# Name a movie you think EVERYONE should see at least once in their life. Everyone! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** movies\ **Created:** [February 13, 2025, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287 "2025-02-13T22:19:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/41 "2025-02-14T04:28:32Z")
You got it, **mutt**. Going with movies one should see _once_, emphasizing the “once,” _Schindler’s List_, _Once Were Warriors_, and _Threads_. Best and worst movie marathon ever. ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/42 "2025-02-14T04:57:50Z")
I’m a little surprised that the OP didn’t ask people to explain _why_ they think EVERYONE should see their film, and that more people aren’t explaining without being asked. For instance @Idle_Thoughts, _why_ should everyone see _The Wizard of Oz_? I assume it’s because you like it a lot, and that’s why most others have offered their suggestions, but are there any other reasons you think _everyone_ should see it? (Don’t get me wrong, I like TWOO as much as the next person, and I like lots of the other films mentioned here.) If you asked me to name a film that I just loved watching, that gave me great joy, it might be _Amelie_. It’s just charming and delightful and I can’t think of many films that were more fun to watch. _The Princess Bride_, is another. The first time I saw it in the theater, I stayed and watched it over again in the next screening. And I brought some friends to see it a few days later. And I believe that _Citizen Kane_ and _2001: A Space Odyssey_ are groundbreaking works of the art of cinema. But as much as I love those four movies, I don’t expect _everyone_ would feel the same way, and I’m not sure I’d recommend that everyone should see them. Or if there is any one film I’d recommend to everyone. Or maybe I’m overthinking a thread that’s just an opportunity for people to name their favorite movies? ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/43 "2025-02-14T05:02:49Z")
> [@commasense](#): > > Or maybe I’m overthinking a thread that’s just an opportunity for people to name their favorite movies? No, I at least appreciate your reasoning and analysis of the pros and cons of other posters’ choices and your own favorites. I included my reasons, upthread for my choice, especially in the context of the OP’s mention: > [@Idle\_Thoughts](#): > > Name one movie you think everyone should be required (somehow, maybe in school? Like “required reading”) at least ONE time in the life. For example, in Junior High, my Civics class had us watch one movie that stayed with me, because of the commentary on society: _Rollerball_ (original, natch) Granted, they were smart enough to have it as a two part for the classes directly before Spring Break - when we were having issues with out focus, and didn’t have any large exams coming up. But we did spend time talking about how it applied to the lessons we learned about propaganda and social manipulation. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/44 "2025-02-14T05:03:33Z")
A triple header: _ **Plan 9 from Outer Space** _, _ **They Saved Hitler’s Brain** _, and _ **Billy the Kid vs Dracula** _, because everybody needs a good laugh once in a while! ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/45 "2025-02-14T05:27:12Z")
> [@commasense](#): > > I’m a little surprised that the OP didn’t ask people to explain _why_ they think EVERYONE should see their film You know, because it’s like good and stuff. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/46 "2025-02-14T08:04:11Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > The “Men in Boats” trilogy: **Jaws** , **Apocalypse Now** , and **Das Boot**. Throw in a few women: _ **Lifeboat** _. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/47 "2025-02-14T09:51:48Z")
_The Crucible_, because if more people knew how to recognize mass hysteria and not to buy into it, this world would be a lot more stable. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 10:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/48 "2025-02-14T10:21:28Z")
_Casablanca_. There is actual history, romance, music, drama, comedy, and a taut story that is told well throughout. Plus, plenty of quotable lines that have made their way into everyday conversation. Something for everyone, really. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/49 "2025-02-14T11:38:56Z")
_The Magnificent Seven._ A bunch of really good actors giving good lines and being cool. _Big Trouble in Little China_-just weird and fun and entertaining. Could have done more with the actresses they had but all in all great. Or _The Thing_ for pure unfathomable terror and mystery. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/50 "2025-02-14T11:52:59Z")
> [@GuanoLad](#): > > > [@eschereal](#): > > > > It is short on gore, action and violence, but it is tho most brutally terrifying movie I have ever seen > > On a side note, I will never understand how describing something as ‘brutally terrifying’ could possibly be a recommendation. At least not in the context of something “EVERYONE should see.” ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/51 "2025-02-14T12:00:14Z")
# _[Koyaanisqatsi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koyaanisqatsi)_ It turns early 80’s America into an intricate geometrical pattern and serves as a paragon of pre-computer age editing and music recording. It’s a way of turning off your mind for 90 minutes and going on a trip to a destination that was under your feet the whole time. ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/52 "2025-02-14T12:54:32Z")
> [@dolphinboy](#): > > Bill Maher’s 2008 documentary film [Religulous](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religulous) For the same reasons, I’d rather people watched Monty Python’s 1979 “documentary” _ **The Life of Brian** _. I think it’s a very thoughtful critique on religion, without being unkind or preachy. ---
**Author:** ![Author\_Balk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Author\_Balk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Author_Balk)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/53 "2025-02-14T13:27:45Z")
I asked a female the question. I expect she was influenced by the comment about maybe shown in schools. She Mentioned Charlotte’s Web and Where the Red Fern Grows. A lot of the movies I see are more geared towards men. Women may have a different perspective on what “everyone” should see. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/54 "2025-02-14T13:38:44Z")
Looks interesting! Pass to the left, y’all. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/55 "2025-02-14T13:55:19Z")
One movie for everyone? That’s tough. A lot of my favorite films would have somebody saying “What the hell is this? Why am I watching this?” or “This is offensive” Those are the reaction s I think a lot of the suggestions made here would generate – **Koyaanisqatsi, Young Frankenstein** , even **Rashomon**. All films that I love, but I recognize that they’re not for everyone. My One Film Only would probably be **The Seven Samurai**. It’s simply got so much in it, and it shows that the heroes, too, have flaws. It’s a much better film than **The Magnificent Seven** , although I REALLY like Elmer Bernstein’s score for that one. As an alternate, let me suggest **Fantasia** – broad appeal, little language in it (just Deems Taylor’s narration. And Mickey’s interaction with Leopold Stokowski). Nothing offensive, as long as you ignore the picaninny centaur and the Chinese mushrooms (and the bare-breasted harpies. Note that the female centaurs don’t appear to have nipples. In a 1940s Disney film, females can only have nipples if they’re Evil.) ---
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/56 "2025-02-14T14:05:03Z")
_Tombstone_ is one of the best movies ever. It has some of the most quotable lines. Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer are terrific, Dana Delaney is beautiful. Definitely a must see. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/57 "2025-02-14T14:33:16Z")
> [@Llama\_Llogophile](#): > > For the same reasons, I’d rather people watched Monty Python’s 1979 “documentary” _ **The Life of Brian** _. > > I think it’s a very thoughtful critique on religion, without being unkind or preachy. _ **Man** : I think it was, “Blessed are the cheesemakers”!_ _ **Gregory’s wife** : What’s so special about the cheesemakers?_ _ **Gregory** : Well, obviously it’s not meant to be taken literally. It refers to any manufacturer of dairy products._ Stranger ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/58 "2025-02-14T16:15:31Z")
_[All the President’s Men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_the_President%27s_Men_(film))._ Forget “lifetime”. Everybody should watch it ASAP. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/59 "2025-02-14T16:17:04Z")
> [@cieskokid](#): > > _One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest_ The book is equally good. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287/60 "2025-02-14T17:12:10Z")
There was actually a time when everyone who was going to become an officer or noncommissioned officer in the Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard had to watch **Twelve O’Clock High** [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-movie-you-think-everyone-should-see-at-least-once-in-their-life-everyone/1014287.md?page=4)