2025 - Movies of the Year

 I've never done this before...

There have been quite a few great movie recaps in the blogosphere, and I thought it would be fun to do my own because my mom and I have watched so many good and great movies this year.  I do wish there were a way to track the movies I've watched, like GoodReads is for books.  (IMDb is too intimidating to me, though.)

So without further ado, here are the ones that I remember and I would recommend!  

An asterisk (*) denotes that I watched more than once.

1.  The Inheritance *

Based on Louisa May Alcott's debut novel, this movie is such a beautiful and captivating romance.  My sister's mother-in-law showed this one to me while I was staying with her, and I'm so glad she did!  I read the book after watching the movie and have to say the book is even better, but I enjoyed the movie so much that I had my parents watch it too.

2.  This Beautiful Fantastic

One of my roommates showed me this one, and it was quirky, whimsical, and delightful.  I've been meaning to show it to my family, too.  I wonder if it has a novel version because the plot felt like a cute, well-written romance/academia novel rather than a Hallmark movie.  (Which it wasn't, but I guess I was expecting it to be.)

3.  Good Morning, Miss Dove

My mom found the novel on which this movie is based at a garage sale while on our summer vacation.  We only read the first couple of pages before we watched the film, but based on comparing the two, I believe the movie is extremely close to the book, even sharing exact quotes.  This movie was beautiful, thought-provoking, and delightful all around.  Be prepared to have your heartstrings tugged upon. 

4.  Goodbye, Mr. Chips

Similar to the reflective movie above, "Goodbye Mr. Chips" is a delightful, heartwrenching, and timeless film.  The acting is superb, and the storyline is endearing.  Both of these movies are dear to me too, as a school teacher, as the main characters of each are talented and impactful on their pupils.  There's also something to these films that start at the end and take you back as the main character reflects on how far they've come and how much they've witnessed over the course of their life.

5. Ball of Fire

Any movie starring Garry Cooper is of interest to me.  He's such a great actor. 🫠  This film was both funny and exhilarating.  Imagine a bunch of musty old scholars, plus their one not-so-old, English-obsessed colleague, thrown together with a worldly-wise dancer, and you have the zany movie, "Ball of Fire."  

6.  Pennies from Heaven

This. Movie. Is. The. Best!!!  I actually just watched this movie in February, but I had to include it here because it is sooo good!!  One of my childhood crushes of the silver screen was good ol' Bing Crosby in "White Christmas", probably because I was the older of two sisters and I related to the character of Betty Haynes.  Now, in this film, I see myself once again as the little girl, admiring Bing's persona.  This film is delightful, heartwarming, and mischievous for lots of fun!  It would be a great movie for October with its dinner show and song "The Skeleton in the Closet." 💀  And please, do yourself a favor and listen to Bing's "Pennies from Heaven" from this film.  I've only ever heard the version by Louis Prima, which is performed in a swinging jazz style, but Bing's lullaby rendition is *chef's kiss*. 

7.  East Side of Heaven

Bing Crosby and a baby... need I say more?  This movie, too, is filled with beautiful songs, an excitingly funny plot, and all around a good time.

8. Father is a Bachelor *

Such a fun and sweet movie with catchy songs too.  "Big Rock Candy Mountain" has been one of those songs that gets stuck in my head (in the best way possible), and as I sing it, I imagine I'm strolling by a creek with Feb or May.  Also, I want an Uncle Johnny.  (:

9. Apartment for Peggy

Another good William Holden one, although he's not exactly the main character.  And maybe it's a teeny bit feminist, but the relationship between Jean Crain's character and the beloved Edmund Gwen is endearing.  It's hard to watch at some parts because it's not a warm and fuzzy movie; it deals with a very serious matter (viewer discretion advised just a little bit).  But it will inspire you with hope and know that no matter how bleak things seem, there's always a purpose for each one of us.

10. Three Blind Mice

I love David Niven, and this movie with Joel McCrea is just too fun.  Three sisters take their inheritance and go to find husbands in glamorous California.  This was fun to watch as I had been living and teaching in SoCal.  Unfortunately, I did not find a millionaire husband while out there. XD

11.  The More the Merrier *

A hilarious romcom with Joel McCrae once again, as well as the amusing Charles Coburn.  Scoot over and shove in!  We're getting nice and cozy in this one with three very individual characters and following them through the chaos that ensues.  My mom and I watched this twice because it was such a feel-good movie.

There were probably lots of other movies my mom and I thoroughly enjoyed, but alas, I didn't save them to a specific place to find them again.  If I come across any more excellent old movies, I will try to file them away for future sharing. ;) 

Have you seen any of these or watched any good black-and-white movies lately?  Bonus points if they're on YouTube.  Feel free to share them below!  Thanks so much for being here and reading!  <3