Inspired by Satyajit Ray’s Deep Focus—a compulsory reading at FTII Pune and NSD Delhi—I was struck by the depth and nuance with which Ray analyses his favourite films and directors. This led me to finally compile a list of my own 10 (+10) favourite films. However, I soon realised that rather than ranking them purely on cinematic merit, my choices were more personal—a reflection of the life lessons they offer.

Some of my favourite films, like Pulp Fiction or any Christopher Nolan film, don’t necessarily impart a life lesson—nor is it the director’s duty to teach one. But in the end, I felt compelled to share this list anyway. Below, I’ve written a few lines about what drew me to these works. To the reader, I can assure you that each of these films will be a moving experience if you take the time to watch them—and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

1. 12 Angry Men (USA)

Surprisingly, the easiest pick for me was number one. From the moment I began this list, I knew that the 1957 film - 12 Angry Men undeniably belonged atleast in the top three. The film casts a sharp eye on the justice system, exploring its fragility and biases.

A phrase that originated in the legal system and has since become a mainstay in everyday conversation—”beyond reasonable doubt“—is central to the film. 12 Angry Men takes the concept of “reasonable doubt” and turns it on its head, exposing how deeply personal prejudices shape our judgment, often influenced by the social strata we belong to. It challenges us to question our assumptions and remain wary of absolute truths in society.

At its core, the film is also a sobering reflection on how our justice system hangs by a thread—a thread held by the jury. Their decisions, often swayed by personal moods or circumstances, can mean the difference between life and death for a defendant.

Keywords: Reasonable Doubt, Truth, Law, Justice, Ethics

2. Incendies (Canada)

To this day, the climax of Incendies gives me goosebumps. Based on Wajdi Mouawad’s play of the same name, this screen adaptation weaves a non-linear narrative around the Lebanese Civil War of 1975 and its profound impact on Nawal, an Arab immigrant in Canada.

As Nawal’s children uncover her past, piecing together the fragments of her life, we come face to face with the harsh realities of war—the suffering of ordinary people, the state of women in a war-torn society, honor killings, and other deeply powerful themes. The film has often been compared to Greek tragedies, and its climax remains one of my all-time favorites. It is the kind of ending that compels you to sit in silence, reflecting on what you have just witnessed.

Keyword: Anti-war

3. Aamis (India)

Aamis (English: Ravening) is probably the only non-commercial, slightly artsy film on this list. This ingenious hidden gem takes a seemingly simple concept—the food we eat—something innocuous and uncontroversial, and pushes it to an extreme that challenges our fundamental beliefs. To what degree do we pursue hedonism without realizing how far we are pushing the boundaries of what we consider normal?

At the same time, Aamis is one of the few Indian films that shines a light on the often-overlooked region of Northeast India and its food traditions. However, does its imagery reinforce binary stereotypes? I came across this critique in a social-theory paper on Aamis. Regardless, this film is so thought-provoking that it will undoubtedly leave you reflecting on your own belief systems.

Keywords: Food Habits, Belief system, Hedonism, Prejudice

4. Whiplash (USA)

Whiplash explores a complex and fascinating topic—the relentless pursuit of perfection and the lengths one will go to achieve it. Set in a fictionalised version of the legendary Juilliard Music School, New York, the film follows a ruthless teacher (J.K. Simmons) who pushes his students to their limits in pursuit of excellence.

While this list focuses on broader themes rather than individual performances, Simmons gives a performance of a lifetime as a perfectionist jazz teacher. The film delivers a crucial message: perfection comes at a cost. It breaks you in ways unimaginable at the start, but the view from that mythical peak is one most of us can only dream of—and in the climax, the film gives us a small taste of it.

Keywords: Perfection, Excellence, Toxic Relations, Teacher

5. Princess Mononoke (Japan)

And finally, we arrive at a Studio Ghibli film. Miyazaki’s movies are literal works of art, with every frame painstakingly hand-drawn by animators. Princess Mononoke stands as a testament to Hollywood and the world at large on the power of strong female leads and leadership. The film evokes nostalgia for pre-industrial Japan—a time of harmony between people and nature—while serving as a stark reminder of how the relentless march of industrialisation has left us increasingly desolate and disconnected.

Beyond the eponymous Princess Mononoke, the character of Lady Eboshi is perhaps my favourite grey character in any film. She is strong and independent, offering refuge to society’s outcasts—former prostitutes and people with leprosy—yet she is also the ruthless leader of Irontown. Her character serves as a reminder of the difficult balance a just leader must strike in times of conflict.

Every scene in this film feels like a stroll through an art gallery—an absolute masterpiece and a true delight to watch!

Keywords: Nature, Greed, Pacifism, Industrialisation

6. Mother (Korea)

We arrive at Bong Joon-ho, who, in my opinion, is one of the greatest living directors. Mother is an oft-overlooked masterpiece that I personally consider his best. It is also one of his more complex films, layered with multiple underlying themes. At its core, it portrays a disconnected society—one where the murdered body of a young girl lies in broad daylight, yet, because of her social status, no one looks closely or intervenes.

As the title suggests, the film is ultimately about a mother’s love—the lengths to which she will go to protect and care for her child. It also sheds light on the bullying and mistreatment children endure in their daily lives. However, in classic Bong Joon-ho fashion, these plot threads are twisted in unexpected ways, culminating in a devastating climax.

By the end, you are left conflicted, confronting one of my favourite themes: what is truth? Are we truly seeing it, or are we merely looking through a blurred window?

Keywords: Truth, Mother, Disconnected society, Single Parenthood, Blind Love

7. Spirited Away (Japan)

Widely regarded as Miyazaki’s masterpiece and the film that introduced many Western audiences to the magic of Studio Ghibli, Spirited Away is a work of unparalleled beauty. Its themes are too numerous to outline fully, but for me, the most striking is the innocence of childhood. Even today, when I watch Spirited Away, I find myself connecting with Chihiro—her mixture of awe and fear as she navigates an unfamiliar world resonates deeply.

The film powerfully explores separation anxiety and the pain of losing loved ones. In fact, the more I reflect on it, Spirited Away feels like a modern existentialist work. It aligns with Sartre’s notion that “existence precedes essence”—a lifelong struggle to define who we are. Yet, unlike the bleak conclusions of some French existentialists, Miyazaki offers a more hopeful vision. He shows that friendship, courage, and kindness can help us navigate even the most unfathomable worlds. Above all, the film reminds us of the importance of treating every life form with compassion.

If you haven’t yet watched Spirited Away, I can only say—I envy you. You have the rare joy of discovering this masterpiece for the first time. And of course, I can’t resist sharing the iconic train scene:

Keywords: Separation Anxiety, Alienation, Bravery, Valiance, Belief in Oneself

8. Up (USA)

Of course, no list of moving films would be complete without a Pixar entry. Among Pixar’s many inspiring works, I personally consider Up the best (sorry, Wall-E and others!).

Although marketed as a children’s film, Up tackles profound and often painful themes right from the start. Within its opening moments, it addresses the struggles of a couple facing fertility challenges, followed shortly by the devastating loss of a partner and the heartbreak that follows. The short montage Married Life has already achieved cult status as a cinematic masterpiece—and incredibly, this is just the beginning of the film!

The rest of Up lives up to that emotional depth, exploring the disillusionment that comes from meeting our childhood heroes and realising their fallibility. Along the way, the characters, through kindness, loyalty, courage, and wit, learn one of life’s most powerful lessons: the importance of letting go. The film delivers one of the most poignant depictions of this theme, reminding us that it is never too late to embrace new adventures. It brings to mind the saying, “You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

Keywords: Letting go, Kindness, Loyalty, It is never too late, Dont meet your heroes

9. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missourie (USA)

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri powerfully explores the theme of navigating rage. At its core, the film follows two unlikely companions on a shared journey—Frances McDormand’s and Sam Rockwell’s characters—both grappling with the loss of loved ones. One has lost her daughter, while the other lost his father at a young age. The film subtly reveals how these tragedies have transformed them into figures consumed by anger, resentful of the unfair hand they believe the world has dealt them. Yet, over time, they both come to understand the profound power of forgiveness and the peace it can bring.

Sam Rockwell’s character arc is one of the most compelling anti-hero transformations I’ve ever seen. A particularly moving moment is the series of letters from Chief Willoughby, in which he asks for forgiveness—not just for himself, but as an appeal for others to embrace forgiveness and find inner peace.

Another central theme is the elusive nature of justice. As Willoughby profoundly reflects in one of his letters: “What you need to become a detective is love. Because through love comes calm, and through calm comes thought. And you need thought to detect stuff sometimes…” With stellar performances and a powerful narrative, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri stays with you long after the credits roll.

Keywords: Forgiveness, Love, Kindness, Justice, Rage

10. The Wailing (Korea)

Another Korean masterpiece, The Wailing evokes horror without relying on jump scares or other traditional horror tropes. It is a richly layered film, filled with subliminal messages so intricate that capturing them all is nearly impossible. Themes such as the generational divide, the struggle between tradition and modernity, xenophobia, and the tension between Christianity and traditional Korean and Japanese shamanism run deep throughout the story.

At its core, the film explores how mistrust within an isolated community—fueled by prejudice—can lead to societal collapse, ultimately allowing a symbolic Satan to take hold. Even years after its release, audiences continue to analyse its symbolism, debate its ambiguous climax, and grapple with the question of who is truly good or evil. I highly recommend checking out multiple analyses of the film—it’s a mystery that keeps unfolding with every rewatch.

Keywords: Superstition, Mistrust

11. Tumbbad (India)

In a single sentence, Tumbbad is the ultimate personification of greed. And in 2025, as we witness those in power shaping policies under the guise of good intentions and the greater good, Tumbbad lays bare what truly lurks beneath the surface. It’s unlikely that any follow-up film could so vividly capture and embody the essence of greed and its transformative grip on a person.

Keyword: Greed

12. Parasite (Korea)

The first and only non-English film to win an Oscar for Best Picture, Parasite is perhaps Bong Joon-Ho’s most well-known film in recent years. Much has already been said and written about this masterpiece, where nearly every scene serves as a symbol of economic disparity between the wealthy and the working class in Korea. For one family, the rain is a beautiful spectacle; for another, it brings devastation as they struggle to save their home. The film masterfully portrays this divide through its literal uptown-downtown contrast. Parasite is probably the most commercial and easily accessible film on this list.

Keywords: Class Struggle, Inequality

13. Swades (India)

Swades is the most personal film on this list. I don’t think I can do justice to everything it represents in just a few lines—maybe a full blog post or even an academic paper would be more fitting. Beyond being an emotional journey into the heartland of India, Swades is also a cinematically brilliant film.

Mohan (an allusion to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) and Kaveri Ammi (symbolic of the river Cauvery) have long been separated, yet his inner guilt and sense of duty pull him back to her village. Most intriguingly, the film presents two versions of Mohan. When he first arrives, he is not the typical caricature of an NRI disconnected from India. He knows the country well—its Constitution, its major rivers, its politics, its corruption, its strengths, and its flaws. I personally related the most to this version of him. But then something happens, and we see a transformation. This time, Mohan doesn’t just know—he understands. He witnesses firsthand the inequality and systemic casteism tearing India apart and realises that to make a difference, he must be much more than who he was when he arrived.

It’s the difference between knowledge and wisdom, much like the one Hermann Hesse speaks about in Siddhartha. I highly recommend watching this film—but preferably under my supervision, so I can relentlessly comment on every frame and dissect every hidden meaning along the way :) .

Keywords: India, Caste system, Inequality, Gandhism, Connecting to your roots

14. The Shawshank Redemption (USA)

Thank you, Stephen King!

Keyword: Hope

15. Agantuk (India)

We arrive at the maestro—Satyajit Ray. Agantuk (English: The Stranger) is set in 1991 Bengal, a pivotal year marked by India’s liberalisation. The film portrays a middle-class nuclear family grappling with distrust when a mysterious stranger arrives at their doorstep, claiming to be a long-lost relative. However, this stranger unsettles their deeply held beliefs, challenging the very foundations upon which their society stands.

Through thought-provoking discussions, the film raises questions about the Western definition of “civilisation.” The uncle expresses regret that, shaped by Marx, Freud, and even Rabindranath Tagore, he has become entangled in the pursuit of being “civilised” while fearing the Western construct of the “savage”. His love for indigenous cultures and his fear of becoming a kupomanduk (a frog in a well) are understood only by the young protégé—a reflection of Ray’s brilliance in capturing the depth and sensitivity of children on screen.

Agantuk is Ray’s final film, and while his later works are often considered weaker due to their emphasis on dialogue over imagery, I believe this is one of the most accessible entry points into his cinematic world. I leave you with this iconic clip from Agantuk on civilisation.

Keywords: Identity, Materialism, Civilisation

16. Howl’s Moving Castle (Japan)

The third Miyazaki film on this list, Howl’s Moving Castle, primarily explores themes of vanity and outward appearance. It reflects our tendency to judge a book by its cover, yet in Howl’s, nothing is as it seems—old people appear young, young people appear old, a prince takes the form of a scarecrow, and unlikely heroes seem evil. As in many of Miyazaki’s works, the film features a strong female lead who, with quiet confidence, authenticity, and kindness, remains unfazed by outward appearances. Instead of being deceived by illusions, she embarks on a journey to help both herself and those around her. Beneath its fantasy elements, the movie delivers a profound message about self-awareness and the power of staying true to oneself.

Keywords: Idenity, Vanity, Pacifism, Authenticity

17. Coco (USA)

As C.S. Lewis put it, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story.” In that spirit, Coco, though more of a children’s film than Up, is one that any adult can appreciate. The overarching theme is “Don’t meet your heroes”, as those we idolise for their perfection and infallibility may, in reality, be deeply flawed and more susceptible to corruption than we ever imagined. Along the way, the film offers a breathtaking visual spectacle that makes Coco an unforgettable experience.

Keywords: DONT MEET YOUR HEROES!

18. The Iron Giant (USA)

Another children’s film, The Iron Giant, explores our fear of the unknown—a theme reminiscent of the AI taking over trope. Set during the Cold War, with tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union at their peak, the film follows the eponymous giant, a being created as a weapon. Yet, through the kindness of a young boy, he learns that we are not bound by our origins—that we can choose who we become, no matter how we were made.

Keywords: Kindness, Fear of Unknown

19. Sairat (India)

Please avoid the many remakes and stick to the original 2016 Marathi film, Sairat. Director Nagraj Manjule casts a revealing eye on the regressive laws and institutionalised norms of the caste system that shape the lives of men and women in cross-caste relationships. Watching Sairat felt as though the director had captured an entire TV series within the film’s runtime. If you decide to watch it, I highly recommend going in without reading any detailed analyses. Since seeing this film, I have become an ardent admirer of Manjule’s work, and I leave you with this clip where he delivers a stellar response to why he isn’t making movies like Godzilla or King Kong in India.

Keywords: Class Struggle, Caste System

20. Rang De Basanti (India)

Lastly, I conclude my list with Rang De Basanti, a once-in-a-generation film that challenged both millennials and the generations before them in their perception of a commercial Hindi movie with a message. Rang De Basanti features one of the best anti-hero character arcs in recent memory—Laxman Pandey, whose steadfast belief in the ideals of Hindutva turns to heartbreak as he sees the hollow shell of the movement and what it truly stands for, followed by his rebellion for what he believes is a just cause. One must also note the ingenious device of comparing each character’s arc with their corresponding counterpart from the Indian freedom struggle.

The film addresses the generational divide about the teenagers and the twenty somethings during the freedom revolution of India, how they thought and worked and how disconnected the youth today is from the youth then. But somewhere when an oppressing force casts us and lays bare our society with corruption, the youth have the fire within them to stand up and realise something which they didnt know lives within them. As written by Prasoon Joshi “अभी-अभी हुआ यक़ीन की आग है मुझमें कही” (Translation: “Only now did I believe that there lives a fire inside me somewhere”)

Keywords: Youth, Rebellion