When Harry Met Sally
Set in New York City in the fall, this classic rom-com is sure to lift your spirits. With witty dialogue, heartfelt and funny performances, and an adorable storyline, it is sure to make you feel all warm inside.
500 Days of Summer
Yes, another rom-com. But those are just the definition of feel-good movies! Anyway, you will fall in love with all the characters and the artful way the story jumps through time as the relationship between the two main characters progresses. The ending is also one of my favorite romance endings of all time, so strap in for that one. Just know, it’s not what you would expect.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Will AND Jaden Smith starring as father and son…need I say more? Not only is this movie incredibly inspiring, but it also deals with the often neglected relationship in Hollywood between father and son, and how it can be impacted by life’s ups and downs. The pair are struggling with homelessness, but a determined Chris Gardner (Will Smith) goes against all odds and becomes a stockbroker to give his son the life he dreamed of.
Stuck in Love
Provocative and beautiful, Stuck in Love follows a family of writers as they navigate their love lives, exploring the difficulties of parenting, romance, growing up, and being true to oneself.
Amelie
Surreal and arty, Amelie will make you laugh and think. While the movie is in French, there is not much dialogue, as the focus of the movie is really the look and feel of each scene. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet creates a calculated and detailed visual experience that leads you through the trials of early adulthood and parting with your childhood self, paired with dreamy elements such as finding love through a photo booth, and a gnome that travels the world.
Paper Towns
This John Green novel-turned-movie is the perfect antithesis to a typical teen romance, following a group of friends as they search for main character Quentin’s (Nat Wolff) childhood love after she goes missing just when Quentin starts to think they might have a chance.
Moonrise Kingdom
Truly the essence of Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom perfectly captures the aesthetic of the sixties with this touching coming-of-age story of two outcasts who after exchanging love letters decide to run away together. This movie is a must-watch for any fan of Anderson’s other work, or anyone looking for a visually pleasing adventure story set to a nostalgia-inducing soundtrack, no matter what decade you’re from.
The Way, Way Back
One of my all-time favorite movies, The Way, Way Back beautifully captures adolescent summer with the story of Duncan (Liam James) as he gets a job at a water park to escape his mother’s fiance and accidentally finds a father figure in the cynical park owner. Navigating complex family relationships, summer love, and loneliness, The Way, Way Back is sure to tug at your heart in the best way.
Perks of Being a Wallflower
Another personal favorite, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is set in the early ’80s, with a soundtrack to match, that follows high school freshman Charlie (Logan Lerman) as he struggles to make friends after recovering from a depressive episode. The movie is directed by the author of the book by the same name, Stephen Chbosky, and his literary expertise transfers beautifully to the screen. Each frame is full of intention, and each character full of truth.
The Art of Getting By
The Art of Getting By is quite possibly the best “getting shit done” movie I’ve seen. A combination of teen angst, unrequited love, and existential curiosity, this film invokes a desire to get out there and live your life. Complete with an epic montage of main character George (Freddie Highmore) finishing a year’s worth of homework in a week, you will certainly feel accomplished and motivated after watching this movie.