Things I Love to Watch

Hi, friends! I've written several more serious posts lately, so today I want to switch things up and share something more lighthearted. Although I've done film reviews in the past, I've yet to post a list of some of my overall favorite movies and TV shows. At first, I was a little hesitant to do this, partly because I'm not good at picking favorites. So, for the record, this isn't a compilation of my favorite movies/shows. It's also not a ranking. It's just an assortment of stories that have been deeply inspiring to me and that I would recommend to others.

If this isn't your cup of tea, that's totally understandable! But if you're ever curled up at the end of a long day trying to find something meaningful to watch, I hope this helps. :)

(Also, as a disclaimer, a lot of these movies tend to lean more on the serious side. I enjoy upbeat and funny stuff too, but that's just not what I ended up including here.)

Lord of the Rings

Image Source: Rotten Tomatoes

I'm sure most of you are at least somewhat familiar with the storyline of Lord of the Rings. Although I'm embarrassed to admit that I've never finished the books, I've watched these movies countless times, and they're still among my favorites. Without spoiling any of the specifics, I'm moved by the moments of sacrificial friendship and the epic visuals. I always walk away from this trilogy feeling hopeful that the light will someday conquer the darkness.

For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/

Fiddler on the Roof

Image Source: La Weekly

I love everything about Fiddler on the Roof. The songs. The characters. Possibly my favorite aspect of this musical, though, is how it deals with the struggle of trying to cling to one's values amidst changing times. Throughout the storyline, Tevye, the main character, learns to exchange many of his beloved traditions for new ways of doing things. However, there are certain lines that he feels he cannot cross because of his Jewish faith. I appreciate how this tale wades into such a complex topic without feeling a need to wrap it up with a bow. Real life is often painful and unclear, and this movie depicts that. Also, it has some really funny and lively moments!

For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067093/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_fiddler%2520on%2520the%2520roof

WALL-E

Image Source: Screen Crush

I first saw WALL-E when I was in kindergarten, and still haven't gotten tired of it. Even though it's animated, I'm convinced that it's one of the deepest stories out there. Few films can communicate the beauty of romantic love and the extreme dangers of technology in a family-friendly way. If I had to describe the message of this movie in one word, it would be connection.

For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0910970/

Les Misérables

Image Source: NPR

I watched Le Mis for the first time somewhat recently, and it's quickly risen to the top of my list. I've never seen the stage musical, so I can't compare the two. However, this movie moved me to the core. I've listened to the epilogue song more times than I can count, and it's made me sob on multiple occasions. Les Misérables tells the stories of the poorest of the poor and the displays the darkest of the dark while still managing to swell to a resoundingly hopeful conclusion. The movie version does have some more mature scenes (I covered my eyes a little because I wasn't sure what to expect). The grittier moments are mostly near the beginning, and can be skipped without missing too much of the story. Nothing very explicit is shown, though. Overall, I would highly recommend this musical!

For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1707386/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_8_nm_0_q_le%2520miserab

How to Train Your Dragon

Image Source: Business Insider

As you might have noticed by now, I've never outgrown animated stories. And the How to Train Your Dragon movies are some of my favorites of any genre. The soundtrack is stunning, and there's an incredible mixture of deep, sentimental moments and goofy wisecracks. The visuals of the second and third movies are also breathtakingly beautiful. Although I love the entire trilogy, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is probably my favorite.

For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0892769/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_how%2520to%2520train

All Creatures Great and Small

Image Source: wgbh.org

All Creatures strikes a wonderful balance between focusing on the animals of Yorkshire Dales, England, and the lives of the humans who care for them. This show is set in the 1940s, and follows the story of a young veterinarian named James Herriot. It's perfect for watching on cozy evenings, and there are four seasons available. Would definitely recommend it!

For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10590066/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_all%2520crea

The Chosen

Image Source: Word on Fire

Many of you have probably seen an episode or two of The Chosen. However, I couldn't recommend it enough. This series has helped me envision Jesus and His disciples in a more human light, and multiple episodes have brought me to tears. It's incredibly well made, and overall just so, so good. Plus, you can watch it for free! There are three seasons available for streaming, and a fourth that was just shown in theaters.

Watch for free: https://watch.thechosen.tv/

Cabrini

Image Source: Angelus News

I watched Cabrini in theaters a few weeks ago, and was deeply inspired by the true story of this Italian immigrant nun. This movie was completely eye-opening for me, because I previously knew nothing about Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini or the prejudice Italians living in New York faced in the late 1800s. Cabrini helped to found schools, orphanages, and hospitals around the world, and her life and legacy are truly remarkable.

For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14351082/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_6_nm_2_q_cabrini

Little Women (2019)

Image Source: Screen Rant

I never get tired of watching Little Women, partly because it reminds me of my relationships with my own mom and sisters. Although I love the 1994 version, the 2019 remake is my favorite. This a story about growing up, sacrificial love, grief, and most of all, family. Despite what some may say, I'm convinced that guys can glean something from this movie, too. :)

For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3281548/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_little%2520women

The Butterfly Circus

Image Source: IMDb

The Butterfly Circus isn't a movie or TV show, but a short film. However, I'd argue that it carries the weight of a full-length film in just over twenty minutes. In other words, it's extraordinarily moving. This is yet another inspirational story that made me cry, and if you're able to find time to watch it, I don't think you'll regret it!

Watch for free: https://vimeo.com/17150524

Harriet

Image Source: The New York Times

If you're anything like me, you're very familiar with the name "Harriet Tubman". However, Harriet reveals a different side of this historical figure. Harriet Tubman was a mighty woman with a robust faith who claimed to rely on the Voice of God to help her deliver dozens of slaves to freedom. Amazingly, she never lost a single slave in the process.

(Also, for some reason Harriet has a lower IMDb score than the other films on this list. Although movie ratings can be really helpful, I've found that they aren't always an accurate indication of how much I'll like a particular story. I hope you'll look into this movie anyway, despite the slightly less impressive score.)

For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4648786/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_2_nm_6_q_harriet

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That's all for now, friends! Praying for you this week. ❤️