Watching the right movie can do a lot for you. Whether a film gives you chills, makes you laugh, or is a reminder of what’s important in life, the right project can change your outlook. Movies likeGood Will Huntingare well known for imparting impactful and universal messages of hope and redemption to the audience. It’s not unusual for many of us to get into slumps and feel unsure about what the future holds, andthese films are a great reminder that the right path is waiting for you and that there’s beauty in the unknown.
Many of these have some of thebest feel-good movie endings, encouraging the audience to find meaning and humor in their everyday lives. Conversely, a few of these titles have open-ended conclusions that give the audience and characters permission to discover the unexpected and make mistakes as they find their way. All of these movies touch upon themes of coming-of-age, adventure, and self-acceptance. This provides a lot to love about these films, even during their most emotional moments, since it’s important to include the darkness of life to juxtapose the light.
Matt Damon and Robin Williams lead the cast ofGood Will Hunting,largely considered one of the best movies of the late 1990s and a testament to both actors' abilities. The genius but unfocused and fearful young Will (Damon) squanders his talents and potential until his intellect is suddenly discovered, and he’s placed in therapy with Sean (Williams). Though the audience might not have much in common with Will, his anxiety about the future and the way this prevents him from going after what he wants is relatable.
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Good Will Huntingis amovie that defined Robin Williams' career, showcasing the comedic actor at the height of his dramatic talents and cementing him as one of the greats. Damon’s performance is elevated in every scene he shares with Williams, bringing the audience close to Will through his work with Sean.Beautifully directed by Gus Van Sant,Good Will Huntinghas an unforgettable endingthat leaves the viewer ready to take on the world and discover what makes them happy.
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The award-winningEverything Everywhere All At Oncebroke tradition with its adventurous story and sci-fi premisethat put an innovative spin on the concept of the multiverse. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert,Everything Everywhere All At Onceis about all the possibilities of life and finding purpose and meaning in the life that you’ve chosen. Starring Michelle Yeoh in one of her best contemporary roles, Yeoh’s character, Evelyn, realizes that her seemingly boring existence is full of importance.
Unabashedly silly and sincere,Everything Everywhere All At Oncegrapples with familial expectations, regret, and the inherent connection between a parent and child that never fades.Ke Huy Quan and Stephanie Hsu are fantastic in their supporting rolesas Evelyn’s husband, Waymond, and her daughter, Joy. Throughout the story, we see Evelyn learn and grow, coming to understand that she doesn’t need to be a star or a hero to find fulfillment.
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Before Ben Stiller dove into the sci-fi genre withSeverance, he directed and starred inThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty, a funny and romantic film packed with magical realism. Loosely based on the original movie of the same name from 1947,the film follows the mild-mannered Walter (Stiller) as he willingly leaves his comfort zoneand decides to become the adventurous hero he’s always been in his heart. The story is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
Beautifully captured on film stock and shot on location across the world,The Secret Life of Walter Mittyisn’t just emotionally compelling but also visually astounding.
The Secret Life of Walter Mittyis amovie that perfectly blends adventure and romanceas Walter finds the courage to be honest about his feelings through his unexpected adventure. Beautifully captured on film stock and shot on location across the world,The Secret Life of Walter Mittyisn’t just emotionally compelling but also visually astounding. When watching the movie, the impact and emotional poignancy will sneak up on you.
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Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir about her journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail,Wildsees Reese Witherspoon take on the role of Strayed and find herself in the wilderness. Laura Dern plays Bobbi, Strayed’s mother, whose death deeply impacts Strayed and is the catalyst for her going on the adventure. Though Strayed has little hiking experience and doesn’t know what to expect from this dangerous and unexpected experience, it changes her for the better and is a reminder to reconnect with nature.
The performances by Witherspoon and Dern elevate the project,taking a classic narrative and imbuing it with personal and emotional weight that the viewer will connect with. However, it’s Witherspoon who anchors the piece and provides such a vulnerability that the audience feels safe enough to take their walls down as well. Told through a nonlinear narrative and driven by emotional truths rather than concrete facts,Wildinspires everyone who sees it.
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This sci-fi rom-com, directed by Spike Jonze and starring Joaquin Phoenix in one of his best roles, takes a warm and inviting look at the future. During a time when thinking about the future can feel a little bleak,Heris a humanist take on the emergence of new technologies and the way people connectwith each other. In the wake of his divorce, Theodore (Phoenix) starts a relationship with his AI assistant, which eventually opens him back up to the possibility of love.
Hertakes an empathetic and genuine look at Theodore’s attempts to build relationships with others, ultimately bringing him back to himself and the human world.
As much asHeris about Theodore’s relationship with Samantha, the AI, it’s about his journey to heal from the dissolution of his marriage and accept that this wasn’t his last chance at happiness. Though the premise is a little strange,Heris more relevant than ever, with a premise that grows more realistic every year.Hertakes an empathetic and genuine look at Theodore’s attempts to build relationships with others, ultimately bringing him back to himself and the human world.
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Full of magical realism and missed encounters, the French romantic comedyAmélieis abeautiful romance movie with incredible writing. The protagonist, Amélie (Audrey Tautou), finds her happiness in bringing joy to others and engaging with the minutia of life, as seen through her interactions with the other characters. However, whenAmélie finds herself in love for the first time with a mystery man, her sense of self-assuredness fades,and she discovers a new mystery of life.
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Améliewill transport you to another world full of magic and vivid color,making it both aspirational and escapist. Witnessing Amélie perform acts of kindness for others encourages her to find this same happiness for herself. WatchingAmélieis a reminder that personal fulfillment and generosity go hand-in-hand and that one cannot exist without the other. Taking a chance and giving into the magic of the world is whatAmélieis all about.
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The emotionally devastating and ultimately uplifting biographical dramaLionbrings to life the true story of Saroo Brierley, based on his novelA Long Way Home. After being separated from his family in India at a young age, Saroo is adopted by an Australian couple. He grows up wondering where his family is and if they’ve been searching for him.With a groundbreaking performance by Dev Patel as Saroo,Lionis a heartwrenching experiencethat takes the audience on an odyssey of Saroo’s reckoning with his past and future.
Moving at a deliberate pace and committing to realism at every turn,Lionwill stay with the viewer for a long time.
Patel deftly communicates the nuance of the feelings and desires that drive Saroo throughout his life and his complex relationship with his homeland and adopted country. The story ofLionis cathartic for both the characters and the audience. Though Saroo’s journey is specific, there are universal messages to be found within the movie. Moving at a deliberate pace and committing to realism at every turn,Lionwill stay with the viewer for a long time.
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In recent years, Greta Gerwig has become better known for her directorial work, but her performances as an actor are just as memorable, especially inFrances Ha.Gerwig penned the script with the director, Noah Baumbach,and her personal connection to the story comes through in her work throughout the film. There are many iconic quotes throughoutFrances Ha, as Gerwig’s Frances is charming and well-meaning but unafraid to share how lost she is in this life.
The relationship between Frances and her best friend, Sophie (Mickey Sumner), is a central part of the narrative as they grow apart and come back together through the difficult period of early adulthood.When the story begins, Frances is still immature and bouncing from one adventure to the next,clinging to a dream that’s fading.Frances Hadoesn’t encourage the viewer to give up on their dreams or friendships, instead giving us permission to let these relationships and ambitions evolve with time.
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Renate Reinsve stars inThe Worst Person in the Worldas Julie,a young woman living in Oslo who struggles to commit to careers, relationships, and what she wants her life to be like. With a gorgeously written script co-written by Eskil Vogt and the director, Joachim Trier,The Worst Person in the Worldis a fantastic recent example of a film about coming-of-age in adulthood. While there are plenty of adolescent dramas about this subject,The Worst Person in the Worldgives you permission to feel lost at any stage of life.
Though there are plenty of lighthearted moments,The Worst Person in the Worldhas a philosophical message that will hit home.
Julie makes mistakes, hurts herself and others, and tries out different versions of herself throughoutThe Worst Person in the World, but the movie doesn’t cast any moral judgment on her. The film’s conclusion is open-ended, with Julie on a new path and focusing on herself rather than defining herself through a romantic entanglement. Though there are plenty of lighthearted moments,The Worst Person in the Worldhas a philosophical message that will hit home.
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One of Hal Ashby’s best and most famous works,Harold and Maude, is deliberately offbeat and original, just like its characters. Following the story of Harold (Bud Cort), a young man obsessed with death and struggling to find meaning in life,Harold and Maudesees him discover this meaning with the much older Maude (Ruth Gordon). Rejecting the boilerplate existence set for him by his family,Harold’s life is reinvigorated by Maude, and the audience can’t help feeling the same way.
ThoughHarold and Maudeis a dark comedy, even the saddest moments help to uplift the film’s central message. It’s difficult to balance such dramatic tone shifts, butHarold and Maudethrives on finding humor in the darkest parts of life. As the movie progresses, anyone feeling apathetic about life like Harold will be reminded that there’s no reason not to live every day to the fullest. Considered a cult classic romantic comedy,Harold and Maudewill make you want to sing out.
Harold and Maude (1971)
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