Devin Jacobs
Some films stay with us long after the credits roll—not just because they’re well-made, but because they tell stories that challenge how we see the world or build entire universes that feel strangely familiar. They start conversations, shift perspectives, and sometimes even help us make sense of our own lives. In this piece, we’re looking at the kind of films that continue to inspire and remind us why cinema matters.
The Shawshank Redemption
Based on Stephen King’s novella and brought to life by Frank Darabont, “The Shawshank Redemption” seemed poised for immediate success upon its 1994 release. Surprisingly, it struggled at the box office, earning only $28 million. Over time, though, it grew into one of cinema’s most beloved and enduring tales of hope and resilience.
Spirited Away
From the World War II era, we jump into the fantastical world of Studio Ghibli. “Spirited Away,” directed by Hayao Miyazaki, shattered Japanese box office records and enchanted audiences with its rich beauty of kami spirits and yokai. A magical journey steeped in Shinto tradition, this film resonates deeply with those who possess a boundless imagination and a love for the mystical.
Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 masterpiece “Pulp Fiction” became a cultural shift. Its nonlinear storytelling, unforgettable dialogue, and iconic Jack Rabbit Slim’s dance scene redefined modern cinema. With this, Tarantino proved that stories could be fragmented and endlessly quotable while still emotionally resonant.
Schindler’s List
Few films shape our collective memory like “Schindler’s List.” Its black-and-white cinematography, punctuated by the haunting image of the girl in the red coat, captured both the horror and humanity of the Holocaust. Beyond its artistry, the film became an essential educational tool about genocide and survival.
Forrest Gump
Fast forward to 1994, and Robert Zemeckis gave audiences a different kind of emotional journey. With “Life is like a box of chocolates” echoing through pop culture, “Forrest Gump” told a sweeping story of innocence and resilience, with Forrest’s 15,000-mile run symbolizing both escape and discovery.
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
In 2004, Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman turned memory itself into a cinematic playground. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” blends dazzling practical effects with an exploration of love, loss, and identity. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet brought raw humanity to a film both dreamlike and painfully real.
City Lights
Long before Tarantino, Charlie Chaplin reimagined cinema in his own way. In 1931, as Hollywood embraced talkies, Chaplin held onto silence with “City Lights.” By adding synchronized music and effects but keeping dialogue at bay, he created a film that even moved Albert Einstein to tears.
Citizen Kane
No list is complete without Orson Welles’s “Citizen Kane.” Released in 1941, it revolutionized film through deep-focus cinematography and daring narrative structure. Though William Randolph Hearst tried to bury it, the film survived to become a touchstone of cinematic craft and innovation.
Fight Club
David Fincher’s “Fight Club” may have stumbled in theaters, but its message against consumerism found its audience later. Cryptic marketing, edgy performances, and the shock of its twist ending cemented it as a cult phenomenon—one that still sparks debates about identity and rebellion.
The Sound Of Music
Ending on a musical note, “The Sound of Music” turned one family’s escape from Nazi-occupied Austria into an uplifting spectacle. Julie Andrews’ portrayal of Maria von Trapp, combined with soaring music and timeless storytelling, ensured its place as a beloved classic across generations.