Wherever we direct our thoughts will have an impact on our imaginations and ultimately, on our performances as voice actors.

The same can be said of writers as it is for all manner of actor, regardless of the genre or medium. And just as writers need to read a lot to improve their literary prowess, actors need to study a variety of recorded media and storytelling styles that shape our culture and the work we intend to perform and create in most.

Since most audition specs are crammed with a wide variety of pop culture references from film and TV, both past and present, here’s a healthy list of recommended movies to discover, re-discover, and to entertain as you usher in the New Year!

1. About Time (2013) Comedy with a bit of drama *

2. Ocean’s Eleven (2001) Action-comedy

3. New Year Blues (2020) Romantic comedy

4. Moonstruck (1987) Comedy

5. Trading Places (1983) Comedy

6. When Harry Met Sally (1989) Comedy *

7. The Apartment (1960) Dramedy

8. After The Thin Man (1936) Comedy

9. Waiting to Exhale (1995) Dramatic comedy

10. An Affair to Remember (1957) Romantic-dramedy

11. Boogie Nights (1997) Dramedy

12. Lady Bird (2017) Quiet comedy

13. Are We There Yet? (2005) Comedy

14. About a Boy (2002) Comedy with a bit of drama

15. The Gold Rush (1925) Possibly the very first hit comedy with drama

16. Sunset Boulevard (1950) Drama

17. A Long Way Down (2014) Dramedy

18. An American in Paris (1951) Romantic Musical

19. Metropolitan (1990) Romantic drama

20. Better Luck Tomorrow (2002) Dark romantic comedy

21. Diner (1982) Dark comedy

22. Carol (2015) Romantic drama

23. The Godfather II (1974) Drama

24. Snowpiercer (2013) Sci-fi action drama

25. The Poseidon Adventure (1972) Unintentional comedy

*My personal favorites!

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