If you're a movie lover like me, you know it's hard to pick the absolute best ones. This is not a definitive list of the greatest movies of all time. It consists of films that I personally love and think everyone should see. You may not agree with this list, but maybe you'll find a new favorite. So, here is my list of movies that everyone should watch in their lifetime.
1. "Back to the Future"
Probably the best and most well known time travel movie to date, it follows Marty McFly and Doc Brown as they travel through time and deal with the problems that ensue. Join this iconic duo for a wild and entertaining ride through time.
2. "American History X"
This is a movie that really stays in your mind after you watch it. I found myself thinking about it for days after I watched for a class. It is a brutal story about the discrimination, hatred, and violence spread by neo-nazis and two brothers caught up in it. Although it is violent and graphic, I think that everyone should see it because it offers a lot of
3. "Zootopia"
Even if you're not a huge Disney fan like me, you have to admit that they have come out with some classic movies over the years. "Zootopia" does not fall short of this. It is a tale of Judy, a bunny who, against the odds, becomes a cop in Zootopia - a metropolis made up of a wide variety of talking, clothes-wearing animals. However, this movie is about much more than a bunch of cute animals. It has underlying themes of prejudice, equality, and making your own path. Even though it is a movie targeted towards kids, we can all learn from it.
4. "The Godfather", Parts I and II
"I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse," and many other famous lines come from these movies. They are classic. The saga of an Italian mob family in the 1940s may be long, but it's definitely worth a watch. They have an interesting and intricate plot based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo, not to mention incredible performances by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and others.
5. "Forrest Gump"
In one of Tom Hanks' best performances, he portrays Forrest, a simple man who has a life full of adventure. Like a box of chocolates, this movie has something for everyone: love, war, history, and even ping pong. Forrest's journey will definitely get you in your feels.
6. "Clue"
Okay, so this one is no Oscar-winning, critically acclaimed film, but it's fun. I am probably be one of few who is obsessed with this movie (or has even heard of it), but hey, this is my list! Ever played the board game "Clue"? Well, this movie is based on it, and it's hilarious. Just give this whodunit a try, and make sure you watch all three endings.
7. "Pulp Fiction"
Quentin Tarantino's electric drama follows various characters who's stories intertwine in a unique way of storytelling. This one is a little hard to explain, so I'll just say that it is a wild ride. You will have to watch this one yourself to get the full effect.
8. "10 Things I Hate About You"
I had to add at least one rom-com to this list, and while it's no "Pulp Fiction", it's a good movie nonetheless. The tale about sisters Kat and Bianca has all the essential components of a great romantic comedy. There's your female lead that is different from the other girls, a musical number, and of course a problem that ALMOST ruins the relationship. What stands out the most about this movie is Kat's independence and refusal to be a damsel in distress.
9. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
The amazingly talented Jack Nicholson rocks the boat in a mental institution when he pleads insanity to avoid jail time. However, he is not really mentally insane... or is he? You'll have to decide for yourself when you watch this great movie that offers entertaining characters and a plot that will make you both laugh and cry.
10. "Pleasantville"
In this movie, twins played by Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon get stuck in a 50s T.V. show and shake things up in the "perfect" town of Pleasantville. This movie advocates that there is no perfect way that things should be and stresses appreciating the things that make life worth living.
11. "Step Brothers"
This, in my opinion, is one of the best comedy movies ever. It's about two thirty-something men who still live at home and become stepbrothers when their parents get married. They do not get along at first, but then they find some common ground and hilarity ensues.
12. "Hidden Figures"
The newest film on this list, tells the true story of three African-American women who worked for NASA in the 1960s. It mainly revolves around Katherine Jackson, played by Taraji Henson, who helped put the first man in space. This movie touches on the issues of discrimination and equality of both African-Americans and women.
13. "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back"
I couldn't make this list without including a flick from one of the biggest movie franchises of all time, and The Empire strikes back is the best one. I don't think it can be considered a spoiler alert anymore that Darth Vader is Luke's father, but it shocked everyone when this movie first came out, and that says something.
14. "Leon: The Professional"
This underrated film stars a young Natalie Portman as a newly orphaned girl who is taken in by a professional hitman and is taught how to be an assassin herself. It is a unique and moving story that you'll be glad you watched.
