What makes me happiest in the world is watching films. Many people, especially children and teenagers, fail to realize the importance and profundity of films. Although any film can be enjoyed superficially and have its purpose easily forgotten afterwards, they should always be delved into deeper to analyze their significances. If one looks closely, there are universal messages embedded within each film.

Notable film critic Roger Ebert expressed that “movies are like a machine that generates empathy,” by which he meant that we, as viewers, are exposed to the characters’ experiences that help us understand perspectives and values other than our own. Personally, many films have taught me important lessons and have instilled in me curiosity about the world. I can enumerate an endless list of films that have impacted me, but I will choose a select few that are most dearest to me. Here are some films that are timeless to me, and what they have each taught me.

Stand by Me, one of my all-time favorite films, embodies true friendship. In this film, child characters are not portrayed as bratty, shallow, and comedic, but resilient, intelligent, and kind. Each character deals with their own cruelties life has inflicted upon them that many people experience when growing up. When the protagonist felt the need to break down and cry in one scene, his closest friend comforted him without hesitation and urged him to realize his worth. Scenes like these reflect individuals like us in our most vulnerable states and emphasize how impactful a caring friend’s reassuring words can be. One lesson this film taught me is to cherish true friendship if you have it, and do all you can to never let it diminish, because the friends you make when you’re young, the ones you formed inseparable bonds with, do not compare to anyone else.

Animated films have been an important aspect of my life. Even though it sounds silly, they are extremely important because they teach children many values while also reaching the hearts of adults. The How to Train Your Dragon series has always been special for me ever since the first film came out in 2010. It has taught me the value of staying true to your beliefs and fighting for them. It stresses the need to become aware of the living world around you and care for it, not damage it. It celebrates individuality with its portrayal of unique and quirky characters. It suggests that, perhaps, those who are your bitterest of enemies can become your closest of friends. Overall, its unforgettable lessons, breathtaking animation, and beautiful storytelling have always captivated me.

The last film I will mention is The Edge of Seventeen. This movie is hilarious yet very touching. It knows how hard it is to be a teenager, highlighting issues such as grief, family issues, and sexual frustration. It mirrors the internal struggles many teenagers experience throughout their developing years, and how adults fail to realize it when they are already overwhelmed with their own problems. This is one of the most relatable movies I’ve ever watched, and I will always value its lessons. It portrays the importance of being truthful to your closest friends and not let little problems get in between a genuine and valuable friendship. It urges you to reevaluate yourself internally and acknowledge if you’re being a selfish person and realize the people who care for you.

One thing everyone should take from this is to always find a way to connect to the movies you watch, because each has a special and unique purpose for its audience to understand.

Instead of continuing to ramble on about my favorite films, I will provide recommendations of more films that are indescribably great:

• The Color Purple
• Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
• The Princess Bride
• Cinema Paradiso
• Moonlight
• Grave of the Fireflies
• The Truman Show
• Psycho
• Dazed and Confused
• The Duchess
• Moonrise Kingdom