I turned 20 on January 15th. I've lived two decades! DECADES! That got me thinking of everything I've accomplished and all I have yet t accomplish.
One thing stuck out to me: I've seen a lot of movies. So to celebrate me turning 20, I've compiled a list of the top 20 movies that have stuck out to me in my life. They're in no particular order because they're all amazing. 10/10 would recommend seeing all of them when you're done reading this. Without further ado, here are 20 movies for 20 years.
1. Get Smart (2008)
Although I haven't seen the orignal TV show, I love this movie to death. I could rewatch this movie 100 times and still laugh every single time. Plus, you can't ask for a better cast.
2. A New Hope (1997)
I watched A New Hope when I was really young and even though I didn't understand much of it, I loved this movie. This movie stood out to me as a child because I loved Han Solo and Princess Leia. As I grew, my obsession with Star Wars grew along with me and now, I actually want to become a Jedi.
3. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Raiders left me awe-struck as a child. I loved Indiana Jones and all of his adventures. The scary parts phased me only slightly, but watching Indy kick ass was a crucial part of my childhood.
4. Mulan (1998)
Mulan is my favorite Disney movie to date (followed closely by Hercules). I liked her for the same reason I liked Princess Leia: she was a princess, sure, but she fought and stood for something. It also helped that Mushu was in this movie and I think we can all agree he's the best sidekick ever.
5. Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade (1989)
This movie, by far, is my favorite Indiana Jones movie. If it's on TV, I will switch from my regularly scheduled programming to rewatch it. Also, Sean Connery as Indy's dad is the best casting choice ever.
6. Argo (2012)
This movie might look out of place on a list like this, but I love 'based on true events' movies. Argo is a must-see if you haven't already. I watched this movie probably once a week after it came out online and every single time, I was waiting on bated breath to see what happens next.
7. The Incredibles (2004)
Not only is this movie a part of my childhood, it's an integral part of my family. Whenever I watch it alone, it doesn't feel right. My family and I have watched this movie together close to 30 times and we know every single line by heart.
8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Okay, the more I compile this list, the older I feel! I read all of the Harry Potter books and watched all of the movies for the first time with my family. All of the movies in this series are phenomenal, but this one has a special place in my heart. It was my first introduction to the wizarding world and I've wanted to go to Hogwarts ever since.
9. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
I saw Ferris Bueller before I went to high school, but I loved watching Ferris and his friends play hooky for a day. Even though this movie is before my time, I love watching it and getting those #80svibes.
10. The Dark Knight (2008)
This was the first Christopher Nolan film I saw and to say that I was blown away would be an understatement. The Dark Knight made me realize I like gritty dark films and every so often, I have to rewatch it just because it's The Dark Knight and it's amazing.
11. The Hunger Games (2012)
I distinctly remember where I was when The Hunger Games came out. I was performing at the 8th Grade Talent Show in my middle school cafeteria singing a Kelly Clarkson song with my friend at the time. We saw the movie that weekend after religiously reading all of the books and it has been ingrained in my brain ever since.
12. High School Musical (2006)
I don't care what anyone says, High School Musical defined a generation of children. Like The Hunger Games, I remember exactly where I was when I first watched HSM on Disney Channel and you better believe I still sing Breaking Free to this day.
13. The Martian (2015)
On a more serious note, The Martian left me in awe after the credits rolled. Never had I seen a movie that wasn't reality yet, but could very well be a possibility in the future. Again, if you have yet to see this one, go watch it after you're done reading this article.
14. Wonder Woman (2017)
After I saw Wonder Woman in theaters, I wanted to kick some ass. That movie made me feel empowered in ways I can't explain.
15. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Similar to Wonder Woman, TFA made me want to fight someone after I left the theaters. It was so refreshing to see a woman at the center of the Star Wars universe surrounded by my old favorite characters. I could watch this movie over and over and never be bored.
16. Moana (2016)
Out of all of the Disney ladies, I aspire to be Moana. Her drive and curiosity makes me want to go out and explore the world. She's truly a role model and I love her for that. Plus, her pet pig Pua is adorable.
17. The Breakfast Club (1985)
I actually hadn't seen The Breakfast Club in full until a few years ago (GASP!), but when I did, it was amazing. There's something in every character that I identified with and they were each so unique and well-written, it was hard not to love this classic.
18. Spotlight (2015)
At a time when I was going into college and considering journalism, watching this movie sealed the deal. Even though I've since changed my major from Broadcast Journalism, I will always enjoy Spotlight and be thankful for the work that team did for the betterment of society.
19. The Parent Trap (1998)
When my sister and I were younger, we loved watching this movie and rewatching it when we were older was even more fun. The Parent Trap proved that even sparring siblings can work together to make something happen and watching Lindsay Lohan act with herself is just amusing.
20. The Lion King (1994)
Talk about a movie I watched over and over when I was little. I saw this on Broadway as well and it just blew me away. The Lion King will always be a classic story that will last for generations.
