10 Aesthetically Appealing Films for Design and Photography Lovers - Depositphotos Blog (2023)

Where do you get inspiration from? Nature, people, photography or maybe movies? For a creative person, the latter is a great source of insight into a character's motivations, lifestyle, and obstacles, right down to the plot, shooting angle, frame length, and visual effects.

For those looking for inspiration in a relaxing way, we've put together the ultimate list of aesthetically pleasing movies. Their color palettes, framing, style and artistic techniques will inspire you to create designs and projects that you will be proud of.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

There is no doubt that American director Wes Anderson's “Grand Budapest Hotel” is the most aesthetically pleasing film made in five years. Pastel colors, refined visual style, symmetrical shots, academic direction – all this creates a vintage movie atmosphere, always in line with Wes Anderson's aesthetic.

For designers and photographers, this film is a great example of how composition and visual effects can create a completely different world.

The Last Emperor (1987)

“The Last Emperor” is a must for anyone who works with graphics. It is a film with traditional Eastern aesthetics: abundance of elements and patterns, symmetry, grandeur and dynamism. In the oriental theme, the color palette plays an equally decisive role. For example, red, which is dominant in Chinese culture and generally symbolizes happiness and joy. This is not only a feature of the movie "The Last Emperor". Interestingly enough, when combined with yellow or gold, it signifies good luck and prestige, while black is a neutral color. Therefore, when drawing or taking photos in the oriental style, it is equally important to pay attention to shapes and colors with symbolism.

La La Land (2016)

For a dose of American Dream aesthetic inspiration, check out 'La La Land'. Speaking of sound and visual effects, it's impossible to avoid spoilers as director Damien Chazelle captured all of the associations people have with Los Angeles. Songs like 'City of Stars', jazz clubs as a nostalgia for the past, Hollywood hills, young actors and singers, the endless sun and finally the color pink that dominates as a symbol of the big dream.

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Since its release in 1961, "Breakfast Breakfast Tiffany" has been one of the most aesthetically pleasing films in history. He defined that era with a particular aesthetic, with a particular emphasis on fashion. It's not just the clothes and jewelry Audrey Hepburn wears that make the film visually appealing. The calm atmosphere and close-up scenes will certainly inspire you if you are working on a project in the spirit of the 60s.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Created in the best traditions of Stanley Kubrick's aesthetic, “2001: A Space Odyssey” is a film that presents an art form capable of conveying a message through composition.

Another characteristic is the minimalism that started in the early 1960s. The black and white color palette, the cold tones and the symmetry of the geometric shapes are a timeless stylistic that has since become a sign of good taste. Overall, Stanley Kubrick's aesthetic is excellent, and if you're wondering what the director's website would look like if he had one, check out our article on23 beautiful website designs from Awwwards.

Deneondemon (2016)

“Neon Demon” is definitely one of those aesthetically pleasing movies that redefines the concept of beauty. Fluorescent colors and dark tones, frequent changes of framing and scenes of violence are what usually frighten the audience. Meanwhile, in 'Neon Demon', the director uses techniques that make horrible and hideous things look beautiful. This psychological thriller is proof that despite ignoring the traditional hallmarks of beauty, it still brings visual joy, counterintuitive as it may seem.

Malena (2000)

Have you noticed how many photographers and directors have tried to recreate Monica Bellucci's legendary scene with a cigarette? The Italian aesthetic of the femme fatale deserves a separate chapter in film history. Pastel colors, ancient architecture and the beach communicate the painful aesthetic of war.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" aesthetic is very different from typical American films made in the second decade of the 21st century. It is a mix of surrealism and nostalgia with perfect art. Warm colors and shots reminiscent of paintings by the world's greatest artists are a technique that aims to leave a taste and food for thought, rather than making an immediate impression.

Marie Antoinette (2005)

If you like history, 'Marie Antoinette' is a film to be inspired by. Expertly styled, from costumes, hair and makeup to composition and camera techniques, it is truly visually stunning. It is also a case of immersion in precise historical events, which are not the central part of this film. Aesthetics is more about visually conveying a certain spirit, lifestyle and mindset: luxury, joy and beauty.

Melancholy (2011)

In one of the interviews, Danish director Lars von Trier said that he may not like the film he made because its aesthetics are too similar to classic American cinema. We can't help but agree that those slow, symmetrical, and elegant scenes are the features most people love in pop cinema. Lars von Trier succeeded in translating a complex state of mind into this psychological drama, capturing contradictory beauty for a depressing episode.

If you're looking for the perfect aesthetic for a new project, these 10 aesthetically pleasing films with different color palettes, styles, and visual effects will open up a wealth of new ideas. For more information on color, read these three articles:

1.20 beautiful website color palettes for your web projects

2.Visual design: the power of color in photography

3.10 famous photographers who will inspire you on your artistic journey

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