Bucket List Films: Must-See Movies
If you’re trying to dedicate your life to the fabulous cause of watching incredible films constantly and doing nothing else with your life, you’ve come to the right place. Sometimes it’s hard to decide what to watch, so we’ve made it real easy for you. You’re welcome.
Here’s our rundown of must-see films that you… uh… must see…
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
This won more than best motion picture at the Golden Globes, it won an entire generation. If you weren’t a fan of Queen before (first of all, how dare you) then you are now. Rami Malek is literally so close to Freddie Mercury that we all felt a little confused for half of it, and we’re pretty jealous. Who doesn’t want to work a stage like Freddie?! (Not our friends, that’s for sure) Screening at Sandown Park Racecourse drive-in.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
This war epic, starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, and Robert Duvall (swoon, much?) follows Captain Benjamin L. Willard as he embarks upon a secret mission to kill a presumed insane traitor. Widely noted for the problems it experienced during production – including an overweight and unprepared Brando (same), Sheen’s near-fatal on-set heart attack and expensive sets being destroyed by severe weather.
Vertigo (1958)
Some might say Vertigo is about some dude who’s afraid of heights. But we’re classy. It’s about a detective who’s afraid of heights. He basically becomes obsessed with his pal’s wife, who has more than a few tricks up her sleeve. Once you think you know what’s going on, you don’t. The suspense will kill you and you won’t be able to look away while John ‘Scottie’ Ferguson spirals into madness.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Based on the Ken Kesey novel, this is considered to be one the greatest films ever made. It has won five major Academy Awards, numerous Golden Globes and BAFTAs. But that doesn’t really matter. What matters is us, and we’re telling you that you gotta watch it. It’s the story of Randle McMurphy, who, despite not being mentally ill, is moved from prison to a mental institution. McMurphy ends up leading a revolution and starts to plan an escape. It does not go well.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Following a voyage to Jupiter with Hal, a sentient computer (y’know, like that one Futurama episode where Bender gets with the spaceship), after a black monolith affecting human evolution is discovered. The film deals with technology, artificial intelligence, extraterrestrial life (we know you’re out there, aliens) and existentialism and is frequently noted for its scientific accuracy, trailblazing SFX and enigmatic imagery. If you think you’re ready for this, you’re not.
La La Land (2016)
And people thought they didn’t make ’em like this anymore. Clearly, they do. Lose yourself in this glorious musical where two struggling stars devote every second to making it big. You’ll be dancing in your seat, singing along, and highly emotional in no time. La La Land may have only accidentally won best picture at the Oscars, but it’s won a real place in all our hearts. #Emosh Screening at Brent Cross Shopping Centre drive-in.
Sorry to Bother You (2018)
Lakeith Stanfield could NEVER bother us, and neither could Tessa Thompson. Some people are too gorg for this universe, and putting them right next to each other makes Sorry to Bother You almost… too powerful. Like, we’re weak AF already from how insanely creative (we’re talking moving walls and floors) and funny it is, why do they have to do us like that? The premise is one we can all identify with – Cassius is just trying to get the moolah and is willing to do basically anything to get it. #WeFeelYou
Alien (1979)
This Ridley Scott sci-fi horror follows the crew of a spaceship as they are stalked to death by a highly aggressive extraterrestrial creature (see? We did say that we know you’re out there…) and launched the Alien franchise. The original film received huge critical acclaim and box office success and went on to win several awards and be considered one of the best films evah. We won’t lie to you, this film is kinda gross. But it’s a good type of gross. The type of gross you need in your life.
This is Spinal Tap (1984)
Following fictional British heavy metal band, Spinal Tap, this rock mockumentary is all about getting people to do their favourite things – judge people and laugh about it. The dialogue was largely ad libbed, which really makes you wonder how these people function in real life. Commonly regarded as the best film of its year, (we were sceptical too, but for real) it’s hilarious.
Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Adapted from Stephen King’s evidently limitless mind, the American drama follows Andy Dufresne, a banker who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his innocent pleas. Befriending a fellow prisoner, ‘Red’, he finds himself protected by the wardens when they start using him to help in a money-laundering operation. This film will get you feeling things for about a week.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
This coming-of-age comedy is p. much one of the greatest high school films ever made. Ever. The story sees five teenagers all brought together in a Saturday detention as they realise that there is more to them than their cliques. It’s a bit too real for words, whoever you are you’ll identify with SOMEONE. Everything about this film is iconic and the whole world will start to make more sense once you watch it. So go watch it. Screening at Roof East.
Moonlight (2016)
Excuse us while we CRY. This film puts the ‘BEAU’ in ‘beautiful’. It follows the story of a young man growing up in a rough neighbourhood of Miami, and how realising his sexuality weighs down his relationships with people, and affects his everyday life. Moonlight is a touching award-winner with a soundtrack that will surprise you — its use of ‘chopped and screwed’ music is unique and #DaBomb (seriously, you’ll feel it in your soul). This film seriously packs a punch and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Back to the Future (1985)
The sci-fi adventure comedy is the first film of, basically, one of the best trilogies in the universe. Michael J. Fox is the mega dreamy Marty McFly who goes back in time to 1955. There, he meets his future parents and accidentally becomes his mum’s crush… don’t act like you haven’t been there. Accompanied by everyone’s favourite mentally dodgy scientist ‘Doc’, they set on a mission to make his parents fall in love and get Marty back to good ole ‘85. Screening at Brent Cross Shopping Centre drive in.
Donnie Darko (2001)
Donald Darko is awoken and led by some freak in a straight up terrifying rabbit costume called Frank. (We personally think Dark Rabbit Lord would’ve been a better name, but cool. Whatever.) “Frank” tells him that the world will end real soon (in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes and 12 seconds, to be specific). This leads Donnie to begin exploring what it means to be alive and, consequently, uncovering secrets of the universe as he becomes tempted to alter time and destiny. Woah.
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Kubo is the best storyteller in all the land, and this film is about as beautiful and emotional as it gets. Kubo is on a journey to locate a magical suit of armour that belonged to his deceased father (aaaaand the tears have already started) so that he can defeat a vengeful spirit (who’s a real d*ck). The film is full of twists and beautiful imagery, and chills are 100% guaranteed.
Mulholland Drive (2002)
Critics for the BBC voted Mulholland Drive the best film of the 21st Century, so, like, what more do you want? There’s a surreal, haunting murder mystery set in and around the mysterious world of the Hollywood movie industry (yikes, ammirite?). Nobody REALLY knows the actual plot… but what more are we meant to expect from a David Lynch film? See it, and make your own mind up. *spooky music starts playing*
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Because sometimes the sequels aren’t trash. Terminator 2 brought back Arnie (he did SAY), reunited him with Linda Hamilton and added a dusting of cutting edge (and still impressive) digital effects for the eerie new T-1000 liquid metal villain. The script, and Arnold’s unmistakable delivery, added a whole new load of memorable quotes to the Schwarzenegger dictionary. Hasta la vista, BAY-BEE.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Is this the best animated superhero film… ever? We’re not critics, but yes, yes, literally a thousand times yes. It slid, back-flipped and swung from a cobweb into our December to save 2018, so now we can go into 2019 knowing it wasn’t, like, a complete waste. As uplifting as it is overall, you might wanna prepare yourself for Stan Lee’s cameo in this one, though… it’s heavier than a kid’s backpack on their first day of school.
Lady Bird (2017)
Indie darling Greta Gerwig steps behind the camera… and straight into the ranks of great writer-directors, with this HILAR coming of age debut about a young girl who literally can’t wait to get the hell out of Sacramento, California (fair). Calling herself “Lady Bird” is just one way she’s taking teenage rebellion to a whole new level. All she wants to do is escape to somewhere where she can lap up culture and be around people who aren’t ridiculously boring. #Preach.
Blade Runner (1982)
Blade Runner will teach you why NOT to jump across roofs. Since it wasn’t obvious enough, apparently. Set in 2019 (… spooky) an ex-blade runner is forced back into the game to get his murder on. Full of sci-fi, emotion, and some real kick ass scenes, you’ll be on the edge of your seat for sure.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Known for the aesthetic, The Grand Bood will give you some hardcore Instagram inspo. You’ll learn a whole new way to angle and take pics to make them look truly amazing, while also laughing until you cry. Are you an old woman looking to get it on? Then this is the hotel for you! The guests are treated like royalty, but when a woman mysteriously dies it all goes out the window.
Casablanca (1942)
This romantic hit, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, is set during World War II and follows an American expat as he is torn between his love of an ex-girlfriend and helping her Czech Resistance leader husband escape Nazis. (Woah, heavy.) Three Academy Awards later, it has become iconic and consistently ranked as one of the greatest films of all time. Also, it’s got some amaze lines that you’ll be quoting around the house for the following 2 days. Screening at Bussey Building rooftop.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
It does exactly what a Star Wars film should do (think epic space battles, lightsabers and legions of stormtroopers who still can’t aim properly — seriously, what’s up with that?!). Older fans who remember the ‘original’ Star Wars films should be prepared to get “something” in your eye. Not to mention, it’s the last time you will see the late Carrie Fisher on screen, giving a beautiful, swansong performance as the iconic heroine Princess Leia.
The Godfather (1972)
Most people consider it one of the greatest films of all time. Most people are right (we’ve had quite a few of those in this list… we’ve got great taste). You don’t even mind that it’s about 4 days long, you’re ready to watch a mob family kick ass and hear those lines that everyone is basically born knowing. The Godfather is trying to pass his dynasty down to his son, but he just can’t take the heat. You’ll be speaking like a Don for hours, just so you can feel the power.
Inside Out (2015)
WE’RE FINE. Inside Out is now being used all over to help teach kids about emotions. A young girl and her parents are moving, and we’re given personal access into her head while she tries her best to adjust. She misses her friends. She misses the food. She misses her life. And we miss our emotional stability. It’s powerful, moving, and everyone should watch it.
Get Out (2017)
Get Out makes ‘eerie’ seem like a loose term. You’ll be uncomfortable for the majority of this film. It’s unpredictable and insane, so don’t go into it acting like you know what’s about to happen, ’cause you don’t. For real. You don’t. With more twists and turns than a maze, just when you think you’ve got a handle on things you’ll realise pretty quickly that you just gotta let it take you on the ride that it is.
Wonder Woman (2017)
The highest grossing superhero origin film of all time, and one of the most empowering EVAH, you’ll come out of Wonder Woman convinced that you can do literally anything. She’ll teach you about bravery, love, loss, life, and how to revive the entire Justice League storyline in one go (because Batman VS Superman was a mess).
The Big Sleep (1946)
Humphrey Bogart. Lauren Bacall. If you wanna check out one of THE great Hollywood romances this is it (#OTP). Bogart stars as world-weary, quip-ready LA private detective, hired by a rich family to investigate a disappearance. It’s got everything you need for a good Friday night out. A hot femme fatale. Blackmail. Attempted murder. Classic.
