The main purpose for movie production and movie theaters is to entertain. However, a movie can achieve so much more than that. From Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” to Josh Boone’s “The Fault in Our Stars,” millions of movies have kept the public interested in what is coming next.

Films are used by a variety of people to escape the real world and enjoy a touch of fantasy and adventure, creating a release from stress. Comedies can lower a person’s blood pressure since laughing for extended time periods causes blood vessels to dilate. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that laughter really is the “best medicine” for a person’s heart, and a good comedy can deliver this.

However, movies can also be informational, reflecting certain cultures, issues and ideas worldwide. Movies such as “Spotlight,” which chronicles how reporters at The Boston Globe uncovered widespread pedophilia and cover-ups in the Catholic Church, shine light on issues that people may not have known about otherwise. Likewise, “The Day After Tomorrow” highlighted global warming. A movie’s ability to effectively deliver important messages to a large audience gives them more power than many people notice. With the power to expose issues in the real world, a movie is more than just a film, but also a tool.

Films can also serve as memorials for people and events. In Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film Schindler’s List, he shines a light on the heroic actions of Oskar Schindler, a German man who saved the lives of Jewish refugees who were concentration camp bound by employing them in his factory. Not only can films honor those who have made a difference, but they give the public positive role models. Some events should always be remembered, and a movie is a way to make that happen.

A wide variety of movies such as “The Pursuit of Happiness” and “The Blind Side” are inspirational and encouraging films. They teach lessons through a series of events that the characters are put through. The events touch on the viewer’s emotions, which is necessary. Having unreleased emotions can affect one’s physical and mental state, according to life coach Amanda Maynard, in her piece “The Importance of Releasing Emotion.” Movies such as these give audiences inspiration, happiness, and joy.

Popular books are often turned into films as well, giving viewers a visual interpretation of the author’s writings, and giving the book and its author a wider audience.