Action & Adventure
Action and adventure films are perfect for evenings with friends or when you need to escape a boring routine. ..
1. Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
If you’re looking for an action thriller movie, Terminator 2: Judgement Day is one of the best there is. James Cameron says he saw the whole plot of Terminator one night in a dream. And while the first Terminator is also a masterpiece, the second part is the one that makes you gasp at the level of special effects, acting, and the insane amount of action. ..
2. RoboCop (1987)
RoboCop is an American science fiction action film about a police officer killed and resurrected as a half-human, half-robot supercop. The movie has a brilliant plot that turned into a franchise and has grown a cult following. RoboCop is also an action-packed movie with special effects that are not all there is to it. ..
RoboCop is a movie about a character who loses their identity and has to find themselves again. This underlying story is found in many other movies, so if you’ve seen it before, you can find it here. But if you’re new to the movie, I think it would be a good idea to watch it again so you can see how the story develops.
3. The Lost City of Z (2017)
Crime & Thriller
4. Fargo (1996)
This black comedy thriller film is a classic, and has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. It’s a great film to watch, and is sure to make you laugh out loud.
5. Get Shorty (1995)
Get Shorty is a comedy and crime mix that made our list. A gangster travels to Hollywood to collect a debt, and finds himself turning into a big-time producer thanks to a series of circumstances. What could go wrong?
Horror & Thriller
There’s a lot of debate over whether or not watching horror movies can actually help you relax and unwind. Some people swear by it, while others say it’s just a waste of time. What we do know is that if you watch a horror movie, your nervous system will release cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones will both make you feel relieved when it’s over. So if you’re looking for an easy way to relax and de-stress, then watch a horror movie!
- “The Shining”
- “Psycho”
- “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre”
- “A Nightmare on Elm Street”
- “The Hills Have Eyes”
6. Train to Busan (2016)
Train to Busan is a South Korean horror thriller that tells the story of a group aboard a bullet train trying to escape from the zombie outbreak and get to the Safe Zone in time. The movie toys with its audience, leaving the question of whether there is a Safe Zone at the end of their journey unanswered. The film will keep you on the edge of your seat till the end credits.
7. Lake Mungo (2010)
Lake Mungo is a film with a tense atmosphere that will keep you guessing whether there’s something supernatural going on or if it’s the characters slowly going crazy.
8. The Lighthouse (2019)
The Lighthouse is a strange and grotesque film that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. The pace is fast and the music is harrowing, making it an experience you won’t forget any time soon.
Art House & Comedy
The following films are not all horror movies. They are instead creative and innovative, with unique plot twists and directors who take risks.
9. The Squid and The Whale (2005)
This film is a coming-of-age story about a teenager whose parents are divorcing. It’s sad, but it’s also funny. The director, Noah Baumbach, tells the story in an autobiographical way and the acting is strong. There isn’t much happening in this movie in terms of action, but you can expect strong acting and precise dialogues that won’t leave you feeling indifferent.
10. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is a powerful and unique collaboration between director Wes Anderson and actor Bill Murray. The film follows the two main characters, Steve Zissou, a seasoned professional diver who has been working in the ocean for many years, and Bill Murray, an experienced actor who has starred in many successful films. The two share a strong acting partnership that makes the film one of great value.
Bill Murray’s character, the once-famous oceanographer and explorer Steve Zissou, is taking an insane journey chasing the shark that killed his partner. Although, as you can expect from a Wes Anderson movie, the plot here matters the least. Just sit back and enjoy the symmetry, the feeling of balance in every single shot, and the brilliant acting delivered by the entire cast. ..
11. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson’s films are great for family and friends to watch together. The Grand Budapest Hotel is a comedy-drama that is an adventure film. It features the style of writer/director Wes Anderson, with perfect symmetry in every scene and unusual color schemes. The movie won the 87th Academy Awards season, receiving nine nominations and winning four.
Rom-com & Comedy
The following movies are perfect for a lazy weekend watch when you want to relax and have some good laughs. These light-hearted and uplifting movies will make you feel better even if you’re under a lot of stress or feeling depressed.
12. Two Days in New York (2012)
Two Days in New York is a romantic comedy written and directed by Julie Delpy. It is a sequel to her 2007 film, Two Days in Paris. You can watch it independently and even go back to the first movie after this one. The main character, Marion, is Delpy’s alter ego and watching her relationship with her boyfriend be tested by the sudden arrival of their relatives feels both funny and incredibly familiar. If you think your family’s crazy, Two Days in New York is a must-watch. ..
13. Waitress (2007)
Waitress is a story of a small-town waitress who is stuck in a loveless marriage and finds solace in her pies. The plot might seem too familiar and already done before, but you’ll be surprised by this vibrant and uplifting comedy with irresistible acting from Keri Russel, who portrays the main character Jenna. Her co-actor is Nathan Filion, whom you might know from Firefly, which adds more charm to this beautiful film. ..
Waitress, a Broadway musical with the same name, was created by a waitress.
14. Something Wild (1986)
Something Wild is a movie that is full of surprises. It starts out as a typical romantic comedy, but then turns into a crime movie when the main character’s ex-husband comes into play. This makes the film even more unpredictable and exciting.
15. Rushmore (1999)
Rushmore is a beautiful coming-of-age comedy-drama that launched the career of Jason Schwartzman and re-introduced Bill Murray as an art-house giant.
Max Fischer is a 15-year old student at a prestigious private school. He befriends a wealthy industrialist, Herman Blume, and they form an unlikely friendship. Max is in love with his elementary school teacher, Rosemary Cross. Rosemary is in love with Max, but she also has feelings for Herman. The three of them get involved in a love triangle and the entire school grounds become a war zone. ..
16. The Big Sick (2017)
The Big Sick is a film that is based on the story of two people who are in love and have to fight for their relationship. This film is honest and down-to-earth, which makes it the perfect choice for those who want a realistic romcom.
17. Crazy Heart (2009)
Jeff Bridges won an Academy Award for best actor for his role in Crazy Heart. The movie was finally able to win him the award after years of waiting.
Crazy Heart is based on a novel inspired by the life of country singer Hank Thomson. The film is more dramatic in tone, with life affirmations and real feelings as its main focus. If you’re looking for a beautiful movie to watch, put Crazy Heart on your list. ..
Drama
18. 12 Angry Men (1957)
This movie is about the power of questioning and the importance of a fair trial. It also shows how important it is to have a jury that is unbiased and can think objectively.
19. Do the Right Thing (1989)
Do the Right Thing is a drama with elements of comedy about racial tensions directed by Spike Lee. The story’s set in a small neighborhood in Brooklyn, where a minor conflict in a pizzeria quickly escalates into a full-scale uprising. While watching the movie, you’ll be stunned by the violence in this movie, as the overall tone and the biting humor of the film don’t give away what will happen next. ..
20. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
This World War II drama won Steven Spielberg his second Academy Award for best director. Saving Private Ryan starts with a 20-minute long recreation of the Omaha Beach landing, and it’s so vivid and graphic that you won’t be able to look away. Even though there’s next to no dialogue in this part of the movie, it sets the mood for the rest and powerfully demonstrates the horrific acts occurring in the war zone.
This is a powerful scene where a captain with US soldiers tries to save their comrade who is behind enemy lines. The scene is also short, but it’s still powerful.
21. The Report (2019)
The Report is a well-crafted political thriller that uses storytelling techniques and dramatic suspense to almost turn this story from political into a personal one. The Report might make you angry, but it’ll also stir some critical thoughts in your brain and leave you questioning things even more than before. ..
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Science fiction and fantasy offer a unique escape from reality that can help you find relief from your problems. If you’re looking for a break from your routine or frustrating reality, these films may be the perfect escape for you.
22. The Vast of Night (2020)
The opening sequence of The Vast of Night is as spooky as the movie’s plot. The Vast of Night takes place in New Mexico in the 1950s, where a switchboard operator and a radio DJ discover a weird audio frequency of extraterrestrial origin.
This science fiction mystery film is full of nods to the 1950s and its culture. If you know your 1950s and its culture, you’ll enjoy solving the mystery of The Vast of Night together with the main characters.
23. The Prestige (2006)
Christopher Nolan’s new movie, “The Prestige,” is a fascinating look at the world of stage magicians and their rivalry. The film starts with a feud between two magicians and continues to escalate until one magician kills the other. The film is full of suspense and will leave you wondering what really happened. ..
24. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It’s a Wonderful Life is a 1946 drama fantasy film that tells the story of a suicidal man who wishes to see what the world would be like if he were never born. The director Frank Capra managed to turn a movie with such a grim premise into a holiday special.
It’s a Wonderful Life is a movie about overcoming dark thoughts and finding light and meaning in life. Ultimately, it’s an uplifting movie that will motivate you to do more and achieve more.
25. Alien (1979)
The Alien is a must-watch for anyone who likes the lost-in-space science fiction and the haunted house horror thriller movies. You can summarize the plot as “the mysterious creature starts attacking the crew members of the commercial spaceship heading back to their home planet.” However, this is far from everything this movie has to offer. The Alien has an interesting story with many twists and turns, making it a great movie for fans of both genres. The acting is top-notch, and the special effects are amazing. ..
If you’ve seen Alien before, and are familiar with the story, give this movie another watch. You won’t regret it.
