A Personal Insight: My Favourite Films

Harley R
Harley R
Nov 1 · 3 min read

While nowadays I spent more time watching TV shows than movies, there are some films that I can watch over and over again and never tire of. Whether it’s a feel-good comedy that always makes me laugh, a wave of nostalgia from an old classic, or just special effects that never fail to impress, these films will always be my go-to faves.

1. The Back to the Future trilogy (1985–1990)

My favourite film of all time, I watched Back to the Future as a kid and still to this day if I see it on TV I just have to watch it again, and my enjoyment never wavers. Part II is equally good, Part III is not quite up to par, but that’s only because it doesn’t connect like the first two, where Marty goes back in time for the second time and has to avoid seeing the Marty that went back in time in the first movie. Time travel movies often confuse the hell out of you with all the paradoxes, alternate timelines and probable continuity errors, but BTTF explains it perfectly and it all makes sense. It’s the first film I remember absolutely falling in love with. I can never listen to Johnny B. Goode without flashing back to this scene, and I am absolutely OK with that.

2. Inception (2010)

Inception never fails to blow my mind every time I watch it, both because of the amazing special effects and because of the extremely complicated plot (which, if you’re familiar with Christopher Nolan movies, know is just part of the deal with him. A character can’t blink without it having four different meanings). It’s difficult, if impossible, to make anything original nowadays, hence why almost every movie is either a sequel, prequel or remake, but Nolan managed to do it with Inception. The storyline is phenomenal and every time I watch it I’m like “ooooh, so that’s what that meant!”. Each viewing gives a different perspective and understanding, and I notice something I didn’t before. It won an Oscar for Best Cinematography, and this scene explains why:

3. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Most of the Marvel movies could be on this list. I know it’s cliché — Marvel is taking over the world, but for a damn good reason. Marvel films are badass; the action, humour and drama are all on point. The reason I chose Civil War as my favourite and not The Avengers (which is a close second) is because, after eight years of character development since Iron Man, you can really see how the heroes’ morals have changed; they have developed in-depth personalities — in other words, they’re more human. You already know and love all the main superheroes, plus are introduced to Black Panther and the best Spiderman yet. The interaction between the characters is what really makes the movie, as well as that freakin’ awesome airport battle. Just play me this scene on repeat for the rest of my life and I’ll be happy.

4. Mean Girls (2004)

Every girl in my generation grew up with this film, and even today after fourteen years (damn, I’m old), it’s meme central. You can’t scroll through tumblr or Facebook for long without hearing “four for you Glen Coco, you go Glen Coco!”. Every high school girl can relate to Mean Girls, because every high school girl knows what it’s like to deal with, well, high school girls. It’s a classic teen comedy that’s still relevant, funny, and infinitely quotable.

5. Finding Nemo (2003)

HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE THIS MOVIE? Ellen DeGeneres gives what is probably the best voice performance in history as Dory, but all the other actors also do a phenomenal job, from Bruce the shark to Crush the turtle. Literally every character is likeable (except the humans!) — they make you laugh, cry, and really want to go to Australia. At the end of the day, it’s a lovely story about a parent that will do anything for his son.
When life gets you down you know what you gotta do? Listen to Dory.


Originally published at https://www.thenationalstudent.com on 24th March 2018.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade