Movie Recommendations Based on Aesthetics

Here is a curated list of movie recommendations based on your favorite aesthetic. Whether you are a dark academia fanatic or a cottage core enthusiast, there is something for everyone. 

1. Dark Academia –  ‘Dead Poets Society’ (1989)

This Robin Williams’ classic focuses on Todd and his six friends in the elite Welton Academy, who form a close bond with their eccentric and inspiring English Professor, Mr. Keating. This dark academia must-watch is bound to create a poet out of anyone who sees it.

2. Retro Core – ‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008)

Sophie Sheridan invites three of her mom’s exes to her wedding hoping that one of them might be her father. What follows is a weekend of chaos, music, and loads of laughter. Filled with retro vibes set in the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, Mamma Mia is the perfect escapist wonder.

3. Cottage Core – ‘Matilda’ (1996)

Based on the well-loved novel by Roald Dahl, the movie follows child prodigy Matilda Wormwood, who is severely neglected by her toxic and narcissistic family and tortured by the notorious Ms. Trunchbull. Featuring the cottage core goddess that is Matilda’s teacher, Ms. Honey, the movie is a wholesome reminder that love and kindness overcome evil.

4. Fairy Core – ‘The Secret Garden’ (1993) 

Mary Lennox is sent to her uncle’s mansion in Yorkshire, England, after the death of her parents. She finds a secret garden and, along with her cousin and her friend, she works on restoring it. This movie adaption of the classic rings true with the statement that “If you look the right way, the whole world is a garden.” (Frances Hodgson Burnett, “The Secret Garden”)

5. Witch Core – ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ (1989)

Produced by the iconic Studio Ghibli, the film follows a young witch, Kiki, who settles in a new town and creates a delivery service with her flying powers. Accompanied by her trusty cat, Jiji, Kiki embarks on her journey as a young adult with burnouts and found families by her side.

6. Fantasy – ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children’ (2016) 

An adaptation of Jane Goldman’s novel of the same name, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children exists in a cross-dimensional world with each of its residents containing peculiar powers. Dealing with enemies and newfound friends, our protagonist Jacob must confront his powers to save the home.

7. Preppy – ‘Legally Blonde’ (2001)

Pretty and rich, Elle Woods lives a picture-perfect life. When her boyfriend breaks up with her stating she is all looks and no brains, she decides to get into Harvard Law School to prove herself to and win him back. 

8. Royal Core – ‘The Favourite’ (2018) 

A modern comedic take on Queen Anne and her friendships, “The Favourite” focuses on Lady Sarah and the new servant, Abigail, manipulating the queen for personal benefits. With the war on one hand and mindless luxury activities on the other, the film tackles the expression of sexuality and class boundaries in the most brilliant way possible.

9. Vintage – ‘Call me by your name’ (2017)

Set in 1980s rural Italy, this queer coming age of drama follows Elio and his summertime love affair with the much older Oliver. A beautiful tale of innocence, love, and desire accompanied by stunning aesthetics, “Call Me By Your Name,” leaves you breathless wanting more.

10. VSCO – ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ (2018) 

Lara Jean writes a letter every time she has a crush on someone. When the letters are posted by her sister, she has to find a way to get out of the mess that she caused. A classic fake dating trope, this film is filled with bold colors and breathtaking VSCO aesthetics.