Some movies leave viewers heartbroken, others have fans cry laughing and a few make viewers question what they are doing with their lives. On Reddi,t user themightymartin was among those that feel both inspired and motivated by movies, prompting the beginning of a Reddit thread.
The thread asked viewers to share movies that made them question their way of living, resulting in many sharing their opinions. Movies have a huge bearing on people's lives and can often leave people thinking, "What am I actually doing with my life?" These are just a few of the examples of these types of films.
500 Days Of Summer (2009)
500 Days Of Summer is one of the most heart-wrenching but accurate romance movies in cinematic history. The movie follows Tom as he replays his relationship with Summer and it is particularly sad when his past relationship is viewed side by side him mourning their relationship a year later. One now now-deleted Redditor explained that the movie made them "reevaluate how [they] view relationships."
The movie explores accurate depictions of how love can often blind many to unacceptable behavior, as well as shine a light on codependency. The movie allows viewers to empathize with Tom, leaving many to analyze their previous relationships and what they would now want from a future partner. It is the perfect movie for anyone going through a breakup or pining over an ex.
Stand By Me (1986)
Stand By Me is a coming-of-age movie that continues to be popular even today. The movie focuses on the importance of friendship and explores how things experienced as children can have a huge impact on adulthood. For Reddit user therealjshaff, the movie "helped in the process of overcoming some of the things that happened to" them as a child.
The movie's use of narrative encouraged many viewers to recall their own childhood which, for some, had a profound healing effect due to the relatable nature of the movie. Stand By Me's focus on friendship and youth makes it an extremely poignant movie for those who feel their childhood slowly slipping away.
Trainspotting (1996)
Trainspotting continues to be an iconic watch for many, but the movie has a much deeper theme of addiction. Renton is attempting to enter the world of sobriety but is constantly enticed back in. HeyGirlsItsPete explained that the movie had a huge impact on their life as before watching it, they believed that everyone's life was mapped out for them.
However, after watching the movie they "realized that a lot of the stuff [they] thought was holding [them] down was partially based on the conscious decisions [they] had been making." Trainspotting emphasizes the importance of decision-making through Renton's desire to get clean. His "choose life" speech had a particular bearing on many viewers who realized they are responsible for the life they live. The movie encourages viewers to reevaluate the decisions they have made and the ones they will make.
The Social Network (2010)
Before TikTok there was Facebook, which is what the movie The Social Network is about, starring Jesse Eisenberg as the CEO of the company. The movie follows Mark Zuckerberg on his rocky journey in creating the successful social media platform. One now-deleted Reddit user shared that the movie made them reevaluate their future career path due to them watching people their "age on their way to billions."
The movie encouraged many viewers to pursue their big ideas, whilst also highlighting that the journey to achieve said success may not be easy. The movie symbolizes that age and maturity are often thought of as needed in order to be successful, but overall, this doesn't mean that you can't be successful in your younger years.
Fight Club (1999)
Fight Club is a movie that left viewers confused, shocked and inspired, all at the same time. The movie is a complex one that delves into many different themes including identity, perfection and, perhaps most importantly, consumerism. Reddit user Dirtywatter explained how one line within the movie "changed [their] outlook on life" and it was "We buy things we don't need, with money we don't have, to impress people we don't like."
Fight Club explores the idea of consumer culture and highlights how possessions can temporarily cure unhappiness but ultimately they cannot cure everything, an important message that also shows that Fight Club has aged well.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Everybody loves a superhero movie, but what about one where the world is under attack from evil? The Dark Knight Rises is possibly the darkest in The Dark Knight trilogy but ultimately resulted in some viewers leaving the movie theater with a new outlook on life.
Reddit user sto-ifics42 was just one viewer that felt the impacts of this movie, explaining how even though "humanity may be corrupted by evil ... that shouldn't stop you from fighting for the good in everyone." The film highlighted the importance of looking out for members of the community, something which actually came into action when the pandemic hit. The Dark Knight Rises proved that movies can sometimes be the wake-up call that many need.
American Beauty (1999)
American Beauty is one of Sam Mendes's best movies to date but possibly one of the most controversial. Set in suburbia, the character of Lester is increasingly tired of his mundane life and becomes infatuated with his daughter's best friend.
Reddit user EsotericNinja explained that American Beauty "made [them] start questioning everything that [they] did, which is an opinion shared by many viewers. The movie focuses on the fear of having a life but not actually living, whilst simultaneously exploring the idea of how change can highlight the missed simple pleasures when seeking something greater and more interesting.
The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (2013)
The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty sums up exactly what it feels like to be stuck in a boring life. Walter Mitty seeks a new, more exciting life and he certainly finds one within his imagination. Reddit user Djaybra explained how “the trailer alone had a huge impact” on them due to its relatability. The movie was particularly famous for bringing to life the concept of daydreaming, whilst simultaneously highlighting the excitement life can lack sometimes.
For many viewers, the movie mirrors how they use different forms of media along with imagination to escape the mundane realities of life. The movie prompted many viewers to reevaluate the lives they were living and seek new things just as exciting as the ones they imagine, and it is the perfect motivation for a huge life change.
Into The Wild (2007)
Into The Wild tells the true story of Christopher McCandless who abandons his belongings before heading into the wilderness. The movie is one of self-discovery, where one discovers what matters to them, away from modern society. A now-deleted Reddit user felt particularly inspired by the movie, stating that it made them "reflect on modern society and one's place in it."
Into The Wild is a great survival movie that focuses on nature, but ultimately the movie showcases that people need other people and that human interaction is important for survival. It encourages viewers to reflect on how they fit within society and how they can make their life a positive one, not through possessions, jobs or money, but through deep relationships with others.
Man On Wire (2008)
Man On Wire tells the story of Philippe Petit, who dared to travel between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City on a tightrope whilst also performing acrobatics. Philippe's ambitious challenge became a historic event that garnered the support of many, but others were quick to label Philippe as dangerous.
The movie has a significant impact on many viewers, with a now-deleted Reddit user saying it made them "want to get off their a** and accomplish things." Philippe's belief in himself led to him achieving the impossible, which clearly encouraged some viewers to challenge themselves to some extent.