In case you don’t know, Letterboxd is a film-ranking website, inviting people to rate and review movies. And every person is invited to display their top four films on their profile. On the red carpet even, actors are asked about their top four films by Letterboxd interviewers. It’s a nice way to get film recommendations or subtly brag to others about how excellent your taste is.
You must understand, though, that I do not consider myself a film fanatic. I mostly watch children’s movies because I get scared easily, and almost everything on my watchlist is PG or PG-13. (That being said, you can find me on Letterboxd as @adalynmichelle if you want to see my sparse reviews.) My top four movies mostly come from what has moved me most recently or something I have some innate connection to. So without further ado, here are my top four movies in no particular order. Spoilers obviously.
10 Things I Hate About You
Spoiler alert: this is not the only rom-com on the list. I’ve watched quite a few. But I remember the first time this came on the television set, and I was completely captivated, from the scratchy lime green title opener to the band closing out on top of the school. To craft this perfect romcom, you need the perfect leads, and Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger are outstanding as Kat Stratford and Patrick Verona. To take something as stupid as “oh, I’ll bribe you to date her, and then we will actually fall in love” and then actually make it watchable is beyond insane. But the chemistry and witty humor between Kat and Patrick sweeps you up in the romance. Their actions and personalities are exaggerated, but they feel true. The subplot involving the romance of Cameron James and Bianca Stratford is charming and contrasts the messiness of Kat and Patrick. It’s the epitome of teenage romance and fulfills wild dreams in every hopeless romantic’s heart.
Ratatouille
Here’s one I have an emotional attachment to! I’ve always loved this movie— I watched it at summer camp, my birthday party, and I had a fascination with the Ratatouille Musical (or Ratatousical for those in the know). There’s something so magical about this film, from the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower to the whirling movement in the kitchen. I love how the friendship between Linguine and Remy evolved, and I’m so eternally grateful they didn’t make Remy able to communicate through words. It’s such a stunning commentary on life and art, and how “great art can come from anywhere”. I think my love for Ratatouille will have to become a later Substack post.
You’ve Got Mail
Remember I promised you another rom-com? Here it is. You’ve Got Mail perfectly encapsulates everything you’d want in a classic New York City romcom, with the warm-toned color palette, Meg Ryan’s fashion, and cozy feeling. These movies always feel so familiar, and contrasts 10 Things I Hate About You with a more mature quality. Meg Ryan as Kathleen Kelly is the woman you want to know, fashionable, endearing, and the owner of the most beautiful bookstore. The love story feels simple, although it’s anything but. You care so deeply for Kathleen and Joe’s love and romance. It’s the most classic sort of romcom one could ever desire.
Jojo Rabbit
Jojo Rabbit is my favorite movie of all time. I first watched it in AP World History and was the only person to cry at three separate points in the film (or any at all). I find it beyond masterful how Taika Waititi was able to create such a potent movie that’s comedic and endearing about the Holocaust. Roman Griffin Davis as Jojo was such perfect casting, he gives that determined childish look so well, and hits every comedic beat excellently. The film shouldn’t work at all, but the fact it does makes it even more miraculous. Please watch.
10 things i hate about you is in my top 10!! it’s such a classic romcom (at least to me), i could quote the whole movie from memory.
Love what you say about all these. Makes me want to watch them all again.