Whether you're looking for a new movie to watch or hosting a movie night, here's a list of artsy films to make you cry, laugh, think, and love.
1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Benjamin begins aging backwards in weird sequences. It's hard to write about this film without giving too much away. I'll only reveal this: bring tissues.
2. Hugo (2011)
3. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
This black comedy follows one week of the life of Llewyn Davis (Oscar Issac), a folk singer who is struggling to get his music career on the road. You wouldn't think someone could have so many ups and downs in just one weeks time, including an abortion, cat crisis, and a thousand figurative slaps in the face. However, I think you'll be surprised by how relatable this film is.
4. Boyhood (2013)
This documentary follows a young boy, Mason, from the time he is in elementary school to the beginning of his college career. Same actor. Filmed from 2002 to 2013, it documents the nearly-realtime childhood and adolescent progression of actor Ellar Coltrane and actress Lorelei Linklater. Haven't heard of them? That's because they literally spent eight years in production for Boyhood. It's long but worth the watch
5. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Widely regarded as "Tarentino's masterpiece", this neo-nior crime film is also a black comedy. The film follows three interlocking story lines of characters that include a hitman, a mobster, a champion boxer, and drug dealers. Stars include John Travolta, Bruce Willis, and Uma Thurman. Be prepared for lots of monologes and a strong combination of humor and violence.
6. Big Fish (2003)
Directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish is the story of Edward Bloom, (Albert Finney) who was a salesman with a passion for storytelling who soon is confined to his death bed. His estranged son, Will, (Billy Cudrup) tries to mend their relationship while Edward tells tall tales that relate to his eventful youth. The tales include stories of witches, werewolves, and ringmasters (oh my!), all of which represent a different, key figure in Bloom's childhood.
7. Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
This film features a rising star cast, including Josh Huterson, AnnaSophia Robb, Bailee Madison, and Zooey Deschanel. The story follows Jess (Hutcherson) and Leslie (Robb), two kids who meet while racing at recess. They discover an abandoned tree house and create the magical world of Terabithia. However, after Jess denies their world's existance, their friendship begins to take a toll, and nothing goes right. Again: Tissues are advised.
8. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
With credits as a romance, sci-fi, comedy, phsycological-thriller, and drama, this film, starring Jim Carey, Kate Winset, Elijah Wood, and Tom Wilikson star, follows a couple who have erased each other from their memories. This is often discussed in psychology classrooms because of it's accuracy in the process of forgetting. TISSUES. STRONGLY. ADVISED.
9. Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
This. Movie. Is. MAGICAL. Based off of the classic children's book, Where the Wild Things Are follows Max (Max Records), a young boy with a wild imagination. After his parents' divorce, Max hides his loneliness in a wolf costume while playing with his dog. Watch as Max's anger is conducted into his wild imagination. Trust me: you won't regret it.
10. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
This film follows mathematics genius John Nash (Russell Crowe) who receives a Carnegie Scholarship for mathematics. Feeling the pressure to publish his own, original idea, Nash neglects his own health and things become intense. Again, too many spoilers cannot be revealed. And bring tissues.
