Turning 30 means you’re getting old. It sounds harsh, maybe even a bit cynical. However, the fact of the matter is you’re not in your 20s anymore. You’re suddenly expected to act like an adult, work a good job, maybe even already have a family. But here’s the thing, being in your 20s is not all wine and roses. It’s confusing and there is no longer a road map on how to live life. One great thing about movies and films is that they offer audiences guidance, through entertainment. Here are 20 movies to watch in your 20s, that might help you figure things out, if just a little bit.
These are must-see movies for twenty-somethings. Some of the films on this list are neat and tidy life lessons. Others are stern warnings on what not to do. Then there are those that just remind you how important your friends are in life.
Most of these films are inspiring in some way. Perhaps the most significant films on this list revolve around relationships. Many hope to find “the one” when they’re in their 20s. You give your hearts and souls to significant others, but part of the process of finding that special someone often involves getting dumped or breaking a heart.
Turning 30 is a milestone; don’t let anyone tell you it’s just a number, or that it's not a big deal. It is a big deal! One surefire way to help the process of getting old is to check out these movies to see before you turn 30. Don’t say no one warned you!
Okay, first off, let's get this out of the way: it's perfectly acceptable to film a present day comedy in black and white. Frances Ha is another kick you in the face movie. Life is a struggle after college - you need to get over it, or you will never succeed.
Actors: Greta Gerwig, Adam Driver, Michael Zegen, Charlotte d'Amboise, Juliet Rylance
Audiences know right up front that the guy doesn't get the girl at the end of (500) Days of Summer. The non-linear, non-romance breaks the heart of narrator protagonist Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), until the seasons change and Summer turns to Autumn. You can never be reminded enough that things will eventually get better after a break-up.
Actors: Zooey Deschanel, Minka Kelly, Chloë Grace Moretz, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Matthew Gray Gubler
Zach Braff's 2004 dramedy reminds audiences that maybe sometimes you can actually go home. When Andrew (Braff) heads from LA to Jersey for his mother's funeral, the alienated 26 year old reconnects with old friends and actually makes a few new ones. Andrew also finally confronts his father about the tragic events of the family's past.
Actors: Natalie Portman, Jim Parsons, Ian Holm, Method Man, Zach Braff
#101 of 126 The Greatest Directorial Debuts Of All Time#52 of 75 50+ Quirky Romance Movies That Are Unique in Their Own Way#117 of 315 Movies with the Best Soundtracks
The biggest life lessons always come with great risk. Take a chance - maybe you lose everything, maybe you come up roses. Almost Famous takes 16-year-old William (Patrick Fugit) on the rock and roll road trip of a lifetime. Along the way, his heart gets broken and his rock gods fail him. Even still, there's no chance he regrets a single second of the adventure.
Actors: Zooey Deschanel, Kate Hudson, Anna Paquin, Jimmy Fallon, Pauley Perrette
