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.
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?
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:
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.
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!
You know, because it’s like good and stuff.
Throw in a few women: Lifeboat.
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.
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.
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.
At least not in the context of something “EVERYONE should see.”
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.
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.
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.
Looks interesting!
Pass to the left, y’all.
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.)
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.
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
Forget “lifetime”. Everybody should watch it ASAP.
The book is equally good.
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