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This week on What to Stream Right Now, we’re delving into the deepest parts of the cosmic unknown and watching some pretty iconic science fiction. But that’s about where the similarities end for these two. As always, make sure to check out our previous episodes if you’re not a fan of the sci-fi genre.

2001: A Space Odyssey – Dir. Stanley Kubrick (1968) IMDb

Let me preface this by saying 2001 is my favorite film of all time. However, Stanley Kubrick’s only Oscar winning film is just that… a film. This is not a “flick” or a “movie” for the faint of heart. At a running time of 160 minutes (most of those minutes without dialogue), many would claim that 2001 is purely an experience; specifically, an experience that any film or sci-fi fan simply must endure.

I understand that I’m not doing a great job pitching this to you, but it really is a ground-breaking classic for a reason. First of all, the special effects are unlike anything done before or since and they still hold up incredibly well today. At times, it’s really difficult to not feel as though you’re travelling along to Jupiter with the astronauts and HAL. Secondly, all of the lunar sequences were done BEFORE anyone had ever stepped foot on the moon. No one had even seen Earth from space at the time this movie was made, Kubrick and team pulled it off seamlessly. I don’t have a third point, but if you haven’t seen this film on the big screen, your TV or computer screen will simply have to suffice. Carve out a few hours tonight, pop some corn, and watch a masterpiece of cinema.

DOCTOR WHO – Eight Season (2005 -) IMDb

Like I said, the similarities end at the genre for these two. Where 2001 is a little slow and lacks speaking characters, DOCTOR WHO is about as wild and talkative as a TV show can get. And it’s amassed such a cult following that it’s been airing on BBC for over 50 years! In fact, you can watch many of the original episodes on Netflix as well, but we’re talking about the revised series from 2005 to today.

Since its resurrection, fans have seen 3 Doctors come and go and are now enjoying their 4^th as he continues to battle aliens and save the galaxy in season 9. The show has grown steadily in popularity, not just in America but all around the world and has become something of a cultural icon as of late. Perhaps you’ve seen some 1960s British Police Boxes everywhere you look or maybe you were wondering what that weirdo wearing a fez was thinking and why are people saying “Allonsy!” all the time??? Because Doctor Who, that’s why. Anyway, the show can be really bad when it’s bad, but can be out of this world amazing when it’s not really bad. Again, I’m not great at pitching, but give it a shot and let us know who your favorite Doctor is! I bet it’s Tennant.

Before it leaves the convenience of the instant stream, make sure to check out Stanley Kubrick’s classic Vietnam War film, FULL METAL JACKET. We’re also discussing one of Netflix’s weirdest original series, the animated BOJACK HORESMAN.

But if these don’t interest you, you can always read our previous installments: Episode 19 and Episode 18.

FULL METAL JACKET – Dir. Stanley Kubrick (1987)

Kubrick had a way with choosing a genre and making its’ defining film. That’s exactly what he did with the Vietnam War genre and Full Metal Jacket. You’ve likely seen some key parts of the first half of this film, with R. Lee Ermy as the hilariously cruel drill instructor, Sgt. Hartman, screaming abusive insults at each and every private. Many people don’t realize there’s so much more to this film. When the soldiers finally leave the security of Sgt. Hartman’s harassment, they’re left to face the difficult realities of war. Their morality is questioned with ever bullet that leaves their rifle and their humanity is tested with every life they take.

To be honest, this is a difficult film to watch. It doesn’t glorify war like some of the genre’s other most notable inclusions, and it certainly doesn’t give the impression that any of the characters are heroic in their deeds. They simple do what they were trained to do and that’s something they must live with for the rest of their lives (if they ever make it out of Vietnam, that is). Needless to say, it’s a deep movie. It tackles more complex themes than your average war flick and doesn’t get bogged down in mindless action, not to say there isn’t any action. And like every Kubrick film, it’s simply a classic that must be seen. You may not enjoy it upon first viewing, but within a few months you’ll be itching to watch it again. Just make sure you catch it before it enters the ether on May 1.

BOJACK HORESMAN – 2 Seasons

Netflix’s first original animated series may not be for everyone. The humor is dry and the many of the characters are quite unlikeable, but the story is worth coming back for. Will Arnett lends the voice of Bojack, a washed-up actor (and anthropomorphic horse), who battles with the struggles of living in the shadows of his former self all while being a jerk to everyone who cares about him. Season 1 follows the writing of his memoirs and his various escapades throughout the city of Los Angeles. He’s trying to make himself a household name again and recapture some of the glory of his younger years.

Overall, it’s kind of a sad show. I mean, it’s hysterical, but Bojack is a depressing character. Sure, he’s rich and he’s famous but he’s also mean, unmotivated, and addicted to drugs and alcohol. And yeah, it’s a little weird seeing giant horses, cats, and tarantulas walking around and interacting with humans, but all of that simply adds to the comedy of the show. Just try out the first few episodes. If it doesn’t stick, it’s probably not your sense of humor. But deep down, it’s a really heart-felt show.