Favorite Movies List, Do We Share a Favorite?

My taste in movies sometimes surprises people because they don't all relate. I love movies that are creative, original, beautifully made, with great casting, directing, cinematography, costume, make up; every little detail matters. I also enjoy a movie with an open ending. Life isn't perfect and a happy ending doesn't necessarily mean the challenge is over. I see movies as a look into a person's life in a certain time frame, we're just getting a peek into it. I like a movie to be realistic in some way and relatable, whether emotionally or other.

Coming of age films are my most favorite. I think I love them because I can still remember those feelings and those moments where you can feel yourself growing. Those moments that you know you will remember forever; when that shift happens of becoming more of who you are. I can still remember those relatable moments in movies and it's as if my feelings are being validated when I see similar experiences on the screen. That someone out there relates and can share and show that those feelings matter and how those moments were life-changing.

When I watch movies I also like to think of all that went into creating it, from writing the screenplay, to finding the right cast, to getting the right set of people to work on the crew, the editing, the marketing, the composer, you name it. There are a ton of elements in making a movie. After I finish a good movie I immediately look up interviews with the director, writers, and actors. I want to know more; I appreciate it that much. I want to hear their perspective of working on the film. I read articles on the movie, I read reviews to see if others caught what I did and to see what I missed. Choosing a movie to watch isn't a passive thing for me. I can spend a lot of time just watching movie trailers to add them to my watchlists.

Listening to one of my favorite podcasts, "She Read, He Said," I was inspired to list my favorite movies based on categories. For some, I couldn't just pick one, so brace yourself for a lot of movie recommendations. Do we have the same taste in movies? 

Movies that always make you cry: When Harry Met Sally and Ladybird.

No matter how many times I have watched When Harry Met Sally, I always cry when Harry starts to run to meet Sally and Frank Sinatra sings, "It Had To Be You." The song explains how Harry feels and it expresses what's happening inside Harry's head, then Harry shares all that he loves about Sally, and Sally's reaction is priceless. Oh my, it gives me goosebumps.

In Ladybird, we see the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter. One of my favorite scenes of the movie (well really, every scene is my favorite but you know what I mean) is when we see parallel moments of compassion from Marion and Ladybird. Those moments of compassion and understanding break my heart. They comfort and offer help to broken-hearted and worried souls, it reminds me of Jesus's compassion and understanding. I love it.

Movie that reminds you of your childhood: Mrs. Doubtfire

"The whole time? The whole time!" My family and I quote some of the best lines from this movie. Robin Williams alone reminds me of my childhood, as well as Mara Wilson and Sally Fields. This movie makes us laugh and tear up. It was also my first look into divorce in a family. Thinking about it now, the ending shows a healthy look into co-parenting that I think is sweet.

Favorite Disney movie: One Hundred and One Dalmatians

The original, animated movie of One Hundred and One Dalmatians is my favorite Disney movie because of its quality. From the animation, colors, sound, voices, music, all of it! This movie is fun to watch and the story is unique. I love this movie, it makes me feel warm and cozy.

Favorite Movie: Cry-Baby and Clueless

Both of these movies I have loved since childhood. I had a major, long-time love for Johnny Depp. Cry-Baby was my favorite movie because he stared in it, but also because it's a great story and cast. It's a fun movie, a parody on teenage romance in the '50s but based on a certain group of people from John Waters's childhood. It's very interesting stuff. I love the colors, the style, the costumes, the musical element, it's so fun to watch. 

Clueless is such a smart movie. Of course the it girl Alicia Silverstone is a babe to watch. And Paul Rudd! Paul Rudd you guys plays a heartthrob? How cute. This movie is funny, fun, and so smart. 

Favorite sports movies: The Sandlot and A League of Their Own

My favorite sports movies are from my childhood. My sisters and I loved watching The Sandlot and A League of Their Own. What I love about The Sandlot are the characters, the summer heat, the fun. It captures that summer of our childhoods where the stakes are always so high when it comes to a ball game. 

A League of Their Own is more mature, and now as an adult I can comprehend the mature content. The characters' passion and drive for baseball were inspiring.

Movie you're most embarrassed to love: Superstar 

I'm not embarrassed to love this movie but it's an obnoxious film to watch if it's not your taste. Molly Shannon is a star!

Movies with the best soundtrack: 500 Days of Summer, The Silver Lining's Playbook, Garden State, and Marriage Story

All of these movies are emotional and I love emotions! The soundtrack heightens the scenes and I could listen to these soundtracks any day.

Favorite movie from the '80s: Dirty Dancing and Heathers

One is a romance, another is a dark comedy. Movies back then always had a dancing number didn't they? Dirty Dancing is just a classic movie from the '80s, what more can I say?

Heathers is my appreciation for Winona Ryder, one of my favorite actresses. She nails every role she plays and this movie is a cult classic. High school movies from the past are a movie trope I love.

Favorite comedy: The Jerk

Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters, what a delightful pair! The Jerk is so ridiculous I love it more and more every time I watch it.

Favorite drama: An Education and The Florida Project

An Education
is based on an essay, then memoir, written by Lynn Barber. Her memoir is one of my favorite books and its dryness shows in this film, in a good way. When Carey Mulligan first saw the film she cried and said it was so boring, that she was boring. This movie gained three Oscar nominations and won 36 awards. It's a movie every young girl should watch, in my opinion, age appropriate of course.

The Florida Project needs to be watched with a box of tissues. It shows you things without needing to say the obvious and you know! You know what's going on and can figure out where it's going. Such an excellent film.

Favorite action movie: The Fifth Element

Bruce Willis equals a great action film. This movie is science-fiction/action and takes place in the future. It's fun to watch and the action isn't too intense for me.

Favorite courtroom movie: Marriage Story

Noah Baumbach writes brilliant dialogue. His film with Greta Gerwig, Frances Ha, is another favorite of mine. Marriage Story has phenomenal acting, a beautiful score, and a story to tell. 

Favorite horror movie: The Quiet Place

This movie was scary the first time I watched it, and there are intense moments, but it's more than that. It's about a family and survival.

Favorite Christmas movie: The Holiday and The Family Stone

Nancy Meyers can do no wrong! The Holiday is a slow, long film, but it's charming! I love the moments of solitude for the characters; the entertaining things we do when we're alone but too vulnerable to share with others. It's a Christmas movie that isn't your typical "open my gift" movie which I find cozy.

The Family Stone has some of my favorite actors who I love to watch! It's funny, very Christmassy, and heart-warming.

Favorite sequel: Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit

Certainly any chance to hear Lauryn Hill sing will make me watch a movie. This movie is funny, entertaining, and full of talent.

Favorite musical: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton are the best pair for creepy movies. Cry-Baby is also a musical but Johnny Depp didn't really sing in it, for Tim Burton he did!

Favorite actors: I have many favorites... Natalie Portman, Carey Mulligan, Diane Keaton, Claire Danes, Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, Paul Rudd, Johnny Depp, and Adam Driver.

Movie you can watch over and over again: Grease

This is a family favorite! We love the singing, we love the dancing, we love the script. It's a movie that never gets old.

Do you see any of your favorites? Comment down below with your own list!

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