As a film major, you may have guessed it: I watch movies. I watch at least three a week just in my classes. Before coming to college, I was mostly interested in the typical modern-day, recently released romantic comedies. I didn’t think “older” movies would be interesting or feel relevant to today’s time. I was very wrong. Despite what you may think about older movies (I’m looking at you, college kids), I strongly urge you to try and watch a few of them and see what you think. I also threw in some more recent films that I also strongly advise you to take a look at. What’s the worst that can happen?

1. Singin' in the Rain

Gene Kelly makes you want to just jump out of your chair and dance through rainy streets all night long. Between the budding romance and the several hilarious characters, this film certainly kept me on my feet the entire time.

2. Some Like It Hot

Marilyn Monroe is phenomenal in this hilarious film. It is like an older version of White Chicks with two men disguised as women. I was extremely engaged the entire time. I am in awe of how relevant the topics and comedic lines were considering this film was released in 1959.

3. Election

Young Reese Witherspoon is a delight to see in this 1999 classic. Her annoying yet captivating personality carries us through this crazy story of how far one will go to rise to the top and stay there.

4. Rocky

Sylvester Stallone makes Rocky Balboa such a loved character in this story of learning what is most important in life. Rocky is someone who worked hard to achieve the American Dream. In the end, despite the odds against him, Rocky got what he really wanted.

5. Kill Bill Vol. 1

Uma Thurman is dazzling in this crime and thriller film. This film is great for those feminists out there. Uma is strong and highly skilled, and watching her battle it out against everyone else is extremely exciting. I love the cliffhanger at the end; you’re going to HAVE to watch Kill Bill Vol. 2!

6. Taxi Driver

As one of Martin Scorsese’s best works, Taxi Driver gives us an inside scoop into the life of a troubled man, played by Robert De Niro. The audience is able to sympathize with him from an intimate point of view. This film makes you wonder whether people do things to help others, or if they’re really just helping themselves.

7. The Blind Side

Now I’m turning into some more recent films (compared to the 1900’s at least). Based on a true story, this 2009 film never fails to captivate me. The story is so touching and being able to watch the growth and success of Michael Oher is very special. It makes it even better knowing that these were real events that happened.

8. The Lion King

I’ve got to have one animated Disney film in here, right? The Lion King will forever be the best movie to ever grace this planet. The film’s themes are not just childish themes. They pertain to the loss of a loved one, finding yourself again, and working to rebuild what was broken. Through the use of lovable animals, The Lion King shows us the beauty in the “Circle of Life.”

9. La La Land

Damien Chazelle is an up-and-coming director whose most famous works have dominated Hollywood and theatres across the country and globe. La La Land was truly one of the most captivating pieces of art I have ever witnessed. Yeah, I loved it because it had the best romance ever (*cough cough* Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling) along with a hit record of amazing musical numbers. But there was a raw truth displayed about the difficulty in trying to make it big in Hollywood. This film was so inspiring, and it will make you go for your dreams!

10. Whiplash

Ending on another Damien Chazelle film, Whiplash left me speechless. It is almost painful to watch Miles Teller’s role suffer so badly, but it was so captivating to see how the music took control over him and how he did anything he could for his chance to perform. This film centers around how far one goes before they lose their own sanity.

Hopefully, you realize that the list I made here is a tiny fraction of the incredible movies out there, from all the new releases to the first films ever made. If you’re headed into a movie theater not excited about what you’re going to see, I hope you can keep an open mind about the film, because it may really surprise you. I hope this list helps you get going, so go grab some popcorn and enjoy!