Watch, Read or Listen Before You Die

A dear friend of mine recently told me he hadn’t seen Good Will Hunting until this year. How is that possible? I remember hosting a movie night at my house simply because I’d heard most of my friends had never seen Dazed & Confused. That was a wrong that needed to be righted immediately. You see, certain books, movies, and music simply should not be experienced before you die. I’m talking about works of art that provoke a kind of knowing or understanding. An awareness that shines a light on the whole human experience.

I asked a few of my loved ones, “Name some must-see movies, books, or music. What should someone watch, read or listen to before they die?”

This is subjective, I know, although I made every attempt to include different genres for diverse interests. Nevertheless, not everyone is going to agree with these selections. I still stand by them. No matter your age, background, or ideology – here are some titles and artists to add to your bucket list.

Television to watch

West Wing

Fleabag

After Life

M*A*S*H

Movies to watch

Arrival

The Big Lebowski

Moonlight

Dazed and Confused

The Shawshank Redemption

2001: A Space Odyssey

All The President’s Men

Casablanca

Star Wars: A New Hope

Dances With Wolves

Books to read

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Life After Life by Raymond Moody

When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön

A Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov (play)

Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson (play)

Music to listen to

Bodhisattva Vow by Beastie Boys (song)

Paul’s Boutique by Beastie Boys (album)

Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin (song)

Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (album)

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys (album)

Landslide by Stevie Nicks (song)

Both Sides, Now by Joni Mitchell (song)

Kind of Blue by Miles Davis (album)

Four Seasons by Vivaldi (album)

By The Way, I Forgive You by Brandi Carlile (album)

Mind Games and Imagine by John Lennon (albums)

About the Author

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