Top 10 Pieces of Advice for Better Appreciating Movies

Film is a work of art, and art is an expression made visible through form. Expanding your film knowledge can refine your taste in movies and help you become a more informed critic and a knowledgeable moviegoer.

If you want to appreciate movies more, take a look at this list and join the discussion.

The Top Ten

  1. Take chances when watching new movies

    Many people in the movie community don't take chances in watching new movies. Give a chance on watching new movies since there are some great movies out there you might like. You just have to dig deeper. Don't just watch big blockbuster movies, but also some indie and foreign films. I'll remind you to see something original, or else you wouldn't be succeeding in appreciating more movies like I was once.

  2. Explore different genres

  3. Focus your attention on the whole film

    Focusing your attention on the whole movie is very important when it comes to your first viewing to become familiar with the basic plot and main characters. There are other important factors when it comes to watching movies such as pacing, directing, acting, editing, etc.

    If the film's expense doesn't have any specific reason to follow well in plenty of aspects, then it's likely not a good movie.

  4. Pay attention to detail

    Paying attention to detail in movies can be very important to get the message and psychology of the film. These are a few examples that you should pay attention to:

    - Character mannerisms

    - Cinematography

    - Color and tint palette

    - Dialogue word choice

    - Music

    - Props

    - Themes

    ...and a whole lot more.

    I agree. If you pay attention, you could see something everyone else missed!

  5. Discuss movies with others

  6. Maintain objectivity

    Maintaining objectivity is important in giving thoughts on a movie without prejudging it based on what you've heard, seen, and known about it (trailers, critics, audience, friends, Rotten Tomatoes, actors, director, etc.).

    If Rian Johnson is directing Knives Out and you have extreme hatred for The Last Jedi, then don't assume that it will be a terrible movie because he has a negative reputation from The Last Jedi. You can't judge the overall film quality when you haven't seen it yet.

  7. Enjoy eating while watching movies

  8. Watch some critically acclaimed movies

  9. Rewatch movies

    When you've watched a movie that is very much deserving of multiple views, then watch it again for the second time because you can be more familiar with the plot and characters, and even seek out a lot more attention to detail.

  10. Identify directors who make movies you enjoy

    I just found out that I wasn't interested in film that much when I was mostly watching Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and Planet of the Apes reboot movies. When I had seen Dirty Harry, it gave me an effect that made me want to look out more for film, and it also made me want to look forward to Don Siegel's filmography.

    Do keep in mind certain movies and directors. Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola are prime examples. They all have their own unique individual style in making movies.

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Don't look at the opinions of others before watching a movie

  12. ?

    Avoid spoilers

    13. The Contenders

  13. Separate art from the artist

    I think this is important, not just for movie discourse but for art and media discourse as a whole. Too many people assume a creator has to be a flawless person, a role model to enjoy a piece of media, and that's simply not true. For instance, I think that Ted Nugent is a repulsive man, but I find some of his music engaging. I find the director of Jeepers Creepers repulsive, but I do find the film itself to be a commendable horror movie.

  14. Find the best films to watch by following recommendations from respected viewers or film institutes

    If you want me to recommend a film for you to watch, then you should watch The Godfather, Taxi Driver, The Pianist, Dirty Harry, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at all costs.

  15. Ignore plot holes

  16. Share your opinion

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