Sometimes I get overwhelmed with all the movies I could watch. There's so many I haven't seen - classics like The Godfather or Taxi Driver. I am by no means a film critic, or a filmbro.
Maybe that's a good thing.
But for real, I have not watched a lot of "must-see" movies, but one day I will, and maybe this list will be old and irrelevant. For all the filmbros in the world who may read this, judge my taste as you will, but I stand by these quality films, and I will never get tired of rewatching them. Ever.
Pan's Labyrinth
I am a big fan of both surrealist movies and magical realist movies. This Spanish movie from Guillermo del Toro uses elements of fantasy to portray a dark, twisted story set in Spain during World War II. It is a fairytale-esque film that explores ideas of innocence and evil; think Alice in Wonderland but more brutal and haunting. Beauty meets horror; childlike innocence meets the dark, twisted realities of war and violence. This movie is timeless.
Edward Scissorhands
There's something about the childlike darkness of Tim Burton movies that really soothes my soul. I'm not sure if it is the incredible soundtracks from Danny Elfman ("Ice Dance" from this particular movie is absolutely spellbinding) or the tales of gloomy, misunderstood outsiders who learn to feel love (now that I put it this way I feel almost embarrassed to claim how much I love this movie, as if you might think that I relate to it). Edward Scissorhands is the haunting but life-affirming story of a man with, well, scissors for hands. He is misunderstood, feared, and ultimately loved in this moving and romantic film.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
What would you do if you could erase all the memories of a previous relationship? To relieve yourself of any previous baggage and grief, to turn your heart back into a fresh canvas? This movie explores this idea, telling the tale of a couple who undergoes surgery to remove these memories. I can't possibly summarize it so simply though; this movie is something that must be watched to be truly experienced, because something about this movie puts your heart through the five stages of grief. Just thinking about this movie brings tears to my eyes. I've never seen Jim Carrey play such a serious character but he does it with such certainty and rawness that it is even more impactful, because its like, wow, this man isn't just a jokester. I love this movie, and it will forever live on in my soul.
Booksmart
I just read a review that claimed this film was the only evolved "teen movie", and I have to admit that I agree. This film is a fantastical, comedic, heartfelt masterpiece. It is funny and clever, but also extremely moving (the scene that features Perfume Genius' song "Slip Away" has stayed in my heart forever). It's an uproarious tour-de-force of the awkwardness and drama of high school, but done in a way that feels smart and fresh.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
A story of rage, grief, and redemption, this is the story of Mildred (played by the incredible Frances McDormand) who is set on getting the police department to find the person who raped and murdered her daughter. To get their attention, she puts up three billboards that attempt to hold the police department accountable. This film has stayed in my mind forever; the stellar performances from Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell are unforgettable.The story is heavy, and dark, but it interlaces comedic elements and high tensions/stakes to create an unforgettable narrative that you cannot look away from.
Carol
This movie is so poignant, the soundtrack is so moving, and every time I watch it, I have to cry. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara play two women who meet at a department store in 1950s New York, and fall in love despite the difficult consequences. The acting is intimate and believable; so much is told simply in body language. The chemistry is honestly incomparable, and did I mention the soundtrack?????
Eyes Wide Shut
From the vivid and uncanny imagination of Stanley Kubrick, this story tells the tale of the dynamics of an attractive couple (Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman), and the difficulties surrounding their marriage that question the ideas of morality and infidelity. The combination of haunting visuals, musics, and rituals creates a movie that is frightening, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately unforgettable.
Black Swan
Black Swan is a haunting tale of perfectionism and obsession. It grips you until it reaches its insane climax. The whole movie is a tour-de-force you cannot keep your eyes away from. The cinematography, the suspense... incredible.
Shrek 2
An absolute masterpiece of a film, and anyone who claims the first one is superior is actually lying to themselves. This movie is super on point. The emotional climax of the movie sends my heart into a spiral. The new characters are absolute legends (Prince Charming, Fairy Godmother, Puss in Boots, just to name a few). The scene at the potion factory sticks in my heart forever. The set up of the movie is genius; the way the plotting weaves together is masterful. An unbelievable film.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
This French movie has to be the most beautiful thing I have ever experienced in my life. It is a romance that uses no clichés or overused plot devices, nothing dramatic or manipulative. There is so much expression in the main actresses' gazes and body language; the way the story unfolds is natural and compelling. The cinematography is breathtaking - the entire movie looks like a painting. A movie that deserves to be watched time and time again.
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