15 Great Movies That Make You Think and Offers New Perspective on Life

Movies can transport us into alternate worlds, holding the power to do more than entertain. It often becomes a portal through which we can explore new perspectives, contemplate profound questions, and ultimately gain a deeper understanding of our lives. These 15 remarkable films embrace narratives that challenge our preconceptions, encourage introspection, and inspire reevaluating our perspectives on life.

The selection of films on this list goes beyond entertainment; they spark intellectual and emotional exploration, reflecting both familiar and unfamiliar aspects of life. Immersing in their complexities, we journey with characters and embark on our odyssey of self-discovery and empathy.

These films ignite curiosity, exploring the intricacies of artificial intelligence, human connections, societal facades, and the essence of reality. They prompt reflection on ethical dilemmas, uncharted emotions, and the interweaving of our lives with the world.

'Everything Everywhere All At Once'

Since its 2002 premiere, "Everything Everywhere All At Once" has become a big hit internationally. It follows a Chinese immigrant's adventure and exploration of other universes. It also touches on family, mother-daughter relationships, and identity.

"Everything Everywhere All At Once" won two Oscar awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Motion Picture of the Year. Several of its cast and crew members also landed Oscar awards and nominations. The film's star-studded cast included Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Ke Huy Quan.

'Ex Machina'

It has been nearly a decade since "Ex Machina" hit the big screens, but people still remember the mind-boggling film. Its storyline focuses on a programmer's experience in an AI experiment, focusing on the technology's human qualities.

"Ex Machina" is another award-winning film that bagged an Oscar for Best Achievement in Visual Effects. It also landed an Oscar nomination for Best Writing, Original Screenplay. The film stars Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, and Sonoya Mizuno.

'Dead Poets Society'

"Dead Poets Society" is a film that left a mark in the industry and the hearts of its audiences. Set in a boarding school, a new teacher navigates his days teaching difficult-to-handle students until they eventually earn his trust.

The movie has won several awards since its release in 1989, including Best Writing for Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen at the Oscars. It featured a stellar cast, including Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, and Josh Charles.

'Slumdog Millionaire'

"Slumdog Millionaire" is another Academy Award-winning film that shows the problematic realities of growing up in poverty. The story follows Jamal Malik, an orphan from Mumbai's slums, striving to win a staggering prize on a game show.

However, suspicions of cheating arise, leading Jamal to recount his life's journey, revealing how he gained knowledge. As the climax approaches, the mystery of his motives and insights into life and love unfolds. The 2008 film stars Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla, and Anil Kapoor, among many other talents.

'Parasite'

Although purely in Korean, "Parasite" has gained international recognition, winning four Oscars, among many other wins. The film tackles social class discrimination, greed, and family relationships amidst challenging times.

It follows the story of the unfortunate Kim family, who go to extreme lengths to work for the wealthy Park clan. The movie stars Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-Kyun, Cho Yeo-Jeong, Choi Woo-Sik, Park So-dam, and Lee Jeong-Eun.

'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'

Nearly 20 years ago, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" made several viewers feel mixed emotions. The film's central premise revolves around a couple's decision to erase their memories of each other after their relationship doesn't work out.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" starred comedian Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Bryne, and Elijah Wood, among others, and won over 70 awards from 111 nominations.

'Whiplash'

A feel-good yet thought-provoking film, "Whiplash," incorporates music into its storyline as it follows a young drummer mentored by a determined instructor. The musician finds motivation in his mentor's guidance and strives to become successful in his career.

"Whiplash" is an award-winning film featuring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser, Austin Stowell, Nate Lang, Chris Mulkey, and many more talented artists. It won 98 awards out of 144 nominations.

'The Pursuit of Happyness'

"The Pursuit of Happyness" depicted the challenging life of a struggling salesman and single father, working tirelessly while caring for his son. Life worsens for the duo as they get evicted from their home with nowhere to go.

The film stars father and son Will Smith and Jaden Smith, alongside Thandiwe Newton and Brian Howe. Based on a true story, "The Pursuit of Happyness" became among the most touching films with several life lessons.

'Lost in Translation'

Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation" follows the adventures of a neglected woman and a rarely recognized movie star after their relationship strengthens during a trip to Tokyo.

"Lost in Translation" resonates with many movie-goers who struggle similarly with the characters. The star-studded film includes Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, and Anna Faris.

'The Tree of Life'

Set in Waco, Texas, in 1956, "The Tree of Life" follows a son's conflicting thoughts about his parents' teachings. As the boy grows up lost in the modern world, he finds himself searching for the meaning of life.

"The Tree of Life" is a story about finding oneself and understanding and reflecting on life. The film stars Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain, and Hunter McCracken.

'Persona'

"Persona" premiered in 1966, but its story remains staggering. It follows a nurse's task to watch over an actress who won't talk. Soon, she starts telling the actress her secrets and submerges herself into her patient's persona.

The Cinemaholic reviewed "Persona" as a film that "solidified the idea in my mind that cinema can be more than just light entertainment — it can be a full, emotional and human experience."

'Cloud Atlas'

"Cloud Atlas" is a star-studded film that tackles the ripple effect of one's actions in the past, present, and future. Focusing on several events, including a nuclear power plant conspiracy, a futuristic Korea, and an 1849 voyage, the film highlights how everything is connected.

"Cloud Atlas" stars Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Hugo Weaving, and several other talents. The production was also recognized through several award nominations and wins.

'The Fountain'

Movie watchers who have experienced a loved one battling cancer will undoubtedly resonate with 'The Fountain," a painful story about love, devotion, and science.

The movie focuses on a modern-day scientist as he desperately searches for a cure for his wife, who was diagnosed with cancer. "The Fountain" stars Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Ellen Burstyn.

'The Green Mile'

"The Green Mile" ironically shows how good can come in a place filled with imperfect people. In a prison filled with death row inmates, a lead guard notices one man's power to heal sicknesses. With this discovery, he tries to stop the man's death sentence.

The beloved film stars Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, James Cromwell, Michael Jeter, and several other talented actors and actresses.

'Synecdoche, New York'

"Synecdoche, New York" is not a film for everyone, but it is a movie worth watching. Following the life of a director, "Synecdoche, New York" shows the challenges of an artist's ambition.

It tackles family and personal struggles, depression, and theater. The film stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Samantha Morton, Michelle Williams, and Catherine Keener.

"Inception" is another mind-bending science-fiction thriller following Dom Cobb's adventure as he plants an idea into someone's mind. Alongside other skilled individuals, they work together to accomplish the mission.

The Christopher Nolan film delves into the layers of dreams, blurring the lines between fiction and reality and how the subconscious mind can turn dreams into nightmares.