There are some movies that make us laugh, and some that make us cry. Some keep us on the edge of our seats, while others make our hearts flutter. But my favorite kind of movies are those that seem to capture the beauty of life and what it means to be human. Here are four of my favorite movies – movies that I consider truly beautiful.

1. Moonrise Kingdom (2012).

Moonrise Kingdom, like most Wes Anderson films, has a very quirky aesthetic and lots of strange characters. It's a coming-of-age story about two young social misfits who decide to meet up and embark on an adventure together. I find the scenery, colors and music of this movie really beautiful, and the characters are a refreshing balance between abnormal and relatable.

2. The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014).

The Hundred-Foot Journey is a really charming story of an Indian family that moves to France to continue their culinary journey, right across the street from a sophisticated French restaurant. The relationship between the two sides is really comical at times, but it is ultimately a beautiful story of learning to appreciate different people and cultures. Oh, and also – be warned that this movie will make you very, very hungry for some good food!

3. The 400 Blows (1959).

The 400 Blows follows the existentialism of young Antoine's childhood, capturing the most mundane and exciting aspects of his life as a troublemaker. The movie touches on a lot of heavy themes, such as the affects of growing up in a broken household, or the way in which a strict education can cause children to feel trapped within society. This movie leaves a lot up to interpretation, and will leave you thinking for a long time afterward, but it is ultimately the story of a boy growing up and trying to determine who he will be.

4. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013).

Walter Mitty is still probably my favorite movie to date. Somehow it manages to be a witty comedy, an awkward romance and a serious call to adventure all at the same time. From the development of Walter Mitty himself, to the beautiful scenery, the soundtrack and the storytelling, this is a truly beautiful movie that will make you want to hop on a plane and start adventuring as soon as the end credits roll.

There are lots of good movies out there. But I think these are particularly close to my heart because they go beyond mere entertainment. They display humanity in all its beauty, ugliness, awkwardness and joy. They remind me of how beautiful this life is, and they challenge me to live it to the fullest. Sure, films that provide an escape are fun – but the ones that call us deeper into reality are true masterpieces.