Each year across America, hundreds of thousands of people watch movies. Whether old or new, that is still thousands of hours of viewing time, and for some, it may be hard to find the perfect film to watch for movie night. From the old black and white movies of the 1900s to the amazing 4D movies of the 2010s, there are thousands of options available for the viewers' pleasure.
Some of my favorite movies are classics, while others are not. So counting down from 15 here are the best movies ever made.
15. "Legally Blonde"
"Legally Blonde" is in my top 15 because even though Elle Woods is a ditzy blonde (no offense blondes) who is the president of her sorority and has everything she could ever want, it isn't until her boyfriend Warner Huntington III dumps her and she tries to win him back that she realizes she doesn't need Warner to be happy. While Elle is preparing for the LSAT as a part of her plan to get Warner back, she realizes that she is smart enough to get into Harvard Law School, "What? Like it's hard?" and ends up accomplishing more than she ever could've imagined. Elle Woods inspires girls by telling them that they can do anything if they never give up.
14. "Elf"
Because Will Ferrel. In "Elf" Buddy the elf leaves the North Pole to find his dad, Walter Hobbs. Prior to leaving the 'pole Buddy learns he's NOT an elf, but actually a human. When Buddy gets to NYC he not only learns that his father isn't who he thought he was, but also learns that Walter didn't even know Buddy existed. Between impostor Santas who sit on thrones of lies, and a really epic snowball fight, Buddy does his absolute best to spread Christmas Cheer by singing loud for all to hear. In the end, Buddy ends up getting along with his new family and continues to be himself.
13. "Me Before You"
I just watched this one for this first time and it absolutely BROKE MY HEART. In the movie Louisa is a caregiver for Will Traynor who was hit by a motorcycle one day and suffered a spinal chord injury leaving him a quadriplegic. Not long after starting her new job, Louisa discovers that in six months time, Will is going to be traveling to Switzerland to die because he is tired of living this way. Louisa then sets out on a mission to prove to Will that she can make him happy and he doesn't have to die. I'll leave the rest a secret because I don't want to ruin it, but this movie is absolutely amazing and is a must see.
12. "Gone With The Wind"
While this one is a classic, its not in my top 10. I don't hate GWTW, it's just not one of my go-tos anymore. In GWTW, Scarlett O'Hara is your typical Southern Belle in Georgia, who spends her time pining for the handsome and smart Ashley Wilkes while he is away fighting in the Civil War for the Confederate Army. Scarlett wants nothing more than Ashley Wilkes, and in the process of everything ends up realizing that its not Ashley she truly wants, but that it's the devilishly charming Rhett Butler. It takes Scarlett losing her true love, best friend, and her father to realize that "Tomorrow is another day" and that she can win Rhett back.
11. "Top Gun"
Ah, "Top Gun." Definitely a classic. "Top Gun" starts the gorgeous Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer, both in the military. Tom stars in the movie as Maverick, a naval aviator who gets the chance of a lifetime to attend the Top Gun academy with is best friend and partner, Goose. Near the end of Top Gun School, Goose is killed when something happens to their plane during a training exercise. Maverick eventually gets back into the swing of things and saves the day.
Ok. from here on out it's down to the Top 10!
10. "Pride and Prejudice" - Kiera Knightly version
Mr. Darcy <3 I love Mr. Darcy. "Pride and Prejudice" is one of my absolute favorite books and the movie is no different. While, I've never seen the BBC version that's super long, I have seen the Kiera Knightly version a lot. Basically, Elizabeth meets Fitzwilliam Darcy at a party (they did it totally different back in the 1700s) and they both spend a long time hating each other, but also feeling something more but neither is willing to admit it. Eventually they realize just how much they care for each other. If you're looking for a romantic drama, "Pride and Prejudice" is perfect.
9. "Saving Private Ryan"
"Saving Private Ryan" is a historical drama based in the 1940s during WWII, in which Tom Hanks and his team go searching for Private Ryan (Matt Damon) after it is discovered that of five brothers, he is the only one still alive. This movie is perfect for the "guys" because it has war scenes, shoot outs, and action, but is perfect for us girls because it is definitely one that will pull on the heart strings. Even though war movies aren't for everyone, this one is easier to handle because there's not much gore or blood.
8. "Titanic"
"I'll never let go." OK, we all know this one. Everyone knows that there was plenty of room for Rose and Jack on that raft, but instead Rose hogs it to herself and lets Jack freeze to death in the ocean. This movie is packed with emotion, suspense (if you haven't seen it 5000 times like me) and even some humor. Basically, a pretty society girl, who is engaged to a steel tycoon and is going back to America to get married, tries to jump off the back of the Titanic so that she'll die and be free of her mother's expectations. But she is talked out of it by Jack Dawson, a wondering artist who convinces her not to jump. There is of course, drama involved and then the Titanic hits the 'berg and Rose and Jack survive the initial sinking of the ship only for Jack to freeze to death and die. If you're looking for something to make you cry, this is it.
7. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
Ferris Bueller, You're My Hero. In this movie Ferris, Cameron, and Ferris' girlfriend Sloane, all cut class because it's a nice day in Chicago near the end of the school year. Ferris, being the expert he is in feigning illness, manages to get out of going to school in what he calls the worst performance of his career. His Principal, however, spends the day trying to call Ferris' bluff, even going so far as to break into the Bueller's home. If you're looking for inspiration on how to get away with playing sick, the first 10 minutes of the movie are crucial! Happy Ditching :)
6. "Sixteen Candles"
This classic John Hughes film takes place in Chi-town as well. In Sixteen Candles, Molly Ringwald stars as Samantha Baker, a girl who has a crush on Jake Ryan. Sam spends the entire day waiting for her family to tell her happy birthday but it never happens. One of my worst nightmares is my family forgetting about my birthday. At the end of the night, Sam's father realizes the mistake they've made and does his best to make amends. The following day Sam's wish comes true and Jake Ryan drives her off in the distance and even buys her a birthday cake.
5. Literally any "Fast and The Furious" Series Movie
Except "Tokyo Drift." That one just stunk. In order to get the most out of this franchise and to understand it, there is a certain order in which the series must be watched so here it is: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 3, 7, 8. "Tokyo Drift" actually takes place between Furious 6 and Furious 7. The F&F series is jam packed with fast cars, cute actors, action, and laughter. F&F is typically seen as something for the guys, but I disagree. The Fast and The Furious is one of my absolute favorite series. I say that about a lot of things but there's no competition when it comes to F&F.
4. "Les Miserables"
Les Mis. It's one of the best movies ever made. Packed with action, love, and even sadness, this movies takes place during the French Revolution and tells the story of Jean Val Jean, an man who broke his parole and strives to do good and live a meaningful life. There truly aren't words for how awesome Les Mis is.
3. "Glory"
"Glory" is another Civil War movie, but is far better than GWTW. "Glory" follows the story of Col. Robert Gould Shaw, the commander of the first all African-American Regiment the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Throughout the movie, Shaw and his men fight for the opportunity to actually be involved in a battle. They eventually get their wish and so much more after that. "Glory" is a true classic that everyone should see.
2. "The Breakfast Club"
"The Breakfast Club" is also a 1980s classic by John Hughes that takes place in Shermer, Illinois (Chicago suburb), and shows five totally different teens spending the day in detention. What each of them discovers is that they are each a jock, a criminal, a brain, a beauty queen, and a basket case. Does that answer your question?
1. "Dead Poets Society"
In D.P.S. Mr. Keating, a teacher at a boys prep school in New England, inspires his class to walk to the beat of their own drum and teaches them that they don't have to do what their parents have planned for them. Oh, Captain, My Captain won't you watch this movie and fall in love with Robin Williams all over again?
