Movies are made to entertain the public and provide social commentary on current issues that people of the time are facing together. Many of my favorite films that were released in the early 1990’s through 2015 highlight the paranoia that Americans have about terrorism, the importance of hope and heroes, the fear that Americans have about the intellect of future generations, and the relevance of friendship throughout all circumstances. All of these themes stem from real feelings, fears, and experiences that people have. The messages from these movies changed me.

1. Fried Green Tomatoes

The movie Fried Green Tomatoes directed by Jon Avnet focuses largely on the importance of empowerment through strong friendships. The most iconic line from the movie is: “Towanda!” For the characters in this film, this one simple word is symbolic of freedom and letting go of one's burdens. It is something women say in moments of victory to empower themselves and those around them. For instance Evelyn, one of the protagonists, shouts "Towanda" as she repeatedly runs into the car of two young girls who stole her parking space. She does this to show that she is in control of the situation and that they cannot manipulate her just because they are younger. This scene is one of the most well known moments in the movie because it truly showcases the strength and confidence that Evelyn has recently gained. This catchphrase holds the symbolic power to empower women.

2. Rent

In Rent, there is an example of a homosexual relationship between two men, one of whom is transgender. Also, a lesbian relationship is also examined. This movie shows a very progressive attitude towards this marginalized group of people. This 2005 movie, set in 1989, demonstrates groundbreaking acceptance when Maureen and Joanne's parents throw them a lavish engagement party. Even today, after it has been legalized, gay marriage is still incredibly controversial. There are many people who are still vehemently opposed to it, so the fact that both of the brides’ parents are so accepting and supportive of this marriage is astonishing.

However, the filmmakers do not forget to include the brutality that some gay people experience. For instance, at the beginning of the movie, a gay man is brutally beaten. The audience is supposed to awaken themselves to the hate crimes that the LGBT community frequently experience. The filmmaker shows the truth about the way homosexual people were and are treated, but he also shows how he hopes that they will be treated soon.

3. The Shawshank Redemption

This movieassesses every person’s need for redemption and the consequences of the broken American justice system. The major archetypal theme in this movie is actually in its title. It is redemption. In this movie, there is a major need from all of the characters to be redeemed. For instance, Red is redeemed for the crime of murder during his time in prison. Redemption transcends all time periods. People always need redemption to rescue them from their iniquities, which is why this movie is so relevant to all generations because it shows that all people deserve redemption regardless of how bad their sins were.

4. "Juno"

Juno examines the struggle that teenage girls experience as they decide whether or not to go through with their pregnancies. This movie weighs all of the options. When the protagonist Juno goes to get an abortion, a protester outside of the clinic shames her. This protester is supposed to be a satire of pro-life extremists. Abortion is a very contentious issue in America that has been ongoing for decades. The final decision that she makes is to give the baby up for adoption to an infertile couple. This decision to give up her baby is symbolic of self-sacrifice because she is willing to go through the entire pregnancy, and then give the baby to another couple. Although this decision is much less debatable, both of the previously discussed issues are ones that many young women must make and neither choice is emotionally easy. This movie discusses two very emotional issues that young girls regularly face.

5. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

The central protagonist of The Perks of Being a Wallflower suffers from a deep depression caused by sexual abuse from his childhood. For example, he cries frequently and has been committed to a psychiatric hospital to help improve his condition. Mental illness is a very sensitive subject in American culture, and people often view others who have mental illnesses as inadequate outsiders. With the exception of his friends, Charlie’s classmates treat him as if he does not belong because of his emotional problems, which is symbolic of the way Americans treat people with any slight emotional issues. This movie is a social comment about the cruelty and ostracism that many people suffering from mental illnesses and prior traumas experience as a result of bigotry and close-mindedness.

6. "Idiocracy"

The movie Idiocracy is a satirical social commentary about the future where the ignorant people of America dominate the country and takeover its operations, thereby destroying intelligence and future progress.

Today there are still many intellectuals in America, however this movie is supposed to act as cautionary tale of what will happen if people allow the Internet and television to take over their minds. In this movie, the futuristic people think of knowledge and reading as stupid. The only things they hold in esteem are sex and entertainment. There will never be total annihilation of education’s value, but today’s generation has become very entranced by technology, often forgoing activities such as reading and studying. It is an important movie because it shows people the farthest extreme that can occur if they do not rely at all on their intellect. It is important for people from this generation to see this film, so they can remember why intelligence and innovation are more important than consumerism and entertainment.

7. "Olympus has Fallen"

Olympus Has Fallen terrifyingly depicts America’s fears about the government’s susceptibility to terrorist infiltration. The epitome of American patriotism would be the White House, which is referred to in this movie by Secret Servicemen as “Olympus.” The takeover of the White House is no coincidence. It is supposed to cause major panic in the audience at the thought that the government’s most protected sanctuary could be overthrown. This movie is about the American fear of terrorism as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The concept that another government has the intelligence to sneak in carefully enough to attack from the inside is one of the greatest fears that Americans have in a world that has become exceedingly advanced technologically.

8. "American Sniper"

American Sniper focuses on the service and sacrifice of America’s best sniper and the struggles that military servicemen and women experience as they adjust back to civilian life at home. This movie is so important because it is truly a product of its time in every way. It highlights the War on Terror, which is ongoing, and it follows the military service of the most lethal American sniper, who passed away only a couple of years ago. Chris Kyle and his service to the United States are symbolic of true American patriotism and sacrifice of self. Chris Kyle is also symbolic of other servicemen and women who made sacrifices for this country’s freedom. Although Kyle is not a character in storybook, he is truly an anomaly as far as normal men, and this is why his story is so inspirational while at the same time shocking.

9. "The Dark Knight Rises"

In real life there are no superheroes like Batman, however this movie takes a terrorist situation that is as extreme as possible and brings in a superhero to save the masses. If there were another terrorist attack on American soil in reality, police officers, FBI agents, and military servicemen and woman would fight them. However, Batman is symbolic of all people’s desire to be rescued by a savior. Batman is the savior because he rescues the city of Gotham from total anarchy. Truly, Batman is the embodiment of all the American protectors put into one man. The fact that he saves Gotham from Bane is symbolic of the way that the police officers save citizens from criminals, and also the way that the military servicemen and women daily sacrifice their lives to protect the liberty and lives of Americans.

10. "The Equalizer"

The Equalizer focuses on the issue of sex trafficking in America through the Russian mob. Robert McCall is the vigilante hero of the movie. In this movie, McCall displays the primal desire to protect people in danger, and this is symbolized when he singlehandedly goes after the entire Russian mob. Although the idea that one man can totally obliterate this mob is highly unrealistic, having the desire to eliminate the issue of human trafficking is not. The fact that McCall is able to get rid of the mob is symbolic of the American wish to be able to completely eliminate problems as they appear. His vigilante justice is also symbolic of the longing that many people feel when faced with problems and issues that could be solved if the government would turn a blind eye.