5 Films For An Existential Crisis

There are teenagers from all corners of the globe devising new and inventive ways to make the world a better place.

Meanwhile, I scroll through Tumblr at ridiculous hours of the night, reblogging Parks and Recreation gifs and laughing about cat videos. What is my life? Wait… what am I actually doing with my life?

Reflection and curiosity are necessary tools for putting things into perspective. However, delving into deep philosophical questions can trigger an existential crisis, which can actually be a huge hindrance. Existential crises cause us to ponder whether or not our life has any meaning. It can feel like an ever-growing mountain of worry which gets steeper as unanswered questions about the meaning of life accumulate. Simple everyday tasks become opportunities for distressing thoughts. Have you ever tried to take a shower whilst wondering whether or not you are real? It’s much more difficult than you’d think and you’ll probably waste a lot of shampoo.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

There are two beings that I need to thank for helping me quell my own existential panic: 1) Sahyang Widhi Wasa (A Hindu God) and 2) Sylvester Stallone. But, let’s discuss the latter. Sometimes the world just feels way too complicated. You want to simplify things and you need something to remind you of your place. Movies allow you to distance yourself from the world for a couple of hours and let you think through these issues in a relaxed way. Hold on tight and prepare some popcorn. Here’s my list of five films for overcoming existentialism and quelling the panic.

1. The Rocky Series, 1976-2006

Cue “Eye of The Tiger” and envision yourself running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Given that existentialism is usually associated with angst and a little bit of sadness, Rocky Balboa’s refreshing avoidance of lofty intellectual navel-gazing will give you permission to do the same, and his triumphs will provide some motivation for the next few steps.

2. Eat, Pray, Love, 2010

We have a tendency to question if we’re making the right choices. School makes us anxious and we struggle to deal with expectations. As Julia Roberts turns her life around, she’ll quell your fear of stagnation. Eat, Pray, Love will re-ignite the confidence in life that your existential crisis stole from you.

3. Fantasia, 1940

At first glance you may question what illegal substances Walt Disney was on while making Fantasia, but the actual message of the movie suggests more thought went into it than you’d imagine. The unicorns, the orchestral tunes and ballet dancing hippos create a chaotic sensory experience. Fantasia reminds us that when we’re overwhelmed, we’re not alone. Just let go, embrace the craziness and enjoy the merriment of life.

4. The Bucket List, 2007

You live and you die. It sounds really depressing and it’s hard to come to terms with, but Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson teach us to make the most of it through adventures and friendship. As you lose yourself in their journey, it may inspire yours.

5. Life in a Day, 2011

We all feel disconnected and angsty during existential crises. Comprised of 80,000 YouTube videos, Life in a Day highlights our togetherness and differences through beautiful cinematography, amounting to a totally mesmerising movie.

Cassie Ngurah is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about our contributors program.