Everyone has felt this way before; you don’t know what to watch, but you know you want to feel something. If that’s the case, these films are for you.
I could have chosen to write about the classics (The Notebook, Titanic, The Fault in Our Stars, Forrest Gump, Gatsby, Schindler’s List…etc) but if they are real classics, everyone has probably already seen them. That is why I tried to find lesser-known movies, but are still amazing, for this theme. Here is the list:
1. The Bucket List
This movie is about two terminally ill men with opposing personalities on a road trip with a list of goals they want to achieve before they ‘kick the bucket.’ It is a poignant story with touching characters that evolve and one of the main actors is Morgan Freeman. What can keep you from watching this movie now?
2. My Sister’s Keeper
‘Heartbreaking’ would be the best word to describe this movie. It is a complex family story with members that depend on each other (literally). This movie teaches us how precious life is and I really recommend it to you.
3. Patch Adams
This is a true story; the doctor Patch Adams really exists. His real name is Hunter Doherty, “Patch” Adams and he is an American physician, a social activist, comedian and an author. It is the story of a man who was determined to become a medical doctor because he enjoyed helping people. He ventured where no doctor had ventured before, using humour and pathos.
4. Five Feet Apart
This story is about two cancer patients who fall in love and even if it is fair to admit that love stories like this often have a similar ending, this film does not hide the very real experiences of having a disease. This story explores how their illnesses mean that they cannot meet and must remain “five feet apart.” Are they going to respect that rule? Watch to find out.
5. The Green Mile
The Green Mile is a classic. Stephen King wrote a book inspired by the true story of George Stinney Jr who was executed at the age of 14. He became the youngest executed human in history but has been proved innocent after 70 years. George Stinney was black and was accused of murdering two white girls. It was an unfair trial and that is what this movie is all about. It is about life and imperfect humans. The story is amazing because it highlights the real horror and beauty of humanity at the same time.
6. Atonement
Heartbreaking. Speechless. It’s about jealousy between sisters, war and love. It’s a cliché movie at the level of family quarrels but I recommend it! The actors are very knowledgeable and display emotions perfectly throughout the movie.
7. Becoming Jane (2007) & Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Becoming Jane is inspired by Jane Austen’s life and Pride and Prejudice is based on Jane Austen’s book which I found particularly interesting because the movies are related.
Pride and Prejudice is an impossible love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth meets single, rich and proud Mr. Darcy. However, Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can they overcome their pride and prejudice?
Becoming Jane (played by Anne Hathaway) is about a woman who tries to realize her dream by becoming a writer where she also falls in love with Thomas Lefroy, but he is no good for her. It is one of the most revolutionary English stories of the 18th century in my opinion.
8. Dead Poets Society
Imagine being in a strict school that blinds their students’ imagination with the obligation to obey all rules and a few principles to which they adhere. This is the story for a group of students at the Welton Academy. However, one day, after meeting a teacher unlike any others (played by Robin Williams), they create a secret society. This is a story about love and creativity and it shows how rules can sometimes be toxic.
9. A Star is Born
This film is one of my favorites. It is a love story that turns sour because of their circumstances and weaknesses. But it makes this a beautiful and touching story of two people who loved each other deeply. During this love, both musicians created incredible music; they made art with their love and I find that beautiful. Just watch it.
10. The Help
An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the African American maids’ point of view on the white families they worked for and the hardships they faced. If you haven’t seen this movie, it is time you watch it, even more today with the Black Lives Matter movement. This movie is powerful and gives specific examples of how life was hard for African Americans during that period (and still today). The acting makes it even more great to watch, and the story is very touching so watch it please!
11. P.S. I Love You
What I loved the most about this movie is that it showed the imperfections of love. It shows how sad it can sometimes be and how unfair life is. Love stories are not always about two lovers that marry and live happily ever after. This story is about Holly (Hilary Swank) who meets an Irishman, Gerry Kennedy (Gerard Butler). They get married and have a passionate romance until Gerry dies young. Holly is devastated, but it turns out Gerry left her a few letters before he died and their adventure together isn’t quite over. Thanks to his letters, she will turn the page. It is a magical story that you need to watch.
12. Life Is Beautiful
I loved this movie because it showed the love between a father and son during the Second World War. This is a really touching story about a Jewish librarian and his son who become victims of the Holocaust. Consequently, he uses a perfect mixture of will, humor and imagination to protect his son from the dangers around their camp. Get your tissues ready, this one is hard to see.
13. Koğuştaki Mucize
You might have already heard about this movie; if not, you really need to watch it (I know I say that for every movie on this list, but this one is wow). It appeared on Netflix in 2019 and it became one of the most watched movies on the platform. It is the story of a father, Memo (Mehmet) who has a mental disability and finds himself separated from his 7-year-old daughter after being wrongly accused of murdering a child. This child is no other than that of the commander of martial law who orders the death penalty. Immediately trained in prison, Memo saw an ordeal. He is beaten up by the other detainees and does not understand what is happening to him. He only wants to find his daughter, Ova and her mother. To know what happens, just watch the movie… this film leaves you speechless.
14. Freedom Writers
The film deals with a sensitive subject. It speaks of poor neighbourhoods at school and the diversity there. We see a different approach from the point of view of the students but also one of the teachers, so it’s a very interesting story. The young teacher asks students to keep a life journal whilst reading classic works such as The Diary of Anne Frank and overtime, she creates a special bond with them.
15. The Shawshank Redemption
This movie is about two imprisoned men who, over a number of years, find solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency. Yes, another movie with Morgan Freeman (sorry, he’s such a brilliant actor). This film gives us a unique insight about prison life, and I like the director’s approach which explores friendships and reinforces that a smart man can get away with it.
16. Unbroken
Despite the title, believe me your heart will be broken. This story is about a man called Louis Zamperini. He is an Olympic runner who became a pilot during WWII and he was taken as a prisoner by the Japanese. This story is about him fighting to survive. Firstly, it is inspired by a true story (after watching the movie, you will understand why I am amazed that it is a real story). Then, it is just incredible to believe that a man had this life. How? This film highlights that no matter how hard life is, you should never give up. You have to be strong and move on, you have to survive.