6 modern-classic movies everyone needs to see
There's never a bad time to dive back into the archives and watch some good movies.
With that in mind, here we’ve rounded up six essential modern-classic movies from the past 15 years that everyone needs to see. Scroll through the gallery above for images.
1. Donnie Darko (2001)
Jake Gyllenhaal plays a troubled teen that is tormented by visions of the future and a disturbing-looking bunny. Donnie Darko has become a cult classic, as it captured the angst of the youth who at the time the movie was in theatres were coping with the confusion of a post-9/11 world.
2. Bowling For Columbine (2002)
Michael Moore's fourth feature film, which won an Oscar for best documentary, might be his best. The controversial director uses the events of the Columbine High School massacre to address the US' addiction to guns. Sadly, years later the issues explored in this movie are still relevant.
3. Ratatouille (2007)
Ratatouille tells a compelling story through animation that isn't just for kids. Set in the posh Paris cooking world, Ratatouille follows a rat who fancies himself a chef. The movie could have been a disaster, but instead it showed that stories with lots of layers could be told well through cartoons and computer graphics.
4. There Will Be Blood (2007)
Paul Thomas Anderson delivers a film that is epic in so many ways, including its story, its music, and its photography. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a performance that withstands the test of time as a maniacal oil baron.
5. Zodiac (2007)
David Fincher, who is known for his attraction to dark material, was perfect for bringing the story of the Zodiac Killer to the big screen.
Jake Gyllenhaal plays a cartoonist for a newspaper who becomes obsessed with the case and takes over the detective work when the cops dry up on leads. Perhaps the best trick Fincher pulls off is building constant suspense so that, by the end, anyone could be the Zodiac.
6. WALL-E (2008)
Arguably Pixar's greatest work, WALL-E explores so many different issues that you can watch it a dozen times and enjoy focusing on each one.
From a love story to commentaries on obesity and climate change, the movie is much more than the mere travels of a lovable robot (but that part is great, too).
Written by Jason Guerrasio. First appeared on Stuff.co.nz.
Images: Getty