With the holidays granting unavoidable rest and relaxation, it’s the best time to chip away at that watch list of yours. Before it gets any longer than it already is, try some of these tricks.
1
Schedule Screen Time
If it works for kids, it’ll work for you, too. Trust me, I saw a notable difference on my watch list once I set aside 30 minutes to an hour or so. I make a point to set an app timer on my Android phone, though.
For shows, I set it during my lunch break. For movies, set time aside during the weekends or sometime in the afternoon, preferably when you’ve done your chores. Nothing gets in the way of a good movie like a mundane task you can’t stop thinking about.
You know how easy it is to get wrapped up in finding stuff to watch? You’re trying to make a dent in your watch list, not add to it, so resist the urge to scroll.
Of course, that’s easier said than done. When you do inevitably do, I recommend having a separate account for your mindless scrolling. At least then, it’ll look like you’re making progress.
3
Watch Something That’s Leaving Soon
A good place to start is with anything leaving the streaming platform soon because once it’s gone, it’s off your list. You’ll have no other choice but to buy it.
Personally, I like starting with content I’m unsure if I’ll enjoy or haven’t heard much about. That way, if I miss a movie or show I had a good feeling about, I won’t get bent out of shape about having to buy it.
4
Start With Your Comfort Zone
I can’t think of a better way to chip at your watch list than with your favorite genres: drama, sci-fi, horror, and so on. It has the highest probability of not wasting your time.
However, I do recommend breaking it up a little. If you’ve watched a couple from your favorite genre, try stepping outside your comfort zone.
5
Let Someone Else Pick For You
Short of the shuffle method, you could always have someone else pick for you, especially if said person knows you pretty well. Alternatively, you could ask for suggestions from others, too. Give them a look at your watch list and hope for the best.
At that point, they might as well join you. What’s a better way to watch something than with others? Wife, husband, grandma, cousin, significant other—it doesn’t matter. You can go big with a watch party and stream on Discord using Go Live, too.
6
Separate Movies By Genre
Speaking of genres, I use this method often, mainly because I like mixing up the stuff I watch. When I’ve seen three or four sci-fi movies in a row, the plots start to blend, and the weight of the experience takes a hit.
With this method, I can prevent content from feeling too similar. It also allows me to dive into something lighter after I’ve watched an emotional drama.
7
Try the Shuffle Method
The point of a watch list is to put stuff you’re interested in, right? Well, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy anything you pick randomly.
Now, it’s a little difficult to shuffle if your streaming service doesn’t have one, but I have a solution: tally up the amount of stuff you have on your watch list and pick a number at random.
8
Curate Smaller Watch Lists—or Start Over
Just thinking about the dozens and dozens of movies and shows on my watch list gives me choice paralysis. I find it’s easier to break up the big list into smaller ones. Separating movies from shows is a good start. That alone would make scheduling easier.
From there, group them up uniquely, like one featuring your favorite actors, directors, or genres. Although, if you like living dangerously, you could start over.
Regardless of how you approach your watch list, just remember it isn’t a race. Don’t walk away thinking you need to speedrun; in fact, I’m a firm believer in avoiding binge-watching shows and movies. Even with a few of these tips, you’ll notice you’re getting through content a steadier pace, but still give it the time it needs to breathe.
