Having an existential crisis? Watch these movies

As we navigate life, we deal with hurt, loss, heartbreak or moments of total confusion (AKA existential crises). It is precisely in those moments when we should turn to art, and most precisely: movies.

We put together a list of our favorite movies to watch in such moments which, might not help you find the answers (if they do, please share them), but they will for sure help in finding them. We also did our very best to avoid spoilers.

Beginners, 2009

A film that, as its name suggests, is about new beginnings or reinventing the self.

Filled with bittersweet moments, Beginners is an invitation to review the people and moments that led us where we are. It's about navigating sadness, loss and romance, and it is ultimately about hope and the importance of living a truthful life.

A beautiful and moving movie to feed your soul and, very likely, make you crush (even more) on Ewan McGregor.



A beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, 2019

Have you heard of Fred Rogers? Turns out he was the celebrity American children’s TV presenter of the show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which ran from 1968 to 2001.

Even if you hadn’t heard of him (neither had I), this movie is worth watching. Rogers (played by the brilliant Tom Hanks) has this extremely zen approach to life, almost like a Buddha who happens to be on TV, he embodies tenderness and empathy in a sometimes-too-cynical society.

Filled with deeply touching moments, such as an extraordinary scene when Rogers asks Vogel to remain silent for a minute and reflect on the people “who loved us into being” in other words, the people who made us who we are. Such exercise, I dare say, we should all do sometimes.

A lesson on humility, compassion and love, this movie will bring back your hope in humanity and kindness.



Wild, 2014

Have you ever woken up thinking: “I wish I could just get lost in the mountains”?

You probably have. And so did the protagonist of this movie, Cheryl (Reese Witherspoon) who takes herself on a 1,800 km hike after a series of dramatic events in her life plunged her into depression.

Grief can have a massive impact on us, make us lose control to the extent where we no longer recognize ourselves. But there is always a way back.

This movie takes us on a pilgrimage of the soul, a journey of self-discovery and bravery. And it might make you want to get your hiking boots on and embark on a life-changing adventure.



About Schmidt, 2002

A tragicomedy at its best. The main character in this movie, Warren Schmidt (Jack Nicholson) has made it to the last days of his cut-and-paste life with no goals other than to get through the week.

An almost comedic portrait of the ‘mass-man’, which Ortega y Gasset described as “mere buoys that float on the waves” , Schmidt’s urge to start living when there is probably not much time left is a massive wake-up call.

This movie is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and a great call to break the inertia that routine and society's patterns lead us to.