Being the pop-culture obsessed freak that I am, cinema has played an important role in shaping my life. Films can have the power to change you in ways you didn't expect and that's what I love about cinema.

Some films have left impacts on my life that I still reflect on today. My sense of humor, my interests and my taste in films have all been affected by what I have absorbed on the big screen.

From redefining what types of films I like to forming sentimental memories, these films have impacted my life in very real, very tangible ways.

1. "The Shining" (1980)

I'll put my scariest pick on the top of the list. Yes, this movie scared me to the core the first time that I saw it. But after re-watching it, I saw director Stanley Kubrick's brilliance.

The effects of this movie aren't just felt in a darkened theater with the film rolling; this film stuck with me. Because of the art of this movies cinematography, acting, and psychological horror, it caused me to commence internet searches for answers. That's when I found the movie "Room 237." It's a documentary that explores the hidden messages and questions in this film.

"The Shining" taught me that cinema isn't just something you view on a screen for two hours and forget about it after watching. It's something that allows directors absolute creative freedom.

2. "Interstellar" (2014)

Probably the most re-watchable film on this list, this movie played with my imagination and mind. And the scariest part about that is the science behind this film isn't that far off. This movie has changed the way that I perceive life itself by exploring the unknown.

3. "Superbad" (2007)

My humor is something I value greatly and it's films like these that have polished my sense of humor. Not only is this movie ridiculously hilarious, but it exposed me to the (fantasy) world of high school, booze and sex before anyone actually taught me.

4. "A Bout de Souffle" (1960)

I usually stay far away from black and white films due to my hatred for boredom but this film is different.

Not only is this film spectacular but it's in French. As a French studies minor, the culture of France intrigues me. The plot of the story? An American journalist in France falls in love with a French outlaw. (Sultry, right?) This is most girls' dreams, including mine.

This film changed my life because I first saw it when I was living in France last summer. It inspired me to take steps to further learn the French language and try to adapt this from the silver screen to my own life.

5. "Whiplash" (2014)

A gripping story about a young determined musician studying at a music school studying the art of drumming and jazz. The plot might look bleak on paper but when you have Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons as leads, it's quite the opposite.

This film still leaves me on the edge of my seat anticipating what is about to come next. Having a background in dancing, I know the frustrating feeling of not reaching perfection. I think that's why this movie's message stands out to me so much.

6. "The Twilight Saga" (2008-2012)

I truly am sorry for this entry, but hear me out. As a 6th grader, having one of your favorite vampire romance novels transferred to the big screen was a big deal. These films taught me about commitment to a story. With five films, I never once missed a premiere.

Robert Pattinson was my first celebrity love obsessions, and during that time of my life, I don't think a day went by when I didn't get an argument about whether Edward or Jacob was better. Although it's rare, to this day I will still get into arguments about it.

Watching these movies today brings me a great sense of nostalgia.

7. "The Sixth Sense" (1999)

Thanks for screwing will all of our minds, Shyamalan.

Although I was under 10-years-old when I first saw this thriller, it impacted me. I was enthralled that a director could create a plot twist with the magnitude that this movie has. It also began my obsession around the supernatural.

8. "Thirteen" (2003)

Another movie I was probably exposed to far too early, this movie about childhood and innocence got to me upon its first viewing. I remember after I finished the film, I ran outside to my mother who was sitting on the patio and gave her a hug.

This film gave me a new-found appreciation for my family and my own innocence. Growing up is a bizarre challenging process and this film taught me this at a young age. It also taught me to never ever get my tongue pierced.

9. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

This film is my definition of the perfect mystery-detective film. A likable cannibal, young Jodie Foster and an insane serial killer make this film one of the most thrilling I've ever seen. It changed the way I viewed cinema from the superb acting to the outrageous twists and turns in the storyline.

There you have it, nine movies that have changed my life.