Most can name what film that quote comes from, as with “Show me the money,” “I’ll have what she’s having,” “You can’t handle the truth,” and “Just keep swimming.” We all have our favorites and we all remember many a line and cherish many a soundtrack.
I recently blogged about the power of music in our lives and it wasn’t soon after that I came across a post entitled “Films that Changed My Life.” It piqued my interest and made me wonder that same thing. I’m not going to be as dramatic as “changed my life,” but are there films that I love and will watch again and again? I’m saying yes!
Actually pause, because when I think about it, one film that could maybe qualify as changing my life is “Brian’s Song,” the 1971 movie that recounts the life of Brian Piccolo, a Chicago Bears football player stricken with terminal cancer, focusing on his friendship with teammate Gale Sayers and brilliantly portrayed by James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. Being the rule follower that I am though, I hesitate to include it on my official list here because it wasn’t a film in the movie theater but an ABC Movie of the Week on TV. Still, it by all means merits at least a mention here. Same goes for “Cinderella” starring Lesley Anne Warren. Looking back, my first real memory of seeing a movie in a theatre was I saw “Grease” in Santa Fe’s historic Lensic Theatre, even though my dad did co-own a few theatres when I was growing up. I still really like “Grease,” but I’m not certain it falls on my all-time faves list.
On that note, roll the curtain up for my list of my favorite movies of all time…
“Goodwill Hunting”
Love that quote and love this movie so much it might be my favorite of all time.
“Sound of Music”
“Mary Poppins” (one of my favorite quotes every is from Mary when she tells Jane and Michael “Enough is as good as a feast.” She’s not wrong.)
“My Fair Lady” (and nearly every Audrey Hepburn movie TBH)
“Bye, Bye Birdie”
I will watch these three musicals anytime anywhere and pretty much know all the words and scenes by heart.
“Forrest Gump”
Hands down one of the best movies ever. Sometimes there’s just not enough rocks.
“Dances with Wolves”
The first time I saw it I couldn’t believe it. Its soundtrack is also great.
“Legally Blonde”
Funny yet powerful movie that never gets old. Elle Woods was everything: smart, sassy, lady-like, pretty, confident, kind, and funny. In a world full of haters; be Elle Woods.
“Hope Floats”
Just a sweet, sweet movie and could Harry Connick, Jr. being any cuter or lovable?
“The Blind Side”
I hate all the drama and innuendo currently surrounding this amazing film but I still love it. What’s not to love about a mamma who says “I will never wear that gaudy orange” and warns bullies that she’s always packing?
“Crazy Rich Asians”
The wedding scene where the bride walks through water up the aisle in those thigh-high gold sparkle boots. I cry every time.
“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”
John Candy at his finest and a twist no one saw coming.
“The Parent Trap”
The one starring Dennis Quaid and Lyndsay Lohan.
“Sex and The City: The Movie”
A tale of the strength of friendship that set the bar for all squads.
“Finding Nemo”
What a fun movie. Just keep swimming, right?
“Dumb & Dumber”
I know; corny as heck, right? It gets me every time though. We landed on the moon!
“National Lampoons Christmas Vacation”
Our family Christmas tradition. Also up there: “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Elf.”
“The Big Chill”
A film for the ages with soundtrack for the ages.
“The Breakfast Club”
Wonderfully messaged film that, sadly, could never happen in high schools today.
“The Parent Trap”
“A Man Called Otto”
I only recently saw this but am thinking it ranks up there.
“Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris”
Sweet as can be movie that surprisingly stole my heart.
“Cinemo Paradiso”
Mi piace molto!
“The Bucket List”
The ultimate road trip flick.
“Rainman”
Uh-mazing acting by Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise too. Such. A. Great. Movie.
“Thelma & Louise”
It broke ground when it was released and that last scene is one of the most memorable ever. Are you a Thelma or a Louise?
“Slumdog Millionaire”
Pretty much opened everyone’s eyes but in an entertaining and thoughtful way.
Along these lines comes a list of favorite actors and actresses…
Actors
Kevin Costner
Tom Hanks
Matt Damon
Gene Hackman
Cary Grant
Mark Wahlberg
Denzel Washington
Paul Newman
Jimmy Stewart
Robert Duvall
Morgan Freeman
Jeff Bridges
Dennis Quaid
Liam Neeson
Henry Golding
Michael B. Jordan
Michael Keaton
Alexander Skarsgard
Ashton Kutcher
Vince Vaughn
Bruce Willis
Sam Shepherd
Actresses
Sandra Bullock
Audrey Hepburn
Diane Lane
Jennifer Garner
Sally Field
Robin Wright
Meryl Streep (whose list isn’t she on?!)
Kate Winslet
Rachel McAdams
Anne Hathaway
Julia Stiles
Claire Danes
Emily Blunt
Helen Mirren
Annette Bening
Michelle Pfeiffer
Diane Keaton
Kathy Bates
Doris Day
Debra Winger
Meg Ryan
Jessica Lange
Renee Zellweger
Minnie Driver
Regina King
Roselyn Sanchez
Eva Mendes
Sandra Oh
And lastly, is it just me or do you also sometimes confuse Keira Knightly and Natalie Portman and could Amy Adams, Anna Kendrick, Joanna Garcia, and Isla Fisher be sisters if not twins?
So what movies changed your life or that you just love? Can’t wait to hear!
Beyond Words 