100TH POST EXTRAVAGANZA: 50 Books, Shows, Movies and Games That Will Change You

WELCOME TO THE PARTY!!!

Photo by cole peters on Pexels.com

Can you even BELIEVE we have been vomiting out our thoughts and opinions on this blog for 100 ENTIRE POSTS??? Technically, 105, if you count the unscheduled posts, but we’ll ignore those for the sake of the festivities.

If you’ve been here since the beginning or close to it, mad props to you. You’re a true supporter. When we’re both famous, you guys are going to be our inner circle. We’ll take you to release parties and stuff.

So what can we possibly do that’s big and awesome enough to properly celebrate this occasion?

What we do best, boys. What we do best.

Talk about stuff we like.

50 BOOKS, SHOWS, MOVIES AND GAMES THAT WILL CHANGE YOU!

We all have stories that made such an impression on us that we still think about them for years or even decades after. So we’ve worked together to compile a list of the stories that have made the strongest impression on us. Hopefully you’ll see a few favorites and also get some new material for your TBR or to-watch list. If you want to skip around and see which of your favorites are on here, we’ve included a handy table of contents for your navigational pleasure.

Let’s get to it!

Good Will Hunting, dir. Gus Van Sant (1997)

“It’s not your fault.”

This is my favorite movie of all time. I will force it upon anyone who happens to come into my life.

A blue-collar Boston kid draws the attention of an award-winning MIT professor when he solves a difficult mathematical equation in secret.

This movie is incredible in every way. The writing, the cinematography, the actors’ performances–there are just no notes. We laugh hysterically, we sob into our pillows, we think about life and what we want from it in a whole new way. Matt Damon and Robin Williams were born to play these roles together. I love a serious Robin Williams role. They’re way overlooked in my opinion. And this is (maybe) his best one. If you haven’t seen it, you absolutely must. You will like it. You will love it. You will look at life differently afterward. Just drink lots of water during, because it will get you.

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson (2010)

“Life before Death. Strength before Weakness. Journey before Destination.”

The highest of fantasy, the most epic of stories, and a world you will never forget.

This was my first Cosmere novel, and it started me on a journey that has led me to where I am now. I have art on my walls, stickers on my laptop, and even a tattoo in Alethi on my leg. This series has some of the best characters with amazing growth, politics that will have your mind spinning yet craving more, and will make you yearn for your world to be a little more magical. This book is not for everyone, but it’s certainly for me.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2012)

“He is half of my soul, as the poets say.”

No book has made me feel more emotion than this one here. I finished it right before I had to get ready for work. I was actually late that day because I couldn’t stop crying long enough to put on my makeup.

Patroclus relates the decades-long story of his life as the lover of Achilles, warrior and beloved Greek hero.

There are just no notes. The prose is absolutely stunning. Like, Patrick Rothfuss levels of stunning. Such a strong and clear feeling of Patroclus and his intense love for Achilles from the moment they first met comes through so well through the narrative. This book will hurt you, make you smile, and ruin your life. You have to read this before you die.

Over the Garden Wall, creators Katie Krentz & Patrick McHale (2014)

“Ain’t that just the way.”

There is a reason why this show is rewatched annually by thousands of people every fall.

Two boys find themselves lost in the woods and must try to find their way home.

I’ve seen this show described as the perfect American fairy tale. It truly manages to capture colonial era Appalachian charm, while being full of whimsy and wonder and the darkness of winter looming at the edges. Plus, the soundtrack is so good, it’s been in my top five on Spotify several times now. If you haven’t yet, as soon as the leaves start to change this year, get cozy with a mug of your favorite hot beverage and binge this show ASAP.

The Green Mile, dir. Frank Darabont (1999)

“I’m tired of people bein’ ugly to each other.”

I debated between choosing the book or the film, but the film ultimately won out because of the insane skill we get from these actors.

Death row in a prison is changed forever after a very special inmate arrives.

This story is exciting from start to finish. It’s an incredibly faithful adaptation of Stephen King’s book, and every single casting choice was simply unquestionable. Tom Hanks brings the sensitivity and gentle amusement to the character of Paul Edgecombe, and Michael Clarke Duncan gives the performance of the century playing John Coffey. It will break your heart and amaze you. There will be about fifteen solid minutes toward the end that just compound and make you cry harder and harder. It’s stunning. Frank Darabont is truly talented and this film is the showcase of that talent.

Project Hail Mary, dirs. Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (2026)

“You just need to find someone to be brave for.”

So while I LOVE the book to pieces, there’s just something about the movie that changed my life forever.

Two unlikely allies must team up to save their planets from total extinction.

I cried seven times while watching it. The characters are wonderful, the cinematography is phenomenal, and the story is one that will stick with you for a long time. Plus, I’d do anything to see Ryan Gosling. Go see it in theaters while you still can!

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (2007)

“You have to be a bit of a liar to tell a story the right way.”

In middle school, you all read a series that shaped your entire personality. This was one of mine.

Legendary hero Kvothe relates his life story to a Chronicler.

This book (and its sequel) contain truly the most vivid and lifelike main character I’ve ever read. Kvothe absolutely is a real person to me. The prose is the best I’ve ever read, the plot is addicting, the worldbuilding is so well done that you feel like you’re actually living in it. We have insane highs and deep lows, suffering, joy, friendship, loss, and everything that makes a story legendary. This is my favorite series of all time, next to The Inheritance Cycle. Do not let the unfinished status of the series stop you from reading what there is. It is worth it to have read these two books, even if that’s all we get. Seriously.

The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins (2008~)

“Fire is catching, and if we burn, you burn with us.”

Like many, I read these books when I was in school.

A girl wants to save her sister, but winds up starting a rebellion instead.

I reread them again as an adult last year after finishing Sunrise on the Reaping, and wound up appreciating them even more. Maybe it’s due to my developed brain. Maybe it’s due to the political unrest we’ve faced in the last few years. Regardless, go read these books again (or for the first time, if you’re weird like Ava). I promise they’ve only become more important as time has passed.

The Life of Chuck, dir. Mike Flanagan (2025)

“I contain multitudes.”

Sorry, but you guys moved on from this one too fast. This baby is an absolute banger from my favorite director.

A man’s life is reviewed in memory sequences seen in reverse chronological order.

The Stephen King novella was already a banger, and Mike Flanagan took everything we needed from the source material and mixed it in with his own delicious magical homebrew. You will think about life differently after this movie. And you’ll never be able to listen to a street drummer again without thinking of the dancing scene, which is one of the greatest film scenes of all time in my opinion.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown (2014)

“Break the chains, my love.”

Some of the best sci-fi you’ll EVER get. Seriously.

One young man’s journey to rise to the top and change the universe.

Fascinating politics, a caste system that you see all the intricacies of, and a beginning that might get you to cry right off the bat. Massive shout out to my boyfriend for getting us to read the first book of this series in book club, because it seriously started us BOTH down the crazy adventure here.

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini (2021)

“We are the universe watching itself, watching and learning.”

This book is special to both of us, as it started our book club. It’s also one of the best space operas I’ve ever read.

Kira comes uncomfortably close to alien life, spurring a trek across the stars.

I have one word for you: atmosphere. And that’s not a pun. Reading this book felt like I was literally asleep and dreaming of the events. You know when you fall into that meditative state when you read or watch something really good, and you don’t even realize that you haven’t moved in twenty minutes? That’s how thick this atmosphere is. And Kira is a multi-layered protagonist and the supporting cast only elevates the narrative. This is a great example of how far Paolini has come even from the masterpiece that is Inheritance. He’s an incredibly literary talent.

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson (2017)

“I was alive in a way I never had been before, in a world that no longer felt stale but instead crackled with breathless promise.”

This book is literally everything I love in a faerie tale.

A painter and a fae prince fall in love, breaking the Good Law and thrusting them into a journey through the seasons of faerie.

A magical romance, a vibrant world full of life and color, and fae who are unique and whimsical and full of wonder. I call this book my guilty pleasure romantasy book, because while it isn’t the world’s best book by any means, it’s one that means so much to me, largely because it is so much of what I want the world to be.

Sinners, dir. Ryan Coogler (2025)

“And just for a few hours, we was free.“

If you haven’t seen this one yet because you’re worried it’s overhyped, it’s not.

Twin brothers put on the party of a lifetime, but something nefarious crashes the scene.

I did not move a single time while watching this movie. It hooked me from beginning to end. The score is insane, and it literally gave me chills multiple times. It’s vampires in a fresh way, it’s commentary, it’s everything. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

The Stand by Stephen King (1978)

“The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there…and still on your feet.”

What was your first King novel? Pet Sematary? Carrie? The Shining? Mine was The Stand!

After 99% of humanity is wiped out due to a deadly virus, the last remnants of society must come together to defeat a greater threat.

Ava decided to throw me headfirst into this insane novel and I somehow came out of it alive and willing to read more King. This book is INSANE, with wonderful characters, a broken world that needs remade, and a villain who is so good, King uses him multiple times. And it’s extra scary now, having lived through a global pandemic of our own. If length doesn’t bother you, go get your hands on this book.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (2021)

“There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.”

I really expected this one to be overhyped, and I was proven so very wrong.

Kya is accused of murder after a life of living in quiet loneliness with only the natural world for company.

There is something for everybody in this book. A tantalizing mystery that kept me on my toes the whole time, a love story, tragedy, triumph, and more. Kya is a very unique main character and you will be rooting for her all the way through.

Stardew Valley, ConcernedApe

“I think we all have a hidden urge to return to nature. It’s just a little scary to make the leap.”

So this one is a little unique because it’s a farming sim game, but bear with me.

A farmer inherits a farm in a small town, and heeds the call to start a new chapter of their life.

This game has a lot of depth to it! The game opens with the player (you!) receiving a letter from their dying grandpa. He tells you to open it when life has gotten hard and you need it most. 20 years later, while working a dead end menial office job, you open the envelope and learn that you’ve inherited your grandpa’s old farm. This game has a lot of magic to it, with wonderful characters to meet, a peaceful atmosphere and simple but mesmerizing gameplay, and the ability to take a break from our own tedious lives. Fun game, fun story, will change your life.

Call Me By Your Name, dir. Luca Guadagnino (2017)

“What you two had, had everything and nothing to do with intelligence. He was good. You were both lucky to have found each other, because you too are good.“

I have a reason for picking the movie over the book.

Elio spends a summer fighting a growing infatuation with his parents’ house guest.

While both the book and movie are great, I felt completely opposite about their respective endings. The book ended in a bad upsetting way, while the movie ended in a good upsetting way. Timmy’s performance is absolutely stellar here, and the color palette and line delivery style really help the film to stand out and stick in the memory. This movie made me feel terrible in a wonderful way.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (1937)

“I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why.”

I really enjoyed this book in high school.

Two migrant workers try to find their place in a world where no one wants them.

It’s short, to the point, and has a wonderful movie adaptation that does everything perfectly. It’s a great look into Great Depression era America, calls attention to the mistreatment of migrant workers, and a lot of the struggles those with mental disabilities face. George is a wonderfully written character. Plus, this was the book I got to teach during my Student Teaching, so it will always have a lot of significance to me.

IT by Stephen King (1986)

“What can be done when you’re eleven can often never be done again.”

There’s a reason this is 75% of King fans’ favorite.

Childhood friends face a shape-shifting monster both as children and again as adults.

This book isn’t just “the scary clown one”. We’ve got 1000 pages of out of this world characterization, worldbuilding, and unforgettable nostalgia so thick you could cut it. King perfectly captures the feeling of being twelve years old and simultaneously having the world at your fingertips and feeling the vast danger of that world. It is so much more than a clown and a sewer orgy. Don’t let others’ generalizations prevent you from giving this baby a chance.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (1998)

“Everything you’re sure is right can be wrong in another place.”

This was another high school read, and one that really opened my eyes to the magic of a story that shares so many different perspectives.

An evangelical Baptist brings his wife and four daughters to bring the gospel of Christ to a post-colonial Africa.

This realistic fiction novel shows off African culture and how it changed during their colonization, reflects on the dangers of being unwilling to see the world differently than how you want, and gives the reader four unique characters to view this story through.

The Haunting of Hill House, creator Mike Flanagan (2018)

“I loved you completely. And you loved me the same. That’s all. The rest is confetti.”

I will never watch this show again.

The Crain siblings reunite for the funeral of their youngest sister.

There was not a single episode of this show that didn’t make me cry at least a little bit. This was Mike Flanagan’s television debut, and my god, what an introduction to the medium. It’s so layered and full of things to unpack, and though I’ll never watch it again, I imagine it only gets better on a rewatch. Just to convince you to watch it- there’s an episode that’s only 3 or 4 shots. Total. For a 56 minute episode. It’s a literal masterpiece. Do not watch this while wearing eyeliner.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)

“I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.”

Okay, last high school read, I swear, but this one is also great!

A young girl’s experience growing up in the south at a time when racial prejudice was at its peak in America.

Most of us have read this one I bet, so I’ll keep it simple. Atticus Finch is a wonderful character who changed the world, Scout is the perfect example of a coming-of-age story, and the conversations about race are ones that are still important to this day. This book is a classic for a reason, and one we can’t ever stop teaching.

Dead Poets Society, dir. Peter Weir (1989)

“Sucking the marrow out of life doesn’t mean choking on the bone.”

Remember at the beginning when I talked about how much I love serious Robin Williams?

An unconventional new teacher takes a boys’ school by storm.

This movie is a love letter to life. We grow with the boys as we see them become inspired, desirous to take control over their meticulously pre-planned lives. I’ll never forget this movie as long as I live. From the epic “O Captain, my Captain!” scene to the flying desk set, this movie is an aching but beautiful blueprint for how to approach life.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab (2020)

“What is a person, if not the marks they leave behind?”

This book is beloved by so many for a very good reason.

Addie LaRue is free to experience everything time and the world have to offer, but with the drawback of no one remembering who she is.

It’s romantic and painful and makes you want to hold on tight to those close to you. Addie wishes to be held back by nothing, and when her wish is answered, it’s answered literally. She drifts for hundreds of years, enjoying the wonders of the world, but unable to make a mark on it. That is, until she meets a young man who is exactly what she’s been needing.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (2020)

“Don’t you wish you were here?”

This is the blueprint for found family.

Social worker Linus finds more than he expected while checking out an orphanage for fantastical children.

TJ Klune speaks to all us 9-5ers with this story of finding where you’re meant to be. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, charming, goofy, whimsical, and adorable, with great messages about being different and not letting the uninformed opinions of others stop you from being who you are.

Vantage by Taneum Bambrick (2019)

quote

I read this collection very early on in my college experience, and it’s safe to say that it genuinely changed my life.

Poems about gender, class, nature, and violence, told through the lens of the only woman on a garbage crew in the wake of the failure of the Wanupum Dam.

This book is what showed me that poetry can be raw and gross and about whatever you want it to be. The story of the narrator is compelling and introspective, full of harsh truths that we can’t look away from. If you aren’t sure about whether poetry is for you, try this book out before you decide. It may just shape the way you see the world.

Brokeback Mountain, dir. Ang Lee (2005)

“I wish I knew how to quit you.”

I can’t believe it took me as long as it did to finally experience this masterpiece.

Two cowboys fall for each other during a job, starting a decades-long relationship despite the two of them starting traditional families of their own.

This is pain in the form of art. One of the scariest things to humans is the thought of wasting the one life we have. Jack and Ennis find true magic in their love for one another, and it’s so painful and heart-wrenching to watch them struggle through the lives expected of them by society. Don’t watch this unless you’ve got tissues and an hour to stare at the wall afterward.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Nintendo

quote

If you like games/stories with multiple endings, consider trying this one out.

A war between three countries, the church that wants to unify them, and a hero who will be the key to winning the fight.

As the main character, you get to pick a country to represent at an officers academy at the center of Fodlan, a continent whose three countries are about to be on the brink of war. There are four different routes you can go through in this game, with each one revealing new backstories, new story beats, and unique dialogue and conflicts that change your perspective and allegiances. I love this game so much, I’ve played through it almost a dozen times, picking new characters to befriend, learning more about the world every time I play, and appreciating more and more the depth within the story.

Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024)

“Madness and sanity are judged by majority norms.”

If you’ve never read a Tchaikovsky and you want to, this is where to start.

On a prison planet, an alien race is discovered that has a unique biology containing lessons for humanity.

This is one of the best sci-fi standalones out there. My buddy Adrian builds this world effortlessly, bringing you through science while making it feel like magic instead. Nobody comes up with unique evolutionary biology like he does, and the lesson stored in the narrative is nuanced and relevant to the current state of humanity.

La La Land, dir. Damien Chazelle (2016)

“People love what other people are passionate about.”

My boyfriend got me to watch this movie and I’ll never forgive him for it.

Two dreamers in LA have to find out if they can love each other and their dreams at the same time.

This movie is one of the most beautiful and soul crushing things you could ever witness. You will laugh, fall in love, cry, and have your heartbroken. And then for years afterwards you’ll get the main theme stuck in your head and your whole day will be ruined in the best way.

300, dir. Zack Snyder (2006)

“Come back with your shield, or on it.“

Ancient meme aside, this is a serious heavy hitter.

300 Spartans fight the army of Xerxes in a dramatization of the legendary Battle of Thermopylae.

This movie is full of drama, great costuming, inspiring dialogue, and exciting combat action. If you’re a fan of all things ancient Greece, this is a must-see. And if you’re not, you’d still like it.

The Princess Bride, dir. Rob Reiner (1987)

“Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.”

This is a classic movie that was on very frequently at my house.

A grandfather reads his sick grandson a bedtime story about a maiden and a farmhand, and their long road to find one another again and again.

This is a classic movie that was on very frequently at my house. I can quote it six ways to Sunday. The humor is impeccable, the story adventurous and romantic, and the plotline of the grandfather and grandson is really sweet and a great way to narratively frame the movie. I’ve never read the book, but I know that both are very meta and add a lot of humor to the already great story.

(Ava here. I’ve read the book. Movie’s better.)

11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011)

“Dancing is life.”

This is so much more than a time travel story.

Jake is given a daunting task: return back in time and prevent the assassination of JFK. But the past is obdurate, and Jake finds more than he’d anticipated waiting for him in the past.

This is a love story. Through and through. It transports you back in time so perfectly that it feels like escapism. It’s got humor, love, hate, and a tantalizing conspiracy that feels satisfying to unfold along with Jake. And above all, it’s got an epic romance that will change your view on love forever.

Howl’s Moving Castle, dir. Hayao Miyazaki (2004)

“A heart’s a heavy burden.”

Honestly I could have put several Ghibli movies on this list, but I’ll settle for just this one.

Sophie seeks out the mysterious wizard Howl after she’s placed under a curse.

I’m one of many who love this movie. I love the music, the whimsy within it, the ultimate babygirl that is Howl Jenkins Pendragon. This is a story about love, magic, finding yourself, and making things work despite your circumstances. It’s wonderfully charming and will fill your heart to bursting.

The Long Walk, dir. Francis Lawrence (2025)

“Just walk with me a little longer.“

This movie is emotional pain personified.

Teenagers walk in a marathon with life or death stakes.

This movie is one of the most well-done King adaptations of all time. Not only is it a good movie on its own, it’s a faithful adaptation with changes that made great sense for the medium and only made the story better. Saige and I saw it in theaters with our friends and there wasn’t a single dry eye between all of us. It’s very hard to watch and will leave you shuddering on the floor afterward, but it’s incredible. This is one of the few instances where I liked an adaptation better than the King novel.

The Truman Show, dir. Peter Weir (1998)

“Good morning, and in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!”

I watched this movie late into high school and it really sat with me.

Truman has lived his whole life unknowing that his whole life has been staged for TV.

It’s a wonderful blend of drama and comedy, and Jim Carrey’s performance as Truman is truly stellar. Watching his spiral into realization is intense, and I’ll never forget the feeling of rooting for Truman as he tries to figure out what he wants out of his life, not what the TV producers want for him. It really makes you think about your own life, and what you want to get out of it.

The House of My Mother by Shari Franke (2025)

“Sometimes, family isn’t just what you’re born into—it’s also what you build in the aftermath of loss.”

We can’t be leaving memoirs out of this list!

Abuse survivor Shari Franke sheds light on a home life wrought with exploitation, abuse, and tyranny.

Shari’s book is not only a cautionary tale about believing in a person’s seemingly perfect internet persona, but an inspirational story of survival and resilience. We should be mistrustful of anyone on the internet who could be exploiting people for views and money, and this book makes the perfect argument why.

Your Lie in April, creator Naoshi Arakawa (2014-2015)

“Was I able to live inside someone’s heart?”

Oh my god this show absolutely WRECKED me when I first watched it.

A grieving young pianist finds inspiration to play again through the actions of a young violinist.

Even if you aren’t an anime person, this show is really wonderful. It’s colorful and beautiful, has some amazing musical performances, and touches on heavy topics like grief, depression, and illness. It’s really masterfully done and will stick with you for a long time after watching. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t seen it, but get a tissue box ready to go for the final few episodes.

Yes Man, dir. Peyton Reed (2008)

“The world’s a playground. You know that when you are a kid, but somewhere along the way everyone forgets it.”

Maybe an unpopular opinion, but this is my favorite Jim Carrey movie.

Carl is given a challenge to spice up his boring life: say “yes” to everything people ask of him.

This movie is cute, hilarious, loveable, romantic, inspiring, and memorable. Its central lesson is one that is very important to our current society: leaving your comfort zone is essential to personal growth. There are so many great lines in this one, and of course we’ve got Zooey Deschanel singing like four times. This is Jim Carrey at his most lovable.

Stranger Than Fiction, dir. Marc Forster (2006)

“Even if you avoid this death, another will find you and I guarantee that it won’t be nearly as poetic or meaningful as what she’s written.”

I watched this movie very soon after The Truman Show, so they are very connected to me.

Harold awakes one morning with a voice in his head, narrating his actions. And if that isn’t alarming enough, the voice tells him he’s going to die.

This also fits into the dramedy genre, with the story following Harold Crick as he tries to discover the identity of the voice in his head. He has to try and live a normal life, while discovering if he lives in a comedy or a tragedy, all while worrying about his foreshadowed death. As a writer, this movie is extra relevant, as we also get to learn about the narrator, a troubled author who needs to finish her current novel. It all comes together so well and makes us think about what makes a good story versus what makes a good life.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini (2005)

“I’ll fight when needed, revel when there’s an occasion, mourn when there is grief and die if my time comes…But I will not let anyone use me against my will.”

You knew this one was coming.

Young farmer Eragon discovers a dragon egg while hunting in the woods, spurring an epic adventure that takes him far from home.

This is the fantasy book. I highly recommend the entire series if you can; they only get better as you go on. If there is one book that does the hero’s journey absolutely flawlessly, it’s this one. If you’re not normally an enjoyer of high fantasy, this is your gateway drug. Eragon is a perfectly flawed but loveable protagonist, and all readers will be rooting for him. The worldbuilding is some of the best I’ve ever read, and everything is made so much more impressive knowing that Paolini hadn’t even graduated high school when this was published.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, creator Hiromu Arakawa (2009-2010)

“You can’t gain anything without losing something first”.

Okayyyyyy last anime thing I swear, but I saved the best for last.

Two brothers must deal with the consequences after their failed attempt to bring their mother back to life.

No filler, tons of actions, amazing characters, well written female characters, and a crazy good plot that keeps you on your toes. This really is the blue print for how to make a good shonen. The world building is on point, I don’t get tired of it no matter how many times I watch it, and it has some hella good openings, too. Again, even if anime isn’t your thing, give this one a try.

Stand By Me, dir. Rob Reiner (1986)

“I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?”

I think every human being should be required to watch this movie.

Four friends go on a journey to see a dead body.

No other piece of media so perfectly captures the feeling of being twelve years old and going on an adventure with your best friends. The soundtrack is unbeatable, all the performances from the kids are stellar, Kiefer Sutherland is hot as hell, and we’re treated to some iconic lines, such as, “I’m gonna rip your head off and shit down your neck!”

The Legend of Zelda Franchise, Nintendo

“Courage need not be remembered, for it is never forgotten.”

I can’t pick just one game to talk about here, so this will be about the franchise as a whole.

The timeless story of an immortal evil who is hungry for the power, the courageous knight who will rise up to stop him, and the princess with the wisdom to aid him.

I love these games so much. They are a huge part of my childhood and one of my great obsessions as an adult. Battles of good versus evil are always fun, and getting to play dozens of games as different incarnations of the same hero fighting the same evil is really cool. So much of the story centers around a young boy called to adventure, who finds his courage along the way. Courage as an ideal has meant a lot to me as a young adult through the myriad of decisions I’ve had to make, and I owe much of it to this great game series. If you aren’t a gamer, go check out the Twilight Princess manga by Akira Himekawa.

The Haunting of Bly Manor, creator Mike Flanagan (2020)

“It’s you, it’s me, it’s us.”

Have you ever sat down to watch something scary, then by the end of it, you’re sobbing on the toilet while you’re supposed to be getting ready for work?

An American au pair moves to Bly Manor to take on two new pupils, but something sinister seems to be watching her every move.

I think I should be able to sue Mike Flanagan for emotional damage for the last episode of this show. What the hell. Not only is this series one of the creepiest and most atmospheric horror stories I’ve ever seen, it takes every opportunity to tug on your emotions. Whether it’s watching Owen try to keep a smile on his face while his mother is ailing, sitting through trauma with Hannah, or watching Flora pick up the phone in hopes that it’s her absent uncle, you’re going to be tearing up at nearly every turn. This was my second Flanagan watch ever, and I will never forget these characters and their stories.

Treasure Planet, dirs. Ron Clements, John Musker (2002)

“You got the makings of greatness in you.”

This movie is so so good guys! It’s honestly so slept on.

Jim Hawkins learns who he is not at home, but on a journey to find the universe’s greatest treasure.

Beautiful animation, a soundtrack that can kill, and a coming of age story that still gets me good even in my twenties. I quote this movie all the time, and if I listen to I’m Still Here with enough pent up emotions, I can get myself to cry. This is seriously some of the best sci-fi out there. Go see it if you haven’t.

Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond (1997)

“Much of human history has consisted of unequal conflicts between the haves and the have-nots.”

If you’re only going to read one history book in your life, make it this one.

Jared Diamond explains why some cultures gained certain advantages over others and the lingering effects of those advantages that are still seen today.

If you’ve always been interested in why human history happened the way it did, this book will answer that question for you. When I first read it, I thought of it as the “racism ender”, because it gives scientific and geographical facts that directly prove false the bigoted claims that some ethnicities are simply better than others. I’m very glad it was required reading for me in high school.

The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare (2010-2013)

“Most people are lucky to have even one great love in their life. You have found two.”

I’ll admit guys, this is the only thing in the Shadowhunter’s universe that I’ve read, but it’s everything you’ll ever need.

Tessa Gray must learn who (and what) she is after she is thrust headfirst into the world of the Shadowhunters.

Things that go bump in the night, plots to overthrow angels, and the immortal struggle of light versus dark. Plus, this book has the love triangle to end all love triangles. Seriously. If the great world building wasn’t already enough, the characters are so phenomenally written that this will forever be the golden standard of love triangles for me. Plus, I cried for four straight hours the first time I finished the series. It’s that good.

Along Came Polly, dir. John Hamburg (2004)

“It’s not about what happened in the past, or what you think might happen in the future. It’s about the ride, for Christ’s sake.”

There’s more to this rom-com.

Reuben, a risk analyst, takes a chance on a flighty love interest after having his heart broken by what seemed like the safest choice.

I am not necessarily a rom-com person, but this movie is, in my weird opinion, the end-all of rom-coms. It’s one of Ben Stiller’s most honest performances, and Jennifer Anniston completely breaks out of her Friends bubble with her eclectic and charming performance as Polly. Philip Seymour Hoffman will give you hiccups from laughing so hard, and you’ll come away with a feeling that life is an exciting adventure to be had.

The Sixth Sense, dir. M. Night Shyamalan (1999)

“I see dead people.”

This was the first movie that I saw that really made a huge impact on me, and is probably my first delve into horror/thrillers that had me wanting more.

Cole is a troubled young boy with a secret he can’t tell anyone: the source of his fears are the dead people that only he can see.

After watching it, I stayed up for hours reading every wiki page and movie review I could on it. The story is wonderful, the imagery is symbolic and haunting, and the twist at the end? It’s all so good. If you somehow have never seen it, go into it blind, but be sure to look into the behind the scenes details afterwards.

What are some of the works that have changed the way you see life and/or the world?

We want to thank you readers once again for being here for 100 posts. Here’s to 100 more!

Photo by Cedric Fauntleroy on Pexels.com

This content was written and created by a human, without the use of any artificial intelligence tools. The authors do not authorize this article’s usage in training AI tools. We proudly support the original works of creators and individuals over technology that steals and manipulates original content without consent of creators.

Pen and Sword Blog