Movies That Make You Think About Life

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. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal who is admitted to a psychiatric hospital for evaluation. As McMurphy quickly comes into conflict with the oppressive Nurse Ratched, a battle of wills ensues. Ultimately, McMurphy rallies the other patients to rebel against the oppressive medical staff, thereby saving them from the loss of their personal individuality. The film also deals with issues of mental illness, freedom, and human dignity, and is considered an important work in the history of cinema.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans
Rated R

Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 American psychological drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans. The film tells the story of four characters whose lives are destroyed by drug addiction and desperation. The film follows aging widow Sara Goldfarb (Burstyn), her son Harry (Leto), his girlfriend Marion (Connelly), and his friend Tyrone (Wayans) as they plunge into a downward spiral of drug addiction, mental breakdowns, and criminal activity. As their addiction grows, Sara's dreams of appearing on a television game show become an obsession, and eventually a full-blown fantasy world. As the four characters become increasingly desperate and unable to cope with their addictions, their lives begin to unravel in tragic and heartbreaking ways.

From Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne
Rated R

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a 2004 science-fiction romantic comedy-drama film written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Michel Gondry. The film follows an estranged couple, played by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, who have each voluntarily undergone a procedure to erase all memories of their relationship. As their memories are erased, the couple slowly begin to discover their feelings for each other and attempt to rekindle their relationship. Through a mix of surrealism and nostalgia, the film explores the idea of whether or not a relationship can survive if the couple has no memory of their past. The film received critical acclaim, with particular praise for its visuals, direction, script, and performances. It also won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

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

Before Sunrise is a 1995 romantic drama film directed by Richard Linklater. The plot follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy), two strangers who meet on a train in Europe and spend the night together in Vienna. Jesse is an American on his way to Vienna to catch a flight home, while Celine is a French student returning to university. They spend the night walking around Vienna, discussing their lives and experiences, and forming a strong connection in the limited time they have together. They agree to meet up again in six months, though both are unsure if it will actually happen. In the end, the two part ways, both feeling a sense of lasting connection and hope for a possible reunion.

From Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen
Rated R

Rain Man is a 1988 American road comedy-drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass. It tells the story of an abrasive, selfish young wheeler-dealer, Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), who discovers that his estranged father has died and bequeathed all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his other son, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), an autistic savant, of whose existence Charlie was unaware. Charlie is left with only his father's car and collectible blade. In order to obtain his share of the estate, Charlie tracks down Raymond in a mental institution and they embark on a cross-country journey. Along the way, Charlie learns valuable lessons about his own life from Raymond. After the trip, Charlie and Raymond are closer, and Charlie adjusts to his newfound role as an older brother to Raymond.

From Tim Burton, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange
Rated PG-13

Big Fish is a 2003 fantasy-comedy film directed by Tim Burton and written by John August. The film follows the story of Edward Bloom, a man who loves to tell stories of his past adventures. Edward's estranged son, Will, is skeptical of his father's tales and seeks out the truth behind them. Along the way, Will discovers a different side of his father and learns the importance of family and the value of stories. Filled with magical creatures, larger-than-life characters, and whimsical settings, the film is a touching ode to the power of imagination and the joy of storytelling.

From Julian Schnabel, starring Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny
Rated PG-13

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a 2007 biographical drama directed by Julian Schnabel and based on the memoir by Jean-Dominique Bauby. The story follows the life of Jean-Dominique, a former editor of French Elle magazine, who suffers a stroke which leaves him almost completely paralyzed, with only a few of his muscles still functioning. Jean-Dominique is left with a condition known as "locked-in syndrome" and can only communicate through blinking his left eye. The film focuses on Jean-Dominique's journey as he learns to adapt to his new body and life. With the help of a speech therapist, he is able to use his eye to communicate and write his memoir, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Despite his physical limitations, Jean-Dominique is determined to keep living his life to the fullest, and the film celebrates his courage and determination as he learns to accept his new reality.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Angelina Jolie, Colm Feore, Amy Ryan, Gattlin Griffith
Rated R

Changeling is a 2008 American historical drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and written by J. Michael Straczynski. Set in Los Angeles during the 1920s, the film stars Angelina Jolie as Christine Collins, a single mother whose son, Walter, goes missing. When the LAPD brings her a boy they claim to be Walter, she insists he is not her son. Facing pressure from city officials and the public, Collins decides to accept the boy and keep him as her own, only to find out the truth behind his disappearance. The film follows the story of Collins' struggle to fight against the corrupt police force and bring her son home. Along the way, she finds allies in a reverend and a private investigator, who help her in her quest for justice.

From Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Abigail Breslin
Rated R

Little Miss Sunshine is a 2006 comedy-drama film directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. The story follows the Hoover family, a dysfunctional yet loving family, as they travel across the country in a run-down Volkswagen bus to get their daughter, Olive, to participate in a beauty pageant. Along the way, the family confronts their individual issues, from drug addiction to a suicide attempt, and learns how to come together and rely on each other. With a powerful underlying message of family values and acceptance, Little Miss Sunshine paints a heartwarming and humorous picture of a modern American family.

From Nick Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, James Garner, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling
Rated PG-13

The Notebook is a romantic drama film directed by Nick Cassavetes. It stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as a young couple who fall in love against their families' wishes. Despite their different social backgrounds, they persevere and eventually marry. However, their love story takes a tragic turn when it is revealed that Allie (McAdams) has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In order to help her remember their love, her husband, Noah (Gosling), reads her their love story from a notebook where he has written it all down. In the end, the couple's love is strong enough to overcome all obstacles and they are reunited.

From Ang Lee, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, Randy Quaid
Rated R

Brokeback Mountain is a 2005 American romantic drama film directed by Ang Lee and produced by Diana Ossana and James Schamus. The film tells the story of two young men—a ranch hand and a rodeo cowboy—who meet in the summer of 1963 and unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection. Both men struggle to maintain their emotional and physical relationship in a society that does not understand or accept their love. The film stars Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Michelle Williams. It has won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Director and a BAFTA Award for Best Film. The film has become a cultural icon, and its themes of love, loss, and the power of friendship have resonated with people around the world.

From Lasse Hallström, starring Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen
Rated PG-13

What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a 1993 American drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Johnny Depp, Juliette Lewis, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The film follows Gilbert Grape, a young man living in a small town in Iowa who is burdened with responsibility of caring for his mentally disabled brother Arnie, his morbidly obese mother, and his two sisters. As Gilbert struggles with his situation, he forms a relationship with a young woman named Becky and begins to dream of a life outside of his small town. In the end, Gilbert finds the strength to overcome his obstacles and embrace a brighter future.

From Mark Herman, starring Asa Butterfield, David Thewlis, Rupert Friend, Zac Mattoon O'Brien
Rated PG-13

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a 2008 British-American historical drama film set in World War II, based on John Boyne's 2006 novel of the same name. It tells the story of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of a Nazi commandant, and his friendship with a Jewish concentration camp inmate, Shmuel. Through their innocent and naive friendship and Bruno's growing realization of the horrifying realities of his father's actions, the film follows Bruno's journey toward empathy and understanding. As their friendship grows, Bruno is confronted with the stark contrast between his privileged life and the horrific conditions of the camp and must grapple with how to make sense of it all.

From Marc Forster, starring Khalid Abdalla, Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada, Atossa Leoni, Shaun Toub
Rated PG-13

The Kite Runner is a 2007 American drama film directed by Marc Forster, based on the novel of the same name by Khaled Hosseini. It tells the story of Amir, a young Afghan boy who must confront his past and take responsibility for his actions after his closest childhood friend, Hassan, is brutally attacked. As Amir and his father flee Kabul to escape the Soviet invasion, he is haunted by memories from his childhood in the turbulent city of Kabul, and must return to his homeland in order to find redemption. Along the way, Amir is confronted with the harsh realities of his homeland and experiences a newfound sense of belonging and purpose. The Kite Runner is a powerful story of redemption and hope in the face of tremendous obstacles.

From Jessie Nelson, starring Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning, Dianne Wiest
Rated PG-13

I Am Sam is a 2001 drama film directed by Jessie Nelson and starring Sean Penn. It tells the story of Sam Dawson (Penn), a mentally challenged single father raising his seven-year-old daughter, Lucy (Dakota Fanning). When Lucy is taken away from Sam due to his mental disability, Sam enlists the help of a high-priced lawyer (Michelle Pfeiffer) to help him fight for custody. As the case progresses, Sam's life and relationships are challenged and he must learn to accept the help of those around him. The film touches on themes of family, love, and sacrifice, as Sam and Lucy's bond is ultimately strengthened through their legal battle.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy
Rated PG-13

Seven Pounds is a 2008 American drama-romance film directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith. The film follows Ben Thomas (Smith), an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent who is emotionally distraught after a personal tragedy. To make amends for his past, he sets out to donate seven organs to seven strangers, hoping that it will make the world a better place and restore his inner peace. Along the way, he meets Emily Posa (Rosario Dawson), an artist with a rare heart condition. Ben begins to fall in love with Emily, but can't seem to find the courage to tell her the truth about his mission and the secret of his past. In the end, Ben finds redemption when Emily learns his truth and still loves him despite his troubled past.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, Annie Corley, Victor Slezak
Rated PG-13

The Bridges of Madison County is a 1995 romantic drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and based on Robert James Waller's 1992 novel of the same name. The film stars Eastwood and Meryl Streep as an Italian war-bride housewife and a photographer, respectively, who meet while he is on assignment in Madison County, Iowa. Streep's character, Francesca Johnson, has lived a monotonous life with her husband and two children, until Robert Kincaid (Eastwood) arrives and the two find a connection that leads to a short-lived but passionate love affair. Although both have a commitment to their families, their attraction to each other is strong and both must ultimately decide between following their hearts or their obligations. Ultimately, their love story is cut short and the film ends with Francesca reflecting on a life of both joy and sorrow.

From Gregg Araki, starring Brady Corbet, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elisabeth Shue, Chase Ellison
Rated Unrated

Mysterious Skin is a 2004 American independent coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Gregg Araki, and based on Scott Heim's 1995 novel of the same name. The film tells the story of two pre-adolescent boys who are sexually abused by their baseball coach, and how it affects their lives in different ways. The story follows Neil McCormick (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a promiscuous teenager whose sexual experiences have left him emotionally detached, and Brian Lackey (Brady Corbet), a withdrawn and disturbed boy whose repressed memories of abuse lead him to believe that he was abducted by aliens. As the two boys grow up, they search for answers while struggling to make sense of their pasts. The film won numerous awards and was critically acclaimed for its unflinching portrayal of the difficult subject matter.

From Irwin Winkler, starring Hayden Christensen, Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jena Malone
Rated R

Life as a House tells the story of George, an emotionally disconnected man whose life is turned upside down after his son, Sam, catches him in an affair. In an effort to mend their strained relationship, George takes Sam out of school and the two begin to build a house on an abandoned beachfront property. Along the way, George and Sam come to terms with the unresolved conflicts in their lives and the relationships they have with their loved ones. Through their experience, they learn to appreciate and enjoy life, despite the hardships they face.

From Kimberly Peirce, starring Hilary Swank, Chloë Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard, Brendan Sexton III
Rated R

Boys Don't Cry is a 1999 American biographical drama film directed by Kimberly Peirce and co-written by Peirce and Andy Bienen. The film is based on the real-life story of Brandon Teena, a transgender man played in the movie by Hilary Swank. The film follows Teena as he begins to explore his gender identity and moves to a small Nebraska town, where he attempts to live as a man and falls in love with a woman named Lana. But when his identity is discovered, he is subjected to violence and hate, culminating in a tragic act of violence. The film shows the struggles that the transgender community still face today and sheds light on the discrimination and violence they face on a daily basis.

From Ridley Scott, starring Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Thelma & Louise is a 1991 American road film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri. It tells the story of two friends – Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) – who embark on a road trip that quickly changes from a carefree adventure to a desperate attempt to evade the law. After Louise shoots and kills a man who attempts to rape Thelma at a bar, they go on the run and eventually reach Mexico. Along the way, they experience a journey of self-discovery and an awakening to a stronger sense of independence and freedom. The film received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Screenplay, and won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

From Alejandro G. Iñárritu, starring Javier Bardem, Maricel Álvarez, Hanaa Bouchaib, Guillermo Estrella
Rated R

From Nick Cassavetes, starring Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Alec Baldwin, Walter Raney
Rated PG-13

From Lee Daniels, starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey
Rated R

From Scott Kalvert, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lorraine Bracco, Marilyn Sokol, James Madio
Rated R