It’s quarantine day 16 over here at our apt. This morning I made a list of movies I’ve always wanted to watch and figured I could put together a list to share with all of you!
These are the movies that have inspired me over the years, the movies I watch when I have creators block, and the movies I share with friends and family.
Blurred reality – Stories that blur the line between reality and fantasy. Just like being in quarantine.
1. Drop Dead Gorgeous
Rated: Pg-13
Watch on: Daily Motion, click here to go to the film!
A faux documentary about the world of beauty pageants in Middle America that it completely underrated in my opinion. The movie is made up of some of the wackiest characters but focuses on Kirsten Dunsts’ character Amber Atkins.
Amber is the poorest contestant in her local beauty pageant and enters in an attempt to start her career path in becoming a news anchor. She was already feeling disadvantaged competing against bratty snobs… when suddenly the other girls competing start to drop dead. Amber has to figure out how to keep competing while keeping her head. Literally.
2. Big Fish
Rated: Pg-13
Watch on: Crackle for free or rent on Amazon Prime
A movie centered on a father-son relationship that went wrong due to the fathers constant exaggerations. When the father becomes seriously ill, the son decides to revisit his fathers “fish stories” in an attempt to cipher out truth.
Tim Burton directs this reality bending film. A great film to inspire you to dive into your own families “fish tales” this quarantine.
3. Phoebe in Wonderland
Rated: Pg-13
Watch on:
One of Elle Fanning’s earlier work. I remember seeing this when it first came out and being blown away by her acting ability.
In this movie Elle plays Phoebe, a young girl who is seemingly struggling with a learning disability. The movie is wonderfully done in Phoebe’s POV and brilliantly gives the audience the sense that something is wrong without being able to name or explain what (exactly as a child would understand it). Life gets even more confusing when Phoebe gets cast in the school play and spends more time with a teacher who encourages her to be herself.
4. and 5. Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2
Rated: R
Watch on: Netflix free or rent on Amazon Prime
Watch both Volumes of the Tarantino classic to kill a full day of quarantine.
Vol. 2 also has my favorite movie fight scene: Beatrix vs. Elle. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, the entire time you’re watching this fight scene you know there’s a Black Mamba snake loose in the trailer somewhere. So you’re just waiting for one of them to land near it.
I also love this fight scene because Elle is played by Daryl Hannah who also plays the mermaid in Splash. Her acting range is hilariously talented.
6. Bednobs and Broomsticks
Rated: G
Watch on: Disney +
This movie takes place during World War II: A witch in training (Miss Price) begrudgingly takes in three foster children who were recently orphaned due to the war. Together they meet her mentor, travel to exotic cartoon lands, and strive to develop a spell that could help Britain defeat the Nazis. Yeah. It’s amazing. The movie was released in 1971 and the influences are everywhere. There’s mod style outfits, LSD trip inspired animations, and a strong female lead that’s fiercely feminist.
Can you believe it’s a Disney movie?? It’s rated G but worth the watch and currently on Disney +.
7. The Seven Psychopaths
Rated: R
Watch on: Amazon Prime
Ok… I just finally watched this one last night and I’m still not sure if I like it…. BUT the story line was presented in a very unique way. Long, reality twisting story short: an alcoholic writer asks his friend to help him write his movie called “The Seven Psychopaths”. The two bicker about how the story should go, and every story suggestion gets played out in the film itself. This ultimately leads to a confusing movie where over three different story lines are woven together to connect a distorted reality with several fantasies.
This trailer is misleading; the dog kidnapping is not the focus of the movie but is just one of the many different story lines being woven together. The main focus is the two friends writing their movie… which the trailer barely shows 🤷♀️
Humanity – Stories about humans being humans
8. Son of Rambow
Rated: Pg-13
Watch on: Amazon Prime
This movie stole my heart. It does SUCH a wonderful job of accurately portraying two pre-teens fighting to keep their friendship alive despite vast differences in their family, religion, and social circles.
9. The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared
Rated: R
Watch on: Amazon
Yes, that is actually the title. This movie tells a beautiful story of a man with a realistic, matter-of-fact outlook on life… who gets put in the most ridiculous situations. His attitude and reactions to horrible situations are inspiring. If you’re in need of a laugh or looking to change your outlook, this is the movie for you.
10. Troop Zero
Rated: Pg
Watch on: Amazon Prime Free
This story takes place in 1977 rural Georgia. A tomboy living in a trailer park is obsessed with outer space. When she hears the winner of a Birdie Scout Troop competition gets to send a recorded message into space, she puts together a troop of misfits. They fight discrimination of all kinds together as a troop while attempting to win NASA’s prize.
This movie was extremely heart warming and the actors are fantastic. The characters truly come to life, so much so it made me happy cry (and I usually NEVER cry in movies… unless a dog is dying).
11. Mermaids
Rated: Pg-13
Watch on: Amazon Prime Video Free
This movie is NOT about real mermaids!! Everyone assumes that it is and then they don’t watch it lol. Mermaids is about a single mother and her two daughters trying to find their place in 1960’s America.
Cher plays “the worst mother in the world”, Winona Ryder plays a Jewish teen doing everything she can to not turn into her mother, and Christina Ricci plays a 9 year old swimmer set on making it into the Olympics one day.
12. Marie Antoinette
Rated: Pg-13
Watch on: Amazon or Crackle Free
This is probably my favorite movie. Sofia Coppola directed this stunning film that depicts the life of Marie Antoinette from her teenage years up to the final moments before her death. The story is told mainly through body language acting instead of dialog; which creates a music video like effect when paired with an epic soundtrack.
Sofia did a wonderful job modernizing this story which is why it’s inspired so many different creatives since.
13. Dazed and Confused
Rated: R
Watch on: Hulu
A classic coming of age movie that you can re-watch over and over again. It’s the last day of school in Austin Texas, 1976. There’s hazing, dolphin shorts, and bongs galore.
14. Almost Famous
Rated: R
Watch on: Amazon
The story of a child writing prodigy, a rock n’ roll star, and a muse all striving to find happiness in different places. Kate Hudson’s character, Penny Lane, has inspired many modern fashion designers, including the team behind Spell Bryon Bay.
15. Amelie
Rated: R
Watch on: Hulu
A shy French girl attempts to quietly help the people around her. Each person she helps is a unique character with a dynamic story. While the movie itself is amazing, the soundtrack by Yann Tiersen truly makes it a cult classic. This movie is in French with english subtitles.
16. Harold and Maude
Rated: PG
Watch on: Amazon
This movie is so bizarre and quirky. A young man with a wealthy but emotionally unavailable mother obsesses over suicide before he meets an elderly woman obsessed with living life. The variety of perspectives and philosophical discussions in this movie make the odd love story more bearable.
17. Moonrise Kingdom
Rated: Pg-13
Watch on: Amazon
A headstrong boy scout and a depressed preteen runaway together into the forest after falling in love as pen pals. They mirror the adults in their life as they create their own paradise away from family and friends. Unfortunately, they live on an island, making it easier for the runaways friends and family to find them. A great coming of age story with great characters and multiple layers of story line.
18. Joker
Rated: R
Watch on: Amazon
It came out just a year ago and won so many awards I’m assuming you’ve already heard all about it. Inspired by the DC Villain, “Joker” tells the tale of a desperate human suffering a mental breakdown. Even darker? The movie is told from HIS perspective; putting the audience into his quickly deteriorating mind.
Every actor in this movie gives it their all, making the movie almost too real to bear at times. The depression, violence, and mental breaks are brutally honest. It’s why I believe this film deserved all the awards it won… and also why I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. Check in with yourself before deciding to watch this film.
19. Hell or High Water
Rated: R
Watch on: Netflix
Another brutally honest movie about desperate humans. Two brothers take up bank robbing to save their mothers West Texas property before the bank forecloses it. The rush becomes addictive to one brother as the other is constantly riddled with guilt.
Jeff Bridges plays a racist Texas cop with a native American partner tracking them down.
20. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Rated: R
Watch on: Amazon
The owner of a high class hotel reminisces on his beginnings as a humble Lobby boy. It’s another visual wonder by Wes Anderson.
21. The Birdcage
Rated: R
Watch on: YouTube Free
Robin Williams plays a gay man (Armand) in a relationship who was previously married to a woman. His son from the previous marriage is getting married and wants to introduce his fiancee’s parents to his, with a catch: Armand’s son want’s him to pretend he’s straight.
A hilarious love triangle forms when Armand tries to keep both his drag queen partner and son happy. This movie is perfect for anyone in need of a good laugh.
22. The Florida Project
Rated: R
Watch on: Amazon
The tale of a child living in poverty near the Walt Disney World Resort. Similar to “Phoebe in Wonderland”, this movie puts the audience in the perspective of the child. Lifes grittier moments are masked by both children and adults with imagination in a desperate attempt for a sense of safety and happiness.
While there are plenty of cute kid moments, this movie is extremely real. Don’t watch if quarantine has you down.
23. Catch Me If You Can
Rated: Pg-13
Watch on: Amazon
I absolutely love this movie, both for the spot on time period costumes as well as for the body language acting that takes place. Based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a high school student who runs away and impersonates a pilot, doctor, and lawyer. Frank is played by Leonardo DiCaprio and the FBI agent tracking him down is played by Tom Hanks.
24. Jackie Brown
Rated: R
Watch on: Hulu free or Amazon
A smart movie with a variety of colorful characters. This Quinten Tarantino movie doesn’t always get as much love as the others, but it’s one of my favorites. It focuses on a flight attendant that’s caught up in, but trying to leave, the world of crime in Los Angeles. The trailer is misleading; do not expect another Pulp Fiction film.
25. Blazing Saddles
Rated: R
Watch on: Amazon
A classic Mel Brooks film featuring Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder (original Willy Wonka). A small town in the Wild West is in the way of a businessman’s future railroad, so he sends a gang of outlaws to harass them. Little plays the towns newly appointed sheriff and Wilder is his alcoholic sharp-shooting sidekick.
26. Young Frankenstein
Rated: Pg
Watch on: Hulu Free
Another Mel Brooks classic that stars Gene Wilder. This time, Brooks retells the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster. A classic comedy that my dad and I will probably quote until the end of time.
Dark Fantasy
27. Interview with the Vampire
Rated: R
Watch on: Amazon
The movie based off of Anne Rice’s novel “Interview with the Vampire”, the first book in her Vampire Chronicle series. Anne Rice is my favorite author, and this movie is unique because the author of the book actually co-wrote the movie.
Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise star, but I watch for Kristen Dunst’s portrayal of Claudia. Claudia is my favorite character from the book; she’s turned when she’s still a child, making her permanently helpless as a Vampire. When her brain matures but her body doesn’t, Claudia struggles with adult urges she can never fully address. Her transformation scene alone is mind-blowing.
This movie is perfect for anyone that’s slowly becoming a Vampire during this Quarantine period.
28. Sleepy Hallow
Rated: R
Watch on: Crackle free or Amazon
A haunted murder mystery staring Johnny Depp as a reimagined Ichabod Crane and Christina Ricci as his Wiccan love interest. While the film is loosely based on the original Sleepy Hallow tale (The Headless Horseman) it introduces several new characters and a completely different plot line. Director Tim Burton also addresses the “religion vs. science” debate in his own dark way through this film.
29. Batman (1989)
Rated: Pg-13
Watch on: Amazon Prime
Tim Burton’s first vision of the Dark Night. Michael Keaton plays a stoic Bruce Wayne and Jack Nicolson plays the most 80’s-tastic version of the Joker that the world has ever seen. This movie also gives you the chance to watch Nicolson’s acting without the whole “stuck inside until you go mad” bit (I do not recommend “The Shining” during quarantine). The only thing better than Jack Nicolson as the Joker is…
30. Batman Returns
Rated: Pg-13
Watch on: Amazon
… Michelle Pfeiffer as CAT WOMAN!!! Honestly her transformation scene is the best super hero/villain transformation still to date.
“Batman Returns” is also directed by Tim Burton and Michael Keaton returns as Bruce Wayne. Danny DeVito plays the penguin perfectly and Christopher Walken kills as the unsuspecting, mall-owning, villain.
Quarantine your way into slow fashion when you’re done with TV
Spend quarantine time making the transition from fast to slow fashion! Use the guides below to assess your own closet and beauty brands!
- Kk Bray is an outfit repeater: Why I’m switching to slow fashion
- Overview: 5 baby steps to transition to slow fashion
- Making the switch to Slow Fashion: 5 Fast Fashion brands you need to break up with.
- Making the switch to Slow Fashion: Beauty Brands to ditch and keep.