TOP 20 MOVIES OF ALL TIME

Creating a public list of the top 20 movies of all time stresses me the hell out. We all connect with movies in very different ways. Depending on my mood, and the day of the week, I can switch in and out movies that would disgust you. Movies like Will Smith’s “Hancock” and the Norm MacDonald cult classic “Dirty Work” get dangerously close sometimes. And you’re not going to see typical top list entries like “Citizen Kane” or “Casablanca” on this list. I’m a product of the 80s and 90s, worked at Blockbuster Video receiving free rentals for far too long, and the newest movie to make this list was released in 2005. Even though “John Wick” comes damn close. Damn close. And before I rant about how there are “movies” and then there are “Star Wars movies”, I’ll just get on with it best I can.

20.) “Pulp Fiction” (1994)

This is the most “Tarantino” film that Quentin Tarantino has ever made. Love him or hate him he makes a damn fine film filled with damn fine characters who deliver some damn fine lines of dialogue. The brilliantly disjointed tale of two hitmen, a gangster and his wife, an aging boxer, and a couple of low life bandits all intertwine in this completely mesmerizing film. It’s funny, it’s bizarre, it has a perfect soundtrack, and above all, it’s unique. Tarantino puts a visual signature on his films that is undeniably his own and “Pulp Fiction” is his greatest achievement.

19.) “Robin Hood” (1973)

We all have a Disney classic that we played on repeat until we drove our parents nuts. For me, my first Disney love was “Robin Hood”. I just adore watching these humanoid animal creatures joke around, dance, fight, and fall in love. The impact this film had on my curious little brain will stick with me for the rest of my life. Revisiting as an adult is an absolute delight, and it just never gets old. I wish Disney didn’t stop making these hand-drawn films as they are true masterpieces with a level of care and detail that is lacking in modern animation.

18.) “Blade Runner” (1982)

The very definition of a cult classic, Ridley Scott’s murky vision of the future is just drowning with atmosphere. From the moment we’re introduced to the rain-soaked streets of Los Angeles until the final rooftop confrontation, I feel like I’m in a hypnotic trance. Harrison Ford’s Decker is the perfect scruffy pulled-out-of-retirement detective, and Rutger Hauer makes for a brilliant villain. And Just like “Akira”, this is another wonderful film that completely miscalculates what 2019 looked like. Lastly, I consider 2007’s “The Final Cut” the definitive version.

17.) “Akira” (1988)

Katsuhiro Ôtomo’s deeply strange post-apocalyptic study on destruction and rebirth is the most mesmerizing hand-drawn animation I’ve ever seen. Not a single computer-assisted shot. The neon-soaked Neo-Tokyo, the teenage biker gangs ripping through the streets, and the mind-bending psychic battles amount to a true visual masterpiece. I can’t imagine another anime topping this one. And I’m pretty sure “The Matrix” wouldn’t exist without “Akira”.

16.) “Ghostbusters” (1984)

This movie is so weird and genre stuffed I often wonder how the hell it ever got made. I can’t think of any other movie that makes me laugh so hard AND scares the complete shit out of me. Yes, that library ghost is one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever seen on screen. With a perfect ensemble cast, some really cool and cutting-edge practical effects, and a memorable soundtrack, Ghostbusters is basically the definition of the 80s.

15.) “The Cable Guy” (1996)

I saw this movie for the first time at the Mall of America in Minnesota when I was 13 and hated it because it wasn’t Ace Ventura, The Mask, or Dumb and Dumber. The following summer it was on HBO, and I must have watched it 10 times and learned to appreciate just how amazing this dark comedy really was. Directed by Ben Stiller, this film perfectly captures the energy of “that one guy” we all know and loathe. Underneath its surface it’s a very honest commentary on loneliness, friendship, rejection, and consequences. I’m fairly confident it will always be my favorite Jim Carrey movie.

14.) “The Mummy” (1999)

As far as campy adventure films go, “The Mummy” truly has it all. Action, comedy, romance, and horror all perfectly balanced creating an epic that often feels like a ride. Movies like this are the reason popcorn was invented. Plus I’m a sucker for 1990’s Brendan Fraser who was absolutely the leading man at the time. And Rick O'Connell was Fraser at the top of his game. I’ve always been fascinated by ancient Egyptian history and art, and while this movie isn’t exactly historically accurate, it’s a damn fun backdrop. And come on, mummies are the most underrated of all the movie monsters. By far my favorite.

13.) “Jaws” (1975)

I’m scared of sharks. It’s not an inborn fear, it’s because of “Jaws”. That’s how effective this film is. This is a masterclass in the less-is-more approach as we only really see the shark for about 4 minutes. Steven Spielberg trusts his audience to terrify themselves throughout and it absolutely works. And the wonderfully down to earth cast has a pretty straightforward motivation here—kill the shark. I try to watch this one every 4th of July weekend, and I honestly can’t dip my toes in ocean water without hearing that iconic theme.

12.) “The Shining” (1980)

This is a true horror masterpiece adapted from Stephen King’s novel of the same name that favors tension, atmosphere, and suspense over excessive blood and gore. Ok, an elevator door opens and the most excessive amount of blood pours out, but just once! Director Stanley Kubrick delivers the perfect representation of isolation and madness with a powerful performance by Jack Nicholson. Possibly his best performance. My wintery stay at the Overlook Hotel with the Torrance family haunts me to this day. Especially that bathroom scene.

11.) “The Big Lebowski” (1998)

This is the Coen Brothers at their absolute best. An aging slacker mistaken for a millionaire of the same name seeking restitution for a house rug that got pissed on. What a weird and funky movie featuring some of the most iconic characters in film history including “The Dude” himself played by Jeff Bridges. The dialogue written for this movie is simply unmatched creating one of the most quotable movies of all time. And if you disagree, yeah, well, you know that’s just like, ahh, your opinion man.

10.) “Labyrinth” (1986)

One of the few feature films directed by Jim Henson that didn’t star a Muppet. This is dark fantasy at its finest and a poetic narrative about how childhood can often be a very scary place filled with confusion, darkness, and betrayal. They just don’t make children’s movies like this anymore. Seeing this at a young age absolutely blew my imagination wide open as I was constantly in awe of the wondrous locations, bizarre cast of characters, and catchy soundtrack from The Goblin King Jareth played by David Bowie. Such a strange and wonderful film that remains a huge influence for me creatively.

9.) “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)

Directed by Steven Spielberg, co-written by George Lucas, starring Harrison Ford, and music composed by John Williams. What did you think would happen! Indiana Jones is one of cinema’s most iconic heroes and this first entry in the series is by far the best. Pulpy action-adventure, a unique yet effective sense of humor throughout, and good old fashioned Nazi-punching fun with a supernatural twist. Who knew archeology could be this much fun.

8.) “The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001)

Screenwriter and director Peter Jackson did it. He brilliantly filmed a movie that many said was unfilmable. Putting all my “but in the book…” arguments aside, this is a masterful achievement in cinematic storytelling transporting us to Middle-earth as Frodo embarks on his journey to destroy the One Ring. An simply flawless ensemble cast, breathtaking locals, stunning creature effects, and Howard Shore’s sweeping score culminate in a moviegoing experience I never thought I could have. I’ll hum the theme to The Shire for all my days and Sir Ian McKellen IS Gandalf. I’m getting teary-eyed and wistful just thinking about it all.

7.) “Revenge of the Sith” (2005)

I’m a shameless Star Wars prequel lover and “Revenge of the Sith” is just so damn good. The epic conclusion to this controversial trilogy wastes no time jumping into the action and does not let up until the credits roll. The epic bromance between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi really packs an emotional punch, the lightsaber battles in this installment are just bananas, and the Anakin and Palpatine conversation at the opera house is simply perfect. Possibly my favorite single scene in Star Wars history. Say what you will about “The Phantom Menace” and “Attack of the Clones”, but leave “Revenge of the Sith” out of it!

6.) “Alien” (1979)

Director Ridley Scott’s dark and frighteningly intense story about the crew of a commercial spaceship responding to a mysterious distress call is the ultimate blend of science fiction and horror. The slow cerebral pace pits you against your deepest fears as you watch the stellar ensemble cast confront the horrible darkness they’ve awakened. I feel like I’ve been aboard the Nostromo spaceship thanks to an amazingly detailed movie set, and I feel like I’ve come face to face with the mighty Xenomorph thanks to some of the most terrifying practical effects in film history.

5.) “The Matrix” (1999)

While the “Matrix” isn’t narratively groundbreaking, taking notes from films such as “Akira”, “Strange Days”, and “Dark City”, it does provide one hell of a captivating moviegoing experience. The Wachowski siblings have crafted the best live-action action sequences I’ve ever seen thanks to stellar choreography, completely wild gun combat, and the advent of “bullet time” delivering a visual experience unlike anything audiences had ever seen before 1999. And few movie characters are as cool as Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus. Keanu Reeves pretty much sums up how I feel about this movie when he says “Whoa”.

4.) “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)

The original “Star Wars” is pure imagination full of adventure and excitement brimming with memorable characters, locals, and vehicles. It’s sequel builds upon the mythos and takes a much darker turn as we navigate through a variety of inhospitable worlds, meet new and exciting characters, and get thrown through a few colossal plot twists culminating in an epic cliffhanger cementing our love for these characters. And personally, this film taught me that failure is oftentimes the best teacher, a lesson I still carry with me today. I didn’t even mention the amazing practical effects, the sweeping score, or the epic Luke vs Vader confrontation.

3.) “Vanilla Sky” (2001)

We all have that one movie we passionately connect with that people just don’t understand. For me it’s director Cameron Crowe’s adaptation of 1997’s "Abre los ojos" starring my all-time favorite actor Tom Cruise. He delivers one hell of a performance here as privileged tycoon David Aames who seemingly loses it all after a near-fatal car crash that disfigures his face. What ensues requires a lot from the audience as the very nature of reality is constantly challenged. Stars Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, and Penélope Cruz give some of the best performances of their careers, the soundtrack is so good, and the last few moments put me in a contemplative funk for weeks. This is a powerful, surprising, and memorable film that demands a rewatch to fully understand.

2.) “Jurassic Park” (1993)

Seeing Michael Crichton and Steven Spielberg’s dinosaur epic “Jurassic Park” in theatres when I was 10 was hands down the best movie going experience I’ve ever had. And thanks to Stan Winston’s special effects studio, John Williams’ brilliant score, and one of the greatest and most quotable casts in film history, watching this movie today makes me feel like a 10 year old all over again. There’s a reason we don’t see more dinosaur movies—because it’s already been perfected. This was truly a perfect storm of creative talent unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, and may never see again. And come on, who doesn’t like dinosaurs!?

1.) “The Neverending Story” (1984)

Nostalgia is a powerful force. We all have a single movie that captivated us at a young age, inspired us to unlock our imaginations, and to this day reminds us why we love movies so much. For me, “The Neverending Story” is that movie. A true celebration of storytelling. I feel connected with young Bastian who’s always running from bullies, I’m in constant awe of the amazing cast of weird and wonderful characters, and marvel at all the epic locations within the mythical world of Fantasia. This movie taught me at a young age that I can control my own fate, and that it’s ok to let my imagination take over from time to time. I simply can’t imagine another movie influencing me like this one, plus Falkor the Luck Dragon looks like my childhood dog Duffy. I love him.

At the end of the day this list represents the top 20 movies I most consistently consider to be awesome and influential. As I get older, have more life experiences, and watch more movies, I may have to adjust this list. Hell, I may change it tomorrow for all I know. You better bookmark this page now and check back from time to time.

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