Your finals are taken, the semester is complete, and you are finally home for a few glorious weeks. But inevitably, being home doing absolutely nothing can get a little boring. As a self-proclaimed movie enthusiast, I recommend, of course, watching movies to pass the time. If you’re stuck on what to watch, I got your back. I’ve tried to include a wide variety, so you’ve got cartoons, 80s teen movies, horror films, classics, and films that probably aren’t suitable to watch with your little brother, so be aware.
1. Back to the Future
A true classic. Back to the Future is easily one of my favorite movies. Marty’s adventures with Doc make us all wish time travel was real so we could have our own hilarious adventures. While I only put the first one on the list, you should definitely watch all three.
2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Bueller? Bueller? A timeless teen comedy from John Hughes, Ferris’s school-skipping adventures with his best friend, Cameron, and his girlfriend, Sloane, around Chicago were basically every teenager’s dream.
3. Nightmare on Elm Street
1, 2, Freddy’s coming for you. If you haven’t seen this timeless horror film, you’re missing out. Freddy Kruger is terrifying, but he’s also kind of hilarious.
4. Weird Science
Another John Hughes movie, Weird Science follows two nerdy best friends as they create the perfect girlfriend. The result? Hilarity.
5. Django Unchained
My only warning about this film: Quentin Tarantino is a bloody director. If you can get past that, you’ll get to experience truly phenomenal acting from Leo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, and Samuel L. Jackson.
6. The Princess Bride
As you wish. She gets kidnapped. He gets killed. But it all turns out okay.
7. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
These two best friends have a history report due. So they decide to do the only logical thing: take a time machine to different points in history (a better alternative to studying, in my opinion). In the end, they remind everyone to "be excellent to each other."
8. The Sixth Sense
Another film that’s on its way to becoming a classic. Bruce Willis’s acting is great, but child actor Haley Joel Osment’s portrayal of Cole impressed me more. Seriously, how many great child actors are there? Not to mention the twist ending completely blew me away.
9. The Wolf of Wall Street
Another amazing performance from Leo DiCaprio, this movie is definitely not one to watch with your younger siblings. Leo plays a wealthy stockbroker who is also a drug addict. It’s lengthy, but it’s definitely worth the watch.
10. Breakfast Club
Okay, I just really like John Hughes. This movie, if you don’t already know, follows five classmates who spend Saturday detention together. Warm-hearted and funny, this coming-of-age film is a must.
11. Saw
Another horror film. Let me tell you guys, I love horror movies, but it’s not often that I find one completely amazing. It’s bloody, scary, and overall a great watch that really makes you think.
12. Coraline
This movie is a bit dark, with neglectful parents and a young girl wishing for their attention. Then she finds a door that leads to the Other World, and her Other Parents. It’s supposed to be a children’s movie, but I find it to be pretty disturbing, albeit very entertaining and well-done.
13. Raiders of the Lost Ark
Harrison Ford’s portrayal of the archeologist is just one plus of this movie. I’ll be honest, I didn’t think I would like this movie at all—but then I watched it. Seriously, guys, even if you hate action movies like I do, give this one a chance.
14. Jaws
I personally believe Steven Spielberg is one of the greatest directors out there. Beware, though: Jaws might make you never want to go to the beach again. Or it might make you want to buy a bigger boat.
15. Edward Scissorhands
I love Johnny Depp. Edward is a complete sweetheart. If you haven’t seen this movie, don’t watch it unless you’re prepared to fall in love, k?
16. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Another classic. It’s stupid, it makes absolutely no sense, and it’s hilarious. ‘Nuff said.
17. Big Hero 6
I love Disney, and Big Hero 6 really hit it out of the park. Not only does it encourage expressing emotions and dealing with mental health, it has Baymax, and everybody loves Baymax.
18. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
Zac Efron and Adam DeVine team up as a brother duo looking for dates for their sister’s Hawaiian wedding. The girls they find, however, aren’t exactly who they say they are.
19. Kingsman: The Secret Service
Another movie I didn’t want to watch because I thought I’d hate it. Trust me, guys, this movie is absolutely fantastic. It’s captivating, and there’s a dog.
20. Deadpool
I’ll be real, I added Deadpool because my boyfriend said I needed a superhero movie. I chose this one because he’s hilariously sarcastic and because of Ryan Reynolds. No other explanation needed, really.
