At times when truth has been the hardest to find, many generations have had little hope to cling to. Yet, the movies have always offered an ally, someone to understand you when the rest of the world has turned its back. “Annie Hall,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Garden State;” these are the movies (among many others) that somehow managed to sum up the feelings of an entire age group in one simple yet mesmerizing story. Everyone has at least one film that helps the world make sense again. These are just a few that have truly stood the test of time.

In 1977, Woody Allen managed to cement his status (until the 90’s anyway) as a neurotic relationship guru with his opus, “Annie Hall.” The film suddenly made it possible for even the most socially awkward, sexually dysfunctional geek to find a beautiful and independent woman to call his own. Allen used humor, tragedy, and heartbreak to tell his fans “Yes, love won’t always work out, but it’s certainly worth the try.” In addition, his dear Annie amplified the voice that women were finally finding in the 70’s. “Annie Hall,” full of heart and hilarity, will always be the ultimate romantic comedy.

John Hughes was not just a voice in the 80’s, he was the god of the teen film’s universe. While he became the father of the Brat Pack, creating multiple memorable (and wonderful) films, none endured quite as well as “The Breakfast Club.” The story surrounded a group of very different teens tossed into detention for very different crimes but with one thing in common… angst. The dialogue heavy film touched on issues involving parental abuse, suicide, drugs, sex, and violence, managing to make its audience laugh and cry in ten minute intervals. No matter how you may feel about the movie, you still walk away believing that every one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. Does that answer your question?

More recently, films like “Garden State” and “Sideways” have managed to cross generations and speak to multiple audiences while still holding on to their Indie cred. Zach Braff’s labor of love, “Garden State,” swept audiences across the country with its gentle approach to surviving those awkward years between birth and death. “Sideways” broached the other end of the spectrum by making it perfectly acceptable to “Peter Pan” your way through life while still learning in the process. Alexander Payne’s critical darling covered the topics of marriage, infidelity, and wine tasting with humor and affection, while still maintaining that Payne coarse humor. Both films are sure to be remembered by future generations for helping make the 00’s seem a little less vapid.

These are only a few of the thousands of films that are embraced by audiences for showing us not only who we are, but what we may one day become. And finally, it seems that cinema understands what it means to touch audiences in a way they can never forget.