By AZRIEL OLMEDO

In these troubling times, it is difficult to find an escape. Whether it’s the lack of human interaction, the switch to online learning or the overall tension in the air, only one thing is clear: COVID-19 and 2020 in general are the bane of our existence.

The “Great Quarantine of 2020” is now the New Frontier. First coined by President John F. Kennedy, the New Frontier is defined as a time of new opportunities and discoveries. Millions of individuals are now able to do the things they didn’t have time for previously. “Binge-watching” on platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu has led many to rediscover hidden gems that brought joy to their childhood.

Here is a list of binge-worthy entertainment that will hopefully lighten the mood for all of us.

#10: ALL MARVEL Movies in Chronological Order

The Avengers stand victorious while Loki (off screen) lies on the floor, defeated. “The Avengers” was released in 2012. (image via Looper: Endless Entertainment)

Following the massive success of “Avengers: Endgame,” some fans decided to re-watch the entirety of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with the first movie to the timeline: “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Followed by “Captain Marvel,” then the first “Iron Man” film, and so forth.

Disclaimer: Watching all the MCU films in the proper order will take more than 45 hours.

#9: Supernatural

Sam (left) and Dean (middle) Winchester hunt monsters for a living. Later, they discover angels and demons that now walk the Earth. (image via Comic Book Resources)

If there’s somethin’ strange in the neighborhood, who ya gonna call? Well, you could call the Ghostbusters, a group of scientists with a weird car and a ghost sticker slapped on their suits, or you could call Sam and Dean Winchester. 

These two brothers ride in their precious 1967 Chevrolet Impala and hunt anything and everything supernatural. From ghosts to vampires, all the way to gods and devils, “Supernatural” has spanned 15 seasons of pure goodness that will leave viewers still wanting more.

#8: Merlin

“Merlin” runs for five whole seasons and can be found on Netflix. (image via BBC One)

Dragons. Magic. Mystery. “Merlin” has it all. The show focuses on the intwined destinies of two unlikely allies in their youth: the wizard, Merlin, and the young prince, Arthur. In the city of Camelot, magic has been banned by King Uther. This serves as the sort of barrier for Merlin, as he must learn how to control his abilities, all while tending to his servant duties to the young prince.

#7: Star Wars (& the Mandalorian)

Dark Vader has been a prominent character in the Star Wars Universe. Anakin Skywalker’s path had ultimately led him to the Dark Side to rule beside his master, Emperor Palpatine. (image via Pinterest)

Maybe while in quarantine we can finally learn how to become one with the force. The Star Wars films have always been around, starting with “A New Hope” in 1977 and continuing today with “The Mandalorian” on Disney+. 

Additionally, “The Mandalorian” is considered canon to the Star Wars Universe and the second season is set to release in October 2020. That leaves more than enough time to catch up with the current season as well as re-watch the classic and new Star Wars films.

#6: All Things Disney

The Walt Disney Pictures logo is definitely a timeless classic. For many years, people wondered if it was Tinkerbell who served as the small light that flew across the castle.(image via Pinterest)

Many of us have grown up watching the classic Disney movies. “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Tarzan” are four of the many gems that were made in its time. In 2006, when Disney bought Pixar, the amount of released movies doubled, and so did the audience.

Some of these titles include “Finding Nemo,” “Toy Story,” “Cars” and “Wall-E.” During this epidemic, it could prove comforting to rewatch some of your childhood favorite Disney movies.

#5: The Office

“The Office” stars Steve Carell as Michael Scott, Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin, Scranton Pennsylvania. (image via NBC)

“I have the best stock survival shelter in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” claimed Dwight Shrute, who would be thriving in this quarantine.

Viewers can also thrive by watching “The Office.” This witty and humorous show has been around since 2005 and remains one of the most watched shows on Netflix. It is a show meant to be watched at least once in one’s life.

#4: Pirates of the Caribbean

“Pirates of the Caribbean” was a successful film series overall. Captain Jack Sparrow is considered one of the most famous fictional characters. (Looper)

The Pirates of the Caribbean film series is an influential one. Captain Jack Sparrow is the hero none deserved, but all needed. The comedic side that he brings during the serious events throughout the films overall completes the series. 

#3: Back to the Future

“Back to the Future” released the first of its three films in 1985. Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, plays the leading role along with Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). (Vital Thrills)

We have to go back, back to the good ol’ days! Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett Brown have become the tag-team duo we all know and love. Anyone who has seen the trilogy has wanted a DeLorean for themselves at some point in their lives.

#2: The Hobbit

Bilbo Baggins (top right) is played by Martin Freeman. The films follow the order of “An Unexpected Journey,” “The Desolation of Smaug,” and the “Battle of the Five Armeis.” (image via Syfy)

The “Hobbit” trilogy made its successful debut in 2012, and it is known as one of the greatest Dungeons and Dragons stories ever told. Bilbo Baggins leaves his quiet life as a Hobbit for the journey of a lifetime. 

Thorin Oakenshield yearns for the day that the Erebor, home of the dwarves is reclaimed. Along with twelve dwarves and one wizard, Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo serves as the theif who will steal back the Arkenstone, the king’s jewel, from the fearsome dragon, Smaug.

#1: The Big Bang Theory

The “Big Bang Theory” released its pilot episode in 2007. After a successful run, it finally ended after 12 seasons. (image via TBS)

To top it off at number one, we have the “Big Bang Theory.” This sitcom focuses on the characters Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons, and Leonard Hofstadter, played by Johnny Galecki. However, as the series progresses, the show finds ways to allow every character to shine.

Sheldon and Leonard are physicists with almost no social life; that is until Penny, played by Kaley Cuoco, moves in next door. The interactions between the characters and the overall witty tone of the show makes it a perfect series to binge-watch.

What shows would you consider “binge-worthy?” What about movies? Now, more than ever, people need a distraction from the world. What better way is there to achieve that besides laying on the couch, making a bowl of popcorn and streaming your favorite shows?