The “artsy movie” is a genre that’s pretty difficult to put your finger on and even harder to pick out while scrolling through Netflix or On Demand, but it’s definitely a genre worth delving into. If you’re ever tired of watching yet another Marvel superhero movie or Nicholas Sparks rom-com and want to savor a film that will actually make you think, it’s going to take a little more digging. Good thing you’re not the only one who likes a sophisticated plot, complex characters, and a significance that lasts beyond two hours. Here are a few unique, thought-provoking, high-quality films that go well with a glass of wine and an open mind.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Please embrace the weirdness that is this movie. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet are fantastic as a quirky couple whose relationship falls apart, only to realize they would do it all again if given the chance. An irresistible film about embracing imperfection and learning what it truly means to love someone.
Stuck in Love
A heart-wrenching story about the danger of clinging onto love that has faded and the tragedy of letting fear destroy love that could have been. An absolute must-see for hopeless romantics, cynics, and everyone in between.
Black Swan
A gripping film about perfectionism, anxiety, competition, and one woman’s emotional break from reality. You will not be able to stop watching, no matter how hard you may want to.
Perks of Being a Wallflower
The perfect “coming-of-age” movie, Perks will remind you exactly what it feels like to be a freshman in high school, from your first real party to your first real heartbreak. Emma Watson is positively flawless, as usual. You will cry.
The Spectacular Now
This movie, although not super well-known, is an absolute gem. Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley are perfect as an unlikely duo who navigate their senior year of high school together, and experience the ups and downs of planning for the future while making amends with the past.
The Theory of Everything
A brilliant film based on the life of the world-renowned physicist, Stephen Hawking, and his relationship with a fellow Cambridge student, Jane Wilde. A delicious combination of science, romance, success, and debilitating failure. The ending will break your heart, but watch it anyway.
Dead Poets Society
If you haven’t seen this movie, you’ve probably read it for some English class in high school. Please, please re-watch it, then re-read it, then repeat. It’s a classic for a reason, and the plot twist will leave you changed forever.
The Way, Way Back
A movie about finding home and family in unlikely places, and the importance of standing up for yourself even when you’re at your worst. The only time you’ll ever hate Steve Carrell is in this movie.
You have now been given eight more reasons to procrastinate homework and to stay up way later than is probably healthy. You’re welcome?
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