The 100 Greatest Movies
- 10th Anniversary Edition -
The Different Movie Lists
1. Citizen Kane (1941)
Also on the Greatest (1) List -
2. The Godfather (1972)
Also on the Greatest (3), Thrillers (11), and the 10 Top 10 - Gangster (1) Lists - I think the second one was better, at least easier to follow in my mind, having only watched the movies once, but I did enjoy them. A little complicated if only once though. I recommend to anyone who likes "mafia" type movies. The movie follows the rise of the godfather in the principle NY mafia.
3. Casablanca (1942)
Also on the Greatest (2), Romances (1), Thrillers (37), and Inspirational (32) Lists - Definitely worth its place as number 2. A great movie that was not a Romances as I thought it would be, being more like an anti-Romances taking place during WWII. I was hesitant to watch this movie at first but afterwards I will recommend this to anyone. The main plot is about 2 people trying to escape German occupied Morocco to the US. The dialogue is very strong and it contains several underlying plot lines not immediately noticeable. It very easily drags you into the movie.
4. Raging Bull (1980)
Also on the Greatest (24), Thrillers (51), and 10 Top 10 - Sports (1) Lists - Kind if a cross between The Godfather and Rocky, it shows the self-degradation of a championship boxer who could not control his anger or his over-protection of his wife. The acting was superb but you get the feeling someone is gonna get whacked throughout the movie.
5. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Also on the Greatest (10), Romances (16), Comedies (16), and Musicals (1) Lists - The top Musicals on the list. Rather strange at times it is very enjoyable and the music is definitely catchy. The plot follows a couple of vaudeville actors, where after the advent of movies with sound, her career is in jeopardy due to her shrill voice. For those of you whole love musicals you have probably have already seen this but if not, you should.
6. Gone With the Wind (1939)
Also on the Greatest (4), Romances (2), Inspirational (43), and the 10 Top 10 - Epic (4) Lists - The classic itself, if not one of the longest movies on the list. The romantic movie of the Civil War era, if any others were even made. Considered by many to be the best Romances of all time. The story consists of a love quadrangle that contains the horrors of war as it's backdrop. A must watch for anyone, and one of my wife's favorites.
7. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Also on the Greatest (5), Thrillers (23), Inspirational (30), and the 10 Top 10 - Epic (1) Lists - Another excruciatingly long movie but I enjoyed it, unlike my wife who could not wait till it was over. I enjoyed the direction and the story thoroughly. The plot follows the real life exploits of T. E. Lawrence as he went from innocent observer to leader of Arabs against the Turks during the 1920's. Highly enjoyable for those of us who like war epic movies, otherwise can be considered boring since it is rather long and slow in some parts.
8. Schindler's List (1993)
Also on the Greatest (9), Inspirational (3), and the 10 Top 10 - Epic (3) Lists - The rather depressing look at life in a concentration camp and how a man named Oscar Schindler tried to rescue them. Just knowing that this movie is based off real life makes it hit that much harder. A must watch so that we don't forget history, you know all that doomed to repeat it stuff.
9. Vertigo (1958)
Also on the Greatest (61), Romances (18), Thrillers (18), and the 10 Top 10 - Mystery (1) Lists - Another of the Hitchcock movies on the list, this one focusing on a police detective's fear of heights. After a fellow officer is killed because he is frozen with fear John Ferguson (Stewart) retires from the force. Unfortunately he is then asked to follow his friends wife, who also dies because of his fear of heights. The best thing about the movie was the remarkable camera effects showing Ferguson's vertigo.
10. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Also on the Greatest (6), Thrillers (43), Musicals (3), Inspirational (26), and the 10 Top 10 - Fantasy (1) Lists - It has been a very long time since I have seen The Wizard of Oz, so we ended up watching it in preparation for my daughter to go see Wicked for the first time. And as a child I did not get the overt symbolism used throughout the movie. How the characters at the beginning of the movie were reincarnated as the Scarecrow, the Tin man, and the Cowardly Lion, not to mention the Wizard and the Wicked Witch of the West. The acting was also just so over the top. Nobody seemed to be holding anything back and just letting it all out there. However, that is what makes this movie so charming. It could have faded into the dust bins of history but the overacting by the four main leads are what draws us into the movie and keeps us there. I couldn't keep my eyes off the Scarecrow's walking behavior throughout the movie and the Cowardly Lion's eating up of the scenery. It was absolutely hilarious. I think what really got me was when the Wizard, playing the doorman, starts crying and it obvious he is just having water pour over his face. It's terrific. Judy Garland's Dorothy is equally over the top and without her acting so dramatic it wouldn't have worked with the other three. She was the glue to hold it all together. On top of all that, the colorization design of the movie was spot on, especially given the early days of color in which the movie was made. The color work was loud and glaring in many spots making the colors really pop out at you. It was beautiful. This movie earned it's place in history as one of the greatest ever made and will likely remain there for decades to come.
11. City Lights (1931)
Also on the Greatest (76), Comedies (38), Romances (10), Inspirational (33), and the 10 Top 10 - RomCom (1) Lists -
12. The Searchers (1956)
Also on the Greatest (96) and the 10 Top 10 - Western (1) Lists -
13. Star Wars (1977)
Also on the Greatest (15), Thrillers (27), Inspirational (39), and the 10 Top 10 - SciFi (2) Lists - I had recently rewatched the original Star Wars (now subtitled A New Hope) in order to provide a better review than I had initially done when first setting up my movie and book reviews. Star Wars is a movie I grew up watching with my sister as movie marathons on New Year's Eve, so it is difficult to piece out that history from the movie that I know so well. The version I watched recently was the current Blu-ray release, with all the changes that have accompanied it as well as any previous adjustments to the movie that happened along the way. The first thing that struck me about the movie though was how slow it is. When compared to modern day "blockbusters", Star Wars moves at a snail's pace. I watched the movie with my six year old daughter and I frequently was checking to see if she was even still paying attention (she was). But even with the slow pace, the story, the visuals, and the dialogue all still hold up. The visuals are even more stunning now as emphasized on blu-ray and exploded onto a 4k tv. The amount of work done on the movies to bring them up to modern standards still holds, however the CGI done on it throughout the intervening years does not hold up as well. I still laughed at the funny parts, the random bits of witticism sprinkled throughout the movie. I am still enthralled by Alec Guinness' performance. And Darth Vader still provides a looming presence throughout the movie, that only gets heightened by the Prequels, not diminished as some people towt. So, even in a day when huge blockbuster movies are being rolled out on a monthly, if not weekly, basis, it's good to know that one of the original blockbusters still holds the charm and visual appeal that made so many people fall in love with it in the first place.
14. Psycho (1960)
Also on the Greatest (18) and Thrillers (1) Lists - Hitchcock's best hands down. A suspenseful Thrillers with a surprise twist at the end. I never saw the remake but from what I hear the lack of blood and gore in the original is what made it great. Should you watch this, oh yea.
15. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Also on the Greatest (22), Thrillers (40), Inspirational (47), and the 10 Top 10 - SciFi (1) Lists - Having never seen 2001: A Space Odyssey before, I wasn't sure exactly what I was getting myself into. I had known only a few scant details of the plot and/or images of the movie but in reality I knew nothing. I'll probably spoil the plot going over the details, so if you wish to go in spoiler free, I wouldn't read any further. We start off in the distant past, when hominids first started tool use. These hominids are "visited (?)" by a monolith (one of the few things I knew about the movie was the presence of these monoliths). The monolith appears to have jump started mankind into tool use. We flash forward to the distant future (2000 or 2001) where a scientist is heading out to a dig site on the moon. Within a pit on the moon another monolith has been uncovered (I have no idea what happened to the first one on Earth). The moon monolith transmits a signal to Jupiter upon being discovered but other than that is silent. This prompts an expedition to Jupiter 18 months later (maybe this is 2001?) with one of the most well known sci-fi computers in history, HAL, leading the way (I love his unsettling design and voice). Upon arrival at Jupiter we find another monolith and all hell breaks loose because I don't have a clue as to what is going on. There's a baby and ... the end.
For the most part this movie is visually breathtaking, but ploddingly slow. My wife would look up at the screen every couple of minutes to see if anything new had happened. It didn't. The visuals could almost make up for it, but I feel that Kubrick purposely drug out the scenes to emphasize the slowness (much to the detriment of the modern audience I am sure). The entire movie is rather slow up until the end, when everything kicks into psychedelic. Truthfully, I was rather interested in the movie, wondering from the get go if would we get a reason for the monoliths. My feelings wavered throughout the movie, sometimes thinking we were going to get no answers at all and sometimes thinking we would get answers to everything. However, at the end of everything, I have no clue what we got, besides a WTF. The ending definitely felt like something pulled straight from Contact (or I guess vice versa based on creation dates). But no, I don't think we got an answer. This is the type of movie that film schools thrive on I'm sure, trying to piece out the meaning behind everything. I prefer an answer though. Overall my thoughts on the movie were that, besides the slowness, I was in for most of it. The monolith music was suitably unsettling, and everything about the movie from the sound design to the visuals had me. But my big problem with the movie was that I wanted to know what was going on. I needed to know. Unfortunately, I never found out. I feel like I should watch this movie again to possibly discover an answer hidden in it, however I don't think I can do it.
16. Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Also on the Greatest (12) List - Often while watching these old movies you often feel like they are old movies. Movies made for their time but not really timeless. Sunset Boulevard breaks that pattern. This movie feels as if it could have been made today. The performances are superb, especially the lead, Gloria Swanson, who plays Norma Desmond, a washed up actress of the silent screen era. She is a bit off her rocker, but you don't realize by how much until the end of the movie. She plays the role perfectly. The best role though I think goes to the butler, Max. He plays this sympathetic, stone-faced character throughout, but it is not until almost the end that you find out how sympathetic he really was. Riveting throughout and a joy to watch, a must recommend.
17. The Graduate (1967)
Also on the Greatest (7), Romances (52), and Comedies (9) Lists - The story of a man who just graduated from college and has his whole life in front of him and is not sure what to do now. This is a weird movie about how a man starts sleeping with a woman twice his age then is forbidden to ever see her daughter again. Enjoyable and funny, a must watch.
18. The General (1927)
Also on the Comedies (18) List -
19. On the Waterfront (1954)
Also on the Greatest (8) and Inspirational (36) Lists - Right off the bat this movie resembled a cross between Gangs of New York and The Sopranos. The first half of the movie was rather depressing with all the deaths but it definitely turned around by the end. The acting was superb and the story line was great. The is no wonder why this is the 8th greatest movie of all time.
20. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Also on the Greatest (11), Romances (8), Inspirational (1), and the 10 Top 10 - Fantasy (3) Lists - The classic about a man who feels his life is in the dumps and then a miracle grants him his wish of never being born and shows to him how much of an impact he has had. The epitome of the idiom "careful what you wish for." A little impractical at times, especially the view of the world without him, but uplifting and enjoyable non the less.
21. Chinatown (1974)
Also on the Greatest (19), Thrillers (16), and the 10 Top 10 - Mystery (2) Lists - One word, Confusing. My wife and I watched this and about 2 hours later be both went "huh". Did not understand it at all, either a must watch more than once or a must know the contemporary illusions.
22. Some Like it Hot (1959)
Also on the Greatest (14) and Comedies (1) Lists - One of the best comedies on the list. This has the classics of Comedies, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, dressed up as women after they witness the Saint Valentine's Day gangster murders. Marilyn Monroe also stars as the principle female role. A must watch for anyone because even though its an older movie it is still hilarious. And of course, almost any movie with cross dressing is bound to be funny.
23. The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
Also on the Greatest (21) and Inspirational (7) Lists - Based on one the 100 Greatest Books, of which I have not read yet. The story is about migrant workers of the Great Depression and their difficulty in finding work when their Oklahoma farms turns into a dustbowl and they are promised work in California. Of course you don't need me to tell you that work was not to be found. A gripping tale of people's struggles in the face of tragedy.
24. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Also on the Greatest (25), Thrillers (44), Inspirational (6), and the 10 Top 10 - SciFi (3) Lists - What can I say about this movie that nobody already knows. Not the original of Spielberg's alien stories but definitely the best one. Heartwarming and tender.
25. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Also on the Greatest (34), Inspirational (2), and the 10 Top 10 - Courtroom (1) Lists - The movie takes place in Alabama during the Great Depression. Not a very racial friendly place now, not even close to it then. The movie is about a black man wrongly accused of raping a white girl and the following turmoil that the hearing brings. Based on the novel that is also on the 100 Greatest list, it is listed as one of the best racial relations movies ever made. Makes one stop and think and realize our past is not as good as one might think.
26. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Also on the Greatest (29) and Inspirational (5) Lists -
27. High Noon (1952)
Also on the Greatest (33), Thrillers (20), Inspirational (27), and the 10 Top 10 - Western (2) Lists - High Noon is the type of movie that builds suspense over the entire length of the movie. The premise of the movie is that the marshal (Gary Cooper) of this western town is expecting a killer that he put away several years ago to come in on the noon train, which is roughly 1.5 hours away. He spends the majority of the movie trying to find recruits to fight against him with the climax of the movie being the expected battle. Overall, I felt the movie dragged on a bit but it was interesting watching him go through the town and dealing with the townspeople. Most of those he asks directly refuse to fight but all of those who insist on joining are all turned away. The one surprising aspect of the movie was the role of the marshal's wife (Grace Kelly). The ending of the story turned around for her and I wasn't expecting her to act the way she did. Overall I thought it was a good movie but I would not say great movie. I felt the frustration from the marshal and I believe that was what was driving the movie but overall I thought that the story was rather thin and probably could have been condensed down.
28. All About Eve (1950)
Also on the Greatest (16) List - The opening sequence starts it off where you realize this is not going to be the serious drama that you might have thought. The plot follows Eve who adores the actress Margo Channing, but in seeming so innocent and naive she really is just a calculating wench who wants to shine in the spotlight. For fans of dark comedies.
29. Double Indemnity (1944)
Also on the Greatest (38), Romances (84), and Thrillers (24) Lists - The movie starts off with the killer admitting that he did it and then the movie progresses as the killer relates the details of the crime. The first part of the movie felt very dated but I soon got into it and I could see why this would be one of the greatest thrillers of all time. I didn't know what was going to happen next and I really liked it. Other than the general premise of the movie, which is why would the killer sit there and record everything instead of trying to get away, mostly everything seemed to fit nicely into place. A very good movie and one that stands the test of time, I believe.
30. Apocalypse Now (1979)
Also on the Greatest (28) List - This is a cult movie classic and I can tell why. A very bizarre movie starring Brando and Martin Sheen about a rouge colonel in the Vietnam War who kills hundreds of innocent people eventually becoming deified by his followers. The plot line follows the American captain sent to kill the colonel as he travels upriver and eventually into the colonels new compound. Very gripping story and a wonderfully acted movie showing the atrocity that was Vietnam and how it made people crazy.
31. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Also on the Greatest (23), Thrillers (26), and the 10 Top 10 - Mystery (6) Lists - The detective movie from which any post movie is judged against. A little confusing at times but enjoyable non the less. A gripping movie that will keep you guessing the whole way through. Another one where Bogart definitely deserves his place among greatest of actors.
32. The Godfather Part II (1974)
Also on the Greatest (32) and the 10 Top 10 - Gangster (3) Lists - The only sequel on the list and it deserves its placement. Personally I liked it better than the original. I found it easier to follow and the flashbacks between the building of the mafia empire and the current situation was very well done. If you liked the first one you probably already seen this one, if not it should be your next movie.
33. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Also on the Greatest (20) and Inspirational (17) Lists - A very funny look at inmates in an insane asylum staring Jack Nicholson. Jack plays the part of a new patient who rallies the other patients with him incurring the wrath of the nurses including the now infamous Nurse Ratchet. Though not listed on the 100 greatest comedies list for some reason. It has my vote.
34. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Also on the Greatest (49) and the 10 Top 10 - Animation (1) Lists - Snow White is mostly touted because it is the first feature length animated movie ever made. And although that is a worthy accomplishment in itself, is it a good movie? First off the animation is actually pretty good. It is amazing to watch how many things are moving across the screen during many parts of the movie, especially when forest animals enter the movie and are all moving around at the same time. Often, movies would skimp out on scenes like this in order to decrease production costs, but Disney seemed to go in the opposite direction, by adding in even more animals. Just trying to imagine how many man hours it would take to make such a thing is daunting. However, the story itself is severely lacking. Snow White is scared off into the woods because the Evil Queen wants to kill her. Why? Because Snow White is the fairest in the land, not the Evil Queen. I guess vanity is a good reason for the Queen's downfall, but it's a pretty weak reason. The pacing of the movie is also all over the place. Several parts of the story seem very rushed (Snow White immediately leaves with the Prince upon being woken up?), with many parts seeming to drag on forever (i.e. the celebration/party before bedtime). Overall, I would say this is an OK movie, but not one I enjoy sitting and watching multiple times.
35. Annie Hall (1977)
Also on the Greatest (31), Romances (11), Comedies (4), and the 10 Top 10 - RomCom (2) Lists - Woody Allen's best movie ever. The movie follows the relationship between a whiney city boy played by Allen and his girlfriend a country bumpkin (Keaton). Its told mostly in the first person perspective of Allen resulting in a very funny "real" type of movie. When your in a comedic type of mood, this would be a good movie to watch.
36. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
Also on the Greatest (13), Thrillers (58), and Inspirational (14) Lists - Another war movie for war movie lovers. Although Veronica did not like this one that much, I thought it was terrific. Alec Guinness played the perfect lead role and the story line was riveting. The plot follows a British POW in Burma who is forced to build a train bridge. Since they are doing this they decide to build the best one they can. While building the bridge, Colonel Nicholson (Guinness) looses sight of what he is supposed to be doing in Burma when the British try and blow up the bridge. I thought it was fantastic and a must watch, but that is just my opinion.
37. The Best Years of Our Life (1946)
Also on the Greatest (37) and Inspirational (11) Lists -
38. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Also on the Greatest (30) and Thrillers (67) Lists - On the whole, this seemed like a loose string of adventures. Sure, some of them were fun to watch and others were pretty interesting but basically it felt very disjointed. I'm not entirely sure why this made the list. The acting was pretty good but I felt the story could have used a little improvement. Overall, I enjoyed it but didn't love it.
39. Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Also on the Greatest (26) and Comedies (3) Lists - A definite must watch more than once because I know I missed many of the jokes. A very humorous look at the cold war that mocks the tensions between the two super powers and the mutual destruction associated with nuclear war. One of the best scenes in any movie ever is when the American rides the nuclear missile down like a bucking bronco, complete with cowboy hat.
40. The Sound of Music (1965)
Also on the Greatest (55), Romances (27), Musicals (4), and Inspirational (41) Lists - One of the most popular musicals of all time. It is based on the Von Trapp family who during WWII were eventually forced to leave their native Austria. The main plot of the movie follows a former nun who finds her true calling as a governess to the family and eventually melts the heart of the once stern father. This all occurs in lighthearted nature over several irritatingly get stuck in your head Musicals numbers. Obviously their situation was portrayed not as dire as it actually was but it is still an enjoyable movie.
41. King Kong (1933)
Also on the Greatest (43), Romances (24), Thrillers (12), and the 10 Top 10 - Fantasy (4) Lists - I started out watching this movie basing it on the recent Peter Jackson remake. The problem is that you need to take into consideration the time period. Currently the graphics of King Kong would be downright laughable today, while back then they were cutting edge. The movie was very enjoyable though. Actually, Jackson's remake just seemed to be an extension of the movie, taking all the same parts and just putting in extra parts in between. That made the movie fly right by since I already knew basically what was going to happen. But it was still a good movie and ground-breaking at the time. The fight between Kong and the T. rex was very well done and actually more violent than I was anticipating, especially since the meeting with the natives was far less violent then I would have thought. All in all, I would recommend seeing this one before the Peter Jackson movie, but an entertaining movie none the less.
42. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Also on the Greatest (27), Romances (65), Thrillers (13), and the 10 Top 10 - Gangster (5) Lists - Starring Warren Beatty as Clyde and Faye Dunaway as Bonnie, this movie is a hit right at the start. The plot line is great, it follows two of the most infamous bank robbers in history from the beginning where Clyde is a car thief and Bonnie his hostage, to their end when they are both shot up. Kind of a romantic Thrillers with a dismal ending.
43. Midnight Cowboy (1969)
Also on the Greatest (36) List - When you talk about uplifting movies, this is not among them. I am not saying that I did not enjoy the movie it was just sad. The plot follows a cowboy from Texas that moves to NYC to be a male prostitute. Things just go wrong from the start and he eventually gets himself aligned with conman Ratso Rizzo. The dynamic between the two was great. It showed how the high morals of the cowboy were brought down rather rapidly by the conman until both were living in an abandoned apartment, with almost no food, and needing to steal to get anything. Although a bit trippy in the middle I thought the movie was very well done and you could definitely tell that they were pushing some major boundaries back in '69.
44. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Also on the Greatest (51), Romances (44), Comedies (15), and the 10 Top 10 - RomCom (5) Lists - Staring the royalty of the big screen, Stewart, Grant and Hepburn, this is a quick witted romantic Comedies. Some of the jokes are rather fast at times though, so if you are not paying attention you are likely to miss them. The story involves a love pentagon with Tracy Lord (Hepburn) about to get married and the national tabloid wanting a story on it. The tabloid sends in some reporters via Lord's ex-husband (Grant) who represents the fun rich while her fiancée represents the poor hardworking guy who just wants his name in the paper. Insert Romances here and you have a classic that is as timeless now as it was then.
45. Shane (1953)
Also on the Greatest (69) and the 10 Top 10 - Western (3) Lists -
46. It Happened One Night (1934)
Also on the Greatest (35), Romances (38), Comedies (8), and the 10 Top 10 - RomCom (3) Lists - Another classic staring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. The plot is simple, rich girl runs away from home because her daddy won't let her marry the man she wants. This draws national attention as the father posts a reward for finding her. This is where Gable comes in as a reporter to get the scoop of a lifetime. Well written and very humorous. Another timeless classic.
47. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
Also on the Greatest (45) and Romances (67) Lists - Another fine work by Brando. The screenplay was written by Williams himself so you know its not going to be that bad figuring the play is one of the best ever written. It is based on a fragile former prostitute who visits her sister in New Orleans and is mercilessly taunted by her brother-in-law. A bit confusing at times but very well acted non the less.
48. Rear Window (1954)
Also on the Greatest (42), Thrillers (14), and the 10 Top 10 - Mystery (3) Lists - I think this is one of the better of Hitchcock's plays. It is gripping and suspenseful and you never really know what is going on or what is going to happen until the end. Fantastic acting even with the minimal scenes.
49. Intolerance (1916)
50. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Also on the 10 Top 10 - Fantasy (2) List - The first of the trilogy presented by Jackson on an epic scale. Although I did think the trilogy as a whole was fantastic I felt this movie was the slowest of the three. This is probably because the story was the slowest although when I read the books I did not get this feeling. It was likely that all the awards that Return of the King garnered made people sit up and notice this movie.
51. West Side Story (1961)
Also on the Greatest (41), Romances (3), and Musicals (2) Lists - The Musicals based on Romeo and Juliet set in "modern" day New York. Very good catchy music and great acting. It really shows the grittiness of New York at times. Although I question whether gangs in NYC really know all the moves in choreographed dances.
52. Taxi Driver (1976)
Also on the Greatest (47) and Thrillers (22) Lists - The story about a rogue cab driver who is so disgusted with society and decides to take matter into his own hands to save a prostitute. This is an angry movie about a man coping with life in general and society as everything degrades before his eyes. Gritty and compelling.
53. The Deer Hunter (1978)
Also on the Greatest (79) and Thrillers (30) Lists - Just finishing the movie and my first impression is "Wow, I'm depressed now." Don't get me wrong, the movie was fantastic but it was so utterly depressing that you are amazed anyone in the movie has the will to live at the end of it. The focus of the movie seems to revolve around hunting with the goal to kill a deer with one shot. The guys, who we see as happy go lucky at the beginning of the movie, end up in Vietnam where their world is thrown around and they are forced to play a version of Russian Rullet, again, back to the one shot theme. If you are in the mood for a good war movie, then this is for you. If you want a Comedies or a feel good movie then you should probably pick something else.
54. M*A*S*H (1970)
Also on the Greatest (56) and Comedies (7) Lists - The spark that started one of the best TV shows of all time. This is still one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. A political commentary on the Vietnam War using the Korean War as a backdrop. I still can't get over the theme everyone is used to for the TV show is about suicide.
55. North by Northwest (1959)
Also on the Greatest (40), Thrillers (4), and the 10 Top 10 - Mystery Lists - A thrilling movie about an advertising executive who got tangled up in a James Bond type situation. I found the movie rather humorous and suspenseful, especially the first half where Grant is mistaken for another man. The entire time it seems obvious to everyone else he is not the man but no one seems to care. The acting is superb with extremely believable performances by both Grant and Eva Marie Saint who was the main female character. I definitely recommend this movie especially when you are in the mood for an action movie with a subdued sort of action.
56. Jaws (1975)
Also on the Greatest (48) and Thrillers (2) Lists - The original "When Nature Attacks" story about a rogue shark that reeks havoc on a New England beach until finally being destroyed by a marine biologist and an old fisherman. Good acting especially for the shark. How they got it to do those things I will never know.
57. Rocky (1976)
Also on the Greatest (78), Thrillers (52), Inspirational (4), and the 10 Top 10 - Sports (2) Lists - After rewatching this movie recently I have come to the conclusion that this was not the movie I thought it was. Most of the characters are very awkward throughout movie, making the viewer feel awkward during most of their interactions. The movie is about a man who gets the shot at the title even though he never should have even had the chance. It is uplifting though, where the first half of the film makes the characters appear as low as they could get. Then things start to come around to the Rocky that everyone seems to remember. A very good movie, but not the one I remembered. I think this is a better movie than what it is typically made out to be though. It's not very often you see a movie where the guy tries to get the girl and the girl isn't a supermodel, but a normal looking girl.
58. The Gold Rush (1925)
Also on the Greatest (74) - This was my first silent movie and it actually wasn't that bad. I had these preconceived notions about silent movies, that they were often campy and not very well put together. And even though the movie was very choppy due to the editing it actually was pretty enjoyable. Would I put this on the list were it made today? Oh hell no. This is by far not the best movie ever made, but I can see where this was ground-breaking at the time. Would I watch this again? Not likely, but I am glad that I did watch it once. The movie is Charlie Chaplin acting like stereotypical Charlie Chaplin (which may only be stereotypical in hindsight) and trying to find gold in Alaska during the gold rush. Although most of the movie had nothing to do with the gold rush and more about Chaplin stumbling around from one misadventure to another. Overall, it was fun but it felt like several episodes of a slow TV show instead of a well edited movie.
59. Nashville (1975)
60. Duck Soup (1933)
Also on the Greatest (85) and Comedies (5) Lists - Since this was ranked as the number 5 greatest Comedies of all time, I was building myself up for a treat. The movie is only 67 minutes long, so I figured this would be a good evening movie as well. Turns out I was wrong on all accounts. I did find several of the situations funny and the interactions were humorous but the movie in general was nonsensical and the jokes got a bit tired. Many of the jokes were slapstick and others were plays on words where Groucho's shtick seems to be twisting conversations into making them insulting to the person he was conversing with. Although this could be funny, more often then not I found myself not really understanding what he was saying. The movie follows the plot where a small nation is strapped for cash and the only to get the money the leaders must appeal to the richest member of the country. She agrees but only if one of the local celebrities, Firefly, takes control (Groucho). What followed was almost a movie but it ended up being more of a series of short skits taped together. To sum this up i think my wife put it best when she said "that was awful".
61. Sullivan's Travels (1941)
Also on the Comedies (39) and Inspirational (25) Lists -
62. American Graffiti (1973)
Also on the Greatest (77) and Comedies (43) Lists - Lucas's first big movie and the reason he was able to make Star Wars. Pretty much is about 60's high school students facing decisions in their lives and driving around in their cars. Confusing at times but enjoyable non the less.
63. Cabaret (1972)
Also on the Musicals (5) List -
64. Network (1976)
Also on the Greatest (66) List - "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore." Finally figured what movie that came from. A very funny movie about a TV anchorman who is going to lose his job due to his age. So to "stick it" to the network and get himself ratings he declared he was going to commit suicide on TV. A dark Comedies about the ruthlessness of the television business.
65. The African Queen (1951)
Also on the Greatest (17), Romances (14), and Inspirational (48) Lists - A rather fun movie about a rough around the edges man who saves a prim and proper girl. Eventually they sail down a river chasing after a German ship so that they can destroy it. Bogart plays the part of the rough guy perfectly and the match up of the two main characters is pure magic. The story seems to slow down a bit in the middle as they are just on a steamship in the river for most of the time but the movie works well with it.
66. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Also on the Greatest (60) and Thrillers (10) Lists - The first modern action adventure movie. Maybe the best of the four and definitely one of my favorites. If you need to know the plot of this one you obviously need to rent this movie (again?).
67. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
Also on the Romances (89) List -
68. Unforgiven (1992)
Also on the Greatest (98) and the 10 Top 10 - Western (4) Lists - The first western I watched on the list and overall it was pretty good, though very depressing at times. Think of a country song in the form of a movie. The plot is pretty simple in that two sharp shooters are hired to kill two cowboys who disfigure a prostitute. From what I have heard it is not the typical western with the old clichés, and from what I saw, I agree. Definitely not what I pictured a western to be due to the realistic nature of the characters that truly let you believe in them.
69. Tootsie (1982)
Also on the Greatest (62) and Comedies (2) Lists - A very funny movie about a man who claims to be a terrific actor but can't get himself a job. So he decides to dress up like a woman and ends up getting the role. Unfortunately this causes him to have to do this for as long as he worked on the show without anyone knowing the truth. The female role he created becomes a role model for women everywhere, showing them empowerment (a stubborn headed trait he bestowed beforehand) and power are not bad things. Very well written and Hoffman does not make a bad woman. Another in the line of cross dressing just makes a good movie.
70. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Also on the Greatest (46), Thrillers (21), and the 10 Top 10 - SciFi (4) Lists - Another movie that belongs on my weird list. This movie is about a punk kid in a totalitarian state who is then subjected to behavior modification programming. I've heard people often comment on the irony of the main character's 'Singin in the Rain' while whipping a nude female in front of her husband. Again a bizarre movie.
71. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Also on the Thrillers (45), Inspirational (10), and the 10 Top 10 - Epic (8) Lists - A rather grisly tale about some soldiers going to take one soldier who lost all his brothers out of WWII. The movie is bloody and shocking and very realistic. As one review I read, "this movie pulls no punches." Very good and heartwarming and inspirational tale of courage and war.
72. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Also on the Inspirational (23) -
73. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Also on the Greatest (50), Thrillers (54), and the 10 Top 10 - Western (7) Lists - The story is about two of the most notorious bank/train of the west and their downfall. The movie is primarily about their downfall, not their rise to fame nor their formation of The Hole in the Wall gang, but still the story is written very well and easily understandable. Paul Newman (Butch) and Robert Redford (Sundance) were the only actors that were in the entire movie and they held their own. Redford I felt gave the superior performance as the quiet yet sarcastic sidekick, yet sometimes you felt that he was the one who really called the shots. Overall this movie is not what you would expect for a western, it was more in line with Bonnie and Clyde, with fugitives robbing banks and being tracked down by law enforcement. I thought this was a great movie and one of the better ones on the list, funny, action packed, overall enjoyable.
74. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Also on the Greatest (65) and Thrillers (5) Lists - Preparing myself for the horror movie this has always been billed as, I was pleasantly surprised to discover it is actually a slightly gory, police procedural/detective story. It was not what I was expecting at all and I actually got a great kick out of the movie. It is no wonder that it is on the 100 Greatest Movies list and one that was a lot of fun to watch. Especially one that places so much emphasis on a strong central female protagonist. There are some issues that have dated the movie slightly but overall I would say I was in the wrong to have waited so long to have watched this.
75. In the Heat of the Night (1967)
Also on the Inspirational (21) -
76. Forrest Gump (1994)
Also on the Greatest (71) and Inspirational (37) Lists - One of the most enjoyable movie's to watch on the list. A modern classic of a mentally retarded man who always finds himself in the most famous places of recent history, meeting presidents, fighting in Vietnam, participating (sort of) at the anti Vietnam rally, ping-pong with China, and so on. Many of the movie's more humorous parts are when Forest Gump unwittingly causes some of histories famous moments including teaching Elvis how to dance. Heart warming and one of the best of the lot in my mind.
77. All the President's Men (1976)
Also on the Thrillers (57) and Inspirational (34) Lists -
78. Modern Times (1936)
Also on the Greatest (81) List -
79. The Wild Bunch (1969)
Also on the Greatest (80), Thrillers (69), and the 10 Top 10 - Western (6) Lists -
80. The Apartment (1960)
Also on the Greatest (93), Romances (62), and Comedies (20) Lists -
81. Spartacus (1960)
Also on the Thrillers (62), Inspirational (44), and the 10 Top 10 - Epic (5) Lists -
82. Sunrise (1927)
Also on the Romances (63) List -
83. Titantic (1997)
Also on the Romances (37), Thrillers (25), and the 10 Top 10 - Epic (6) Lists -
84. Easy Rider (1969)
Also on the Greatest (88) List -
85. A Night at the Opera (1935)
Also on the Comedies (12) List -
86. Platoon (1986)
Also on the Greatest (83) and Thrillers (72) Lists - When talking about movies that are slow this cannot be included. Its is a very quick paced, a little confusing, movie about the Vietnam War. The movie follows a recruit looking for adventure in the war (Sheen) while realizing that war truly is hell. The political nature of the movie is also vivid showing that not only was the war brutal but it was essentially pointless.
87. 12 Angry Men (1957)
Also on the Thrillers (88), Inspirational (42), and the 10 Top 10 - Courtroom (2) Lists -
88. Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Also on the Greatest (97), Romances (51), and Comedies (14) Lists - This movie caught my eye a while ago because it was about a paleontologist, and being a paleontologist myself I was curious. Since this is an older comedy though I was cautious. What people found to be funny at that time and current days standards are often very different, however this was on the 100 Greatest Movies list and seemed to be ranked highly among comedies so I gave it a shot. In regards to the movie itself, even though the paleontology was downright atrocious (if those dinosaur skeletons looked any faker I may have vomited) the movie was actually enjoyable. I even laughed out loud a couple of times, something I don't often say for these older movies even if I enjoy them. The plot is thin but the characters are fun for the most part. Hepburn's character could use a good punch in the face though. She plays a very spacey woman who seems to not understand what she is doing the majority of the time while in the process of "ruining" Grant's chances of obtaining a grant for his museum. Things work out in the end of course, because how often do they not? Overall, I'd say an enjoyable movie and well worth the cost of admission.
89. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Also on the Thrillers (60) List - One of the earlier suspense movies by M Knight Shyamalan and probably his best. The story is based on a kid that can see dead people and I know a lot of people figured out the ending before me but I was extremely shocked by it. A very suspenseful movie, if you don't guess the end.
90. Swing Time (1936)
Also on the Romances (30) List -
91. Sophie's Choice (1982)
92. Goodfellas (1990)
Also on the Greatest (94) and the 10 Top 10 - Gangster (2) Lists - This is pretty much The Sopranos before the TV show. The movie is about 3 friends growing up in the mafia through the eyes of Henry Hill (Liotta), a half Irish, half Sicilian boy. It could give The Godfather a run for its money as best mafia movie, although the type of movie is completely different. While The Godfather follows the kingpin of the mafia, this is more about the underlings in the system.
93. The French Connection (1971)
Also on the Greatest (70) and Thrillers (8) Lists -
94. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Also on the Greatest (99), Thrillers (53), and the 10 Top 10 - Gangster (7) Lists - Even though Tarantino has only made a few movies, this is definitely hailed as his best. The clever play of seemingly random scenes throughout the movie and witty dialog makes this an easy to watch funny movie. The plot mainly follows two thugs who go around collecting payments for the boss. What once was thought of as a noble profession is changed in the mind of one (Jackson) and the other is asked to watch the very attractive wife of his boss (Travolta).
95. The Last Picture Show (1971)
96. Do The Right Thing (1989)
97. Blade Runner (1982)
Also on the Thrillers (74) and the 10 Top 10 - SciFi (6) Lists -
98. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
Also on the Greatest (100), Musicals (18), and Inspirational (88) Lists -
99. Toy Story (1995)
Also on the 10 Top 10 - Animation (6) List - Toy Story is the first of the Pixar movies, with the second (A Bug's Life) taking 3 more years to come out. Pixar has developed a reputation where you can only really judge each of their movies by comparing them to other Pixar movies because often times they far surpass any other animated features. At the time of its release, the animation for Toy Story was ground-breaking, however the animation alone isn't going to cement this in history as one of the best animated movies ever. The story is pure heart and perfect. Just watching this again recently I am amazed at how many times I laughed at the jokes and how many of them are still spot on, even after all these years. It's funny watching this though, knowing that Pixar had troubles creating human characters in the beginning. That is why many of the shots of the groups of children never show any of their faces. There are only a select few people (four I believe) who get their faces shown and they are all distorted to one degree or another. No one is normal looking. This clearly gets fixed in future Pixar movies but it's funny to watch it now, knowing the reason behind their choices. Overall this movie still holds up 20 years after it was first released and I'm sure it will hold up for another 20 years.
100. Ben-Hur (1959)
Also on the Greatest (72), Thrillers (49), Inspirational (56), and the 10 Top 10 - Epic (2) Lists -