In our time here on earth, humans have made a lot of art: paintings, sculptures, books, music... Let's talk about movies, though. Movies have only been around for the last 120 years and only the last 90 with sound. They define modern culture in a unique way. This list contains ten movies you need to see to fully understand life and the film industry.
10. The Ten Commandments (1956).
The Ten Commandments was a big hit in the 50s-60s since it starred Charlton Heston and brought a Bible story to the big screen. On top of the cast and premise, it had astounding visual effects for its day and had a long screen time. It, to this day, holds a reputation as a must-see among film junkies, simply because of its quality. Since its release in '56, few Bible-story movies have come anywhere close to the quality of this old-Hollywood classic.
9. The Great Gatsby (1974 or 2013).
The Great Gatsby as a book is admittedly a little slow to get any action going. That's why there are movies. Both the original 1974 (Robert Redford) and 2013 (Leonardo DiCaprio) versions adapt the story to film very well. The older version is still somewhat dry in terms of visual entertainment but it conveys the story's meaning and moral as Fitzgerald wrote it. The newer version is more visually appealing but doesn't give the same feeling of being in the time and place.
8. Star Wars (any/all).
The Star Wars saga is one that can speak to anyone. At some point, everyone will find a character they like or relate to, and that's what makes it special. Episode I gets a lot of flak for not being relevant to the rest of the films, but everyone should watch it anyway simply for the comedic value.
7. The Lego Movie
Even if you're not a fan of LEGO, or cartoons, or kids movies, this is a must watch. The film does contain many silly moments and nonsensical plot devices, but the overall idea behind the film is what's important. No one is too grown up to not use their imagination. The movie very well describes the thinking process of a child writing a story as they go and encourages adults to break out of their adult shell and try to see the world in an "Everything is Awesome" way.
6. The Lord of The Rings (any except The Hobbit).
To be honest, the movies don't quite do the books justice, but they do a great job of visualizing the story. Even if you're not a fan of fantasy films or Orlando Bloom, they teach many important lessons throughout the original trilogy, such as sticking by your friends no matter what, doing a job even though it's literally the hardest thing in the world, and that second breakfast is very important. If that didn't convince you, the New Zealand backdrop will.
5. A Goofy Movie.
A Goofy Movie is a Disney Classic about a boy and his dad bonding over a vacation that starts because of a misunderstanding. It doesn't get its due fame as a Disney movie despite its amazing songs, characters, jokes, and story, but it still has a great message for any age group. For the younger crowd, it's about spending time with your parents, even if they are embarrassing. For parents, it's about respecting your children's space, even though they may worry you sometimes. For everyone in between, it's a great vacation-gone-wrong movie about Bigfoot, rock stars, fishing, and high school drama.
4. Kubo and The Two Strings.
Kubo is a bit of a hidden gem. It wasn't very widely received when it came out, unfortunately, as it was in between several other great movies. Kubo, the title character is the son of a great samurai and a former witch, who lost his eye to his evil grandfather. Through the movie, he gains the companionship of a monkey and a giant beetle on a quest to find armor that can defeat his grandfather, all the while being chased by his crazy aunt witches. It's difficult to describe, and very visually stimulating, as the film was done in stop motion by the same studio who made Coraline and The Corpse Bride.
3. Wonder Woman.
2017's Wonder Woman broke records, and for good reason. It was the refreshing title DC needed under their name, and it gave us a female lead character that didn't feel forced or artificial. Gal Gadot is an almost perfect portrayal of the Wonder Woman from the comics, getting used to the outside world, unafraid of bad guys, determined, and fun. All in all, it's an exciting, fun movie about a warrior princess daughter of Greek gods, and that's exactly what we needed from it.
2. The Matrix (the first one)
Along with being an excellent sc-fi thriler, it's also extremely deep. There are hundreds of fan theories about how the world in the movie came to be, and why Neo is the One, and with good reason. It will make you question if your world even exists outside your mind, and if you can escape your fake reality. Of course, it is just fiction, but it's Keanu Reeves' most notable film role, and an excellent mind trip.
Jurassic Park (The first one).
Jurassic Park (1993) was a game changer. Before the original movie came out in 1993, people saw dinosaurs as big lizards that died a long time ago. Then Michael Crichton and Steve Spielberg brought them back from the dead using a combination of practical effects and CGI in a way that had literally never been done before. That's not even the best part, though. The movie teaches a lot about people and our innate desire to test the laws of nature, often to our own disadvantage. Even if you don't like dinosaurs (if you don't, please consult a physician), the movie offers a lot in the way of strong female leads, relatable characters, plot holes, and Jeff Goldblum.
