Living in suburbia is a life choice that comes with several different opinions. For many, it can be a new chance at a happy and quiet lifestyle. For others, as outlined by Business Insider, it is a death sentence filled with repetition. Either way, it is a part of modern day culture that several individuals can relate to. When it comes to American culture, millions live in suburban neighborhoods. They are places for families to grow and relationships to evolve. Throughout the years, we have seen several movies capture the essence of suburban culture. Some of them have been uplifting, and many of them have been dark.
Films such as American Beauty showcase the superficial nature that comes with suburban life. Suburbia comes with a lot of potential when it comes to storytelling. It is a relatable topic that can be transformed to mix with several film genres. We have seen many prominent filmmakers, like Ang Lee, put their spin on suburban life and the “American Dream”. Some of the most impactful films are centered around family and relationships. This is one of the main reasons why films set in suburbia are so effective. Let’s dive into the best films about suburbia, ranked.
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7 Vivarium
Vertigo Releasing
Vivarium is a highly original film that follows a young couple who become trapped in an isolated suburban neighborhood. The movie is similar to a Twilight Zone episode, and it features two great performances from Jesse Eisenberg and Impogen Poots. Vivarium showcases the mundane lifestyle of suburbia in a new light. It adds a science fiction twist to the prisoner story that will have you guessing until the very end.
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6 The Burbs
Universal Pictures
The Burbs highlights the comedy aspect of nosey suburban neighbors. It is a hilarious comedy film that follows a suburban man (Tom Hanks) and his friends as they uncover a murder in their small town. All of the supporting characters, including Bruce Dern, bring something to the table. It is a movie that doesn’t take itself seriously, and it is filled with laughs from beginning to end.
5 Pleasantville
Larger Than Life Productions
Pleasantville follows two high school students, played by Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon, who are transported into a 1950s television show. It is a very original film that features a great blend of comedy and drama. The film sheds light on a lot of important topics including self-expression and feminism. Pleasantville features brilliant cinematography that highlights distinct color patterns. At the same time, the film has a fantastic musical score.
4 The Ice Storm
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Ang Lee’s The Ice Storm follows two Connecticut families in the early-1970s. It features an A-list cast including Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, and Sigourney Weaver. We get to see a glimpse of suburbia through several different characters, and the movie tackles several dramatic themes including love, parenthood, and infidelity. Lee proved his sheer capabilities as a filmmaker, and he told an honest and original story about suburban life. He captures the essence, and shallowness, of suburbia.
3 Revolutionary Road
Paramount Vantage
Sam Mendes’ Revolutionary Road was a cinematic achievement that featured some of the best work ever from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The film follows their characters as they are roped into the mundane and boring lifestyle of suburbia. At the same time, we watch as their relationship crumbles. It is a heartbreaking story that comes with several scenes of passion and intensity. The chemistry between Winslet and DiCaprio is unmatchable. They proved, once again, that they are a dynamic duo on screen. Although it may give a negative glimpse on relationships, the film is certainly honest throughout.
2 Ordinary People
Paramount Pictures
Robert Redford directed this classic film based on the novel of the same name. The story follows a seemingly normal family who is suffering from the loss of one of their own. The film features brilliant performances for its ensemble cast, and Redford did a fantastic job of bringing this story to the screen. It is a heartbreaking story that focuses on dealing with grief with your family. The music, cinematography, and performances all blend together, giving us a very memorable film.
1 American Beauty
Jinks/Cohen Company
American Beauty is an Academy Award-winning film that features top-notch performances, memorable scenes, and beautiful cinematography. The story follows a man (Kevin Spacey) who decides to ditch his normal routine to live life to the fullest. It is a film that showcases memorable performances across the board. It has a great blend of comedy and drama, and it is filled with style from beginning to end. Mendes proved, with this film, that he was a major contender in Hollywood.
