It's been on my mind for a while to do a top 10 movies list. The problem, more than anything else, was I wasn't fully sure what I wanted to be on it. I do think about, after I've watched a movie I loved, whether or not something should be considered for such a position, but I hadn't actually hashed out the list in some time. So once I did that, and made a couple tough (for me) decisions, the rest of this came together pretty rapidly.
First, a note. In my mind there's a difference between the 'best' movies and my 'favorite' movies. Some may belong to both lists but generally they'll be different. A best movie is one that's superbly well-conceived and crafted, and is likely extremely culturally or artistically significant as well. Here I'm thinking of, say, The Godfather (1972) or Citizen Kane (1941). I can recognize they're hugely influential and superbly-made films, and that they're deserving of universal appearance on best of lists, but favorites of mine they are not. My favorite films are ones I both really like (often because they're well-made but not only that) and want to enjoy again and again over the years. Those are what I'll be covering today.
Also, a rule. Here I avoid including movies that are very similar or connected. This, for one example, means I force myself to pick an individual entry from a series over copping out and naming a whole trilogy. In the end I picked 10 different directors too. Let's do it.
10. The Untouchables (1987)
Dir. Brian de Palma, Crime/Drama, 1h59m
The story of US Treasury officer Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and the men who took down Al Capone (Robert De Niro) during Prohibition. A bit sappy and a bit over-the-top at times, I eat up every second and in the end couldn't keep this off my list. Sean Connery won his Oscar for his role as Malone, an old hard-nosed Irish beat cop who teaches Ness 'the Chicago way.'
9. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Dir. Frank Capra, Drama, 2h10m
Perhaps the most inspiring movie Hollywood ever made and a Christmas classic. Though it can be rough through the middle, especially when he unleashes his anger at his family, George Bailey's (James Stewart) odyssey to overcome a lifetime of bitterness is worth it all. You should read this article if you think the script has a 'Mary problem.'
8. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Dir. Hayao Miyazaki, Family/Animation, 1h26m
Two young girls (10, 4) move to the country with their father, deal with the long-term sickness of their mother and are aided by their neighbors, including magical spirit creatures of the nearby woods (it's very Japanese). It's an endearing blend of kids dealing with the emotions of life and experiencing the wonder of the world around them. Made by acclaimed animation Studio Ghibli, the version I found (on HBOMax) was a great English dub from 2006 (no subtitles!). An outlier on this list with only one viewing, but I'll likely return to it soon.
7. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) -> my review
Dir. Wes Anderson, Family/Comedy/Animation (stop-motion), 1h27m
Based on the children's book by Roald Dahl, this story follows a fox (George Clooney) who can't suppress his inner thief and sets his sights on three nearby farmers, thereby endangering his family and friends in the process. An ideal story for Anderson, who adds his quirky style and sense of humor to an already wide set of characters. Great for adults and kids alike and became an immediate favorite of mine.
6. Rush Hour 2 (2001) -> my review of the first one
Dir. Brett Ratner, Action/Comedy, 1h30m
The second team-up combining Jackie Chan's ridiculous stunts (how does he fit through the casino cashier window?) with Chris Tuckers big mouth is better and funnier than the first. Their obvious comfort with each other built an excellent buddy-cop action comedy. My favorite from Chan, who I've loved a long time, and has to be here. Don't miss the credits!
5. The Princess Bride (1987) -> my review
Dir. Rob Reiner, Fantasy/Adventure/Comedy, 1h38m
This classic has something for everyone: a love story, tons of dry wit, a wide-ranging adventure, sword-fights and more. It's also got to be one of the most quotable movies of all time. Cary Elwes as Westley is certainly capable of carrying the film, but it's a series of side characters stealing scenes along the way that makes it special. You have to be missing a heart if you don't enjoy this.
Dir. Peter Jackson, Fantasy/Adventure, 2h58m (theatrical) or 3h28m (extended)
The Fellowship of the Ring is (easily) the best Lord of the Rings movie. It aces the most difficult character development, builds out the world with incredible tact and also has the best pacing (even when extended). Everything that happens makes the ending all the more heart-wrenching but after three(+) hours you're still ready for more. I have the exact feeling at the end of the film that I had finishing the book the first time, and that's quite the accomplishment.
3. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) -> get the name right IMDB!
Dir. Steven Spielberg, Action/Adventure, 1h55m
It was a first time collaboration of Spielberg and Lucas, wanting to emulate the serials of the early 20th century, that created my favorite character ever. How is an archaeologist so cool? Then they put him in the greatest adventure film ever made, facing the Nazis and trying to rescue a invaluable biblical artifact. It's almost jarring to watch this these days, with every stunt done entirely with practical effects, but it's all the more impressive because of it. They're certainly not made this way anymore.
2. The Dark Knight (2008)
Dir. Christopher Nolan, Superhero/Crime, 2h32m
I had no idea what I was getting into when Batman Begins (2005) premiered, but the gritty reboot quickly became my favorite movie back in my college days. Then the Dark Knight completely blew it away. Not just a superhero/comic adaptation, this film is more an urban crime thriller akin to Heat (1995) than anything made by Marvel. Nolan masterfully blends a sacrificial Batman taking on the mob, the emergence of the Joker and the downfall of Harvey Dent and it never once feels overpacked. Instead it's pure tension from wire to wire.
1. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Dir. Sergio Leone, Western (Spaghetti), 2h45m
The (unrelated) follow-up to The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966) takes place during, and is about, the death of the Old West. At its center is a beautiful widow (Claudia Cardinale) who, alone, takes over an undesirable plot of land and draws the attention of a ruthless railroad man (Henry Fonda) but surprisingly is aided by two strangers. I truly believe this is Leone's masterpiece, because of, not despite, the deliberate pacing. There's also the complex plotting and characters, the immersive feel and the gunfights as only Leone could execute. The more time passes, the more I love this film. Now it's reached #1.
This kind of thing is difficult for me. In retrospect I have a sturdy top 7, though many have shifted positions over the years, and only the last few required real thought. As such, here are a few others that were in the mix.
Trending up?
Akira Kurosawa, Action/Drama, 3h27m
- Utterly fantastic but have only watched once, not sure how often I'll return
Ron Howard, Drama/History, 2h20m
- Keep liking this amazing real-life story more and more, but it's not there yet
Trending down?
Curtis Hanson, Crime/Drama, 2h18m
- Can't help but love this neo-noir set in 50s L.A., but for now it's beat by the Untouchables
- While it's been in top 10 in the past, there are just too many better films
Excluded:
- Already have one from Leone
- Already have one from Spielberg
- Already have one from Nolan
- Waiting for part II
I hope you enjoyed the list. Let me know what you think!
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