Check Out Your Summer Movie List

Recently Patch posted some lists of suggested books for kids and teens to read this summer, and as "Montville's movie enthusiast," I was inspired to make a similar list of suggested films!

I chose to aim this list at teens, although if this gets some good feedback, I might attempt writing one for kids and families. I tried to mix up the genres and decades a bit, so it includes older movies that I think everyone should watch while they're in high school, as well as some newer ones that are just great films I think anyone (teens and up) will enjoy.

If you have any comments on any of these, or want to recommend something not on this list, go ahead and do so in the comments section!

The Princess Bride (1987, Robert Reiner)

This satirical 80s fantasy has everything–action, adventure, romance, and plenty of humor. This is one you'll be quoting for years to come.

Dead Poets Society (1989, Peter Weir)

Before people said "YOLO," Robin Williams played a professor who encouraged students to "Seize the day." While some of it is a bit depressing, it has a powerful message about living life to the fullest and defying the status quo.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981, Steven Spielberg)

One of Spielberg's most thrilling blockbusters. Can archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones find the treasured Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis?

Back to the Future (1985, Robert Zemeckis)

Have you figured out yet that I'm a big fan of 80s action and adventure movies? This is another fun one, about a teen who travels back in time and accidentally prevents his parents from meeting.

The Breakfast Club (1985, John Hughes)

This is one of those movies I think everyone needs to watch while they're in high school. The story is pretty simple–five high schoolers, all from different cliques, meet at Saturday detention, and learn that they're all more than their respective stereotypes would suggest.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986, John Hughes)

Another one I think everyone needs to watch during high school. This one's a comedy about a kid who bunks school for the day. My parents weren't too crazy about this, since it kind of glorifies disobeying your teachers and parents, but on the other hand, these are probably sentiments that any teen–especially those with "senioritis"–would relate to!

Mean Girls (2004, Mark Waters)

Chances are, you've already seen this, but I couldn't make a list intended for high schoolers without including it. In simplest terms, this one is about how a formerly home schooled teen ends up in the A-list clique, "The Plastics," at her high school. It's possibly the funniest movie I've seen about life in high school.

Scott Pilgrim vs the World (2010, Edgar Wright)

Scott Pilgrim is an unemployed 23-year-old whose life is turned upside down when he meets Ramona Flowers. The only problem? If he wants to date her, he must defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends. I'm not going to lie, this movie is pretty weird, and kind of a "love it or hate it" one, but for the right person, it's super fun and very stylistically directed. There aren't too many movies out there that can feel like you're reading a comic book and playing a video game at the same time.

Udaan (Flight) (2010, Vikramaditya Motwane)

The story of a teenage boy who, after getting expelled from his boarding school, must go live with his abusive father. Indian films are usually known for their song and dance routines, but this one shows that they can produce more serious films, character-based films, too. It's a good one to watch with your family and discuss afterwards. (in Hindi with English Subtitles)

The Social Network (2010, David Fincher)

This one may have lost at the Oscars last year, but it was still my pick for Best Picture. It's the (very exaggerated) story of the creation of Facebook, but it's also a surprisingly intense story of friendship, betrayal, and the need to be accepted. It also has one of the best screenplays of the past several years, that's full of snappy and memorable dialogues. If for no other reason, watch it so that come July, you can tell your friends that you "liked Andrew Garfield before he was Spiderman!"

The Prestige (2006, Chris Nolan)

Between "Batman Begins" and its record breaking mega-hit sequel "The Dark Knight," Chris Nolan directed this dark tale of two rival magicians in the 19th century. While it understandably lacks the blockbuster qualities of the Batman movies and "Inception," it still has the exciting twists and turns you'd expect from a Chris Nolan film.

It Happened One Night (1934, Frank Capra)

It might be sort of hard to believe, but romantic comedies used to be a big deal for Hollywood. This one, in fact, won the Best Picture Oscar back in 1935. It's a cute story about a spoiled heiress who runs away from her family, and is helped by a smart-aleck reporter along the way. It's a sweet and witty old-school romantic comedy that should be a fun watch for anyone.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006, Guillermo del Toro)

This is an eerie fantasy about a young girl sent to live with her ruthless stepfather in Spain in 1944. It's a bit violent and even a bit scary, but it's very visually stunning and captivating film. (in Spanish with English subtitles)

Moon (2009, Duncan Jones)

At an unspecified time in the future, astronaut Sam Bell works a lonely job on the surface of the moon–until he discovers a mysterious other inhabitant. This is a low-budget sci-fi that works mostly as a character driven story that's pretty much a one-man show for actor Sam Rockwell. It might not be a movie for everyone, but it's definitely a must-see for fans of sci-fi.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (1966, Sergio Leone)

If you only get around to watching one western in your life, it should be this one. It's an action/adventure film about three men–a professional gunslinger, a bounty hunter, and a thief–who must team up to find a hidden stash of gold.

Edward Scissorhands (1990, Tim Burton)

In a quiet, typical American suburb, a woman finds a mysterious and gentle young man–who happens to have scissors for hands–in a mansion outside town. At first, the townsfolk love him, but soon things take a turn for the worse. Personally I've been a bit disappointed by Burton's last few films, but this one perfectly matches his trademark visual style with genuine emotion. It's also one of young Johhny Depp's best performances.

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989, Stephen Herek)

Two teens are about to fail their final history presentation, when a visitor from the future grants them a time machine to help them. Bill and Ted go on a quest to gather up as many historical figures as possible. This is a goofy comedy that does a good job of poking some fun at historical characters.

Letters From Iwo Jima (2006, Clint Eastwood)

OK, I haven't actually seen this myself, however when I asked for some advice on creating this list, my history buff younger brother insisted that this should be on it. This is the story of the battle of Iwo Jima, as told from the Japanese perspective. As my brother tells me, it's an interesting look at WWII, that makes you see our enemies in a much different light.