Movies About DNA

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a warmhearted, simple-minded man from Alabama who, with the help of his good friend Jenny, leads an extraordinary life. Despite his low IQ, Forrest manages to triumph over insurmountable odds and win the hearts of the American people. From a stint as a Vietnam War hero to a stint as a professional table tennis champion, Forrest's unlikely rise to fame and success has a major impact on the lives of many throughout his journey. Along the way, Forrest discovers the importance of friendship, love, and family, and learns that life is full of surprises.

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Milos Forman, based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. It stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal who feigns insanity to serve a short sentence in a mental institution rather than a prison. He rebels against the oppressive head nurse, Mildred Ratched (Louise Fletcher), and leads an uprising by the inmates. The film also features William Redfield, Christopher Lloyd, Brad Dourif, and Danny DeVito. The story follows McMurphy's attempts to challenge the oppressive system of the mental institution and restore some sense of dignity to the inmates. Despite its comedic moments, the film is filled with dramatic themes of freedom, oppression, rebellion, and self-determination. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning five for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film has since become a classic and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter
Rated PG

Rear Window follows the story of a professional photographer, Jeff (James Stewart), who is confined to a wheelchair after an accident and is forced to stay in his apartment. From his window, Jeff spies on his neighbors and becomes increasingly suspicious of a salesman, Lars Thorwald (Raymond Burr), who he believes has murdered his wife. Jeff enlists the help of his girlfriend Lisa (Grace Kelly) and his insurance company nurse, Stella (Thelma Ritter), to investigate and prove his theory. With the help of his binoculars and camera, Jeff slowly uncovers the truth and finds himself directly in the murderer's sights. The film is a suspenseful thriller and a study in voyeurism.

From Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
Rated PG

Casablanca is a classic 1942 romantic drama set during World War II in the city of Casablanca. The film follows Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a cynical and world-weary ex-pat running a nightclub in the Moroccan city. When his old flame Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) shows up with her husband Laszlo (Paul Henreid), an escaped refugee and leader of the Czech Resistance, Rick finds himself pulled into a dangerous political conflict. Forced to choose between his love for Ilsa and his passionate commitment to fight the Nazis, Rick ultimately makes a selfless sacrifice in order to aid the Resistance and protect the ones he loves. Casablanca is a timeless and beloved story of courage, loyalty and love in the face of hardship.

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee, Harry Myers
Rated G

City Lights is a 1931 silent film written, produced, and directed by the iconic Charles Chaplin. Set in the 1920s, it follows the story of a penniless tramp, played by Chaplin himself, as he falls in love with a beautiful blind flower girl he meets in the city. The tramp meets a millionaire who takes pity on him, and sets out to help him in his mission to make the flower girl’s life better. The tramp sets out on a series of adventures and misadventures as he attempts to raise money and find work, all the while struggling to keep his identity as a tramp a secret from the girl he loves. Through a series of disastrous circumstances, he ultimately finds a way to make enough money to fix the flower girl's failing sight and they can finally be together. City Lights is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From Sergio Leone, starring Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards
Rated PG-13

Once Upon a Time in the West is a 1968 Italian-American epic western film directed by Sergio Leone. Starring Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale and Jason Robards, the film tells the story of a mysterious stranger with a harmonica (Charles Bronson) who joins forces with a notorious desperado (Henry Fonda) to protect a beautiful widow (Claudia Cardinale) from a ruthless assassin hired by the railroad company (Jason Robards). It is a highly stylized, epic Western that explores themes such as vengeance, justice, and the violence of the Old West. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential westerns of all time.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest
Rated R

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 war drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola, set during the Vietnam War. The film follows the central character, Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen), on a mission to assassinate the renegade American Colonel Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando). As Willard travels up the Nung River he experiences the harsh realities of war, and his own inner turmoil as he confronts the moral ambiguities of his mission. Along the way, he encounters Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore (Robert Duvall) and a group of monosyllabic surfers, as well as the mysterious photojournalist, Mr. Clean (Laurence Fishburne). As Willard continues on his journey, he gradually begins to understand the dark forces that have driven Kurtz to the brink of madness. The film's intense visuals and its exploration of the horrors of war leave a lasting impression.

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Rated R

Scarface is a 1983 crime drama directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino. The film follows the rise and fall of Cuban refugee Tony Montana (Pacino), who moves from Miami to become a drug lord in 1980s Miami. Montana quickly rises to power, amassing a fortune in wealth and power, and becoming a notorious figure in the city’s criminal underworld. His ambition and ruthless nature leads him to become increasingly paranoid and violent as he strives to protect his empire. As Montana’s enemies begin to close in, his own paranoia and arrogance lead to his downfall.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore
Rated PG

Vertigo is a 1958 psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart as a retired police detective suffering from acrophobia and obsession. After an attempt to save a woman from suicide leaves him with a fear of heights, he is hired by an old friend to investigate the strange behavior of his wife, who believes she is possessed by the spirit of a dead ancestor. As the investigation unfolds, Stewart's character is drawn into a web of deceit and obsession that threatens to consume him. Along the way, he discovers hidden truths about himself and those around him as he attempts to unravel the mystery of the woman's identity.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

"2001: A Space Odyssey" is a science fiction classic directed by Stanley Kubrick, released in 1968. It follows a voyage to Jupiter, propelled by heterogeneous artificial intelligence, to discover the origin of an alien monolith that appears to have greatly affected human evolution. The main characters of the film are astronaut Dave Bowman and computer HAL 9000. The film is divided into four parts, or “Journeys”. The first part, “The Dawn of Man”, is set four million years ago and depicts the evolution of man from ape-like ancestors to the use of tools and the eventual discovery of the monolith. The second part, “TMA-1”, is set in the year 1999, and focuses on the mission of the spaceship Discovery to Jupiter. The third part, “Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite”, follows the Discovery's journey and the crew's encounters with the monolith and its powerful effects. The fourth part, “The Return”, is set in the year 2001 and follows Bowman's journey through a psychedelic landscape in search of the monolith's ultimate purpose. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest ever made, and its influence on the

From Billy Wilder, starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray, Ray Walston
Rated Approved

The Apartment is a classic 1960 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Billy Wilder and starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. Set in New York City, it tells the story of C.C. Baxter, a lonely man working in an insurance company, who allows his bosses to use his apartment for their extra-marital affairs. Baxter eventually falls in love with Fran, one of his boss's mistresses, and his life becomes increasingly complicated as his two worlds collide. Baxter must make a decision between keeping his job or finding true love, and the film ultimately celebrates the power of love and loyalty in the face of a corrupt corporate system.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio, Adam Baldwin
Rated R

Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 war film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin, and Vincent D'Onofro. It follows a platoon of U.S. Marines through their training at Parris Island and their experiences in the Vietnam War. The film is divided into two distinct parts: the first half focuses on the Marines' rigorous training and the second half on the war in Vietnam. The men in the platoon are forced to confront the harsh reality of war, and the film explores themes of dehumanization, psychological trauma, and machismo. The film culminates in a brutal battle between the Marines and the North Vietnamese Army. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning seven Academy Award nominations and a Golden Globe award for Best Drama.

From William Wyler, starring Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet
Rated G

Ben-Hur is a 1959 American epic historical drama film directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston as the title character. The film recounts the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince living in Jerusalem, who is betrayed by his adoptive brother Messala (Stephen Boyd), an officer of the Roman Empire. After years of slavery, Judah returns to his homeland seeking revenge. He encounters Jesus Christ and is ultimately transformed. The film is an adaptation of the 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace. Along with being a commercial success, the film won a record 11 Academy Awards, and remains the only film to win in all three categories of Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.

From Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos
Rated R

Blade Runner (1982) is a classic dystopian sci-fi film directed by Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer and Sean Young. Set in a dystopian future Los Angeles, the movie follows former police officer Rick Deckard (Ford), who is tasked with "retiring" four renegade replicants, androids that have illegally returned to Earth. During his mission, he embarks on a quest to discover the truth about the replicants, uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As Deckard searches for the replicants, he must confront his own identity and explore what it means to be human. With memorable visuals, a haunting score, and a complex story, Blade Runner is considered a classic of science fiction and is one of the most influential films of all time.

From Oliver Stone, starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Keith David
Rated R

Platoon is a 1986 American war film written and directed by Oliver Stone, starring Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, and Charlie Sheen. The film tells the story of a young U.S. Army volunteer, Chris Taylor (Sheen), who becomes increasingly disillusioned with the brutality and injustice of the war in Vietnam. He is forced to confront his prejudices and beliefs about the war, his fellow soldiers, and himself. Along the way, he must deal with the dangerous realities of jungle warfare and its aftermath. Platoon is an unflinching and powerful exploration of the human side of the Vietnam War, and ultimately a story of a young man's transformation from an idealistic teenager to a disillusioned veteran.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Andrea Eckert, Hanno Pöschl
Rated R

Before Sunrise is a 1995 romantic drama directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. The film follows two strangers, Jesse and Céline, who meet on a train in Europe and spend one night together in Vienna. As they wander around the city, they share their thoughts and feelings about life, love, and the world around them. The two quickly form a deep connection and, despite knowing that they will be separated the next morning, decide to spend the night together. As the night progresses, the two contemplate the possibility of a future together, creating a sense of anticipation for their inevitable parting. Throughout the movie, Jesse and Céline's conversations reveal their unique perspectives and allow us to experience their joys and sorrows with them as they confront the idea of love and the fragility of life.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Vernon Dobtcheff, Louise Lemoine Torrès
Rated R

Before Sunset follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke), a novelist, and Celine (Julie Delpy), a French environmentalist, as they reunite nine years after their passionate night in Vienna. Jesse is in Paris to promote his book, and Celine is living there, having shifted away from her activist roots. They spend a day walking and talking around the city, reconnecting and rekindling the chemistry between them. Over the course of the day, their conversations and reflections reveal the paths their lives have taken since that first meeting, and their growing feelings for one another. As the sun sets and their time is up, they must decide whether they will stay together or part ways.

From Lewis Milestone, starring Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, John Wray, Arnold Lucy
Rated Passed

All Quiet on the Western Front is a 1930 war drama film directed by Lewis Milestone. Based on the novel of the same name, it tells the story of German soldiers during World War I, and their experiences in the trenches. It follows a young soldier, Paul Baumer, and his comrades as they join the war effort and fight for their country. The film depicts the extreme physical and psychological toll of war on the soldiers, and the innocence and naivete of the young men as they are confronted with the realities of war. It is a powerful and moving story of courage, heroism, and the futility of war.

From William Wyler, starring Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews, Fredric March, Teresa Wright
Rated Approved

The Best Years of Our Lives is a 1946 American drama film directed by William Wyler, and starring Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo, and Harold Russell. It tells the story of three World War II veterans who struggle to readjust to civilian life after returning home from the war. Al Stephenson (Fredric March) returns to his wife, Milly (Myrna Loy), and two children, who have grown distant since he left. Fred Derry (Dana Andrews) struggles to find work as a civilian, while Homer Parrish (Harold Russell), a sailor who lost both hands in the war, is faced with a difficult transition and the challenge of finding a new job. Through their struggles and eventual reunions, these three veterans learn to move forward with their lives and find the courage to face the post-war world.

From Martin Brest, starring Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar
Rated R

Scent of a Woman is a 1992 American drama film directed by Martin Brest and starring Al Pacino and Chris O'Donnell. The story follows a young prep school student (O'Donnell) who is hired by a blind, retired U.S. Army Colonel (Pacino) to help him over a weekend. But the weekend turns out to be a journey of self-discovery for both of them. The Colonel, who is suffering from depression and considering suicide, gradually begins to open up to the student. Along the way, the two men learn to appreciate life, as the student learns the importance of loyalty and honor from the Colonel. Together, they embark on an unforgettable road trip, ultimately leading to a heartwarming conclusion.

From William Wyler, starring Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert, Hartley Power
Rated Passed

Roman Holiday is a romantic comedy film directed by William Wyler, released in 1953. It stars Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in the lead roles and focuses on the story of a runaway princess, Ann (Hepburn), who escapes her entourage while on a diplomatic trip to Rome and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She meets an American journalist, Joe Bradley (Peck), and the two develop a romantic relationship as they explore the city of Rome together. As the story progresses, Joe discovers Ann’s true identity and is caught between his duty to expose the story and his growing feelings for her. In the end, Ann returns to her royal responsibilities and Joe decides to keep her identity a secret, allowing the two to part ways with a newfound understanding and appreciation for each other.

From Fred Zinnemann, starring Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges
Rated PG

High Noon is a classic western film starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly. The story revolves around a small-town sheriff named Will Kane (Cooper) who is set to leave town with his new bride (Kelly) when he learns that a dangerous criminal he put away is due to arrive on the noon train to seek revenge. Despite warnings from his friends and townspeople, Kane decides to stand his ground and confront the outlaw, leading to a suspenseful and action-packed showdown. Along the way, Kane must also confront his own moral convictions and the townsfolk's cowardice as he struggles to protect his town, his loved ones, and himself.

From Michael Haneke, starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert, Alexandre Tharaud
Rated PG-13

Amour is a 2012 French-language drama film directed by Michael Haneke and starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva and Isabelle Huppert. The film follows an elderly couple, Georges and Anne, as they confront the deterioration of Anne's health due to a stroke. As Anne's condition worsens, Georges becomes her primary caregiver, sacrificing his own happiness and health to ensure her comfort. The film examines themes of aging, illness, death, and the resilience of love in the face of mortality. Amour won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress (Riva).

From James Cameron, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates
Rated PG-13

Titanic is a 1997 epic romance and disaster film directed, written, co-produced, and co-edited by James Cameron. The film is based on the true story of the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as members of different social classes who fall in love aboard the ship during its ill-fated maiden voyage. The film follows the star-crossed lovers Jack and Rose, as Rose struggles to choose between her love for Jack and her planned marriage to wealthy Cal Hockley. Throughout the voyage, Jack and Rose develop a strong bond, and come to realize how strong their love for each other is in the face of their impending doom. The film culminates in the sinking of the Titanic, as passengers and crew alike face the terror of the ship's final moments. In the end, Jack and Rose survive the sinking, but Jack eventually perishes in the cold waters. Rose is left to live a life of sorrow, yet still cherishes the time spent with Jack aboard the Titanic. The film is an enduring and poignant reminder of the power of love and courage during life's darkest moments.

From John Schlesinger, starring Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Sylvia Miles, John McGiver
Rated R

Midnight Cowboy is a 1969 drama film directed by John Schlesinger, based on the 1965 novel of the same name by James Leo Herlihy. The film stars Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman and tells the story of a naive, young Texan (Voight) who moves to New York City to become a hustler, only to find that life on the streets is much harder than he anticipated. He develops an unlikely friendship with a fellow hustler (Hoffman) and they soon find themselves in deep with the city’s violent and dangerous criminal underworld. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1969, becoming the only X-rated film to ever win the award.