9 Guilty Pleasures Movies
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but we decided to share at least 9 of the movies that we REALLY like. We have even tried to search our hearts to figure out why they keep being near the top of our all-time favorites.
Keep in mind, that these movies may not always be the “best” movies, but they are deeply meaningful even in their own sometimes low-brow way. These are the movies that we have watched so many times that we can recite lines from. We share them with you, because we love them so much. We share them with you so that you can judge their merits on your own. Finally, we share them with you, because we want to know what your top guilty pleasure movies are. –Yeah, we’re nosy like that… –Anyway, let us know what you think. Are we completely crazy for our choices? Or would you include these movies on your list as well?
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Fight Club (1999)
This feels like two movies jammed together at the seams. There’s the “before” becoming and the “after.” (We can’t say much more than that without spoiling it for you!) All we can tell you is that this movie is about self-discovery; it buys into that notion that “purpose will find a way.” We love the idea that there is something inside of you that will burst free (like it did for Neo from The Matrix). Watch out for brilliant performances from Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter, and Meatloaf, believe it or not. This is a movie especially for some of you, our “single serving friends.”
The Matrix (1999)
Not only the does it revolve around that aforementioned sense of self-discovery, but it is also an allegory of Jesus’ journey. It’s also glam—full of heavily-styled, psychological, apocalyptic, and gothic fantasy. Oh, and leather-wearing trenchcoated folks with guns; all laid on a bed of cool-ass techno music. What is there NOT to like?! This first of the Matrix trilogy is the perfect pairing of truth and beauty; the combination that we crave in everything. “Welcome to the desert of the real.”
Total Recall (1990)
There is a manipulation of identity that takes place. I won’t spoil it for you, but things are not what they seem for Quade. This one is for discovering the greatness that is just a scratch beneath the surface in all of us lowly construction workers. This is Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone at their best (and worst??). “Get your ass to Mars!”
Memento (2000)
Speaking of manipulation of identity, this is the prime example of the unreliable narrator. Again, we don’t want to spoil it for you, but by the end of the movie, you may feel as if you need to see it again, so that you can put the pieces together more authentically. All I can say is that the first time I saw it, I felt sorry for Leonard. When I watched it again, nearly 20 years later, I hated him. That’s all I am gonna say. “We all need mirrors to remind ourselves who we are. I'm no different.”
Amadeus (1984)
This movie is just the opposite of finding one’s own identity, because it revolves around someone longing for a purpose—“to be God’s mouthpiece”—but is upset when he finds that God has put it in an “unclean vessel.” F. Murray Abraham has never been better. We feel sympathy for them both (Mozart and Salieri), depending on what mood we are in when watching this. “I will speak for you, Father. I speak for all mediocrities in the world. I am their champion. I am their patron saint.”
Tremors (1990)
I couldn’t help but put this one on the list, because it is a fun ride, which is a nice mix of comedy and monster movie, with a side of love story. Reba McIntyre and Michael Gross are the movie’s highlights, but all the comedic acting is top-notch, so grab the popcorn! “Roger that Burt, and congratulations. Be advised, however, that there are two more, repeat, two more motherhumpers.”
Fifth Element (1997)
There are so many reasons to like this movie. It is future myth and skanky fashion and the not-so-tough Chris Tucker, who steal the show. Bruce Willis is playing his standard character—a lovable loser who rises to the occasion (ala Diehard). Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) is the “Supreme Being,” sent to save the world in the skimpiest “super-hero” costume ever. Then, there’s the singing Diva . . . Great action and one liners. “Multi-pass.”
Groundhog Day (1993)
I love the idea about having unlimited time to “get it right,” so that’s why this one is a favorite around here. In fact, in the real world, getting wiser is the reward of having more chances to do something. However, in reality, we get old in the process. Wouldn’t it be frigging grand NOT to have to age to gain that same wisdom?! –Plus, this movie has some classic lines: “Well, what if there is no tomorrow? There wasn't one today.” And “Well maybe the *real* God uses tricks, you know? Maybe he's not omnipotent. He's just been around so long he knows everything.”
Bedazzled (2000)
Similar to Bruce Almighty, this is one of the “you can’t try to control everything” kinda movies. Everything Elliot tries to do turns out with him losing. That is, until he finds a way to stop wanting things for himself. We’ll leave it at that. All we can say is that what Elliot goes through to learn his lesson is really very funny. “He was Phi Slamma Jamma runnin' stank all over it with rib-ticklin' jumps of double vanilla funk!”
Okay, we’ve spilled our guts and revealed our innermost reasoning for why these movies persist with us. Now, it’s your turn.
What would go on your guilty pleasure list?
Hint: Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
And until next we encounter each other in the dark recesses of a popcorn-littered movie theater, here’s wishing you love, peace, and chicken grease!
Check out our Guilty Pleasures Playlist:
