MadMikeyD's Top 100 Films

[MadMikeyD]

I've arrived at a list of 100 movies I'm happy with at the moment. I'm sure I'll nitpick it to death before too long, but let's have a whack at it anyway...

100. Silverado (1985, Lawrence Kasdan)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/17/Silverado.jpg
Starring: Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Danny Glover, Kevin Costner, Brian Dennehy, John Cleese, Jeff Goldblum

A good, fun western and one of few I enjoyed when I was younger. I really like Kevin Costner in this picture, which I don't say a lot.

99. Harry and the Hendersons (1987, William Dear)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/13/Harry_and_the_hendersons.jpg/220px-Harry_and_the_hendersons.jpg
Starring: John Lithgow, Melinda Dillon, Don Ameche


Harry and the Hendersons is a nice little family movie. It's funny and charming and an entertaining way to spend an hour and a half. I loved it as a kid and it holds up to rewatching as an adult. My kids now love it too. If this movie was remade today it would no doubt have a CGI sasquatch and lose the majority of its charm. If you've never seen it, it's worth a look. Especially if you have kids.



98. The Transformers - The Movie (1986, Nelson Shin)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/91/Transformers-movieposter-west.jpg/220px-Transformers-movieposter-west.jpg
Starring: Peter Cullen, Judd Nelson, Orson Welles, Robert Stack, Leonard Nimoy, Eric Idle, Lionel Stander

The REAL Transformers movie. This likely has to do with having seen this in the theater at the right age. I still tear up when Optimus Prime dies.

97. Star Wars - Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999, George Lucas)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/40/Star_Wars_Phantom_Menace_poster.jpg/220px-Star_Wars_Phantom_Menace_poster.jpg
Starring: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd

Hey, it's Star Wars. Unfortunately it couldn't live up to over 20 years of anticipation. I still managed to enjoy it at the time and still do.

96. Batman Forever (1995, Joel Schumacher)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Batman_forever_ver7.jpg/220px-Batman_forever_ver7.jpg
Starring: Val Kilmer, Chris O'Donnell, Jim Carrey, Tommy Lee Jones, Nicole Kidman

Contrary to most, I enjoyed Val Kilmer's turn as Batman. I enjoyed the addition of Robin, who I've long seen as an essential part of the Batman mythos. Jim Carrey was also very good as the Riddler. I could've done without yet another woman discovering Batman's secret identity, but overall I enjoyed it.

[JayDee]

Is this you trying to steal my thunder Mikey? Just like I did to Plainview and Ash! :D

Interesting start. I like Harry and the Hendersons and Batman Forever; Jim Carrey being a big reason for the latter. Big surprise going by my list eh? :)

Will need to catch Silverado at some point

[Pyro Tramp]

I liked Forever a fair chunk, even just as a product of the 90s with the massive neon glow every shot had and plus Carrey and Jones are definitely having a great time hamming it up, hard not to enjoy. If it hadn't been a while since seeing it, I kinda have a guilty secret of it probably being my fav Bat film.

[MadMikeyD]

Is this you trying to steal my thunder Mikey? Just like I did to Plainview and Ash! :D

I figured since everyone else was doing it...

Plus I finished up that Top 200 list I was doing, so I needed a new list to post.:p

[MadMikeyD]

95. The Shining (1980, Stanley Kubrick)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1e/Shining-kubrik.jpg/220px-Shining-kubrik.jpg
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelly Duvall

Normally I don't like "horror" movies or Stanley Kubrick films (blasphemy, I know), but this is an exception. Nicholson is fantastic in this movie. Plus, it's more smart-scary than gore-scary, which I prefer in those horror-type films I do like.

94. Rain Man (1988, Barry Levinson)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b2/Rain_Man_poster.jpg/215px-Rain_Man_poster.jpg
Starring: Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman

A touching film with excellent performances from Hoffman and Cruise.

[rauldc14]

Rain Man should have been lower on this this. Glad to see it made it though.

[TylerDurden99]

Rain Man is brilliant. Also loving Batman Forever and The Phantom Menace.

[MadMikeyD]

93. Jaws (1975, Steven Spielberg)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/eb/JAWS_Movie_poster.jpg/220px-JAWS_Movie_poster.jpg
Starring: Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss

The original blockbuster. I lived in the midwest and was afraid of the water after I saw this.

92. RoboCop (1985, Paul Verhoeven)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/50/Robocop_film.jpg/220px-Robocop_film.jpg
Starring: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Ronny Cox, Kurtwood Smith

An unstoppable robot police officer and a liquified Red Foreman - what else do you need?

91. Die Hard (1988, John McTiernan)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7e/Die_hard.jpg/220px-Die_hard.jpg
Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Reginald Vel Johnson

The perfect "guy movie." Of course, Bruce Willis is awesome in this, but also Alan Rickman. Rickman is such a convincing villain that I now automatically assume he's evil in every film I see him in. Even the non-Harry Potter films.

[honeykid]

Hey! Look at that. Three in a row. :cool:

[MadMikeyD]

Hey! Look at that. Three in a row. :cool:

No way! :eek: Don't worry, I'm sure I'll have plenty to disagree with later on. :D

[ash_is_the_gal]

Is this you trying to steal my thunder Mikey? Just like I did to Plainview and Ash! :D
pfft!

[MadMikeyD]

90. Young Frankenstein (1974, Mel Brooks)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b5/Young_Frankenstein_movie_poster.jpg/220px-Young_Frankenstein_movie_poster.jpg
Starring: Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Terri Garr, Madeline Khan

Between "walk this way" and "Puttin' on the Ritz," what's not to love about this Brooks classic.

89. Beverly Hills Cop (1984, Martin Brest)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a2/Beverly_Hills_Cop.jpg/220px-Beverly_Hills_Cop.jpg
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton

Yes, Eddie Murphy used to be funny. I always liked Judge Reinhold in these pictures too.

88. Star Wars - Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002, George Lucas)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/dc/Aotc.jpg/220px-Aotc.jpg
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen

How could a kid who loved the originals not love seeing dozens of lightsabers flashing in epic battle scenes we could only have imagined 20 years before.

87. The Bitter Tea of General Yen (1933, Frank Capra)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/47/The_Bitter_Tea_of_General_Yen.jpg
Starring: Barbara Stanwyck, Nils Asher, Walter Connolly

One of Frank Capra's more daring films. Exotic locales and an interracial love story. For 1930s America this was out there. Capra pulled off a beautiful film though, and one that should be better remembered than it is.

86. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986, John Hughes)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/ca/Ferrisdayoff.jpg/220px-Ferrisdayoff.jpg
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Jennifer Grey, Mia Sara

Most of us kids of the '80s wanted to be Ferris Bueller. Or at least know him so we could tag along. I wasn't Ferris, and I didn't know him either, but at least I was able to watch the film.

[LuDiNaToR]

Beverly Hills Cop :up:

[ash_is_the_gal]

this whole last bunch is just awesome.

[Skepsis93]

I did not care for Rain Man, I must admit. Hoffman was brilliant but the rest I found to be quite boring.

Episodes I and II were good films, never 100% understood why everybody hated on them so much.

[JayDee]

Man I still need to watch Rain Man.

I'm liking a lot of your films so far. I especially love Die Hard and Beverly Hills Cop. Ferris Bueller just missed my list. And Young Frankenstein would probably have been on it but I haven't seen in it so long that I couldn't remember it well enough to decide where it would go. Was going to watch it before posting the list but never got round to it

I did however forget to consider Jaws for my list.

pfft!

Did you really just pfft me?! :D

[MadMikeyD]

Episodes I and II were good films, never 100% understood why everybody hated on them so much.

Oh, I understand why people don't like them. The magic that was the original trilogy isn't there in the prequels. After 20+ years of anticipation people wanted to relive that experience of being a kid and seeing it for the first time. It didn't happen. I had already accepted that fact before seeing Episode I. I just went in looking for an enjoyable movie that expanded the story and that my kids would like. Those expectations were met, and now, thanks to The Clone Wars, my kids prefer the prequel era to the original trilogy.:facepalm:

[MadMikeyD]

85. Lost Horizon (1937, Frank Capra)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a0/1937LostHorizonPoster.jpg/220px-1937LostHorizonPoster.jpg
Starring: Ronald Colman, Jane Wyatt

Another "risky" Frank Capra picture. He had already won two Best Director awards, but they were for comedies - It Happened One Night and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. He was Columbia's top director, though, so he could pretty much do what he wanted. A departure of sorts for Capra, but still a beautiful film with terrific performances.

84. Miracle on 34th Street (1947, George Seaton)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fc/Miracle_on_34th_Street.jpg/220px-Miracle_on_34th_Street.jpg
Starring: Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood

If you don't believe in Santa Claus, watch this movie. A fantastic Christmas film. Ignore the sub-par remakes.
*Interesting trivia tidbit - Director George Seaton was the original radio Lone Ranger, under his real name, George Stenius.

83. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990, Steve Barron)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e2/TMNTMoviePoster.jpg/220px-TMNTMoviePoster.jpg
Starring: Judith Joag, Elias Koteas, Josh Pias, Corey Feldman, Brian Tochi, Robbie Rist, Kevin Clash

I like the Ninja Turtles. This first film is easily the best of the series. The film did a fantastic job of not only following the original comic book storyline but also incorporating elements of the cartoon series for fans who were not familiar with the Turtles' comic origins. It's as near a perfect blend of the two versions as you can get. Plus, it's just a load of fun.

82. Big (1988, Penny Marshall)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Big_Poster.jpg/215px-Big_Poster.jpg
Starring: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins

Tom Hanks is wonderful as the little kid who gets his wish to be big. More innocent and subdued than guys like Adam Sandler or Will Ferrell or Jack Black, who pretty much made careers out of playing this part, but without a plot to explain it.

81. The Sandlot (1993, David Mickey Evans)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d4/Sandlot_poster.jpg/220px-Sandlot_poster.jpg
Starring: Tim Guiry, Mike Vitar

Fun nostalgia film. The film is set during a time when I wasn't even born, but it still takes me back to my days running around the neighborhood with my friends.

[JayDee]

Seems like we have quite a few films in common. :yup: I obviously love Big and The Sandlot. And I adore the Turtles. Always have, always will

[Melody Cool]

Making a Top 10 List is Hard..

Here are mine

1. Little Miss Sunshine
2. The Champ (1979)
3. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
4. Human Traffic
5. Rocky II
6. Snatch
7. A Bronx Tale
8. The Shawshank Redemption
9. Boyz N the Hood
10. Dead Poets Society

[MadMikeyD]

80. The Passion of the Christ (2004, Mel Gibson)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/61/Thepassionposterface-1-.jpg/220px-Thepassionposterface-1-.jpg
Starring: Jim Caviezel

Not a film you can rewatch dozens of times, but very powerful each time you do. The violent portrayal of Jesus' punishment has received some backlash since its release, but it really adds weight to just what He went through to do what He did.

79. The Last Castle (2001, Rod Lurie)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d4/The_Last_Castle_Theatrical.jpg/220px-The_Last_Castle_Theatrical.jpg
Starring: Robert Redford, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo

Initially I had absolutely no interest in this film. Then I started to watch it. Some people are just born leaders, if they want to be or not. Some people are just not cut out to be leaders, no matter how desparately they try. This film is an excellent story of what can happen when those two personalities clash.

78. Witness (1985, Peter Weir)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bc/Witness_movie.jpg/220px-Witness_movie.jpg
Starring: Harrison Ford,Kelly McGillis, Danny Glover, Viggo Mortensen

I've said before, this was the first movie that made me like Harrison Ford as a real actor, and not just as Han Solo/Indiana Jones. A wonderful performance and a really good film.

77. The Princess Bride (1987, Rob Reiner)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/db/Princess_bride.jpg/220px-Princess_bride.jpg
Starring: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Andre the Giant

Great storybook fun. I love the character of Inigo Montoya and Andre the Giant's performance is fantastic.

76. The Blues Brothers (1980, John Landis)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ae/Bluesbrothersmovieposter.jpg/215px-Bluesbrothersmovieposter.jpg
Starring: John Belushi, Dan Ayckroyd, Carrie Fisher

One of very few good films based on Saturday Night Live sketches. Lots of laughs, great music, fun chase scenes. Just a great way to escape for two hours.

[MadMikeyD]

75. Shrek (2001, Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jensen)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/39/Shrek.jpg/220px-Shrek.jpg
Starring: Mike Meyers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, John Lithgow

A unique take on the fairy tale genre when it was released, the formula has now been copied countless times. A modernized fairy tale full of witty dialogue and pop culture references. A good, fun time for kids and adults.

74. The Last Starfighter (1984, Nick Castle)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4c/Last_starfighter_post.jpg/220px-Last_starfighter_post.jpg
Starring: Lance Guest, Robert Preston, Dan O'Herlihy

After Return of the Jedi ended the Star Wars Saga, kids were hungry for more fun sci-fi adventure. The Last Starfighter stepped in to try and capitalize on that. A fun and enjoyable film, it doesn't quite meet the expectations the Star Wars movies had set, but I still have a soft spot for it.

73. Shrek Forever After (2010, Mike Mitchell)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/75/Shrek_forever_after_ver8.jpg/220px-Shrek_forever_after_ver8.jpg
Starring: Mike Meyers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, Walt Dohrn

I know a lot of people didn't care for this one. Maybe my enjoyment of the original combined with my love of It's a Wonderful Life colors my opinion of it, but it is my favorite of the series.

72. Return to Oz (1985, Walter Murch)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/69/Returntoozposter.jpg/220px-Returntoozposter.jpg
Starring: Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh

Everyone knows there's got to be more to Oz than we saw in the 1939 musical. Unfortunately for Disney, very few people in 1985 were ready for anything except the Judy Garland film. This is a non-musical, darker Oz with genuinely creepy moments. I liked this as a kid - my mom did not. It wasn't until my daughter got really into Oz stuff that I sought out the DVD and watched it again. Very different from the classic film, but my whole family enjoys it. I think we've watched this one almost as many times as the original.

71. Spaceballs (1987, Mel Brooks)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/45/Spaceballs.jpg/220px-Spaceballs.jpg
Starring: Mel Brooks, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga

It's Mel Brooks spoofing Star Wars, Star Trek, Alien and Transformers all in one film. How can you not love it?

[LuDiNaToR]

nice list :)

[Skepsis93]

I would switch the order around, but the first and last in the Shrek series were my favorites too, I think. I'd possibly put Shrek 2 on a par with Forever After. Shrek the Third, quite frankly, sucked big time. :p

Return to Oz? Oh my, can't say I agree with that one at all. *shivers*

[LuDiNaToR]

i like all the Shrek movies, i didn't think there was a bad one.

[MadMikeyD]

i like all the Shrek movies, i didn't think there was a bad one.

I liked them all, too, but some were definitley better than others. 1 and 4 are the standouts.

[Pyro Tramp]

Did you not watch the third one??

[MadMikeyD]

70. The Family Man (2000, Brett Ratner)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e8/Family_man_movie.jpg/220px-Family_man_movie.jpg
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Tea Leoni, Don Cheadle

A sort of reverse It's a Wonderful Life. A wealthy, successful businessman gets a chance to see what life would have been like if he had taken a different path and had a family instead. Nowhere near the Capra film, but still a heartwarming picture that I could watch over and over.

69. Megamind (2010, Tom McGrath)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/89/Megamind2010Poster.jpg/220px-Megamind2010Poster.jpg
Starring: Will Farrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, Brad Pitt


It seems that the best of the current onslaught of super hero movies are coming from animation studios and have no pre-established characters. Of course, I mean Pixar's The Incredibles (2004) and now Dreamworks' Megamind. Both films just seem to "get" what it was that drew me to super heroes and comic books when I was a kid. Colorful characters, zany evil plots, exciting super hero action. No "grim and gritty realism." Not dumbed down for kids, but not "aged up" to the point where kids are excluded from the audience. Just good, clean, family friendly, super hero fun, the way it should be.

Megamind offers a unique take on the genre by essentially answering the question, "What would Lex Luthor do if he finally succeeded in killing Superman?" He'd have to find a new hero to challenge himself, of course. Naturally, like all of his evil plans, Megamind's plan backfires and he ends up creating a new villain, forcing himself into the hero role. The movie ends up being a morality play showing that it is never too late to chose the right path in life. The kids loved this movie. I loved this movie. Win-win.


68. Star Trek - First Contact (1996, Jonathan Frakes)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/dd/Star_Trek_08-poster.png/220px-Star_Trek_08-poster.png
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn, Levar Burton

Easily the best of the Next Generation Star Trek films. The Borg are great villains, the Next Generation cast is great. The choice of Frakes as director was wonderful, as he really gets the characters, having spent seven years in front of - and occasionally behind - the camera on the TV series.

67. Paul Blart - Mall Cop (2009, Steve Carr)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/95/Paul_blart_mall_cop_film.jpg/220px-Paul_blart_mall_cop_film.jpg
Starring: Kevin James

This is the movie I'll probably get the most grief for, but I don't care. I like Kevin James and I laugh almost non-stop when I watch this movie. This movie was never intended to be taken seriously, and it doesn't take itself seriously. It's just mindless, goofy entertainment. Unlike the mindless, goofy entertainment of most Adam Sandler or Will Farrell movies, however, I can watch this one with my kids. It's not high-brow British type humor, but not the low-brow toilet humor of most comedies these days either. It's just funny. I hope James' upcoming Zookeeper is as good.

66. My Favorite Brunette (1947, Elliott Nugent)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ec/My_Favorite_Brunette.jpg/220px-My_Favorite_Brunette.jpg
Starring: Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour, Peter Lorre, Lon Chaney Jr.


Bob Hope is always funny. I have enjoyed every film I've seen him in, but this one is my favorite. As a baby photographer mistaken for a private eye, he gets caught up in a mystery with Dorothy Lamour. Peter Lorre is always excellent in the henchmen role and Lon Chaney Jr. is fantastic as the gentle giant Willie. The movie is a great comedic take on the detective noir genre. Funny, funny movie, right up to the excellent cameo appearance at the end.

[MadMikeyD]

Did you not watch the third one??

Oh, yeah. I watched it. A couple of times. It's the worst of the series, I'll agree on that. But I still enjoyed it.

[JayDee]

Very interesting list Mikey. :yup: Particularly like the mentions for Star Trek: First Contact (forgot to consider any of the Treks for my list) and The Princess Bride (adore this film!!). I also really enjoyed The Last Castle, will need to watch it again sometime. And Family Man was quite enjoyable as well

[MadMikeyD]

65. Beetlejuice (1988, Tim Burton)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/59/BEETLEJUICE.jpg/220px-BEETLEJUICE.jpg
Starring: Michael Keaton, Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin, Winona Ryder

Michael Keaton is fabulously over-the-top as "the ghost with the most."

64. Ghostbusters II (1989, Ivan Reitman)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/01/Ghostbusters_ii_poster.jpg/220px-Ghostbusters_ii_poster.jpg
Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Ayckroyd, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Annie Potts

Five years later we catch up with our favorite ghost hunters, who now do mostly other things. The sequel is not as good as the original, but I've always found plenty of entertainment value in it.

63. X-Men (2000, Bryan Singer)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8c/XMen1poster.jpg/220px-XMen1poster.jpg
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden

The leader of the current crop of super hero movies. Sure, there was Superman in the 70s-80s and Batman in the 80s-90s, but Singer's excellent adaptation of the X-Men showed that other characters could be developed into good - even great - movies. Stewart, McKellan and Jackman were all fantastic in their roles.

62. The Karate Kid Part II (1986, John G. Avildsen)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b5/Karate_kid_part_II.jpg/220px-Karate_kid_part_II.jpg
Starring: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita

The Karate Kid didn't need a sequel, but this one was really good. Fleshing out more of Mr. Miyagi's character this time, Daniel still gets plenty of action as well. A nice balance and the Okinawan setting help make this an enjoyable film.

61. Batman Returns (1992, Tim Burton)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/83/Batman_returns_poster2.jpg/220px-Batman_returns_poster2.jpg
Starring: Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, Danny DeVito, Christopher Walken

Tim Burton's Gotham City is retro-modern. It's dark and scary and a fitting setting for a guy in a bat costume. While the villains origins get mucked with a little - a flipper-handed Penguin? a 9-lived Catwoman? - the film is interesting and quirky enough that I can forgive it. Plus, Michael Keaton is awesome as Batman/Bruce Wayne. And really, wasn't Danny DeVito born to be the Penguin?

[MadMikeyD]

60. Batman (1989, Tim Burton)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3c/Batman_ver2.jpg/220px-Batman_ver2.jpg
Starring: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger

Hard to choose which is the better between Batman and Batman Returns. I finally decided Nicholson's Joker edged this one up a hair. This film really turned things around for the Caped Crusader in the eyes of the general public, who still associated the character with the campy Adam West TV show.

59. The Jewel of the Nile (1985, Lewis Teague)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d7/Jewel_of_the_nile.jpg/220px-Jewel_of_the_nile.jpg
Starring: Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito

I've always been a big fan of these Michael Douglas/Kathleen Turner knock-offs of the Indiana Jones series. The chemistry between the two is a joy to watch.

58. Gremlins (1984, Joe Dante)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3d/Gremlins1.jpg/220px-Gremlins1.jpg
Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Corey Feldman, Hoyt Axton

Fun "kiddie-horror" film. Creepy, but never too scary. The creatures, both mogwai and gremlins, are very well done. The story is simple but enjoyable. The 1980s may not have produced as many "classic" films as the 30s or 40s, but there were a lot of fun movies.

57. The Goonies (1985, Richard Donner)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c6/The_Goonies.jpg/220px-The_Goonies.jpg
Starring: Josh Brolin, Sean Astin, Corey Feldman

Another fun 1980s adventure movie, this time with a bunch of kids. This one comes complete with an underlying story of friendship, loyalty, and not judging people based on how they look. No really, it does, I promise.

56. Batman - The Movie (1966, Leslie H. Martinson)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/69/Batman1966Poster.jpg/220px-Batman1966Poster.jpg
Starring: Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero, Burgess Merideth, Frank Gorshin

The Anti-Dark Knight. This Batman movie is just campy, goofy, over-the-top fun. Great gimmicks like the Shark Repellant Bat-Spray and "Some days you just can't get rid of a bomb!" We get the Batmobile, Batcopter, Batcycle and Batboat all in one movie. While the later Batman films struggle with multiple villains, this one uses the Joker, Penguin, Riddler AND Catwoman, and pulls it off. (Sidebar: IMO, Jim Carrey borrowed alot from Frank Gorshin for his portrayal of the Riddler in Batman Forever.)

[JayDee]

The 1980s may not have produced as many "classic" films as the 30s or 40s, but there were a lot of fun movies.


I actually think the 80s might be my favourite decade for films. It was a great decade for those fantasy/sci-fi family comedies like Back to the Future, Gremlins, Goonies, Princess Bride, Flight of the Navigator, Big, Batteries not Included etc. The 80s also produced a number of my favourite cult films - They Live, Repo Man, Lost Boys amongst many others I love


And I was so, so close to putting the original Batman on my list, kind of wish I had actually

[MadMikeyD]

55. The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold (1958, Lesley Selander)
http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090601225358/loneranger/images/thumb/a/a1/Lost_City_of_Gold_poster.jpg/250px-Lost_City_of_Gold_poster.jpg
Starring: Clayton Moore, Jay Silverheels, Douglas Kennedy, Noreen Nash

Not quite as good as the first Lone Ranger feature, this second big screen outing is still an enjoyable picture. Like the first, this also deals somewhat with the topic of racism. In this case, it more specifically deals with the idea of racial "passing." As I said in my discussion of the first (quoted below), I have not seen many old westerns, but I imagine this was pretty unique subject matter at the time.

54. The Lone Ranger (1956, Stuart Heisler)
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090601225358/loneranger/images/thumb/2/2a/Lone_Ranger_1956_poster.jpg/250px-Lone_Ranger_1956_poster.jpg
Starring: Clayton Moore, Jay Silverheels, Lyle Bettger, Bonita Granville, Michael Ansara

The first, and best, Lone Ranger feature film for the big screen. Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels bring their iconic portrayals of the Lone Ranger and Tonto to the big screen after being on the small screen for 7 years (with 1 more year on TV and 1 more feature to follow). It's still hard to imagine anyone but those two in the roles, even though others have attempted it.

The Lone Ranger is often lumped in with talk of "Hollywood's horrible mistreatment of Native Americans" (see recent interviews with Johnny Depp). I have not seen a lot of old westerns, but I do know that Native Americans were often portrayed as villainous savages. However, the Lone Ranger was not among those type of productions. Aside from the issue of Tonto's broken english, Native Americans were portrayed respectfully in the Lone Ranger. There were villainous characters, of course, but there were even more villainous white characters. Really, you need look no further than this film to see the, possibly exemplary at the time, treatment of Native Americans by the Lone Ranger. The villains of the film are the white ranchers trying to steal from the indians. Many of the characters show tremendous prejudice against the natives, as evidenced when an angry mob attempts to lynch Tonto. When the Lone Ranger visits Chief Red Hawk, he shows him the respect due the leader of an indian tribe. He speaks to him as he does to anyone else. He only fights Angry Horse, a native with equal prejudice against the white men as they have for indians, when he has no other choice. In the end, the natives are proven innocent and the white men receive their just desserts.


53. Casablanca (1942, Michael Curtiz)
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Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Peter Lorre, Claude Rains

Bogart and Bergman are spectacular in this truly classic picture. The second tier actors, like Lorre and Rains, are equally fantastic. There is really nothing to not like about this picture and it is definitely deserving of its ranking among the all time great films.

52. Catch Me If You Can (2002, Steven Spielberg)
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Starring: Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christopher Walken, Amy Adams

Fast-paced and funny true story. Tom Hanks is great and I even liked DiCaprio in this film.

51. The Shawshank Redemption (1994, Frank Darabont)
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Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman

Excellently acted and directed. Morgan Freeman is one of those actors that can elevate any project he's working on. Great, great film.

[MadMikeyD]

Back from leave, so I guess I should get back to the list...

50. Finding Nemo (2003, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1c/Nemo-poster2.jpg/220px-Nemo-poster2.jpg
Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Willem Dafoe, Alexander Gould

Wonderful story about a boy and his overprotective father, told with fish. Pixar at their best.

49. Rocky (1976, John G. Avildsen)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/18/Rocky_poster.jpg/215px-Rocky_poster.jpg
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Merideth

Excellently told tale of an underdog boxer trying to both get his life together and make the most of his opportunity to square off with the champ. Stallone was perfect for this role and Avildsen seems to be the master of these type of films.

48. Aladdin (1992, Ron Clements, John Musker)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/58/Aladdinposter.jpg/220px-Aladdinposter.jpg
Starring: Scott Weinger, Jonathan Freeman, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Frank Welker, Gilbert Gottfried

My favorite of the main Disney animated features, largely due to Robin Williams over-the-top, yet perfect, portrayal of the Genie.

47. Savannah Smiles (1982, Pierre De Moro)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/54/Savannah_smiles_dvd.jpg/220px-Savannah_smiles_dvd.jpg
Starring: Mark Miller, Donavan Scott, Bridgitte Anderson, Pat Morita, Peter Graves

A touching, heart-warming, family story about a little girl who feels ignored by her super-busy rich parents, so she runs away ending up with a couple of bumbling fugitives. Miller and Scott are delightful as the crooks who eventually just want to see Savannah safely back with her parents. Bridgette Anderson is also wonderful as Savannah. (Just be sure to talk to your kids about running away when you watch this with them. My little girl decided it sounded like a good idea and nearly scared us to death a couple days after she watched it.)

46. The Karate Kid (1984, John G. Avildsen)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a9/Karate_kid.jpg/220px-Karate_kid.jpg
Starring: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue

Rocky director John G. Avildsen hits another home run, this time set in a karate tournament. Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi is absolutely wonderful in this picture.

[HitchFan97]

Great picks so far. The Shining, Jaws, Ferris Bueller, X-Men, all of the Batman movies... :up: :up:

[MadMikeyD]

45. Groundhog Day (1993, Harold Ramis)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e8/189656~Groundhog-Day-Posters.jpg/220px-189656~Groundhog-Day-Posters.jpg
Starring: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott

Bill Murray is hilarious in his role as a man cursed to relive February 2 over and over again. One of his best performances.

44. A Christmas Story (1983, Bob Clark)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b9/ChristmasStoryPoster.JPG/220px-ChristmasStoryPoster.JPG
Starring: Peter Billingsly, Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon

A great Christmas movie about one boy's anticipation for the holiday. Set in the 1930s, I think it resonates with kids of any age. Darren McGavin is fantastic in his role of "The Old Man." Great fun for all ages.

43. Superman II (1980, Richard Lester)
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Starring: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Terence Stamp, Gene Hackman

Superman vs. villains from Krypton. How could this not be a great Superman film? While the Clark/Lois love story tries to undermine the action sequences, the climactic battle is what every Superman fan wanted to see.

42. Spider-Man 2 (2004, Sam Raimi)
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Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina, James Franco

One of the finest super hero films to date. Alfred Molina is excellent in the Doctor Octopus role. Mimicking a plotline from Superman II, the hero tries to give up being a hero in order to protect the people he loves, only to be forced back into action for the greater good. In both cases, it is handled really well, IMO.

41. Flywheel (2003, Alex Kendrick)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b4/Flywheel_poster.jpg
Starring: Alex Kendrick, Janet Lee Dapper, Tracy Goode, Walter Burnette


Flywheel is the first film directed by Alex Kendrick and produced by Sherwood Pictures. This is the story of a used car salesman who has cheated people - including his own pastor - since he has been in business. Eventually his dishonesty takes a toll on him, his work, and his family. He dedicates himself, and his business, to God, vowing not to be that man again.

This is obviously the first film they've done. Their technology is pretty low in this film. However, they pull off an engaging and entertaining story, complete with a Capraesque climax. Each of these films (Flywheel, Facing the Giants and Fireproof) has shown increasing advances in the filmaking abilities of Kendrick and Sherwood Pictures. I love all three and am looking forward to the fourth, Courageous, later this year. Despite some flaws due to the low budget and relatively inexperienced filmmakers, I score this one just as high as the others.

[Skepsis93]

LOVE Groundhog Day. Nice list. :)

[MadMikeyD]

40. My Life (1993, Bruce Joel Rubin)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/35/My_life_poster.jpg
Starring: Michael Keaton, Nicole Kidman, Queen Latifah

Michael Keaton gives an excellent performance as a terminally ill man whose wife is expecting their first child.

39. Regarding Henry (1991, Mike Nichols)
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Starring: Harrison Ford, Annette Bening

Harrison Ford is great as an unscrupulous attorney who, after being shot in a robbery, is reduced to a childlike state. As he relearns everything he realizes he was not such a wonderful person and makes every effort to right his wrongs with family and clients.

38. Facing the Giants (2006, Alex Kendrick)
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Starring: Alex Kendrick, Shannen Fields, Tracy Goode, Jim McBride, Jason McLeod

Facing the Giants is an inspirational story of a high school football team and coach who learn that "nothing is impossible with God." Grant Taylor has had six losing seasons at the school and the parents are pushing to replace him. His car is on its last legs. To top it off, he and his wife are unable to have children. With all the "giants of fear and failure staring down" on him, he turns his life - and his team - over to God. This is an excellent movie with an excellent message. As with Fireproof, I've seen it several times and it never fails to have an impact on me.


37. Back to the Future (1985, Robert Zemeckis)
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Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispen Glover, Leah Thompson

Another of those great fun movies of the 1980s. Christopher Lloyd is great as Doc Brown.

36. E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial (1982, Steven Spielberg)
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Starring: Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote

What better "pet" for the Star Wars generation than their own alien? Likely every kid's fantasy when it was released, this is one of Spielberg's finest movies, IMO. A great story of friendship and loyalty.

[MadMikeyD]

Wow, I did not intend to be absent for this long. Let's see if I can get this finished before I need to do an all new one.

35. Fireproof (2008, Alex Kendrick)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b7/Fireproof_poster.jpg/220px-Fireproof_poster.jpg
Starring: Kirk Cameron, Erin Bethea, Ken Bevel


While the production budget for Sherwood Pictures films is a far cry from those big Hollywood blockbusters, their movies more than make up for it with great stories and emotional impact. This film focuses on the value of marriage. In this day and age where marriages are seemingly looked at as disposable, where people can just opt out at anytime because they aren't happy, this film shows you that a real marriage requires work. Love is not just a feeling, but a choice. As stated in the film, you can't "just follow your heart, man; 'cause your heart can be deceived. But you gotta lead your heart."

Kirk Cameron gives a wonderful performance in this movie, and Ken Bevel is very good as well. Stephen Dervan as Wayne provides much of the comic relief, and he is quite funny. Like a great Capra film, I've seen this movie several times and it never fails to have an impact on me.



34. Romancing the Stone (1984, Robert Zemeckis)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/84/Romancing_the_stone.jpg
Starring: Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito

Fun adventure yarn with great chemestry between Douglas and Turner.

33. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984, Steven Spielberg)
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Starring: Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw

The darkest of the Indiana Jones films, but still a lot of fun. (Yes, I have been - and will be - overusing the word "fun.")

32. The Incredibles (2004, Brad Bird)
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Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson

One of the best super hero movies ever, and it wasn't even based on an existing comic book.

31. Spider-Man (2002, Sam Raimi)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f3/Spider-Man2002Poster.jpg
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe

One of the more accurate comic book adaptations and a really fun super hero film. The best of the Spider-Man films so far.

[MadMikeyD]

30. The Wizard of Oz (1939, Victor Fleming)
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Starring: Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley

This was five-year-old me's absolute favorite movie. Then I saw Star Wars. But this movie has remained high on my list of favorites and as I rewatch it now with my children it retains all the wonder it had when I was little.

29. Iron Man (2008, Jon Favreau)
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Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwenyth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges

The first Iron Man film is almost as close as you can get to a live-action comic book.

28. Psycho (1960, Alfred Hitchcock)
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Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh

Anthony Perkins is just plain creepy.

27. X2 - X-Men United (2003, Bryan Singer)
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Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Halle Berry, James Marsden, Famke Janssen

Trying to reconcile the X-Men films with the comics would be a nightmare, but Singer nailed everything good about the comics with this film. Yes, the films are a jumbled hodge-podge of 40 years of characters and storylines seemingly mixed at random, but the spirit behind them that keeps people reading is most present in this film.

26. The Fugitive (1993, Andrew Davis)
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Starring: Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones

Tommy Lee Jones is perfect for his role in this film and Harrison Ford is always a pleasure to watch. Both were on the top of their game in this action-packed film.

[MadMikeyD]

25. Elf (2003, Jon Favreau)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/df/Elf_movie.jpg
Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Ed Asner, Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart

Will Ferrell's often annoying man-boy personality was perfectly suited to this whimsical Christmas tale. And Ed Asner makes a pretty good Santa Claus.

24. You Can't Take It With You (1938, Frank Capra)
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Starring: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, Edward Arnold

You Can't Take It With You is a tale of two families - the rich Kirbys and the free-living Vanderhofs. It's part Romeo and Juliet with Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur as the lovebirds, and the well-to-do Kirbys trying to keep them apart because of their social class. It's also part tale of the clash of ideology between Lionel Barrymore as the zany Grandpa Vanerhof and Edward Arnold as banker A.P. Kirby. Arnold is always great in these evil rich guy roles. And it's hard to believe sweet old Grandpa Vanderhof would play the complete opposite role as Mr. Potter in It's a Wonderful Life eight years later.

Along the way we get lots of laughs from the crazy characters in the Vanderhof household, which is full of not only family members, but other people who just came to stay and do whatever it is they want to do. The mayhem on the night the Kirbys visit is a blast.

While the social commentary in this film is not as heavy as it is in other Capra films, like Mr. Deeds Goes to Town or Meet John Doe, it's still there. Mr. Kirby learns that true happiness doen't come from money or big deals, but from just enjoying your family and life in general. We all wish at some point or another that we could live like the Vanderhofs. In reality, of course, we know we can't, but it is possible to find a balance somewhere in the middle.

I really enjoy this picture and I laugh a lot watching it. I thought my kids might enjoy it also with all the crazy characters in it. I was wrong on that. They did like some of the characters, but for the most part they found it too long and not exciting enough. Oh well. It's still one of my favorites.


23. Star Trek II - The Wrath of Khan (1982, Nicholas Meyer)
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Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Ricardo Montalban

Easily the best Star Trek film. After an abysmal first feature film, Nicholas Meyer took a one-off villain from the TV series and turned him into Captain Kirk's equivilant of Superman's Lex Luthor or Batman's Joker. Add in the emotional ending and this is an example of sci-fi at its best.

22. Star Wars - Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005, George Lucas)
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Starring: Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Samuel L. Jackson

For decades we waited to see this battle and, while it did not meet everyone's expectations, it lived up to mine. Not quite on par with the original trilogy, but easily the best of the prequels.

21. The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers (2002, Peter Jackson)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2a/LOTRTTTmovie.jpg
Starring: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellan, Viggo Mortensen, Christopher Lee

The middle chapter of Peter Jackson's masterful adaptation of Tolkein's masterpiece. It seems this film deviated the most from the source material, which may be the reason I enjoy it slightly less than the other two films.

[MadMikeyD]

20. Mr. Mom (1983, Stan Dragoti)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ed/Mr_mom_poster.jpg
Starring: Michael Keaton, Terri Garr, Martin Mull, Ann Jillian, Christopher Lloyd

Michael Keaton at his comedic best. This is what would happen if my wife went to work and I stayed home with the kids, I am pretty certain.

19. Toy Story 2 (1999, John Lasseter, Lee Unkrich)
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Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen

The first - and for a long time, only - Pixar sequel. Very nearly as good as the original. For movies about toys, these movies sure seem to have a lot of meaning.

18. The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (2001, Peter Jackson)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0c/The_Fellowship_Of_The_Ring.jpg
Starring: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellan, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Bean, Christopher Lee

The first film in Peter Jackson's masterwork, and the one that made us believe the unfilmable could finally be filmed. The emotional cliffhanger let us know this was part of a larger tale, yet it seemed strangely satisfying in its own right, as well.

17. Toy Story (1995, John Lasseter)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/dc/Movie_poster_toy_story.jpg
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen

Who would've thought a tale about an old toy being jealous of a new toy would make such a wonderful movie?

16. Toy Story 3 (2010, Lee Unkrich)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0e/Toy_story3_poster3-1-.jpg/405px-Toy_story3_poster3-1-.jpg
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen

The third in this series is the best, in my opinion. I found them all to be fun and emotional, but this one seemed the most emotional of all. Maybe it's partly because I'm looking at it as an adult. Maybe partly because my son was a year old when the first film came out and he's grown up along with Andy. Maybe it's just a dang fine picture.

[MadMikeyD]

15. Up (2009, Pete Docter, Bob Peterson)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c5/Up_Poster.JPG
Starring: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer

What can I say about Up that has not been said already? Probably nothing, so you've probably read all of this before. Up is, IMO, the perfect animated movie. It is simultaneously wacky and out there, yet grounded and realistic. The first 15 minutes are practically the greatest and most realistic love story ever put on film, yet even my 5 year old watches attentively. Even when we leave the "reality" and enter the wackiness of the floating house, Carl is still a real person and we still can empathize with him. So we already have this great character who has suffered a great loss, and we share that with him. Then we get Russell. The wide-eyed and curious kid that also is suffering. His dad has a new family and doesn't have time for him anymore. Now we have two fantastic characters we can sympathize with and relate to. Not that this film is a downer. There is plenty of comedy, action and adventure in this film. Kids of all ages are glued to it. I would classify this as the animated equivilant of It's a Wonderful Life. Not in terms of plot or story neccessarily, but in terms of the emotional experience of viewing it. Like Capra's masterpiece, if you don't have some kind of emotional reaction to this film, you may not have a soul.


14. The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King (2003, Peter Jackson)
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Starring: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellan, Viggo Mortensen

Peter Jackson's epic conclusion to his masterpiece. Many felt the film had too many endings, but in my opinion Jackson pulled off a very satisfting conclusion to the unfilmable trilogy. With the sheer amount of material he was adapting and how fanatic Tolkien fan-boys can be, Jackson skillfully pulled off a balance that left most of the readers and non-readers alike very satisfied. (The reason why I'm glad he ended up doing The Hobbit himself, since I don't think anyone else could really do it justice.)

13. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, Steven Spielberg)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fc/Indiana_Jones_and_the_Last_Crusade_A.jpg
Starring: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery

One of the most fun adventure films ever. The chemestry between Ford and Connery is a definite highlight of the picture.

12. Star Wars - Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983, Richard Marquand)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b2/ReturnOfTheJediPoster1983.jpg
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams

The thrilling conclusion to the original trilogy. This film ended three years of playground debates; Is Vader Luke's father? Who is the "other" Yoda mentioned? What does Jabba the Hutt look like? For better or worse (I always liked the ewoks, but I know a lot of people didn't), this film wrapped up the most important film series of my childhood, and I loved every minute.

11. Superman - The Movie (1978, Richard Donner)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6d/Superman_ver1.jpg
Starring: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder, Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford

Still my favorite of all super hero movies. Christopher Reeve will always be Superman. Gene Hackman makes a great Lex Luthor. OK, spinning the earth in reverse is rather regrettable, but those kinds of things used to happen in comics all the time before the onset of "grim and gritty realism" ruined most super hero books. Aside from that, though, Donner got everything else right, in my opinion.

[HitchFan97]

Bring on the top 10! (I wonder what your #1 will be ;))

[Zybax]

Making a Top 10 List is Hard..

Here are mine

1. Little Miss Sunshine
2. The Champ (1979)
3. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
4. Human Traffic
5. Rocky II
6. Snatch
7. A Bronx Tale
8. The Shawshank Redemption
9. Boyz N the Hood
10. Dead Poets Society
Rocky <3 just cant hel loving it.

[nebbit]

67. Paul Blart - Mall Cop (2009, Steve Carr)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/95/Paul_blart_mall_cop_film.jpg/220px-Paul_blart_mall_cop_film.jpg
Starring: Kevin James

This is the movie I'll probably get the most grief for, but I don't care.
You should care :yup:

[rauldc14]

30-28 are really great picks

[HitchFan97]

^Agreed :yup:

[MadMikeyD]

10. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939, Frank Capra)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/ce/Smith_goes.jpg
Starring: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold

Truly one of Capra's greatest achievements. Stewart's performance - especially in the climactic filibuster - is superb.

9. Ghostbusters (1984, Ivan Reitman)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c7/Ghostbusters_cover.png
Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis

One of the funniest comedies of all-time, IMO, and sporting one of the finest comedic casts of all-time as well.

8. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981, Steven Spielberg)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4b/Raiders.jpg
Starring; Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman

Setting a new bar for all the action-adventure movies to follow it.

7. Star Wars - Episode IV - A New Hope (1977, George Lucas)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/87/StarWarsMoviePoster1977.jpg
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guiness, Peter Cusing

10 year old me would tell you this was the greatest movie ever. Going on 40 year old me still agrees it's in the top ten, so there must be something there.

6. Star Wars - Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980, Irvin Kershner)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3c/SW_-_Empire_Strikes_Back.jpg
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams

While the original fim was as wide-eyed and naive as it's main character, this second installment was darker and upped the dramatic tensions. Ending a film with an unspoken "to be continued..." was something very different for me when I first saw it. Now, those qualities enhance my opinion of it, making it my favorite of the whole series.

[MadMikeyD]

5. Arsenic and Old Lace (1944, Frank Capra)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/5a/Arsenic_And_Old_Lace_Poster.jpg/220px-Arsenic_And_Old_Lace_Poster.jpg
Starring: Cary Grant, Raymond Massey, Priscilla Lane, Peter Lorre


I just rewatched Arsenic & Old Lace the other night (finally). I think it's probably been 10 years or so since the last time I saw it. I had forgotten just how funny it was. I was laughing out loud the whole time. Was Cary Grant's performance a little over-the-top? Maybe, but he was absolutely hilarious. A truly fun, truly funny movie. Not the social-statement, little-guy-vs-the-system picture Capra is normally remembered for, but still an excellent piece of work and worth watching if you've never seen it.


4. Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936, Frank Capra)
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Starring: Gary Cooper, Jean Arthur, Lionel Stander

Gary Cooper is excellent as the simple, yet sharp, Longfellow Deeds. Jean Arthur gives another excellent performance as the hard-boiled city girl softened by the wide-eyed "Cinderella Man" she initially sets out to make a stooge of. Another of Capra's finest films.

3. It Happened One Night (1934, Frank Capra)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/40/Gable_ithapponepm_poster.jpg/220px-Gable_ithapponepm_poster.jpg
Starring: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly, Roscoe Karnes


Great classic film. The first film to sweep all 5 "big" Oscars - Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Screenplay. The dynamic between Gable and Colbert is fantastic. So many classic moments - "Quit bawlin'!", "The Walls of Jericho.", "I won't use my thumb." Clark Gable is very funny here, which is not a trait I would have associated with him before watching this picture. A fun romantic comedy with an appeal far beyond that of the typical "chick-flicks." Though made in the 1930s the film still holds up. I think any fan of film would be well served to watch this one.


2. Meet John Doe (1941, Frank Capra)
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Starring: Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward Arnold, James Gleason, Walter Brennan


Frank Capra's first post-Columbia feature. Gary Cooper is excellent as Long John Willoughby. You ride right along with him as he goes from bum to celebrity, from being full of doubts to actually believing in what he is doing. Walter Brennan is also great as his friend the Colonel, and Edward Arnold is always excellent as the Capra villain. This movie is the antithesis of the belief that Capra's endings are always perfect and happy, as the conflicted ending, while not tragic, is not all sunshine and roses either.


1. It's a Wonderful Life (1946, Frank Capra)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/95/Its_A_Wonderful_Life_Movie_Poster.jpg/220px-Its_A_Wonderful_Life_Movie_Poster.jpg
Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers

I know this isn't a surprise to anyone if they've read other posts I've made...

Nothing I can say would truly do justice to this film. While most people view it as a sappy Christmas story, it is oh so much more. George Bailey, like so many of us, is a man who has had to watch all of his dreams fly away in order to fulfill the responsibilities of life. He has always acted selflessly and for the good of other, no matter the cost to himself. We get to see this from the time he was a boy, to the time his father dies, to the time his brother gets married, to the depression, to WWII. In his darkest hour, on Christmas Eve, he decides it would be better for everyone if he was dead. Even on the verge of suicide, George acts selflessly saving another man from drowning. That man turns out to be Clarence Oddbody, Angel Second Class, who shows George what the world would be like if he had never lived. The vision is a dark and twisted version of his hometown and friends. It is actually a very dark and depressing sequence. As has been said, Capra delivers happy endings, but he makes you work for them. And of course, once George, and the viewers, realize how wonderful life really is, just being with the people you love, we get our sappy, happy ending. But boy did we work for it. If you don't get watery-eyed during the finale of this film, you're heart is probably two sizes too small.

Only Capra could have made this movie, which is probably why no one before him was able to make it work. Donna Reed is fantastic. Lionel Barrymore is suitably evil. The supporting characters are all wonderfully cast.

Jimmy Stewart, who is always likeable on-screen, is perfect as George. Stewart is able to show George's growing bitterness and resentment at how his life has gone. He shows us George's happiness and unhappiness. The overwhelming despair when he's about to loose it all. The terror as he tours Pottersville. The indescribable joy as he makes it back to Bedford Falls and the people he loves. Through Stewart's performance, he takes us all through the full emotional gamut, and makes the payoff, sappy and Capra-corny as it may be, all the more satisfying.

A perfect film, not just for Christmas, but for anytime. I watch it several times every year and never fail to end up blubbering like a baby by the end.

[MadMikeyD]

There! It is finished! A long time coming, made longer by an unanticipated prolonged absence from the boards. But, for better or worse, there it is.

[rauldc14]

great job. I have a feeling I'll be updating my top 100 possibly near the mid or end of this year. Capra rules, and It Happened One Night is an absolutely awesome film. I like It's a Wonderful Life too. Mr. Smith goes to Washington is fairly good, though it's quality repeatability of watching is in question to me.

But anyways, loved the list. Lots of great films on it.

[MadMikeyD]

I haven't re-watched Mr. Smith as much as I've re-watched my top 5, but each time I have I've actually enjoyed it even more. I wasn't sure either, after the first watch, if it would be as good upon re-viewing, but it has proven otherwise, thus far, IMO.

[HitchFan97]

You sure do like Capra! Congrats on finishing the list :)

[Brodinski]

I like your list, man. I'm especially fond of Up and it's good to see it up so high. There are some scenes in that film that are pure magic, among the very best I've ever watched, animation or other. I went back and forth between Wall-E and Up as my favourite Pixar film, but have settled on Up, because it's more consistent throughout.

[MadMikeyD]

Thanks, and yep, I do like Capra. I just like those kind of films in general. Positive films that families can watch together. Sure, my kids practically refuse to watch old black and white movies, but there's no reason they can't. That's probably why most of my more modern choices tend to be either religious in nature or Pixar selections.

[nebbit]

Great job http://www.myemoticons.com/images/emotions/happy/wakka-wakka.gif nice top 10 http://www.myemoticons.com/images/emotions/happy/bounce.gif

[JayDee]

Congrats on finishing Mikey. :up: Will need to actually go back through and really examine your choices.

So just a little bit of a Capra fan eh? :D Don't think I've ever seen one director or star or anything dominate like that before. I've seen a few Capra and enjoyed them all so far but really need to catch up with more of them. Favourite is probably Mr Smith which I could see sneaking on to my top 100 list in the future

Out of interest have you seen Lost Horizon? Recorded it a short while back but not got round to watching it yet

[MadMikeyD]

Yep, seen Lost Horizon (it's #85). It's quite a departure from stuff like Deeds, Smith and Doe. Exotic locales and costumes. Ronald Colman isn't the standard Capra "everyman" hero and there are fewer comedic elements in this film. It is still a beautiful and well done film, and I enjoy it more with each viewing.

[JayDee]

Oops sorry for that. Been quite a while so obviously forgot. Supposed I should have done a search of this thread first

[MadMikeyD]

No worries. I was sure it was there, but I had to look too. The long layoff screwed with my memory as well.