I think it would be fair to say that I’ve made movies my entire personality at this point, but, hey, there are much worse things to be known for. Now, I won’t say my word is fact, but I have watched quite a few movies in my time, and, as hard as it is to narrow it down to just 10 that I love, I’ve taken the time and put myself through agony to put together this list of movies I think are close to perfect.
PSA: these are not in a specific order. I truly couldn’t put them in a proper ranking if I tried.
- Jurassic Park directed by Steven Spielberg
First on the list and the movie that I champion as my number one, Jurassic Park. Guys, I love dinosaurs. Like, really, really, really love dinosaurs. Also, Laura Dern as Ellie Sattler was a life changing experience for me in so many ways. Something about this movie just makes me feel so giddy every time I watch it.
- The Truman Show directed by Peter Weir
Sometimes I think about the fact that we could all be living in a Truman Show-esque situation, and it sends me down a bit of a paranoid spiral. This movie is just absolutely delightful.
- Dead Poets Society directed by Peter Weir
“Oh, captain, my captain.” Peter Weir strikes again. This movie — oh my god, this movie. I don’t think I’ve ever watched this and made it all the way through without absolutely falling apart at the end. The late Robin Williams — easily one of my favorite actors and arguably one of the most talented in the game — delivers a gripping performance. I genuinely sob every time I watch this movie, it’s truly perfect in my eyes.
- Good Will Hunting directed by Gus Van Sant
Robin Williams, the man that you are. I could make an argument for this being the performance of a lifetime. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have put together a story that explores the depths of being human. I love, love, love this movie.
- Little Women directed by Greta Gerwig
I read Little Women for the first time when I was in fifth grade. Jo March was one of the first characters I ever truly felt connected to. Gerwig’s interpretation of the story is mesmerizing. With powerful performances for equally powerful characters, every moment of the movie feels incredibly intentional. I can never look away when watching this one.
- Past Lives directed by Celine Song
This movie. I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve talked about this one before, and I can only say the same as before: Celine Song needs to be studied. This movie was her directorial and writing debut, and, my god, what a debut. The emotions this movie pulled out of me and the way I still think about it to this day…it’s incredible in every facet.
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 directed by Dean DeBlois
I adore this movie with all my heart. John Powell has made it onto my Spotify Wrapped for years now just because of this movie, more specifically because of the masterpiece that is Stoick’s Ship. While the first movie has this one beat with the nostalgia factor, I would say this movie is the perfect example of the power of animation.
- The Two Towers directed by Peter Jackson
Ok, maybe I have a thing for sequels. The entire Lord of the Rings trilogy really is just an incredible feat of storytelling, but The Two Towers has always been my favorite of them. If you’ve never watched the series, do yourself a favor and set aside a day or two for it. And if you want the full experience, the extended editions are literally the only proper way to watch these (yes, I know they’re obscenely long; just trust me when I say they’re a must).
- Revenge of the Sith directed by George Lucas
I could talk about the tragedy that is the prequel era of Star Wars until I lose my voice and exhaust every word in the English — and even the Arabic — language. I find this movie to be one of the most entertaining, emotionally devastating watches, even with its flaws. It truly is like watching a train wreck happen — you just can’t look away. And, I mean, it doesn’t hurt that the cast is very, very pretty.
- Interstellar directed by Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan is the best director to ever do the job and I truly believe that. I contemplated with myself over and over which of his movies to put on this list, because, if I’m being completely honest, I could put together a list that is entirely his work. But the more I thought on it, the more it became clear to me that there was only one option, and that was Interstellar. This movie is indescribable.
Honorable mentions:
- Se7en directed by David Fincher
- Lady Bird directed by Greta Gerwig
- Aftersun directed by Charlotte Wells
- How To Train Your Dragon (the first one) directed by Dean DeBlois
- Before Sunrise directed by Richard Linklater
- Pride And Prejudice directed by Joe Wright
- The Dark Knight directed by Christopher Nolan
So, next time you’re doom scrolling through streaming services to find a movie to watch, maybe give this list a quick peek. Not to toot my own horn, but it is kind of awesome and it does appear that I have pretty great taste. Until next time, as Truman says in The Truman Show, “Good morning. And in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.”