17 Movies that Show What It’s Really Like to Live in America

This article highlights 17 films that effectively depict various aspects of life in America through its history, showcasing the country’s cultural and social diversity.

Forrest Gump

Tom Hanks As Forrest Gump Forrest Gump (1994) Paramount Pictures
Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

A classic film that captures several decades of American history through the eyes of Forrest Gump, a man with a low IQ who unwittingly becomes involved in key historical events. It’s a heartwarming story that reflects the complexities and beauties of American life.

The Breakfast Club

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

This iconic 1980s film delves into the lives of five high school students from different social groups. It’s a poignant exploration of teenage life in America, addressing themes of identity, social pressures, and the struggle to be understood.

Boyhood

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, ‘Boyhood’ is a groundbreaking story of growing up, seen through the eyes of a young boy named Mason. It captures the essence of American childhood and adolescence in a deeply personal way.

Do the Right Thing

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

Directed by Spike Lee, this film is a vibrant, intense portrayal of a day in the life of a Brooklyn neighborhood. It tackles issues of racial tension and inequality, providing a powerful commentary on American society.

American Beauty

American Beauty (1999) - DreamWorks Pictures
Photo Credit: DreamWorks Pictures.

This film examines suburban American life, critiquing the pursuit of the American Dream. It explores themes of beauty, satisfaction, and self-realization in a seemingly perfect suburban community.

The Pursuit of Happyness

Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures.

Based on a true story, this film follows a struggling salesman and his son as they endure homelessness and strive for a better life. It’s a powerful testament to resilience and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Little Miss Sunshine

Photo Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

A comedic yet poignant look at a dysfunctional family traveling across the country for a beauty pageant. The film explores themes of success, failure, and the meaning of family in modern America.

Gran Torino

Gran Torino – Entire Cast Warner Bros
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this film about a Korean War veteran confronting his prejudices when a Hmong family moves next door. It’s a story about community, change, and redemption in a multicultural America.

Moonlight

Photo Credit: A24.

This Oscar-winning film tells a powerful story of a young black man’s struggle to find himself while growing up in a rough Miami neighborhood. It’s a poignant exploration of identity, community, and sexuality in America.

Sideways

Photo Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

A comedy-drama that follows two middle-aged men on a road trip through California’s wine country. It’s a tale of mid-life crises, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness in contemporary America.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Starring Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers, this film explores the life and philosophy of the beloved American TV personality. It’s a heartwarming tale that captures the spirit of kindness and understanding in American culture.

Lady Bird

Photo Credit: A24.

A coming-of-age story about a high school senior and her turbulent relationship with her mother. Set in Sacramento, California, it beautifully captures the highs and lows of teenage life in America.

Friday Night Lights

Photo Credit: NBC.

Based on a true story, this film follows a high school football team in Texas and their coach. It highlights the importance of sports in American culture and the pressure on young athletes.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

Based on Harper Lee’s novel, this film is a classic portrayal of racial injustice in the American South. It’s a poignant exploration of morality, justice, and the human condition in a small-town setting.

Wall Street

Wall Street 20th Century Studios
Photo Credit: 20th Century Studios.

A film that delves into the high-stakes world of finance in 1980s New York. It’s a critique of greed and the corrupting power of money in American society.

The Social Network

The Social Network Columbia Pictures
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures.

This film chronicles the creation of Facebook and the subsequent legal battles. It offers a glimpse into the rise of social media and its impact on American life and culture.

Selma

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

A historical drama that chronicles the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr. It’s a powerful depiction of a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement.

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T-1000
Photo Credit: StudioCanal.

They’re the ones we love to hate, the characters that make our blood boil, and keep us on the edge of our seats. These are the 38 best movie villains of all time. 

THE 38 MOST AWESOME ‘BAD GUYS’ IN MOVIE HISTORY

18 OVERLOOKED MOVIES FROM THE 90S THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN BLOCKBUSTERS

Waterworld Universal Pictures
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

The 90s produced some of the most iconic movies in history, but some hidden gems were overshadowed by blockbusters. In this post, we’ll showcase the top 18 most underrated movies from the 90s that deserve more recognition, from indie favorites to forgotten cult classics.

18 OVERLOOKED MOVIES FROM THE 90S THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN BLOCKBUSTERS

25 MOVIE COUPLES WHO HAD ZERO CHEMISTRY

Star Wars – Anakin _ Padme Lucasfilm Productions
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm Productions.

Romantic movies can be a great way to escape into a world of love and passion, but sometimes, the chemistry between the lead actors just doesn’t seem to exist. A recent internet poll asked, “What movies have the worst chemistry?”:

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25 UNDERRATED ’80S MOVIES PEOPLE NEVER TALK ABOUT

Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox.

The 80s was a decade of iconic movies, but some gems were overlooked by audiences. In this post, we’ll shine a spotlight on 25 underrated ’80s movies we should talk about more, from quirky comedies to haunting thrillers.

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CASTING PERFECTION: 25 MOVIE CHARACTERS THAT SHOULD NEVER BE RECAST

indiana lucasfilm LTD
Photo credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Sometimes, a movie character is so perfectly portrayed that it’s hard to imagine anyone else taking on the role. From superheroes to beloved literary figures, here are 25 movie characters whose casting was so spot-on that we can’t even fathom the thought of a different actor taking over the part.

CASTING PERFECTION: 25 MOVIE CHARACTERS THAT SHOULD NEVER BE RECAST