Taking a nod from TCM’s Essentials franchise, below is a list of films that I deem essential, the ones you “must see before you die.” These are the films that have made me laugh and cry; the films that have stayed with me well after the credits have rolled. Most importantly, these are the films that have truly made an impact in my life and love of cinema. This is an ongoing list but here’s some essentials to give you an idea of my tastes. Click on the posters to find out why: