Spring Movie Recommendations

Emma. (2020)

Based on the novel by Jane Austen, Emma follows Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy woman in Regency-era England, as she attempts to play the role of a matchmaker in her loved ones' lives. Directed by Autumn De Wilde and starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Emma is filled with beautiful cinematography, bright colors, and peaceful spring scenery. Emma is no doubt a springtime watch and is perfect for those who enjoy period pieces as much as I do!

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Directed by Gil Junger and starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, 10 Things I Hate About You is no doubt one of the most popular rom-coms to come out of the 90s. The film follows Kat Stratford, a harsh high school student who has no interest in dating, and her younger sister Bianca Stratford, a romantic who is not allowed to date until Kat gets a boyfriend. Strings are pulled to set Kat up with Patrick Verona, and Kat’s feelings toward romance begin to change. 10 Things I Hate About You is a feel-good film that is perfect for the season of spring.

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

The second film in this article to be adapted from a Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice is a story of the romance between Elizabeth Bennet, played by Keira Knightley, and Mr. Darcy, played by Matthew Macfadyen. This film may seem slow-paced to some, but I just loved seeing all of the gorgeous shots and listening to the score throughout the entire film. If you enjoy watching a film solely for its feeling, this is the perfect spring choice.

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Regarded as one of the most timeless films in the comedy genre, as well as one of the most controversial films released in the 1950s, Some Like It Hot challenges gender norms while simultaneously being an unbelievably entertaining and fun film from start to finish. Directed by Billy Wilder and starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, Some Like It Hot follows two band players, Joe and Jerry, who witness a mafia murder and must flee Chicago to protect their lives. Their only opportunity to escape is to join an all-female jazz band and disguise themselves as women. Throughout their time in the band, Joe goes in and out of disguises while trying to win over Sugar (Marilyn Monroe), and Jerry is pursued by a male millionaire at their hotel. This film is so funny and still just as good after all of these years later. It was a joy to watch and perfect to see just before summer begins.

La La Land (2016)

Arguably the most popular film on this list, La La Land is a beautiful but tragic story of how love and dreams don’t always align. Directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, La La Land incorporates the warm, spring-like feel in Los Angeles, while also being a bright and lively musical. The film follows Sebastian and Mia as they fall in love, both with each other and with their dreams. Eventually, the desire to follow their dreams may separate them. The use of bold, contrasting colors and music make the film feel so much more alive and perfect for the spring season.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

My Neighbor Totoro is an animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki that follows two sisters as they move into a country home while waiting for their mother to recover from illness. As they become more accustomed to the home, they begin to befriend spirits that reside in the home and in the nearby forest, one of them being Totoro. The beautiful animation, heartfelt themes, and bright colors make a perfect springtime family film that anybody can enjoy.