List: Top 10 Movies You Watched in School

Few things unite us like movies do. Though we all have different experiences and live vastly different lives, at least we can all sit down and talk about the stories and memories we have collectively shared through the videos we've watched. No where is this more realized then in grade school. So without further ado I countdown the top 10 movies you watched during school.

10: 1776 (U.S. History)
Based off of the broadway musical of the same name, (which is itself based on the Continental Congress's debates on independence) 1776 brings the founding fathers to life. Starring William Daniels, Howard Da Silva and Ken Howard this show stopper may seem a little dated at times, but for anyone who wanted to see Boy Meets World's Mr. Feeny sing this flick is a real treat.

9: Much Ado About Nothing (Drama)

Kenneth Branagh continues his Elizabethan binge with this Shakespearian comedy. Featuring an all star cast, it's Emma Thompson and Branagh himself who shine brightest, though Denzel Washington deserves special mention as Don Pedro. Also featured is Keanu Reeves who, though tries his best to speak in verse, falls flat on his face. At least he does much better than the cast members of Romeo+Juliet

8: The Little Mermaid (French, Spanish...any language really)

Classic Disney at is classiest, The Little Mermaid has become a timeless tale of following your dreams and falling in love. Oddly enough it seems that almost all language classes have a DVD of this movie somewhere and dubbing them in various tongues doesn't take away its effect (though the songs may sound a little silly in German).

7: Gladiator (World History)

"Are you not entertained?" is the montra of this action packed sword-and-sandal epic. Though riddled with historical inaccuracies Gladiator still packs and emotional punch and manages to reconstruct ancient Rome in all its magnificence. Starring Russell Crowe as General Maximus and Joaquin Phoenix as the venemous Caesar Commodus Gladiator eventually won best picture on Oscar night and deservedly so.

6: A Beautiful Mind (Psychology)
Another Russell Crowe flick, A Beautiful Mind is a pretty accurate depiction of mathematician John Nash's complex life. Convinced he has been recruited to help decode KGB codes John eventually becomes the victim of his own machinations. Also winning best picture just a year later, A Beautiful Mind is truly a beautiful movie.

5: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (Government)
Frank Capra at his finest, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is worthwhile view of politics through the eyes of an idealistic Senator appointed to fill a vacancy and is met with corruption and cynicism. Used by the political machine and foiled by the media, Jefferson Smith takes is stand and never backs down from his convictions. This movie is socially important if for no other reason then to explain what a filibuster is.

4: Kundun (Comparative Religions)
A biographical look at the Dalai Lama through the mature eyes of Martin Scorsese Kundun is as visually impressive as it is soulfully told. Starring mostly Tibetan actors this movie is told in a series of episodes and follows a chronological story structure. Though slow to some, those with patience will be rewarded.

3: The Land Before Time (Elementary School)

I'm not sure what little kids watch in class nowadays but The Land Before Time was for its time a beautifully crafted little film with worthwhile characters, a straightforward plot, great animation for its time and surprisingly adult themes that ensure its longevity. Every little boy at one point went through a dinosaur phase, and this film coincided with mine.

2: To Kill a Mockingbird (English)

Out of all the films based on high school required reading To Kill a Mockingbird is both a literary masterpiece and a cinematic triumph. Gregory Peck cements his status as one of the greatest actors of all time with his closing argument at Tom Robinson's trial. Mary Badham also is quite impressive as Scout and Robert Duvall makes his screen debut as Boo Radley giving great presence despite not saying a word.

1: Life is Beautiful (Humanities)

Set in fascist Italy, Life is Beautiful stars Roberto Benigni as charismatic Jewish man Guido who, with the help of his humor falls in love, marries and has a son with the woman of his dreams. When Guido and his family are transported to the concentration camps he uses his sense of humor and love of life to keep them alive. Without a doubt the most beautiful love story I have ever seen and one of the best movies of all time.