Disclaimer: I’m not an avid movie-watcher. These are based on my personal preferences, and may not be everyone’s favorites. Tristan, if you’re reading this, you ruined The Greatest Showman for me when I was ten. No hard feelings. Love you!
Almost Famous (2000)
Any movie that begins with an Alvin and the Chipmunks song has to be a hit, right? For this one, we’re traveling back in time to the early 70’s. Fifteen-year-old William is a music fanatic, who spends his days writing opinion pieces for the local newspaper. This all changes one fateful night at a Black Sabbath concert, when he lands an article with Rolling Stone Magazine to cover the opening band, Stillwater. With Stillwater, William enters the chaotic world of sex, drugs, and rock n roll on a whirlwind tour.
It’s got heart, it’s got character, but most importantly it’s got Penny Lane. Penny Lane, played by Kate Hudson, is the ultimate “it” girl of the 1970’s. With her shaggy fur coat and John Lennon glasses, she captures the attention of the audience. She also captures the heart of both William and the lead guitarist, Russell. But that’s a story for another time. If you love Daisy Jones & The Six, this film is for you. If you love Simon & Garfunkel, this film is for you. If you love Tiny Dancer, this film is for you. If you love plain and simple fun, this film is for you. Oh, and according to my brother, William has a really punchable face. His words, not mine.
We Bought a zoo (2011)
We Bought A Zoo is a childhood movie that’s very near and dear to my heart. Here’s the gist! After the passing of his wife, journalist Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) packs up his family of three and moves out to the run-down Rosemoor Wildlife Park. Talk about a fresh start. While the zoo is no longer running, the wildlife park is home for the remaining animals and staff. Mee devotes himself wholeheartedly to the animals, and of course the people he loves most, just in time for the zoo’s grand reopening. You’ll be thinking about those twenty seconds of blind courage long after the movie is over. I love it all. The cheesiness, the bittersweet ending, it just works.
I’m telling you right now, this film will make you cry. You’ll cry during the home videos montage, you’ll cry for Spar, and you’ll cry for that scene of Elle Fanning in the rain. Also, if you hate snakes as much as my friend Leah, you may need to fast-forward a little bit. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
P.S. Remember that guy with the “punchable face” from Almost Famous? Yeah, he’s in it too.
The Florida Project (2017)
Okay, this one is not-so-lighthearted. In fact, it’s depressing as hell. I’m making it sound really appealing, aren’t I? In all seriousness, The Florida Project is one of the most impactful films I’ve seen. It follows the daily life of six-year-old Moonee, who lives in the decrepit Magic Castle Motel with her struggling mother, Halley.
Interestingly, the events that unfold are shown through Moonee’s perspective only. While the audience sees the unstable living conditions, unfit for a child, the young characters do not. Moonee’s sole protector is the kind motel manager, Bobby, who is played by Willem Dafoe. It may be the most normal role he’s ever played.
For a movie with almost no plot, this one forces you to keep your eyes on the screen. It exposes a world of depravity, all while Disney World, a metaphor for childhood wonder and innocence, serves as the backdrop. Seriously, if you watch any of these movies, it should be this one.
Love Actually (2005)
On a lighter note, it’s necessary that I include my favorite rom-com. You’ll have to wait until December though, because this one is a holiday movie. Set in London, Love Actually follows at least nine different couples (give or take) through different love stories. The cast is star-studded with Hugh Grant as the prime minister, Keira Knightley in an awkward love triangle, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman as an unhappily-married couple, Liam Neeson as a grieving stepdad, Colin Firth as an author battling a language barrier, and Mr. Bean as himself, of course.
Yes, there’s a lot of inaccuracies and silliness in this movie, but that’s half the fun of it. Whether you’re here for Hugh Grant’s dance on the stairwell or River by Joni Mitchell, there’s joy to be found throughout. For fun, go look up Thomas Brodie Sangster’s age during the filming of this movie. It’s shocking.
Billy Elliot (2000)
For my fifth and final movie, I have yet another British classic. Listen, I love this film. I even have a running joke with my roommates that no one gets Billy Elliot like I do.
Set in the 1980’s in a poor Northern English town, the focal point is eleven-year-old Billy, who lives with his coal-miner father. During one of Billy’s weekly boxing lessons at the community center, he discovers an amateur ballet class. He is immediately drawn to the art form and starts attending classes in secret. It quickly becomes clear that Billy is a talented young dancer, and his teacher, played by Julie Walters (or Mrs. Weasley), encourages him to audition for a professional ballet company.
Meanwhile, a miner’s strike overtakes the town, with Billy’s father and brother in attendance. Dance doesn’t seem all that important in comparison. But it’s everything to Billy. The boy just wants to dance the ballet (read in a Northern English accent for the full effect)! The message of the film goes beyond Billy, exploring themes of gender roles, social class, and self-discovery.
Thank you for reading my watchlist recommendations! Hopefully you find yourself a new favorite!