Here is how this works. You can only choose 5 movies to show your children in the future, what would they be and why? When I say children, I mean any age, be it 5, 13, 18 years of age. I will make an exception when it comes to series (Star Wars, LotR, Matrix, Godfather, etc) and they will only count as 1 movie (as it takes all of the movies to "complete" the story).
Here are the movies I would pick:
Forrest Gump - I was 8 when this movie came out, and saw it in theaters with my parents. They were a little confused as to why a movie like that drew my attention but even from the previews I knew I would enjoy the hell out of it, and I did. Of course I didnt get many jokes the first few times I saw it due to my age (Forrest telling Jenny "I think I ruined your roommate's bathrobe" after he touches her breasts) and not knowing American history ("You might want to send a maintenance man to that office across the way. The lights are off and they must be looking for a fuse box, 'cause them flashlights, they're keeping me awake." then it shows hes in the Watergate hotel). I love the story, the drama, the comedy, the music, the visuals (now outdated, but you gotta admit seeing Forrest talk to JFK for the first time was pretty impressive). I think this movie is TIMELESS.
Inception - The first movie I have ever gone twice to the theaters for (which says something cause im pretty cheap). I love creative movies, ones which make you think "how the hell did they think of this!?" (much like the first Matrix, which I left out of my list). Great acting, amazing graphics, and of course, the zero gravity fight scene! It's a tragic tale really, and musical score for Inception (Time by Hans Zimmer) makes me tear up. Plus, the brilliant ending that makes you question everything you just watched.
Superbad - Hear me out! Something I am always intrigued with is how humor changes over the years. When this movie came out, I thought it was the funniest thing I have ever seen. Being 20 and remembering all the shit you and your friends would try just get some booze and ass. Evan, Seth, and Fogell reminded me much of my group of friends too. I just could relate so much to the movie, and the humor was/is my type of humor. I would want to see if my kids found it humorous in any way. (Wedding Crashers almost took this spot)
The Dark Knight - To me, this movie is not in the "superhero/comic book" movie category (Iron Man, Thor, X-men, etc). Those are just fun, flashy action with comedy sprinkled in......which don't get me wrong, isn't bad, I enjoyed the hell out of The Avengers. It is much more than that. It is a drama that shows the inner workings of good and evil. "I took Gotham's white knight and I brought him down to my level. It wasnt hard. Madness is like gravity. All it takes is a little push." Plus, not showing my children Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker would be a travesty. I just don't see how anybody in the future would have the balls to remake Batman, again.
Gladiator - Great movie, period.
Obviously you don't have to go into as much detail as I did, but I just like giving my reasons. Looking forward to your responses!