Movie Recommendations Based On Your Personality Type
Since the first time I heard about personality tests, years ago, I’ve been obsessed with them. I’ve taken so many of these tests, from Enneagram, to Character Strengths, to the Big 5. This took my semi-obsession with Astrology and Hogwarts Houses a step further; now, this was all backed up with scientific research and facts. Although it might not be considered the most accurate test, the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test was the one that I related to the most. Naturally, when I first read the description of my freshly discovered personality, with a level of accuracy so high that it actually scared me, I became hungry for more information. You see, it’s so much easier when someone tells you what you are. It leaves you more aware of yourself, and full of newly acquired confidence and self-identity. It becomes addictive. I used to spend hours reading articles and watching videos about my type, absorbing all this information about me. Eventually, I asked, (if not harassed), my friends and my family to take the test. I started to learn about all the other personality types as well, and how to adapt and best interact with them. It’s a lot easier to act around someone when we know how to act; what motivates them, their values and tendencies, etc. rather than trying to figure it out and having to cope with the awkward and tiring process of getting to know someone. Anyway, in this article, I will be recommending movies according to your MBTI type. Of course, this is highly subjective and personal taste cannot be determined by your type, so don’t take this too seriously.
INFJ - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
INFJs rely a lot on their imaginations, their sense of personal values and principles, and their thoughts and dreams. Quiet, intuitive and thoughtful, they like to help others, and help them realize their potential. They are creative, have strong feelings and emotional depth, as well as being dedicated and pursuing their dreams. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind portrays two people, Joel and Clementine, who decide to erase each other from their memories after they break up. I don’t want to give away the story but I will say that it has been my favorite movie for a long time. While this movie could be draining for INFJs to watch, due to their emotional sensibility and constant processing of their thoughts and feelings, the emotional honesty of this movie will be greatly appreciated by INFJs, who dearly value authenticity. This movie is full of depth and layers which will inspire INFJs’ creative minds. Knowing that INFJs, as for most of the introverted types, value meaningful connections with other people, this movie is amazing for them because it explores deeply human connections and experiences. Other movies that INFJs might enjoy: Her, Lost in translation, Donnie Darko, the Dreamers.
INFP - Amélie (2001)
INFPs are very creative, and vastly imaginative. Constantly seeking meaning, inspiration and a sense of purpose in their lives, they have an idealist vision of the world. INFPs value authenticity, harmony and emotional connection. With a great sense of empathy, they often make an effort to understand other peoples’ true feelings, always trying to find the good in everybody. They often feel isolated or misunderstood when people don’t share their visions. Amélie is a french comedy film about a young, naive woman, who secretly observes the lives of the people around her, who she decides to help, and eventually discovers love. Amélie perfectly captures what being an INFP is; she has a boundaryless imagination and primarily searches for meaning and happiness in life. INFPs will love Amélie’s determination in making a difference in peoples’ lives and will likely relate to the protagonist’s approach to human connection and love. (Side note; many typologists argue that she also shows characteristics of an INFJ). Other movies INFPs might like: 500 Days of Summer, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Perks of being a Wallflower, Edward Scissorhands.
ENFJ - Before Sunrise (1995)
ENFJs are charismatic, influential, natural-born leaders who are full of passion. They are idealists, seeking to share their vision to improve humanity. They are also skilled at seeing the potential in others, guiding and motivating them. With strong values, ENFJs don’t hesitate to stand up for what they believe. Their altruism and authenticity are among many of their qualities. Before Sunrise is about a young american (Jesse), and french woman (Céline), who meet on a train in Europe, and end up spending one evening together in Vienna. Talking and walking around the city, the two characters share their perspectives on life and love in detail. Unfortunately, they know that they will probably never see each other again. ENFJs will love this movie as they will be able to relate to Jesse, sharing with him that genuine interest in others. This movie unfolds complex layers of emotions people might experience while deeply exploring their thoughts, in a sometimes awkward, yet authentic way. I think ENFJs will be excited to see how the characters of the movie appear at first, and, as the story progresses, start to perceive their real personalities emerging. Some other movies ENFJs might enjoy include: Lala Land, Elizabethtown, Pride and Prejudice.
ENFP - Lady Bird (2017)
ENFPs are free-spirited, independent, energetic people who seek deep connections with others. They are enthusiastic for new ideas, concepts and people, as well as being creative, imaginative and original, often with strong artistic abilities. ENFPs are compassionate and love to help others, often pushing people to explore their creative sides. They would rather have freedom in their lives than stability. Lady Bird is a coming-of-age movie about a seventeen-year-old girl experiencing life as a high school senior in Sacramento, California. Throughout the movie, Christine navigates through her complex relationship with her mother, as well as her best friend, amongst other people. Lady Bird is the typical ENFP; idealistic, curious and energetic. Christine has a strong personality and a great sense of humor. Most ENFPs will relate to her, and be able to immerse themselves in an original and vivid experience that explores intriguing characters, filled with heart, excitement and humor. Overall, ENFPs will appreciate the authentic experiences and emotional intensity present throughout this movie. Other movies that ENFP might like include; Titanic, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Empire Records, Little Women.
ENTP - Fight Club (1999)
ENTPs’ minds are constantly working; effortlessly analyzing, deconstructing and rebuilding ideas. They are quick-witted, using their broad knowledge and ability to connect different ideas to prove their claims. They firmly pursue their goals and stay motivated even when facing challenges. ENTPs are innovators, always searching for more knowledge, and new solutions to challenging problems. Curious and intelligent, they are highly interested in analyzing, comprehending and influencing everything that exists around them. Famously open-minded, they tend to be unconventional visionaries. Fight Club is a movie about an insomniac office worker, and a reckless soapmaker, who decide to create an underground fight club which eventually grows into something bigger. The humor, satire, and ingenious storyline of the film will not fail to entertain the mind of an ENTP. They will relate to one of the protagonists in particular, Tyler Durden; more specifically, they will be interested by his visions and quest for a deeper purpose, not to mention his overall approach to life. Other movies that might interest ENTPs include: Rushmore, Juno, Clockwork Orange, Limitless, Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.
INTP - Interstellar (2014)
INTPs are proud thinkers, characterized by their inventiveness, uniqueness, creativity and intellect. They are likely to choose unconventional paths, willing to experiment with their personal creativity. They are responsible for many scientific discoveries throughout history, preoccupied with theory and always looking for a universal law behind everything they see. They can appear as dreamy and pensive, but their minds are always alert, filled by a constant flow of new ideas and internal debates. While they suffer from a restless fear of failure, they also like to challenge themselves and dive into the unknown mysteries of the universe. Interstellar follows a team of explorers as they travel through a wormhole in space in order to save humanity. This movie is a slap in the face. One of the most fascinating, well-executed, visually breathtaking films I have ever seen. For INTPs fascinated by logical systems and designs, this movie will blow their minds. The level of complexity will keep them invested until the end, and even after the movie, analyzing over and over the themes and concepts explored. Other movies INTPs might enjoy include: The Matrix (series), The Social Network, Arrival, Donnie Darko and Good Will Hunting.
ENTJ - American psycho (2000)
ENTJs are confident, charismatic, authoritative, and natural-born leaders. They are strong believers that they can achieve anything if they really work for it. ENTJs are rigorously motivated by success, and enjoy hard work. They are ambitious, and usually want to gain power and influence. Logical, rational and determined, they immediately know when something isn’t working, and can quickly adapt by coming up with new solutions and plans. They are usually intimidating, blunt, decisive and quick-witted. American Psycho follows the life of a rich New York investment banking executive, Patrick Bateman, as he struggles to hide his psychopathic tendencies and eventually finds himself stuck into a deeper state of insanity. One of the reasons ENTJs might be interested in this movie is that it offers a critical approach to themes particularly interesting to them, such as power, money, social stature, and obsession. They will relate to the strategic and analytical nature of Bateman’s character, as well as his obsession with power and control. Although this movie is a chilling thriller movie, ENTJs will know how to appreciate its comic aspects and hilarious scenes. Some other movies ENTJ might enjoy include: The Big Short, Steve Jobs, Whiplash, Pulp Fiction, Casino Royale.
INTJ - The Prestige (2006)
INTJs are one of the rarest personality types, living in their inner complex world, and constantly analyzing everything around them. They are creative people and often bold dreamers. Highly confident, ambitious and driven, possessing a belief that they can achieve any of their goals if they work hard enough. INTJs are independent; they remain unbothered by what others think, and they often disregard traditions. The Prestige depicts the story of two stage magicians, Robert Angier and Alfred Borden, in London at the end of the 19th century, competing with each other to achieve the ultimate illusion. Directed by Christopher Nolan, one of the most famous INTJs in the film industry, The Prestige - like all of his other movies - will not fail to fascinate an INTJ mind. The ambitious and ingenious nature of INTJs will appreciate the in-depth exploration of themes such as passion, obsession and intrigue throughout the movie. Seeing life as a giant game of chess, INTJs will be engaged in a roller-coaster of a constant intellectual stimulus, including Nolan’s signature characteristics; twists and turns within intertwined subplots and time switching. Other movies INTJs might enjoy include: The Dark Knight Trilogy, Ex-Machina, Seven, Zodiac, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
ISTP - Taxi Driver (1976)
ISTPs are hands-on learners who like to perceive the world around them through all their senses. They explore concepts and ideas through practical action and creation, favoring trial and error and first-hand experiences.They understand their environment, and utilise their flexible logic to find practical solutions to the problems they face. Individualistic and independent, they often act in a self-directed manner. ISTPs are highly responsive to the demands of the world around them, constantly paying attention to their surroundings and adapting quickly in case of emergencies. They value freedom, rationalism, curiosity and spontaneity. Taxi Driver tells the story of Travis Bickle, a lonely war veteran working as a taxi driver in post-Vietnam New York City, who starts to grow a rage against the filthy city and becomes obsessed with making the world a better place by attempting to liberate a presidential campaign worker and an underage prostitute. Travis is an existentialist loner, and, along with his dry sense of humor and sense of heroism, constitutes a true ISTP. He is not the type to have his ‘head in the clouds’, and is astutely attentive to his environment. ISTPs will enjoy this movie as they will be able to relate to some of Travis’s observations and approach to life while being intellectually entertained by the existential themes of this complex story. Other movies ISTPs might enjoy include: Drive, Into The Wild, Bladerunner, The Hunger Games, the James Bond movies.
ISFP - Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
ISFPs are drawn to unconventionality, and like to challenge traditional expectations. They live in the present moment and enjoy their surroundings with an incomparable enthusiasm. They are very flexible, spontaneous and easy-going. Although they can be quiet and hard to get to know at first, ISFPs are abundantly warm and friendly to people they know, and desire to make connections with others. ISFPs are explorers; they love experimenting with new sensations and feelings, and are not afraid to take risks when pushing for their passions. Being an introverted type, ISFPs need time to recharge and often spend time reflecting about who they are. Mona Lisa Smile is the story of a non-conformist teacher, newly hired at an all-women's private school in the 1950s, who pushes her students to pursue their dreams, while challenging the wider determined roles of women in society. This movie will resonate deeply with ISFPs because it’s about experimenting with new perspectives, and questioning traditional societal values. ISFPs will also enjoy the artistic aspect of the movie, going in depth when exploring existential questions arising in the arts. Other movies that ISFPs might be interested in include: Eat, Pray, Love, Moonrise Kingdom, Midnight in Paris, and Boyhood.
ESTP- Pulp Fiction (1994)
ESTPs are spontaneous, energetic and influential, with a love action, entertainment, and being the center of attention. They have a rather blunt, playful, and sometimes dark sense of humor, which draws out other people who want to have a good time. Flexible and dynamic, they quickly adapt to different situations and people to keep their conversation energetic. Theories and abstract ideas are not their main interest; they take more pleasure in talking about the things around them and being in the present moment. Pulp Fiction follows the separate lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and two diner criminals, presented in four intertwined tales. The rapid pacing along with the sensory stimulation of the various exciting action scenes will successfully entertain the minds of ESTPs. The specific sense of humor found in this movie, (and most of Tarantino's films), will also resonate with ESTPs, who love a good comedy more than anything. Other movies ESTPs might enjoy include: Snatch, Shaun of the dead, Kill Bill, Deadpool, and Fear and Loathing in Vegas.
ESFP - Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
ESFPs seek excitement and live in the now. They are extremely generous and want people to experience their love for life. They are the life of the party; ESFPs love the spotlight and flourish being the center of attention. ESFPs are social and enjoy spending time with their friends. They are observant, and sensitive to others’ emotions, generously helping them when needed. They are usually very talkative, charming and enthusiastic. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off follows the day of Ferris Bueller, a high school student, who decides to pretend he is sick to stay at home and spends the rest of the day with his best friend and girlfriend. ESFPs will love this movie because of its humorous situations, it's characters’ outgoing personalities and witty humour, and its representation of friendship. ESFPs, who naturally take interest in things around them and new experiences, will appreciate the spontaneity and energy of the movie. Other movies that might interest ESFPs include: Yes Man, Mamma Mia, Singin' in the Rain, Footloose.
ESFJ - Clueless (1995)
ESFJs love to help others, and are very sensitive to their needs and emotions. Their strong emotional skills allow them to be constantly aware of their emotional environment and others’ feelings and perceptions. Friends and family are their main priority and they would do anything to bring order, happiness and peace into the lives of their loved ones. ESFJs are social, energetic and outgoing; they love the spotlight. They take pleasure in organizing events and social gatherings, and love to provide and to please others. Clueless is a mid-90s movie about a wealthy high school student, Cher, who learns how to deal with her adolescence and becoming an adult. In the movie, Cher helps a new student become popular and in the process discovers her own true feelings. Like many ESFJs in high school, Cher is one of the most popular girls and enjoys the attention she gets. She is generous and has a kind heart. She is an amazing social organizer, always motivating others and making them feel welcome. Most ESFJs will have no problem identifying with Cher and will love the overall mood of the movie, not to mention ESFJs love for fashion and eye for aesthetics. Other movies ESFJs might be interested in include: Pretty woman, Breakfast At Tiffany’s, Booksmart, Valentine’s Day and Love Actually.
ISFJ - About Time (2013)
ISFJs are good with people; although they are sensitive to others’ emotions, they have amazing social skills and develop strong relationships. Whilst they can be considerably conservative, they have a flexible mind and adapt to new ideas. They are natural caretakers; compassionate, caring, and always there to help and protect others from the perils of life. Steady and grounded, ISFJs have a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to focusing on their duties and persisting until the job is done. ISFJs are reliable and people can trust them. About Time is a Fantasy-Romance movie about the life of Tim Lake, who finds out that he possesses the power to travel in time - like all the men in his family. He decides to use his special power to pursue his love interest, Mary. This movie is about caring for others and having deep relationships with friends, family and significant others. ISFPs will be passionate about this film’s exploration of heartfelt emotions and the way it transmits them to the audience, making people laugh, and amusing the audience in a gentle way. ISFPs will also appreciate the depth and authenticity of the movie, portraying life in the most raw way. Other movies that ISFJs might appreciate are: Roma, Little Miss Sunshine, Love: The Fundamentals Of Caring, When Harry Met Sally, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
ISTJ - Shawshank Redemption (1994)
ISTJs are steady, responsible and dutiful logicians. They are usually reserved and quiet, and favour order and neatness. They follow rules, traditions and social order, and tend to have a routine or procedure for everything. ISTJs are extremely productive; they have a tireless dedication to duty, and like to contribute and participate in organizations and systems.They value integrity in their lives, taking responsibility for their actions and taking pride in their achievements, working with accuracy and patience. Shawshank Redemption is a movie about two imprisoned men who bond over a number of years, eventually finding consolation and redemption. The movie explores the moral conscience of people, the existential opposition of evil and good, and the sense of justice in life. ISTJs will appreciate the fact that this movie abandons superficial elements, instead authentically conveying a strong message about human beings, their friendships, values, hopes and dreams. They will also envoy the nuanced and engaging storyline of the movie. Other movies ISTJs might enjoy include: Lord of the Rings (trilogy), Star Wars A New Hope, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Blade Runner, and the Bourne series.
ESTJ - Inception (2010)
ESTJs are hard workers who value tradition and order. They have a strong sense of morals and a fixed set of values including honesty, dedication and dignity. They like to lead others and guide them in a clear, organized way. They bring people together and celebrate the traditions of families and communities. ESTJs are dedicated people, exercising a methodical and systematic approach to their work, and enjoy setting up processes and guidelines. Inception is about Cobb, a thief who steals secret information from people by entering their dreams. In the movie, he has the task of implementing an idea in the mind of a CEO - a process called inception. In the movie, characters spend a significant amount of time conceiving a strategic plan to achieve their goals. Morals and ethics are both explored in the movie through the characters’ deep and complex relationships with each other. ESTJs will enjoy the conscientious work, attention to details and ambitious project undertaken by the characters in the movie. They will also appreciate the general sense of logic, order and organization present throughout the film. Other movies that ESTJs might enjoy include: Indiana Jones, Apocalypse Now, the Star Wars series, The Truman Show and It's a Wonderful Life.