The Best Movies to Watch, According to Our Favorite People
Courtesy of @nancymeyersinteriors
In a world where there’s so much content, it can be hard to sift through the throws of Netflix to find something worthy. Sometimes you just want to throw on a movie and know you’re going to enjoy it—we get it! Trust us when we say, we here at AOI love a good movie. In fact, classic films have been a major source of inspiration for Ariel (just see which of her favorite movie characters is on the moodboard behind the Jungle Toile wallpaper from her Chasing Paper collection!)
So rather than spending most of your evening trying to find something you *might* like, we turned to some people who know a thing or two about good taste. Thanks to our Talk Shop series, we rounded up the design world’s favorite movies. Spoiler alert: there is a lot of Nancy Meyers on here!
ANNIE HALL
One of the most classic romantic comedies ever—Annie Hall is a must-watch for any romantic. Watching Woody Allen and Diane Keaton’s relationship rise and fall on screen is enjoyable and, at times, painful. Plus—it won Best Picture at the Oscars in 1977!
Courtesy of IMDb
FANTASTIC MR. FOX
When you want to watch something that removes you from the world you're in, turn to a Wes Anderson film like Fantastic Mr. Fox—especially since it’s animated! Filled with some of the greatest actors (George Clooney! Meryl Streep!), the storyline of a Fox who went straight only to resort back to his animal instincts to save his community is heartwarming and fun.
Courtesy of @nancymeyers
IT’S COMPLICATED
Besides the delicious storyline of Meryl Streep’s complicated romance(s) with a hilarious Alec Baldwin and an equally endearing Steve Martin, one of the most beloved parts about this film is the gorgeous interiors. You know we are the ultimate Nancy Meyers fans here at AOI, and Nancy knows how to capture her audience with stunning visuals. The scenes of Santa Barbara will have you considering a cross-country move. And if that hasn’t sold you, there’s an entire scene dedicated to the making of chocolate croissants.
Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images © 2012 Getty Images via IMDb
PRETTY WOMAN
In the world of romantic comedies, we can all agree that Pretty Woman is high on the list. A true classic, watching Richard Gere and Julia Roberts’s romance grow is enough to watch it again and again (and again!) Plus, the ‘90s fashion! Not watching this one would be a *big* mistake – huge!
Courtesy of © 1979 - MGM via IMDb
MANHATTAN
Another Woody Allen romcom, starring Diane Keaton – what better duo? This film is quintessential neurotic Allen, complete with gorgeous, gritty black and white opening credits: the montage of NYC to Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin is one of the most iconic openings in all of cinema.
Courtesy of © 1997 New Line Cinema via IMDb
LOVE JONES
When Darius and Nina have a meetcut at a Chicago club, the connection is instant. The film shows their relationship go from chill to more serious. But when Nina decides to move to New York, where her ex-fiance is, Darius is heartbroken and the couple have to find their way.
Courtesy of © 1999 Paramount Pictures via IMDb
THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY
Not only is this movie star studded (a young Jude Law?! Sign us up!), it takes place throughout gorgeous Italy. Deemed a psychological thriller, Matt Damon becomes obsessed with Jude Law and his style icon girlfriend Marge Sherwood, played by Gwenyth Paltrow. There’s romance, there’s murder, there’s fashion—what more do you need?
Courtesy of IMDb
SABRINA
Both versions (1954 starring Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, and 1995 starring Julia Ormond and Harrison Ford) are spectacular films. Sabrina, the daughter of a wealthy family’s chauffeur, is helplessly in love with the family’s playboy son. After going away to France for two years, she returns more sophisticated and stirs up the drama. We also live for the costumes in the 1954 version.
Courtesy of @nmeyers
SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE
A romcom where Diane Keaton wears cozy neutrals while in the Hamptons? Yes, please. Keaton and Jack Nicholson play complete opposites who end up finding love later in life, but there’s so much more. This is Ariel’s favorite movie of all time – enough said.
Courtesy of IMDb
EMMA
There have been many different adaptations of Jane Austen’s comedic novel (see Clueless below), but this movie could be the most grandmillenial of the bunch. Debuting earlier this year, Emma received great reviews for its quick wit, beautiful English scenery, gorgeous set design, and—of course—the costumes.
Courtesy of @nancymeyersinteriors
FATHER OF THE BRIDE
Should this list of movies be dedicated to Nancy Meyers and Diane Keaton? Diane stars next to Steve Martin, who can’t let go of the fact that his baby girl is getting married. Arguably the best part of the movie is the European wedding planner, played by Martin Short, who has us crying-laughing every.single.time.
Courtesy of IMDb
CHARADE
Three words: romantic comedy mystery. This 1963 film set in Paris stars Audrey Hepburn, who’s husband has just been murdered, and Carey Grant, who offers to help her solve the case. Charade is the only film Hepburn and Grant did together, and is known for their repartee. We also love the glamor and Givenchy dresses Hepburn wears!
Courtesy of IMDb
BEST IN SHOW
For you Schitt’s Creek fans out there, this is the film for you. Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara star alongside many other famous actors (like Jane Lynch and Jennifer Coolidge) in this hilarious mockumentary about American dog shows. By the time you’re done watching, you’ll add “God Loves a Terrier” to your playlist.
Courtesy of IMDb
FORREST GUMP
A must-watch for everyone, and a movie you can watch over and over again! Protagonist Forrest Gump tells his life story, which includes major historic events, to a stranger at a bus stop. It’s funny, it’s sad, and it’s an award-winning film (6 Oscars, 3 Golden Globes)!
Courtesy of © 1995 Paramount HE via IMDb
CLUELESS
This iconic ‘90s movie will make you want to wear matching plaid sets and drive around in your Jeep Wrangler with all of your friends—just don’t get on the freeway! Another Emma adaptation, Cher Horowitz serves us major looks while trying to play matchmaker with her teachers and friends. We also don’t mind a young Paul Rudd (who looks the same? How is it possible!)
Courtesy of © 1998 - Warner Brothers via IMDb
YOU’VE GOT MAIL
Remember the good ol’ days of using dial-up to log into your email, and to hear the AOL sound “you’ve got mail?” You’ve Got Mail will bring you back to those simpler times. Tom Hanks, owner of a chain of bookstores, and Meg Ryan, and independent bookstore owner, find themselves in an online romance but have no idea they’re actually business rivals. We love the visuals of NYC in the fall, too – which produces one of our favorite movie lines: “Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” This movie is like a hug from your oldest friend, which is how we feel about all of Nora Ephron’s writing.
Courtesy of © Sony Pictures Home Entertainment via IMDb
HOOK
A take on Peter Pan, Hook is such a fun movie that will bring anyone back to the magic of their childhood. Robin Williams plays Peter, a workaholic, who’s children (Jack and Maggie) go missing while visiting his mother Wendy Darling (played by Dame Maggie Smith!!!) in London. Peter is the only one who can save them from Hook and Mr. Smee.
Courtesy of © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. via IMDb
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
Can women and men ever be just friends? You’ll have to watch When Harry Met Sally, starring ‘90s romcom icon Meg Ryan and funnyman Billy Crystal. Another film that shows NYC at its best, from scenes in Central Park and The Met to that famous scene at Katz’s Deli. We’ll have what Nora Ephron’s having.
Courtesy of IMDb
MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING
When Julia Roberts’s best friend, Dermot Mulroney, calls to say he’s engaged, Roberts realizes she’s in love with him...she thinks. She tries to sabotage the wedding (featuring a very young Cameron Diaz as the bride). If anything, watch this movie for the dancing lobsters (you’ll understand soon enough.)
Courtesy of © 1972 Paramount Pictures via IMDb
THE GODFATHER TRILOGY
The Godfather is arguably the best movie of all time (currently at #3 on AFI’s 100 Greatest Movies of All Time, the second is at #32.) The trilogy follows the Corleone family, who is heavily involved in organized crime, and the transfer of power from the patriarch (Marlon Brando) to one of his sons (Al Pacino.)
Courtesy of © 2000 - Castle Rock Entertainment via IMDb
MISS CONGENIALITY
When this movie is on cable TV, we have a hard time turning it off. Watching Sandra Bullock go from FBI agent to Miss America pageant contestant is hilarious, and definitely one of the best makeover montages in cinematic history (close tie with The Princess Diaries!)
Courtesy of IMDb
THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS
Three siblings, all successful in their youth, move back to their childhood home with their mother. Their father, who left them long ago, returns to reconcile with his kids. As a Wes Anderson film, this story has twists and turns you’d never expect but you’ll laugh your way through it – this film defines the term “darkly funny”. Also not to be missed: Gwyneth Paltrow’s iconic fur coat and bob haircut.
Courtesy of IMDb
VERTIGO
A classic Hitchcock psychological thriller perfect for a cold October night! An ex-detective is hired as a private investigator to follow his friend’s wife who is in danger. The investigator, played by James Stewart, becomes obsessed with the wife and another woman who looks exactly like the wife…
Courtesy of © 1954 - Paramount Pictures via IMDb
REAR WINDOW
Another Hitchcock thriller starring James Stewart! In Rear Window, Stewart is wheelchair bound and becomes obsessed with his neighbors—who he thinks committed a murder. He has his high society girlfriend and nurse help him investigate. Grace Kelly in her prime is the draw for this one!
Courtesy of IMDb
NOTTING HILL
Hugh Grant plays an unsuccessful bookshop owner located in—you guessed it—Notting Hill. One day, a famous actress (played by Julia Roberts) walks into his store. The two end up in a romance that gets strained with Roberts’s fame – and produce one of the best rom-com one liners in history.
Courtesy of IMDb
BIG FISH
When a film is directed by Tim Burton, you know fantasy will play a part in the movie. That’s what happens in Big Fish, a story about a son who never quite believes his father’s crazy story he tells and decides to set out to find out if he was telling the truth all along.