The popcorn is fresh, the pyjamas are on, and the evening dinner is Deep-Dish Pizza. Your next challenge is to figure out which of the great movies are available to you that you would like to watch tonight. No matter what you are looking for: comedy, romance or drama there are plenty of classics that you should watch at least once in your lifetime. Afterall, if the past couple of months we got quarantined in our homes have taught us anything, it is that there is nothing better than watching a movie with your beloved. So, compiling here are the ten essential films everyone should see.
1. Titanic (1997)
If the world is sinking and there is only one movie that needs to be saved, it is this, it is this, and it is this! It is the most romantic movie till date. James Cameron wrote, directed, co-produced, and co-edited this movie. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in the leading roles. These are the members of different classes who fall in love aboard the ship during its ill-fated maiden voyage. Upon its release in 1997, this film achieved commercial success.
2. Parasite (2019)
It is 2019’s black comedy thriller film, directed by Bong Joon-ho. Parasite premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and won the Palme d’Or. This movie shows an unemployed family of four who run out of work and are unable to pay rent. Hence, they make a strategy: lie and cheat to get jobs from the rich: family. This movie has a brutal twist ending and is one of the reasons you should watch this movie.
3. Casablanca (1942)
It is an American romantic drama directed by Michael Curtiz. This film got picturized during World War II, and it focuses on an American expatriate who must choose between his ladylove and helping her and her husband. It is one of the most famous old Hollywood films of all time, a love story you won’t forget. It is to date considered an iconic movie because of its grasping storyline and memorable narrative. If you are looking for a romantic drama film, this movie should always be on your wishlist.
4. The Parent Trap (1998)
It is an American romantic comedy film co-written by Nancy Meyers. Charles Shyer co-produced this movie. The story talks about how the two girls Hallie and Annie meet at a summer camp, realizing that they are twins, and then decide to trade places in an attempt to get their parents back together. This movie was a box-office success, grossing $92.1 million. Movie critics were in love with the performance of Lindsay Lohan. You should not miss watching this movie!
5. The Boy In The Striped Pajamas (2008)
It is a 2008 tragedy film directed and written by Mark Herman. It is a Novel based story written in the year 2006. This story talks about a young boy who lives in Berlin, Nazi, Germany during World War II. His father gets promoted and relocates to the ‘countryside’. Then in the middle of a terrible war, this boy makes friends with the boy next door, who wears striped pyjamas and lives on a ‘farm’. Such a cute and innocent story! This movie will surely warm your heart – and the ending will rip it in two.
6. Promising Young Woman (2020)
The year 2020 might not have been promising for us, but this year did something good. It released “Promising Young women” in 2020. It is a black comedy thriller film written by Emerald Fennell. This movie stars Carey Mulligan as a vigilante seeking to avenge the death of her best friend, who was a rape victim. Film critics liked the screenplay, direction, and Mulligan’s performance. It garnered five nominations at the 93rd Academy Awards.
7. Bridesmaids(2011)
It is an American comedy film, directed by Paul Feig. Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig wrote the movie’s screenplay. To date, it is one of the best chick flick films I have ever seen. It will make you cry and laugh while watching this hilarious group of comedians who try to make it through a wedding without killing each other. It also received multiple accolades for its screenplay. In 2012, this film got nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
8. Daughters of the Dust (1991)
It is a 1991 independent film, directed by Julie Dash. This movie tells the story of three generations of Gullah women in pre-Civil War times living on Saint Helena Island who are confused about deciding whether to stay or migrate north for a better life. The film’s scenery is serene, but the beauty of the movie is its complex characters. This movie is known for being the first African American woman to gain a general theatrical release.
9. Carmen Jones (1954)
It is an American musical movie starring Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte in the lead roles. This movie got an Oscar nomination for its exceptional performances.
10. On the basis of sex (2018)
It is an American biographical legal drama based on the life and early cases of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The movie had its world premiere at the AFI Fest on November 8, 2018. It received favorable reviews from critics. Only one word after watching this movie: RESPECT!
So, when you google “best films to watch” you will either get a fancy list of intellectual Oscar-nominated movies no one has ever seen or a bunch of ‘classic’ movies from the 80s. But, if you are looking for some normal-person movies- this list will serve your purpose.
