Top Five Must-Watch Movies

Recently, I’ve been trying to branch out and cut down on my watchlist, but I find myself always going back to watch the same movies over and over again.

Like many others I have unfortunately fallen victim to the endless doom-scrolling on TikTok and Instagram Reels, which has definitely had a lasting effect on my attention span. So any time I go to sit and watch a movie it seems like nothing can ever hold my attention without Subway Surfers, Minecraft Parkour, or a 5-Minute-Crafts video playing beneath it. I have spent countless hours trying to find movies that draw my attention the same way, so if you struggle with the same feelings I do, I am begging you to put the phone down and give these movies a try. 

Film: Twin Peaks: A Fire Walk with Me (Image Source: criterion.com)

• Twin Peaks: A Fire Walk With Me (David Lynch) - This prequel to the television show Twin Peaks  follows the events of the main character Laura Palmer’s life before her unexpected death. Personally, I thought the order in which the plot unfolds was brilliant and unexpected, keeping me on the edge of my seat without a dull moment. The narrative revolves around the dreams of Agent Coopers, the man who is finding clues to unveil the one responsible for Laura Palmer’s death. The prequel expertly weaves in heavy themes of substance abuse, complex relationships, and dark secrets to perfectly capture your attention. Although the show is slow at times, it is never dull. 

Film: The Substance (Image Source: luccawhatson.com)

• The Substance - A new favorite for me, and for good reason. The Substance follows the life of Elizabeth Sparkle, who once was a TV star who then is inexplicably erased from the public’s knowledge, left irrelevant. She then seeks out something that could make her newer, better, and younger. At first, I thought I was going to absolutely hate this movie and feel like I’d have to pause every five seconds, but once it got going, I was glued to my screen. I found it so fitting for the younger generation’s  obsession with being perfect, and this show serves as a reminder that what others may portray online is not always the truth. The show is also able to interestingly execute the toggling between two lives, depicting Elizabeth Sparkle’s spiral into madness. 

Film: Us (Image Source: examinedworlds.com)

• Us (Jordan Peele) - Us is a movie you can always go back to and find something new to hyper-fixate on. At first, I thought that I knew where the plot was heading, but I was completely wrong–and never once was I disappointed. Us follows the Wilson family’s lives as they are met with alternative versions of themselves, known as their “Tethered” versions.  It took me a quick rewatch, and a couple Google searches to understand that this movie is a metaphor for capitalism. Us follows the lives of the untethered families living freely and with ease, while their other selves get left with whatever is left, with their lives full of pain and misfortune. 

Film: Gone Girl (Image Source: imdb.com)

• Gone Girl - Initially, I attempted to read the book that inspired the film Gone Girl (in the hopes of being able to brag how I read the book before the movie), but I caved. I was amazed at how well this movie transcended my expectations. Gone Girl follows the life of Nick Dunne as he tries to find his missing wife Amy. As viewers, we are led to assume the worst, but as the narrative continues, the actions and events become much more complex. Gone Girl shifts perspectives cleverly, keeping you engaged even after you find out the truth. The exploration of themes within Gone Girl, including guilt, rage, and revenge are implemented in a subtle manner that then makes you empathize with Amy despite her actions. 

Film: Good Will Hunting (Image Source: imdb.com)

• Good Will Hunting (Gus Van Sant) - Though this movie is known as one of the most famous movies of all time, it is still making my list of my Top Five Movies. Good Will Hunting follows Will, a janitor who was able to solve MIT’s unsolved equation. In the midst of the professors trying to find him, Will lands himself in court and is sentenced to therapy sessions. This leads to the introduction of Sean Maguire, one of many therapists who truly wants to help Will accept that he is worthy of his accomplishments. There is more to this movie than a simple synopsis, but I’ll leave that to you to discover as a viewer. Personally, what I found most enjoyable was how Will grew throughout the course of the movie.  Although he is book smart, he never allowed his knowledge and skills to be truly known. Gus Van Sant perfectly captures the essence of Will’s journey from stubbornness to self-awareness.

Now it’s up to you: would you rather sit through a psychological thriller that might take you countless rewatches and multiple Google searches to fully understand, or a movie that will likely leave you sobbing after each viewing? Personally, I like both. I think it’s good to watch a “normal” movie every once in a while, but I prefer the feeling of being absolutely captivated by what I’m watching, whether through sheer terror or absolute amazement.