I published a post entitled
100 Meaningful, Memorable, Must-See Movies
In this post, 100 more movies:
recommended because of: superb acting,
interesting or educational, feel-good & fun, or imparting an important message.
When Harry Met Sally
Critically acclaimed Rob Reiner film; starring Billy Crystal
and Meg Ryan, with her famous scene of faking an organism.
Jerry Maguire
A romantic, comedy-drama starring Tom Cruise & Renee Zellweger;
nominated for many awards. Cuba Gooding Jr. won an Academy Award
for his supporting actor role.
Sleepless in Seattle
A very enjoyable & uplifting Rob Reiner movie; starring Tom Hanks
& Meg Ryan. The child star played by Ross Malinger was impressive.
The Zookeeper's Wife
The true story of a Polish couple whose zoo served as a refuge
for hiding Jews during the German occupation. It stars the amazing
Jessica Chastain. Being vegan, I'm not promoting the zoo.
You've Got Mail
Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan have chemistry in this romantic comedy.
Analyze This
A mafia comedy film starring Robert DeNiro & Billy Crystal.
It also has a sequel called Analyze That.
Anger Management
A star-studded cast that will make you laugh.
Titanic
Titanic was an extremely moving epic romance film with superb acting,
produced by James Cameron. It won many accolades including
Best Motion Picture at the Academy Awards. Great movie!
Billy Elliot
Billy Elliot is an uplifting British comedy-drama.
It was heartwarming. Loved it!
My Left Foot
The true amazing story of Christy Brown; played by Daniel Day-Lewis;
who won best actor at the Academy Awards for this role. Excellent.
Searching for Bobby Fischer
A highly acclaimed, powerfully moving drama about a child prodigy
chess player; Joshua Waitzkin. His sweet human nature outweighed
his impressive chess playing.
A Steven Spielberg's uplifting historical drama with
a message of integrity. Loved it!
The Theory of Everything
A biographical, romantic drama about Stephen Hawking, played by
Eddie Redmayne; whose performance was phenomenal, and
won him the Academy Award. I found it a deeply moving film.
Frost/Nixon
A historical drama that tells the story behind the Frost/Nixon interviews,
directed by Ron Howard. Critically-acclaimed; nominated for many awards.
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Star-studded, funny, and uplifting movie.
The Color of Money
A drama starring Tom Cruise & Paul Newman, directed by Martin Scorsese.
Paul Newman won best actor at the Academy Awards for this film.
The Hate U Give
A drama about a 16 year old African-American student
who witnessed a police shooting, that received great reviews.
The Martian
A science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott; starring Matt Damon.
This high grossing film was critically acclaimed & won many accolades.
The Age of Innocence
A gorgeous and poignant historical drama directed by Martin Scorsese,
and starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeifer, and Winona Ryder.
Free State of Jones
An American historical war film inspired about Newton Knight and his armed
revolt against the confederacy in Jones County, Mississippi. It was something
I never heard about, so it was very interesting subject matter. It starred Matthew McConaughey. Though it had mixed reviews, I found it fascinating.
The Blind Side
A touching biographical sports drama, starring Sandra
Bullock who won the Academy Award for best actress.
This true story film was a commercial success.
Danny Collins
An uplifting comedy-drama starring Al Pacino and great cast.
Little Women (2019 version)
A drama directed by Greta Gerwig, with a superb cast.
It was a high grossing, critically-acclaimed uplifting film;
that received numerous award nominations.
Mary, Queen of Scots
A historical drama about the life of Mary Stuart. Impressive acting by
Saoirse Ronan as Mary, Queen of Scots & Margot Robbie as her cousin,
Queen Elizabeth 1; who was nominated for awards for this role.
Testament of Youth
A powerful British war drama based on the memoir of Vera Brittain,
played by Alicia Vikander. Ms. Brittain was an English voluntary nurse
during the war, and her book 'Testament of Youth' recounted her war
experiences, and the beginning of her journey towards pacifism.
Bugsy
An American biographical crime drama about mobster Bugsy Siegal;
starring Warren Beatty & Annette Benning. Bugsy had an inspiration to
build a luxury hotel & casino in Las Vegas, where gambling was legal.
He began the construction of the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel Casino.
The film won many nominations, including 'Best Picture'.
Dirty Dancing
A romantic-drama dance film, starring Jennifer Grey & Patrick Swayze.
It was the first film to sell over a million copies for home video. It won
Academy, Golden Globe, and Grammy awards for it's original song
"I'm Having the Time of my Life" - which sums up it's feel-good vibes.
Moulin Rouge
A wonderful musical starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. The film
was a commercial success with 8 nominations at the 74th Academy Awards.
It won best motion picture (musical or comedy) at the Golden Globes.
Elizabeth; The Golden Age
A biographical period drama starring Cate Blanchett;
whose performance was highly praised; receiving nominations
for her role, though the overall film did not receive raving reviews.
Ray
An American musical drama about the life of Ray Charles.
Ray received many awards, and Jamie Foxx won best actor
for his performance of Ray Charles, at the 77th Academy Awards.
All the Way
A biographical television drama; nominated for 8 Emmy awards.
Brian Cranston was mesmerizing portraying LBG, in this film
produced by Steven Spielberg.
Walk the Line
A musical drama about singer Johnny Cash, portrayed by
Joaquin Phoenix. He & co-star Reese Witherspoon performed all the
songs without being dubbed, and learned all the instruments, as well.
Reese Witherspoon won the Academy Award for best actress, but
Joaquin Phoenix also deserved it for his outstanding performance.
Molly's Game
A biographical drama about Molly Bloom, played by Jessica Chastain.
Molly Bloom was a target of an FBI investigation into her underground
poker empire she ran for Hollywood celebrities, athletes, business tycoons,
& the Russian mob. The film received favorable reviews.
Shakespeare In Love
A romantic period, comedy-drama, with star-studded cast and
recipient of many awards. It won best picture at the 71st Academy Awards, controversially beating out "Saving Private Ryan" (a better film).
The Holiday
A heartwarming romantic comedy starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz,
Jude Law, and Jack Black. There is a part of the plot that was most
entertaining when Iris (Kate Winslet's character) meets an elderly
neighbor; an Oscar-winning screenwriter from the Golden Age of Film.
The Duchess
A historic biographical drama about 18th century aristocrat;
Georgiana Cavendish; Duchess of Devonshire. An eye-opening
film about the horrifying way women were treated in those years.
Goodfellas
A biographical gangster classic directed by Martin Scorsese, with a
star-studded cast; that narrates the rise & fall of mob associate Henry Hill.
The film was nominated for and won many awards.
Dark Waters
A true (and accurate account) of a law case against Dupont
chemical manufacturing company after they contaminated
a town with unregulated chemicals.
P.S. I Love You
A romantic drama box office success that didn't get
great reviews, but I was touched by it.
Born on the Fourth of July
A biographical anti-war drama based on the autobiography
of Ron Kovic. Directed & co-written by Oliver Stone, who
won an Academy Awards for his directing of this film.
It starred Tom Cruise; nominated for best actor.
A British period drama film based on the early life
and reign of Queen Victoria, and her marriage to
Prince Albert. The film was produced by Martin Scorsese
among others, and starred Emily Blunt.
Captain Phillips
A true story drama about Captain Richard Phillips; a
merchant mariner, who was taken hostage by Somali pirates.
A critically-acclaimed film starring Tom Hanks;
who gave another brilliant performance.
Hacksaw Ridge
A critically-acclaimed inspirational film, nominated for many awards.
The film is about the World War 2 experiences of Desmond Doss, a
pacifist combat medic who refused to carry a firearm of any kind.
Doss, played by the amazing Andrew Garfield, became the first
conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Pride and Prejudice
A romantic drama based on Jane Austin's novel. It received positive reviews
and 4 nominations at the 78th Academy Awards, including Best Actress in a
leading role for 20-year-old Keira Knightley. A feel-good movie.
Chicago
An American musical that was critically lauded, and the cast received
widespread acclaim for their performances. The film won "Best Picture"
at the Academy Awards in 2003.
Dear Evan Hanson
Though this musical didn't receive great reviews from critics,
I enjoyed it!
Agora
A very educational historical drama starring Rachel Weisz as Hypatia;
a mathematician, philosopher and astronomer in the late 14th-century
Roman Egypt. She was very well known as a wise teacher, in her time.
Miss Sloane
An educational political drama starring Jessica Chastain. Elizabeth Sloane,
a fierce lobbyist, who fights in an attempt to pass gun control legislation.
Boys Don't Cry
The film is a true story about Brandon Teena (played by
Hilary Swank) a trans man who attempts to find love in
Nebraska, but falls victim to a brutal hate crime and murder.
Critics and reviewers loved the movie. Hilary Swank won best
actress at the Academy Awards for her performance.
The Queen
A British biographical drama, depicting the death of Princess Diana,
and the Royal Family's initial response. It starred the fabulous
Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth ll. She won "best actress" for
her role playing Queen Elizabeth, at the Academy Awards.
The film left me with a feeling of "abolish the Monarchy".
Dallas Buyer's Club
A true story about Ron Woodruff (played by Matthew McConaughey); a patient diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the mid 80's. Ron was a rodeo guy, which is the
lowest of low in my view, but the acting was so superb by the cast. The film
received 6 nominations at the 86th Academy Awards included best actor;
Matthew McConaughey & best supporting actor; Jared Leto (who was amazing!)
De-Lovely
An interesting biopic musical about the life of composer Cole Porter;
from the meeting of his wife to his death. Kevin Kline played Cole Porter,
and sang the songs himself and played the piano himself.
Seven Years in Tibet
A captivating war drama based on the memoirs of SS officer and
Austrian mountaineer; Heinrich Harrer, played by Brad Pitt.
Monster
A crime drama about serial killer; Aileen Wuornos;
a street prostitute who killed 7 of her clients and was
executed in Florida. It stars Charlize Theron, whose
award-winning acting was magnificent! She won best
actress at the Academy & Golden Globe Awards. Her
make-up job was beyond exceptional.
Battle of the Sexes
A crowd-pleasing & well-acted drama loosely based on the 1973 tennis
match between Bobby Riggs & Billy Jean King. The film stars Emma Stone
& Steve Carrel. It touches on feminism, & being "in the closet" gay.
The Great Gatsby (2013 version)
A high-grossing, box office success, historical romantic drama starring Leonardo DiCaprio who played millionaire Jay Gatsby, in the roaring 20's
in Long Island N.Y. A movie of visual splendor, with only average reviews.
Suffragette
A British historical drama about women's suffrage in the U.K.
It dramatizes an important and fact-based story.
(I preferred 'Votes for Women' film about the same subject matter.)
All The President's Men
A highly acclaimed film based on the book by Carl Bernstein & Bob Woodward,
the journalists investigation the Watergate scandal for the Washington Post;
played by Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman.
Saint Judy
A biographical drama about Judy Wood; an immigration attorney who
changed the law on granting asylum in the U.S., to save the lives of women.
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
Only the phenomenal acting of Jessica Chastain & Andrew Garfield
could get me to watch a movie about Evangelicals. Chastain won the
Academy Award & Golden Globe, among other accolades, for playing
Tammy Faye. It turned out to be an interesting movie.
Malcolm X
A fascinating biographical drama about Malcolm X, directed &
co-written by Spike Lee, & starring Denzel Washington.
It received widespread critical acclaim.
The Good Woman
A romantic comedy drama that didn't receive great reviews,
but I liked the acting and mystery.
On the Basis of Sex
A biographical legal drama based on the life and early cases of
Supreme Court Justice: Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It's worth watching,
but doesn't do justice to RBG. Felicity Jones plays RBG.
The Impossible
A true story film about a family that endured a horrific tsunami,
starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor. Good acting.
Girl, Interrupted
A phycological drama. The acting was the best part;
particularly Angelina Jolie.
You're Not You
A drama starring Hilary Swank. It received average reviews,
but I liked the acting. Incredible tear-jerker.
Catch a Fire
A biographical film about activists against Apartheid in South Africa,
that received mostly positive reviews.
Cast Away
A survival drama starring Tom Hanks; who won the
Golden Globe for best actor, & was nominated by the
Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards, for best leading actor.
Spotlight
A drama that follows the Boston Globe's "spotlight" team of
A drama that follows the Boston Globe's "spotlight" team of
investigated journalists, who investigated & reported on widespread
child sex abuse in Boston; by numerous Roman Catholic priests.
It's based on the series of stories that earned the Boston Globe a
Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. The movie won "Best Picture" at the
Academy Awards. The end credits show that it's a worldwide systemic
issue in the Catholic Church.
King Richard
A true story drama about Richard Williams;
the coach and father of famed tennis players;
Serena and Venus Williams. Will Smith played
Richard and won many awards for this role.
Cadillac Records
A true story chronicling the life of a Chicago-based record executive;
Leonard Chess, & some of the well known musicians who recorded for
his label; that began out of the back of his Cadillac. This Jewish immigrant
from Poland launched the careers of legendary musical personalities,
including Etta James played by Beyonce, in the film.
Denial
A biographical drama about the Irving vs. Penguin Books case, in which
a Holocaust scholar was sued by Holocaust denier; David Irving for libel.
Rachel Weisz played the role of Deborah Lippstadt, who wrote the book
'History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier.'
Love, Actually
Being an atheist, Christmas is not my thing.
However, this box-office success was fun
and full of love, and full of British stars!
A mostly fictional political drama that was inspired by a true story.
The inspiration was the case of journalist Judith Miller who was jailed
for contempt of court for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury
investigating a leak naming a covert CIA operative.
Bad Education
A drama based on a true story of the largest public school embezzlement
in American history. Well received by critics and has a great cast.
The Big Chill
A comedy drama classic! It was nominated in many categories
for awards, including best picture. The soundtrack is a treat.
We're The Millers
A box-office-success comedy with a funny cast.
Quiz Show
A historical drama produced and directed by Robert Redford;
about the 21 Quiz Show scandal of the 1950's.
Philomena
A touching film based on the story of Philomena Lee's 50 year search
for her son that was taken from her by Irish nuns. Brilliant performance
by Judi Dench, and also starring Steve Coogan.
Woman Walks Ahead
A biographical film about Caroline Weldon; a Swiss-American
portrait painter who traveled from N.Y.C. to the Dakotas to paint a
portrait of 'Sitting Bull'. She becomes involved in the Lakota's struggle
over the rights of their land. The interesting story & Jessica Chastain
are the highlight of the movie.
A biographical drama directed by Spike Lee, based on the memoirs of
Ron Stallworth, although the film is not totally accurate; took some
creative license to spice up the movie. It's about undercover police taking
down the Ku Klux Klan in Colorado Springs, CO. The real footage at the end
of real KKK/Nazi's protesting in Charlottesville added to this film, that was
nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
An entertaining, warm, touching, and funny film starring:
Michael Douglas, Robert DeNiro, Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman,
& Mary Steenburgen. Perhaps you have to be older to enjoy!
An interesting biography-drama about French novelist, Colette.
The film received good reviews from critics. Colette was a woman
ahead of her time; portrayed by Kiera Knightley.
Miss Potter
A biographical film about Beatrix Potter; the best-selling children's
book author of all time, & a woman ahead of her time; starring the
enchanting Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor. Lovely!
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The Terminal
Comical, fun entertainment, with Tom Hanks
giving a very enjoyable performance. The box-office-hit
was produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.
However, it received 6 out of 10 in reviews from critics.
One True Thing
A woman in her 20's (Renee Zellweger) is forced to put her career
on hold to care for her dying mother; played by Meryl Streep. Streep's
moving performance earned her a nomination for an Academy Award.
Space Cowboys
Enjoyable film produced by Clint Eastwood, who was one of
the four stars. Great cast. It also has a bit of a message about the
endurance and experience of senior citizens.
The Shape of Water
A gripping fantasy-romance film that won many
accolades, including best picture. Fantastic acting
from the cast, especially from star: Sally Hawking.
Silver Lining Playbook
A romantic comedy-drama starring Bradley Cooper; who has bi-polar
A romantic comedy-drama starring Bradley Cooper; who has bi-polar
disorder. The film was nominated for 8 Academy Awards, including
'Best Picture', but only Jennifer Lawrence won an award for her lead role,
becoming the second youngest 'Best Actress Winner'. Robert DeNiro
had a supporting role in this box-office hit and highly acclaimed movie.
How to Build A Girl
Entertaining & uplifting film starring Beanie Feldstein; who is fantastic in
Entertaining & uplifting film starring Beanie Feldstein; who is fantastic in
all movies. I enjoyed her role in movies: 'Booksmart' and 'Lady Bird'.
Resistance
Jessie Eisenberg stars as Marcel Marceau; the mime artist,
who fought for the French Jewish Resistance, and helped
save hundreds of Jewish children from the Nazis.
Why Him?
A box-office success romantic-comedy. The critics didn't give it good
reviews, but I laughed and laughed. Great performances.
Produced by Jonah Hill and Ben Stiller.
A biographical drama (true story) about journalist Stephen Glass
& his scandal at the New Republic; when it was discovered that
his stories were fabricated. The movie was produced by Tom Cruise.
Some impressive acting; especially supporting actor; Peter Sarsgaard;
who was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role.
Some of us just love everything that is Downton Abbey!
Downton Abbey is a period piece drama.
Downton Abbey is a period piece drama.
It's the 2nd movie and mainly a TV drama.
Dog Day Afternoon
A highly-acclaimed crime drama, & hard-to-believe true story.
A highly-acclaimed crime drama, & hard-to-believe true story.
It was directed by Sidney Lumet and starred Al Pacino,
who was brilliant. Nominated for many accolades.
The People vs. Larry Flynt
A critically-acclaimed biographical drama about pornographer;
Larry Flynt; magnificently played by Woody Harrelson. It's good
right from the beginning and remains interesting throughout, right to
the end when he takes his '1st-amendment-right-of-free-speech case'
to the Supreme Court: Hustler Magazine vs. Falwell.
Pawn Sacrifice
Tobey Maguire gives a great performance of Bobby Fischer;
the chess champion. Interesting subject matter. A box office failure,
but the film received generally favorable reviews for good acting.
Find Me Guilty
A courtroom comedy-drama from director Sidney Lumet, based on the
true story of the longest Mafia trial in American history. A box office bomb,
but critics gave it somewhat favorable reviews, especially saying
Vin Diesel's performance is well worth watching.
The Mule
I enjoyed Clint Eastwood's character, though not as much as his role in
'Gran Torino'. Love the films he produces, directs and stars in. This film
is based on the true story of a 90 year old drug courier.
The Confirmation
I was mesmerized by the child actor and
star of the film: Jaeden Martell. Entertaining,
some good messages, and a happy ending.
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