We love movies because they allow us to step into other worlds, time periods, and lifestyles to experience something we normally never would. Although most of us will not become spies for the government like James Bond or have the chance to live on an estate like Downton Abbey, we all enjoy watching and learning as their stories unfold.

Cinema offers a safe space to experiment with new ideas and explore new perspectives without the danger of living the experience; what's morally and socially acceptable changes a bit over time, and film reflects that, using characters who grapple with ethics and trying to be a good person. Even though ethical dilemmas are a popular way to create conflict in a film, some movies spark better ethical conversations than others. Whether you are looking for an action adventure movie, or a quiet drama, here are eight thought-provoking movies to make you question how to live the good life.

8 Awakenings

Based on the true story of the psychiatric hospital in the late 60s, Awakenings brings questions about mental health treatment into the spotlight. Robin Williams gives a great performance as Dr. Malcolm Sayer, who is treating inmates at a hospital. When one particular patient (Robert De Niro) suffering from an encephalitic sleeping sickness responds to Sayer's treatments, the world changes for both of them. This film has its audiences questioning past and current mental health practices. It opens the door to ponder one's personal integrity and who is worthy of respect. Some viewers will feel inspired by the film while others will cry their eyes out. Either way, this bittersweet story has something everyone can learn from.

7 The Dark Knight

Christopher Nolan's Batman set the bar high for the next decade of superhero movies. His dark telling of the iconic superhero opened up a door of possibilities for old fans to enjoy a serious telling of their favorite comic book characters. In The Dark Knight, The Joker intentionally throws Batman into many ethical dilemmas that seem impossible to solve.

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Batman must constantly choose between his personal life and the city's wellbeing, and weigh the value of one life against another. Heath Ledger's Joker is less interested in evil than he is in chaos, and purposefully interrogating the everyday morals people take for granted. As he questions human nature and the importance of honesty, audiences will go along and ponder the same questions.

6 A Few Good Men

A Few Good Men brings in an all star cast to tell a troublesome story that takes place within the ranks of The United States Military. Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson star as a junior grade lieutenant and a colonel who butt heads during a murder investigation. The culprits seem obvious until further research revels a deeper and darker conspiracy. According to Philosophy Now, this film focuses on the ethics of utilitarianism and power, and the ethical problems of 'the greater good' when what's good isn't agreed upon. The film leads viewers to consider their own methods of leadership and the principles that they value the most, and question whether those are present in the military-industrial complex.

5 GATTACA

As technology rapidly develops, moral codes and laws struggle to keep up. Every day, new technological advancements are made, and we come a little closer to the possibility of the world that GATTACA envisioned. In this film, most babies are conceived using "genetic selection" (something already happening today), but Vincent is born naturally and without modifications. Vincent is determined to get into the GATTACA space program, but his DNA and physical limitations rule him out. As Vincent fights for his dream, viewers will ponder the ethics of genetic selections and other advancing biological and technological developments.

4 Avengers: Infinity War/ Endgame

These movies shattered box office records across the globe because of their larger than life heroes, action sequences, and fun sense of humor. Avengers Infinity War and Avengers Endgame are by far the most light-hearted films on this list, with their ability to mix sidesplitting humor in with the thought-provoking plot.

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Here, the Avengers, Earth's mightiest heroes, come together to fight against Thanos. Thanos is working on a plan to wipe out half of life in the universe and allow the remaining life forms to flourish with the extra resources. While the Avengers are decidedly against genocide, some people can't help but agree with Thanos' extreme utilitarianism, with the phrase "Thanos Was Right" becoming a popular meme and sentiment. Regardless of the viewer's ideologies, this film will take the on a fun adventure.

3 To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird tackles the then-controversial topic of racial equality. Trouble ensues for Atticus Finch and his family when Atticus, a lawyer who believes in fair and equal treatment, takes on the defense case for a Black man. The film focuses on questions about social justice, but also asks questions about conflicting loyalties. Atticus must choose between standing at the defense of others or standing at the defense of his own family. As a lawyer, he also runs into questions about what it means to uphold the law, with the movie questioning the difference between what is illegal and what is immoral. Whether you agree with To Kill a Mockingbird's ending, the film makes for an interesting thought experiment for audiences to examine the prejudice and kindness within themselves.

2 The Godfather

Francis Ford Coppola and his team won nine Oscars, including Best Picture, for parts one and two of this film. The Godfather follows the story of an Italian mafia family as they grapple with their own code and consequences. One son in particular, Michael, swears he wants nothing to do with the family business, but a family tragedy makes him question his standards.

The Godfather explores multiple conflicting questions. Should personal moral standards come before family? Should we put our family's honor above the law and good of society? The dark rabbit hole of questions makes for a suspenseful experience for all audiences. If this story seems too heavy, some people might explore similar themes by watching a more lighthearted version like The Freshman, where Marlon Brando plays a version of his Godfather character, instead.

1 Lord of the Rings

Tolkien's story about the eternal battle between good and evil is full of countless themes and thoughtful questions. The Lord of the Rings tells the story of magical beings that come together to destroy the evil and powerful, one ring.This epic fantasy asks questions about the nature of sacrifice, true heroism, power, and how to distinguish good from evil whenever possible. Its wide range of characters vary both in their form and in the ideologies they represent. Some heroes offer their sense of humor and cheerful dispositions, while others bring wisdom or strength, while the films masterfully depict the ability of power to corrupt. As every character offers up their lives for a greater cause, viewers will ponder what they can bring to their own everyday battles.