Stories about Pisces frequently explore deep emotions, intuitive bonds, and realms where past, myth, and dreams intertwine with present reality. If you appreciate heartfelt character development, creative environments, and topics such as compassion and metamorphosis, this carefully selected collection encompasses live-action and animated productions, personal dramas and grand fantasies, and films in English, as well as international favorites.
Discover a curated list of twenty films that explore themes of longing, wonder, healing, and self-discovery, along with the essential details about who created them and their star-studded casts. Each entry provides concise information such as plot summaries, actor lineups, and key production credits to help you easily find a film that resonates with your current mood. Enjoy!
‘The Shape of Water’ (2017)
During the Cold War era, Baltimore serves as the backdrop for ‘The Shape of Water’, a film that revolves around Elisa, a mute night janitor working at a secret government lab. One day, she stumbles upon an amphibious creature being held in a top-security lab. As she forms a unique connection with this captive being, the narrative unfolds around her mission to rescue him while dealing with the challenges of surveillance, secrecy, and potential threats from the lab’s stern security chief.
The movie was crafted under the guidance of Guillermo del Toro, who also collaborated on its script with Vanessa Taylor. Leading roles were played by Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Octavia Spencer, and Doug Jones. The music was composed by Alexandre Desplat, while Dan Laustsen took care of the cinematography. Fox Searchlight Pictures handled production for this film.
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
‘Spirited Away’ revolves around Chihiro, a young girl who accidentally ends up in a magical realm inhabited by spirits after her folks are magically transformed into pigs. In this spirit world, she finds employment at a bathhouse owned and operated by the enchantress Yubaba. The story unfolds as Chihiro strives to regain her true identity, rescue her parents, and eventually make her way back to the mortal realm with the assistance of the elusive Haku, a supernatural being she encounters along the way.
In this narrative, I’m sharing my experience watching a captivating film, one that was masterfully crafted by Hayao Miyazaki himself, under Studio Ghibli’s production. The talented voices you hear are those of Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, and Mari Natsuki in their native Japanese language, while Daveigh Chase lends her voice in the English version. Joe Hisaishi, a renowned composer, created the enchanting music for this production, and it was supervised by Miyazaki’s long-standing team who worked diligently with hand-drawn animation.
‘Life of Pi’ (2012)
‘Pi Patel, a teenage character, experiences a shipwreck that leaves him adrift on a lifeboat alongside a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The story unfolds their perilous sea journey amidst tempests, glowing seas and an enigmatic island. However, interspersed within this narrative are recollections of the same events as relayed by Pi to a visiting storyteller in his maturity.’
The movie is directed by Ang Lee, based on Yann Martel’s novel, with David Magee responsible for the screenplay. The cast includes Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, and Rafe Spall. Claudio Miranda takes on the role of cinematographer, Mychael Danna handles the musical score, and visual effects experts bring the tiger, ocean settings, and surreal scenes to life.
‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004)
In simple terms, ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ is a movie about Joel and Clementine, who once had a relationship that fell apart. To forget each other, they opt for a procedure that deletes their memories. The film takes us through Joel’s memories as they are being erased, showing his attempts to hold onto significant moments while the process is ongoing by the technicians.
Michel Gondry serves as director for a screenplay penned by Charlie Kaufman, featuring performances from Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, and Tom Wilkinson. Ellen Kuras was in charge of cinematography, while Jon Brion created the film’s score. In-camera effects and practical techniques were utilized to bring the memory sequences to life.
‘Moonlight’ (2016)
‘Moonlight’, based in Miami, chronicles the life of Chiron over three significant stages – childhood, teenage years, and early adulthood. The story unfolds as he grapples with friendships, personal identity, and family dynamics. Key relationships are portrayed, such as his connection with caregiver Juan and a schoolmate, while also highlighting the challenges in his home environment and neighborhood.
In my humble opinion, Barry Jenkins brilliantly directs and co-writes this stunning movie, drawing inspiration from Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play. The exceptional cast features Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders, Alex Hibbert, Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, and the talented Janelle Monáe. James Laxton masterfully captures each scene with his cinematography, while Nicholas Britell creates a captivating score. A24 is in charge of its distribution – a must-see film not to be missed!
‘Her’ (2013)
In a city not too far from the present, ‘Her’ introduces us to Theodore, a man who composes letters for a living. One day, he installs a new artificial intelligence system named Samantha and forms an emotional bond with her. The story delves into their deepening relationship, Theodore’s social encounters with friends and an old lover, and the transformations that take place as the AI technology progresses.
In this film, Spike Jonze serves both as the writer and director. The star-studded cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson (voice), Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, and Olivia Wilde. Hoyte van Hoytema is responsible for capturing the visuals, while Arcade Fire and Owen Pallett contribute to the film’s music score. K.K. Barrett oversees the production design, combining real-world locations with advanced technology.
‘Amélie’ (2001)
Nestled in Paris’s Montmartre district, ‘Amélie’ tells the story of a timid café waitress who stumbles upon a secret box in her flat. With a quiet determination, she embarks on a series of small acts to better the lives of those around her, such as helping a former resident retrieve his cherished childhood memorabilia and finding herself drawn to a fellow who collects lost photo-booth snaps.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet takes on both directing and co-writing duties alongside Guillaume Laurant, while Audrey Tautou and Mathieu Kassovitz headline the cast. Bruno Delbonnel handles cinematography, and Yann Tiersen contributes the musical score. The production design showcases quirky elements found in the cafés, streets, and apartments of the neighborhood.
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)
In post-war Spain, ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ tells the story of Ofelia, a young girl who finds herself in the company of a faun, who gives her a series of tasks to complete, all while residing with her mother and stepfather on a secluded military base. The narrative weaves together her adventures in a magical world filled with mythical beings and her struggles within the harsh environment ruled by Captain Vidal, the commanding officer of the outpost.
In this film, Guillermo del Toro takes on both writing and directing duties, with Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, and Doug Jones playing significant roles. Guillermo Navarro was responsible for capturing the visuals, Javier Navarrete provided the musical score, and a unique combination of animatronics, makeup effects, and digital technology was used to bring the faun and other creatures to life.
‘Call Me by Your Name’ (2017)
In northern Italy, the story ‘Call Me by Your Name’ unfolds around Elio, a teenager spending his summer with his family, and Oliver, an academic joining to aid Elio’s father. The narrative delves into their budding relationship, which blossoms through mutual appreciation of music, language, and excursions, ultimately transforming them both.
Luca Guadagnino serves as the director for a movie based on André Aciman’s novel, with James Ivory penning the screenplay. The star-studded cast includes Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar, and Esther Garrel. Sayombhu Mukdeeprom was responsible for the film’s beautiful cinematography, while Sufjan Stevens provided original music. The movie was filmed in Crema and surrounding towns.
‘The Fountain’ (2006)
As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it like this: In ‘The Fountain’, I embark on an entwined narrative journey where I find myself as a Spanish conquistador hunting for the legendary Yumilk’u tree in ancient Mayan civilization; as a modern-day scientist frantically seeking a cure for my partner’s terminal illness; and as a space traveler accompanying a miraculous tree across cosmic distances. The movie artfully intertwines these tales to delve into themes of devotion, loss, and the relentless march of time.
Darren Aronofsky takes on both writing and directing duties, while Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz headline the cast. Matthew Libatique handles cinematography, Clint Mansell creates the score which is performed by the Kronos Quartet and Mogwai, and the filmmaking process incorporates practical macro-photography for cosmic visuals as well as visual effects.
‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ (2008)
As a cinephile, I’d say ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ chronicles my journey – starting as a man seemingly aged beyond time, only to reverse the clock as life unfolds. From friendships forged, careers pursued, travels undertaken, and an unyielding bond with a captivating dancer named Daisy, this story mirrors the intricate tapestry of my ever-changing existence.
David Fincher is the director of the film based on Eric Roth’s screenplay, which was inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story. The movie features Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Taraji P. Henson, Tilda Swinton, and Julia Ormond in leading roles. Claudio Miranda handled the cinematography, while Alexandre Desplat created the music score. The title character’s aging was achieved using advanced digital makeup and performance capture techniques.
‘Your Name.’ (2016)
‘The story revolves around two adolescents, Mitsuha and Taki, who discover an unusual occurrence – they occasionally switch bodies. Leaving messages to help one another cope with their daily routines, they embark on this unique experience. As they strive to find each other amidst the distance, a cosmic event serves as a common thread connecting their individual journeys.’
The film, crafted by Makoto Shinkai and produced by CoMix Wave Films, showcases performances by Mone Kamishiraishi and Ryunosuke Kamiki in its voice cast. Radwimps created the music for this production, which seamlessly combines intricate background artwork with lively animations depicting urban and rural landscapes.
‘Song of the Sea’ (2014)
In Ireland, the story ‘Song of the Sea’ unfolds around Ben and his younger sister Saoirse, a remarkable girl who possesses the ability to change between human and seal forms, known as a selkie. The narrative follows their adventure through landscapes rich in folklore as they seek to reestablish harmony between our world and the realm of spirits.
The movie was created under the guidance of Tomm Moore at Cartoon Saloon, and it showcases voice talents like David Rawle, Brendan Gleeson, and Fionnula Flanagan. Bruno Coulais composed the music, with additional contributions from Kíla, while the animation is hand-drawn, taking inspiration from Celtic art patterns and coastal landscapes.
‘Whale Rider’ (2002)
In a coastal Māori community in New Zealand, the story ‘Whale Rider’ unfolds around Pai, a girl who feels she was born to guide her tribe, even though tradition leans towards male heirs. The narrative encompasses her learning journey, family disputes, and a crucial incident involving beached whales.
Niki Caro takes on the role of director and adapts Witi Ihimaera’s novel for screen. Key performances are delivered by Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, and Vicky Haughton. The movie is filmed in Whangara and its surroundings, featuring a musical score by Lisa Gerrard and stunning cinematography highlighting the coastal areas crucial to the narrative.
‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2019)
Nestled on a secluded island off Brittany, ‘Portrait of a Woman’ unfolds the story of an artist tasked with covertly painting a young woman’s likeness. The narrative delves into their evolving bond as portrait sittings ensue, while also exploring the restrictive circumstances surrounding the commission.
Céline Sciamma is responsible for both writing and directing the movie. The lead roles are played by Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel, while Luàna Bajrami and Valeria Golino contribute in supporting roles. Claire Mathon takes care of the cinematography, focusing on natural lighting within the interiors. Notably, this film chooses to avoid a traditional score and instead incorporates carefully chosen diegetic music at key points.
‘The Little Prince’ (2015)
In simple terms, ‘The Little Prince’ is a modern retelling of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic tale. A young girl in the contemporary era becomes friends with an old pilot, who shares stories about his adventures with the Little Prince. The narrative weaves between the girl’s current world and the pilot’s captivating tales that feature the Little Prince, a unique rose, and various encounters on different planets.
Under the direction of Mark Osborne, the film blends computer animation with stop-motion techniques featuring artists meticulously creating paper-like miniatures. The English voice-over features performances by Jeff Bridges, Mackenzie Foy, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, and Benicio del Toro. The musical score is crafted by Hans Zimmer and Richard Harvey.
‘A Ghost Story’ (2017)
In ‘A Ghost Story’, we follow a character who meets his demise and transforms into a spirit, still tethered to the house where he once lived with his companion. The narrative unfolds as the house undergoes various transformations over time, showcasing different eras through the people who come and go. As a ghost, he silently observes these comings and goings, along with reconstructions of the dwelling.
David Lowery serves as both writer and director for the movie, featuring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara in prominent roles. Daniel Hart was responsible for composing the music score, while Andrew Droz Palermo utilized an unconventional boxy aspect ratio with rounded corners for cinematography. The film found distribution through A24 following its premiere at various festivals.
‘The Tree of Life’ (2011)
‘In “The Tree of Life,” Jack O’Brien’s childhood within a Texas family is entwined with grandiose cosmic visuals that explore beginnings and recollection. The narrative oscillates between close-knit family moments and scenes showcasing natural occurrences, all set against the backdrop of Jack’s mature contemplations.’
Terrence Malick is responsible for both writing and directing a movie featuring Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, and Sean Penn. Emmanuel Lubezki oversaw the cinematography, while Douglas Trumbull provided guidance on visual effects. The soundtrack includes original compositions as well as classical music carefully chosen to complement the visuals.
‘Big Fish’ (2003)
‘Big Fish’ is a movie that chronicles the extraordinary adventures narrated by Edward Bloom throughout his life to his son. It intertwines ordinary events with encounters of giants, witches, and hidden towns. The narrative switches between the father’s fascinating stories and the son’s quest for facts to validate them.
In this rendition, Tim Burton serves as the director, working off John August’s screenplay that was based on Daniel Wallace’s novel. The film features Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, and Helena Bonham Carter in key roles. Danny Elfman contributed to the movie’s music, while Philippe Rousselot managed the cinematography. Notably, the production design combines realistic small-town settings with fantastical, stylized sequences.
‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)
In a heartwarming tale passed down to his young grandson, the story of ‘The Princess Bride’ unfolds. It’s about Westley and Buttercup who navigate through thrilling duels, a cunning abduction scheme, and an audacious rescue operation with a skilled swordsman and a titanic figure. The narrative seamlessly blends elements of adventure with clever banter, culminating in a dramatic infiltration mission.
Rob Reiner takes on the director’s role for a movie written by William Goldman based on his own novel. The film stars Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn, and André the Giant. Mark Knopfler created the music, Adrian Biddle was in charge of cinematography, and the production filmed various scenes both on studio sets and in the countryside.
As a passionate Pisces, I’d love to hear about your favorite picks too! Feel free to share them in the comments below, and let us all know which titles you believe should be added to this list to make it even more enchanting for fellow Pisceans like myself.
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2025-09-09 22:50