New and notable Netflix streaming releases

Is the weather outside turning frightfully cold? Can't bear to leave the house to go to a theater and check out some of the newest films in theaters? Don't want to spend a small fortune? You're in luck, because November 2013 promises to be a good one for those of us with Netflix instant streaming. I was so excited with some of last month's new offerings (Ghostbusters and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, most notably), and I'm equally excited about what's coming out right now. Most of these movies are already streaming - some will be in the next few days. Hang tight. Entertainment is coming!

I could probably give you a long list of all the new Netflix streaming movies, but that would just be boring. What I'm doing instead, with these feature pieces, is trying to highlight some of the films I believe are absolutely worth seeing for first timers, and certainly worth seeing again, especially if it's been a while. You may disagree, and if so, I expect you to comment as to why (I love discussing film). But hopefully if nothing else, I'll provide you with a nifty little "to watch" list to keep you entertained as you decorate the house for the holidays, prep the Turkey Day meal, write and send those holiday cards, and peruse your holiday shopping list and plan your Black Friday targets.

In terms of holiday-themed movies, a few new films are streaming on Netflix now, including The Polar Express, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Jack Frost. Of these, The Polar Express is a must for kids. It's a beautifully done instant Christmas classic. This one goes on when you're busy with the aforementioned holiday-related tasks and you need just a couple of hours to yourself. The children will love it. Jack Frost is okay, but not my favorite. It's hard not to like Michael Keaton and the story is certainly heartwarming enough. And let me tell you, Christmas Vacation is a staple in our home. I've seen it a zillon times, I can quote it and I never get tired of watching it.

A few of my favorite movies by favorite directors are streaming on Netflix right now, including Fargo. This Coen Brothers classic from 1996 is, in my opinion, one of their best. This is Frances McDormand giving a phenomenal performance as pregnant Police Chief Marge Gundersgon.

Fargo is definitely not a typical Coen Brothers movie, but it's brilliant, unique, well acted and well worth your time.

Another all-time favorite movie of mine, 1987's Broadcast News, is streaming on Netflix right now. It's hilarious and wonderfully acted by a cast that includes William Hurt, Albert Brooks and Holly Hunter. Like The Newsroom? You'll love Broadcast News.

Two newer films that I think are worth a watch on streaming right now are the intense, bitter drama Flight, starring Denzel Washington, and Olympus Has Fallen, starring Gerard Butler. Clearly, Flight is a higher caliber movie, and Washington deserved that Oscar nomination. It's a tough movie to watch, and it will make you very uncomfortable, but see it - especially if you love Denzel. Olympus Has Fallen I've mentioned several times before - it's fun, it stars Gerard Butler (what? I can mention him twice he deserves it) and it's a nifty action film. For sheer entertainment value, give Olympus Has Fallen a try.

Most of these movies I've mentioned are already streaming on Netflix, but one is still coming and it's so worth mentioning: Skyfall. This James Bond thriller was one of my favorite films of 2012 and it's also one of the best Bond movies in my opinion. Don't miss it. It's gorgeous (thanks to cinematography by the great Roger Deakins), the story is compelling and Daniel Craig is a dashingly disturbed Bond in this darker film. Enjoy!

What say you, fellow movie lovers? Do any of these movies seem intriguing? Have you seen them all, but one or two stand out as films you'd love to see again soon? And by all means, if you're flipping through Netflix and land on a few great movies I haven't mentioned here that are available now, do us all a favor and tell us in the comments. I'm sure I've missed several along the way.

Happy streaming!

Photos courtesy of Disney World, Disney Junior and Slant Magazine