Boost Your Creativity While You Work with Brilliance in the Background

I promise, I didn’t just choose Romantic Comedies

I don't know if I am alone in this, but I like noise in the background while I work. As some of you know, I LOVE podcasts; I listen while I work. I also listen to music. But when I'm home alone, working on something creative, I watch a beautiful film. As it plays in the background, I sketch, doodle and create.

Before the movie list begins, I have a great alternative if you can’t watch movies and work. Check out Slow TV on Netflix. A friend turned me on to the collection months ago; I’m in love. I watch each episode over and over again. Each episode is themed, one is a slow moving train traveling through the alps, another is someone salmon fishing. There are multiple episodes with so many themes. Each one fabulous in their own right.

The Top 14 Films to Watch While You are Creating

Her

This movie never lets me down with vintage colors and soulful imagery. It takes you to a futuristic world that harkens to a romantic. Spike Jones streams vignettes together like a master and Arcade Fire takes you to a whole other realm. I know this may be an “Of course!” suggestion, but I had to put it on here. To be honest, I watch it on rotation.

Life of Pi

Ang Lee directs masterpieces, and was oddly a good friend to the late Heath Ledger. Who knew? This movie is simply beautiful. It’s just beautiful. The camera angles span the entire ocean and the movie score is captivating. Many moments take your breath away.

Superbad

Maybe, the most surprising film on the list. Nostalgia and humor from college/high school is the reason this movie is captivating. Clothing worn by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera take me back to the early 2000s and I’m in here for every minute of it.

The Grand Seduction

This movie is attached to an amazing location in south eastern Canada. Newfoundland is now on my “must see” travel list. (I might have too many lists.) Taylor Kitsch and Brendan Gleeson are the perfect pair to melt your heart. The natural landscape, perfected with golden tones, make you wish you could recreate similar visuals in your own work. It’s truly inspirational.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

This movie’s fantastical world is the sole reason I can’t get enough of it. The magical creatures and vibrant colors makes this the perfect movie to watch if you are working on anything digital and want the colors to pop. The creatures are clever and innovative.

Shutter Island

This eerie film has stolen a top spot on my favorite movies list ever. It’s ghostly but eye-catching. Each scene makes you feel like you’re there, it the best way. If you have seen it once before, it’s perfect background noise. But I would advise watching it one time through to make sure you know the entirety of its greatness.

Inglourious Basterds

Quentin Tarantino is an artist, and he knows it. This movie, literally, takes you to another time and space. All the tones are a bit muted, the dialogue is captivating and the shots are so telling of Tarantino’s style. (I would note to keep the volume pretty low, because it can get loud and it’s hard not to just watch by itself. But I do love the colors so much, I couldn’t leave this movie off the list.)

You’ve Got Mail

Its true, this is my favorite film of all time, but that’s not why it’s on the “beautiful list.” The screenwriting and soundtrack is the sole reason this movie can inspire. Nora Ephron wrote two strong characters; one a passionate women who could only be captivated by a caring and witty man. Unlikely humor, matched with emotional tunes, makes this movie the number one pick to watch if it’s Friday night and you still have to work. Pour yourself a glass, hit me up on Instagram (so you have a friend) and turn this movie up. I have it on VHS just for this occasion.

It’s Complicated

Every movie staring Meryl Streep should be on this list. But it’s me, so of course I chose one with food, amazing home decor, Nancy Meyers, and charismatic humor. Streep’s character’s house is the sole reason this movie in on the list. Nancy Meyers’ movies have impeccable production design. The kitchen is dreamy and the garden is awe worthy. Literally, her estate is in my dreams.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

This is another “duh” suggestion. But I can’t leave it off. Wes Anderson is the master of symmetry and mid-century modern color palettes. His story line is corky; true to form. The characters all carry a multitude of issues; it’s perfect. This movie is more than enchanting, enhanced by dry wit and intrinsic charm.

The Big Short

Steve Carell stepped into a powerful role, alongside Brad Pitt and Christian Bale. The humor sneaks in to break up the drama of the 2008 housing crisis. The cinematography displays cool tones and true vibrance. It’s mesmerizing. The director Adam McKay typically works with Collin Ferrel, which is why the humor is gritty and true. The dialogue is pure and full of emotion; it’s so great.

In a World

Staring, written and directed by Lake Bell, this film with intrigue and inspire. Watching a women pursuing her dreams in a man’s world is always a must see. It’s kinda what we are all doing. So working and watching this masterpiece is a no-brainer. Her style is gritty and honest. The honesty makes this movie one of a kind, hopefully that greatness transforms your work.

Adore

Naomi Watts and Robin Wright live in one of the most beautiful places in the earth: a secluded beach on the Australian coast. Both lovely, they have affairs leading to a dramatic turn of events. The scenic location is the top reason this movie is relaxing. If you turn the volume on low, it’s almost like you’re in Australia, living in cabins in the woods.

The Incredibles 2

This movie should actually be on the top of this list, but I wasn’t sure you would take this list seriously if it were. The illustration is romantic and a true work of art. The mid-century modern theme lands this movie is the history books. The colors alone is a The work of a master. I wish one day to be on the same level. That’s the truth.