Movie/Documentary Recommendations?

I guess it depends on what you like. There's plenty I like and though of a few. Picked a few that wouldn't be on most people's list already. No 1 I'd recommend for those who like comedy - Mortadelo & Filmon if you like comedy you'd probably greatly enjoy if you don't mind subs or understand Spanish.

Funny Farm (1988)

Kuffs (1992)

Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)

Asterix live action films (1999 - 2012) [1]

Ice planet (2001)

Mortadelo & Filemon: The Big Adventure (2003) (Spanish, cartoonish humour, I found very funny)

Gettin' Square (2003)

Suspect Zero (2004)

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.(2005)

Slipstream (2005) [2] (mind the write up there of the plot is daft)

Dark Sense (2018)

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asterix_films_(live_action)

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slipstream_(2005_film)

Here is a collection of some of the movies that I have liked the most

- The Matrix (1999) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/

- Gremlins (1984) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087363/

- Hackers (1995) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113243/

- Sneakers (1992) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105435/

- Tron (1982) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084827/

- Jurassic Park (1993) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107290/

- The Terminator (1984) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088247/

- Back to the Future (1985) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/

- Dark City (1998) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118929/

- WarGames (1983) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086567/

- Starship Troopers (1997) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120201/

And there are many more as well :D

Kind-of similar thread from January 2021:

"Ask HN: What is the most inspiring documentary film in your opinion?" https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25624456

Bully:

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0242193/

For documentary:

No End in Sight

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0912593/

This one is just a massive wtf if you don’t mind revisiting the Bush era fiasco. People keep saying the world is fucked now days, but I really think it was more fucked before.

My top top pick is actually a youtube channel that does movie essays: https://www.youtube.com/@filmjoy

They are terrifically well researched with a bunch of easter eggs and production backstory and are put together in a high production value, thoughtful way.

They really made me love and appreciate film much more.

I think it's the same way as musicians appreciating music, right?

Non-musicians might say learning more about music theory, makes some music seem less magical in a 'knowing how it was done' sort of way.

But like a musician actively listening, watching film from a more critical viewpoint/lens is really fantastic. You start to think about things like 'who was the cinematographer?', 'Who did the music and score?' and enjoying finding things like how a certain director has a certain motif.

As for the film list:

- The lord of the rings trilogy, is I assume mandatory watching for all at this point.

- The Matrix trilogy, supplemented by the movie essay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0VnYcMHuDc

- Whiplash (2014) A J.K simmons masterpiece

- Sicario (2015) Cinematographer Roger Deakins doing some amazing work alongside Denis Villeneuve.

- Blade Runner 2049 sort of an obvious choice but beautifully made, better than the original in all ways except maybe soundtrack. The original Vangelis Blade Runner music is sort of genre defining.

- Black Hawk Down (2001) Absolutely stellar cast some of whom in their first role or wouldn't have their breakout role until several movies later. Possibly one of the most well paced movies, it's extremely clear and coherent throughout. It's also tidy self and self contained, no one said lets make 10 sequels and a cinematic universe. Dealt with the morals and psychology of war that would be further touched on in Jarhead (2005) another great movie.

- The Hurt Locker (2008) If Jarhead is a claustrophobic look at how useless and powerless an average infantry soldier can feel during war, The Hurt Locker is a study of a soldier addicted to it. Through a lens of up close nihilism.

- The silence of the lambs (1991) Hannibal Lecter / Anthony Hopkins with a bunch of scenes that are so good they are studied in film schools. Genre best horror-thriller.