Back to the Future (Robert Zemeckis, 1985)

Great Scott! This is arguably one of the best blockbuster films ever. Just pay attention to the first five minutes of the film. Slow down and really take in all of the detail and foreshadowing in this mere title sequence. Amazing, right? Now if only we had a DeLorean to drive us to the end of this pandemic...

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Chris Columbus, 2001)

Since we can't be at Universal sippin' on butterbeer and casting spells around Diagon Alley, this is the next best thing. There are some pretty tasty butterbeer recipes online, so put on your dress robes and conjure up some popcorn. But first: Accio remote!

Hook (Steven Spielberg, 1991)

Clap your hands if you believe this is one of the most magical films of the 90's! Oh, and also clap to bring Julia Roberts back to life. This film is such a visceral adventure, and with an incredibly stacked cast. There's even a cameo from Glenn Close! Did you see her? Don't BOO hoo if you didn't. She's sneaky like a… scorpion?

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (John Hughes, 1986)

More like Ferris Bueller's YEAR off, amiright? But seriously, John Hughes is such a witty writer/director. This film is fun for living vicariously through Ferris as he goes on an adventure that most every teen wishes they could. Why didn't I think of these Inspector Gadget-esque tricks when I was in high school? (Sorry not sorry, Matthew Broderick. You did what you did.)

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Mel Stuart, 1971)

Speaking of living vicariously, who wouldn't want to tour a chocolate factory? (Ignoring the fact that it's also a walking textbook of health code violations.) I don't know about you, but I'll trade floating down the Muskegon river for the chocolate river any day of the week.

Jumanji (Joe Johnston, 1995)

Running out of games to play at home? Wish one would be more interactive than DnD? Based on the book by Chris Van Allsberg (GR celebrity!), this is another great adventure with Robin Williams. If you can look past some dated CGI, you'll find yourself in a world illustrated like it's straight out of Van Allsberg's book.

Onward (Dan Scanlon, 2020)

Speaking of DnD, I was pleasantly surprised by Pixar's latest film. I'd only recently been introduced to playing Dungeons & Dragons, so to see it woven into a world where fairy tales are everyday life is clever, adorable, and made me want to buy the Dungeon Master's Guide. Okay, fine. I didn't need a Pixar movie to make that happen.

The Princess Bride (Rob Reiner, 1987)

Need some good inspo for writing your first campaign? This movie has everything! "Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True Love. Hate. Revenge. Giants..." Everyone should see it at least once.

Star Wars (George Lucas, 1977)

If we're talking princesses, then we have to mention the most important one of them all: Leia. I know we've passed May the Fourth, but is there ever a bad time to marathon some Star Wars movies? I especially love the original trilogy.

The Wizard of Oz (Victor Fleming, 1939)

For a film that was created only a decade after sound was introduced to cinema, it's considered a classic for a reason. Did you know that inspiration for this story also came from Holland, MI? Take a drive through Tulip Lane and find yourself inspired as author L. Frank Baum was when he penned the novel. And above all right now, let's live in Dorothy's words of wisdom: There's no place like home.