The leaves are falling, the temperatures are dropping, and the days are getting shorter. Ah yes, peak movie-watching season has finally arrived. Here is a list of lesser known movies that surely deserve the recognition. (Listed in no particular order).
1. Submarine (2010)
Submarine is wonderfully quirky story about Welsh teen Oliver, who sets out to win the heart of his classmate Jordana and fix his parents' crumbling marriage. The soundtrack features catchy songs from The Arctic Monkey's Alex Turner. If you enjoy British humor and sweet songs, this movie is for you.
2. Like Crazy (2011)
Starring Felicity Jones and the late Anton Yelchin as young lovers kept apart by a violated visa. Be warned, this is not a feel good movie. The emotions are raw and real. Make sure to have a box of tissues close.
3. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)
What would you do if you had less than a month before the end of the world? This movie sets out to answer that question for characters Dodge (Steve Carell) and Penny (Keria Knightley). Upon hearing a meteor will soon cause the end of the world, Dodge's wife leaves him without warning. Heartbroken, he stumbles into Penny, who is desperately trying to get home to her family. A hilarious and heartwarming adventure ensues.
4. Begin Again (2013)
Let me quickly say, I love Mark Ruffalo so much. I might not know him, but I trust him. He's a great and beautiful man. With that being said, I think his role in this movie is one of his best. He and Keria Knightley have undeniable onscreen chemistry respectively as broken down music producer as Dan and singer/songwriter Greta. The two team up to produce an album recorded at various spots in New York City. Like Submarine, the soundtrack is just as good as the movie.
5. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
The signature beautiful cinematography of Wes Anderson is reason enough to watch this movie. The storyline takes place in 1965 on an island off the coast of New England. It centers around the love story of runaway preteens Sam and Suzy. Those color palettes though.
6. Short Term 12 (2013)
This movie makes a lasting impression. The impeccable and uber talented Brie Larson stars as Grace, a supervisor at a group home for at-risk teens. I'm pretty sure I felt every emotion possible while watching Short Term 12. This movie just sticks with you.
7. The Truman Show (1998)
Funnily enough, my family often vacations in the small town of Seaside, Florida, where this movie was filmed. It follows the story of Truman, who is unknowably the star of his own reality show. He has been filmed since birth without his knowledge, and now in his thirty's, starts to realize that everything he has ever known is not what it seems. It's original, funny, and truly one-of-a-kind.
8. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
This is perhaps my favorite movie of all time. Why? It's smart, different, unique, and is basically the equivalent of an intellectual journey. My love for this film runs deep. Kate Walsh's impulsive and passionate Clementine chooses to erase Jim Carrey's Joel from her memory after their messy breakup. In retaliation, Joel undergoes the same operation. It's truly a journey and a wonderful ride to watch. Oh, and Mark Ruffalo is in it, so you know it has a special place in my heart.
9. Amélie (2001)
This French film (don't worry, there's English subtitles) about a young woman named Amélie is whimsical and downright magical. There's love, hilarity, and unlikely friendships. The cinematography is warm-hued and dreamy.
10. Palo Alto (2013)
Ah, teenaged angst. In this coming of age story, April (Emma Roberts) is caught between her lust for her soccer coach Mr. B (James Franco), and her attraction to sweet stoner Teddy (The adorably talented Jack Kilmer). The A+ acting and relatable struggles of the characters makes this movie a must-watch.
11. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
There is nothing lack luster about this road trip adventure movie. The Hoover family sets off on a interstate road trip so seven-year old Olive can participate in The Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. It puts the fun in dysfunctional. Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano and Alan Arkin star.
12. Stuck in Love (2012)
If you like intertwining stories and heartbreak, this movie is for you. Charming performances come from the star-studded cast, including Lily Collins, Logan Lerman, Greg Kinnear, Nat Wolf, and Jennifer Connelly.
13. Across The Universe (2007)
The legendary songs of The Beatles framework this story on war, love and peace. The whole movie is imagery overload, but in the best way possible. The songs are reimagined, but still boasts that classic sound you can sing along to.
14. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Based off the equally as good book, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl focuses on friends and high school seniors Greg, Rachel, and Earl, as they comes to terms with Rachel's cancer diagnosis. It reaches the perfect balance between comedy and drama.
15. Magic in The Moonlight (2014)
Set in the 1920's, Emma Stone and Colin Firth star in this elegantly done romance. Stanley (Firth) sets out to expose medium Sophie (Stone), but instead realizes she might be the real deal. Woody Allen both wrote and directed this charming film.
16. Liberal Arts (2012)
Filmed at my rival college (and star/ director Josh Radnor's alma mater!), Liberal Arts centers around Jesse as he returns to his old college for his favorite professor's retirement party. He ends up falling for current student Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen) and wrestles with his developing feelings for her.
17. The Art of Getting By (2011)
George is almost falling out of his Manhattan prep school since he sees no point in his schoolwork. He would rather focus his talents on his artwork. He then starts falling for Sally, and suddenly his whole viewpoint on life changes.
18. The Spectacular Now (2013)
Shy girl meets hard-partying boy, they fall in love and change each other for the better. While the lot might sound anything but fresh, the stellar performances from Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley causes this movie to make the list.
Now, go forth and watch.