Top 10 greatest films ever
I’ve occasionally thought about constructing a list of the top 10 greatest films ever. Sure there were a lot of naysayers out there. I heard things like “takes too much time” and “it’s not possible, how do you rank a drama against a comedy.” Plus there was my personal favorites, “really…you’re that bored” and “this list is going to contribute to society how?” But I battled through against the odds, took it one day at a time, and kept my eye on the prize (how’s that for 3 lame sports cliches in one sentence?) and finally decided to get it down in print. So, below you will find my take on the 10 greatest films of all time, in their correct order. It can be done….if one person reads this and enjoys it I did contribute to society….and I did it late at night with a few cocktails, so screw off it wasn’t boring.
1. The Godfather (1972)
It’s clearly the best ever. In fact, I think it’s #1 on IMDB’s user rankings. It’s brilliantly complex. Never before has one movie excelled at so many key ingredients of what makes a good movie. It even gives the impression that you’re actually watching about 4 movies at once. You gotta love the fact that 35 years later, this movie still provides 3-4 different character-to-real life references at any given time ( e.g. quoting Michael Corleone or imitiating his classic scenes, or even references like “he’s the Fredo of the group” or “don’t pull a Sonny and go balistic on me”). After 30 viewings I still yell at the TV “Sonny don’t do it, don’t get in the car!!”
2. Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Even though this is a top ten list, in my book there’s even a big gap between 1-2 and 3-10. Shawshank definitely gives Godfather a run, but for different reasons. Don’t know that I can think of another movie that inspires me to be a better person like this one does. In fact, this film even gave birth to one of my favorite quotes ever….”hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things,” — Andy Dufresne. So, how great is this movie? It’s on 17 freakin times a day, yet if I happen to pass by it I’m immediately sucked in. Could the VP of Programming at TBS be any more of a dick?
3. One Flew Over The Cukoos Nest (1975)
How big of a homo am I? Well, I’ve seen this movie at least 10 times in my life, yet my heart still starts to beat a little quicker as the movie approaches the scene where Chief talks for the first time. What a scene. And Nicholson is ridiculous in this.
4. The Godfather II (1974)
A sequel that’s not only worthy of watching, but it happens to crack the top 5 of all time. Off-the-charts acting, and a complex and intellectual story. The alternating of stories between current day and the story of the Godfather’s rise to power is classic. How lucky DeNiro was to get to cut his teeth on this film to eventually prepare for Analyze This.
5. Swingers (1996)
Trent: “Look at all the beautiful babies.”
Mike: “Beautiful babies don’t work midnight to six on a Wednesday — this is the skank shift.”
And that exchange is followed up moments later when Trent wraps up a pep talk to Mike by telling him “there’s nothing wrong with lettin’ them know you’re money and you want to party.” Not much more to add here.
6. Schindler’s List (1993)
Remember the opening 30 minutes of Saving Private Ryan, where you’re sweating, can’t move, and wondering what the F just happened? The difference between that film and this one is that Schindler’s List is like 3 straight hours of the same feeling as the opening 30 minutes of Private Ryan.
7. Rear Window (1954)
Relax. Sure, so this one requires some calibration to account for the fact that the movie is 50 years old, and the acting, writing, and cinematography feel a little bit like video I shoot at birthday parties. It’s still great. It views like a stage play with its limited sets and camera angles — something you don’t see much of anymore (sort of like Jimmy Stewart). Also, if you plan to tell me you read this, went and watched the film, and didn’t like it? I don’t give a crap. You just got to watch a 25 year old Grace Kelly for 90 minutes — I’m pretty sure you hung in there.
8. The Graduate (1967)
Hoffman scores pretty damn high in the unintentional comedy scale. Or maybe most of it is intentional. He’s ridiculously good through the entire thing, and someone that many folks can relate with.
9. Meet The Parents (2000)
Fortunately, I’m not alone on this one. There are many, many people who think this is the greatest comedy ever. In a weird sort of way I think it actually took a couple of years for this movie to stir up a large fan base. It takes about 5 viewings of this movie to even be able to catch all of his jokes. Stiller’s at his best, and then there’s DeNiro, who’s shockingly funny. Arguably the star though, is Owen Wilson, who participates in probably the best exchange in the movie:
Kevin: [On who inspired him to be a wood worker] I’d have to say Jesus. He was a carpenter and I figured if you’re going to follow in somebody’s footsteps, why not the steps of our lord and savior?
Jack: [Before Greg has a chance to respond] Greg’s Jewish.
Kevin: Really? Well so was J.C…
10. Vita รจ bella, La ["Life Is Beautiful"] (1997)
As the only foreign film to make the list, this film is probably not going to make anyone’s top 10 who does not have a wife or kids, but if you do it’s hard to be affected by another movie in the same way. The film essentially has two halves to it; the first half relaxes you with its light-heartedness and Guido’s crazy antics, but then quickly violates you from behind in the 2nd half. And Guido’s quick mind and use of humor to protect his son from the morbid reality of their life is pretty agonizing to watch, but really inspiring. What a movie.
Just missed the cut….(in no particular order)
Cool Hand Luke
Pulp Fiction
American Graffiti
The Shining
Wow, Swingers and Meet the Parents seem really out of place.