Movies bring me such joy, or my favorites do, that is. I’ve already spent a lot of time talking about my favorite movies, though, such as what they say about life here. I was originally going to make a list of all my favorite inspirational movies, but then I got to be thinking, some of these I can’t spiritualize even if I want to, and that’s okay because I think when you’re secure in your faith and not watching movies that directly are toxic, sometimes more light-hearted, comedic movies are a nice way to relax. I wanted to share these movies regardless because they’re still semi-wholesome and have meant a lot to me ever since I saw them. I love to watch movies with my family, especially with my mom when we can put on our favorites as background noise when we’re home alone without being harassed for watching the same movie 5000 times. While I’m always looking for recommendations, when I’m in the mood to watch a movie, I like returning to ones I know I enjoy.
These movies span a variety of genres, I realize, so there can be something for everyone. I also realized I guess I don’t watch a lot of movies; I do like to return to the same ones because this is pretty short. 😉 I hope you find one that can entertain you, though.
- The Martian: a mix of drama and science fiction, this is a captivating storyline that anyone can root for. This is one of my mom’s and my favorites. It doesn’t disappoint.
- Twister: I couldn’t not mention my favorite movie of all time, the one my mom and I play every chance we get. This blends romance, drama, and adventure into another thrilling story that, as you know, I believe has some poignant themes. It’s mindless but also meaningful,
- Into the Storm: I saw this movie in theaters a long time ago; it’s another tornado disaster movie like Twister and of course isn’t as good but nonetheless is entertaining, suspenseful, funny, and meaningful, too.
- Forrest Gump: I almost skipped over this movie and how could I? Sweet, funny, and entertaining, I’ve watched this movie a dozen times, too. It’s definitely a classic for good reason.
- Jumanji 1 & 2 (newest ones): these movies are excellent comedy, the ones with the Rock and Kevin Hart, among others. The second one, where they both play grandparents, makes me hysterical because they so resemble my own grandparents, who I love dearly.
- Apollo 13: I guess I must have a thing for space and storms because here’s another movie I’ve come to enjoy. It has a bunch of stars in it—from Bill in Twister to Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise from Forrest Gump. It’s another satisfying plot full of action.
- National Treasure: I first discovered this movie when I was in fifth grade in history class. I loved the story behind it and the adventure and action all throughout it. It’s cute and funny, too. This is another one my mom and I would watch so much on regular TV, so she finally bought it.
- Top Gun: Maverick: this movie will never not remind me of my first summer in Estherville and Okoboji working, obviously because it came out during that time, but it was another deep but comedic and engaging plot, far better than the first one but evoking all that nostalgia (okay, update two months later as I’m editing this: I binged both of them with my friend over the summer, and that made me realize how much I love the first one, too). I loved it; I’ve seen it like 10 times already since. These are all movies you can watch when you’re depressed, too, because most of them have a semblance of realism and pain in their plots but still have hope.
- The Host: this is a love story with some cute guys in it but I like it for far more than that. I am typically not a fan of sci-fi at all, but this movie surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. The plot was unique and creative and sweet, with twists I never saw coming. I felt so good after I watched it the first time because it was so cool, and it’s one of those I enjoy watching again and again.
- The Twilight Saga: everyone knows these movies, whether they love them or hate them. I, for one, adore them because they have so much sentimentality for me. Are they biblical? No. But these were the first true romance movies I ever saw that mapped out true love for me, as ridiculously as it may be portrayed and as much as a secular source of entertainment can. I learned about the birds and the bees through this franchise. My cousins and I loved them, as well as my aunt Connie, who has since passed. My mom admits she still likes them, too, even though I exasperated her since she had to tell me all about the birds and the bees (and she didn’t even tell me everything). They still make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when I watch them and they’re very entertaining, I find, at least. The movie mentioned before is based on a book by the same author of these, which ultimately inspired me to check it out. She does have a talent for creating supernatural stories.
- Redeeming Love: I can’t even attempt to get into the Christian controversy of this movie here; it’s based on what I said is one of my favorite books, and that’s a whole post in itself that will be published in the coming weeks, as to why that book is my favorite but also some important cautions to be aware of. This movie is no different, but I did buy it, and I did enjoy it when I watched it, and there were still some quotes in this I think are worth watching it for. And it’s sweet and not too raunchy, in my opinion, so I’d watch it for fun. I’ll get more into detail about the other stuff in coming posts.
- Fall: and then there’s this adventure thriller and at times morbid movie. I didn’t expect to enjoy this, either, but I rented it because the plot intrigued me, anddd I actually really enjoyed it, enough to watch it again and buy it and have my mom watch it with me, too. There is nothing to take away from this one, really, in terms of depth and themes, although it’s got a nice little conclusion at the end. Mostly I enjoy this movie because it doesn’t fail me when I’m stressed and need to be submerged in a catastrophe unrelated to my own.
Alright, I’m probably going to cool it with all the recommendations content now because I’m running out of meaningful works to share. I’m definitely someone who likes what they like and when I find it, I stick with it. I’d like to shift more towards getting into all the deep, everyday life issues content I’ve been planning. But I hope that some of these movies can be enjoyable to you as well and maybe even inspire you, too. Feel free to share your favorites with me! Here’s to creating more genuine, moving stories of my own someday through everything I’ve consumed and learned.
