A friend and I who discuss movies frequently at work have kicked around the idea of the “top ten favorite movies” to pick as the only movies we could watch the rest of our lives. This would be like the desert island scenario, where these movies would be the only choices available. So in that vein this list might be different than some others. A movie might be truly great but not have the kind of staying power where you could watch it again and again, still getting something out of it. Looking at IMDB.Com and seeing Shawshank Redemption, Schindler’s List and Pulp Fiction in their top five I can’t see these particular movies being something to watch over and over.
Also it would seem a person would want a little variety. Even if a huge science fiction fan I don’t think you would want more than five in that one category. SO hopefully you can see my thinking here and come along for the ride and make your own picks. (These are in no particular order just part of the ten).
1. Blade Runner (1982)
To me a true classic, with great actors and a steamy wet, futuristic netherworld with lots of cool atmosphere. I really think a re-visit sequel (27 years later), would be great here as in the end Harrison Ford took off with Sean Young to escape and start over. Ridley Scott’s director cut does not have the Harrison Ford narration and it changes the feel (there are seven different versions of this film). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_Runner
2. When Harry met Sally (1989)
This movie is not highly rated although several scenes have been quoted in popular culture ad infinitum. Directed by Rob Reiner, written by Nora Ephron with Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as the stars. Favorite line from Carrie Fischer “tell me I’ll never be out there again”….Film asks the question can men and women attracted to each other just be friends?
3. The Godfather Part 2 (1974)
The Godfather series is big and rich, being wonderfully slow and thorough storytelling. Out of the three movies I like this one best showing the history of Don Corelone going back to the 20’s in flashback sequences, I feel it is better and more interesting than the first. Supposedly, Francis Ford Coppolla says that there should have only been one movie the other two were cash grabs. http://www.justpressplay.net/movies/movie-news/5450-coppola-qthe-godfatherq-should-have-stayed-one-movie.html
Also it would seem a person would want a little variety. Even if a huge science fiction fan I don’t think you would want more than five in that one category. SO hopefully you can see my thinking here and come along for the ride and make your own picks. (These are in no particular order just part of the ten).
1. Blade Runner (1982)
To me a true classic, with great actors and a steamy wet, futuristic netherworld with lots of cool atmosphere. I really think a re-visit sequel (27 years later), would be great here as in the end Harrison Ford took off with Sean Young to escape and start over. Ridley Scott’s director cut does not have the Harrison Ford narration and it changes the feel (there are seven different versions of this film). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_Runner
2. When Harry met Sally (1989)
This movie is not highly rated although several scenes have been quoted in popular culture ad infinitum. Directed by Rob Reiner, written by Nora Ephron with Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as the stars. Favorite line from Carrie Fischer “tell me I’ll never be out there again”….Film asks the question can men and women attracted to each other just be friends?
3. The Godfather Part 2 (1974)
The Godfather series is big and rich, being wonderfully slow and thorough storytelling. Out of the three movies I like this one best showing the history of Don Corelone going back to the 20’s in flashback sequences, I feel it is better and more interesting than the first. Supposedly, Francis Ford Coppolla says that there should have only been one movie the other two were cash grabs. http://www.justpressplay.net/movies/movie-news/5450-coppola-qthe-godfatherq-should-have-stayed-one-movie.html
4. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Here again I liked the second of three movies the best. I thought the battle scenes were bigger and more sweeping. The last (third), movie in my opinion was too long, especially the last third with Frodo climbing the mountain which I thought would never end!
5. Princess Bride (1987)
This movie is somewhat silly and a bit of a sleeper it seems to have something for everyone. Everything from Billy Crystal, to Andre the Giant, it is a movie that is often quoted. A classic fairy tale with fighting rodents of unusual size included for your enjoyment.
6. Caddy Shack (1980)
One of the silliest movies ever made, it is endlessly silly and repeatable. I originally wrote that for Monty Python and the Holy Grail but it fits this movie too. Although shown constantly on TV I can always watch a few minutes and see Bill Murray’s bit about the Dali Lama and get a chuckle.
7. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Many have said this is the best movie ever made, especially pre-Godfather days. Directed by David Lean this movie has a fantastic cast: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056172/ It was filmed back in the days of the real cast of thousands and location shooting. A truly sweeping epic of 216 minutes (directors cut).
8. Aliens (1986)
Once again the second movie of the series turns out best in my opinion. Paul Reiser is creepy, Bill Paxton is super whiny, and all around science fiction blasting takes place. The many characters and their development make this a fun ride for me.
9. As Good as it Gets (1997)
My favorite Jack Nicholson character catches a dog pissing in the hallway of his tony apartment building for one of the best film starts ever. Love this movie.
6. Caddy Shack (1980)
One of the silliest movies ever made, it is endlessly silly and repeatable. I originally wrote that for Monty Python and the Holy Grail but it fits this movie too. Although shown constantly on TV I can always watch a few minutes and see Bill Murray’s bit about the Dali Lama and get a chuckle.
7. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Many have said this is the best movie ever made, especially pre-Godfather days. Directed by David Lean this movie has a fantastic cast: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056172/ It was filmed back in the days of the real cast of thousands and location shooting. A truly sweeping epic of 216 minutes (directors cut).
8. Aliens (1986)
Once again the second movie of the series turns out best in my opinion. Paul Reiser is creepy, Bill Paxton is super whiny, and all around science fiction blasting takes place. The many characters and their development make this a fun ride for me.
9. As Good as it Gets (1997)
My favorite Jack Nicholson character catches a dog pissing in the hallway of his tony apartment building for one of the best film starts ever. Love this movie.
10. Unforgiven (1992)
Clint Eastwood’s best movie in my opinion and maybe the best western ever made. It shows the darker side when maybe there is no bright side to matters. Realistic and gritty, it shows realness absent most Hollywood westerns.
Honorable Mention:
Taxi Driver (1976)
Wizard of Oz (1939) The wife’s favorite
Casablanca, Maltese Falcon, African Queen
Commando or Total Recall
Vertigo or The Birds
All about Eve
True Grit
The Big Lebowski, Fargo Raising Arizona
Well that was tough I almost made some last minute changes. If I make the list a year from now it would change, but for now, if I was stuck forever with just ten movies (and ten movies only), I will pick these.
2 romantic comedies
2 science fiction
2 fairy tales
1 goof
1 western
2 serious sweeping epics
Let me know what you think?
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