14 of the Best Movies that are 100% Worth your Time | The Express Tribune

Sometimes, there are movies that just stay with you. A lot of the times films like a ‘time pass’ but this curated list is a movie marathon like no other!

Whether you’re a film buff or just looking for something new to watch, we’ve got a list that’ll blow your mind. These films are packed with unforgettable moments, stellar performances, and stories that stick with you.

So, settle into your comfiest chair, turn off your phone, and get ready to be swept away by our top picks that are sure to entertain and inspire. Happy watching!

1. La La Land (2016)

Directed by Damien Chazelle (‘Babylon’) this heart wrenching musical romance is the story of Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone). The pair connect over their shared passion for their dreams. However, as their careers progress, they face tough choices that strain their relationship, putting both their love and aspirations at risk. This is seriously one of the best romantic musicals made in modern times, no arguments. 

2. The Truman Show (1998)

A 1998 American psychological comedy-drama film that was written and co-produced by Andrew Niccol and directed by Peter Weir. The film follows Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey), a man unknowingly living his entire life on a massive soundstage, broadcast as a reality TV show with a global audience. Everyone he knows, including friends and family, are actors paid to maintain the illusion and keep Truman unaware of the truth. The Truman Show is a creative and cinematic masterpiece that is philosophical but still manages to be super fun to watch (because it’s Jim Carrey – duh!)

3. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

In the 1930’s, the Grand Budapest Hotel is a renowned European ski resort managed by the dedicated concierge Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes). Zero, a junior lobby boy, becomes Gustave’s close friend and apprentice. Known for his exceptional service, Gustave also caters to the romantic desires of the elderly female guests. When one of these women dies (Tilda Swinton) under mysterious circumstances, Gustave inherits a valuable painting and becomes the prime suspect in her murder. Possibly Wes Anderson’s best, every frame is like a work of art and you’ll giggle your head off watching this one. 

4. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

In this breakout A24 production that won Michelle Yeoh an Academy Award in 2023, she plays Evelyn, a Chinese immigrant who is thrust into a thrilling quest where she must link with her alternate selves across parallel universes to prevent a threat to the multiverse. Be careful – this might send you into an existential crisis for weeks.

5. Spirited Away (2001)

From the brilliant mind of Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazako, Spirited Away is the adventure of 10 year old Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi) and her parents (Takashi Naitô, Yasuko Sawaguchi) discover an abandoned amusement park. When her parents are transformed into giant pigs, Chihiro meets Haku (Miyu Irino), who reveals that the park is a retreat for supernatural beings. To save herself and her parents, Chihiro must work at the park. Saw this film a decade ago, and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. 

6. Baby Driver (2017)

2017’s best action thriller is seriously one of my favourites. It is so clever and well thought out. It’s so exciting it’ll have you on the edge of your seat! Baby (Ansel Elgort), a music-loving orphan, is the brilliant getaway driver for heist mastermind Doc (Kevin Spacey). With a tailored soundtrack for each job, Baby ensures Doc’s ruthless crew, including Bats (Jamie Foxx), Buddy (John Hamm), and Darling (Eiza González) , escape quickly. Dreaming of a final heist before leaving the criminal life with diner waitress Debora (Lily James), Baby’s plans are far from simple.

7. Shutter Island (2010)

Directed by one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Martin Scorsese and Dicaprtio are a duo that never disappoint. The daring escape of a cunning murderess leads U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his partner (Mark Ruffalo) to Ashecliffe Hospital, a remote, fortress-like asylum. The woman has mysteriously disappeared from a locked room, and there are ominous signs of dark secrets within the hospital. As Teddy’s investigation deepens, he must face his own fears to survive and leave the island. Give it a watch if you haven’t already – it’s hyped for a reason!

8. Nightcrawler (2014)

A film that’s destined to be a classic and probably Gyllenhaal at his best this crime thriller follows Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), a Los Angeles drifter, lives by scavenging and theft. He discovers a new career as a cameraman, using a camcorder and police scanner to capture shocking crimes at night. A jaded news director (Rene Russo) sees potential in his footage to boost her station’s ratings, leading Louis to take extreme measures for the perfect ‘money shot.’ Although it might be uncomfortable to watch at times, the commentary regarding capitalism is chilling and definitely worth your time. 

9. Past Lives (2023)

Another A24 production of course, nominated for an Academy Award at this year’s Oscars, Past Lives is about childhood friends Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) who are separated when Nora’s family moves from South Korea. Years later, a married Nora and single Hae Sung reunite for a pivotal week, facing destiny, love, and the life-defining choices they’ve made. This film wasn’t one I’d typically choose, but the cult following and a friend’s recommendation persuaded me to watch it. Though I’m not a fan of romantic stories, I was captivated by its cultural depth and the heartfelt depiction of true love and the sacrifices it requires.

10. Psycho (1960)

Hitchcock was an undeniable genius, I mean the movie is a classic for a reason isn’t it? The ‘master of suspense’ gave us a horror and mystery film to remember till the end of time. Phoenix secretary Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) steals $40,000 from her employer to run away with her boyfriend, Sam Loomis (John Gavin). Exhausted during a rainstorm, she avoids the police by taking back roads and stops at the rundown Bates Motel. There, she meets the polite but tense proprietor, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), who has a fascination with taxidermy and a troubled relationship with his mother.

11. City of God (2002)

Brutal. Intense. Powerful. Fernando Meirelles’s crime drama centres around the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s where two young men choose different paths. Rocket (Phellipe Haagensen) is a budding photographer who documents the increasing drug-related violence of his neighbourhood. José ‘Zé’ Pequeno (Douglas Silva) is an ambitious drug dealer who uses Rocket and his photos as a way to increase his fame as a turf war erupts with his rival, ‘Knockout Ned’ (Leandro Firmino da Hora). The film was shot on location in Rio’s poorest neighbourhoods.

12. Whiplash (2014)

I like to call this film the it girl of indie films, there is a reason most if not all ‘film bros’ are obsessed with this movie. JK Simmons and Miles Teller worked so well together under the direction of Damine Chazelle. Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is a driven young jazz drummer aiming to excel at his prestigious music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), a fearsome instructor notorious for his terrifying teaching methods, notices Andrew’s talent and moves him to the top jazz ensemble, dramatically altering his life. Andrew’s quest for perfection soon becomes an obsession as Fletcher’s relentless pressure tests his limits and sanity.

13. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

This is one of those films that is a timeless comedy no matter how much you age. Watched it years ago and it’s still as funny as it was when I first saw it. Shaun (Simon Pegg) is a thirty-something underachiever leading a monotonous life. He works at an electronics store and shares a messy flat with his lazy best friend, Ed (Nick Frost), in suburban London. His girlfriend, Liz (Kate Ashfield), is frustrated with his lack of ambition and urges him to mature. When zombies suddenly invade their town, Shaun must step up to protect Liz and his mother.

14. The Social Network (2010)

Personally, watching the clip of Andrew Garlfield’s character having a meltdown is what convinced me to watch this film, but the entire film is totally brilliant. It really makes you feel the emotions of elation, desperation, frustration and anger while watching it. Based on the founding of Facebook and the book ‘The Accidental Billionaires’; in 2003, Harvard student and computer prodigy Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) starts developing an idea that evolves into Facebook, a global social network. By 2009, he becomes one of the youngest billionaires in history. However, Zuckerberg’s rapid success brings personal and legal challenges, including two lawsuits, one of which is filed by his former friend and business partner (Andrew Garfield).

These films, each with their unique charm and captivating stories, are sure to be worth your time. Whether you’re in the mood for a heart-wrenching romance, a thrilling crime drama, or a thought-provoking comedy, this list has something for everyone. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy these cinematic masterpieces!