What kind of movie you’ll find on Google Play if you search for “Viagra movie”? You’ll get a whole lot of animated GIFs, likely aping a generic Hollywood blockbuster, but with only passing references to the original Viagra. But don’t be fooled: despite the absence of the blue diamond, the pharmaceutical company has plenty to offer. It might not be what you’d call an essential film to watch before you take the pill, but it’s definitely one of the most enjoyable cinematic experiences available. Here are the five best Viagra movies (so far).
The Notebook
Based on the popular novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook is the timeless story of love, betrayal, and death. After the tragic passing of his wife, Noah falls into a deep depression. Hoping to bring some joy back into his life, Noah embarks on a quest to find “the one.” Along the way, he falls in love with Lisa, a free-spirited young woman who helps him to find the strength to move on with his life. But Noah’s quest for love is no easy task, and it soon becomes apparent that there’s more than one person he’s looking for. The Notebook is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and it’s sure to appeal to audiences worldwide. (1)
For those who have been waiting for a “female” counterpart to the popular “male” sex-change film Hercules, The Notebook is your answer. And for fans of Noah Wyle, The Notebook offers a glimpse into what might have been if he’d never encountered the tragedy that was his life. Director Ryan Coogler (Black Panther) brings his considerable talents to bear on a beautifully shot tale of courage, self-sacrifice, and the healing power of love. If you’re looking for a heart-warming film that offers a positive message, then The Notebook is definitely the one for you. (2)
Paparazzi
In the late ‘90s, the paparazzi were a major news story, with one of their notorious “accidents” resulting in the death of a photographer. Since then, technology has advanced, and while the paparazzi still exist, they no longer cause the same kind of stir. This trend seems to have carried over to cinema, with the occasional celebrity photoshoot resulting in a major motion picture—and sometimes even a TV series or Netflix special. But the most interesting thing about the recently released Paparazzi is how it plays with the conventions of the genre, using humor and a healthy dose of existential dread to great effect. (1)
Paparazzi is, at its heart, a love story about a photographer (Raffaella Carra)\u003cb\u003e, who falls in love with her subject, Olga (played by the late Johannah Montana). But the film veers into darker territory when Olga is murdered by a crazed fan. From there, Carra’s character must confront her own mortality and the futility of her chosen profession. She eventually redeems herself by doing the one thing she’s always done: loving and protecting those she cares about. (2)
For those who love a good rom-com, Paparazzi is a must-see. It’s got all the makings of a movie that will make you laugh and cry, but maybe not in the way you’d expect. The supporting cast (led by Anna Kendrick and William H. Macy) is superb, and the direction (by Andrea Berlutti) is top-notch, making this one of the best-looking, most entertaining, and most thought-provoking films of the year. (3)
Shopping
This one might not be for the faint of heart. Shopping is the story of a young woman (played by Kiki Sukezashi) who moves to New York City in search of fame and fortune. However, fame proves to be more elusive than she’d hoped, and she must navigate the city’s notoriously fashion-phobic climate, where her only mode of survival is through acquisition. Shopping is part courtroom drama, part romantic comedy, and part bizarre social experiment. In the end, will Penny (Sukezashi) succeed in her goal, or will the fashion community reject her for being different? (1)
There are some great performances in this one, led by Sukezashi, who was the recipient of a 2018 Independent Spirit Award for her performance. Her comedic timing and ability to switch from scene to scene are exceptional, and quite frankly, the movie wouldn’t work nearly as well without her. From the moment she appears on the big screen, you’ll know what kind of impact she’ll have on an audience—and you’ll be wishing she was in every role you’re ever in. (2)
Along with Paparazzi, Shopping is one of the best films based on true events. In 1999, a young woman named Penny Lloyd (Sukezashi) launched a lawsuit against Victoria Beckham, claiming that the British fashion designer had defamed her by calling her “a bit of a shopaholic.” The case went all the way to the Supreme Court, where the jury awarded Lloyd $15.5 million in damages. Today, Lloyd lives in a lavish mansion in Beverly Hills, surrounded by cats and dogs. She continues to pursue her passion for fashion, going on to design a capsule collection inspired by her beloved cats. While the story of this brilliant, style-conscious woman may be over, her legacy lives on through this hilarious and heartbreaking glimpse into the fashion world. (3)
The Disaster Artist
Another Netflix film that you might not have heard of is The Disaster Artist. Its title might lead you to believe it’s some kind of biopic about the King of Comedy, but it’s actually a portrait of the legendary filmmaker, Terry Gilliam. And it’s one of the most extraordinary films you’ll ever watch. (1)
The Disaster Artist is a fever dream where Gilliam mocks almost every iconic movie moment, from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight. In fact, you’ll discover endless references to these films, as well as The Wizard of Oz, Bambi, and Dumbo, the titular protagonist of Gilliam’s 1987 film, The Fisher King. Many of these references aren’t included in the script, but are added in by Gilliam and his talented cast and crew. So, while the narrative follows a fairly conventional story line, this is one film where the references really matter. (2)
The cast is extraordinary, with Tom Hanks, Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, and Pete Postlethwaite all giving memorable performances. Hanks plays Gilliam, and while he might not be giving the performance of a lifetime, he’s certainly giving it his all. The movie also boasts an incredible soundtrack, featuring an eclectic mix of music from The Muppets to The Beach Boys to Iron Maiden. And it wouldn’t be a Gilliam film without some pretty amazing visual effects. This is one film where CGI really matters, and the effects are nothing short of groundbreaking. (3)
On the surface, The Disaster Artist appears to be just another story about a wacky comedian who struggles to become famous. But, in reality, it’s a lot more complicated. The film is a testament to Gilliam’s genius—and an indictment of the film industry’s treatment of aspiring comedians. Even if you’re not a fan of Gilliam’s work, you’ll have to admit that this is one of the most extraordinary cinematic experiences available. (4)
And Then There Were None
Speaking of indictments, And Then There Were None is a riveting true-crime saga that exposes the horrifying depths of humanity. It’s also one of the best thrillers of all time. The title refers to the “final eight” victims of infamous “serial killer” John Norman Haigh. Considered to be among the most brutal murderers in British history, Haigh preyed on the rich and famous, killing them one-by-one in a bizarre and seemingly motiveless spree that lasted for more than 30 years. (1)
The film is an adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel of the same name, directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, and Claude Rains. The performances of Davis and de Havilland are phenomenal, although this might be the exception to the rule rather than the rule. The lighting in the film is incredible, and a big part of what makes this one of the best films of all time. (2)