5 Movies I Will Watch On Repeat No Matter What

Hello Everyone!

Today, we are talking about movies, specifically, movies that I’d watch over and over again, or at least more than once. Now, some of them will be ones you know, others might not be, but they all definitely bring me back time and again, because either their story is something I relate to, or because it’s just that good.

Movies are what started me on my current path (career-wise), and while I’m not in the film industry, per se, I still look at the techniques, the nuances and the little details that make these movies my absolute favourite ones. So, join me as I talk about the top 5 movies I will watch on repeat, no matter what.

1.   Labyrinth (1986)

Now, I know this film is a very old one, and granted it’s aimed at children, but as a teenager, this movie hit home. I loved this movie (and still do!), not only because it was a show of female power, but it was also a coming-of-age movie that told me that I could still keep my childhood magic and imagination, even though one day, like the main character, I will have to learn to grow up. Now, I don’t want to spoil it for you, although many of you probably already know what the plot is, but I just love the childhood wonder that Sarah (played by Jennifer Connelly) maintains throughout her journey through the Goblin King's labyrinth, regardless of whether she’s learned to overcome her childish behaviour.

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Of course, we can’t forget the iconic David Bowie, as the Goblin King, preening and prancing about in those sinfully tight leggings, and that poufy hair (really it was unnecessary), but I think it was the antagonistic, and tense attraction he had for Sarah that really inspired me, during my teenage years. Having an almighty Goblin King silently pining after me was really influential idea that affected my personality and dominated my inspiration, even through to my twenties (and arguably even now). While the notion of having a grown man fall in love with you has not aged well, admittedly, I still wish a handsome fae king fell in love with me and whisked me away to his magical kingdom, but alas, dreams will only ever be dreams.

2.   Disney's Mulan (1998)

I think you know where this is going. Being an Asian, having been born and raised in the UK, I always felt isolated, like I didn’t belong, and when I watched Mulan for the first time, I felt seen. I completely understood Mulan’s anxieties about not being good enough, especially when she’s all dolled up and ready to see the matchmaker. Then when she blows the appointment, and sings Reflection, I just felt like the movie really got the sentiment of being afraid of not being good enough. Plus, it was about an Asian woman, who literally took matters into her own hands and won a war that all the men were afraid of. What's not to love about the movie?

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So, it’s no wonder why Mulan was a major influence in my life, and why I would always go back to it, over and over again. It feels like the only Disney movie that spoke to my heritage and culture. Of course, Turning Red is another one, but in terms of the original Disney princesses, Mulan is the only one I feel like I can relate to. Not to mention, the way it addresses the struggles, an Asian woman faces every day (which can also translate to all cultures, not just Asian women), isn’t so blatant or in your face. I love the subtlety with which it’s handled. It isn’t so loud, but it is still addressed, and even countered, when she fights against Shan Yu, in the emperor’s palace. Honestly, I could go on and on about this movie, if given the chance.

3.   The Mummy (1999) & The Mummy Returns (2001)

Ok, so here’s another empowered female film, because yes, it is an empowered female film. It follows Evelyn Carnahan, her brother Jonathan & the muscular Rick O’Connell, as they unlock the secrets and hidden evils that come with a smuggled artefact that Jonathan managed to obtain. Honestly, who doesn’t love the thrill of the chase, and what better place to do that than in Egypt? I’ve always been fascinated by Egypt and its ancient history and mythology, ever since I studied it, back in school. Granted, I never took up classical studies (I really should have), but even if I didn’t, I still do some research from time to time, just to get a better understanding of the culture of the time.

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Anyway, back to the topic at hand, I love watching these films (excluding The Mummy: Curse of the Dragon Emperor or the subsequent ones that have Tom Cruise in it – we don’t count those ones), because it awakens my love for all things ancient Egypt, just like how Evelyn awakens her previous life in The Mummy Returns. Every time she has her visions, I feel like I’m stepping back in time with her, even if the costumes and the makeup are a bit much, and much too modern for what would have been more historically accurate.

4.   The Pirates Of The Carribbean (Curse of the Black Pearl - 2003, Dead Man’s Chest -2006, At World’s End – 2007)

I have to include these films, because I frequently listen to the music, and watch clips of it on YouTube every so often, building an essay in my head about how the films all encompass one thing. All the men, regardless of whether they’re pirates or not, underestimate and overlook the power of women, particularly one woman. Elizabeth Swann. Like I said, I could write a whole essay about how they all underestimate Elizabeth Swann, including the man she loves, Will Turner. In the first film, Barbosa, Will and even Commodore Norrington underestimated her, because she was the one who saved Will in the end (by convincing Norrington to go back for him). In the second, Jack underestimated her, and yet, she was the one who sent him to Davy Jones’ locker. In the third film, Beckett and Davy Jones himself, underestimated her, and she ended up leading the pirates to war against them.

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Like I said, I have a whole essay in my head that encompasses these films, and it doesn’t even touch upon Calypso’s power too. I absolutely love these films, and would definitely watch them over and over again, especially At World’s End, because it’s just so epic, compared to the previous two films (we do not even consider the fourth or fifth film!). While, the first two films are amazing in their own right, the politics, the adventure, the magic and the action in the third film really is on another level, and that’s what I love about it, there’s so much at stake, and it falls on the shoulders of four pirates (because, yes, Elizabeth is a pirate) to save the world. I love it so much!

5.   The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

Ok, this one’s a little different, because the leads of this movie (and the original novel by C.S Lewis) are an even balance of genders, two boys and two girls. Although, I do have to say that the one who started the whole adventure off was the youngest girl, Lucy. If she hadn’t found the wardrobe, had dinner with Mr Tumnus, and led her brothers and sister to Narnia, we wouldn’t have a story that captures the imagination of children worldwide. I love The Chronicles Of Narnia, although I wish filmmakers could actually make a film about the first book, since no one seems to remember that The Magician’s Nephew exists; still, every remake of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe really encapsulates the childlike wonder that comes with discovering a magical world, only you know about.

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I especially love this remake (the 2005 one), because the music is just so beautiful. It’s sad, but it eventually builds up into something hopeful, and every time I listen to it, I can’t help but think about the different seasons (just like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons), and the way the seasons change in the film (Winter – the beginning, when Jadis rules Narnia, Spring – the middle, when Aslan returns, Summer – the climax, when Aslan sacrifices himself and the battle is won, Autumn – the end, when the children return to their lives back on Earth). It's just such a beautiful piece on again growing up, and learning that life isn't just about fantasy and imagination, there are dangers that lurk around every corner, it's just the way you handle the situation, what the outcome is.

There You Have It, My Top 5 Movies I Will Watch On Repeat, No Matter What

Honestly, I could write whole essays about these movies, their nuanced storylines, and the fact that they all teach a lesson in female power, but I won’t today, these articles are long enough. Of course, if you do want me to write an essay on these films, let me know. I’ll be more than happy to make them, but for now, I hope this article inspires you to go back and watch these films, and if you’ve not heard about any of them, give them a watch, I guarantee you they are worth it. Even if some of them are old, they’re still good movies to watch, and they’ve been remastered, so the colour hasn’t faded, and they’re still just as vivid as they were, when they were first released. I know I’ll be watching them.

Well, that’s it from me today, you guys. I’m going to go and watch these films…again. In the meantime, please don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment, share and follow me, here on Feather’s Charm, on my YouTube channel, on my social media channels, and on Patreon. Your support really helps me make more content like this, for you guys.

And as always, be kind, be creative, and be unique.

I’ll see you later!

Feather, out!