Writer/directorMike Flanaganshares several recommendations for uplifting movies. Flanagan is best known for his work in the horror genre with films such asHush,Oculus, andOuija: Origin of Evil. He saw success with Netflix series, includingThe Haunting of Hill House,Midnight Mass, andFall of the House of Usher. He also adapted the Stephen King novelsDoctor SleepandGerald’s Game. He has three more King adaptations in the works withThe Life of Chuck,Carrie, and thegenre-crossing epicThe Dark Tower.In addition to those, Flanagan is busy with a newExorcistmovie.
AlthoughFlanagan’s career largely focuses on horror, the director has said his future work will end on a hopeful note, despite some previous bleak endings.Flanagan statedthat when his children eventually watch his work he does not want to leave them with a sense of hopelessness and that"no matter how dark a story gets, there’s always hope and forgiveness and empathy at the end.“This sensibility is likely tied into why he wants to share movies that uplift viewers.
Flanagan Has A List That Ranges From Different Periods
He Even Includes One Of His Own
Flanagan reflects that"life is tough. The older I get, the more I value finding the rare movie that just lifts me up, and gives me a few hours of pure, unadulterated happiness.“With this in mind, he shares alist of movies that have a wide range of genres and periods of release. He even acknowledges that he includes his ownupcoming movieThe Life of Chuckas one of the recommendations, saying"deal with it.“While the movie is a King adaptation, the novella’s story is ultimately life-affirming and uplifting.
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Flora and Son
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Local Hero
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Flanagan’s list includes several Rob Reiner movies, includingStand By MeandThe Princess Bride. It also has family movies likeBabe, Toy Story, and Paddington 2.Flanagan notes that some or all of these picks could make viewers crywithField of DreamsandWaitressmaking the cut. Check out his full commentary below:
Life is tough. The older I get, the more I value finding the rare movie that just lifts me up, and gives me a few hours of pure, unadulterated happiness.
Here is a list of movies that are, above everything else, uncynical. These are movies that make me truly, deeply smile. That doesn’t mean that won’t make you cry - most of these get me every single time - but ultimately, they create a pure kind of joy. I’m so glad they exist.
And yes, I’m putting my own film on this list, deal with it.
Our Take On Flanagan’s List
It’s As Important As Ever
These recommendations range from classic Hollywood to a movie that hasn’t been widely released yet. I personally like thatFlanaganis using his platform to share positivity. Online culture can often be toxic along with a tumultuous time across the world. The selections he makes are joyous and uplifting, and yes, have a very good chance of making you glassy-eyed. It’s a charming list of movies that are worth checking out and should put a smile on your face.
Source:Flanagan
Mike Flanagan
Discover the latest news and filmography for Mike Flanagan, known for Doctor Sleep and The Haunting of Hill House.
