'The Help' Is One of Netflix's Top 10 This Week and Not Everyone Is Happy About It

🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.

There's always something new to watch on Netflix, but this week's Top 10 Netflix picks point heavily to things you've probably already seen. It makes sense, the idea of rewatching one of your favorite movies or television series is a comforting one, and many are currently seeking comfort.

The 2011 film The Help is trending this week on Netflix as the Black Lives Matter movement gains momentum in the United States following the killing of George Floyd. While some think this is a fair way to educate themselves on Black history, others are urging white viewers to consider other options.

Celebrities, like Emma Watson, have shared alternative viewing experiences to help further their education. One that continuously returns to the conversation is the Netflix documentary 13th, a 2016 film that looks inside America's prison system and the number of black men and women behind bars.

Some Twitter users advertised The Help, while others explained why it shouldn't be anywhere on your advocacy watch list.

WP: Watching “The Help” won't move you closer towards anti-racism. If you’re gonna watch Netflix, watch “13th,” “When they see us,” “Just Mercy.” Watch stuff that will teach you some hard truth + challenge some long-held beliefs that frankly need some challenging. Then do better.

— Tina Ellsworth, PhD (she/her) (@DrTinaEllsworth) June 4, 2020

All the people who got The Help trending on Netflix this week need to take a step BACK. I can see the valuable parts of that movie but at the end of the day it’s another white savior narrative. Go watch something that actually centers and uplifts black stories.

— housewxfe (@GothFool) June 5, 2020

The Help is on Netflix now. What better timing. Hands down one of the BEST movies of all time #TheHelp

— Jared Henderson (@theJaredH) June 5, 2020

The fact that #TheHelp is trending on @netflix shows that white people still don’t get it #BlackLivesMatter

— Hannah Ryan (@bauwauwsch) June 5, 2020

ever since i found out the help was on netflix i haven’t been able to stop watching it. over. and over.

— ً (@hallowcrossing) June 5, 2020

The Help sat in the fifth position on Friday. Steve Carell's new workplace comedy, Space Force, which has incredibly mixed reviews, led the list at No. 1. Some think the humor falls short, while others are simply thrilled to see Carell in a comedy again.

Space Force may not rest in the top spot for long, though. Netflix released Season 5 of Queer Eye on Friday, which will likely make the Top 10 list before this weekend is over. Though it's not included in this list, 10 new episodes of the Fab 5 are ready for your viewing, too.

Here are Netflix's Top 10 as of Friday, and what they're all about.

Space Force
Steve Carell stars in Netflix's "Space Force," a workplace comedy. Netflix/Aaron Epstein

Space Force

Almost done with Space Force and I’m honestly loving the show. pic.twitter.com/lvBGF09dcu

— Fahed AlQabandi (@fahed_alqabandi) June 2, 2020

The United States just created a new branch of the military: Space Force. Carell's character heads the mission, which is fueled by comedic moments. To some, the series fell short. This may be because it's been unfairly compared to Carell's past venture, The Office. The styles of humor are different, which may throw some dedicated Office fans off the bandwagon.

Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich

Finished #FilthyRich and I'm furious. We knew the stories, but seeing how the lack of justice left so many of these survivors unable to heal is heartbreaking. I hope they at least get to see those who enabled the depraved lifestyle of that privilaged monster be held to account.

— Omid Scobie (@scobie) June 1, 2020

This emotional documentary series dives into the stories of sexual abuse by American financier Jeffrey Epstein. The survivors tell their stories of interactions with Epstein, all of which are eerily similar. Viewers get to know the story behind the headlines surrounding Epstein's arrest and death, but should beware of the triggering content.

Fuller House

I hope we see them again in another decade. FULLEST HOUSE! #FullerHouse pic.twitter.com/6SSiL5JHws

— BrianAlicea⚡️ (@BrianAlicea3) June 3, 2020

The final episodes of this family-loved reboot just launched on Netflix. If you're looking for nostalgia and fun, the entire collection of Fuller House is now streaming. Viewers know there's a wedding to look forward to...or three.

Sweet Magnolias

Sweet Magnolia's is playing my life with this cliffhanger. Season 2 is considered essential. #SweetMagnolias pic.twitter.com/WratiJE2vD

— gionni (@GMarotta13) May 30, 2020

This southern drama leans more toward the power of friendship than anything else. There's love, heartbreak, family conversations and lots of margaritas. Viewers are impatiently waiting for Netflix to renew the show for Season 2 after one of the best (most frustrating) cliffhangers ever.

The Help

Seeing that the help is trending right behind the 13th on Netflix... white people, just so we’re clear, the help is not part of the current curriculum and in fact gives you negative woke points if you watch it rn

— ????? (@ErinCrettier) June 4, 2020

The 2011 period film is on Netflix now, with all of its inspirational quotes and powerful message. However, as the film begins to climb the chart on Netflix, though, critics and internet users alike are urging viewers to watch other films to educate themselves on Black history and the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar the Last Airbender is one of the greatest animated series of all time don’t @ me

— Anna Akana (@AnnaAkana) May 29, 2020

This childhood classic has been in the Top 10 chart for weeks, seemingly because of its ultra-dedicated fanbase. Viewers who grew up watching Avatar continue the conversation, even now, about the show's loveable characters. Newly added to Netflix, it's now ready for a new generation to watch and love, too. If you get in deep and have a CBS All Access subscription you can follow up your watch with the sequel series, Legend of Korra.

Clueless

The only positive thing rn is that they put clueless on Netflix.

— Bri (@marie_garibay) June 1, 2020

One of the best-known chick flicks of all time is now streaming, and it's not surprising it's risen to the Top 10 charts already. Clueless follows one, tirelessly superficial high schooler on her quest to makeover the new girl. But her plan backfires completely.

The Healer

The Healer on Netflix is such a great movie.

— kayla ✨ (@kaylaqumsieh) June 4, 2020

Meet Alex Bailey, a complete player who gambles a lot. He's a repairman grappling with his twin brother's death, but what Bailey doesn't realize is he has a whole lot to give. Bailey has a superpower of sorts that allows him to heal the sick, and it may just snap him out of his old ways.

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs

@netflix put cloudy with a chance of meatballs on ur website pls i just want some chuckles

— h2hoe (@megijenn) September 18, 2018

This family favorite is now streaming for all of your Friday and Saturday movie night plans. Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs is an animated film that questions how society operates when food literally falls from the sky.

Riverdale

I watch #SheRa and #Riverdale. I mean it, I think they're fun, and I wonder what took me so long. Thank god for Netflix!

— Joe Bates (@JoeBates1992) June 2, 2020

This CW favorite continues to hold a spot in Netflix's Top 10 from dedicated fans and new viewers. Inspired by the Archie comics, the teens of Riverdale fall in and out of both love and mystery throughout the series, which has a little bit of everything.

About the writer

Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently lives in Chicago. In her free time, Kelly can be found writing (duh), exploring her city, and frequenting a handful of coffee shops. She's an avid reader, music listener, and dog lover. Kelly's writing talents have landed her in a variety of positions, including her current job as a Culture Writer at Newsweek, as well as formerly interning at Rolling Stone Magazine and writing about music at Atwood Magazine. She also runs the blog Just Cut The Bullshit which is known for its mental health advocacy. 


Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently ... Read more