Ten Best Movies that go well with Coffee

I was bored and I decided to make a top 10 list of something I think I know a little something about. Keep in mind, this is a very limited list due to it's by me- a single person with his own personal biases and limitations (like all those movies I haven't seen- sorry no "Coffee and Cigarettes" in this list).

Without any further adieu, I give you the Ten Best Movies that go well with Coffee.

Generally, I'm going to be choosing a specific type of movie right? I mean, what would go well with a 2-hour long drinking of coffee? A couple of things I think of that are necessary are thought provoking stories, dialogue the way we wish we'd all speak, a defining stylistic ambiance in the film, and other general fodder for conversation- over a cup of joe.

10. "Fight Club" (1999) by Dave Fincher

I had a hard time deciding to put this in here. The theme is thought provoking- an anarchistic rebellion against contemporary consumer culture. There's also that crazy mindfuck of a twist- but I'm not so sure this is such a good thing. The movie is quite intense with the fighting. Will caffeine help you deal with that? I can't say. Well, at least anarchy is still a coffee-cup topic of conversation.

9. "There Will Be Blood" (2007) by PT Anderson

This is all about the dialogue. Daniel Day-Lewis' character is so over-the-top. This film has produced the latest in the long line of cinematic catchphrases. But beyond the dialogue, there's more to be engrossed by. The themes of insanity and Johnny Greenwood's score are things that should put your caffeine buzz to good use.

8. "Withnail and I" (1987) by Bruce Robinson

This is a highly underrated British comedy. Here, it's all about the quick and witty banter between the number of characters we see throughout the film. The best thing about the conversation is that none of it feels contrived (yes, I'm looking right at you Juno). All of it is natural and completely believable coming from the characters. Given a cup of coffee, there'll be enough great lines for you to stew over.

7. "No Country for Old Men" (2007) by the Cohen Brothers

When discussing this movie, make sure your coffee is as dark as you can take it. This movie is so wonderfully dark- it's outlook on life is pessimistic and nihilistic. Doesn't that sound like something hipsters in coffee shops would talk about while flexing their philosophies? Everything about the film only goes to accent this dark and nihilistic outlook- from the soundtrack, the conversation, the acting- everything. Also, it doesn't hurt that it was the best film made last year.

6. "The Lives of Others" (2006) by Florian Henckel von Donnorsmarck

Compared to the previous films, this film has a more positive outlook on things. Themes tackled in this movie contribute to it's agreeable tendencies with coffee. Things like the nature of love, the nature of obedience and duty, the notion between right and wrong, rebelling against a corrupt institution- all such perfect things to discuss over a cup of coffee. The pacing of the film also contrasts nicely with a caffeine buzz- it's very deliberate and gives the viewer enough time to soak the entire scene in.

5. "Amelie" (2001) by Jean Pierre-Jeunet

This is the happiest film on this list. Carefree is the adjective to use here. Between the colors, the soundtrack, the voiceovers, and those little asides that are sprinkled throughout the film, this is quite the charming and carefree film. Of course the big theme of conversation here is love. The Frenchness of this film feeds well into the coffee-shop intellectual culture that spawned from France in the 18th century.

4. "Wild Strawberries" (1957) by Ingmar Bergman

The first Bergman film on this list, this is a very deep introspective film. Dealing with themes like love, loss and nostalgia to tickle the juices in the brain, this film is where it's at. This is one of those films where afterwards, one has the urge to make a new insight into oneself. Considering that's one of the many favorite pasttimes of coffee-drinkers, this film makes the list quite well.

3. "Reservoir Dogs" (1992) by Quentin Tarantino

Want to see an example of great dialogue in a film? This is it. The dialogue is second to none. It's not particularly realistic, but at the same time it's not as contrived as you'd think. Also given the high-strung mood, there's a kind of sick dark humor throughout the film. More than anything else, it's the style of this film that makes it so appealing to coffee. Cheap black suits, thin black ties, and Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses- throw that in with some entertaining dialogue and you have something you'll enjoy talking about.

2. "The Seventh Seal" (1957) by Ingmar Bergman

Remember what I said about Bergman's other film? Take that and now throw in the question of "Does God exist?" instead of your boring ol' life. It's existential examination into what the nature of religion, God and salvation is. That's not even mentioning the amazingly classic characters that have been satirized to the point of staleness (like Death). This is one of those films where you always pick up something new about it every time you watch it- it never gets old. The film seems to entice almost a cathartic flow of existential and generally philosophic thought into any viewer's mind. Great to hold over coffee conversations.

1. "Annie Hall" (1977) by Woody Allen

The best film for coffee conversation in my opinion. The film in itself is a coffee conversation by Woody Allen about relationships through his semi-autobiographic character. The little asides throughout the film, literally looking into the memories of Alvy Singer, are captivating. It's funny, the conversation is great, there are memorable characters and lines, unique ways of presenting what's going on (like subtitling what the characters are actually thinking while carrying on a fluffy conversation). The film as a whole has very subtle charms while talking about one of the most vexing human emotions.

And with this list, I enter the ranks of pretentiousness. Thank you. Until next time...