My Favorite Movies

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After talking about my favorite movies for years, I thought it was time to share an updated “Favorite Movies” list here on the blog. I will fully admit I have a unique taste in movies and have been the recipient of MUCH feedback regarding my choices over the years, but I stand behind the 5-star films I’m sharing on this list.

What can I say, I like what I like!

Great Movies

Cast Away – Honestly, it’s been a long time since I’ve watched this movie but I remember when I saw it being profoundly moved by Tom Hanks being the sole character in the vast majority of the movie. And the Wilson scene? I was a mess.

Titanic – Another long one like Cast Away, but one of the most iconic movies from my youth.

The Infiltrator – The drama of this movie had me on the edge of my seat! It involves drug content and stars one of my favorites, Bryan Cranston.

Whiplash – Not as many people are familiar with this movie but I’m telling you it is very intense to watch and there is a pretty crazy twist in it as well.

Adrift – This is one of those movies that goes a completely different direction than you imagined it would. It’s easy to watch, and great for a girls night in.

La La Land – I love Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling together and the musical nature of this movie made it fun and unique!

Lion – Deeply moving and emotional depiction of a man finding himself.

Only The Brave – I’m not sure a movie elicited a more emotional response from me than this one did.

Hotel Rwanda – It’s been a long time since I’ve watched this movie but I remember appreciating the fact that it was inspired by true events and I really love Paul Rusesabagina as an actor.

Good Will Hunting – “Do you like apples?”  (watch this movie and you’ll get it)

The Count of Monte Cristo – This movie highlights so many emotions of a human caught betrayal and revenge.

Forrest Gump – To me, this is just a feel-good movie with characters who you remember for a lifetime.

Shutter Island – This is twisty and a bit of a thriller, and it went a direction that totally shocked me!

Catch Me If You Can – I loved the time period this was shot in and was blown away that this was based on a true story!

 

Amanda’s Picks:

The Shawshank Redemption – This is my all-time favorite movie. From the acting to the writing to the overall story this is my big winner.

When Harry Met Sally – I will stop at this movie ANY time it’s on TV and it still makes me laugh, even though I’ve seen it a ton of times!

The Usual Suspects – I love a twisty psychological flick and this one really got me the first time I saw it.

The Princess Bride – Classic, smart, sweet, and timeless…tell me you’ve seen this one!?

Forrest Gump – I can’t believe I agree with Kate! Just kidding, we all know she’s got good taste. I remember being fascinated by this movie and its timeline. It was so fun to watch how the characters developed as the years went on.

The Hangover – This movie makes me giggle-happy and is wildly inappropriate…I love it! My favorite part will always be “Stu’s Tiger Song”.

The Breakfast Club – The characters and dialog in this film are just so well done. And the fact that it was filmed in such a limited location really impresses me. It also reminds me of all of the rest of the great movies of that time period (Sixteen Candles + Pretty in Pink to name a few).

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – For years every Christmas Eve my husband and I will put out Christmas presents, sit down and open a nice bottle of wine, and laugh hysterically at this crazy movie. Pure comedy gold!

Amelie – The music, imagery, colors, and the sweet story really stole my heart the first time I saw Amelie. It is a French movie with subtitles which only adds to the uniqueness of this flick.

Goodwill Hunting – I was so in love with all of these actors when this movie came out. Plus it made me want to visit Boston!

Love Actually – This is my guilty pleasure movie. It’s quite sweet and the way the story moves and intertwines all of the characters together is my kind of thing.

Rain Man – Confession: I actually didn’t watch this movie until I was in my 30s. Another confession: I’m not a huge fan of Tom Cruise (please don’t tell him) so I avoided watching Rain Man for a long time. But once I did I was so impressed! The toothpick scene is pretty cool.

Titanic – I guess epic is the word I’d use to describe Titanic. It may be cliche but I think it definitely belongs on my best-of list. I’ll never let go.

Scent of a Woman – Oh what can I say about Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman? His performance was stellar. I also grew up around blind people so it was great to see a pretty accurate portrayal of a blind man as the lead in a movie.

The Goonies – I may be aging myself but if you too were a kid in the ’80s then you know.

Thanks to Amanda’s list I have a few more movies that I need to add to my “Must Watch” note on my phone. Have you seen any of these that we suggested? 

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Erin says · 10.19.20

I love this list. So many of my favorites too!
(By the way Paul was the main character, not the actor – that was Don Cheadle). 🙂

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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says · 10.20.20

I love your list! I remember watching Cast Away as a child and all I remember is him screaming “Wilson!” I felt so bad for him haha! 🙁 Anyway, some of these movies I haven’t watched before so I should get started! ❤️✨

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

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Kathy says · 10.20.20

Two very good lists! I have Titanic, Forrest Gump, and The Goonies on my list also. There are some on Kate’s list that I’ve not seen before, but based upon the description I will be checking them out!

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Melissa says · 10.20.20

This is a great list. Adrift is also based on a true story. I honestly cannot watch movies because I either fall asleep or cannot sit still long enough. It took me 4 days to watch Cast Away and I still haven’t finished Titantic that I started when it came out VHS years ago.

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Kate says · 10.20.20

Thanks for sharing!! After reading this it definitely makes me want to go put on a good movie!

-Kate
https://daysofkate.com/

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Emma says · 10.20.20

Who is Amanda?

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Hanne says · 10.24.20

I was wondering the same thing – Glad I’m not the only one 🙂

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Carol says · 11.14.20

She’s Kate’s assistant. 🙂

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Michele says · 10.20.20

I’m so glad you mentioned Whiplash. It’s SUCH an intense watch as a teacher and as a kid who was very driven by music performance. I’ve recommended it to so many people since watching it and they’ve all felt the same.

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Kelly M Sites says · 10.21.20

I love Dancing With Wolves, Legends of the Fall (fav of all time), The Patriot, Braveheart, When Harry met Sally

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Julia says · 10.21.20

Thanks, interesting movies. I would like to add a few: Tolkien (whose stories have been inspiring people for decades), Fireproof (christian marriage movie) & The Nativity Story.

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Carol says · 11.14.20

Fireproof is so good! Have you seen War Room? It’s another great one as well

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Piper says · 10.21.20

If you haven’t seen City of Angels with Meg Ryan and Nick Cage I’d suggest it based on some of you other ones.

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Tiffany Cotton says · 11.14.20

You have to watch Braveheart!

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Sandy says · 11.15.20

I love all of these! Even yours K8!!!

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Laura says · 01.03.21

How did I miss this? I was searching for a phone stand to use with the loopy case and for some reason this blog post popped up! From your list the ones that I love are Catch Me If You Can (same reasons as you!) Cast Away and The Count of Monte Cristo. These are in definitely in my top 10. I agree about Titanic. It is iconic and had a profound impact on me for many reasons. I can’t say it’s a favorite though, or at least not in my top 10.

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