward

I cannot believe Flash Forward isn’t on Disney Plus! It was the Disney Channel’s first original series. It was about two best friends and next door neighbors (Ben Foster and Jewel Staite) as they go through junior high. Ryan Gosling also appeared in a couple episodes. It’s a fun, hilarious, and very sweet show. I am seriously waiting for Disney Plus to stream this. If they’re going to add Even Stevens and The Proud Family, they need to add this one too. It’s too good to miss!

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My Ranking of Mike Schur Comedies

Mike Schur is the show runner behind some of TV’s funniest comedies. They include The Office, Parks and Recreation, The Good Place, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. They’ve become huge fan favorites and some of my favorite shows of all time. Here’s how I rank them.

4. The Office

The Office is beloved by its huge fan base (I might get some hate for putting it last!) and it’s become a classic. My friends were obsessed with it when it originally aired. We even had marathons at each other’s houses. I was probably the only one who didn’t laugh out loud. I recently rewatched the first few seasons, and I found it funnier the second time around. But I still find the sexist, racist, homophobic jokes uncomfortable. I know the show is in on it, that Michael Scott is actually the butt of the joke. But I still have a hard time laughing. I do agree the relationship between Jim and Pam is sweet. I am very thankful the show gave us so many stars that went on to do even greater things — Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Mindy Kaling. Most of all, if it weren’t for The Office, we never would’ve gotten the next three shows.

3. The Good Place

The concept of this show is really original and creative. I love its quirky envisions of heaven and hell, especially in the first two seasons. The philosophical questions it poses about humanity, what it means to be good or evil, and what happens to us after we die are some of life’s deepest, most unanswered of all time. It gives it a depth the other comedies lack. We also see a diverse cast that goes against racial stereotypes. The show gets kind of convoluted in its later seasons, but overall it’s a great show.

2. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

I love Brooklyn 99. I used to hate Andy Samberg on SNL, but he’s soooo much better in 99. Everyone in the cast is genuinely funny and there is a real chemistry that makes you feel you’re part of a family. The relationship between Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago is my personal favorite of all the romances in the four shows. I actually think it elevated both Jake and Amy as characters. They are both funnier and more likable now that they are together than when they were rivals.

1. Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation just might be my favorite show of all time. I rewatched a couple episodes recently and still laughed like it was the first time. Of course, the first season should be ignored altogether. But it got better and better with each season. It’s led by a strong, competent, passionate woman in Leslie Knope. It was awesome to see a show that wasn’t necessarily about women celebrating women in such a positive way. Ron Swanson has also become an iconic character thanks to his uber-manliness and his many words of wisdom, both hilarious and sincere. It launched the careers of Chris Pratt, Aubrey Plaza, Rhetta, and Adam Scott. The many guest stars also made it even funnier. You never knew which funny guest would pop up next.

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Some Other Thoughts on X-Men Casting in the MCU

1. You can’t have the X-Men without Professor X

If he appears in the MCU, I want him to be old and bald. But I can’t imagine anybody other than Patrick Stewart playing him. James McAvoy blew my mind playing a younger version of him because I didn’t think it could be done. Now another actor will have to do it again. But who? Ed Harris, maybe? Really big shoes to follow....

2. Another Cyclops?

I mentioned in my last post that I wanted to see some X-Men who hadn’t had as much screen time in the movies. Well, Scott Summers has appeared a lot in the films, but when I thought about it, he didn’t really get to do much. He was often sidelined and never really got to lead the team. We never got to see the real Cyclops. If they do decide to bring Cyclops back, I want to see Armie Hammer in the visor. His double performance as the Winklevoss twins in The Social Network is all the proof I need to see.

3. An out Iceman?

Iceman appeared in the original X-Men films, but he’s such a cool character, I want to see more of him. We had to wait until Days of Future Past to see him in all his iced up glory and it was not enough.

In recent editions of the comics he’s been written as an openly gay character. This might offer some representation for the LGBTQ community in the MCU. If they go this route, an out actor like Jonathan Groff should play him. Though I imagine they might want someone younger... I just love Jonathan Groff.

4. You can’t have Iceman without Pyro

I’ve read rumors that Harry Styles is being considered for the role. It could be complete nonsense. I don’t know. But if they’re true, I’m curious. If I hadn’t seen Dunkirk I’d think it was an awful choice. But I have seen Dunkirk, and he was fantastic. I’d like to see more of what he could do.

5. Lady Gaga as Emma Frost?

There are more rumors of Lady Gaga possibly playing Emma Frost. Lady Gaga is a great actress, but I wonder what the fanboys would think of this choice. She’s definitely an interesting choice. Of course, Marvel could put any spin on the character they want. My pick was Rebecca Ferguson, but I think Lady Gaga could do something different with the role. She certainly does know how to captivate an audience.

6. Will Wolverine return?

I’ve seen fans suggest Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Scott Caan. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind if Wolverine didn’t show up for some time. Hugh Jackman played him for two decades and we’ve been on a real journey with that character. Even though he’s such an iconic character, I think putting so much focus on him has left a lot of other awesome characters in the background.

I know this is not a popular opinion. Wolverine is beloved. If they do decide to bring him back, it would have to be a very different take on the character. Someone more ferocious. Trying to think of someone who could do it, I considered Dacre Montgomery. He isn’t terribly tall. His performance on Stranger Things and his audition tape certainly had that chaotic flair. But perhaps he’s too young and too pretty?

7. One thing I don’t want to see...

...Is another Dark Phoenix. Fox tried twice to tell that story and failed. Of course, Marvel managed to get Peter Parker just right after Sony’s two whacks at it. Can they finally get this one right?

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5 X-Men I’d Like to See in the MCU (and Who Could Play Them...)

With the MCU finally acquiring the rights to X-Men there’s been a lot of talk about which characters will appear and who will play them. Everyone has their opinions.

There are so many characters, I think it’s hard to choose which ones should appear. We’ve seen a lot of the same ones over and over again (Cyclops, Jean Grey), but I’d like to see some who’ve had less spotlight, or who I think have not been portrayed well.

5. Colossus

Colossus got minimal screen time in the X-Men films, but has appeared in the Deadpool films. I hope he crosses over with Deadpool to the MCU. I think it would be a smoother transition if he is also there. He also hasn’t gotten the attention he deserves. No one knows anything about him except his metal exterior powers (except those familiar with the comics, of course.)

He was played by Daniel Cudmore in the X-Men movies, but voiced by Stefan Kapicic in Deadpool. I honestly don’t know who could play him. John Cena has the right build and has done some pretty funny stuff. Can he put on a Russian accent?

4. Jubilee

Jubilee isn’t the most popular of characters, but if given the right treatment, she could be. Age of Apocalypse led us to believe we would be seeing more of her, but it was a lie. Especially after seeing how wonderfully charming Lana Condor was in the To All the Boys... films, it was a real waste they didn’t use her more. I’d like to see Lana Condor get the real chance she deserves as Jubilee.

3. Storm

Storm has appeared in many of the past X-Men films, but in my opinion, Halle Berry was miscast. She did her best, but she wasn’t the tall, powerful, dark skinned, African goddess I expected. I’d like to see an actress who fits that description. And I want her to pop up in a Black Panther film. It seems fitting.

Physically, I think Jodie Turner-Smith would be perfect. But, she has a very feminine voice. I think she’s a good actress and could pull it off anyway. I just can’t get the 90’s cartoon voice out of my head. I can’t imagine her sounding any other way.

2. Rogue

The movies really did Rogue dirty. No disrespect to Anna Paquin. I think she was great with what she was given. But Rogue was not some sad, timid damsel in distress. She was strong, sassy, and confident. Her exuberant personality actually made her powers even more isolating and devastating. I want to see a female superhero who is all the above. Sassy, funloving, emotional, who genuinely wants to be around other people, but who is also terribly lonely. So far, we’ve seen a lot of serious, (really) independent women in the MCU. I think Rogue would be a breath of fresh air.

There’s also her connection to Carol Danvers. I personally loved Rogue with her superpowers. It would be really interesting if they introduced Rogue as a villain to Captain Marvel. I really don’t know how that would work in the end, though.

Who would play her? For a second I thought of Tatiana Maslany, but she’s been cast as She-Hulk. (Yay!) If they wanted to race bend, I think Gina Rodriguez would be perfect. If they want to stick to the original material, maybe someone like Lily James or Haley Lu Richardson, depending on how young they wanna go.

1. Gambit

Gambit was my favorite X-Men. It wasn’t just me. He was so popular at one point, he was even more popular than Wolverine. But he was barely in the movies! We got a poor glimpse of him in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. We need something better. We need someone cocky, seductive, smooth. Someone with serious bo staff and acrobatic skills. And he needs to be a lead character, not just a cameo.

My initial pick for him was Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He’s reportedly expressed interest in doing a Marvel film, but for whatever reason hasn’t been cast yet. I think he’s a terrific actor. He’s got a good look. He can do the gymnastics. He can speak French. Seems like a good choice, no?

But then I saw the trailer for Dune. Holy, Timothee Chalamet. Just look at him. Okay, he’s a great actor. He previously auditioned for Spider-Man, but lost out to Tom Holland. He could be Gambit. We already know he can do the whole sexy, alluring pretty boy thing. I could totally picture him rocking magenta with utmost confidence. Oh yeah, he speaks French too. If Marvel wants to go a younger route, this is the guy I want to see.

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My Favorite Movies & TV Shows About Girl Best Friends

My last post was a little on the negative side. I mostly want to keep my page positive and lighthearted. So, I’m changing it up with this list. I’m taking a break away from Marvel and Disney for now.

There are a lot of great shows and movies about friendship or that feature best friends. I haven’t seen them all. Here’s a list of tv shows and movies that focus on female friendship that I’ve seen and loved. I’ve listed them in order of least to most favorite, but I honestly love them all.

10. Alexa and Katie

Alexa and Katie’s friendship is pretty awesome. Alexa has cancer and Katie is always by her side supporting her through all the ups and downs. She shaved her head without hesitation just to show Alexa she wasn’t alone. It’s great that Alexa isn’t defined by her illness. Alexa is a schemer and full of life. And Katie isn’t boring either. She’s quirky and silly and has her own life too.

9. H2O: Just Add Water

Every summer, my friends, sisters, and I would swim around the swimming pool pretending to be mermaids. This show was that come to life. It’s about three friends who are accidentally transformed into mermaids. On land they are your typical teenage girls, but just add water and they are mermaids. Not only that, they also have powers to manipulate water and elements of the weather. They must keep it all a secret while navigating their way through high school. Of course, there are lots of boys and lots of fun.

8. A League of Their Own

This movie is a classic. I first saw it when I was about 6 and I loved it! It showed girls tearing it up playing a boy’s sport, but we also saw how they were still women. Not women trying to be men. Women with husbands at war, women with children, women who just wanted to go out dancing with their girlfriends. We saw a great sister relationship between Dotty and Kit, and we saw all these awesome women work together, support each other, and ultimately accomplish a piece of history.

7. Now and Then

This was essentially a girl version of Stand By Me. It wasn’t nearly as poignant, but that didn’t stop me from loving it. My sisters and I all wanted to be like Roberta (Christina Ricci), but maybe I’m more like Sam (Gaby Hoffmann). We see the girls deal with boys, body changes, divorce, parental neglect, and death. One thing I liked that Stand By Me didn’t have was the chance to see the women the girls grew up to be (and which movie stars portrayed them). We see even though they’ve gone their own ways, they’re still there for each other.

6. Dollface

Dollface is not a perfect show. At times I found myself really disagreeing with some of the characters’ advice and thought it came across a bit shallow. Or maybe I really am just like Jules (Kat Dennings). But I love the creativity, the quirkiness, the humor. I love that it’s about learning how to be a girl friend when maybe you’re more of a lone wolf. I love that it has two Asian-American lead characters who aren’t related (Brenda Song and Shay Mitchell). And it sure ended its first season with a bang. I’m ready for season 2 if it ever comes around.

5. Ready or Not

This show was a true gem. Ready or Not was a 90’s Canadian show about two best friends, Amanda and Busy, who are completely opposite of each other, and all the trials and lessons they face as they grow up. It wasn’t afraid to touch on some serious subjects. It covered things like peer pressure, divorce, slut shaming, homosexuality, sexual predators, anti-semitism, and more. A lot of the issues are still relevant today. Both characters are fully developed rather than just stereotypes. They have their own strengths, flaws, and set of family problems. Although their pairing seems unlikely, their enduring friendship is really heartwarming.

4. Parks and Recreation

This isn’t really a show about girl friendship, but it has one of the best pair of girl friends in TV ever — Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins. It also gave us Galentine’s Day, a fictional holiday that girlfriends now celebrate in real life. I had to include it.

3. The Baby-Sitters Club

The Baby-Sitters Club was so huge in the 80’s and 90’s. There were books, a tv show, a movie, dolls and more dolls. Thanks to Netflix, there’s a whole new updated version for new generations to fall in love with. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and relevance. This newer version has altered the races of a few characters, so now there’s a girl of just about every personality type and race that you can identify with.

2. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants consisted of two feature films and four (now five?) books. It follows each girl on their own story and then interweaves them as we see them come together to support each other. It has some of my favorite binge watching material: best friends, romance, and traveling the world.

1. Sweet Magnolias

I found myself binge watching this series on Netflix during the pandemic, and I loved it. The first couple of episodes started out slow, but I quickly became invested in the three southern gals and their families. It’s a nice, comfy show that takes place in a nice, comfy little town. These women are grown with their own families, careers, and adult problems. We see them deal with divorce (this time as a divorcee), childlessness, business endeavors, and health scares. We also see how it all affects their children as well. It’s a great show if you’re past your teen years and want some adult friendships (that aren’t about being naughty).