A cinephile will experience any film while immersed in the theatrical experience, complete with popcorn, obviously. Some cinephiles have their niche, like film noir or independent historical fiction films, while others enjoy any movie with compelling, dramatic stories. Regardless of their niche or not, all cinephiles believe a movie has to be experienced in a movie theater, first and foremost. Most movie-goers want a movie they can follow, where the plot is explicit from the start. But sometimes, as any cinephile will tell you, watching a movie where absolutely nothing happens is just as exciting as any other film.
In fact, during the early days of the pandemic, Netflix saw a surge in views forThe Office, asUproxxexplains. When the world was first in quarantine, a lot of downtime became available to many. But quickly work-from-home became the new norm, with some people playingThe Officein the background while they worked. This leisurely viewing was occurring on the silver screen long before the pandemic hit nearly three years ago. Films likePauline at the Beachor the animated featureMy Neighbor Totoroare magical films where absolutely nothing happens. Yet, films that have no plot serve a purpose, much likeThe Officeduring quarantine: to allow the viewer to casually enjoy a story without thinking. Here are the best movies where nothing really happens.
Thedirectorial debut of Kevin Smithwas so iconic that it became a trilogy, a comic series, and a TV series, asDen of Geekexplores.Clerks’success spans nearly three decades because it remains relevant to individuals who have a dead-end job. In the film, Dante (Brian O’Halloran) and his best friend, Randall (Jeff Anderson) try to fill their workday with any activity, including roof hockey. Silent Bob (Smith) and Jay (Jason Mewes) are local drug dealers who instigate trouble for Dante and Randall.
12Lost in Translation
Director Sofia Coppola’sLost in Translationis a multi-genre classic from the early-2000s set in Tokyo, with no shortage of pastel wigs and karaoke. Bob (Billy Murray) is desperate to revive his acting career, so he does what any actor who needs a miracle does: he flies to a foreign country to be the face of an established product. During his stay in Tokyo, he continues to cross paths with Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) in their respective hotel. The most intriguing part about the film is at the endwhen Bob whisperssomething into Charlotte’s ear before they part ways, an improvised moment between Murray and Johansson that will forever remain a secret between them.
11The Station Agent
Before he became a household name for his role as Tyrion Lannister inGame of Thrones, actor Peter Dinklagestarred as Finbar McBride in the directorial debut from Tom McCarthy,The Station Agent. Finbar lives in Hoboken, New Jersey, where he owns and operates a model train store with his best friend, Henry (Paul Benjamin). Although he has a love for railroads, he feels judged for his height and keeps to himself. Yet, this changes when he meets Emily (Michelle Williams), a librarian with a horrible boyfriend.
10Right Now, Wrong Then
South Korean filmshave been dominating streaming services for years. According toDW, the term for South Korean popularity in Hollywood is called “Hallyu.” The filmRight Now, Wrong Thendissects the idea of a chance meeting between two people and is broken into two parts. During the first part of the film, Ham Cheon-soo (Jae-young Jeong), a director, meets Yoon Hee-jeong (Kim Min-hee), a local artist, whom he quickly falls in love with. Yoon breaks off the intense relationship with Ham at a gallery opening. In the second part of the film, an unexpected twist happens that you have to see to believe.
9My Neighbor Totoro
The third film from Studio Ghibliis possibly one of the most well-known films from the studio.My Neighbor Totorofollows two sisters who have recently moved into a new house, closer to the hospital where their mother is healing. Their adventures include taking a cat-shaped bus in the rain and helping their crops grow up into the sky. Sugoi Mart’s review of the film says, “My Neighbor Totorois the right amount of adventure, fantasy, comedy, drama, and slice of life that you need in one film.”
Related:These Animated Movies Are Perfect For Bad Days
8Before Sunset
Part of director Richard Linklater’sBeforetrilogy,Before Sunsetcontinues the story of Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Deply) nine years after their initial meeting. Jesse is now a successful author on a book tour across Europe when he happens to bump into Céline at a book reading. As they spend the day together in Paris, they both discuss their lives since they first met in Vienna. Jesse is married with a son and Céline is an environmental activist.
A romantic drama in French,Amourcenters on a married couple in their 80s named Anne (Emmanuelle Riva) and her husband Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant). They are retired piano teachers living in Paris. After a necessary surgery, Anne is left paralyzed on her right side. Georges becomes her caregiver and hires nurses to help where he cannot. Unfortunately, Anne suffers a stroke and the care she needs is too much for Georges.
6The Big Lebowski
Before he was the first villain in the MCU, Jeff Bridges starred as The Dude inThe Big Lebowski. The Dude is an avid bowler who prefers to wear loungewear even when he isn’t lounging. While he is not the first to don loose pants in public, the success ofThe Big Lebowskisparked a religion called Dudeism, whose philosophy is close to Chinese Taoism, the philosophy of balance. Dudeism, however, relies on humor to promote this balance.
Related:10 Movies to Check Out if You’re Really Into The Big Lebowski
5Inside Llewyn Davis
A Coen Brothers film,Inside Llewyn Davisstars Oscar Isaac as Llewyn, a struggling folk artist in the 1960s. After a series of couch-surfing and rescuing a cat who does not want to be rescued, Llewyn arrives at his sister’s house, only to be encouraged to give up his music career for something more stable and lucrative. He eventually gives up on his music career until his sister tells him she got him a gig where he sees a not-yet-famous Bob Dylan perform.
4Tokyo Story
Shūkichi (Chisû Ryû) and Tomi Hirayama (Chieko Higashiyama) are a retired couple who live in Japan with their daughter, Kyôko (Kyôko Kagawa). On a trip to Tokyo to visit their other children, Tomi and Shūkichi realize that their children have little time or energy for them. While their adult children are welcoming, they are busy working and raising their own children. The themes explored inTokyo Storyare loneliness and aging.
