1. Fascism on a Thread: The Strange Story of Nazisploitation 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 306, ID: 10738468 Photo by cpcml.ca, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 This documentary dives into the bizarre world of Nazisploitation films, a genre that is both controversial and fascinating. The film explores the history and impact of these movies, featuring interviews with key figures in the genre. While the topic is unsettling, the documentary is well-crafted and informative, making it a must-watch for those interested in the darker side of cinema history.
2. Nuovo Cinema Paradiso 1988，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 285992, ID: 0095765 Photo by confiscatibene.it, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A heartwarming tribute to the magic of cinema, this film tells the story of a young boy’s love for movies and his friendship with a projectionist. Set in post-World War II Sicily, the film beautifully captures the nostalgia and charm of a bygone era. The closing of the Regal Cinema in New Hampshire echoes the film’s theme of the end of an era, making it a poignant watch.
3. The Last Picture Show 1971，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 52888, ID: 0067328 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 This coming-of-age drama set in a small Texas town captures the melancholy of a dying community and the end of an era. The film’s portrayal of the closing of the town’s movie theater resonates with the recent closure of the Regal Cinema in New Hampshire, highlighting the impact of such losses on local communities.
4. Bu san 2003，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 6328, ID: 0377556 Photo by languageonthemove.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A slow-paced, meditative film about the final screening at a historic Taipei cinema. The film’s exploration of loneliness and nostalgia is beautifully rendered, making it a fitting reflection on the closure of the Regal Cinema in New Hampshire. The film’s deliberate pacing and minimal dialogue create a haunting atmosphere.
5. The Majestic 2001，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 57997, ID: 0268995 Photo by geograph.org.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A nostalgic film about a man who helps revive a small-town movie theater. The film’s themes of memory and identity are intertwined with the love for cinema, making it a touching tribute to the power of movies. The closure of the Regal Cinema in New Hampshire adds a layer of poignancy to the film’s message.
6. Matinee 1993，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 12615, ID: 0107529 Photo by capecharleswave.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Matinee is a delightful homage to 1950s B-movies, set against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis. John Goodman’s portrayal of a showman filmmaker adds charm and humor, making it a joy to watch. The film’s playful take on the era’s sci-fi tropes and its nostalgic feel make it a perfect escape from the harsh realities, much like how a movie theater can be a refuge for those losing their jobs.
7. The Blob 1958，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 29722, ID: 0051418 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Blob is a quintessential 1950s sci-fi horror that captures the era’s charm with its campy effects and suspenseful plot. Steve McQueen’s performance and the film’s ability to create tension with a simple premise make it a timeless classic. Watching it in a theater, especially one facing closure, would be a bittersweet reminder of the communal experience of cinema.
8. The Purple Rose of Cairo 1985，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 55756, ID: 0089853 Photo by xcdn.pl, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Purple Rose of Cairo is a whimsical exploration of the boundary between reality and fantasy. Mia Farrow’s performance as a woman who escapes her dreary life through movies resonates deeply, especially in the context of a theater closing. Woody Allen’s direction brings a magical realism that reminds us of the power of cinema to transport and transform.
9. Singin’ in the Rain 1952，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 263181, ID: 0045152 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Singin’ in the Rain is a joyous celebration of Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies. Gene Kelly’s iconic dance sequences and the film’s infectious energy make it a timeless masterpiece. Watching this in a closing theater would be a poignant reminder of the magic of movies and the end of an era for the staff losing their jobs.
10. The Artist 2011，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 249469, ID: 1655442 Photo by blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Artist is a loving tribute to silent cinema, capturing the charm and struggles of Hollywood’s transition to sound. Jean Dujardin’s performance is captivating, and the film’s black-and-white aesthetic adds to its nostalgic appeal. In the context of a theater closing, it serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of cinema and the resilience of those who love it.
11. Hugo 2011，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 338343, ID: 0970179 Photo by blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Martin Scorsese’s ‘Hugo’ is a visual masterpiece that celebrates the magic of cinema. Set in 1930s Paris, it follows the journey of a young orphan, Hugo, who lives in a train station and discovers the secrets of a broken automaton left by his father. The film’s enchanting visuals and heartfelt story make it a tribute to the art of filmmaking, reminding us of the beauty and creativity that movies can bring to our lives. Despite the closure of Regal Cinema in New Hampshire, ‘Hugo’ stands as a testament to the enduring power of cinema to inspire and captivate audiences.
12. La La Land 2016，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 683392, ID: 3783958 Photo by draco.pe.kr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Damien Chazelle’s ‘La La Land’ is a dazzling musical that captures the dreams and struggles of aspiring artists in Los Angeles. With its vibrant colors, enchanting music, and captivating performances by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, the film transports viewers to a world where love and ambition collide. The closure of Regal Cinema in New Hampshire is a reminder of the challenges faced by the movie industry, but ‘La La Land’ reminds us of the joy and magic that movies can bring, even in difficult times.
13. Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 862693, ID: 7131622 Photo by collider.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood’ is a nostalgic love letter to the golden age of Hollywood. Set in 1969, it follows the lives of a fading TV actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing landscape of the film industry. With its stellar cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, and its meticulous attention to detail, the film captures the essence of a bygone era. The closure of Regal Cinema in New Hampshire is a loss for moviegoers, but ‘Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood’ reminds us of the enduring allure of cinema.
14. Sunset Blvd. 1950，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 238709, ID: 0043014 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Billy Wilder’s ‘Sunset Blvd.’ is a haunting exploration of fame and obsession in Hollywood. The film tells the story of a struggling screenwriter who becomes entangled with a faded silent film star, leading to a tragic and unforgettable conclusion. Gloria Swanson’s performance as Norma Desmond is iconic, and the film’s dark, atmospheric tone makes it a timeless classic. The closure of Regal Cinema in New Hampshire is a reminder of the changing landscape of the movie industry, but ‘Sunset Blvd.’ remains a powerful testament to the enduring impact of cinema.
15. The Player 1992，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 66476, ID: 0105151 Photo by miraheze.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Robert Altman’s ‘The Player’ is a biting satire of the Hollywood film industry. The film follows a studio executive who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery, exposing the cutthroat nature of the business. With its sharp wit and star-studded cast, including Tim Robbins and Greta Scacchi, ‘The Player’ offers a darkly comedic look at the world of filmmaking. The closure of Regal Cinema in New Hampshire is a loss for movie lovers, but ‘The Player’ reminds us of the complexities and intrigues that make the film industry so fascinating.
16. Barton Fink 1991，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 129698, ID: 0101410 Photo by geograph.org.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Barton Fink is a surreal exploration of a playwright’s descent into madness, set against the backdrop of 1940s Hollywood. The Coen brothers masterfully blend dark comedy and psychological horror, creating a film that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. John Turturro’s performance as the titular character is nothing short of brilliant, capturing the essence of a man trapped by his own ambitions and insecurities. The film’s eerie atmosphere and haunting imagery make it a standout in the Coen brothers’ filmography. A must-watch for fans of unconventional cinema.
17. Ed Wood 1994，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 184958, ID: 0109707 Photo by valentinatanni.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Tim Burton’s Ed Wood is a heartfelt tribute to one of Hollywood’s most infamous directors. Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Ed Wood is both charming and eccentric, capturing the essence of a man who was passionate about filmmaking despite his lack of talent. The film’s black-and-white cinematography and period-accurate set design transport viewers back to the 1950s, making it a visually stunning experience. Martin Landau’s performance as Bela Lugosi is particularly noteworthy, adding depth and emotion to the film. A delightful watch for anyone who appreciates the art of filmmaking.
18. The Disaster Artist 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 165452, ID: 3521126 Photo by diggita.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Disaster Artist is a hilarious and poignant look at the making of one of the worst films ever made, The Room. James Franco’s portrayal of Tommy Wiseau is both comedic and empathetic, capturing the enigmatic nature of the man behind the cult classic. The film’s exploration of friendship and ambition adds a layer of depth to the comedy, making it more than just a parody. With a strong supporting cast and a heartfelt story, The Disaster Artist is a must-watch for fans of The Room and anyone who loves a good underdog story.
Farewell, Regal Hooksett: 18 Films That Reflect On Cinema’s Enduring Power
