Again, I’m gonna have to start at 41 since I just watched a film this week that made my top 20. Hope you enjoy…
41- Iron Man
If you haven’t seen this, do. Last year was a great year for summer blockbusters, this included. It has comedy and action, a great pair if you ask me. Downy Jr. did a great job as Tony Stark making this a memorable movie you can watch over and over.
40- Meet the Parents
This is the only pure comedy in my top 40, and it deserves this spot. Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro make such a great team in this that even after multiple viewings, I can still laugh and have a great time watching it.
39- This Film is Not Yet Rated
The second documentary on my list, this one is about the MPAA and how hypocritical they are in deciding the movie ratings. Its witty, and provocative like no other documentary made.
38- Reservoir Dogs
Quentin Tarantino is one of the best directors working today, and even his first, low budget movie is still great. It meshes great characters with memorable dialogue and a conclusion that will shock anyone.
37- Apocalypse Now
The other war film on my list is by Francis Ford Coppola, best known for The Godfather. While it is weirder than any other war film, its a classic showing the barbaric side of war. I’m still awed by the transformation from a soldier to an animal in the jungles of Vietnam.
36- Kill Bill Volume 1
Its a shame that the second Kill Bill wasn’t nearly as fun, but this great movie still came out of the package. Tarantino shows his directing chops again with this over the top bloody action movie with lines that should make us cringe, but end up working anyway.
35- Rambo
The 4th of the series is also the second best, with a great story and some awesome action. Even as a 60 year old guy, Stallone can still pull off the action hero he did 20 years ago.
34- Good Will Hunting
Who knew Matt Damon and Ben Affleck could write so well? Filled with great dialogue and characters, this is a film to remember. Every viewing just gives me an excuse to see these down to Earth characters in their best environment.
33- Scarface
While it was nominated for some razzies, people look back at this as a film classic. Tony Montana is in pretty much any wanna-be gangster’s bedroom as a symbol, even though Tony actually represents how bad the illegal drug business really is.
32- The Usual Suspects
In the last few movies on my list, your going to see a lot like this one that have twist endings. Through an interesting story, this thriller keeps you hanging until the end where it just blows your mind on whats real and what isn’t.
31- The Dark Knight
I really don’t think I need to say more about this, you’ve already read enough on it.
30- The Game
Here is another David Fincher film, and while its arguably one of his worst, I still think it stands up against the best of them. Again, it has an ending that is constantly changing, because at one moment you think you understand, and the next that possibility is out the window.
29- Silence of the Lambs
Hannibal Lector is what I believe to be the perfect movie character. He’s creepy, smart, and has some of the best lines I’ve ever heard. And while he is a great part in this movie, the story with Clarice and Buffalo Bill just gives you goosebumps, especially the last basement scene.
28- Slumdog Millionaire
An inspiring story set in the slums of India, this is a rare gem of a movie that uses pretty much every cliche and still turns out to be a great film. While I find some of the hype to be a little overblown, its still a great film to watch over and over again.
27- The Big Lebowski
The Dude and Waltar are some of the best characters ever on screen for a comedy. Jeff Bridges does a good job as the stoner, but its John Goodman as Waltar that makes this movie so hilarious. Even Jesus, a minor character, plays a big role in this being memorable.
26- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Just saw this again last night, and man it was nostalgic. All three of these films are classics, especially when you combine them into one big viewing. I loved it back then and I love it now, its just one of those universal appeal movies.
25- There Will Be Blood
Without Daniel Day Lewis’s performance, this film wouldn’t have been nearly as good. He delivers his lines perfectly, and not one second does he seem like an actor. The film also dishes out some of the best lines in history, including “I drink your milkshake!”.
24- The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Clint Eastwood is best known for his westerns, and this is one of his most famous. This 60s epic still can get you excited and tense for the final gunfight through the excellent music and editing.
23- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Now, the question of why each LOTR is in a different spot is mainly the excitedness it creates. The first did a wonderful job setting up the story, but had no where near the climax that the second or third had.
22- American Beauty
Suburban life is summarized in this hilarious oscar winning film. From the beginning, you know that the main character is doomed, but this doesn’t even pose a problem for the excellent writing and acting. If you live in the U.S. right now, see this movie.
21- Se7en
Again, David Fincher does a great job with twist endings, and every moment leading up to it is perfect. Man, just give the guy an oscar already, I think his resume deserves it.
