40 must-watch movies to consider yourself a film buff

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Sofia Coppola gets another spot in this slideshow with Marie Antoinette, a film that shows her at her most adult. The story of the legendary 18th-century queen who lost her head, Coppola tells the story in a straightforward manner that left critics aghast back in 2006.

The film utilizes popular music to show the freewheeling lifestyle of Marie Antoinette (Kirsten Dunst) and her husband, King Louis XVI (Jason Schwartzman). And based on the actors assembled — including Rip Torn, Rose Byrne, and Judy Davis — don’t expect any French accents here. The point here isn’t to show an authentic portrayal of the queen who didn’t actually declare “let them eat cake,” but to show how a child was tasked with being the ruler of a country.

Make no mistake in looking at everyone’s age. Coppola wants you to identify with her heroine, who was shipped off at 15 with no instruction other than to be both French (her new home) and Austrian (representing her old home). She was the pawn in a game no one could win, much like the film itself, and it’s a stark look at the razor’s edge all women walk upon. It’s also a mess of fun, beautifully shot, and has some of the best costume design you’ll see.

Where to Watch It: Netflix has it to stream right now, or you can rent it on Google Play, Vudu, PlayStation, YouTube, and Apple.