We’ve all watched those movies where we ask ourselves, “What did I just watch? Did anything really happen?” Whether you find these movies meditative or meandering, they’ve got a special place in cinematic history. So, for all you guys who’ve ever zoned out during a film and wondered, “Was it just me?” here’s a list to make you feel seen.
The Happening
The film revolves around a sudden and strange phenomenon causing people to commit mass suicides, and Mark Wahlberg plays a science teacher trying to make sense of the madness. The movie’s tension comes from an eerie stillness, not action-packed sequences. Despite the suspenseful premise, nothing seems to happen. Instead, the film focuses on a sense of dread – in the best way.
The Room
The Room, a cult classic, is considered one of the worst films ever made. It features a tangled web of relationships, betrayal, and bizarre scenes. Tommy Wiseau’s eccentricity oozes through every scene. Yet, for all its quirks, nothing significant happens. Characters meander through a dramatic plot with no clear direction or development.
Bambi
This Disney classic follows a young deer, Bambi, as he grows up in the forest. It’s a film that captures the calmness and serenity of the wilderness, with Bambi making friends and exploring his surroundings. Despite the emotional impact of Bambi’s mother’s death, much of the film shows animals’ simple, everyday life in the woods. Nothing of much consequence happens, but it’s a beautiful portrayal of nature.
My Dinner With Andre
Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory sit down for a meal and have an extensive conversation, nothing more. They discuss life, death, theatre, and everything in between. It’s a film that celebrates the nuances of dialogue and the complexities of human thought. The film’s beauty lies in its simplicity.
Lost in Translation
This film portrays the fleeting connection between Bob (Bill Murray), a washed-up actor, and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a lonely young woman. Set against Tokyo’s backdrop, their relationship consists of silent moments, shared glances, and unspoken words. It’s a film where not much happens, as it focuses on the emotional landscape rather than a plot.
Dazed and Confused
Set in the 1970s, the movie revolves around a group of teenagers on the last day of school. They party, drive around, and just hang out. With its nostalgic soundtrack and colorful characters, the film captures the essence of youth and the desire for freedom. However, the plot isn’t driven by any significant events. Instead, it’s a slice-of-life portrayal of teenagers living in the moment.
Coffee and Cigarettes
A series of eleven short clips revolving around characters having conversations over coffee and cigarettes. These snippets feature various themes, but they all involve people talking about their lives, dreams, and random thoughts. Despite the compelling dialogues, no grand narrative ties the scenes together.
Napoleon Dynamite
A quirky portrayal of a socially awkward teenager, Napoleon Dynamite, and his eccentric friends and family. However, there’s no major conflict or resolution, just a series of events in Napoleon’s life. The film captures rural life and the bizarre, mundane moments that make life unique. Nothing groundbreaking occurs, but it’s an enjoyable ride nonetheless.
I’m Thinking of Ending Things
A young woman (Jessie Buckley) accompanies her boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) to visit his parents’ farm. Along the way, they have lengthy conversations about life, relationships, and art. The film, directed by Charlie Kaufman, blurs the lines between reality and illusion. The movie is a thought-provoking exploration of the human mind, but nothing significant happens.
Locke
The film unfolds inside a car, following the protagonist, Ivan Locke, as he drives and makes phone calls. Despite the limited setting and lack of physical action, the film dives deep into Locke’s character and emotions. The movie captures the tension and drama of a dramatic night in his life, even though nothing concrete occurs outside the car.
Slacker
A day in the life of various characters in Austin, Texas, movie presents showcases their oddities and quirks. There’s no central storyline or character development, just random encounters and conversations. The film captures the aimlessness of life and the beauty of everyday moments.
My Neighbor Totoro
Two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, move to the countryside and befriend the forest spirits, including the giant, cuddly Totoro. The movie portrays their adventures with these spirits, but no overarching plot or antagonist exists. Instead, Studio Ghibli’s film explores the enchantment of childhood and the magic of nature.
The Man From Earth
A university professor, John Oldman, reveals to his colleagues that he’s a 14,000-year-old caveman. Set entirely in one room, the movie revolves around their reactions and discussions about history, science, and religion. Despite the intriguing premise, no action, significant plot development, or grand revelations exist.
Clerks
The film follows a day in the life of Dante, a convenience store clerk, and his friend Randal, a video store clerk. They discuss various topics, from Star Wars to their personal lives. It’s another real-life portrayal of two friends navigating the mundane realities of their jobs.
Breaking Dawn: Part 1
Bella Swan and Edward Cullen get married and go on their honeymoon, where Bella becomes pregnant with a half-vampire child…and that’s about it. The film sets the stage for the climax of the Twilight saga, but nothing substantial happens, making it a calm prelude to the series finale.
Garden State
Andrew Largeman returns to his hometown in New Jersey for his mother’s funeral and reconnects with his past. He meets an eccentric young woman, Sam, and they form a bond. The film explores the emotional journey of the characters rather than a plot-driven narrative. However, it does capture the quiet moments and feelings that shape our lives.
The Straight Story
The film is based on the true story of Alvin Straight, an elderly man who drives a lawnmower across two states to visit his estranged brother. The journey is slow and uneventful, but it reveals Alvin’s determination and the significance of family bonds. There’s no action or major plot development, just a touching portrayal of a man’s unwavering determination.
Waiting for Godot
This adaptation of Samuel Beckett’s play follows two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, as they wait for a man named Godot. They engage in various conversations and activities to pass the time, but Godot never arrives. The play explores philosophical themes, the human condition, and the absurdity of life.
