If you had the power to make everyone see one movie before they graduated college, what would you pick? Something that prepares you for adulthood? Reminds you of childhood? Or just something fun to watch with three tipsy roommates at midnight? Our writers offer their selections.
[ READ MORE: (500) Days of Summer ]
“It’s both overdramatic and simplified, but these are the truths of heartbreak. (500) Days of Summer conveys this beautifully and manages to add in enough dry humor that you’re entertained as well as enlightened.” — Mary Clare Fischer
[ READ MORE: Adventureland ]
“Unfortunately, our plans rarely work out as we anticipate, a realization that’s simply a part of growing up. Eisenberg’s coming-of-age may come a little late; nonetheless, it effectively parallels our own.” — Matt Schnabel
[ READ MORE: Amélie ]
“A little French ditty, Amélie is a film bursting at the seams with joie de vivre, as the French would say. In fact, I would go as far as to say Amélie has single-handedly resuscitated the romantic comedy genre, saving it from near-death with its charming whimsicality.” — Alana Pedalino
[ READ MORE: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs ]
“There are movies far more historically and cinematically important than Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. But there are very few movies that so totally encapsulate the classically collegiate pleasure of sitting around a friend’s apartment, drinking rums and Coke, riffing and laughing hysterically quite like Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.” — Eric Bricker
[ READ MORE: Death of a Salesman ]
“There’s nothing extraordinary about the filmmaking — the power is in the superb acting, showcasing the true power of Arthur Miller’s landmark play. Hoffman and Malkovich show off some of their best performances here as heroes Willy and Biff Loman, respectively, after starring in the 1984 Broadway revival of the play. It’s a testament to the power of vulnerable, believable acting to make or break a film.” — Beena Raghavendran
[ READ MORE: Despicable Me ]
“This Universal Pictures film is not only the cutest, sweetest and most genuine movie made in recent years, but it leaves all who watch it with a craving for more.” — Elana Dure
[ READ MORE: Enter the Void ]
“This is an experience, not a movie. Love it or hate it, I give you one guarantee: Enter the Void will change you.” — Cory Blair
[ READ MORE: Garden State ]
“I think the real value of Garden State is it teaches us the value of coming home when we’re feeling lost. Maybe not even returning physically, like Andrew does in the movie, but mentally. Remembering where you’ve come from when looking at the person you are and trying to gauge if you’re happy with the direction you’re headed is valuable and important.” — Kelsey Hughes
[ READ MORE: Harold and Maude ]
“Above all, Harold and Maude ingeniously walks a tightrope over dark humor while still holding true to genuine aspects of pathos. The ending is phenomenal and with the whole soundtrack provided by Cat Stevens, it’s a quirky but endlessly rewarding must-see prior to graduation.” — Joe Antoshak
[ READ MORE: Ikiru ]
“It’s about the simple but profound quest to find what really matters in life. We find ways to complicate our lives and distract ourselves with trivialities, but, ultimately, nothing will bring us happiness but simple decency.” — Robert Gifford
[ READ MORE: A Serious Man ]
“As a film that comments on the folly of devout Judaism while still reveling in some of its classic rituals, A Serious Man suggests that everyone is on a flat plane in the eyes of God. The more pious men may field the questions, but no one, not even the wisest of all rabbis, possesses the answers.” — Dean Essner
[ READ MORE: Slacker ]
“It’s a powerful affirmation of the fact that everyone — high or drunk, poor or poorer, ugly or handsome — has a story to tell. It’s also immensely funny, with frequent bursts of absurd and cringe humor, culminating in a fantastic ending that basically parodies the conceit of the entire film.” — Warren Zhang
[ READ MORE: The Social Network ]
“If you have yet to watch The Social Network, gather a few of your dormmates together for a movie night and, hopefully, start thinking about the next phenomenon you will create. Despite what you think, it could actually happen.” — Jen Linkins
[ READ MORE: LIST: Books you need to read before graduating ]
