Over time with the development of society, movies are produced based on the status of the world. Any economic, social or political issues get turned into a film based on that moment in time. Movies are an insight to the present as well as the past, teaching lessons to viewers through a new perspective. Certain films change and form one’s outlook on life or any subject. You watch these films and they stick with you and you feel things you never knew you could, sympathizing with the characters, causing you to picture life through a different lens and see things you never could and never would have understood. Throughout my experiences, I have seen many movies that have impacted my life in ways I didn’t necessarily expect as I picked to watch it. I have made a list of 10 films, listed in no particular order, that I enjoyed the most and feel that I often think about the most. 

The Notebook

The Notebook shares the story of the two main characters who meet one summer as teenagers, fall in love and fall apart, they later on find each other and find out if they’re truly meant to be. I enjoy this because it represents the idea that everything that is meant to be will find its way back to each other. 

Dead Poets’ Society

This movie conveys the relationship between a group of students and their teacher, it goes into depth on how their teacher introduces them to a new aspect and perspective of life. Teaching them to make opinions for themselves and live their life for their own approval and no one else’s. This movie taught me that someone can randomly come into your life and completely change the trajectory of it, without even realizing. It left me unable to stop thinking about it. 

Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting represents that the best knowledge one can carry with them is what they learn from their experiences, nothing that a textbook could teach them. It displays the power of influence and the ability to apply yourself and succeed despite truly wanting to. This movie left me with a lingering feeling and ability to understand the importance of the little things. 

Rudy

Throughout the movie the main character is constantly told by the people around him that his dream is hopeless and useless to attempt to pursue. His persistence helps him overcome the adversity he faces and lead him to success. From a young age I constantly thought about this movie and it was not until I was older that I truly understood the deeper meaning behind it all, causing me to love it even more. 

The Hangover 

Though a comedy this movie still holds a special place in my heart, it shows the power and importance of friendship in a refreshing light. The importance isn’t represented by a tragedy but by simply having a good time, causing the audience to feel a part of such a lighthearted journey and constantly making them laugh. Anything that makes me laugh will always mean something to me.

My Girl

This depicts the power of friendship and the downside of having someone so close to you. It captures the reality of children dealing with the first loss of their life, losing someone they hold so close to their heart. 

Perks of Being a Wallflower

Captures mental health struggles in teens, finding their way in life and dealing with their trauma from the past. Finding friendships that embrace the best side of them, but understand the depth of their feelings. 

How to Lose a Guy in 10 days

A classic rom com showing two people falling in love against all odds, and realizing their feelings mean more than their anger ever will. It’s comical and represents the typical New York City aesthetic

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Little Women

Shows the depth of sisterhood, and the importance of love within families. It demonstrates hopes for one’s passions and the significance of pursuing them. It captures romantic love and the raw way it makes you feel.                                                                

Silver Linings Playbook 

Demonstrates mental health issues in adults, and how they can connect with each other and heal each other, when no one else can. It shows the intensity of pulling oneself out of a never ending cycle and becoming better for the people you leave. 

While discussing my favorites list with alumni James Mertz, he took the opportunity to share his own list. I discovered that though ours were different, furthering the discussion it became apparent we enjoyed these movies for the same reasons. His list is the following in no particular order,

Good Will Hunting

Wolf of Wall Street

Dazed and Confused

Superbad

Diehard

Moneyball

Wedding Crashers

The Hangover

Good fellas

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