There are movies and then there are movies. We all know that majority of the films we see are short-lived and probably won't have a long-term effect on us in the long run. They're entertaining for a small period of time and eventually are forgotten. However, every once and a while, a special type of movie comes along and captures the attention of the public. These movies are important, and they become essential to watch, digest, and retain. If they are truly special enough, they become ingrained in our society and contain cultural references that people of all walks of life should recognize, understand, and memorize. They are classics, they are timeless, and everyone should know what they are.

The Titanic

If you haven't seen this one, you live under a rock. It's one of the most famous movies of all time, portraying one of the most horrific disasters of all time.... what could be better than that? Although Leonardo DiCaprio didn't win an Oscar for this one, he definitely should have. Seriously, be ready because it's a definite tear-jerker, and makes even the toughest of people hope for the true love Jack and Rose had, and desperately wish they had made it. "I'll never let go, Jack!" Yeah, me neither Rose, there was totally enough room for you both.

perfect for us college kids. It's about a group of friends in college and how they adjust to the wildly different life after school. You follow the group through their triumphs, failures, first jobs, first time being fired, money struggles, and longing their favorite bar, The 'St Elmo's Bar.' They embark on new adventures as adults and reminisce about the old ones as teens, all while having an amazing time together. Fun fact: the movie is especially interesting for those who go to Univeristy of Maryland or Georgetown, because it is shot at both schools, shoutout to the Terps and the Hoyas!

Grease

Another classic that everyone should have seen already, and if not it should be at the top of your list! This movie follows two teens in love at Rydell High in the 1960s who are VERY different. A bad boy and a goody-two-shoes girl met one summer, and the rest is history. Will their relationship survive all of the adversity in their way? Or will it crumble under the pressure from their friends and the rest of the school?

The Godfather (1, 2, 3)

Everyone says the second is the best one, but hey, I'll let you be the judge. Each movie is terribly long and can get dry during some parts, but don't worry, Don Corleone would never let that happen for too long. Here, you follow one of the most powerful men in the Italian-American mafia who is the epitome of "it's better to be feared than loved." Everyone basically worships Don Corleone, and you DO NOT want to get on his bad side. Although he is widely feared, he always puts his family first.

The Breakfast Club

Ugh, detention on a Saturday. Five students from insanely different worlds enter New Trier High School one weekend day, and come out a few hours later, changed completely, and for good. What happened during that few hours in detention that could have so drastically altered their lives? You'll have to find that out for yourself. Have fun piecing together which one of them is a brain... and an athlete... a basket case... a princess... and a criminal. Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club

The Graduate

Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson... This movie will make you say no, wait, seriously, did he really just do that? Follow Ben Braddock's adventures to find, or hide, from love after college. The Graduate has many twists, and surprises that will keep you intrigued throughout the story. Even though Ben passed college, he's failing at his love life. So Ben, do us all a favor and choose the right Robinson, would ya?

It's a Wonderful Life

Sometimes, life is hard. No matter what you do, you just can't seem to win. George Bailey is the older brother who is always coming in second place to his younger brother. After many mishaps and things that have gone wrong, George wishes he was never born. An angel appears to make his wish come true. Will George reach the conclusion that it is a wonderful life, and maybe he should continue to live it, or will he decide that life is better without him in it.

Dead Poets Society

Boys don't like poetry right?? It's too girly. Watch as John Keating (Robin Williams) changes the minds of young affluent boys at a fancy boarding school, for the better. The boys learn many valuable lessons through Keating and create a special bond through poetry. They are encouraged to express themselves and stay true to who they are, despite the pressures of who they are supposed to be. But will the pressures ultimately end up crushing them and everything Keating has taught them?

Honorable Mention:

• Casablanca
• Rear Window
• Psycho (1960)
• Breakfast at Tiffany’s
• Midnight Cowboy
• Chinatown
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
• Deer Hunter
• Animal House
• ET
• Back to the Future
• The Goonies
• When Harry Met Sally
• Goodfellas
• Reservoir Dogs
• Pulp Fiction
• Usual Suspects
• Hotel Rwanda
• Wizard of Oz
• Casablanca
• Fight Club
• Mary Poppins
• King Kong
• The Shining
• Steel Magnolias

All of these movies are extremely famous and widely referenced. They are classics that everyone, especially young people should watch. I can't say that all of them will be winners for all of you, but hopefully you'll find a few that make you listen and fall in love with.