In a world of cinematic brilliance, certain films stand out as timeless treasures that every movie lover must experience. From gripping dramas and heartwarming comedies to breathtaking epics and thought-provoking documentaries, these films entertain, inspire, and provoke meaningful conversations. Let’s explore the ultimate must-see movies that have left an indelible mark on audiences and shaped the landscape of filmmaking. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or just looking to expand your watchlist, these iconic films will captivate your imagination and ignite your passion for storytelling.
Let’s get started!
Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3, Viva La Fiesta
Papi (voiced by George Lopez) and Chloe (voiced by Odette Annable) are everyone’s favorite talking Chihuahuas. They are back with their five playful pups in a new family comedy! The family, both dogs and humans, move into the fancy Langham Hotel with a luxurious doggy spa. Chaos ensues when Rosa, the smallest pup, starts feeling less unique. Papi steps in to help Rosa discover her inner strength, which turns out to be bigger than she ever imagined. Along the way, the story highlights the importance of family, friends, and teamwork.
Papi and Chloe’s five pups feature the voices of Kay Panabaker as Rosa, Emily Osment as Pep, Madison Pettis as Lala, Logan Grove as Papi, Jr., and Delany Jones as Ali. The canine cast also includes Miguel Ferrer as Delgado, Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo as Humberto, and Tom Kenny as Sebastian. The human cast stars Marcus Coloma and Erin Cahill, reprising their roles as Sam and Rachel Cortez from “Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2.” Frances Fisher joins them as travel writer Amelia James.
Bonus features include “Hanging with Papi,” a behind-the-scenes featurette, and “Living Your Dreams,” a music video by Raini Rodriguez.
The Hundred Foot Journey
In The Hundred-Foot Journey, Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal) is a young chef with extraordinary culinary talent. After being displaced from India, his family, led by Papa (Om Puri), settles in a charming village in southern France. They open an Indian restaurant, Maison Mumbai. However, their plans clash with Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren), the strict owner of the Michelin-starred French restaurant, Le Saule Pleureur, just a hundred feet away.
The rivalry intensifies, but Hassan’s love for French cuisine and his bond with Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), Mme. Mallory’s sous chef, begin to bridge the cultural gap. His exceptional cooking slowly softens Mme. Mallory, who eventually becomes his mentor.
The film celebrates culinary art, blending Indian and French flavors, and tells a story of overcoming adversity. To sum up, It’s about finding a home through a fusion of passion and culture.
The Light Between Oceans
Experience the sweeping romance of Disney/DreamWorks Pictures’ The Light Between Oceans, starring Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Rachel Weisz.
This timeless story of love, relationships, and tough choices is a must-see for fans of romantic cinema. The release includes bonus features, such as a documentary on director Derek Cianfrance’s unique approach and a historical look at New Zealand’s Cape Campbell Lighthouse, the setting for Janus Rock. Audio commentary from Cianfrance is also included.
Bonus Features Include:
BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:
- Bringing The Light to Life – Follow the cast and crew as they live in trailers on the remote Cape Campbell, New Zealand, to film the adaptation of the best-selling novel. This documentary showcases director Derek Cianfrance’s distinctive approach and shooting style, revealing how it inspired Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Rachel Weisz to dive deep into their characters and explore the complexities of love.
- Audio Commentary: Watch the film alongside an engaging conversation between director Derek Cianfrance and his film studies professor, Phil Solomon.
- Lighthouse Keeper – Hear from the filmmakers, cast, and Cape Campbell Lighthouse inspector Rob Sword. They all share the lighthouse’s history and the responsibilities of a keeper like Tom Sherbourne during his assignment on Janus Island.
DVD:
- Audio Commentary
London Has Fallen
Prepare for an action-packed ride in London Has Fallen, where a devastated capital and a plot against the U.S. president collide. The Blu-ray™ and Digital HD editions include bonus content that delves deeper into the thriller.
Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Angela Bassett, and Morgan Freeman return to their roles again, joined by new cast members like Alon Moni Aboutboul and Charlotte Riley. Babak Najafi directed this film, which promises intense suspense.
When the British Prime Minister dies, Agent Mike Banning (Butler) and Director Lynne Jacobs (Bassett) prepare to protect President Asher (Eckhart) at the state funeral. However, chaos erupts as world leaders are targeted and London landmarks are attacked. Banning and Asher must survive with the city in lockdown while Vice President Trumbull (Freeman) leads a rescue from the White House.
Bonus features include:
- The Making of London Has Fallen – Get an insider’s perspective on the extensive challenges of shooting a large-scale film in London. Featuring interviews with the cast and crew, this feature showcases director Babak Najafi’s vision and the cast’s approach to their roles.
- Guns, Knives & Explosives—Go behind the scenes of Gerard Butler’s portrayal of Mike Banning and explore the rigorous training and preparation required for his role as a Secret Service agent.
ONWARD
To begin, Disney and Pixar’s Onward is available to buy!
In Onward, teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot (voiced by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt) spend one more day with their late father. They embark on a magical quest with spells, maps, and obstacles aboard Barley’s van, Guinevere. Meanwhile, their mom Laurel (voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) teams up with The Manticore (voiced by Octavia Spencer) to find them. As a result, this magical adventure changes their lives more than they imagined.
Oz The Great and Powerful
Disney’s Oz The Great and Powerful is available!
Accordingly, the Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) offers vibrant picture, sound, and exclusive bonus features. These include “The Magic of Oz,” a Second-Screen feature in which viewers can explore the lands of Oz. James Franco shares his journey to Oz and makeup artist Howard Berger shows Mila Kunis’ transformation. There’s also a behind-the-scenes look at the visual effects behind China Girl.
Directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man trilogy) and produced by Joe Roth (Alice in Wonderland), the film stars James Franco as Oscar Diggs, Mila Kunis as Theodora, Rachel Weisz as Evanora, and Michelle Williams as Glinda.
Bonus Features:
Blu-ray:
- The Magic of “Oz The Great and Powerful” (Second Screen Experience) – This details all things Oz, from an interactive map full of secrets and surprises to an inside look at the spectacular world of Oz.
- The Enchanting Characters and Creatures of Oz—This book follows each character and creature of the Land of Oz from inspiration to the final outcome.
- The Sounds of Magical Oz – Learn what adds fragility to the sounds of China Girl’s footsteps, ferocity to the tornado, or weight to the flutter of Finley’s flapping wings.
- Sleight of Hand: Zach Braff Puppet Theater – Actor and voice of Finley, Zach Braff introduces viewers to the Finley mockup.
- Mariah Carey Music Video
- Bloopers
- My Journey in Oz by James Franco – A personal story produced and directed by James Franco.
- Mr. Elfman’s Musical Concoctions—In an interview, composer Danny Elfman unveils his inspiration for scoring “Oz the Great and Powerful.”
- China Girl and the Suspension of Disbelief—This feature uncloaks several forms of movie magic to bring China Girl to life. It starts with the initial artwork and character design, moves on to the on-set puppeteering during filmmaking, and, finally, goes through each stage of the visual effects process. Also included is an interview with Joey King, the voice of China Girl.
- Before Your Very Eyes: From Kansas to Oz—Production designer Robert Stromberg takes viewers through the Land of Oz set design, from sketching his original ideas on a napkin to the final set pieces and the accompanying visual effects.
- Mila’s Metamorphosis – Lead makeup artist Howard Berger expands on one of the oldest, most tried-and-true forms of movie magic: makeup design and effects.
- Walt Disney and the Road to Oz— Lastly, see how Walt Disney’s fascination grew into inspiration as he began planning his adaptation of the stories in the classic Baum books.
DVD:
- Bloopers
- Walt Disney and the Road to Oz
Princess Diaries
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of a beloved family classic, Disney presents The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. It’s now on Blu-ray for the first time!
Of course, these heartwarming and funny movies starring Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway will charm you. Princess Mia, the future queen of Genovia, has everything she could wish for—except the perfect romance. With plenty of comic twists, these delightful stories show the journey of discovering yourself and making dreams come true.
All in all, these must-see movies remind us of the power of storytelling. It also reminds us of the wide range of experiences film offers. From heart-pounding action to touching narratives and eye-opening documentaries, each film can stir emotions, spark conversations, and leave lasting impressions. Gather your friends, pop some popcorn, and get ready to be transported to different worlds. In fact, your next movie night will be unforgettable and deepen your love for the art of film and the stories that connect us all.