Not many genres have earned appreciation of rebellion. Since the 1970’s, stories of rebellion have often made for engaging movies. Whether its rebellious teenagers, poetic professors or political leaders, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about rebellion which deserve to be appreciated.
1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Mental institutions have shaped my personality. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with the disease of Autism that caused grim damage. I remember visiting a dark mental institution that gave me valuable tips how to overcome my mental disorder. A hopeless location, the institution cared for patients with mental conditions. It was fascinating observing the way that the institution functioned by taking care of rebellious patients with mental illness that faced a price to pay. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured mental disorders that cause people to face unrest as powerfully as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Ever since its release in 1975, Milos Forman’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about rebels. Forman has always had an aptitude for capturing mental institutions in which people face grave danger, and “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which McMurphy is given an electric shock after refusing to obey orders of his mental institution causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary role by Jack Nicholson, who embodied a rebel patient of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” my favourite film about rebels of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged well with themes that are relevant today. Nearly 50 years after the release of a commemorated film about rebel men breaking rules of a mental hospital causing unrest, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has impressed by manufacturing movies which have stood the test of time as best.
2. The Breakfast Club
High school shaped my identity. I recall fond memories of attending a high school that put me under pressure. Being a shy teenager, I couldn’t ever fit in with any group in school. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stand up against bullies in school leaving me terrified. Nevertheless, my teachers did play a strong role in shaping the person I became today. As someone treasuring fond memories of my teachers in high school, I adored “The Breakfast Club”. Following its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has stood the test of time as a coming-of-age classic. Hughes is one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for capturing lives of rebel teens, and his strengths are evident in “The Breakfast Club”. For instance, the scene in which the five teenagers sit together in a circle sharing their views on teachers is one of the greatest moments of the coming-of-age genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Judd Nelson, who created one of the most iconic rebel characters in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” a classic is its universal appeal. Despite capturing the 1980’s, its themes resonate with adolescents today. It delivers a bold message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of adolescence, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that manufactured movies earning a big worldwide audience.
3. Fight Club
Anxiety has shaped my personality. As far as I remember, I have always been an anxious person under intense pressure. This anxiety first began in high school when I faced painful pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. No matter how hard I tried, I could never cope with feelings of anxiety that left me terrified. As someone that has faced anxiety causing adversity, I adored “Fight Club”. Released in 1999, David Fincher’s movie depicted the lives of terrorists forming fight clubs causing tragedy. Fincher used captivating voice-over narration to capture a rebellious terrorist forming a fight club organization causing tension. For instance, the scene in which Tyler Durden first creates the fight club causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Edward Norton, who embodied a rebellious terrorist facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Fight Club” a timeless classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of mental health which would resonate with everyone. As precious as fight clubs Tyler Durden seeks to create, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about identities audiences appreciate.
4. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is a legendary book about rebellion that my cousin always loved dearly. I remember forming strong bonds with a cousin that loved a book series he considered to be iconic literature. A huge fan of Katniss Everdeen, he always spoke fondly about a book series that became a pivotal part of his routine. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the iconic book about competitive games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Ross used captivating montages capturing hardships that a teenager living in an impoverished district of society is facing. For instance, the scene in which Katniss volunteers as tribute participating in the games causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Jennifer Lawrence, who embodied a teenage girl sparking a rebellion against government. Ultimately, what makes “The Hunger Games” a captivating classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book series to appreciate it. As strong as arrows used by Katniss Everdeen, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies that deserve to be seen on big-screen.
5. Star Wars: A New Hope
Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that shaped my grandfather’s identity. I remember my grandfather adored a sci-fi series about galaxies in grave danger. A force to be reckoned with, he spoke fondly about a series that shaped his identity. Mentors have played a pivotal role in the franchise as figures that inspire hope, and they are most evident in the first film “Star Wars: A New Hope”. Released in 1977, George Lucas’ movie introduced the iconic franchise about mentors. Lucas uses stunning special effects to capture the strong roles that mentors play guiding jedis in galaxies far far away. For instance, the iconic Cantina scene in which Han Solo is introduced becoming an inspiring mentor for Luke in a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Harrison Ford, who created one of the most iconic rebellious characters in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Star Wars: A New Hope” a science-fiction classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Star Wars movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. As powerful as the force, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies which are a source of happiness rather than depressing emotional remorse.
6. V for Vendetta
When it comes to the greatest comic books ever written about rebellions causing a dilemma, it’s worth discussing V for Vendetta. Since its publication in 1982, Alan Moore’s series has become literature readers value. In 2005, James McTeigue honoured the comic-book about rebellious vigilantes with a vendetta in his movie “V for Vendetta”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “V for Vendetta” stand out is its depiction of terrorism. McTeigue uses captivating handheld camera capturing a vigilante embarking on a journey of revenge causing trauma. Assisted by Hugo Weaving who is amazing in the lead role, McTeigue honoured a comic-book about vigilantes that are frightening. A wonderful tribute to a comic series about vengeful men seeking vengeance, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies attracting a huge audience.
7. Snowpiercer
Trains are compelling settings that often make for engaging movies. Ever since detectives solved murders on the orient express, trains are larger-than-life setting which have often been used in movies with success. In 2013, Bong Joon-ho captured the enduring appeal of trains facing disaster in his movie “Snowpiercer”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Snowpiercer” stand out is its depiction of social class. Bong Joon-ho uses the confined location of the commemorated train to capture the lives of individuals starting a groundbreaking rebellion. Bong Joon-ho effectively used the confined location of a claustrophobic train to build tension. As strong as Curtis’ desire to save his train, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has managed to gain a huge following making commemorated movies which commonly consistently entertain.
8. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter is a magical series of books that shaped my identity. I grew up reading J.K. Rowling’s series about misunderstood wizards that shaped my childhood. Rebellion has always been a central theme in the iconic series, and it is most evident in the fifth film “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”. Released in 2007, David Yates’ movie captured rebellious wizard societies. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” stand out is its depiction of wizards. Yates uses captivating montages capturing hardships teen wizards are facing. Assisted by Daniel Radcliffe who is spellbinding in the lead role, Yates honoured iconic literature. A beautiful adaptation of a book about wizards that are magical, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a genre making memorable movies audiences consider special.
9. Footloose
Dancing has always been a common form of rebellion. Since the 1980’s, dancing has often caused rebellious teenagers to face adversities. The impact of rebellion on teenagers that are footloose is beautifully depicted in the movie “Footloose”. Released in 1984, Herbert Ross’ movie captured rebellious teenagers forming dancing societies. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Footloose” stand out is its depiction of dance. Ross uses captivating musical montages capturing a teenager engaging in rebellious dancing. Assisted by Kevin Bacon who is extraordinary in the lead role, Ross created a captivating rebellious dance movie. As strong as Ren’s love for dancing, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made captivating movies about the negative consequences of rebellion worth celebrating.
10. 10 Things I Hate About You
Few movies ever made about struggles rebellious adolescents go through are as beloved as “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s movie captured teens in high school. Junger used captivating montages capturing frightening obstacles that rebels in high schools are facing. Assisted by Heath Ledger who is extraordinary in the lead role, Junger created a captivating high school comedy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of rebels as outcasts rejected by girls they fall in love with causing adversity has tarnished its legacy. As strong as Katarina’s life for Patrick, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured iconic movies about heroic rebels which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of becoming a film critic.
The Film Buff 