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10 Movies You Should See Before You Graduate

This post is inspired by a listicle about 50 movies you should see before you die. I don't know who wrote the list, but every other movie was a "psychological thriller". No one needs to see "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind".

This is my list. I really do think that you should see these movies (hopefully you already have). Some because they are just really enjoyable. Some because there are a lot of references that people will make in college/life that you might miss (the same reason we read Shakespeare). I don't watch movies that are too sad, so you won't see many of those on this list. I am not a cinephile, so these won't necessarily be the "best" movies.


A few notes:

  • I found it impossible to rank these, so they're in alphabetical order.
  • There are many movies that you should be aware of, even if you don't see them. I suggest taking a look at AFI's list.
  • This article started out 2 years ago as "25 Movies You Should See Before Your Graduate". I realized that was too many, so I had to make some tough decisions.

Beauty and the Beast - There are a lot of great Disney movies, but this one is necessary.


Bringing Up Baby - Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant at their best. You could also watch "What's Up Doc?" for a similar feel.





It's a Wonderful Life - I watch this when I get to feeling that I'm not making a big enough impact.


Jurassic Park - The original is still the best.



Pride and Prejudice - The 1995 version. 2005 is lame.


Raiders of the Lost Ark - Again, the original is the best. Don't watch anything after "The Last Crusade"


Star Wars - Watch at least A New Hope.


The Lord of the Rings - You have to watch these all together and it has to be the extended versions.


The Princess Bride - It's Inconceivable! if you haven't seen this one.



The Sound of Music - I needed to have at least one musical on this list.





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