I love movies that make me question myself. Don't get me wrong, not every good film has to send you into an existential crisis - some of my favorite movies are raunchy, terrifying, overly gushy, and just plain stupid. But sometimes you just need a little inspiration, and movies can be a fantastic source for that. Therefore, I've compiled a list of ten movies that will change your perspective on life in one way or another. Hopefully you find one that you've never heard of before and fall in love with!
1. 'Stranger Than Fiction' (2006)
What would you do if a writer in your head began narrating your life? In Stranger Than Fiction, Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) wakes up one day with just that, and her alluding to his death sends him into an existential freakout. I love this movie because while it is one of Ferrell's more serious performances, it's still a lovely embrace of the absurd. If you're starting to feel powerless over the direction of your life, or you're trying to get over your fear of death, I highly recommend watching this movie.
2. 'A Clockwork Orange' (1971)
This is actually a recent watch for me, but there are so many important layers to this movie! The soundtrack, Malcolm McDowell's performance, and the set design all tie in together in a way that distinguishes A Clockwork Orange as a true work of art. If you've read the book, the ending is quite different (but I actually like Kubrick's version a lot better). I would not recommend this to anyone who is triggered by violence or rape, because it can be very disturbing at times, but if you're interested in psychotherapy, societal views of violence, or glamorous sociopaths, it's definitely worth the watch.
3. 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' (2004)
About a month ago, one of my friends who recently went through a break-up asked me if she thought it would be possible to completely erase someone out of her mind. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind explores this question through experimental memory procedures, in which two ex-lovers (played by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet) voluntarily sign up to forget each other. This movie somehow managed to dismiss the idea of the manic-pixie dream girl before the trope even existed. As someone who A. has also had their heart broken over and over again by painful memories, and B. feels as if sometimes my unpredictability is meant to cater to a man's sense of personal development, this movie really hit home. If you're desperately craving a romantic film that offers more substance than the Noah Centineo movies Netflix currently has to offer, I recommend this.
4. 'Mr. Nobody' (2009)
If you've ever asked yourself the question, "What would my life be like if I had...", you need to see Mr. Nobody. This slightly sci-fi movie is rich with symbolism and philosophy, following multiple story arcs of the last mortal man on his death bed as he reflects his life. If you're looking for a linear film that answers life's greatest questions with an easy truth, this isn't for you. But if you're unsure of what path to take in life, or you feel like mistakes you've made in the past are eating you alive, this is a must-see.
5. 'World's Greatest Dad' (2009)
This movie is dark. Like, revolving around a father who feigns a suicide note for his son once he discovers he's died of autoerotic asphyxiation dark, but it's incredibly charming. Lance in World's Greatest Dad is one of Robin Williams's lesser known roles, but it's one of his most important, touching on themes of suicide, artist recognition, self-acceptance, and loneliness. I absolutely love this movie, and if you're scared of dying alone you probably will too.
6. 'Idiocracy' (2006)
Super offensive, super hilarious, and super insightful. The world of Idiocracy might seem like a far stretch from the world we live in today, but it's a smart take on what the possible effects of ignoring human rights and rampant commercialism can do to a society. Also, Maya Rudolph is incredible as always. If you like SNL or you're interested in the theatre of politics, this movie will definitely leave an impression on you.
7. 'Her' (2013)
Not only did Her win my heart, but it also gave me new insight on love and dating. Joaquin Phoenix does an excellent job at falling in love with an AI, and the film surprised me with how much it was less about the philosophical question of dating a computer than the overarching theme of going through life as a lonely person. Oddly enough, as a young person who occasionally uses Tinder, it was really relatable and understanding. I would recommend Her to anyone who feels alone in the digital age.
8. 'Synecdoche, New York' (2008)
This movie is truly a masterpiece. Synecdoche, New York feels like a dream, in which time is manipulated, hearts are broken over and over again, and metaphysical boundaries are pushed. But the more distorted reality gets in our anti-hero Caden's (Philip Seymour Hoffman) world, the more truths about the actual human experience are revealed. This is a recent watch for me, but its brutal honesty was so touching I had to include it in this list. You might have to watch it a couple times, however (I plan on rewatching this every five years), because there are so many surreal elements that you might miss. While some critics have called it self-indulgent, I believe the self-indulgence is a necessary part of the narrative, and it's something that everyone needs to see.
9. 'Lady Bird' (2017)
I thought I swore off coming-of-age movies after graduating high school, but now I'm kicking myself for not watching this sooner. If you haven't seen Lady Bird yet, you absolutely should. I loved watching Christine (Saoirse Ronan) grow over the course of the movie, and the relationship between the main character and her mother really hit home. Greta Gerwig is an excellent filmmaker, and I couldn't get over how spot on the writing consistently was. If you're struggling with a family member you should check it out, but really all teenagers and young adults will be able to take something away from this beautiful film.
10. 'The Truman Show' (1998)
Last but not least, we arrive at The Truman Show, which happens to be my favorite movie of all time. It's another serious role for Jim Carrey that proves he can do just about anything - make you laugh, cry, and question your very existence on this planet. His last line, "In case I don't see you... good afternoon, good evening, and good night" is one of the most wonderfully appropriate ways to end any conversation. I'd also like to add that the soundtrack on this movie is stunning - shoutout to "Truman Sleeps", composed by Philip Glass. It's existential, it's meta, and it's just so lovable. Everyone should see this movie once, if not multiple times, because you'll always take away something new after every watch.
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