If you’re in a rut and need a reminder of life’s beauty, check out these nine movies to get you hyped about life, some chosen by me and others chosen by other students.

Here are seven movies recommended by other students:

“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013)

Ben Stiller stars in this quirky comedy as Walter Mitty, a rather awkward employee for “Life” magazine who works on developing photos and finds himself lost in his own daydreams most of the time. When it’s announced that “Life” will publish it’s last issue, Mitty finds himself on a journey comparable to his daydreams to locate the lost photo by world-renowned photographer Sean O’Connell. Full of adventure and humor, this movie is sure to spark your own desire to find adventure and the meaning of life. Recommended by Carleigh Souders and Jared Dollins.

“Good Will Hunting” (1997)

This classic stars Matt Damon as Will Hunting, a young, misguided genius who works at as a janitor at MIT and Robin Williams as an unconventional therapist who is sought out to treat Hunting after he is arrested for attacking a police officer and must go to therapy in order to avoid jail. A heartwarming film about what it means to meet one’s full potential, “Good Will Hunting” encapsulates the feeling of loving where you are, but knowing where you can go. Recommended by Jared Dollins.

“Dead Poet’s Society” (1989)

Robin Williams stars as John Keating, a new English teacher at an all-male preparatory school that’s notorious for its unreachable standards, traditional methods and uptight students and families. Keating, however, uses unconventional methods of teaching and self discovery, which cause waves of change at the school. With Keating’s help, his students and the film’s viewers find a new lease on life and discover how to find what truly makes you happy, even if it’s not what others think will make you happy. Recommended by Jared Dollins.

“Secondhand Lions” (2003)

A story of rekindled youth and unexpected friendship, this film tells the story of a young boy named Walter, played by Haley Joel Osment, who is taken to live with his wealthy but cold great-uncles in order to gain money for his mother. At first, the uncles disregard Walter and view him only as a burden and annoyance. However, an unexpected fondness develops into friendship as the uncles take Walter under their wing. While Walter reminds them of what it’s like to be young and spirited, they reminisce and tell Walter stories of their past that reawaken their joy in life. “Secondhand Lions” brings out the excitement and childlike wonder of living life to the fullest and will surely encourage you to live your best live and create some tall tales of your own along the way. Recommended by Carleigh Souders.

“Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day” (2008)

Up tight, middle-aged Miss Pettigrew, a former governess played by Frances McDormand, is out of work and just trying to get by. When the employment agency refuses to help her after she’s fired from her fourth job, she takes matters into her own hands and manages to find work for an extremely vibrant performer from America named Delysia Lafosse. Though Miss Pettigrew believes she’s been hired to be a nanny, she’s actually fulfilling the job of a social secretary for Miss Lafosse. In a short period of time, Miss Pettigrew becomes friends with Lafosse and is caught up in the whirlwind of high class, finding herself going through the ups and downs of such a busy life with fashion shows, social engagements and the rich and famous men she encounters. This film reignites the spark in viewers to go try new things and take gambles when you can. Recommended by Cameron Fontes.

“Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind” (2004)

This sci-fi film features an all-star cast including Kate Winslet, Jim Carrey, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo and Kirsten Dunst. Winslet and Carrey portray two ex-lovers, Joel and Clementine. After their relationship, they each independently decide to undergo a procedure to have their memories of each other wiped away to escape the pain of the breakup. After the procedures are successful, they end up meeting each other on a train and have no recollection of a prior meeting. However, an office employee seeking revenge on her boss stole and sent out the records of memories that the procedure wiped. When the former lovers receive their records, they must decide if the past always predicts the future, or if they have the power to control their own fate. A story of love and fate, this film encourages viewers to look at how they view their own future and how much power they have over it. Recommended by Anna Raker.

“Baby Driver” (2017)

Baby, an extraordinarily talented getaway driver with a passion for music played by Ansel Elgort, has spent years working for the same crime boss, played by Kevin Spacey. However, once he meets and falls in love with a waitress, he decides to get out of the business. His boss, however, has other plans. It’s up to Baby to let the music guide him through a heist that threatens his future, loved ones and life. With a strong, upbeat soundtrack and intense heist scenes, “Baby Driver” is enough to put anyone on the edge of their seat and motivate them to fight, or drive, for their dreams. Recommended by Anna Raker.

 

Here are two movies I recommend:

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986)

This classic starring Matthew Broderick tells the story of Ferris Bueller, a lazy high school student who decides it’s the perfect day for a break. With the help of his uptight best friend and girlfriend, Bueller evades his parents, the cops and any rule possible to have the best day possible and avoid thinking about what lies ahead in his future. Filled with getaway chases, musical numbers and plenty of memorable quotes, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is the perfect movie to get anyone excited about living life to the fullest and making each and every day an adventure.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)

With an all-star cast including Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Paul Rudd, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a modern-day classic based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky. The story revolves around Lerman as Charlie, an extremely shy and awkward boy who is beginning high school with no friends, no ambition and no hope. However, once two eccentric seniors played by Watson and Miller take him under their wings, he finds himself opening up to new possibilities and the idea that life is exactly what you make of it. Through the ups and downs of high school, this coming-of-age story features beautiful moments of clarity about life and what it means to love someone else.

 

Features reporter Julie Sisler can be reached at 270-745-6291 and [email protected]. Follow Julie on Twitter at @julie_sisler.