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Movies you absolutely should watch right now

Feeling indecisive about your next movie night? We've curated a list of fantastic films across genres that are perfect for immediate viewing. Get ready to discover some truly memorable cinematic experiences.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Whiplash
The Shape of Water

This list features a fascinating mix of modern classics and critically acclaimed gems that offer something for every mood. From mind-bending narratives that challenge your perception of reality, like those exploring dreams or memory, to visually stunning fantasies and poignant human dramas, these films represent some of the best recent cinema has to offer.

Many are known for their unique directorial vision or groundbreaking technical achievements, often earning significant awards and critical praise. Whether you're in the mood for a film that sparks conversation, touches your heart, or simply transports you to another world, this collection provides excellent options. Consider the unique artistic styles found here, from the intricate plots of a Nolan film to the whimsical worlds of Wes Anderson or the dark fantasy of del Toro. These are movies that stick with you long after the credits roll.

13. Gary Numan: Android In La La Land (2016)

Gary Numan: Android In La La Land offers an intimate look at the life and career of the electronic music pioneer, Gary Numan. This documentary follows Numan as he navigates moving to Los Angeles with his family while attempting to record a new album and reconnect with his musical legacy. It's a fascinating portrait of an artist who influenced countless musicians, delving into his struggles with anxiety and his journey back into the spotlight. A must-watch for fans of Numan or anyone interested in the life of a groundbreaking musician.

Gary Numan: Android In La La Land

12. The Artist (2011)

The Artist is a wonderfully unique film that pays homage to the silent film era. This black-and-white silent movie tells the story of a fading silent film star and a rising young actress in the late 1920s Hollywood as talkies take over. Winning the Best Picture Oscar, it's a bold and successful experiment that proves you don't need dialogue to tell a compelling story. The performances are expressive, the cinematography is beautiful, and the score carries the emotional weight of the narrative. It's a charming and heartfelt love letter to the history of cinema.

The Artist

11. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Wes Anderson brings his distinctive style to Moonrise Kingdom, a delightful and quirky story about two twelve-year-olds who fall in love and run away together on a New England island in the summer of 1965. The film features Anderson's signature symmetrical framing, meticulous production design, and a fantastic ensemble cast including Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, and Frances McDormand. It's a charming, funny, and surprisingly touching adventure about young love and finding where you belong. The soundtrack is also a perfect complement to the film's unique atmosphere.

Moonrise Kingdom

10. Big Fish (2003)

Big Fish is a heartfelt and fantastical tale directed by Tim Burton. It tells the story of a man trying to reconcile with his dying father, who has always told exaggerated, mythical stories about his life. As the son investigates these tall tales, the film visualizes them in Burton's signature whimsical style. It's a beautiful exploration of the relationship between fathers and sons, the power of storytelling, and finding truth within the fantastical. The cast is fantastic, and the visuals are stunning, creating a truly unique and emotional cinematic experience.

Big Fish

9. The Truman Show (1998)

Consider the nature of reality with The Truman Show. Jim Carrey gives a remarkable performance as Truman Burbank, a man who discovers his entire life is a reality television show broadcast to the world. Directed by Peter Weir, the film is both a sharp satire on media and surveillance and a poignant story about one man's quest for authenticity and freedom. It was ahead of its time in exploring themes that are even more relevant today. The concept is brilliant and the execution is flawless, making it a compelling watch from start to finish.

The Truman Show

8. Amélie (2001)

Transport yourself to the charming streets of Montmartre with Amélie. This whimsical French film stars Audrey Tautou as a shy waitress in Paris who decides to anonymously orchestrate the lives of those around her, finding joy in small acts of kindness. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the film is a visual delight, filled with quirky characters, playful cinematography, and a delightful soundtrack by Yann Tiersen. It's a feel-good movie that celebrates the beauty in everyday life and the power of simple gestures. A truly enchanting cinematic experience.

Amélie

7. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Guillermo del Toro weaves a dark, compelling fairy tale with Pan's Labyrinth. Set in 1944 Francoist Spain, the story follows a young girl who escapes into a fantastical world of mythical creatures to avoid the harsh realities of her life. The film masterfully blends historical drama with stunning, sometimes terrifying, fantasy elements. The creature design is imaginative and unsettling, a hallmark of del Toro's work. It's a film that explores innocence, rebellion, and the power of imagination in the face of brutality. While it features magical elements, its heart is firmly rooted in the very real horrors of war.

Pan's Labyrinth

6. Her (2013)

Spike Jonze's Her presents a fascinatingly tender and thought-provoking look at love and connection in the digital age. Joaquin Phoenix stars as a lonely writer who develops a relationship with an artificially intelligent operating system, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. The film is incredibly intimate, exploring the complexities of human emotion through this unconventional pairing. It's beautifully shot, with a warm color palette that contrasts with the protagonist's isolation. Her asks big questions about the nature of consciousness, relationships, and what it truly means to connect with another being. It's surprisingly emotional and deeply resonant.

Her

5. The Shape of Water (2017)

Step into a world of enchanting fantasy and unexpected romance with The Shape of Water. Guillermo del Toro's stunning film tells the story of a lonely mute cleaning woman (Sally Hawkins) in a secret government lab in the 1960s who forms a unique bond with an amphibious creature held captive there. The film is a visual feast, with breathtaking production design and cinematography that create a truly immersive atmosphere. It's a fairy tale for adults, exploring themes of love, acceptance, and finding beauty in the unconventional. Winning the Best Picture Oscar, it's a testament to del Toro's unique vision and storytelling prowess.

The Shape of Water

4. Whiplash (2014)

If you're looking for intensity, Whiplash delivers it in spades. This powerhouse film follows a young, ambitious drummer (Miles Teller) and his ruthless, abusive jazz instructor (J.K. Simmons, in an Oscar-winning role). Damien Chazelle's direction is electrifying, capturing the sweat, blood, and sheer dedication required to pursue greatness. It's not just about music; it's a gripping psychological drama about ambition, sacrifice, and the fine line between pushing someone and breaking them. The drumming sequences are absolutely captivating and the confrontations between Teller and Simmons are some of the most electrifying scenes you'll see.

Whiplash

3. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is an exhilarating and technically audacious film that feels like pure cinematic energy. Alejandro G. Iñárritu directs Michael Keaton in a career-defining role as a washed-up actor, famous for playing a superhero, who attempts to mount a serious Broadway play. Shot to appear as a single, continuous take, the film pulls you into the chaotic, ego-fueled world of theatre and the protagonist's internal struggles. The drumming score by Antonio Sánchez is relentless and perfectly mirrors the protagonist's frantic state. It's a sharp, funny, and surprisingly poignant look at fame, art, and the inner voice.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an absolute masterpiece that explores the painful beauty of relationships and memory. Directed by the visionary Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman, this film stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as a couple who undergo a procedure to erase each other from their minds after a painful breakup. What follows is a surreal, non-linear trip through their dissolving memories, filled with inventive visuals and deeply emotional moments. It's funny, heartbreaking, and profoundly human, anchored by incredible performances from the leads, showcasing their dramatic range beyond expectations. This film sticks with you long after the credits roll.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

1. Inception (2010)

Prepare for a mind-bending journey with Inception. Christopher Nolan delivers a truly original concept where dreams are literally the playing field for corporate espionage and psychological manipulation. Leonardo DiCaprio leads a stellar cast as Cobb, a master extractor who steals secrets from deep within the subconscious. The film is renowned for its intricate plot structure, stunning visual effects (hello, folding city!), and Hans Zimmer's pulse-pounding score that perfectly complements the escalating tension. It's a movie that demands your attention and rewards repeat viewings, sparking countless debates about its ending. A true modern classic that redefined the heist genre.

Inception

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