January Watchlist: Films For Any Mood This Month
January is a month of extremes, we’re all still mourning the festivities, creating a list of resolutions and intense regimes, and facing the classic gloomy days. Whether you’re battling through the “January blues” or you’re simply looking for a break from the chaos, I’ve got the perfect films to help you through! My film picks for this month are curated to give you anything and everything you could have possibly wanted, from feel-good classics to inspiring shorts, I’ve got something for everyone.
So, grab yourself a blanket and maybe some popcorn whilst you take a look at our list of films to suit whatever mood it is you’re in this January…
If you want a laugh…
Burn After Reading (top left):
This film receives a 5/5 from me every single time I watch it. Could I even explain the plot to you? No, but give it a watch and find out for yourself.
Hot Rod (top right):
This year I decided to add ‘Hot Rod’ to my top four on letterboxd. If that doesn’t tell you something about Andy Samberg’s incredible comedic timing, then what will?
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (bottom left):
Some might refer to this comedy as a bit of a classic. With a star-studded cast including Will Ferrel, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate, Ben Stiller & Harrison Ford (just to name a few), what’s not to enjoy?
The Nice Guys (bottom right):
Whilst this one is a recent watch for me, and one of my first times seeing Ryan Gosling or Russel Crowe in a more comedic role, it did not disappoint. Packed with action, drama, and of course comedy this one should definitely cheer you up this January.
If you want to embrace those “JANuary Blues”…
Aftersun (top left):
For me, this is Paul Mescal’s best role yet, other than perhaps his stand out performance as Connell in ‘Normal People’. The soundtrack, acting, cinematography, but especially the soundtrack in this film are exquisite!!
Beautiful Boy (top right):
If you’ve read my review of Timothée Chalamet’s filmography you’ll know exactly how I feel about Beautiful Boy. To put it simply it sits at top spot for my favourite role of Chalamet’s. His performance is sensitive, raw, and authentic.
Bridge to Terabithia (bottom left):
If you want to delve into your past and relieve the trauma of watching this film for the first time – I dare you! Possibly the most perfect film for embracing those “January blues”.
Iron Claw (bottom right):
Another contender for my Letterboxd top four, whilst it hasn’t made it yet, it certainly could when I inevitably watch it for the fourth time. I don’t believe that Zac Efron got quite enough credit for his impeccable acting in this devastating film.
If you want to feel inspired or encouraged…
50/50 (top left):
I only watched this film last month and I have to say I wasn’t expecting too much from it. Whilst it may not have won awards, it’s an easy watch with the one and only Joseph Gordon-Levitt and I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed this.
Soul (top right):
If you still haven’t seen this film? Please put this on your list or just relax and press play right now. All I can say is that it is the definition of a must-watch.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (bottom left):
This short film is a Bafta and Oscar Nominated animation that is extremely inspiring and heartfelt. Surely, you’re intrigued just from the picture?
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (bottom right):
Another recent watch for me, even though over the years I’ve heard a lot of people rave about this film. So, if you’re like me and have not given this one a chance yet, please let me be the one to encourage you. This film is the epitome of inspiration.
When all you need is notalgia…
Dumbo (top left):
Whilst it’s not the hottest take, Dumbo is incredibly adorable and that’s one of the best reasons I can give you to watch the film!
Back to the Future (top right):
A film I adore so much I decided to write my dissertation on it! This film is such a classic that I’m guessing you’ve already seen it before. If that’s not the case please please please watch it now.
Almost Famous (bottom left):
‘Almost famous’ made me feel nostalgic for and obsessed with a time period that I wasn’t even alive during. Whilst odd at times, this film has a dreamy lens over it that glamourises the joy of being in a band or being a groupie in the 70s.
Stand By Me (bottom right):
Possibly the most classic coming of age film to date! ‘Stand By Me’ is a take on Stephen King’s book ‘The Body’. It is brimming with so many differnet emotions that make this group of a four so gripping to watch.
When the plot has to centre around sound…
Sound of Metal (top left):
This film won an Academy Award and BAFTA for best sound, the ability to change the entire feeling of a scene and disorient viewers with the editing of the sound was incredible. Riz Ahmed’s performance is outstanding, he gives the film needed focus and I can’t imagine this character being acted by anyone else.
La La Land (top right):
You don’t need me to tell you about ‘La La Land’, at least I hope you don’t. This film is one of two Damien Chazelle films in this category, showcasing just how much Chazelle excels when experimenting with sound & music.
Tick Tick Boom (bottom left):
If you choose this film to be in your watchlist this January, I implore you to watch a comparison video between Andrew Garfield’s performance and Jonathan Larson’s. It’s a feat of acting from Garfield!
Whiplash (bottom right):
I struggled to know what exactly to say about this film other than how much I am obsessed with the soundtrack and the acting of both Miles Teller & J.K. Simmons. The use of colour, like ‘La La Land’, is always purposeful and significant. The tension, stress, love, passion, anger and more in this film are all exquisitely performed and controlled.
Feels like a warm hug…
Little Women 2019 (top left):
Whilst, admittedly, I have never seen the previous Little Women film. I can safely state I’m certain this one would be my favourite. Again, we see a star-studded cast perfectly emulate the characters of Louisa May Alcott. Greta Gerwig deserves so much appreciation!
Singin’ In The Rain (top right):
This film was always on in my grandma’s house growing up and rightly so! A classic, that will still entertain me to this day. The music is beautiful and the sheer talent of these performers is commendable.
The Incredibles (bottom left):
INCREDIBLE!!! What more is there to say?
10 things I hate about you (bottom right):
This film for me is one of my favourite romcoms out there, Heath Ledger’s talent doesn’t go amiss in this loose adaption of Shakespeare’s ‘Taming of The Shrew’. Kat & Patrick’s romance is a classic enemies to lovers, done so so well!
My Miscellaneous Special Mentions…
The Double (top left):
The fact that Richard Ayoade is the director of this film, should tell you all need to know. Jesse Eisenberg takes on his usual bumbling persona and stuns in this unusual and intriguing film.
Bicycle Thieves (top right):
Admittedly, I had to watch this film as part of my first-year uni experience. However, I was very pleased that I did. This Academy Award winning film is a rich story surrounding a father and his young son. It is a film that defined the neo-realism era and rightly so! I urge you to not just watch but to read more about this film too.
Snatch (bottom left):
Snatch is Guy Ritchie at his best! This film brings everything you could possibly need to keep you entertained and hooked. Each actor produces their own stand-out performance in this crime-comedy.
The Royal Tenenbaums (bottom right):
Last, but of course, not least I had to end with a Wes Anderson film! This film is everything all at once, it’s comedic, wacky, clever and very well thought out. So worthy of your time and will definitely cure those “January blues”!
