If you can make peace with that poignant, tingling sensation upon leaving a movie theater, here are five Hollywood films to consider watching in your early 20s.
1. Magnolia (1999)
“We may be through with the past… But the past ain’t through with us.”
Directed and written by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film promises an enthralling rollercoaster ride filled with excessive drama, social themes, and unwavering emotions. PTA is impeccable with his monologues and gets the most out of all his strong screen presences the best way he can.
![](https://d7pyuh7qqpk44.cloudfront.net/foresight_test/1716367403819_default_image.jpeg)
2. Her (2013)
Theodore, a lonesome writer, acquires an innovative operating system created to fulfill every user’s desires. Much to Theodore’s astonishment, a romantic connection blossoms between him and his operating system. You don’t need me to remind you how this film has often been touted as Spike Jonze’s personal introspection on his relationship with Sofia Coppola, who, as recently revealed, hasn’t yet seen the movie.
![](https://d7pyuh7qqpk44.cloudfront.net/foresight_test/1716367447250_default_image.jpeg)
3. Moonlight (2016)
Adapted from Tarell Alvin McCraney’s unpublished play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue,” this is a poignant and heart-wrenching tale of a young man’s journey to self-discovery, told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love while grappling with his own sexuality.
![](https://d7pyuh7qqpk44.cloudfront.net/foresight_test/1716367476267_default_image.jpeg)
NOTE:
This listicle was first published as a loop on Openvy. You can read the rest here or join the community. The platform is now open to all.