Top 10 Films that you must watch before you die

1) Shawshank Redemption: This outstanding film is about a man called Andy Dufresne who was arrested for murdering his wife. He was sentenced to life, but he is the most unconventional prisoner. Frank Darabont’s vision for this film was outstanding to see as you expected the unexpected. From the scriptwriting to the brilliant cast the whole production was immaculate. Shawshank Redemption is number one on IMDB Top 250 movies and on Rotten Tomatoes it got a 91% which shows that the audience has a great fondness for this crime/drama film. Overall, I would watch this for its emotional impact, and it deserves repeated film viewings and really do highly recommend this.

2) Silence of the Lambs: This compelling thriller of imprisoned psychiatrist serial killer Hannibal Lector helping the FBI agent Clarence Starling apprehend at loose murderer of young girls, is one of the most influential films of the last 30 years. It swanned countless serial killer movies and the TV Shows, that has seen this genre prove to be consistently popular. Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster both won acting oscars as the two protagonists, duelling with each other psychologically foster to catch a killer and Hopkins to further his own ends. The direction is stark and realistic so that the sensationalist subject matter is made more believable. Highly Recommend.

3) 12 Angry Men: Henry Fonda used his persona of integrity and honestly perfectly in this 1957 courtroom drama, where one man stands alone and slowly convinces his fellow jurors to re-examine the seemingly clear-cut guilt of a young man accused of murder. Rather than focusing on the trial itself, this one set production takes place during deliberation. With the drama all in one room, director Sydney Lumet conveys not only the heavy responsibility on having a life in one’s hands, but slowly conveys each jurors’ own prejudices that influences their opinions innocence or guilt. The acting is uniformly excellent the black and white photography adds a real-life flavour as well as increasing the claustrophobic atmosphere of stuck on a room together.

4) Harry Potter Collection: The saga of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and his journey through Hogwarts school and his battle with Lord Voldemort has delighted children and adults alike. Using the same actors over eight films we get to see harry and his friends grow up, fall in love, struggle with exams, and learn the meaning of friendship. Along with a remarkable child actor is a list of who’s who of English stage and screen talent. The magical special effect are remarkable, the sets beautiful and the storyline heartfelt and ultimately very moving. A must see for everyone who loves to let their imagination run free.

5) Coach Carter: The 2005 Sports film tells a true story of high school coach Ken Carter and his relationship with his basketball team. Carter superbly played by Samuel L Jackson, benched the entire team due to their poor academic results. The theme of the importance of education for young adults over sporting success is of relevance to society because very few people make career at sport. The film departs the players finally passing their exams and entering college and is inspirational and not too melodramatic. The sporting action of basketball games is balanced with their academic journey and is ably directed by Thomas Carter.

6) The Blind Side: Another true-life Sports Film is the 2009 story of Michael Oher and his journey of impoverished childhood to star NFL player. He is helped by a caring and loving family, led by a mother who is played by Sandra Bullock who won an Oscar in her driving force behind Oher’s transformation. Through tears and smiles this heart-warming films shows the importance of family and determination to a person’s success as Oher is adopted into a new environment away from his poverty beginnings.

7) Harry Met Sally: If you like romantic comedies, this 1989 film starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan tells a story of a slow burning transition from friendship to love over 12 years. The script is not only funny, but sad too as it addresses issues such as loneliness and the acting and comic timing is perfectly judged. I would recommend this film because it reflects real life and is not too sentimental even though it delivers a satisfying happy ending.

8) Interstellar: Physics, time-travel, and adventure combine in this spectacular, but thoughtful movie about a future earth in which mankind is struggling to survive due to climate change. A group of astronauts are sent through a wormhole to try and discover a new world for humanity to colonise. Cooper played by Mathew McConaughey promises his daughter that he will return to space, and the heart of the story is in his attempt to do so. Intelligent, moving and with detailed special effects, this 2014 epic is expertly crafted by director Christopher Nolan who is aided by Nobel Laureate in Physics, kip Thorne. This expert scientific advice adds credibility and gravitas to this thought provoking and entertaining movie.

9) Elf: This hilarious Christmas movie tells a story of Buddy the Elf who is raised in the North Pole by elves. Upon discovering his is not an elf he embarks on an adventure to find his father who lives in New York. It is often listed as one of the best Christmas movies ever, as the naïve but good-hearted buddy falls in love and spreads good cheer and optimism to all he meets. Will Ferrell as buddy is both hilarious and touching as he navigates a cynical world until he finds his true family and reunites with his father. A must see for anytime of the year, not just Christmas.

10) Finding Nemo: The first cartoon on my list and coming out in 2003, the same year as Elf, this Pixar story tells of a protective clownfish who is searching for his lost son in the vastness of the ocean. He is helped by a blue tang called Dory, who lost her memory and is searching to belong herself. While being very funny this animation explores the themes risks enjoying life, learning to let your children go out into the world themselves and accepting the dangers that they face is all part of growing up. The film won best animated feature at the Oscars which was well deserved and is a must see for parents and children alike.