A friend of mine in our goals group told us about how every month, she watches one of her “foundational” movies. These are movies that have particular meaning for her, and that she finds grounding to watch them. And several of her favorite movies were my favorite movies, which may be one of the reasons why we get along so well.
This got all of us thinking about what movies mean a lot to us.
As I started making my own list, I realized that movies can express your aesthetics, your values, and your hopes. Stress, tedium, the expectations of others, and straight-up heartbreak can make us think, speak, and act in ways we hardly recognize. Movies, like books and like spiritual practice, can remind us again of who we really are.
Of course, we do the same thing for ourselves when we write or create, which is why creativity is so important.
In the order that I plan to watch them throughout the calendar year, here are my 13 “core movies” (I decided I get one extra for Christmas.)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
This movie reminds to make the most of any age I happen to be.
As it happens, I was born on Groundhog Day, so this one has special meaning for me.
I can’t really pick just one. I first read the books when I was nine years old, and I can’t overstate the impact they had on me.
The “carpe diem” message of this one couldn’t be any stronger.
I love how the Katharine Hepburn character takes life so lightly.
Stories about a band of warriors coming together mean so much to me.
This might be my favorite movie. Furiosa is one of those rare heroes who doesn’t just rise to the occasion…she’s the one who kicks things into motion with her daring action.
I almost didn’t put this on my list, because as I say, I have so many in common with my friend that I feel like I’m copying. But the kind of magic the main character creates in others’ lives is irresistible.
A beautiful movie about the power of words and the importance of encouraging others to follow their dreams.
Such a beautiful and funny romance, with a lot to say about the life of a writer.
It’s one of a kind.
I love both the animated and the live action versions.
Buddy’s pure heart, high energy, and enthusiasm for life inspire me.
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I bet your favorites are very different! What are they? And do you ever re-watch a favorite movie to ground yourself? Let me know in the comments!
And if you’re in the mood for self-discovery…
Check out my interactive journal, The Book of Dreams Come True! It’s filled with creative exercises to help you explore your true self and begin manifesting what you want in life. It’s a lot of fun and I hope you enjoy it!
I used to find It’s a Wonderful Life cathartic, back when you could only watch it once a year, at Christmas time. I’d look for it in the tv listings in the newspaper, and sit down with my mom. She probably didn’t cry like I did, though I didn’t look at her.
Ohhh, that is so sweet. It’s one of Mr. Donovan’s favorites, too.
What an interesting topic. I had to think of movies I love to watch or put on when I’m in a certain mood. A couple from my list is on yours. In no particular order:
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Young Frankenstein
The Avengers (secret crush on Hulk)
Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (a bad guilty pleasure)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Bell, Book and Candle
Casablanca
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington
Thank you for the giving me a chance to think about the movies that mean a lot to me. It got my creativejuices flowing.
Oh, Young Frankenstein is classic. My coworkers and I used to quote it constantly at work.
Uh-oh, Janice, now we know about your crush. 🙂 Haha, I have a crush on at least half of the Avengers! I do love Bell, Book, and Candle…I should see that again!
I think the movies that resonate with my soul are those whose characters portray uncompromising integrity (ala High Noon, Casablanca, and more recently, Logan) where the ‘hero’ is willing to put more than his/her money where his/her mouth is – but his/her life as well. I think that is because I have an idea about myself that put in that position, I would do the same. My main characters are not faultless or altruistic but they pay what they owe – whatever the cost.
*Smacks forehead* How could I forget Casablanca?
Ahh, I like that, PJ. That kind of character is so inspiring.
I’m obsessed with John Wick and watch it a lot, but especially whenever I’m angry and need the catharsis. Soooo 4 times in the theater and at least twice a month ever since it’s come out on DVD.
The Avengers, Captain America: Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, and Thor, just plain make me happy. They are movies I can literally watch at any time- I’m never not in the mood for them.
Shaun of the Dead (I love all of the Cornetto trilogy but this is far and away my favorite) is my favorite comedy of all time and it ALWAYS makes me laugh.
Old horror movies soothe me. Don’t ask me why because I don’t know. But the ones that make me feel calm and I watch the most are Rosemary’s Baby, The Birds, The Omen, and The Shining.
Other go-to movies I watch over and over:
Terminator
Alien
Die Hard
Practical Magic
Sense & Sensibility
Romeo & Juliet (1996)
The Skeleton Twins
The Departed
Bring It On
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Batman (1989)
Constantine
Fern Gully
These are definitely my core movies. I love movies so much, and I love making lists, and I really needed this distraction this morning so thank you. xo
I need to watch John Wick, don’t I?! It’s ridiculous that I haven’t, really. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is so, so good. It’s a little rough, though. And YESS, Sense and Sensibility, one of my all time faves! Oh my goodness, Rickman in that is just…my romantic ideal.
God I love it so much. But John Wick is one I have absolutely zero idea if you would like or not… and there’s not really a way to explain why I love it so much without completely spoiling it. 🙂 One thing I can say is that it’s very, very violent but in the way that’s easiest to watch (clear-cut villains, no gore, torture, etc., artistic/badass fight choreography).
When life is messy and complicated and nuanced and you need shit to be simple, it’s the only way to go.
Also, I had to pare my Rickman picks down to two or the list would have been doubled. <3 <3 <3
So happy to see Amelie mentioned! Such a great character and very cleverly plotted.
As far as my list, I’m not sure if I really want to say these titles represent my “core self” but they are perennial favorites that would make me feel great if my writing was ever compared to them.
A Lion in Winter (the 1968 version). My kind of love story.
Europa, Europa ( I would never say anything was the “best movie ever made” but this one is a more serious contender than most).
Virgin Spring (same as above, except this one actually gets nominated as such).
The Red Shoes
Eyes Wide Shut
Head in the Clouds
Cousin Bette (a Jessica Lange movie from the 1990s that has minimal resemblance to the novel but is criminally underrated as wickedly fun movie with a sumptuous atmosphere and lots of backstabbing).
Bull Durham
Albert Nobbs (the movie is best known for Glenn Close impersonating a man, but I think it stands out more as a kind of slice-of- life in 19th century, working class Dublin).
Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Bastards (I can’t make myself misspell the title, sorry).
I am Love
The Flame and Citron
The Emperor’s New Groove (yep, it gets included too).
The original Producers, with Mel Brooks. Really, Mel Brooks should get credited with being one of the most consistently hilarious film makers).
Wow, I’ve hardly seen any of these. I haven’t even heard of some of them! Thank you for sharing them!
Oh wow, this was easy and so damn hard at the same time! I was a child of the 80s and 90s (born in ’78, so didn’t get much outta that decade), and there are a few films that stand out as the all-time biggest influences on my personality, my likes, my aspirations…movies that are bricks in the structure of my life. My caveat here is that I also have a few television and anime series that I cannot go past. In no particular order (with movies first and TV/series at the end):
The Phantom of the Opera – I’ve seen this on stage so many times, I read the original story, and I love the movie adaptation. The Phantom character…just adore him.
Princess Bride – Perfection; LOVE this movie (and, sadly, didn’t love the book)
Neverending Story – Overcoming hardships; finding strength within; and a dog-dragon…awesome!!
Groundhog Day – The psychology behind this movie is amazing…love the way Phil’s character changes through the movie
Willow – High fantasy and Val Kilmer with no shirt…a bit cheesy these days, but I still love it
Beauty and the Beast – ANY version; this is my favourite fairy tale, my favourite theme – probably the archetypal story that is dearest in my heart
The Fifth Element – Strong female character, sci-fi madness, and a great cast; I could watch this any time.
Grosse Pointe Blank – The hitman/assassin archetype is also a favourite, and the blending of humour and humanity in this movie is terrific (and I like John Cusack!)
Lady Jane – I love medieval/period stuff, and this movie is not well-known but has stuck with me my whole life. The love story between Helena Bonham Carter and Cary Elwes is gorgeous and heartbreaking. I always cry.
Sommersby – Again, a love story that makes me bawl. Great Civil War-era story, plus an unclear identity (I like the unclear/mistaken identity theme).
Batman – I love Batman – any and every Batman series/movie/story. He is my superhero – period.
Ever After – I’m not a big fan of Cinderella, but this was a beautiful, realistic take on that story. Plus gorgeous scenery and setting, and a strong heroine.
Following are the anime/TV series that have also stuck with me:
Babylon 5 – The first series I ever watched that had a clear story arc for five seasons; brilliantly done, great characters.
The Mists of Avalon – We got to see this miniseries at Pagan Spirit Gathering in 2001 before it was aired on television, so it holds a special place in my heart. I love the Arthurian stories, and as a follower of the Goddess, this version speaks to me.
Battlestar Galactica (new version) – Brutal, complex, visually stunning; I probably wouldn’t have it here if not for my husband – I’ve embraced this because of him.
Cowboy Bebop – An anime about bounty hunters in space; just brilliant, and it’s got a terrific jazz intro
The Vision of Escaflowne – A “girly” anime; this one’s close to my heart because it’s about a girl getting sucked into another world (another one of my favourite themes) – plus there are dragons!
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing – A fantasy anime exploring war, militarisation, peace, sacrifice, honour, and what it means to be a good soldier; it’s a bit childish and has serious flaws, but there’s something about it that I really like.
Vampire Hunter D (Bloodlust) – There are two versions, love them both; I’m a vampire fan, but outside of books, there aren’t many vampire movies that I’d consider “foundational” (maybe “Interview with the Vampire” a very distant second?). These anime movies were excellent. (And no…I’m not on the Twilight bandwagon in any way.)
I’m sure I’ll think of something else after I post this, but I’m going to draw a line in the sand for now and say these are some of my core movies/stories/themes.
My friend who got me into thinking about this…Lady Jane is one of her “foundational” movies! I just think that’s funny, because not many people know about it. I did love it, too.
That’s really interesting because I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to anyone who’s heard of this movie, let alone seen it. I picked out the love story side of things because that’s what makes me weep, but so many good things about this movie.
I have this insane love for many of DreamWorks’ adaptations. Rise of the Guardians and Mr Peabody and Sherman I really enjoy but my all time favorite is the How to Train Your Dragon series. The first one particularly resonates with me. It’s not that I really see myself in Hiccup, though it’s not hard to, we share a lot of the same qualities. (If anyone in my family was going to ride a dragon despite preset rules and traditions, it’d probably be me.) Rather, it’s more that I can see a person in Hiccup. I look at Hiccup’s struggles and story and can imagine someone in real life going through something just like it, reacting the same way he does. I could name any character in the movie and still argue that they’re reactions are realistic.
The Prince of Egypt & Big Hero 6 are also my ultimate faves. Prince of Egypt because Moses and Ramses were brothers and now they’re opposing one another. And really the only reason Ramses refuses to listen despite the inevitable defeat he faces is because of a few harsh words from his father that he’s carried with him all his life. Again, it does happen in real life. So does Hiro’s story in Big Hero 6 but no spoilers.
Anyway, I think basically the movies that speak to me are the ones that give characters humanity. They bring our two worlds together.
Hi, Taffy! Hiccup was such a great character. I never did see Big Hero 6!
“They bring our two worlds together”…I love that. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
A couple movies I always seem to find myself going back to are “Farris Buler’s Day Off” and “Facing the Giants.” Farris can be summed up in one line. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” This is something that I tend to forget at times. So it’s good for me to go back and see that. “Facing the Giants” is a Christian film that is also about a football team. I mean, come on. What’s not to love? This film was introduced to me at a critical moment in my life and helped me redirect my focus and keep going. So I always go back to it when I feel lost and hopeless. I also rewatch all of the “Halloween” films every October. Except for Halloween III. That movie doesn’t exist in my universe. And my mom and I watch “Holiday Inn” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” every Christmas.
Oh my gosh, Erin…the Halloween movies are too scary for me! I first saw the original at a church youth group lock-in (I don’t know how appropriate that was…) I love that line from Ferris Buhler — it’s so true. I’d like to watch that again.
The first time I saw the original I was 8, and it was actually Halloween night. My dad snuck up behind me and scared me while I was watching it. It’s been my favorite scary movie ever since.
I couldn’t put these in order. Well, I could, but it would take all day, and once I made the choice to do so, I would become obsessed with it. Anyway, here they are:
Wonder Boys- It’s about being a writer. Not just a writer but an insecure writer who loses confidence after his previous success. My wife says the book is better, and I’m sure I’ll read it one of these days.
Mumford- A therapist practicing in a town of the same name turns out to be a fraud. It was a huge flop, but for for some reason Dr. Mumford’s strange detachment is really enjoyable to watch.
The Prince Bride- I mean…it’s The Prince Bride. Again, my wife insists the book is better, but…
The ‘Burbs- A Tom Hanks movie from the 80’s that most people consider forgettable, but I love it. I watch it every summer.
The Empire Strikes Back- I love Star Wars in general, but this installment is special. I recognize it as the first time a movie ever moved me. I was five, and when Han Solo went into carbon freeze, I remember getting this lump in my throat. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days.
Rushmore- A story about an obsession.
There’s Something About Mary- Another movie about obsession, I guess.
The Avengers- Mostly because of Joss Whedon dialogue. When Hulk punches Thor…
The Shadow- Most consider it to be one of the worst comic book movies ever, but Alec Baldwin’s campy delivery is really entertaining. It has a fun Jerry Goldsmith score, too.
My Cousin Vinnie- I actually didn’t like it much when I first saw it in the theater, but it’s really grown on me.
Edward Scissorhands- Tim Burton, Danny Elfman. Johnny Depp, too, I suppose.
The Karate Kid- “You’re alright, Larusso.” Some may have gone for the “Put ’em in a body bag” but I prefer to be positive.
Tropic Thunder- One of the most underappreciated satires in “recent” Years. It was 2007, I believe, but it’s the second-most recent film on my list.
I think I actually prefer TV to movies. Characters have more time to develop and the arcs are less predictable (mostly because they aren’t always clearly outlines before a se ries begins). my TV list would be much more current, although most have been cancelled at this point.
Hi, Ryan! Thank you for sharing these…I really liked Mumford! I saw it in the theatre. I bet I would like Edward Scissorhands. That is a good point about TV, too.
List of some of the movies I love:
The lord of the rings trilogy (there will be a day when I stop obsessing over these movies, but it is not this day! Just kidding, that day doesn’t exist)
The maze runner and the scorch trials (I just love the suspense of these movies, and their characters.)
Snow white and the huntsman (for some reason everything about his movie is amazing. The costumes, the settings, the plot etc, etc)
Mulan (not only is she my favorite Disney princess, but this movie is also hilarious)
There’s probably more I can’t think of, but those are my top favourites.
I’m so glad other adults find meaning in “kids” or “family” movies. Yesterday, I rewatched the live Beauty and the Beast simply because I love the story so much. I love the How to Tame Your Dragon movies as well as Big Hero 6. I also found it interesting several listed fairly violent movies as favorites. Which only shows the range of what resonates with individuals.
These are the movies I watch at every opportunity:
Pride and Prejudice
The Princess Bride
Beauty and the Beast
Ever After
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (ONLY time I’ve liked a movie better than the book)
The Avengers
Guardians of the Galaxy
Indiana Jones trilogy
Movies that mean something to me but I don’t get to see often:
Anything with Kate Hepburn – her characters are always strong yet flawed
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (thanks, Janice, for mentioning it)
We have pretty similar tastes, Theresa. 🙂 I think these are all great! Except I haven’t seen Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. I’m sure I’d like it. I love Jimmy Stewart!
This is a great idea, Bryn! (Sorry I’m so late getting my act together.)
My favorite movie has got to be “We Bought a Zoo.” The acting, the story, the spot-on dialogue, the big-picture stuff, the setting, and it’s hilarious. I wouldn’t change a thing, right down to the awkward car scene with the half-stuttering realtor in the beginning. Awesome!
Another awesome movie (though I’m not sure how often I could watch it) is “Seven Pounds.” A very un-Will Smith role for him, and you believe every moment of it.
I love the Jason Bourne series, James Bond, Lord of the Rings, of course. “Green Zone” perfectly depicts the reason the US invaded Iraq (Matt Damon is the best in the business). “Glory” is very hard to watch, but an amazing film on so many levels.
Funny honors go to “The Heat” or “We’re the Millers” or “Tropic Thunder” (possibly the most equal-opportunity offensive movie ever made). “Naked Gun” and Mel Brooks films, too.
I don’t do much romance, but “The Bridges of Madison County” was great and so is “Lost in Translation.”
And, if you ask the kids, no time is a bad time for “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Just bought the fifth one, zany as heck! Happy watching, everyone.
“Tropic Thunder” was one of those “surprised I loved it” movies for me exactly because it’s so offensive to everyone, but very clever in the way it tackles the offending. It’s one of those movies that can be watched on two different levels – surface dark comedy-type stuff or very deep in the use of stereotypes and tropes to create something altogether different that gets you thinking about those stereotypes and tropes. Hmm…kinda want to watch it now…lol
Oh man, I love love love the Bourne series. It almost made the list 😀 I’ve never seen Pirates of the Caribbean! I think I should, just because Captain Jack Sparrow seems to be a pretty iconic character.