Not all movies I love are added to the Great Movies list. The way I judge whether a movie deserves a spot on that list is different. It needs to be exceptional in its script, cinematography, acting, and score. And if not all of those — then at least one element should be so powerful that it overshadows the rest, making me forget any flaws.
But even if some films don’t quite qualify for that Great Movies title, they still manage to stay with me. They might not tick every technical box, but they did something really right — whether it was a moment, a feeling, or a character that lingered. These are the movies I remember not because they were perfect, but because they made me feel something that stayed long after the credits rolled.
Godzilla Minus One
Director: Takashi Yamazaki
Where to Watch:
Godzilla Minus One is certainly not a film I’d usually go for. When I think of a Godzilla movie, the usual cliché comes to mind — helicopters, missiles, and a giant monster tearing through cities. But this one? This one is something else entirely. More than just a monster movie, Godzilla Minus One unfolds as a deeply human tragedy, anchored in character-driven storytelling and emotional weight.
Set in post-war Japan, it reimagines Godzilla not merely as a force of destruction, but as a haunting metaphor for national trauma, survivor’s guilt, and the lingering scars of war. Director Takashi Yamazaki breathes life into every frame — not through spectacle alone, but through the quiet moments, the intimate struggles, and the choices of people who’ve already lost so much. The devastation feels real because the characters do.
At the end, I just had one thing to say – they just did everything right. The plot, the music, acting and the beautiful shots.
The Outlaws & The Roundup
Director: Kang Yun-sung
Where to Watch (The Outlaws):
Director: Lee Sang-yong
Where to Watch (The Roundup):
This is the film that made me a fan of Don Lee. I mean, after this one, I went on a full-blown Don Lee rampage — I hunted down and watched almost all of his movies. The Outlaws is one of the best action comedies out there. It’s got that rare balance — when the punches land, they really land, with bone-crushing brutality that feels raw and real. And when the humor kicks in, it’s more than just a throwaway chuckle — it’s genuinely hilarious, often in the most unexpected moments.
What elevates the entire experience is Don Lee himself. There’s just something endlessly satisfying about watching him steamroll through criminals with sheer presence and power. His charm, comic timing, and effortless dominance in action scenes make him a one-man genre. I can never get tired of watching him slap the hell out of people — it’s cinematic therapy at its finest.
Then comes The Roundup, the sequel that reunites the same cast and somehow manages to be just as entertaining — if not even more polished. It builds on everything that made The Outlaws great, with tighter pacing, bigger action, and even more moments that make you laugh, wince, and cheer all at once. It’s not just a follow-up, it’s a full-on continuation of everything you didn’t know you needed.
Once you’ve seen The Outlaws, there’s just no way you’re not immediately watching The Roundup — trust me.
Rush Hour
Director: Brett Ratner
Where to Watch:
The film that gave us one of the most iconic duos in action-comedy history — Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. Need I say more? Rush Hour is the perfect blend of explosive martial arts, rapid-fire banter, and undeniable chemistry. Jackie brings the jaw-dropping stunts and effortless physical comedy, while Chris Tucker matches it with his high-energy charm and razor-sharp wit. Together, they turn a standard buddy-cop setup into pure movie magic.
Whether it’s the culture clash, the chaotic car chases, or the hilarious misunderstandings, Rush Hour never misses a beat. It’s endlessly quotable, insanely rewatchable, and still holds up as one of the most entertaining buddy comedies ever made.
I Saw the Devil
Director: Kim Jee-woon
Where to Watch:
I Saw the Devil is the most brutal movie I’ve ever seen — and I don’t even have to think twice before saying that. There’s no hesitation, no competition. It’s raw, bloody, bone-crunching, and often painfully hard to watch. But that’s exactly what makes it so unforgettable.
This isn’t just violence for shock value — it’s crafted with purpose. The film dives deep into the madness that follows loss and revenge, showing how pain can twist even the most righteous into something darker. Every scene pulses with tension, and the line between hunter and hunted keeps blurring until it’s almost unbearable.
Yet despite all the brutality, I Saw the Devil is beautifully made. It captures pain in a way that feels almost hypnotic — like a drug you can’t pull away from, no matter how much it hurts.
Notting Hill
Director: Roger Michell
Where to Watch:
If someone asks me my all time favourite romantic movie. It is going to be this one. It is one of those movies that make you wonder – ‘What if something like this actually happened?’. Do you realise how exciting it would be?
“Notting Hill” stars Hugh Grant as William “Will” Thacker, a bookstore owner in the Notting Hill district of London, and Julia Roberts as Anna Scott, a famous American actress. The story revolves around the unlikely romance that develops between Will and Anna after a chance encounter in his bookstore. Despite their different backgrounds and the challenges posed by Anna’s celebrity status, the two characters navigate their feelings for each other amidst the scrutiny of the media and the complexities of their personal lives. There is no doubt that both Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts make this movie what it is, but even the supporting characters, especially Spike, they are so memorable and fun to just be around. This is a pure romantic movie, nothing bullshit silly comedy attached to it. That is what I love the most about it. It is grounded in that sense besides the fact that a guy like Thacker has a relationship with an American actress like Anna.
I’ve seen this movie multiple times and I think you would do the same once you watch it! I’ve got my favourite scenes from the movie right up my sleeves. I absolutely love it!
Ford v Ferrari
Director: James Mangold
Where to Watch:
Christian Bale can make any character memorable — he disappears into every role, and Ford v Ferrari is no exception. He delivers a performance full of grit, charm, and raw passion, proving once again why he’s one of the finest actors working today. But this film isn’t just about Bale — it’s about speed, ambition, and the relentless drive to push limits.
For motor lovers, Ford v Ferrari is an instant classic. The roar of the engines, the stakes of the race, and the behind-the-scenes battles make it more than just a sports drama — it’s a full-throttle experience. The chemistry between Bale and Matt Damon brings heart to the high-octane tension, while the cinematography puts you right in the driver’s seat, capturing every curve and every crash with breathtaking precision.
It’s entertaining, emotional, and most importantly, completely engaging — the kind of film that reminds you why you love movies in the first place.
The Intern
Director: Nancy Meyers
Where to Watch:
Can you imagine Robert De Niro playing a sweet, cardigan-wearing grandpa after seeing him in Casino or Goodfellas? Well, I couldn’t — but somehow, he pulls it off effortlessly. The Intern is the kind of film you can revisit at any time, during any mood, and still find joy in it. It’s light, warm, and surprisingly meaningful.
The story follows Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower who decides retirement isn’t for him and joins a booming online fashion startup as a senior intern. De Niro plays Ben with such quiet charm and grace that you can’t help but love him. Opposite him is Anne Hathaway as Jules Ostin, the young, overworked CEO of the company. At first, she’s unsure what to make of this old-school presence in her fast-paced world — but over time, Ben becomes more than just a helping hand. He’s a mentor, a friend, and a calming force amid the chaos.
What makes The Intern special is its heart. The relationship between Ben and Jules isn’t romantic, but it’s one of the most beautifully developed friendships you’ll see in a modern film. It’s funny, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying — the kind of story that reminds you that sometimes, wisdom and kindness really do make all the difference.
Rushmore
Director: Wes Anderson
Where to Watch:
I didn’t expect such depth from what initially seemed like a simple, offbeat film. It’s actually quite underrated. Looking back, I realize I haven’t given Wes Anderson enough credit — it takes a truly talented filmmaker to craft something this unique, heartfelt, and funny from a premise that could have so easily fallen flat in the wrong hands.
Rushmore tells the story of Max Fischer, a wildly eccentric teenager who’s somehow president or founder of almost every club in his prep school — except, of course, he’s terrible at academics. He falls in love with Rosemary, a gentle first-grade teacher, only to find himself in a strange love triangle when his new friend, a lonely industrialist named Herman, also begins a relationship with her. What follows is a quirky, emotional, and surprisingly sincere journey through heartbreak, rivalry, and coming-of-age.
The film walks entirely to the beat of its own drum — from the curtain transitions that bookend scenes to the dry British-esque tone and moments of awkward hilarity, like Herman’s bizarre sprint after talking to Rosemary. Anderson nails the film’s tone early on, and it never wavers. The humor isn’t laugh-out-loud like The Hangover or Superbad — it’s subtle, laced with emotion, and rooted in character. There’s real heart behind the laughs. The friendships, the awkwardness of love, the genuine feeling behind every interaction — it all feels oddly authentic.
Rushmore may not make it to the ‘Great Movies’ list for many, but for me, it’s become a quiet favorite. It’s the kind of movie I know I’ll return to — to unwind, to smile, and to appreciate good, heartfelt filmmaking. If you’re looking for something enjoyable, offbeat, and sincere, this is the one.
Superbad
Director: Greg Mottola
Where to Watch:
Superbad is so vulgar — and I absolutely love it for that. It’s loud, unapologetic, and drenched in teenage awkwardness. From Seth and Evan’s absurdly explicit conversations about sex and porn to McLovin’s legendary chaos with the two most irresponsible cops ever, the film is a wild ride from start to finish.
What makes Superbad work so well is that beneath all the crude humor and ridiculous antics, there’s a weirdly sweet coming-of-age story. You laugh at how dumb these guys are, but you also remember being that dumb yourself. The chemistry between Jonah Hill and Michael Cera is off the charts, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s debut as McLovin? Iconic.
The first time I saw this movie, I was laughing non-stop — start to end. And honestly, every time since then, it’s been just as funny. Superbad is a perfect storm of outrageous comedy, quotable lines, and pure teenage energy.
18x2 Beyond Youthful Days
Director: Michihito Fujii
Where to Watch:
This movie is very close to my heart because it’s so tender, so grounded in reality. 18×2: Beyond Youthful Days tells the story of Jimmy, a video game developer who gets fired from his own company during a cold, calculated board meeting. From that moment, the film gently rewinds time, taking us back to a simpler summer — when Jimmy worked in a karaoke studio and was quietly drifting through life. It’s here that he meets Ami, a Japanese girl who has come to work there.
So, do they fall in love? Thankfully, it’s not that simple — because it never really is in real life. Even something as seemingly small as holding her hand feels like a major step. Unlike those glossy romances where people fall head over heels in seconds, this film understands restraint. It captures the nervousness, the hesitation, the beauty of real connection. But it’s not just about love — it’s also about life, travel, friendship, missed chances, and growing up.
Nothing here feels forced or cinematic for the sake of it — there’s no corniness, no exaggerated drama to remind you that you’re watching a movie. It flows like a quiet memory. The cinematography is beautiful in its stillness, the performances subtle yet powerful. The ending might feel cliché to some, but for me, I’m not sure I would’ve wanted it to end any other way.
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I usually try to post every week.
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