There are days when we prefer heady movies that make us reflect on philosophical, existential or social issues. Well, I do know that Netflix has great movie options, in a wide variety of genres, for those who like to combine entertainment and reflection. Are we about to see the best?
Top movies for smart people
1. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
- Year: 2018
- Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen
- Style: Western
Do you like watching old western movies? Then you’ll definitely love The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, a series of 6 short stories set in the arid and violent American Old West. The setting, characters, and narrative format are similar to classics of the genre. What changes is the philosophical depth with which certain human issues are addressed.
Two. grenade
- Year: 2018
- Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron
- Genre: Drama
The story of maid Cleo and the middle-class family for whom she works goes hand-in-hand, forcing us to think about the political nature of human relationships. Roma is considered one of the best films of 2018, winning several important awards including 3 Oscars (one of them for Best Foreign Film).
3. Schindler’s List
- Year: 1993
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- Genre: Biographical Drama
There are many movies about the horrors of World War II, and this is certainly one of the best. The film tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who risked himself to save the lives of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. It won 7 Oscars and 3 Golden Globes, including Best Picture.
4. Chandni
- Year: 2016
- Directed by: Barry Jenkins
- Genre: Drama
The award-winning Luna de la Luna tells Chiron’s story in 3 stages (childhood, adolescence and adulthood), during which we are introduced to the various existential conflicts that make up the protagonist’s personality. The film won 1 Golden Globe (Best Picture) and 3 Oscars.
5. Goodwill Hunting
- Year: 1997
- Directed by: Gus Van Sant
- Genre: Drama
The film has already become a classic either for its beautiful plot or for the performances of Matt Damon and Robin Williams. The latter won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, and the former launched himself into stardom in world cinema, even signing the script with Ben Affleck. Dark Genius is the story of a young university employee who has trouble reading, but becomes a real mathematician.
6. The Man Who Didn’t Sell His Soul
Image credit: Columbia Pictures
- Year: 1966
- Directed by: Fred Zinnemann
- Genre: Biographical Drama
This classic of the 7th century tells the story of Sir Thomas More, famous for writing the book Utopia. More, who was chancellor to King Henry VIII, opposes the monarch when he decides to marry another woman from his current wife with the aim of succeeding to the throne. According to More, this would be a violation of God’s laws. It is a perfect dish for those who enjoy historical films. At the 1967 Oscars, he won a total of 6 statuettes.
7. Dead Poets Society
- Year: 1989
- Directed by: Peter Weir
- Genre: Drama
This film is a must watch for anyone who enjoys literature. It stands out for the performance of Robin Williams, who plays John Keating, an unorthodox teacher who, with his passionate and eclectic classes, challenges the conservative values of a preparatory school for young people. It won the Academy Award in the category of Best Original Screenplay.
8. The Truman Show
- Year: 1998
- Directed by: Peter Weir
- Genre: Drama
The Truman Show is a movie that manages to strike a balance between captivating plot, fun and thought-provoking. The fun is due to the dialogues and Jim Carrey’s hilarious performance. But the film sparks a very interesting discussion about what we think is reality and whether we are really free in a society marked by surveillance and control.
9. Island of Fear
- year 2010
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Genre: Mystery, Drama
In a remote psychiatric prison, an inspector and a psychologist go to investigate an inmate’s escape. When they get there, they find that patients are subjected to a great deal of emotional and physical violence through controversial methods such as lobotomy. Inspector Teddy, in a fine performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, is haunted by some traumas from his past, which creates a series of situations that awaken his fears. This is a feel good psychological thriller that will raise a lot of questions in your mind!
See Also: 8 Science Fiction Movies That Revolutionized Cinema
10 Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
- year 2014
- Address: Alexander Gonzalez Iñárritu
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
Riggan Thomson, the former Hollywood star who plays the superhero Birdman, tries to regain his lost fame by directing a play on Broadway. But how to deal with the voice that torments your conscience? In addition to delving into the complex personality of the protagonist, played by Michael Keaton, viewers get a critical look at the world of celebrities and entertainment in Birdman.
See Also: 19 Comedy Movies To Make You Laugh Out Loud
11 Genesis
- year 2010
- Directed by: Christopher Nolan
- Genre: Science fiction
For those who enjoy clever screenplays and complicated plots that short-circuit their heads, Genesis is the perfect movie. Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is a dream invader. He is able to steal or insert information into people’s minds while they sleep. Stand out for absolutely extraordinary visual effects!
12 The Boy Who Tamed The Wind
- Year: 2019
- Address: Chiwetel Ejiofor
- Genre: Drama
Inspired by memories. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Written by William Kamakwamba and Brian Miller, the film tells the story of young William Kamakwamba, who is dedicated against all odds to finding a technological solution to the problems of hunger and drought in the town where he lives in Malawi. ., Africa.
13 The Imitation Game
- year 2014
- Directed by: Morten Tyldum
- Genre: Drama, Biography, War
In “The Imitation Game,” we follow the story of Alan Turing, a young mathematician who is hired by the British government during World War II to break the code used to send strategic messages to German Nazi submarines. Used to do for In the story, we understand the mastery behind Turing’s brilliant mind and how he created a machine capable of cracking this code. Based on a true story, this is a great film to understand the origins of computing and the history of this brilliant genius of our times.
14 Take Your Pills
- Year: 2018
- Directed by: Alison Kleiman
- Genre: Documentary
Talking about medicines is always very important. In this case, the issue is legal drugs, drugs like Adderall prescribed by doctors to combat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The film discusses, among other things, the relationship between medicalization and professional performance.
See Also: 15 Amazing Documentaries to Watch on Netflix in 2019
Intellectual thriller
15. Gravity
- year 2013
- Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón
- Genre: Science Fiction Thriller
Gravity may, at first glance, seem like a sci-fi movie with a simple script and lots of visual effects. But more than that, Gravity is a film that makes us think about beloved themes of the human species, such as loneliness, fragility, and overcoming obstacles. Out of 10 Oscar nominations, it won in 7 categories.
Sixteen. surround sound
- year 2013
- Directed by: Kléber Mendonca Filho
- Genre: Mystery, Drama
Considered by critics as one of the best Brazilian films of recent times, The Sound Around begins with the arrival of a militia on a middle-class street in the city of Recife, where different stories intertwine. The film deals with themes such as urban violence, social inequality and Brazil’s colonial legacy. safety pin!
17 Bird Box
- Year: 2018
- Directed by: Susan Beer
- Genre: Drama, Mystery
In a post-apocalyptic world where opening your eyes to open spaces can be fatal, Mallory Hayes (Sandra Bullock) fights for her and her children’s survival, blindly venturing down the unknown. The film is less explicit than others in the genre. It is essential to pay attention to the metaphors and hidden meanings in this intriguing plot.
