The Restraining Order exists to amuse, to inform and to assist. With that in mind, I present this list of the best streaming movies on Netflix. Keep in mind that a Netflix.com account is required to view these.

(These are listed in no particular order.)

North & South (2004) “Dawg, you be gay” is what most of my posse told me as I waxed rhapsodic about this period piece as we drove down to the local hardcore gangsta rap music festival. “Well shit, dawgs,” I says, and then I go, “it’s a great film — handsome actors and actresses, good history, and the portrayal of capitalists and workers in the mid-19th century is less disparaging to both and more realistic, too, than anyhting you’ll find in Dickens.” And then we sipped our 40s and kept drivin’. According to Wikipedia, “North and South was voted ‘Best Drama’ in the BBC drama website’s annual poll in 2004.” Starring Daniela Denby-Ashe, Richard Armitage and Sinéad Cusack.

This Is England (2006) Skinheads — racist and not — in 80s England. Portrayed by most as a scathing indictment of the British National Party and the like — which it is — the filmmaker is evenhanded and doesn’t caricature anyone. I’d say more but you ought to watch it for yourself. 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Starring: Joe Gilgun, Stephen Graham, Frank Harper, Vicky McClure

A Bridge Too Far (1977) For being the best big budget English-language WWII movie between The Longest Day and Saving Private Ryan, this movie’s 67% on Rotten Tomatoes is a surprise. But whatever: this movie has giant, realistic battles and a memorable cast. Starring: Dirk Bogarde, James Caan, Michael Caine, Sean Connery.

The Thing (1982) Shape-shifting alien infiltrates an Antarctic research base. Paranoia ensues. Like a good episode of Star Trek DS9, only with characters you don’t care about. Except for Wilford Brimley. I always care about him. 76% on Rotten Tomatoes. Starring: Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley, Richard Dysart.

The King of Kong (2007) Two old gamers battle for the world’s highest score in Donkey Kong. Even if you hate videogames, like Ebert does, you’ll enjoy this movie — like Ebert does. 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Strangers on a Train (1951) Two men meet on a train. One mentions in passing some trouble with his wife. The other one proposes that they “swap” murders, thus committing the perfect crimes. One takes the agreement seriously, the other thinks it’s a bizzare joke. It’s not. 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. Starring: Farley Granger, Robert Walker, Ruth Roman, Leo G. Carroll.

Stroszek (1977) Three down on their luck Germans come to Wisconsin in search of a better life, like so many of their countrymen before them. Problem is, it’s the 1970s, not the 1870s. Hope and despair somehow comingle throughout the movie. This is the best movie to feature Wisconsin ever made. 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Starring: Bruno S., Eva Mattes, Clemens Scheitz.

American Movie (1999) Ok, this is the best documentary ever made about Wisconsiners. It’s so strange that I won’t even bother with trying to describe or summarize it. 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Watermelon Man (1970) An obnoxious, arrogant cracker wakes up black and finds his world turned upside down. Successful both as a comedy and a drama, Watermelon Man provides plenty of good insights into race in America while never beating you over your head with them. Starring: Godfrey Cambridge, Estelle Parsons, Howard Caine, D’Urville Martin

Cashback Despite the low score on Rotten Tomatoes (48%), I will defend this flick as a relatively thoughtful, romantic movie. It’s a bit sex-obsessed and corny at parts, but deep down it’s sweet. More importantly, it’s one of the few movies out there with a protaganist who works at a grocery store! Starring: Sean Biggerstaff, Emilia Fox, Shaun Evans, Michelle Ryan.