Daily writing prompt

What are your top ten favorite movies?

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Hello dear friends,

I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood, perhaps with a steaming cup of tea in hand and your heart ready to travel through the magical world of cinema.

Today’s writing prompt question truly delighted me: “What are your top ten favorite movies?”

For most movie lovers, answering this is like choosing your favorite stars in the night sky—each one shines for a reason.

But here’s the beauty: our favorite movies aren’t just films; they are reflections of our dreams, values, laughter, and sometimes our tears. They’re the stories that have shaped us, comforted us, or simply entertained us on rainy afternoons.

Back in my childhood, I was a great fan of Hindi films, and my favorite stars were Rajesh Khanna, Raj Kapoor, and Dev Anand.

Whenever one of their films came to the theater, my heart would yearn to watch it, and I would often sneak out with friends without seeking permission from home.

Johny Mera Naam

One incident still brings a smile to my face. I was in school then, and our little group of friends was always up to some mischief. One day, I saw a poster of Dev Anand’s film “Johny Mera Naam.” That was enough to spark our plan to watch it.

The problem was, a regular show’s timing would make it easy for our families to suspect, and we risked getting caught. Then one friend suggested we go for the matinee show (12 noon to 3 pm).

The idea sounded perfect. According to plan, we skipped school that day and headed straight to the cinema hall.

The hall was crowded, and we were a bit late. We quickly bought five balcony tickets and rushed inside. It was dark; the film hadn’t started yet, but trailers and advertisements were playing.

Excitedly, we waited for Johny Mera Naam to begin.

Suddenly, a black-and-white movie appeared on the screen—and the language was strange. It was Bengali! I saw the Howrah Bridge on screen, and it dawned on us that it was a Bengali film.

That day happened to be the first day of a new practice: screening regional language films during matinee shows—and we had no idea.

So here we were—skipping school, fooling our families—only to end up watching a movie we couldn’t even understand!

There was no way to get our money back, and we couldn’t go home early without raising suspicion. So we decided to sit through it. But instead of watching, we all fell into a deep sleep.

When the show ended, the hall was empty—except for us, still sleeping like logs! Someone woke us up, and we walked back home with heavy hearts.

Even today, whenever I remember that incident, the innocence and mischief of those childhood days bring a warm smile to my face.

Now, let’s come to my top ten favorite films—movies I can watch again and again, each one holding a special place in my heart.

1. Mera Naam Joker
   A timeless masterpiece about life’s philosophy, hope, and resilience. Raj Kapoor’s portrayal reminds me that life, no matter how difficult, must be lived with a smile.
   
2. Life Is Beautiful (1997)
   Guido’s way of protecting his son from the horrors of war by turning it into a game is a remarkable lesson in love and optimism.
   
3. Forrest Gump (1994)
   An inspiring blend of innocence and perseverance—proof that an ordinary man can live an extraordinary life by simply moving forward.
   
4. Lagaan (2001)
   A story of courage, unity, and self-belief, where a village takes on the mighty British Empire in a cricket match.
   
5. The Godfather (1972)
   More than a mafia story, it’s a deep portrayal of family, loyalty, and the moral compromises that power demands.
   
6. Anand (1971)
   A moving reminder that life can be embraced fully, even in the shadow of death.
   
7. Interstellar (2014)
   A breathtaking blend of science, philosophy, and emotion, centered on a father-daughter bond that transcends time and space.
   
8. 3 Idiots (2009)
   A humorous yet thought-provoking look at the education system, with the timeless message: “Pursue excellence, and success will follow.”
   
9. The Sound of Music (1965)
   A joyful mix of music, love, and courage that never fails to brighten the heart.
   
10. Taare Zameen Par (2007)
    A heartfelt story about recognizing hidden talents in every child, and the transformative power of empathy and understanding.

Why These Movies?

These films have one thing in common—they stay with me. Their characters and emotions echo in my mind long after the credits roll.

Some taught me resilience, some brought me comfort, some made me dream, and others gave me much-needed laughter.

The truth is, our favorite films reveal more about us than about cinema itself. They reflect our values, fears, and hopes. My list is a mix of genres, languages, and eras—just like life itself.

Movies are more than entertainment;

Yes, they’re cultural bridges, emotional mirrors, and sometimes, gentle teachers. They allow us to live a thousand lives without leaving our seat, reminding us that stories connect us beyond borders.

So next time you think of your favorite films, don’t just list them—ask yourself why they matter to you. Somewhere in that answer, you’ll find a little piece of your own story.

And now, dear friends, I pass the question to you: What are your top ten favorite movies? Who knows—your list might lead me to my next favorite.

Until then, I’ll keep revisiting these cinematic treasures, one frame at a time.

BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE

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Categories: infotainment

Tags: dailyprompt, dailyprompt-2035, featured, film, horror, movie-review, movies, reviews