57 best Netflix movies to watch (and 24 to skip)

The Prom

Release Year: 2020

Directed By: Ryan Murphy

Starring: Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Keegan-Michael Key, Andrew Rannells, Ariana DeBose, Kerry Washington, Jo Ellen Pellman

Sometimes, when we first hear about a movie when it’s announced or when the trailer hits the internet, the excitement and expectations hit an all-time high. Between the Broadway background of The Prom and its high-profile director in Ryan Murphy and its cast of A-listers upon A-listers, the musical comedy was a definite must-watch. But is it really

Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, not a true story, The Prom takes place in a small Indiana town on the precipice of prom. However, when Emma Nolan (Jo Ellen Pellman) wants to bring her girlfriend to the big dance, Mrs. Greene (Kerry Washington), the head of the PTA, announces that the prom has been canceled, leading struggling Broadway performers to rush to Emma’s defense.

The Prom received middling reception from critics and proved a viewership hit during its first week of release. The musical even landed two Golden Globe nominations, including a questionable one for James Corden’s performance. Now, there’s nothing wrong with a little feel-good escapism with an important message, but The Prom isn’t the most can’t-miss movie on Netflix. Check it out for a dose of levity, though there’s really no rush to RSVP to this particular dance.

Verdict: SKIP