22 Movies That I Simply Adore

I LOVE MOVIES. I admire people who have a favorite movie for life…actually, I admire people who have a favorite anything for life. I always joke that I’m like Julia Roberts’ character in Runaway Bride because she doesn’t know what kind of eggs she likes best (scrambled, fried, hard-boiled, etc.). I’m that way with candy, movies, and music mostly, but there are definitely other areas of indecision as well. However, I always have some current favorites (and a few all-time favorites). Beware of a w-i-i-i-d-e variety of genres and please walk into this post (read into this post?) knowing that I am not a movie critic, nor am I claiming to be…

…these are just some movies I love (in no particular order):

1. Monsters University

Oh, Pixar. You’ve done it again. Sequels usually freak me out more than a little bit…it’s mostly weird different-actor versions like The Prince and Me 2 or altogether ridiculous ones like Legally Blonde 2. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a prequel, but luckily Pixar is perfect and Monsters University reflected just that. It was adorable, heart-warming, and funny. If you haven’t seen it yet, you really should.

2. Pride and Prejudice

I have to say that this particular film falls under the “forever favorite” category. I love the story, I love the actors, I love the soundtrack, I love the way it’s filmed. Altogether a beautiful, well-made film of one of my favorite books of all time–Pride and Prejudice, of course. If you were forced to read the novel in 12th grade English and hated it, give the movie a shot. It’s wonderful. And oh my gosh–it’s only $5 on Amazon, ordering now!

3. Matilda

This has been one of my favorite movies since I was a little girl. My friends can attest to the fact that I still watch it several times a year…sometimes more…I just love it! Plus, it’s actually hilarious. There are so many quotable moments. And it’s heartwarming. Win-win-win all the way around.

4. The Help

I read the book well before I saw the movie, and it’s one of those rare times when the movie is close to being as good as the book. There are parts of the story that I prefer in the film, actually. If you haven’t read the book or watched the movie, I highly recommend both. The story is amazing, funny, thought-provoking, and historical.

5. Despicable Me 1 & 2

Another wonderful animated movie (and sequel). I think I like the second better than the first, which is a rarity! Gru is hysterical and the three little girls are precious. It’s all just so cute! 🙂

6. What To Expect When You’re Expecting

This movie went strangely underrated. I don’t know if many other movies were released at the same time or what, but no one really talked about it. I find it funny and sweet (and a little sad), but mostly funny. Makes me want to hold babies! (As if I needed a movie to make me want that!)

7. Wreck It Ralph

The number of times John and I have watched Wreck It Ralph is actually ridiculous. We watch it all the time. It’s become a joke…”You wanna watch a movie?”…”Wreck It Ralph?” Funny thing is we usually do end up watching this movie. It’s really well made and very sweet. I love the clever use of old video game characters and situations throughout!

8. Amelie

What a beautiful film. Quirky and funny, with an intricate story line. If you’ve never seen it, I highly recommend that you carve out a couple of hours and view it. Don’t let the fact that it’s in French (with English subtitles) deter you. At first, I had reservations about watching a French film, but soon I was so lost in the story that I forgot it was another language altogether.

9. Skyfall

As expected, I thought Skyfall was a fantastic film. I was on the edge of my seat, and the characters and plot were well developed and interesting. It’s not the kind of movie I would watch many times over, but it’s a great action film when I’m in the mood. Apparently it’s on Netflix already, which gives me anxiety because it feels like it was just in theaters yesterday. Life flies by, I tell ya!

10. Soul Surfer

Okay, so the acting isn’t the best I’ve ever seen. But the story–the story is absolutely unbelievable. And it’s a true story! If you want to be filled with hope and encouragement (and if you want to cry your eyes out), you must watch this amazing story about Bethany Hamilton, who had her arm bitten off by a shark when she was surfing and went on to realize her dream of becoming a professional surfer anyway! (She also wrote the book Soul Surfer if you’d like to read it, it has great reviews.)

11. Miracle on 34th Street (1994 version)

I already told you I love Matilda, so how could I not fall in love with sweet Mara Wilson in this movie, too? Oh my gosh, this is just the most perfect movie to watch around the holidays…anytime between Thanksgiving and Christmas will do. Talk about heartwarming. If you’ve never seen it, you can probably find it online, and you should!

12. The Heat

Melissa McCarthy + Sandra Bullock = Dream Team. This movie is absolutely hysterical, and has a good story line at the same time. My one qualm is the graphic violence and constant language in the original version. I watched it on a plane ride recently, though, and the graphic bits were edited out as well as the cursing, and I enjoyed it much more. Perhaps there’s the option of watching the edited version if you get disturbed with violence and language like me? Either way, it’s funny. Really funny. And definitely worth seeing.

13. Water For Elephants

I sheepishly admit that I have not read the original book, Water for Elephants, which I’ve heard is just amazing. But I have seen the movie, and I absolutely loved it. Reese Witherspoon is my homegirl and I pretty much love every film she’s ever starred in. This is a great drama, and I highly recommend seeing it if you haven’t already.

14. Because of Winn Dixie

Oh my gosh. Cutest movie EVER. Warning: you will cry. Probably sob. (As a side note, I don’t usually cry during movies–although I cry pretty much 99% of the time–but this one is a huge tear-jerker.) I always watch this movie when I need a good, heartfelt cry. You’ll turn off this movie feeling like anything is possible and the world is a beautiful place despite all the junk in it. Watch it!

15. Inception

Unlike some, I really thought this movie lived up to its hype. It’s just crazy all the way around. You’ve probably seen it by now, but if not–you really should. I love the way I walk away from it with my mind spinning (literally–no pun intended!). The actors are quality, the plot is intriguing, and the sets and animation are well done.

16. You’ve Got Mail

I am in no way trying to pretend that this isn’t the chick flick of all chick flicks. But it’s a good one. In fact, it’s so good that I have a friend who watched it every night before she fell asleep for years. I’ve never been that dedicated to any movie, but I can understand her obsession. This is a great one! (It’s another perfect one to watch around the holidays!)

17. Elf

Literally-the. most. festive. Christmas. movie. ever. Oh, how can you not love Elf? Super quotable. Super hilarious. Super sweet. I would be jaw-dropped-to-the-floor-shocked if anyone hasn’t seen this gem of a film, but if you’re in that boat–don’t fret! You can grab the DVD for only $8 here. I haven’t watched it yet this holiday season (it’s usually a movie I reserve for post-Thanksgiving watching), but I look hugely forward to my next viewing date!

18. Pitch Perfect

Silly? Yes. Wonderful? Yes. I know, I know. It’s the ultimate “OMG I’m a girl and I love that movie” kind of film. But, in my opinion, it’s for good reason. Why? Because it’s just plain hysterical. And, there’s singing throughout. And the singing is pretty darn good. Plus, it’s fun. And let’s be real. There are many-a-times when we want a light-hearted comedy to laugh with on a Friday night. This is a good choice for that. Also, I have a girl crush on Anna Kendrick.

19. The Business of Being Born

This movie could literally not be any more different from the light-hearted and funny Pitch Perfect, but it’s equally as great–just in a different way. It’s a documentary about women giving birth in the US without intervention (c-sections, induction, epidurals, etc.)…and it will absolutely change your view of childbearing. Informative, interesting, and inspirational. I loved it and it absolutely influenced how I’ll deliver my children in the future (or at least how I’ll think about delivering children). If family health and pregnancy interests you (it does me), watch this film.

20. Forrest Gump

Definite classic. Just a lovely story. And I love how, unlike most films, the story follows one person throughout the entirety of his life. It just gives me hope to watch someone (albeit fictional) go through good times and bad and come out better for it all. #i’masap You’ve probably already seen it, but if not, it’s on TV a lot–especially during the holidays, since it’s so wonderful to watch as a family!

21. The Parent Trap

There are a million reasons to love this movie. For me, one of the top reasons has to be that I looked exactly like Lindsay Lohan when I was a little girl. I still have baristas and waitresses do a double take every now and again, only to explain that I look just like Lindsay! But really, both the story and the soundtrack to this movie are hard to beat. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy every time I watch it!

22. The Hunger Games

For such a strange cultural obsession (I mean, think about it, kids killing kids), both The Hunger Games book trilogy and first movie are fantastic. I’ve read all three books and seen the first movie (I can hardly wait until the second is released!), and I was quite impressed with the film. It’s intriguing but not too gruesome and gory, and it tells a wonderful story. Any other Hunger Games lovers out there? (I had to save this one for last since the second movie comes out so soon!)

So there you have it–my crazy all-over-the-map list of some movies I adore. What films do you find yourself watching over and over again? Anything that I’ve already mentioned? What movies do I absolutely need to see?