I've compiled a list of a few of my top favorite movies that I really enjoy because of their messages, details, plots, actors, and cinematography. If you're ever bored or in need of something new to watch, check these out.
1. The Shining (1980), Directed by Stanley Kubrick
2. The Truman Show (1998), Directed by Peter Weir
Jim Carey stars in this beautiful film as your everyday Average Joe. The only problem is that unbeknownst to Truman (Jim Carey), his entire life has been filmed and is one of the top television shows in the country. Follow Truman on his journey as he uncovers the settling truth about what’s real and what has been a lie.
3. Donnie Darko (2001), Directed by Richard Kelly
In this dark sci-fi movie, Jake Gyllenhaal plays Donnie; a teenager taking medication, falling in love and oh yeah… having strange visions of a creepy bunny rabbit that tells him to commit specific crimes.
4. American Beauty (1999), Directed by Sam Mendes
Kevin Spacey plays a husband and father, suffering from boredom and depression in his average life. He has a failing relationship with his family, and the world is bleak. However, the sky opens and the light shines through when he meets his daughter’s best friend, a beautiful, flirty teenager. The whole world changes for him as he daydreams about her more every day.
5. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), Directed by Milos Forman
Jack Nicholson takes the spotlight once again in another movie based on a wonderful novel. As a criminal who claims he’s insane, Jack wreaks havoc the day he arrives in the mental institution. He only knows how to rebel, and that brings light into the lives of all of the patients, showing them that they can fight back against the people in charge.
6. Pulp Fiction (1994), Directed by Quentin Tarantino
This is a class everyone has definitely heard of. John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman star in this gangster film consisting of multiple plot lines. You think it’s a generic gangster movie, but Tarantino puts a twist on it, with many notable scenes you’ve probably seen everywhere on the Internet.
7. Whiplash (2014), Directed by Damien Chazelle
This is the only recent movie on this list because this film is unlike many others. As a drummer in one of the top music colleges, a first year student, Andrew, faces the challenge of being accepted into a high demand, studio band. His mentor and the conductor, is even more demanding, creating stress and tension in Andrew’s life. However, Andrew is determined to fight and bring himself to the top through all obstacles thrown in his way.
8. Spirited Away (2011), Directed by Hayao Myazaki
Spirited Away is an animated film one would think is only for children. It’s for all ages, with its creepy, fantasy characters and plot line where a young girl discovers a ghost world, encountering strange creatures to help save her parents.
9. Her (2013), Directed by Spike Jonze
This film has a vintage appearance with a futuristic twist. Technology has taken over society in a subtle, gentle way. One lonely man finds himself falling in love with a device that adapts to his personality and speaks to him, keeping him company.
10. The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989), Directed by Peter Greenaway
This is a unique British movie involving gangsters and chefs. The lead man is in charge of the business that occurs throughout the restaurant, in control of the employees. His wife, tired of his abuse, finds love in the restaurant and must sneak around her husband. There are also a lot details and emotions embedded within this film.
