critical thinking tv shows

11 TV Shows That Will Engage Your Brain

By alvin ward | apr 2, 2020.

Depending on how many real housewives are involved, it can be all too easy to achieve a state of diminished focus when watching television . Fortunately, some shows require focus, attention, and engagement to maximize your enjoyment. Take a look at 11 shows currently available that will keep your brain active, even while you're vegging out on the couch.

1. Mental Samurai (2019-)

This intellectual obstacle course series from producer and host Rob Lowe begins April 2 and tasks contestants with navigating a series of questions that challenge their knowledge and mental acuity while being physically maneuvered by a mammoth robot capsule named AVA.

Find It: FOX, Thursdays at 9/8c

2. Jeopardy! (1964-)

Alex Trebek and company helped popularize “smart TV” decades before electronics manufacturers coined the phrase. Every weeknight, viewers are challenged to shout out answers (in the form of a question) at the screen before contestants can buzz in. Now in its 36 th season, Jeopardy! remains the gold standard for game shows that makes you an active participant in the action.

Find It: Syndication (Check Local Listings); Hulu ; Netflix

3. Brain Games (2011-)

The various ways our brain can play tricks on us are explored in this series originally narrated by Neil Patrick Harris—and now hosted by Keegan-Michael Key—and featuring celebrities demonstrating everything from faulty memory details to lie detection.

Find It: National Geographic , Disney+

4. Cosmos (1980, 2014, 2020-)

Both the original 1980 Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey series created and hosted by Carl Sagan and the revamped version hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson send viewers on a sprawling excavation of space , time, evolution, and mankind’s place in it all. The newest incarnation, Cosmos: Possible Worlds , is currently airing.

5. NOVA (1974-)

For a broad look at science , look no further than PBS’s NOVA , which has been airing since 1974 and puts the spotlight on scientists and their efforts to better understand the world around us. Stories range from the extinction of dinosaurs to superstorms to the secrets of Stonehenge .

Find It: PBS (Check Local Listings)

6. Outrageous Acts of Science (2013-)

Are you an evidence-based thinker? Do you enjoy people who push the envelope of what’s possible? Outrageous Acts of Science puts the spotlight on boundary-erasing inventors and innovators. Do underwater jetpacks work? Is someone really building rock-climbing cars? Tune in and find out.

Find It: Science Channel , Discovery GO

7. MythBusters (2003-)

Hosts Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage spent 14 seasons taking popular scientific and cultural theories and putting them to the test. If you’ve ever heard of a can of dough popping open in a hot car or if it was really possible to escape from Alcatraz, Hyneman and Savage exhausted every possibility to verify—or debunk—the myth.

Find It: Science Channel , Discovery GO , Hulu

8. QI (2003-Present)

This long-running British series take the stuffiness out of quiz shows, encouraging panelists to answer incorrectly if they must—presuming it’s at least interesting. Each season focuses on a different letter of the alphabet. Even in the flurry of wrong answers, you’ll still learn something.

Find It: Tubi

9. How It’s Made (2001-)

Everyday objects get closer inspection in How It’s Made , which takes a deep dive into the history and production of everything from jeans to braille typewriters.

Find It: Science Channel , Hulu

10. Brainchild (2018)

If you need a primer on science, this Netflix series breaks down concepts like gravity, memory, and even social media to explain how each impacts our world. It’s aimed at kids, but don’t worry—you’re sure to learn something, too.

Find It: Netflix

11. Explained (2018-)

This two-season primer offers breakdowns of everything from cryptocurrency to K-pop. Best of all, episodes are 25 minutes or less. It’s a crash course in topics making headlines today.

Find it: Netflix

18 Best TV Shows With Genius Main Characters

We’ve all had at least one moment in our lives so far where we desperately wished we were smarter in one way or another. It could be as you’re struggling to remember a test answer that you know you studied the night before. When you realize you left your shopping list at home and you try to picture what was on the list at the supermarket. Or as you’re helping your kid or younger sibling with their math homework, and you’re scratching your head right with them.

Sure, it would be mighty convenient in everyday life to be some kind of genius. But have you ever wondered how having exceptional mental capabilities could play out in the bigger picture?

Well, we’ve put together a list of TV shows that feature a genius as the main character – all of whom play different parts in the “real world” of fictionalized TV. You’ve got child prodigy turned physicist, FBI profiler, expert diagnostician, lawyer, inventor, and even a machine – among many others.

So, sit back and let these intellectual savants knock your socks off with their almost unfathomable smarts!

Scorpion, CBS (2014 – 2018)

Loosely based on self-proclaimed computer genius Walter O’Brien, CBS’s Scorpion follows O’Brien’s character and his team of high-IQ geniuses from a variety of disciplines.

O’Brien himself is a tech prodigy with an IQ of 197, but his low EQ makes him somehow socially awkward – though that’s not to say he’s completely emotionless.

His team includes a psychiatrist and behaviorist, a gifted mechanical engineer, and a mathematician and statistician. Also part of the team is a mother with relevant humanitarian knowledge who takes care of the team and her genius son who has an IQ of 200.

Together, the team works with Homeland Security to fight against the world’s high-tech threats.

Where to watch Scorpion:

The big bang theory, cbs (2007 – 2019) & young sheldon, cbs (2017 – present).

Though they, along with Sheldon’s partner Amy (a neurobiologist) and Howard’s partner Bernadette (a microbiologist), are geniuses in their own right, it’s really Sheldon that takes the cake in their group.

Because of his glaring lack of social skills and characteristics consistent with Asperger’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder, a lot of the humor in the CBS sitcom centers on his antics.

And, since his genius is so jaw-dropping, a spin-off series titled Young Sheldon was created to provide fans an explanation of both his intellect and his personality.

Where to watch Young Sheldon:

Macgyver, cbs (2016 – 2021).

CBS’ MacGyver follows a team of U.S. government operatives who are called in when an unconventional approach is necessary. Why? Because the team is built around Angus MacGyver, an ex-Army EOD technician with a genius-level intellect, unparalleled engineering skills, and exceptional physics knowledge.

MacGyver uses his vast skill set to “hack” everything around him and solve problems others would see as impossible.

During the course of the series, we see MacGyver and the Phoenix team deal with everything from looking for kidnapped informants in Chernobyl and investigating mysterious objects at Area 51 to, more recently, taking down a clandestine organization that plans to cause a global apocalypse.

With 5 seasons under its belt, this action-packed show is definitely a much-watch. 

Where to watch MacGyver:

The pretender, nbc (1996 – 2000).

NBC’s The Pretender follows Jarod, a man on the run from an institution, called the Centre, and the people that run it.

Because of his knowledge as a child prodigy, he was abducted and raised at the Centre so they could use his intelligence to create tools of destruction. When Jarod found out, he promptly escaped and pulls all the stops to remain just out of their reach.

Not only is he highly intelligent but he is also an expert impostor: he’s able to quickly learn and master skills necessary to assume any profession.

Every episode shows him taking on a new identity in order to escape the Centre and find out more about who he really is.

Where to watch The Pretender:

Sherlock, bbc one (2010 – 2017).

BBC’s Sherlock is a modern reboot of the infamous genius in literary history: its titular character Sherlock Holmes – and of course, his brilliant assistant Dr. John Watson.

Still working out of his rented home-slash-workspace on 221B Baker Street in London, Holmes and Watson assist Detective Inspector Lestrade from the Metropolitan Police Service on cases – some of which are loosely based on the novels Sherlock Holmes was originally borne from.

Like the original, his arch-nemesis Jim Moriarty plays a huge role in the series as well.

Occasionally assisting them are a pathologist from St. Bart’s Hospital and Holmes’ older brother Mycroft.

Holmes and Watson are played by Benedict Cumberbatch ( Dr. Strange ) and Martin Freeman ( The Hobbit trilogy) respectively, and there’s probably no one better to play these roles.

Where to watch Sherlock:

Elementary, cbs (2010 – 2019).

CBS’ Elementary is another modernized – and now Americanized – reimagining of the misadventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

Although Sherlock here is originally also from London, he relocates to modern-day New York City as he struggles to overcome his drug addiction.

Alongside Watson, he works as a consultant for the NYPD and as per usual, often finds himself at odds with those in charge.

Though many of the well-known characters have remained, some of them experienced a gender swap that we didn’t know we needed.

Watson is now Dr. Joan Watson, Sherlock’s sober companion, and eventual investigative assistant. While Moriarty is now Jamie Moriarty – played by the beautifully sinister Natalie Dormer.

Where to watch Elementary:

Numb3rs, cbs (2005 – 2010).

Who knew that mathematics actually had so many practical applications in real life? If only we all had the mathematical capability that our genius in this show has!

Staying on the theme of crime-solving geniuses, CBS’ Numbers focuses on the relationship with two brothers, FBI Special Agent Don Eppes and mathematics prodigy and college professor Charlie Eppes.

Every episode features a different crime handled by a team of FBI agents , including Don, and with the mathematical consultation of Charlie – and in each one, the math presented is always crucial to solving the cases.

To lend to its legitimacy, professional mathematicians served as consultants on the show and each equation is very much real!

Where to watch Numb3rs:

Person of interest, cbs (2011 – 2016).

Creations with artificial intelligence are naturally made to be extremely brainy because of their highly technical and far-reaching connections.

In the case of CBS’ Person of Interest , a billionaire computer programmer, Harold Finch, works with the federal government to create a program aimed at preempting terrorist acts – what they’ve called the Machine.

Due to the increasing sentience of the Machine, Finch discovers that the program is able to identify other high-threat risks outside terrorism.

With the help of a former Special Forces and CIA agent as well as many others through the course of the five seasons, Finch is able to use the Machine to work on the threats uncovered by the Machine that the government has sidelined.

Where to watch Person of Interest:

House, fox (2004 – 2012).

Gregory House is the titular character in House, M.D. (more commonly referred to as simple House ), a medical drama following a team of diagnosticians based out of the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey.

House is a medical genius specializing in infectious diseases and is the leader of the team, but his chronic misanthropy and unconventional diagnostic process, while hilarious, often has him butting heads with literally everyone around him – not to mention his personal struggle with Vicodin to deal with the pain in his right leg.

Each episode covers a unique storyline centered on a patient’s illness and the team’s attempt to diagnose it.

Where to watch House:

Da vinci’s demons, starz (2013 – 2015).

Leonardo Da Vinci is a well-known historical polymath who dabbled in various aspects of arts, mathematics, engineering, inventions, paleontology, and even architecture – among others.

Da Vinci’s Demons may be a fictionalized version of Da Vinci’s life, but his polymathic ability is still a central theme throughout the series.

Part of Da Vinci’s Demons and one would even argue that it’s the cause of all his troubles is his troublesome relationships with his father, Piero. Because of it, he eventually comes to work with the House of Medici as an Ottoman invasion rips through Italy and the city of Otranto.

His many works as an inventor and military engineer are featured throughout the show and are sometimes even used against him.

Where to watch Da Vinci’s Demons:

Rick and morty, adult swim (2013 – present).

Rick and Morty may be a Cartoon Network animated production but it’s far from safe for kids, rightly earning a spot in its adult-oriented programming, Adult Swim.

The cartoon follows Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty Smith as they go through various interdimensional space-traveling misadventures.

The two eponymous characters are the geniuses here, but each in his own regard.

Rick is a misanthropic mad scientist whose genius comes from seemingly knowing everything there is to know about the universe. Because of his omniscience, he’s become bored with life and resorts to alcohol and space travel to make things interesting.

Morty, on the other hand, has the upper hand when it comes to emotional intelligence.

Where to watch Rick and Morty:

Criminal minds, cbs (2005 – 2020).

Criminal Minds had a great 15-season run on CBS. Centered on the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) of the FBI, this series follows a new case in every episode – with later seasons also featuring an overarching storyline.

The goal of the BAU is to use criminal profiling to predict the serial killers’ next moves and stop them before they strike again.

All the team members have a prowess for critical thinking, but Dr. Spencer Reid is a rare gem even by the FBI’s standards.

He has a trifecta of mental capabilities: an IQ of 187, an eidetic memory, and the ability to read 20,000 words per minute. Also, he has BAs in Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy, and PhDs in Chemistry, Engineering, and Mathematics!

Where to watch Criminal Minds:

Suits, usa network (2011 – 2019).

Mike Ross may be a college dropout, but his photographic memory has allowed him to cruise through school thus far – though not without its share of consequences, of course.

After a botched drug sale turns into a chance meeting with corporate lawyers and “the best closer in the city” Harvey Specter, Mike manages to get a job as an associate at a top law firm in Manhattan – all without ever having attended law school or even college .

There’s a consistent storyline that crosses multiple episodes and seasons of Suits , but each episode also delves into various legal cases and how the dynamic duo of Mike and Harvey try to win each one.

Mike’s character left the show after season seven but hey, at least we still had Harvey Specter for the last two seasons of the show!

Where to watch Suits:

Limitless, cbs (2011).

Our previous geniuses on this list of TV series with genius characters seem to have been born with the capacity for an advanced intellectual prowess, but not the protagonist of CBS’s short-lived drama Limitless .

Taking place four years after the movie of the same name, Limitless follows Brian Finch, a struggling musician who gains access to a mysterious drug called NZT-48.

Unbeknownst to him, it’s a nootropic that – true to its nature to improve cognitive functions – unlocks the full potential of the human brain.

Whenever Brian takes an NZT-48 pill, he becomes the smartest person in the world for 12 hours. There are fatal side effects, but he’s able to counteract them with a pill from a mysterious high government official.

Brian uses his increased mental faculties to assist the FBI, all while keeping the counteractive shot a secret.

Where to watch Limitless:

The good doctor, abc (2017 – present).

Freddie Highmore has a talent for playing troubled and out-of-the-ordinary characters (most notably as Norman Bates in Bates Motel ) and his skill as an actor becomes all the more apparent in ABC’s The Good Doctor .

Here, Highmore plays Shaun Murphy, a young surgical resident at the San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital.

Not only is Murphy part of a prestigious surgical unit, but he is also autistic and has savant syndrome. His capabilities include “near-photographic recall” and the ability to notice and process minute details in his surroundings.

Though he has difficulty forming connections with his colleagues, he uses his exceptional abilities to save lives.

Where to watch The Good Doctor:

Prison break, fox (2005 – 2009; 2017).

Another show we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention in this list of TV shows about geniuses is Fox’s cult series Prison Break which lasted 4 seasons and returned in 2017 for a limited sequel that takes place several years after the events of season 4.

Prison Break follows a genius structural engineer Michael Scofield who formulates a plan to get his brother, Lincoln Burrows, out of prison where he’s awaiting his execution for supposedly murdering the brother of the Vice President of the United States.

This plan includes deliberately getting sent to the same prison for an armed robbery and getting access to the prison’s infirmary among other things.

But despite help from the outside from a lifelong friend Veronica Donovan, Michael’s brilliant plan is derailed by the appearance of a covert organization called The Company who framed Lincoln for the murder.

Where to watch Prison Break:

Genius, national geographic/disney+ (2017 – present).

Genius is the last show on our list of the best TV shows about geniuses and the only anthology series, proving that the last is definitely not the least.

Formatted as a period docudrama, each season of this National Geographic series chronicles the life of a well-known genius throughout history, allowing the viewers to better understand the people of whom we are likely to only know of their achievements.

Every season is divided into two parts: the first focuses on the protagonist’s early life as they struggle to make it in their field, while the latter part comes after they’ve established their reputations in their expertise.

The first season followed the life of theoretical physicist Albert Einstein (played by Geoffrey Rush), and the second season was about gifted artist Pablo Picasso (played by Antonio Banderas). The third season told the story of famed singer and civil rights activist, Aretha Franklin (played by Cynthia Erivo). While the upcoming fourth season will follow the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

Where to watch Genius:

Hopefully, you’ve had your fill of living a genius’s life vicariously through these characters – I know I certainly have!

16 Comments

You forgot MacGyver

No I didn’t, it’s the 3rd show on the list.

Monk should be here.

You forgot Dexter

The Mentalist, White Collar and Bones!

You forgot Lie To Me, The Mentalist, Monk , Bones, Castle and Columbo.

2 shows that are missing are the Mentalist and White Collar!

Where’s Walter Bishop?! Fringe.

Bro how is steve urkel not on this list????

How is Forever (2014) not on this list?

How about Kyle XY. It doesn’t get more genius than that

How is Micheal Scofield not on this list lmao

Facts that’s what I was going to say

Error corrected. Prison Break and Michael Scofield are officially on this list! 😉

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Intelligence

5 tv shows that require reflective thought, thought-provoking tv shows for when you can't think of a movie to watch..

Posted May 4, 2022 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

As you may recall from a few of my previous posts (e.g., films that require reflective thought part 1 and part 2 ), I’m a big fan of cinema. However, when asked recently if I had "seen anything good lately," unfortunately, I had no recommendations. Perhaps this is a "side-effect" of COVID-19 , which stalled filming a fair bit. In light of that, however, there seemed to be great gravitation toward "binge-watching" shorter-form serials.

Though I had nothing to offer film- wise , I had plenty of TV series suggestions. Of course, at the top of my list will always be Lost and Twin Peaks , but I also had a few lesser-known recommendations. So, consistent with previous lists I’ve posted here, with the focus being on those that require deeper thought for full appreciation, I present five great TV shows that benefit from applying reflective thought.

Many people are initially turned off by Dark because it’s dubbed. Don’t be; it's done very well. Still don’t like dubbing? Turn the subtitles on. Don’t like subtitles either? Then you’re missing out.

Dark was the first show on Netflix that gave me faith in its ability to make truly gripping content. Simply, the show follows a small German community in the aftermath of a child’s disappearance. People going missing is going to be a running theme on this list…maybe there’s something about the trope that’s particularly reflection-inducing, but I digress.

If you haven’t seen Dark, it’s one of those shows where the less you know about it, the better. I knew nothing about it before watching, other than the short synopsis on the Netflix menu, and I think it wound up being much more entertaining that way. There are connections to be made and surprises revealed around each corner as viewers traverse what is a brilliant example of phenomenal world-building.

2. Better Call Saul

OK, so many of you know this one—a spinoff of Breaking Bad but better. I know: I’m surprised myself. I wasn’t expecting much when anticipating the comedic-relief character of Saul Goodman taking center stage, but this prequel really took on a life of its own. Saul Goodman, or Jimmy McGill, as he was once known, is anything but comedic relief in Better Call Saul— rather, it follows an intriguing transformation into what eventually becomes the titular character. The character build has many layers, with phenomenal development throughout the show.

Unlike other shows on this list, there are no real mysteries to unlock. Sure, there are some Easter eggs for fans to spot, but what really makes this show something to reflect on is the fact that it’s a prequel: We already know, in many ways, how it will end. Thus, what we’re actually watching is a tragedy. It’s our engagement with the "downfall" from events occurring in the show to what we know will happen that makes it a thought-provoking experience.

On the surface, The OA is not a show I would generally be interested in—far too much fantasy and spirituality for my liking. However, like Lost , there’s a great infusion of different genres and perspectives (e.g., sci-fi and mystery), and so it was the genre-twisting, almost surreal happenings that got me hooked. The OA follows the return to normality (for a short while, anyway) of a young woman who had previously been missing for seven years. Unfortunately, I’m not equipped to synopsize any more than that without getting into cures for blindness, dimension-hopping, torture, and the befriending of a group of high school students through the art of dance and spiritual entanglement. With that, The OA certainly gives you a lot on which to apply reflection.

One caveat, however, is that the show was (apparently) canceled after two seasons because…reasons (none of which were due to popularity). So, with that, don’t be surprised by one of the craziest cliff-hangers you'll ever see at the end of season two never getting resolved. With that, I’ve come to peace with this ending and have found closure; it works in many ways as a final curtain to the series. For me, though the end is disappointing (knowing that there was more planned), it does suffice in ways. However, something tells me there will be more.

Mad Men is perhaps the best-known show on this list and probably has the most straightforward narrative—a stylish period piece following an ad exec during the 1960s. The only real mystery in the show is the protagonist himself, Don Draper. From the outset, we learn who he is and what he’s about. But there’s more under the surface, and it turns out viewers genuinely need the full seven seasons to figure out what makes him tick. And that’s why Mad Men is included on this list: It’s a character study.

We are presented with a man—neither a good one nor a bad one—and are asked to consider him, his actions, his beliefs, and motivations, all the while watching him live his life and deal with the consequences of the decisions he makes. Obviously, to pull such a study off, character development is the foremost concern, and Mad Men does this expertly. I cannot recall the show really dragging at any stage over its seven seasons, and that’s a compliment to the writers and actors. Every episode and every season served a purpose, that being to reflect on and better understand Don Draper.

5. The Leftovers

This is probably my favorite show on this list. Created by the author of the source novel, Tom Perrotta, and Lost producer/writer Damon Lindelof, The Leftovers follows a small community, and, in particular, the Garvey family, three years following the sudden disappearance of 2 percent of the world’s population. The premise inherently bleeds with mystery and finishes the novel’s structure within the first season.

Though season one was excellent—setting the scene and introducing a number of interesting concepts to consider—arguably, the show kicks into high gear for seasons two and three. In light of past criticisms of Lost , perhaps show co-creator Lindelof cautiously supported the push for a shorter series—which ultimately benefited the show’s impact. The Leftovers will definitely make you think about the questions it poses, but satisfying answers are provided along the way. There is also a well-timed and well-told conclusion to the series.

Christopher Dwyer, Ph.D., is a lecturer at the Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone, Ireland.

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At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives.

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• May 27, 2021

Science-Fiction Movies/Series that are Bound to Make you Think (part 1)

Updated: May 28, 2021

Science-fiction movies are a great genre to strengthen your critical-thinking skills. Get ready to be mind-blown, shocked, and even amazed at what our future may or may not hold. These 8 science-fiction movies/series have made it to our first list of movies/series that are bound to make you think. They circle around some of the most important issues of our time - from privacy and security, to cloning, manipulating the brain, developing relationships with technology and more. To stimulate your curiosity, we've left some food-for-thought to accompany each movie/series!

1. The One (2021)

A Netflix series full of breaches of scientific integrity , unethical practices and more (get ready for some D.R.A.M.A. ) when two researchers discover a way to make use of DNA to find "the perfect match" - aka The 2.0 version of Tinder.

Food-for-thought:

Are genetic companies supposed to disclose incidental findings to their customers?

Do genetic companies have a duty to share their DNA database with researchers/clinicians to find cures for debilitating diseases?

How can we avoid having companies making false claims and creating hype over a technology or service?

2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

When we talk romance, we are bound to talk about heartbreak. In this movie, after going through an awful breakup, Joel and Clementine decide to undergo a medical procedure to erase memories of each other - aka the 2.0 version of burning your ex's belongings?

Our past makes us who we are. When we delete particular memories of our past (persons, events, etc.), what does that make us? Can we tailor with our past memories to control who we will become?

In the case of a traumatic experience, will erasing certain memories of the trauma be considered ethical or even desirable?

3. GATTACCA (1997)

In this old sci-fi movie, Vincent - who was born genetically inferior - fools the system by taking on the identity of a genetically superior individual to fulfill his dream of becoming an astronaut. Nothing could stop him, not even his length!

As we move towards a world where deciphering our genome is becoming easier and more accurate with the days, how can we ensure we do not become dictated by genetic determinism?

How can we make use of genetic information without falling into traps of eugenic, racism, and other scientific-informed societal malpractices?

4. Black Mirror (2011)

Black Mirror is a Netflix series where each episode showcases a technology manifesting into a true nightmare. It's dark, it feels very real, and makes you want to throw every screen you own out the window. This thought-provoking series raises ethical, legal, and societal implications of emerging technologies, leaving you with the feeling that there is still time to make things right.

Do we truly have control over how technologies will manifest in the future?

What kind of relationship do we envision us ( humans ) having with future technologies?

How can we consider the ethical and societal implications of technologies when we cannot imagine all possible scenarios?

5. The Island (2005)

The Island, is a movie centered on cloning "rich" individuals that live in the outside world, and which can eventually make use of their clones if they are to ever fall ill and require organ transplantation. The clones are isolated in a far away place, and things start to escalate when McGregor (one of the clones) starts questioning his reality, exposing this illegal practice.

How can we avoid technologies to cause a divide between socio-economic classes?

How can we protect individuals against scientific/clinical malpractices?

6. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

After lying in a coma for a very long time, the parents of Martin decide to purchase a human child robot to replace the loss they have endured. David - a highly intelligent child robot - develops a strong attachment to his human mother and is eager to become "real" to regain her love.

Do we humans have obligations to highly advanced robots that we ourselves have created?

What relationship do we envision having with robots in the future and where do we draw the line?

Are we, the creators of highly advanced and intelligent robots, required to grant robots rights?

7. The Circle (2017)

After getting her dream job in a leading tech company, Mae exposes the company's true agenda and its impact on millions of people. She is put under the spotlight, her personal life is exposed, and her right to privacy, violated.

How much power are WE giving big tech companies?

How can we benefit from technology without jeopardizing our privacy and security?

Who owns our data and what is being done with it?

How can we take back control over our use of technology (e.g. smartphones)

8. Her (2013)

Theodore, a writer suffering from loneliness after going through a breakup, develops an odd relationship with a virtual assistant designed to please him. Experiencing mixed feelings of love, happiness, understanding, and acceptance, he ends up being deceived knowing their relationship is not one of its kind.

Can we develop a relationship with certain technologies (e.g. robots, smartphones...)?

Can technologies substitute for human social contact?

What will our societies look like if our relationships with technology become dependable?

Can technology truly serve as a quick fix for human problems such as loneliness, depression, etc.

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In the press materials for “Critical Thinking,” producer Carla Berkowitz drops this line about her reaction to reading the true story that inspired the film: “The image and story was haunting and I felt like I had a quantum shift in my perception of chess and who plays it.” The who in question are five Miami-area Black and Latino men who, along with their teacher, Mr. Martinez, brought back to their underprivileged Florida neighborhood the U.S. National Chess Championship. This happened in 1998. The film chronicles the loving camaraderie of the players and the events leading up to their victory.

In that same press release, acclaimed writer and actor John Leguizamo , who plays Martinez and also directs, states that he wanted to make this film because there were very few representations of Latin people on-screen when he was growing up. He also mentioned that the book The Bell Curve  harmfully depicted people of color as being mentally inferior due to our genetics. I wondered if, like me, Leguizamo grew up in an environment where the Black and brown people he knew played chess, so that it wouldn’t seem unusual nor an anomaly that they did. Because Berkowitz’s statement really made me consider what exactly the standard issue chess player was supposed to look like.

Chess has appeared in a lot of movies, from Boaz Yakin ’s “ Fresh ” to Steven Zaillian ’s “Searching for Bobby Fisher” to 2016’s superb Mira Nair film, “ Queen of Katwe .” I even remember it being prevalent in a crappy Gary Coleman TV movie about a smart Black kid. The game always carries the same symbolic qualifier: the person who plays it has a mental capacity for strategy and is intelligent. Chess is often employed to teach life lessons in these movies, to the point where it has become a cliché that just so happens to be used differently depending on who’s playing it. This difference is something that I admit often sticks in my craw, so I found myself wrestling a bit with this movie even though it seemed to be addressing my concern.

Unlike Zaillian’s film, which I guess answers my question of what a “standard issue” chess player is supposed to look like, the protagonists in the other films I’ve mentioned, and in “Critical Thinking,” are people of color whose economical circumstances are far from ideal. This tends to be the model when minorities are seen playing chess in films, which bends the cinematic chess player cliché toward making the ability to play the game the audience’s reason to offer empathy. Sure, they’re broke, probably in crime-ridden areas and may even do a crime or two, but see, they’re smart, so it’s OK to feel for them! This line of thinking has to do with who stereotypically plays chess and who does not.

Leguizamo’s Mr. Martinez speaks to this early in “Critical Thinking” by asking why chess is never associated with brown people despite a Latin man playing a major role in its evolution. “Why don’t you think we know about him?” he asks the students in his critical thinking class before delivering a great, pointed monologue that speaks about how history is taught in schools. The script by Dito Montiel has some sharp commentary about the education system, from what gets funded to the over-reliance on test scores to the differences between Martinez’s inner city school and the posh preppy institutions who fall victim to our heroes on the tournament circuit. There’s a bit more bite than you may be expecting, and the writing is just prickly enough to balance out the moments when the film dives headfirst into its tropes. And there are numerous tropes to swim in; not only is this a sports movie, it’s also an entry in the “Beloved Teacher” genre.

Our chess champion team is comprised of Sedrick Roundtree ( Corwin C. Tuggles ), Ito Paniagua (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.), Gil Luna ( Will Hochman ), Rodelay Medina (Angel Curiel) and later, Marcel Martinez ( Jeffry Batista ) who joins the team after dispensing a hustler’s ass-whipping in a speed chess match. Their dialogue is peppered with the language the PG-13 won’t allow but realism will. Martinez is often telling them “watch your mouth” in his class, even if, in his less guarded moments, he’s prone to occasional profanity. Leguizamo gets good performances from each of them, especially in moments where you really feel the bond between teammates, both in the tournaments and in the streets. When they tell each other that they’ve got each other’s backs, there’s a real emotional pull that emanates straight from the actors.

Though this is an inspirational movie, Leguizamo and Montiel never sugarcoat the dangers of the environment their characters inhabit. The potential for violence, temporary homelessness, crime, and police harassment are always hovering in the margins, sometimes even invading the safe space of Martinez’s class or the school. An early sequence that shockingly ends in violence shows how good Leguizamo is at quickly establishing the audience’s tie to a character. When Rivera (Dre C) is thrown into critical thinking class after a disciplinary problem (“my class is not detention!” Martinez yells at frenemy Principal Kesler [ Rachel Bay Jones ]), he immediately runs afoul of Ito. Rivera’s lack of response is due to Spanish being his primary language, which may also have something to do with the infraction that got him sent to this class. Martinez talks to him in Spanish, lectures Ito and all seems well.

Rivera is then brutally assassinated in broad daylight after accidentally bumping into another person on the street. The film is barely 15 minutes old when this happens, but it immediately establishes that “Critical Thinking” has no plans of abandoning reality for its feel-good message. That sense of realism extends to the way the characters bond with, rib, and defend each other. Additionally, Leguizamo plays Martinez as someone who understands the temptations and frustrations of his students’ world. He challenges them to do for themselves because he knows all too well that the system has no intention of lending a helping hand.

Like Nair does in “Queen of Katwe,” Leguizamo also blatantly refuses to impose on poverty any notions of shame or requests for pity. “Chess is the great equalizer,” Martinez tells his team as they navigate snooty tournament heads and appearances against challengers from much posher ‘hoods. Even when things get expectedly dire for some of the characters, “Critical Thinking” remains focused on the characters’ response to the situation, never once stripping them of their dignity for cheap emotional manipulation.

Of all the team members, Sedrick has the most detailed arc. He has a girlfriend, Chanayah ( Zora Casebere ), who is supportive and tougher than she looks, and a father ( Michael Kenneth Williams ) whose sole job here is to fill that chess movie trope of the angry guy who uses chess as a means of brutal domination. Williams is an always welcome presence, but I could have done without him. Still, there is one very good moment where he shows some growth, and his son makes a snide comment that he silently acknowledges as being right.

The chess scenes are good even if you know nothing about chess. I’ve been playing since I was five, so of course I wanted more detailed representations than Leguizamo provides. I found his classroom lessons and the team’s banter about moves fascinating, and every time I was given a good look at a chessboard, I got closer to the screen to investigate. And yet, despite its acknowledgement of my aforementioned issues, I still felt a little itchy watching “Critical Thinking.” I am always game for a movie that makes me reckon with my personal feelings and biases, and I’m glad this one exists because representation will always speak volumes. If nothing else, “Critical Thinking” reminds you what a chess player can look like.

Odie Henderson

Odie "Odienator" Henderson has spent over 33 years working in Information Technology. He runs the blogs Big Media Vandalism and Tales of Odienary Madness. Read his answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire  here .

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Film credits.

Critical Thinking (2020)

117 minutes

John Leguizamo as Mario Martinez

Rachel Bay Jones as Principal Kestel

Michael Kenneth Williams as Mr. Roundtree

Corwin C. Tuggles as Sedrick Roundtree

Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as Ito Paniagua

Angel Bismark Curiel as Rodelay Medina

Will Hochman as Gil Luna

Jeffry Batista as Marcel Martinez

Zora Casebere as Chanayah

• John Leguizamo
• Dito Montiel

Cinematographer

• Zach Zamboni
• Jamie Kirkpatrick
• Chris Hajian

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January 8, 2018

5 tv shows that think outside of the box.

By: Jason Dolan

Everyone wants to come up with the next great TV show.  But in a sea of doctor, lawyer and police procedurals, how do you stand out?

First, you have to get out of the box.  What is the box?  The box is conventional thinking.  Shows like Law & Order ,  ER , and  Hill Street Blues all exist within the context of reality.  They are all great shows, but what happens when you leave that comfort zone?  What happens when you think outside of the box?

Below are five TV shows that think outside of the box.  Some are currently airing while others have completed their run. The good news is, they are ALL available to watch on Hulu or Netflix .

ANGIE TRIBECA

Angie Tribeca – Season 1 — Pictured: (l-r) Deon Cole, Hayes MacArthur, Rashida Jones, Jere Burns, Andrée Vermeulen — Photo Courtesy of TBS

As mentioned above, one of the most common types of shows is the police procedural. Angie Tribeca  was created by comedic genius Steve Carrell and his wife Nancy .  Their show takes the classic police procedural and turns it on its head. This comedy is reminiscent of the humor found in movies like The Naked Gun and Airplane! By going the absurd route, we get the same classic tropes with hilarious results. The success of the Rashida Jones -led comedy proves that when you add comedy to a classic trope, the laughs will come.

By thinking outside of the box, the creators of Angie Tribeca have given us a new twist on a classic procedural.  Other terrific examples of extreme comedy procedurals are Scrubs (medical) and The Grinder (legal).

Angie Tribeca is about to enter its 4th season.

COMMUNITY — Season: 2 — Pictured: (l-r) Ken Jeong as Señor Chang, Danny Pudi as Abed, Gillian Jacobs as Britta, Joel McHale as Jeff Winger, Yvette Nicole Brown as Shirley, Donald Glover as Troy, Chevy Chase as Pierce, Alison Brie as Annie — Photo by: Mitchell Haaseth / Photo Courtesy of NBC

Everyone can relate to what it is like to go to school. But surprisingly, not everyone knows what it is like to go to school with a diverse group of ages, religions and ethnicities.  Thanks to Community , now you can.  Diversity is more important than ever these days.  We get Pakistani Muslim Abed, African American Christian Shirley and Jehovah’s Witness Troy, Caucasian Athiest Britta, Agnostic Jeff and Jewish Annie. Pierce Hawthorne is in a cult, and Asian Chang is the devil incarnate.  What is great about television is that you can have a writers room, comprised of many different backgrounds.

Developed by Dan Harmon and the Russo Brothers , Community takes people from all walks of life and sticks them together in a meta-filled study room.  And what we learn is that despite our religious backgrounds, the more time we spend together, the more we learn how alike we all are.

Community ran for 6 seasons (and maybe a movie?).

THE GOOD PLACE

THE GOOD PLACE — Season: Pilot — Pictured: (l-r) Jameela Jamil as Tehani, Manny Jacinto as Jianyu, Ted Danson as Michael, Kristen Bell as Eleanor, William Jackson Harper as Chidi, D’Arcy Carden as Janet — Photo by: Robert Trachtenberg / Photo Courtesy of NBC

Speaking of religion, that leads us to the next big question.  What happens after you die?  Unless you’re a vampire or a Sith Lord , you’re not going to live forever.  Plot twist, that’s all of us.  The afterlife has been explored on many shows, from Highway to Heaven and Touched by an Angel to Lost and Six Feet Under .  Without proof of what happens after you die, the subject is a blank canvas.  Regardless of your religious beliefs, there are so many philosophical ideas to explore.  Currently, no show does it better than The Good Place .  

Like Community, this afterlife is filled with diversity.  If you have an idea about what could happen after you die, television is a terrific place to explore new ideas.

The Good Place is currently airing its 2nd Season on NBC.

THE LAST MAN ON EARTH

THE LAST MAN ON EARTH – Pictured: (l-r) Cleopatra Coleman, Boris Kodjoe, Mary Steenburgen, Will Forte, Kristen Schaal, Mel Rodriguez and January Jones. ©2015 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Mary Ellen Matthews / Photo Courtesy of Fox

The Last Man on Earth which takes the Gilligan’s Island premise and makes Earth the Island.  It’s a Zombie Apocalypse show without the zombies.  While The Good Place asks what happens to you when you die, The Last Man on Earth asks what happens when everyone else dies and you live?  It’s a trapped in an elevator show with five strangers, but Earth is the elevator.  This show teaches you how you can sometimes be forced to deal with personalities that don’t immediately gel with your own.

Created by Phil Lord and Chris Miller , the hilarious comedy duo behind The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street movies, this Will Forte -led ensemble takes a deadly serious subject and teaches us that no matter what tragedies befall you in life, the most important thing you can do is to just keep living.  When a tough situation rears its ugly head, we have to set our differences aside and work together as a team.

The Last Man on Earth is currently airing its 4th season on Fox.

SON OF ZORN

SON OF ZORN – Season 1 — Pictured: (l-r) Johnny Pemberton, Jason Sudekis, Cheryl Hines, Tim Meadows — Photo Courtesy of Fox

As a kid, I loved the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit .   Seeing animation and live action meshed together can be a real kick.   Jason Sudekis brings his unique comedy stylings to the hilarious Lord & Miller sitcom Son of Zorn . Sudekis, who voices the cartoon Zorn, returns to California to have a relationship with his son, Alan ( Johnny Pemberton ).  He also has to deal with his ex-wife Edie ( Cheryl Hines ) and her new husband ( Tim Meadows ).  However, while Alan looks like a regular Caucasian teenaged boy, not all is as it seems.

This show teaches us what it is like to be from another culture, in Zorn’s case, Zephyria, and how it can sometimes be hard to fit in.  As an immigration parable, told through an animated lens, we get to understand what it is like to be in a country where people look and act differently from you.  It is a show of assimilation and acceptance.

Unfortunately, Son of Zorn was cancelled after one season, but as Freaks and Geeks taught us, that has nothing to do with its quality.  It just never found an audience.  Until now.  Go watch it!

In Conclusion…

As our world continues to melt inside the pot, let’s all be on the right side of history, and create shows that help us relate and accept new cultures as we all build a better world.  Writers have a unique opportunity.  We get to share our voice and ideas with the world and erode discrimination and prejudices.  We get to be a part of the solution.

Make it your new year’s resolution to check out some of these shows, and then go out there and think outside of the box with your own writing.  In the comments below, tell me your favorite show that thinks outside of the box.

• Angie Tribeca
• Son of Zorn
• The Good Place
• The Last Man on Earth

The 2nd Annual National Screenwriters Day is Jan. 5!

What is a set-piece, jason dolan.

Jason Dolan is a WGA screenwriter whose credits including the supernatural indie Enter Nowhere and The Vanishing of Sidney Hall which premiered at Sundance in 2017 and sold to A24. He is currently prepping his directorial debut. You can follow him on Twitter @jdolan74 .

20 Replies to "5 TV Shows That Think Outside Of The Box"

Mustang55 January 8, 2018 (1:55 am)

These are all great shows, but they are shows that have been created by people who already have plenty of pull in the industry. I’d like to see a list of shows from more recent inductees into the halls of TVdom.

Jason Dolan January 8, 2018 (9:58 am)

I think it is important to remember that all of the people who created these shows were once just like you and me. The way they were able to create these shows was because they were studying what was currently on television and then figuring out ways to improve it. That’s my main point regarding why I think these five shows are interesting to watch. What is working right now on Networks? When you understand that, you can create great work. Maybe I recommend picking one or two of the people who created these shows and reverse engineer their career. See if you can find out how they got started. A lot of times it is at a place like Second City, Groundlings or Upright Citizens Brigade. Have you seen the movie Don’t Think Twice? That’s a great window into the world of what it is to perform comedy. I hope some of this helps! Thank you for your response.

Patty Jan Ruland January 8, 2018 (2:23 am)

No women who are not “young”?

Albert Letizia January 8, 2018 (4:04 am)

Great little piece. Gave me some inspiration. thank you!

Jason Dolan January 8, 2018 (9:53 am)

You’re welcome!

Brian January 8, 2018 (4:04 am)

Sledge Hammer (David Rasche in the title role) did the “Airplane-type” comedy thing years ago but it only lasted two seasons and 41 episodes. It was a “Dirty Harry” parody that sometimes worked well and other times fell incredibly flat.

Oh wow, I totally remember that show!

Don Tsuchiyama January 8, 2018 (1:55 pm)

What about “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend?” I think this show has done some wonderful stuff! Musical numbers, both breaking and poking fun at ethnic stereotypes… definitely out of the box!

Jason Dolan January 8, 2018 (2:14 pm)

Great suggestion! I’ll put that one on my list to watch. So many great shows! And the more outside of the box, the better!

Paul January 9, 2018 (6:54 pm)

Just to clarify things, before there was “Sledge Hammer” there was the equally absurd “Police Squad (In Color)” followed by the film “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad”. “Airplane”, “Police Squad” and the “Naked Gun” spin off were all from the fertile minds of the producing, directing, and writing team of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker. Of course before that the Police genre was treated comically in the great “Barney Miller” and even before that in “Car 54 where are you”. So nothing is really new except the way you approach your idea.

Jason January 9, 2018 (7:35 pm)

Paul, you’re going to make me get biblical on you and quote Ecclesiastes 1:9

“That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.”

Also, some great material in the Old Testament for good drama parallels.

All jokes aside, you bring up some great shows. I referenced the Zuckers and Abrahams for Angie Tribeca. You know, you could almost take Police Squad the TV Show and use it as the short film that got The Naked Gun made! That’s from my other article about turning your feature film into a short film and how it can help get your movie made. All of the above shows I referenced are most certainly derivative of shows that came before them. It really is an endless cycle. But I also think a lot of these shows were able to add to the previous incarnations. Sort of like a rubric’s cube… twist one side and you have a whole new pattern on every side! If that makes any kind of sense. Haha. Thanks for the comment!

Paul January 9, 2018 (7:04 pm)

Forgot to mention “Brooklyn 911″and “Reno 411” for other examples of out of the box police dramas.

quick thoughts: Son of Zorn seemed like a program for the Adult Swim/ Cartoon Network audience that failed in a mainstream network. I was along with Last Man on Earth until so many people showed up that the novelty of the title wore off Sometimes “out of the box” is a box of its own. I was a fan of “Community” until the “meta” approach became overbearing. There needs to be a balance between just enough wackiness and too much. Haven’t heard of “The Good Place” but will check it out. Another one season show was “Imaginary Mary”. Like “Son of Zorn” it probably was too weird for its network slot.

Jason January 9, 2018 (7:40 pm)

I came very close to referencing Brooklyn 99 (is that what you meant?) but figured I’d leave it to one cop show for this post. Also, I wanted to talk about that kind of Airplane humor. Brooklyn 99 is more like Parks and Recreation in a police station. Which makes sense since they are the same producer (who also does The Good Place – definitely check it out).

Regarding Zorn, I have to imagine that production cost is high with the animation. I’ll always cherish Season 1 though, just like Freaks and Geeks.

I still love Last Man on Earth – they’ve really done some terrific stuff – enough so that I don’t mind the novelty of the show’s title. Because all the people who have shown up are so great!

Community 1-3 is genius for me, also love Season 5. Seasons 4 & 6 stumbled but overall, I just loved these characters, even if they did each getting “kill off metaphorically speaking”!!!

Paul January 9, 2018 (7:23 pm)

Sorry for the three posts. I just had another idea that a great place to look for OOTB shows is in the world of kids shows. What can be more OOTB than something like “SpongeBob” I mean he lives in a pineapple under the sea. Of course there was PeeWees Playhouse which is a great example of turning a genre upside down. Also an early nineties kids show called “Out of the Box” which had a truly diverse cast of kids and adults playing in an imaginary cardboard box playground. Lastly OOTB can usually mean short lived, as in the 80s sitcom “Herman’s Head’ whose fans remembered after the Pixar movie “Inside Out” came out with a very similar set up.

Jason January 9, 2018 (7:41 pm)

Happy to read posts! Just glad you got something out of the article. Even if it is just a little light critical thinking!

Paul January 10, 2018 (12:19 pm)

Last post for this thread. I think a good exercise for this idea would be to take a popular show and see where its Rubik’s cube sides can be turned, to use your metaphor. For example what could an out of the box Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad look like ? I am off to contemplate that right now !

David Treadway January 15, 2018 (6:50 pm)

Jason, thanks for the article! I’ve not watched Angie Tribeca. I’m gonna have to check that out. I caught a few episodes of Son of Zorn and also really dug it. The one show on your list I’m having a tough time getting into is The Good Place. I’ve watched quite a lot of it and I still can’t seem to fully invest. I’d love to get your take on it and see if it’s just something that hasn’t occurred to me yet.

I have two (what I consider OOTB) shows I’ll throw in the ring as favorites. First, 30 Rock. One of my all time favorites. From a character standpoint I think they hit it out of the park. From Liz Lemon to Jack Donaghy to Kenneth Parcell and Tracy Jordan, that show had some memorable characters. I also think the structure of the show—the cutaways, shotgun dialogue, physical humor, etc.—was incredible. Loved it. The other, though not a comedy, is Firefly. It certainly wasn’t the show that introduced the concept of the space cowboy but it took a new route. I love the diversity of the cast, the Star Trek-like philosophy of grappling with “bigger than us” issues and the fusion of Asian and Wester cultures. Even the archetypal characters all had their own unique spin. Great show. I think some honorable mentions are Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (what can I say, I’m a Sorkin-phile) and Dexter.

Karl Gries February 27, 2018 (12:45 am)

“Sledge Hammer!” was a “Get Smart!” style approach to “Dirty Harry” and was more edgy and political than “Police Squad” and certainly the empty headed and too derivative “Angie Tribeca” that has been taken to task for joke theft. “Sledge Hammer!” satirized gun culture with more dimensional characters than most parody shows, explaining why it lasted longer than “Police Squad!” “Angie Tribeca” is guilty of identity theft.

Alice May 30, 2018 (3:55 pm)

All of these shows were written and produced men, and have mostly male characters. How come no one notices that key piece of information?

Jason Dolan May 30, 2018 (5:35 pm)

That’s a terrific observation. As I understood it, Rashida Jones developed Angie Tribeca and it is a show that features a strong female lead, which is why I liked it. The Good Place also features a strong female lead and I believe Kristen Bell developed this show with Michael Shur. I also love the strong female characters in Community and The Last Man on Earth, though you are right to point out, the lead characters are men suffering from toxic masculinity issues. For me, Son of Zorn is another show that sends up toxic masculinity. As a man who has been raised in a world that sexualizes women, I think it is important to take these characters and show us men how we can change. There’s no hiding it that I’m a boy, and probably, that’s why many of these shows appeal to me. I’m very excited to see more shows written and produced by women! What are some female-centric shows that think outside the box that you would recommend I watch? I’d really like to know. Thank you so much for you feedback. Let’s write a better future for everyone!

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Best Movies for Critical Thinking: Top Picks to Challenge Your Mind

In today’s fast-paced world, movies have become an essential source of entertainment and learning, providing viewers with thought-provoking stories that challenge their intellect. One of the many subgenres of films that cater to this need is the category of movies for critical thinking. These films captivate audiences by presenting complex narratives that delve into unique philosophical concepts, moral dilemmas, and intricate character developments. A compelling critical thinking movie will often challenge perception and reality, encouraging viewers to reflect on the nature of humanity and the universe.

Such movies encompass a range of genres, from mind-bending dramas to thrilling science fiction. Critical thinking films often explore multi-layered philosophical themes and beliefs, offering distinct perspectives on the human condition and providing valuable insights into how we perceive the world around us. Ultimately, these movies aim to inspire audiences to think critically and question their pre-existing assumptions about life, society, and existence.

Key Takeaways

• Critical thinking movies span various genres, offering complex narratives that promote intellectual engagement.
• These films often explore philosophical themes and beliefs while challenging common perceptions of reality.
• Through captivating stories, critical thinking movies encourage viewers to reflect on their own understanding of humanity and the universe.

Understanding Critical Thinking

Definition and importance.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment. It involves evaluating the validity of arguments, identifying biases, and considering different perspectives to make informed decisions. Critical thinking is essential in various areas of life, as it helps individuals to solve problems, make better choices, and foster deeper understanding.

The importance of critical thinking cannot be overstated. It enables critical thinkers to navigate complex situations, think creatively, and approach new challenges with confidence. It equips individuals to discern truth from falsehood, judge the credibility of sources, and differentiate between reliable and misleading information. By fostering critical thinking skills, people become more adept at reasoning, problem solving, and effective communication.

Relation with Movies

Movies can be a potent tool for promoting critical thinking. They offer diverse settings, complex characters, and intricate storylines that stimulate the mind and encourage viewers to engage with thought-provoking content. Many movies drive viewers to analyze the narrative, events, and character motivations, pushing them to exercise their critical thinking abilities.

Films like Inception and A Beautiful Mind challenge viewers to employ critical thinking by exploring complicated storylines and themes. These movies encourage audiences to deconstruct the elements of the plot, evaluate the motivations and actions of characters, and critically assess the impact of choices made within the story. By engaging with complex narratives, viewers develop a deeper understanding of the world portrayed in the film and enhance their own critical thinking skills as they explore various perspectives and theories.

Critical Thinking in Dramas

Forrest gump.

Forrest Gump is a captivating drama that takes viewers on an emotional journey through the life of its titular character, played by Tom Hanks. Set in America, the movie follows Forrest Gump, a man with a low IQ, as he navigates various real-life historical events and situations. Through his innocent yet profound perspective, the film encourages viewers to critically examine themes such as acceptance, loyalty, and appreciation.

The character of Forrest Gump teaches us invaluable lessons about resilience, empathy, and determination, challenging the audience’s critical thinking abilities while presenting a heartfelt story. This thought-provoking movie serves as a right of passage for those seeking a deeper understanding of life’s complexities.

Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting is another remarkable drama that fosters critical thinking. The film revolves around a young, self-taught mathematics prodigy, Will Hunting, portrayed by Matt Damon, who faces the challenges of living in a tough, working-class environment in America. The movie delves into real-life issues of identity, relationships, and personal growth while presenting an enthralling story of brilliance, vulnerability, and human connection.

As the protagonist navigates through the intricacies of life and academia, the audience is encouraged to examine their own understanding of success, potential, and self-worth. Through Will’s journey to confront his past and pursue his extraordinary talent, Good Will Hunting provides an excellent opportunity for viewers to reflect and engage their critical thinking skills.

Exploring Philosophy and Beliefs through Movies

The Matrix is a groundbreaking science fiction film that invites audiences to question their beliefs about reality. The movie centers on the character of Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, who discovers that his entire world is actually a simulated reality called the Matrix. Throughout the film, themes of fate, free will, and the nature of reality are explored in a compelling narrative. As it portrays a world where nothing is what it seems, The Matrix challenges viewers to critically examine their own beliefs and assumptions about the world around them.

The Truman Show

Another film that delves into the world of illusions is The Truman Show . This unique story captures the life of Truman, an unwitting participant in a reality TV show that is, unbeknownst to him, centered around his every move. As Truman starts to unravel the truth about his artificial world, the film delves into philosophical questions about the nature of existence, the role of the media in shaping our perceptions, and the importance of personal freedom. With its thought-provoking concepts, The Truman Show encourages critical thinking in the exploration of reality and the human experience.

Cloud Atlas

Cloud Atlas is an ambitious film that takes viewers on a whirlwind journey through multiple time periods, exploring the interconnectedness of human lives across time and space. With its complex narrative structure and a wide range of characters, the film delves into themes of reincarnation, interconnectedness, and the impact of individual actions on the greater world. By weaving together seemingly disparate storylines, Cloud Atlas prompts viewers to contemplate the deeper connections that bind humanity together, inviting them to reflect on their own beliefs and philosophies about the nature of existence and the impact of individual choices on the world.

Movies that Challenge Perception and Reality

Inception is a groundbreaking film that delves into the world of dreams and the manipulation of the human mind. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this psychological thriller introduces us to the concept of dream-sharing and dives deep into the complexities of the subconscious. The film follows a group of skilled professionals, led by Dom Cobb (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), who specialize in extracting ideas from people’s minds through shared dreaming. Inception challenges our perception of reality in unique ways, pushing the boundaries of film storytelling and leaving viewers questioning the nature of their own dreams and realities.

Being John Malkovich

Being John Malkovich is a quirky, surreal, and thought-provoking film directed by Spike Jonze. The story centers on a puppeteer, Craig Schwartz (played by John Cusack), who discovers a mysterious portal in his office that allows people to enter the mind of actor John Malkovich. This bizarre premise raises intriguing philosophical questions about identity, ego, and the nature of reality. As the film unfolds, the lines between the real world, the fantasy world, and the life of John Malkovich blur together, challenging our preconceived notions of perception and self-awareness.

Shutter Island

Shutter Island is a suspenseful psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the novel by Dennis Lehane. The film revolves around two U.S. Marshals, Teddy Daniels (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (played by Mark Ruffalo), who are sent to investigate the disappearance of a prisoner from an isolated mental institution on Shutter Island. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover disturbing truths and confront the terrifying reality that their own sanity is at stake. The film is filled with twists and turns, constantly shifting the viewer’s perception of what is real and what isn’t, while exploring the complexity of human consciousness and the power of the mind.

These movies provide audiences with engaging and fascinating narratives that challenge our grasp on reality and perception. Through their thought-provoking storylines and inventive filmmaking techniques, Inception, Being John Malkovich, and Shutter Island inspire critical thinking and ignite our curiosity about the world around us.

Critical Thinking in Time and Space Movies

Predestination.

Predestination is a fascinating take on time travel, centered on the concept of a temporal agent who tries to prevent crimes before they happen. The movie keeps viewers on their toes, exploring themes of fate, free will, and identity. The protagonist’s journey through various time periods challenges the audience to think critically about the nature of time and the consequences of attempting to control it.

Interstellar

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Interstellar is a thought-provoking space odyssey that plays with complex theories of time, space, and the future of humanity. The plot follows a team of astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity as Earth is on the verge of collapse. The movie stretches the boundaries of science fiction with ideas about black holes, time dilation, and artificial intelligence. The viewer is encouraged to think critically about humanity’s role in the cosmos and the potential consequences of tampering with the fabric of time and space.

2001: A Space Odyssey

Regarded as a masterpiece of science fiction, 2001: A Space Odyssey delves deep into themes of human evolution, artificial intelligence, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The movie’s enigmatic presentation of past, present, and future leaves viewers questioning the true nature of reality and human existence. The audience is introduced to HAL 9000, an artificial intelligence system that develops a malfunction with disastrous consequences. This storyline provokes questions about the ethical development and application of AI technology, pushing the viewer to think critically about the relationship between humans and advanced technology.

Movies Encouraging Reflection on Self and Humanity

Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a thought-provoking film that delves into the concept of human memory and emotions. Starring Jim Carrey, this movie portrays the desire to erase painful memories in order to move on from a failed relationship. As the story unfolds, it offers a profound look into the soul, highlighting how memories define who we are and help us grow. Viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and evaluate the importance of embracing both joyful and sorrowful moments in life.

Life of Pi is a visually stunning and deeply contemplative film that centers around a young man named Pi, who finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger following a shipwreck. As he navigates the challenges of survival, the movie delves into themes of spirituality, faith, and the human will to live. The story provides an opportunity for viewers to examine their beliefs, question reality, and consider the role of storytelling in the perception of truth. Through Pi’s journey, Life of Pi offers insights into the complexities of human nature and encourages reflection on the evolution of our convictions and values.

Contagion is a gripping thriller that depicts the spread of a highly contagious and deadly virus. While the primary focus of the movie is on the epidemic and the race to find a cure, it offers a sobering exploration of human behavior in the face of a global crisis. The fear and panic exhibited by characters serve as a reminder of the fragility of society and the importance of cooperation and compassion in times of adversity. Examining the responses of individuals, government agencies, and the media, Contagion triggers discussions on ethics, social responsibility, and the resilience of the human spirit in the midst of chaos.

Critical Thinking in Thriller Movies

Primer is a mind-bending science fiction thriller that leaves viewers questioning the nature of time and the consequences of playing with it. The movie’s complex narrative structure and attention to scientific detail encourage critical thinking in the audience. Directed by Shane Carruth, Primer tells the story of two engineers who accidentally discover time travel and grapple with the ethical implications of their newfound power. The film challenges viewers to think critically about the role that technology plays in our lives, as well as the potential dangers and moral dilemmas associated with scientific advancement.

Memento is another example of a psychological thriller that inspires critical thinking. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film follows the story of Leonard, a man suffering from short-term memory loss, as he tries to unravel the truth about his wife’s murder. The movie is structured in such a way that it mimics Leonard’s disjointed memory, with scenes unfolding in reverse order. This unique storytelling technique engages viewers on a deeper level and promotes critical thinking by forcing them to piece together the narrative on their own. Memento also raises questions about the reliability of memory and the lengths people will go to create a sense of meaning in their lives.

V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta is a thought-provoking thriller that explores themes of political oppression, resistance, and personal freedom. Set in a dystopian future where Britain is ruled by a totalitarian regime, the film follows the mysterious anarchist ‘V’ and his quest to dismantle the fascist government. Directed by James McTeigue and featuring performances from Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman, this movie challenges viewers to critically assess the role of government, the importance of individual liberties, and the true meaning of freedom.

Throughout these thriller films, notable actors such as Hugh Jackman and Brad Pitt have portrayed characters experiencing paranoia and the consequences of difficult choices. Directors like Darren Aronofsky have also contributed to the genre, crafting narratives that leave audiences questioning their understanding of reality and the human psyche. These movies prompt viewers to engage in critical thinking as they navigate intricate plotlines, consider ethical dilemmas, and grapple with philosophical questions.

Appreciating Movies as Art and Stories

Cinema has long been revered as both an art form and a means of storytelling. It provides a unique platform that combines visuals, sound, and narrative to convey powerful messages and evoke emotions. Throughout time, different genres and styles have emerged to challenge audiences’ perspectives, offering thought-provoking experiences.

One exceptional example of artistic storytelling is the film The Lion King . This animated classic transcends its medium by delivering a rich, thought-provoking tale that delves into themes like family, leadership, and the circle of life. The film’s visually stunning animation and evocative score also demonstrate how the art of cinema can elevate a story to new heights.

In recent years, the exploration of artificial intelligence in movies has sparked critical thinking and raised ethical questions. For instance, Ex Machina is a visually captivating and intelligent science fiction film that delves into the complexities of human-like AI. The movie invites viewers to ponder the implications of creating and interacting with such technology, as well as the potential consequences that may arise.

When it comes to appreciating movies as art, the attention to detail in cinematography, sound design, and character development is vital. These elements work cohesively to create an immersive experience that allows the viewer to engage with the story. For instance, beautifully shot landscapes and meticulously curated sets often transport audiences to different worlds, while carefully crafted characters elicit empathy and spark debate.

Moreover, understanding the theme or underlying message of a film further enhances the appreciation of movies as both art and story. These themes can range from societal issues such as poverty or discrimination to existential topics like the value of memories or the nature of time. By paying attention to the intent and vision of the filmmakers, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the artwork and its significance.

In conclusion, the art of cinema offers a unique platform for telling thought-provoking stories that challenge and inspire the audience. By appreciating the artistic elements and themes present in movies, viewers can engage in critical thinking and find meaning in the stories shared on the big screen. [url=” https://www.theodysseyonline.com/movies-for-critical-thinkers “]

Educational and inspirational movies play a significant role in fostering critical thinking skills among audiences. These films challenge the viewer’s perspectives and encourage them to analyze complex situations or ideas. By stimulating intellectual curiosity, these movies serve as a valuable addition to educational resources.

Inception, for example, is a well-known critical thinking movie that involves puzzling concepts and intricate storytelling. It pushes the viewers to delve deep into their thought process and keep up with the movie’s intricate plot. Another great example is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a romantic science-fiction film that utilizes a nonlinear storyline to promote critical thinking by constantly challenging the viewers’ beliefs.

Empowering movies such as Good Will Hunting and Forrest Gump also instigate critical thinking while evoking themes of acceptance, loyalty, and appreciation. These must-watch critical thinking movies demonstrate the power of human resilience in overcoming personal and societal obstacles.

Finally, the benefits of critical thinking are not restricted to fictional movies alone. Films like Queen of Katwe, based on true stories of perseverance, showcase the value of strategic thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging chess games .

In summary, the captivating world of movies offers a vast array of films that foster critical thinking while providing audiences with thought-provoking and gratifying experiences. Whether they are fictional stories, biographical dramas, or even documentaries, these movies effectively serve as both educational and inspirational resources in today’s world.

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Checkmate! 10 films and TV shows featuring chess include ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ and ‘Critical Thinking’

For individuals who are finding themselves newly interested in chess since the release of “The Queen’s Gambit” starring Anna Taylor-Joy, here’s a list of other films and TV shows that feature the board game in one way or another.

“Geri’s Game” (1997)

An animated short from Pixar, “Geri’s Game” follows an elderly chess lover named Geri who, finding himself alone and surrounded by a sea of empty chessboards, challenges himself to a game. Glasses Geri starts the match and quickly finds a worthy opponent in no-glasses Geri. The match continues with no clear end in sight until glasses Geri resorts to more extreme measures to end the game in his favor. “Geri’s Game” is available on YouTube.

“The Luzhin Defense” (2000)

Based on Vladimir Nabokov’s 1930 novel “The Defense,” the film follows Aleksandr Ivanovich Luzhin (John Turturro), an eccentric chess grandmaster, as he travels to Italy for a tournament and unexpectedly finds the woman who just might be the love of his life. But before the happy couple can marry, the ghosts of Luzhin’s troubled childhood return to him. “The Luzhin Defense” is available to order on Amazon.

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001)

After learning the truth about his magical heritage and beginning his education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 11-year-old Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) comes face to face with the evil that orphaned him. He may have survived the encounter that led to Voldemort’s disappearance all those years ago.

But Harry and his trusty companions, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), will need all the help they can get to make it through the trials – the least of which involves a magical game of chess – ahead of them. Based on the first installment of J.K. Rowling’s international bestselling series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is available on iTunes and Peacock.

“Brooklyn Castle” (2012)

Directed by Katie Dellamaggiore, this documentary tells the story of I.S. 318, a New York public school serving primarily minority students from families living below the poverty line who had struggled to achieve for years until the school’s stellar chess team began winning national championships right and left.

The team’s success inspires the players and other students alike to seek academic success, but all of their hard-earned work is threatened when a recession hits and budget cuts begin to undermine the team’s ability to continue competing. “Brooklyn Castle” is available on Amazon Prime Video.

“The Dark Horse” (2014)

Based on a true story, “The Dark Horse” follows New Zealander chess champion Genesis Potini (Cliff Curtis), who finds solace after a nervous breakdown through volunteer work, sharing his chess skills with a group of underprivileged children. “The Dark Horse” is available on Tubi and YouTube.

“Pawn Sacrifice” (2014)

Directed by Edward Zwick, “Pawn Sacrifice” follows chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer as his youthful fascination with the game gradually turns into a pathological obsession. “Pawn Sacrifice” is available on Amazon Prime Video.

“Queen of Katwe” (2016)

Raised in the slum Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, 10-year-old Phiona’s (Madina Nalwanga) life changes forever when Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a visiting missionary, begins teaching the local children the rules of chess. Phiona’s fascination with the game quickly propels her to the top of the group, and as she begins winning competitions, a vision of a brighter future, free from poverty, starts to form. “Queen of Katwe” is available on Disney+.

“Magnus” (2016)

This 2016 documentary film follows Norwegian chess prodigy Magnus Carlsen, who rocketed to the forefront of the chess world after achieving grandmaster status at just 13 and subsequently winning the title of world champion in 2013. “Magnus” is available on Amazon Prime Video.

“Critical Thinking” (2020)

Based on a true story, “Critical Thinking” follows Mario Martinez, a Cuban-American teacher, as he supports his student chess team – each member with their own burdens holding them down – on their way to becoming the first inner-city team to win the U.S. National Chess Championship. “Critical Thinking” is available on Hulu.

“The Queen’s Gambit” (2021)

If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for? Based on Walter Tevis’ 1983 novel, “The Queen’s Gambit” follows orphaned chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) on her way to becoming the world’s top player. “The Queen’s Gambit” is available on Netflix.

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Critical Thinking

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Currently you are able to watch "Critical Thinking" streaming on Netflix, Netflix basic with Ads. It is also possible to buy "Critical Thinking" on Amazon Video, Microsoft Store, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu as download or rent it on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Vudu, Microsoft Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube online.

Where does Critical Thinking rank today? The JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity within the last 24 hours. This includes clicking on a streaming offer, adding a title to a watchlist, and marking a title as 'seen'. This includes data from ~1.3 million movie & TV show fans per day.

Streaming charts last updated: 9:20:34 PM, 05/20/2024

Critical Thinking is 8431 on the JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts today. The movie has moved up the charts by 3986 places since yesterday. In the United States, it is currently more popular than Becoming the G.O.A.T.: The Tom Brady Story but less popular than My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising.

Based on a true story from 1998, five Latino and Black teenagers from the toughest underserved ghetto in Miami fight their way into the National Chess Championship under the guidance of their unconventional but inspirational teacher.

Streaming Charts The JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity within the last 24 hours. This includes clicking on a streaming offer, adding a title to a watchlist, and marking a title as 'seen'. This includes data from ~1.3 million movie & TV show fans per day.

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Critical thinking, common sense media reviewers.

Underdog chess team defies odds but plays into stereotypes.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Positive themes of teamwork and defiance against t

Main characters are depicted as underdogs whose su

Frequent gun use. One character is abruptly shot a

Occasional kissing.

Frequent use of the words "f--k," "s--t," and "ass

Adults get drunk. Underage characters smoke cigare

Parents need to know that Critical Thinking is a fact-based drama about a high school chess team from an underserved community that defies the odds to make it to the U.S. National Chess Championship. Directed by and starring John Leguizamo, the movie has frequent swearing ("f--k," "s--t," etc.), underage…

Positive Messages

Positive themes of teamwork and defiance against the odds are prevalent. While it exposes some of the broken systems in public education, it fails to fully portray its teen characters' humanity, contributing to problematic stereotypes.

Positive Role Models

Main characters are depicted as underdogs whose success goes against everyone's expectations. Some show determination, but most play into stereotypes associated with Black and Latinx teens from under-resourced communities -- i.e., unmotivated, unintelligent jokesters. That makes it seem like their success is because of some paradoxical talent instead of their strength of character. Failure to see these kids' humanity contributes to their stereotyping, on-screen and off.

Violence & Scariness

Frequent gun use. One character is abruptly shot and killed. Another character is punched and strangled to death. Parents emotionally abuse children.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Frequent use of the words "f--k," "s--t," and "ass."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Adults get drunk. Underage characters smoke cigarettes. Drug dealing.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Critical Thinking is a fact-based drama about a high school chess team from an underserved community that defies the odds to make it to the U.S. National Chess Championship. Directed by and starring John Leguizamo , the movie has frequent swearing ("f--k," "s--t," etc.), underage cigarette smoking, drug dealing, punching, strangling, and gun violence that results in death. Parents emotionally abuse children. While positive themes of teamwork and overcoming challenges are prevalent, the movie's Black and Latinx teens are stereotypically depicted as unintelligent with little work ethic and their success as an anomaly. Rachel Bay Jones and Michael Kenneth Williams co-star. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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What's the Story?

In CRITICAL THINKING, teacher Mr. T ( John Leguizamo ) oversees an unofficial detention hall at Miami Jackson Senior High School, where students are sent if they're deemed troublesome. Mr. T seizes the opportunity to start a chess team, all while navigating limited resources, a school with little faith in his students' abilities, and the stressors of his students' turbulent personal lives. When the team starts to succeed, the students come up with creative fundraisers to pay for travel and lodging at their competitions. But none of this is easy. One teen faces pressures at home from an emotionally abusive father who resents his son's talents. Another is pulled into dealing drugs to make ends meet. All the while, Mr. T is the loving, encouraging adult they crave.

Is It Any Good?

This drama is the classic story of an underdog team overcoming the odds and making it all the way; unfortunately, it falls back on stereotypical characterizations to tell its tale. The Miami Jackson team seems to be in this position because its members -- Black and Latinx teens from under-resourced communities -- have historically underestimated identities. The film plays on the biases that are often held about these identities by depicting the teens as shiftless and unfocused. They're careless in their fundraising efforts, they try to pass notes during tournaments, and they use the threat of physical violence to intimidate their opponents.

Their chess skills are an afterthought, making their success feel like an anomaly. And it certainly doesn't help that a White teen joins the team as they gain momentum and becomes their shining star -- teaching the other kids new chess moves and giving them vocabulary lessons. He's the only teen character whose background, personal life, and stressors aren't explored. So while Critical Thinking is diverse in its casting and exposes some of the broken systems in public education, it misses the mark in humanizing its characters. The failure to see these kids' humanity contributes to their stereotyping, on-screen and off.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how Critical Thinking handles stereotypes and biases. Can media offer positive representations while still promoting stereotypical characterizations?

What does Critical Thinking teach viewers about student engagement and the importance of teaching things in a fun way?

What role does teamwork play in Critical Thinking ? Why is it an important character strength ?

Movie Details

• In theaters : September 4, 2020
• On DVD or streaming : September 4, 2020
• Cast : John Leguizamo , Rachel Bay Jones , Michael Kenneth Williams
• Director : John Leguizamo
• Inclusion Information : Latino directors, Latino actors, Female actors
• Studio : Vertical Entertainment
• Genre : Drama
• Topics : High School
• Character Strengths : Teamwork
• Run time : 117 minutes
• MPAA rating : NR
• Last updated : February 19, 2023

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Critical Thinking (2020)

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