Five movies to watch before you turn 30

Not all movies are the same. The beauty of creating and directing movies is the myriad of styles, themes, and messages that can be created. Some remain timeless and seem to become more relevant as time goes by. Others are just great movies that make you feel good about yourself, about life, and about the world you live in. Still, some capture the exact times in your life so directly and precisely that they leave you with a sense of nostalgia and excitement. No matter what movies you enjoy, there is something for everyone. Here are five movies to watch before you turn 30.

1. Eternal glow of the mind without memories

This movie resonates with anyone who has fallen in love or been through a horrible breakup. After parting ways with her, Clementine, played by Kate Winslet, signs up for a procedure that will essentially erase all memories of her former lover Joel, who is played by Jim Carrey. After learning about this procedure, Joel decides that he too will undergo the procedure so that he can forget about her lost love as well. As the memories begin to fade, so does his identity and the connections they have made not only with their loved ones, but also with themselves.

2. the breakfast club

For everyone who has ever struggled and survived their high school years, which is pretty much all of us, the Breakfast Club seems to hit the spot. This classic film captures the angst and discomfort high school students experience with identity, groups, and authority. When 5 high school students from different gangs come together for Saturday detention, each member gets the chance to tell their side of the story so the others can potentially see themselves in a different light. By the end of their detention, they have slightly changed in their view of themselves, others, and the school.

3. The silence of the lambs

Although this movie seems to be well known for its terrifying villains and haunting subject matter, the movie is overall a nod to women’s equality. Clarice Sterling, played by Jody Foster, is one of the top students enrolled in the training academy at FBI headquarters. After a serial killer begins hunting down and capturing women to use as fur, Clarice is ordered to interview Hannibal Lector, played by Anthony Hopkins, to try to get insight into the case. As Clarice comes face to face with Hannibal’s manipulations, she realizes that he has her own plans and ideas regarding her and her own escape from her.

4. The death poet Society

Robin Williams stars as John Keating, a teacher at an all-boys preparatory school who places a high value on obedience and abiding by his strict standards and tradition. Using his unique methods and relationship building, John is able to reach students who are struggling under intense pressure from their families and school authorities. With his guidance, students can develop the confidence to pursue their interests and challenge the concept of absolute obedience to authority.

5. clueless

Though not as in-depth as many of the aforementioned movies, Clueless showed many what could be the world of rich, shallow, and socially quirky living in all its brutally honest and confrontational glory. Cher, played by Alicia Silverstone, is the boss of Beverly Hills high school until she encounters competition that forces her to reevaluate herself, her status, and her love life.

Watch any of these 5 movies for a great evening of fictional fun.