There are a million genres for movies out there these days, some a combination of others. This can make it more than a little difficult to narrow them down and find the right movie to watch. One of my favorite types of movie is the kind that makes you think and wonder about life. It's one of the more difficult genres to sort through, because it's hard to tell which ones are going to make you think and which ones are going to be disappointing. If you're ever in the mood to watch a movie that makes you think, here are my top ten. Most of these are newer movies, with a few classic favorites. Brace yourselves.
1. "I Origins" (2014)
This movie covers the idea of reincarnation as it follows a scientist on the search for the possible reincarnation of his former love. It makes you think about the concept of a past and after life, and it's connections with who you are today. If this is an idea you are interested in, this movie will definitely get you thinking.
2. "About Time" (2013)
This touching movie starring Rachel Adams explores the idea of time travel, and how the main character uses it for different aspects of his life. It is also an emotional movie as the viewer watches Tim, the main character, struggle between re-visiting the past and living in the present.
3. "The Perks of Being A Wallflower" (2012)
Based on the book by the same name by Stephen Chbosky, this film follows the life of Charlie, an incoming freshman, as he struggles with very real issues that are not often talked about. This movie has humor but is definitely on the darker side; however, I strongly recommend it if you're in the mood for a movie that handles the harsher and darker sides of life that many teenagers have to face, but are not often discussed.
4. "The Adjustment Bureau" (2011)
This movie has the viewer questioning life and who truly controls it. It is a movie that requires full attention, but it will definitely have you questioning reality and how your life turned out the way it did.
5. "Inception" (2010)
Ready to question your own consciousness, thoughts and ideas? "Inception" follows Dom Cobb, who can enter into people's dreams and alter their thoughts. It will make you think about the concept of reality and how that ties into your dreams, and leave you thinking long after you're done watching it.
6. "Life of Pi" (2012)
"Life of Pi" is a movie based on the book of the same name by Yann Martel. It follows the life of a boy who loses his entire family in a shipwreck. He struggles to survive at sea in a lifeboat with a tiger, named Richard Parker, a zebra, an orangutan, and a hyena. The movie twists and unfolds the story of whether these animals are real or symbolic creatures in his story. The movie, based on the book by the same name, makes you think about how the need for survival forces a person to change, and the effects that come after.
7. "If I Stay" (2014)
This movie follows the story of a girl's life in a series of flashbacks after she is in a car accident with her family. The viewer see's her as a spirit as she makes the decision of fighting for her life and waking up, or letting herself die after the rest of her family dies in the aftermath of the accident. This movie is an emotional one. It will make you aware of and grateful for the people around you as well as all the good things in your life. The movie is based on the book of the same name by Gayle Forman.
8. "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006)
Will and Jaden Smith star in this movie about a man's struggle with
homelessness. It is based on the life of Chris Gardner and follows a
father and son as they work hard to get to where they want to be.
The movie is an inspirational one, and forces you to think about what
you want and how hard you're willing to work to get there. It also
helps you realize that you can do anything you want, which sometimes
is a reminder we need.
9. "Fight Club" (1999)
This is a popular one, but it's one I personally like and thought deserved a place on this list. It's one that makes you think about many aspects of your life. It forces you to question who you are and who you want. It makes you think about how far you would push yourself. It also brings up the idea of your priorities, and how much material things play a role in that, and why. A notable quote from this movie is, “The things you own end up owning you.” This movie is also based on the book of the same name, written by Chuck Palahniuk.
10. "I am Sam" (2001)
This movie, starring Sean Penn and Dakota Fanning, is yet another emotional one on my list, but it is one I highly recommend. Sean Penn plays Sam, a father with a mental disability, who is raising his daughter, Lucy, an incredibly intelligent individual. The viewer witnesses the struggles Sam faces, as well as his relationship with his daughter as he fights for custody of her. This movie takes on a major issue and does it well. It is another movie that will have you thinking long after you watch it.
I have many other favorites in this genre outside of these ten, but these are a few that I strongly recommend for everyone to watch at least once.





















