When I think of movies, I think about the way they make me feel and how they evoke a certain lesson or awakening in me.
Whether it was an older movie or a newly released movie, they still have the same effect on us and how they make us feel. That is why I believe that movies in general do not define a certain generation.
You can still get the same lesson or meaning out of the movie that you would’ve when it came out.
The scenery, the clothing, the music etc. may be different, but that shouldn’t shy away from the fact that they are still relatable.
1. 10 Things I Hate About You
This movie came out in 1999, but it is still relatable today. The lessons you can learn from this movie still make it appealing and a fun movie to watch.
A lesson you can learn from this movie is that you shouldn’t buy into others’ expectations of you. In this world, you should be able to be who you want to be. It’s your life so live it for yourself not someone else.
Another valuable point this movie made is that no one should ever make you feel as if you don’t deserve to follow your dreams. It is important to follow your dreams because you never know where they may lead you .
2. The Breakfast Club
Not only does this movie capture the teen angst of the generation it was made in, it still captures the teen angst of all past and future generations.
I have to admit this movie hits me in the feels. It shows all so- called stereotype high school students that in reality are not that much different.
One important lesson this movie teaches is that everyone has or is going through something that relates to something you're going through. Don't ever feel like you're going through it alone, and don’t judge anyone else because you don’t know what they have going on in their life.
3. Can’t Buy Me Love
My love for this movie did spark because of two reasons: 1. Because of young Patrick Dempsey (who wouldn’t want to drive a lawn mower into a sunset with him?!) and 2. because it was one of my mom’s favorite movies.
Although I wasn’t watching the movie for the right reasons, I soon realized that this movie taught me about life.
One major theme in this movie is that you shouldn’t have to buy a person’s friendship or love. Be an honest, genuine, and loyal friend and look for those with similar qualities. If a person does not accept you for who you are, then they do not deserve you as their friend (or partner).
In addition, do not categorize yourself or stick to only one group of friends. Having quality, unique friends in your life will make you better and a well-rounded person.
4. Dirty Dancing
Even though this movie was made 30 years ago, some of its themes can still be applied to our society today.
My favorite thing that Dirty Dancing taught me is that dancing makes everything better; the healing power of dance is undeniable.
When life is getting you down, turn up your favorite jams and dance the troubles away.
Also: the movie also teaches us to trust your instincts. Baby trusted her instincts and it led her to help others and helps her to find the person she wanted to be. Just remember: “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”
5. Legally Blonde
Although this movie is 15 years old, its message still resonates with us today.
Elle Woods taught us many important things: from the dos and don’ts of beauty care, to how to fight for that job that we want.
Elle is my role model.
When Warner said, she wasn’t smart enough to get into Harvard, she slayed and showed that she was smart. This showed people that you can do anything you put your mind to and not to judge a book by its cover. Elle is a #girlboss.
6. The Fault In Our Stars
I fell in love with this book and movie the way Hazel fell in love with Gus: “slowly, then all at once”.
This movie/book is relatable because we are all humans and we were either once in love, are in love, or one day will be in love. This wonderful masterpiece will hit you in the feels and pull at your heartstrings because in one way or another, the lessons you learn through this work could have happened in your life or you understand what they mean.
One lesson I learned was that the world is not a wish-granting factory. Sometimes things do not go our way and it is really hard to accept, but that is just how life is and we have to roll with it.
Another lesson I learned was to experience life and love deeply. We don’t know how much time we have left on this earth and this means that we should live our life to the fullest and love with all our hearts; Gus and Hazel showed us this the best. Okay?
Sincerely yours,
The movie-lover learning about life in new ways everyday