Groundhog Day (1993)
Groundhog Day stars Bill Murray as Phil, a cynical weather reporter stuck in an endlessly looping day. While it sounds like a sci-fi setup, the time loop isn’t really the focus of the film and is never even explained.
The movie is actually an examination of what happens when people get stuck in a rut, and the personal growth required to finally escape. If you’ve spent much time in the adult world, you'll likely relate to that.
Pariah (2011)
Trying to figure out one’s identity is a challenging, frustrating, and painful part of adulthood. 2011’s Pariah tackles this theme head-on, following Alike, a 17-year-old Black teenager who realizes she is a lesbian.
The movie chronicles Alike's struggles to find herself, with the expectations of her friends and family conflicting with her own needs. It will resonate with anyone old enough to have asked themself the elusive question: “Who am I?”
500 Days of Summer (2009)
By subverting typical rom-com conventions, 500 Days of Summer ends up delivering one of the most realistic movie depictions of how relationships actually work. The film documents how Tom and Summer meet, fall in love, and ultimately drift apart.
Throughout the movie, Tom and the audience expect the relationship to ultimately work out, but - despite his grand gestures - Summer moves on anyway. While it’s bittersweet, it perfectly captures the truth that other people’s feelings are beyond your control.
The Seventh Seal (1957)
The Seventh Seal - which was written and directed by Ingmar Bergman - revolves around a knight playing a game of chess with the Grim Reaper, examining themes of faith, existence, and fate along the way.
At its heart, The Seventh Seal is a meditation on the inevitability of death, which for obvious reasons is a bit too heavy for some. However, mature viewers are likely to find the movie thought-provoking, insightful, and moving.
The Bucket List (2007)
While it was picked apart by critics for its overly sentimental tone, The Bucket List is still a film everyone should watch. The movie follows two terminal cancer patients, who embark on a trip to do everything they want before they die.
It’s undeniably schmalzy, but it also serves as a powerful reminder that we tend to put off chasing our dreams until we’re confronted by our own mortality, at which point it’s often too late.
Fight Club (1999)
As you grow up, you’ll likely start to question the culture you exist within, and there is no better movie to assist in this process than Fight Club, a film which takes a sledgehammer to the materialistic values which govern modern society.
It’s guaranteed to get you thinking about your priorities in life. It also contains one of the most legendary twists in the history of cinema, as well as featuring career-defining performances from Brad Pitt and Edward Norton.
The Graduate (1967)
Graduating from college and suddenly feeling totally unmoored is a pretty common experience - and one that’s beautifully explored in 1967’s The Graduate. The movie follows Benjamin, a recent graduate who is filled with dread at the thought of entering the world of adulthood.
Benjamin ultimately rebels against the expectations which have been placed on him, with the movie delivering a timeless message about the importance of living an authentic life.
Raw (2016)
Directed by Julia Ducournau, Raw’s bloody, cannibalistic sequences are so shocking that many miss the film’s subtler themes. The movie follows a vegetarian teenager who attends veterinary college, only to develop an uncontrollable craving for human flesh.
Beneath the horror is a metaphor for sexual awakening and self-acceptance. In an interview, Ducournau stated: “You have to accept some parts of us that are hard to watch. You need that to grow up, as a human and as a society.”
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
All Quiet on the Western Front is an important film for two reasons: firstly, it’s the rare example of a war movie that shows The First World War from the perspective of German soldiers, and secondly, it draws attention to how the war actually ended.
After the Germans formally surrendered, both sides agreed that it would be poetic for the fighting to end at 11 o’clock on the 11th of November. This meant that thousands of lives were wasted in pointless combat. The film explores this unflinchingly.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Many of Wes Anderson’s films deal with themes of familial dysfunction, but The Royal Tenenbaums is the director’s deepest exploration into the effects of growing up in a broken home.
The movie follows the three Tenenbaum children, all of whom were incredibly precocious as children, but have developed severe emotional problems as adults. It makes for a pretty melancholy watch, one convinced that it’s never too late for reconciliation and redemption.
Into the Wild (2007)
Into the Wild is based on the life and tragic death of Christopher McCandless, who decided to move to the remote wildernesses of Alaska. The feeling of wanting to retreat from the pressures of society is one which will resonate with many.
While the film is undeniably sad, it also shows the consequences of completely rejecting society, because - while the challenges of modern life can often feel overwhelming - people are ultimately better off if they stick together.
Goodfellas (1990)
Unlike most Mafia movies, which focus on the workings of the Mob itself, Goodfellas follows the life of Henry Hill, a real-life gangster who eventually testified against his former bosses and entered witness protection.
While the film does provide a fascinating insight into life as a Mafioso, it also serves as a parable about the dangers of unrestrained greed and ambition. Watching Hill’s life collapse into a nightmare of addiction and paranoia is genuinely chilling.
12 Angry Men (1957)
It might been made over half a century ago, but 12 Angry Men’s themes of prejudice and justice remain as just as important today. The film follows the trial of an impoverished, Hispanic teenager who has been charged with murdering his father.
At first, the case seems open and shut, but one juror refuses to pass a guilty verdict without discussing the evidence further. This sparks intense disagreement between the jurors, who eventually are forced to confront their own values and biases.
The Thin Red Line (1998)
Even though The Second World War’s Pacific Theater saw some of the most intense fighting of the entire conflict, most war movies have tended to focus on other, more well-known battles - like the D-Day beach landings.
Starring Sean Penn, The Thin Red Line is set during the Battle of Mount Austen. Widely hailed as one of the greatest war movies ever made, the film showcases the extreme brutality of the Guadalcanal Campaign.
Forrest Gump (1994)
There’s a strong chance you’ve already watched Forrest Gump, but if you haven’t, that should be changed immediately. In addition to the fact it’s just a great movie, Forrest Gump also explores important ideas, such as how success can take many forms.
Forrest isn’t particularly bright, and he endures considerable adversity in his childhood, but he nevertheless consistently finds ways to thrive, positively impacting countless lives along the way. Above all, Forrest Gump reminds us that being kind is more important than anything else.
Parasite (2019)
Written and directed by Bong Joon Ho, Parasite is an almost unbearably tense exploration of class conflict and inequality. The movie follows the destitute Kim family, who use deception to become employees of the affluent Park family.
It doesn’t take long before their ruse begins to unravel, leading to carnage and bloodshed. While the movie is set in South Korea, its message about the damaging effects of poverty and wealth disparity are universal.
Blazing Saddles (1974)
The fact that Blazing Saddles is still considered one of the funniest movies of all time is a testament to the comedic prowess of Mel Brooks. However, in addition to being hilarious, its examination of racism was also groundbreaking.
The movie - which is set in 1874 - follows a Black sheriff who takes over a town on the American frontier, with Brooks cleverly using humor to deconstruct the racist views that are held by the majority of the townsfolk.
2001: A Space Odyssey
Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi epic 2001: A Space Odyssey is a film that gets scarier the older it gets. When it hit theaters in 1968, the rogue, murderous AI that serves as the movie’s villain seemed like a compelling but farfetched idea.
Now, with humanity seemingly on the verge of creating artificial minds far more powerful than us, the movie’s exploration of the dangers of technological innovation hits a lot closer to home. Mature viewers are also better prepared for the movie's ending.
Paterson (2016)
Paterson stars Adam Driver as a talented poet who makes ends meet by working as a bus driver. The movie chronicles his day-to-day life, and in doing so captures the trials and tribulations of the mundane better than almost any film.
The protagonist doesn’t become a famous poet, and the lovelorn character doesn’t get the girl. It sounds bleak, but it’s surprisingly optimistic. Despite bearing their own individual disappointments, all the characters keep going and find small moments of joy.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Lost in Translation is definitely a film that you’ll relate to more strongly the older you get. Set in Tokyo, the movie follows an aging, jaded actor and a young woman struggling to find satisfaction in her marriage.
After their paths cross, the pair engage in something between a romance and a therapy session, with both recognizing in each other their own feelings of alienation. The film perfectly captures how you can find solace and strength in human connection.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
It might now be regarded as a comedic masterpiece, but when Anchorman came out in 2004 audiences were completely bewildered. The humor was completely ludicrous, and a lot of people just failed to find it funny.
Eventually though, Anchorman found its audience, making it a pretty good case study for the importance of being authentic when you’re creating, rather than trying to cater to what you think the rest of the world wants.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Before Saving Private Ryan, movies set during The Second World War tended to glorify the conflict, depicting allied forces as heroes facing off against a great evil. Steven Spielberg’s WWII classic takes a completely different approach.
There is nothing glorious about the death and destruction on show in Saving Private Ryan, and the opening sequence alone - widely regarded as one of the best in the history of cinema - viscerally portrays the hellish nature of war.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Becoming an adult often means working through the baggage from your childhood, a process which is easier for some than others. Good Will Hunting powerfully addresses the theme of childhood trauma, showing its devastating impact on emotional health well into adulthood.
However, it also shows the transformative effects of facing your trauma, processing it and letting it go, and how doing so can radically improve your quality of life, allowing you to reach your true potential.
Bruce Almighty (2003)
Although it packs in plenty of the farcical comedy that Jim Carrey is known for, Bruce Almighty also includes some weighty messages about the power of personal responsibility. The movie follows the titular Bruce, a jaded news reporter unhappy with his life.
After denouncing God for not helping him out more, Bruce is handed the reins to the universe and challenged to do a better job. At its heart, the movie is a cautionary tale about fatalism and disillusionment.
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
It’s hard to find a starker warning against the dangers of addiction than Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream. The film chronicles multiple characters, each on their own downward spiral, as they lose themselves to substances and despair.
What sets the movie apart from other films about drug abuse is the way it shows how addiction can manifest in radically different ways, although the end result is ultimately the same. It’s relentlessly bleak and harrowing, but also heartbreakingly human.
Synecdoche, New York (2008)
While it can be difficult to wrap your head around Synecdoche, New York, it's a moving exploration of grief and uncertainty. Written and directed by Charlie Kaufman, the movie follows a theatre director who finds his life unraveling after his relationship ends.
In response, Caden begins constructing a stage production of his own life inside a giant warehouse, with the lines between reality and fiction gradually beginning to blur.
The Godfather (1972)
There’s a reason The Godfather still regularly tops lists of the greatest movies ever made. Boasting an intricate, slow-burn narrative and a number of intense and masterful performances, the film hypnotizes viewers with its depiction of life inside the Mafia.
Francis Ford Coppola uses the tale of the Corleone family to deconstruct the notion of the American Dream, examining the corrupting effects of power, ambition, and greed in the process. In other words, it's one of the most important movies ever made.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Few movies have made as much of a cultural impact as Pulp Fiction, widely regarded as Quentin Tarantino’s most iconic work. Featuring a number of career-defining performances, the movie tracks several different narratives that overlap in unpredictable ways.
Its nonlinear structure keeps it unpredictable and compelling, and it contains some of the most legendary movie quotes in the history of cinema. In short, if you haven't yet seen Pulp Fiction, your cultural knowledge has some major gaps.
The Good the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
While Westerns have fallen in and out of fashion, the impact of the genre is indisputable. There are a number of contenders for the title of most iconic western, but the crown belongs to The Good the Bad and the Ugly.
Boasting stunning cinematography, an incredible score and Clint Eastwood at his most brooding and enigmatic, The Good the Bad and the Ugly stands as a high point in a genre brimming with gems.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Set against the brutal backdrop of the Vietnam War, 1979’s Apocalypse Now casts an unflinching gaze on the corrupting power of violence. Unlike most war movies, Apocalypse Now specifically focuses on what conflict does to the minds of men.
The movie challenges viewers to question their own values and assumptions, largely through the character of Captain Kurtz. While Coppola has clarified that he didn’t deliberately make an anti-war movie, it’s still a fascinating exploration of the worst sides of humanity.
The Family Man (2000)
Most people wonder what their life would be like if they'd made different decisions. 2000’s The Family Man tackles this theme, following a wealthy investment banker and exploring how things would have been different had he stayed in his previous relationship.
The film does a great job of getting you to think long and hard about your own priorities, as well as making you understand that there’s more than one path to success and happiness.
Inside Out (2015)
Pixar's Inside Out might technically be a kids' movie, but that doesn't mean adults won't get a lot out of watching it. The movie explores depression and the challenges of adapting to change, and it handles its subject matter with skill.
By anthropomorphizing its protagonist's emotions, Inside Out highlights the challenging idea that all emotions - even the unpleasant ones we try to avoid - play an important part of shaping who were are.
Seven Samurai (1954)
Widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, Seven Samurai follows a group of warriors in feudal, 16th century Japan, who are hired by villagers tired of being targeted by bandits.
While the movie is undeniably violent, the action never distracts from the humanity of the characters. The film’s influence in modern cinema cannot be overstated, with movies ranging from The Magnificent Seven to Ocean’s Eleven drawing from it heavily.
Citizen Kane (1941)
Another movie that many critics consider to be the greatest of all time, Citizen Kane’s examination of the corrupting effect of power remains as important today as when the movie was released in 1941.
Directed by and starring Orson Welles, the movie follows Charles Foster Kane, chronicling his life from a childhood of poverty to becoming a wealthy newspaper baron and then a populist politician.
The Shining (1980)
Although it was loathed by author Steven King, Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 adaptation of The Shining is one of the most influential works of horror out there. Boasting some genuinely terrifying sequences, the film is carried by the unhinged performance of Jack Nicholson.
The movie’s ambiguity also works to its advantage, as it’s never fully clarified whether the protagonist’s descent into murderous madness is the result of ghosts, a haunted hotel, or simply the effects of isolation and substance abuse.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Set during the Spanish Civil War, Pan’s Labyrinth explores the horror of Franco’s fascist regime through the eyes of a child. The movie follows Ofelia, a ten-year-old girl who finds herself living with Captain Vidal, a brutal commander in Franco’s army.
As Ofelia retreats into fairytale world filled with wondrous creatures and hideous monsters, viewers are never entirely sure whether what they are witnessing is real, or merely the coping mechanisms of a terrified, traumatized child.
Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, Get Out follows Chris, a young Black man who accompanies his girlfriend to Upstate New York to meet her family. Chris almost immediately begins to suspect something is wrong, though he can do little to protect himself.
In addition to simply being a great work of horror, Get Out also examines the state of race relations in the United States, exploring the simmering tensions that still often exist beneath the veneer of civility.
Soul
Soul is another example of a kids' movie that is far more likely to resonate with adults. The film follows a schoolteacher named Joe who dies in an accident just as he is about to get his shot as a jazz musician.
If you think that sounds heavy for a kids' film you wouldn't be wrong, and it only gets more intense from there, with the movie exploring themes of predestination, purpose and the human desire to search for meaning.
The Act of Killing (2013)
Few documentaries face difficult topics as boldly as 2013’s The Act of Killing. Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, the film revolves around a number of men who were involved in the mass killings that took place in Indonesia throughout the 1960s.
Most of these men talk freely - and often proudly - of their involvement in the killings, agreeing to stage reenactments of the murders they committed. As such, the documentary provides a fascinating insight into the psychology of murder.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
Driven by star Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri chronicles the efforts of a mother to find justice for her daughter's murder. While the movie initially seems to be a critique of police ineptitude, it slowly morphs into something broader.
The redemptive arc of Sam Rockwell's Officer Dixon is also one of the most inspired, thought-provoking examples of character development in the history of cinema, forcing viewers to reassess the assumptions they formed earlier in the movie.
The Usual Suspects (1995)
The Usual Suspects is more than just a crime drama, offering a unique and interesting take on what can often appear to be a predictable genre.
The film twists and turns, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats for its almost two-hour run time.
The Green Mile (1999)
Tom Hanks puts in one of his greatest-ever performances in The Green Mile, which is no mean feat considering the breadth of movies he has been involved in.
He plays the role of a death row guard, responsible for the execution of the most dangerous criminals in Louisiana. The movie blends humanity with evil, in a true tear-jerker of a movie.
Schindler's List (1993)
Liam Neeson portrays World War II hero Oskar Schindler with grace in Schindler's List, a movie that will likely break your heart.
It's almost impossible not to cry upon finding out about Schindler's regret that he didn't rescue more people, despite preventing 1,200 prisoners from being killed.
Breathless (1960)
Jean-Luc Godard's early '60s Nouvelle Vague work has been credited with changing the course of cinema forever. There weren't many rules he was interested in playing by.
As well as its pioneering elements, À bout de souffle (or Breathless, if you choose to watch the overdubbed version) is primarily narrative-driven, so you don't have to be a movie nerd to enjoy it.
American Beauty (1999)
Starring Kevin Spacey and Mena Suvari, American Beauty is a tale of temptation, frustration, and the psychological damage that comes with the realization that a relationship is fizzling out.
Initially, everything seems alright, if not a little mundane, before the characters' true sides, that have previously been bottled up, begin to show.
Confessions (2010)
You may have missed Confessions when it first came out in 2010, as it is a Japanese-language psychological thriller.
It centers around a mother who is set on avenging the death of her daughter, conjuring up a brutal, genius masterplan to get her way.
Gattaca (1997)
Gattaca will no doubt be more enjoyable if you're into science and genetics, but will also be a worthwhile time killer even if you aren't.
Ethan Hawke impeccably plays the role of an ambitious young man, dreaming of exploring space, while being held back by society.
Django Unchained (2012)
Boasting an all-star cast, featuring the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, and Jamie Foxx, as well as being led by a director at the top of his game in Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained is a must-see.
It uses humor and plenty of gore to shine a light on the evils committed by slave traders and owners in the 19th century.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey may seem like an odd combination of actors, with both known for playing two distinctly different types of role.
However, the chemistry between the two in this sci-fi drama is infectious, bolstered even further by a storyline that will inevitably keep you guessing.
Big Fish (2003)
Ewan McGregor stars in Big Fish, a poignant movie following a young man trying to cope with the impending death of his father, directed by the great Tim Burton.
The movie has all the hallmarks of Tim Burton films, from the acting to the quirky plot, which, of course, has an unexpected ending.
Memento (2000)
Memento is one of Christopher Nolan's less-talked-about movies, which on one hand isn't surprising considering the scale of his more recent projects such as Tenet or Oppenheimer.
On the other hand, Memento holds up well compared to films such as Inception, as the plot is dense with twists and ingenious writing.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Shawshank Redemption is a staple in many 'greatest movies of all time' lists, with audiences lauding its impressively clever narrative.
It also features narration from one of the most iconic voices ever, Morgan Freeman. If you have two-and-a-half hours to spare, it's definitely worth a watch.
In Bruges (2008)
Although Colin Farrell is playing a hitman in Martin McDonagh's In Bruges, he manages to deliver some of the funniest lines in late-2010s cinema.
The movie balances out the crime and comedy genres perfectly, leaving you eagerly waiting for the next unexpected laugh.
Secretary (2002)
Secretary is a romantic comedy with a naughty twist, exploring kinky themes in a way that 50 Shades of Grey could only dream of.
It's not a film you should watch with your kids or your parents, but it's a movie that should definitely take priority on your watchlist.
The Pianist (2002)
Adrian Brody carries The Pianist with an inevitable grace, showcasing the struggles for Jewish people in German-occupied territories during the Second World War.
Brody plays Władysław Szpilman, a real life composer and Holocaust survivor, whose talent helps him survive during the horrors of the war.
Submarine (2010)
British comedian Richard Ayoade's directorial debut is a classic coming-of-age piece, chronicling the failings of a young teen to navigate his way through school while being hopelessly in love.
It is styled in true indie-movie fashion, shot along the scenic Welsh coastline, and soundtracked by the frontman of a successful indie-rock band.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Matt Damon has admitted that The Talented Mr. Ripley is his favorite movie that he has been a part of.
And for good reason too, as he puts in one of his best performances, playing the role of a chronic underachiever in 1950s New York.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Long before Ryan Gosling became a Ken doll in the Barbie movie, he was playing a delusional man worshipping a life-sized human doll he bought on the internet.
Lars and the Real Girl is Gosling at his artistic best, playing a role as far from the usual roles that people know and love him for.
Chicken Run (2000)
A pastiche of an all-time classic in The Great Escape, instead starring chickens made from plasticine who don't want to be turned into pies, what could be better?
Chicken Run is the sort of film the kids will like, and the adults will love. They'll take it at face value while you get to enjoy all the innuendos and references.
Blue Valentine (2010)
Blue Valentine follows the evolution of a married couple from beginning to end, darting from one stage to another in a non-chronological order.
The movie is refreshing, raw, and real, and will have you both laughing and crying your way through it.
An Education (2009)
An Education stars Carey Mulligan during the very peak of her acting career, playing a young woman whose life is changed by the emergence of a much older love interest.
While it would typically be classed as a coming-of-age flick, it's more than that, as you'll find yourself contemplating it for days after you have watched it.
The Departed (2006)
The production team for Martin Scorsese's The Departed didn't hold back on budgeting for the cast, hiring Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jack Nicholson, among others.
As you'd expect with a movie backed by such actors, it did not disappoint, with thrilling action and psychological warfare taking place from the first minute to the last.
This is Spinal Tap (1984)
This is Spinal Tap is a mockumentary (or, rockumentary) frequently referenced by musicians thanks to its hilarious takes on life as a rockstar.
Much of the dialogue was ad-libbed, which makes it all the more amusing, while also making you wonder how on earth the actors ended up being able to keep a straight face for long enough.
Drive (2011)
Drive is one of a few films that is remembered more for its styling than its content, and it's clear to see why.
The movie is shot in neo-noir style, with a range of interesting shots that would have escaped the minds of many great Hollywood directors.
Lady Bird (2017)
Lady Bird is great because it deals with feelings that most of us have felt before, even though, at the time we'd have thought we were the only ones feeling that way.
It focuses on a girl who is achingly desperate to leave her hometown as she has outgrown it and wants to live among those with similar interests to her.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
The concept of A Beautiful Mind is a brilliant one, seeing an asocial mathematician with immense academic capabilities being coerced into a life of crime.
Russell Crowe does a stunning job in the movie, handling the role of a neurodivergent character with ultimate poise and grace.
Gladiator (2000)
The historical epic Gladiator is a movie that will have you on your feet cheering one moment, and crying the next, it's a true rollercoaster.
Russell Crowe is superb as gladiator Maximus, as is a young Joaquin Phoenix who plays the chief antagonist with brutal, evil, and twisted brilliance.
Back to the Future (1985)
In this sci-fi comedy classic, Marty McFly accidentally gets sent back to 1955 in Back to the Future, where he must work to reunite his parents to make sure of his own future existence.
What follows is bundles of fun, with McFly trying to blend into a past world, as a citizen from the '80s.
Vertigo (1958)
Some may say that the standard of acting in a lot of 1950s movies leaves a lot to be desired, being generally cheesy or melodramatic in a way modern audiences find it hard to relate to.
This isn't the case with Hitchcock's Vertigo, as its believability is bolstered heavily by the cast's performances. The movie's psychological control and methods of building suspense are also way before their time.
La La Land (2016)
La La Land got an honorary second place Best Picture Award at the 2017 Oscars after it was mistakenly read out instead of Moonlight.
However, if it had won, there would have been few complaints, as it is an emotional rollercoaster, dressed up in the form of a musical.