the nichi-recs
Here's my personal recommendations for movies, TV shows, books and albums! Each list is laid out in no particular order. I may add more categories later!
movies
1. Harriet The Spy
Ok, I know I said that these are in no particular order, but I've put this at the top of the list as well as the page because this movie is the single most formative piece of media in my life. Yeah, it's a kid's movie, but upon many, MANY rewatches as an adult, I can confidently say that it really holds up as a wonderful film. If you like 90s vibes and autumn vibes with a feel-good story, this comes EXTREMELY highly recommended.
2. You've Got Mail
Want some 90s vibes with a more adult storyline? I gotcha, I gotcha... This movie is one of my ULTIMATE comfort films. It's also really interesting to see the way people used the internet in the film versus the way we typically use it today. I'm a bit of a luddite, myself...at least by today's standards lol. So I find something about the way everyone goes about their lives in this film to be utterly fascinating. I grew up thinking that was what adulthood would look like for me. But the world is much different than I had expected, and in turn, so am I.
3. To Kill A Mockingbird
Do I really need to tell you why you should watch this? Chances are, you probably already have! But in case you are unfamiliar with this fantastic film, DEFINITELY give it a watch. I saw it for the first time in high school, and it hit me like a truck. Everything from the plot, the performances, and even the soundtrack really struck a chord with me. The book comes highly recommended as well!
4. E.T. The Extraterrestrial
Whenever I tell people that this is one of my favorite movies, reactions vary WILDLY. A lot of people are put off because of the way E.T. looks. I'm telling you right now...that is the point. If you haven't given this movie a full chance before, PLEASE do. Crank up the speakers, enjoy the amazing sweeping soundtrack, and make sure to have some popcorn! This is one of those movies that just FEELS like a movie, and I mean that in the best way! I've loved it since I was little, but as an adult, it really gave me more of an appreciation for films as an art form.
5. The Crow
To my great embarrasment as a goth guy...I only encountered this film fairly recently when my friends put it on for me one night. But from the moment the credits began to roll, I knew that it had impacted me greatly, and it absolutely belongs on this list. I'm not even sure if I can tell you what it was about the film that hit me so hard... But I CAN say that the aesthetic and soundtrack are fantastic, and you should watch it IMMEDIATELY. Especially if you're goth. It's basically required viewing lol.
6. The Craft
This is a yearly Halloween watch for me! As a wiccan, I love seeing films that nod to the actual practice of witchcraft. While this film obviously embellishes, it is clear that the people who worked on it did their research, and it's really cool to see! Not much else to say here, but definitely give this a shot if you haven't already.
7. The Matrix
Ok so here's another one you've probably already seen. This film probably impacted my sense of style more than anything else. Weirdly enough, this is another comfort movie for me! Not much else to say here. Plenty of other people out ther have already said enough, I'm sure.
8. The Lost King
So... Fun fact about me: I am facsinated by the story of King Richard III. Not the curmudgeonly Shakespeare villain, but the real guy. This film is about Philippa Langley, the woman who pushed to find his remains, which had been lost for 500 years! I really love the way Richard becomes a bit of an imaginary friend to Philippa in this film, as it quite resembles how I've always coped with stress and difficult periods of my life. Though she's imagining him, their relationship is really heartwarming, and it really shows how much compassion and empathy she feels for him as she researches his life and death.
9. Project Hail Mary
Yet another film I've only seen recently. But! This film is completely wonderful. I'm not often big on newer movies, but this one really suprised me! It was such a feel-good story, and the main character is so much fun to watch. Also, the visuals are AMAZING.
10. 10 Things I Hate About You
Did I make this film the tenth one on the list just for kicks and giggles? Yes. But I am seriously into this movie! Very fun watch, and it's set in Seattle! As someone who lives in Washington, it's always fun to see movies and shows that are set here.