The elements of cinema and the words written on paper can be moving and inspirational to one who aspires to create ideas similar to movies and books. If you are someone who wants to create a moving story like the movies you may watch, or someone who wants to familiarize themselves with the elements of making a beautiful story, read forward to uncover many of the best films (amazing plot, good chronological structure) created, recommended from someone who aspires to be a writer herself.
Dead Poets Society – 1989
Dead Poets Society, to start, has a chilling name. This movie, in my opinion, demonstrates to us what writing novels and poetry is truly for–which is not just for aesthetic appeal. This movie told me that individuality is quite important and writing, along with being a hobby, is an art that only a few special people possess. I haven’t viewed writing the same since watching this movie. Additionally, this is a classic movie with a group of schoolboys and their thoughtful teacher, Mr. Keating, and how he changes the spirit of these schoolboys in their rigorous society.
What is Dead Poets Society about? “The story portrays a teacher named Mr. Keating who has come to all-boys school that is steeped in tradition with boys who are expected to follow the rigid and unyielding expectations of their parents regarding their education. Keating’s unconventional methods use poetry to help the boys regard their individual identity and desires with his lessons from literature and poetry[1]. I would definitely recommend this movie to those who want to learn to write, whether it be novels, articles, or even poetry. Dead Poets Society is available on Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
Little Women – 2019 and 1994 Films
Both editions of the Little Women films are really great and one of my favorite films of all time. The relationship between the four sisters (Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March) in both films fully demonstrates clear character growth. The four sisters lived with their mother while their father was away at war, and the four sisters spent their girlhood bonding and being together through harsh times. Additionally, each of the four sisters has such a well-developed and detailed character which also perfectly aligns with the plot.
The first edition (the 1994 film), as much as I did enjoy it, I felt as if the second edition (2019 film) had more depth on the smaller aspects present in Louisa May Alcott’s book, such as the physical book itself (and the book is quite beautiful). The second movie also expands upon each sister’s relationship with their neighbor, Laurie. However, both movies were quite alike. “Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March are raised in genteel poverty by their loving mother, Marmee, in a quiet Massachusetts town while their father serves as an army chaplain during the American Civil War. They befriend Theodore Lawrence (Laurie), the lonely grandson of a rich old man next door. The vital force of the family is Jo, a headstrong tomboy who is the emotional center of the book” [2].
I really loved Little Women – each one of the March sisters has such detailed character, and each sister has their own significant similarities and differences, and each girl is so relatable in her own way as a girl herself. I loved the character foils and the character changes in these films so much because these four sisters, from all ages have to adapt to each other. The four teenage girls faced a time where women were looked down on, and I think these films also emphasized that – and these four sisters in the movies proved society wrong. I definitely recommend this movie – I feel like the novel and the films teach us writers how to have chemistry between two characters, both platonically and romantically. Little Women (1994) is available to watch on YouTube, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and more. Little Women (2019) is available on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.
The Sixth Sense — 1999
The Sixth Sense is a film of suspense, surprising plot twists and minor aspects of horror. I myself am not such a fan of horror films, but this film included more aspects of psychological thrill and the idea of ghosts and the afterlife. The background of each character can be heavy, which is why my parents made me wait to watch this movie with them. My dad especially loves this movie because of its plot and its twisting and turning events. This movie was directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and the other films he has directed are also very interesting movies (Old, etc).
It is hard to define what this film is about, plot-wise, otherwise many important events will be revealed and the thrill of The Sixth Sense will vanish. In simple terms, it’s about a psychologist who treats a young boy, trying to pursue what he couldn’t with his last patient. I cannot say more than that. And why is this so significant to writing? I feel as if this film fully demonstrates how to build an immense plot and leave a reader or a TV-watcher hooked. I’d say this movie is one of my most favorites – The Sixth Sense is available to be watched on Disney+, YouTube, Hulu, Apple TV, and more.
Bridge to Terabithia — 2007
Many of us have watched this movie when we were younger, but the significance of this story was so much sadder than we could have imagined. Bridge to Terabithia is based on a true story of friendship between two pre-teens. Jesse, a pre-teen, changes and gains more confidence when he befriends Leslie, who is the class outsider. These two children create an imaginary world called Terabithia, which Jesse and Leslie were the king and queen of. Soon one of the friends must draw on the strength of their imaginary kingdom to cope with a tragedy.
And what makes this film so magical is not just the imaginary world the two created – it is how Jesse changed drastically and became happier after he met his new friend Leslie, and he felt comfortable with himself like never before. Leslie was such a positive character and influence on Jesse, and I think that’s so sweet and writers can take away ideas when creating characters from this movie.
I really enjoyed this movie (in a crying sense, more specifically) and I definitely recommend this movie, forever and always. Bridge to Terabithia is available to be watched on Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.
Harry Potter — 2001-2011
The Harry Potter films and novels are very obvious here. This series offers pure storylines, character foils and transformations, conflict, and also offers great inspiration for aspiring writers because it demonstrates the power of character development and world-building, and especially storytelling. The films, based on J.K. Rowling’s books, bring to life a richly imagined universe filled with immense description, magical laws, and dynamic characters. Writers can learn how to create fantasy worlds that can capture their audience’s imagination, as the movies successfully blend fantasy with relatable human experiences like friendship, being brave, and the struggle between good and evil, and what it truly is. These films also depict how themes evolve across a long series, maintaining reader/viewer interest while deepening the complications of the story. The Harry Potter movies have an ability to balance epic storytelling with emotional aspects, providing a road map for how to create stories that resonate with anyone.
The Harry Potter Series is available on Amazon Prime, Peacock, Hulu, and Youtube. If you haven’t read the books or seen the movies yet, you definitely should!
Peter Pan — 1953
Many of the Peter Pan films expand upon the concept of an Epic Story. Peter Pan (1953) is an excellent film for aspiring writers because it captures the essence of timeless storytelling with its rich characters, imaginative world- building, and universal themes. The film takes audiences to Neverland, a fantastical realm where imagination knows no bounds. For writers, this serves as an invitation to let go of constraints and to think creatively when crafting their own worlds and narratives. J.M. Barrie’s original story, adapted with Disney’s magical animation, shows how stories can blend adventure, humor, and poignant moments to appeal to both children and adults. By studying the structure of Peter Pan, writers can learn about pacing, character development, and the art of creating a story that resonates across generations.
What I feel makes this film (which is the original created by Walt Disney) such an Epic and magical story is how Peter Pan is shown as a contrasting character than the rest of society. He represents eternal childhood and he comes to a family in London where the kids are forced to grow up quicker to face the realities of the world, such as the oldest daughter of the family, Wendy Darling. The day Peter Pan comes to visit the Darling family from Neverland is the night when Wendy was supposed to grow into a woman to bear the pressures of society, which I feel is such perfect plot timing. Wendy needed to see Peter’s home – Neverland, which is a beautiful depiction of a fantastical realm. Additionally, Peter and Wendy carry character foils – a boy who doesn’t wish to grow up, contrasting a girl who shows the inevitable transition from childhood to adulthood. These character foils are so strong, which I feel can truly speak to writers.
The concept of Peter Pan and the movie were actually pulled together by true events. The storyteller and novelist J.M. Barrie didn’t use much of his imagination when creating the story – it was inspired by him losing his brothers as infants. Watching Peter Pan as a writer is not just entertainment; it’s an opportunity to study storytelling that balances whimsy with profound insights into human nature. I never thought much about this story as a kid, but looking at it now, there’s so much the film’s message was and how important the concepts underlying it were. Peter Pan (1953) is available on Disney+ to watch.
Lady Bird – 2017
Lady Bird depicts self-discovery as an adolescent. Lady Bird (2017) is an inspiring film for aspiring writers because of its authentic storytelling and well-drawn characters. “The film, directed by Greta Gerwig, is a coming-of-age story about Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a high school senior navigating her relationships, ambitions, and identity in Sacramento, California” [3]. The movie’s nuanced portrayal of adolescence and the small details of everyday life highlight how even ordinary moments can be powerful when crafted with care. For writers, Lady Bird serves as a lesson in how to create complex, relatable characters and find beauty in simplicity. Gerwig’s attention to detail and her ability to capture Lady Bird’s struggles and triumphs make the character’s journey feel real and emotionally impactful. Lady Bird is available to watch on Max, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.
The Prestige – 2006
The Prestige is a thriller/science fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan. This movie was slightly similar to The Sixth Sense, since both films included many sad, confusing, or even disturbing concepts. This may sound unappealing, but The Prestige is about two male magicians who grew up together as teens, trying to both become successful and know the ways of magic. After a terrible accident, the two part ways and become foes. The story follows two rival magicians obsessed with one-upping each other, revealing the lengths people will go to for mastery and success. To be connected to the arts of magic, they both read each other’s diaries to see how the other does their ‘signature trick’ (which appear to be physically impossible). This film introduces the largest plot twists and reveals than any other film, along with playing with the concept of irony.
The Prestige is an excellent film for aspiring writers because of its intricate narrative structure, layered themes, and compelling characters. The film’s non-linear timeline and carefully crafted plot twists demonstrate how complex narratives can keep audiences engaged by strategically revealing and concealing information. For writers, The Prestige serves as a master in building suspense, misdirection, and thematic depth, particularly with its exploration of obsession, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. Watching The Prestige encourages writers to consider how narrative structure can shape the audience’s experience and add layers to their storytelling. Like The Sixth Sense, the plot twists gave me chills, and I definitely recommend this film if you like suspense or thrill in general. The Prestige is available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
Sources:
[1]: Dead Poets Society: A Summary
[3]: The New Yorker: Greta Gerwig’s Exquisite, Flawed “Lady Bird”