Top 100 Movies: Part 1

After long hours of debating and shifting around my list, it is finally time to post my Top 100 of All-Time! You may remember more than a year ago I posted my Top 100 Movie, a list that was a couple of years in the making at the time, and since then, I have seen many new movies that make the list, and my opinion of previous picks has changed, thus making the new list almost entirely different than the first one. Since posting my list, I have managed to watch many of the so called "classics" such as The Godfather, Citizen Kane, The Shawshank Redemption, and Goodfellas, some of which deserve to be held as classics, while others are overrated. However, there are still quite a few classics that I have yet to see including: Pulp Fiction, Fight Club, and Memento, so do not expect to see them on the list. Know that these are my favorite movies, which means it is entirely subjective to my personal tastes and what I like. For the movies on this list that I have reviewed, you can click on the link in the title or on the link below the written section to read my review, and I plan to post reviews for the movies on the list that I have yet to review in the near future. Also know that this is a list of 100 great movies, so even the lower movies on the list are highly recommended. Now, without further ado, here is the beginning of my Top 100 Movies. 

Warning: Several movies on this list are rated “R” and are intended for mature audiences.

At Number 100: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial continues to surprise me by how much I enjoyed it. Typically, other similar movies annoy me, but Steven Spielberg’s filmmaking mastery is nearly unparalleled, and E.T. remains one of his many classics. Also, there is a hilarious Star Wars reference!

 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Review.

At Number 99: The Maltese Falcon

Did Humphrey Bogart even make bad movies after The Maltese Falcon? Bogart is the best at playing the role of a detective, and he is superb as Sam Spade. Although the ending does not entirely make sense, the rest of the mystery is intriguing and deserves it status as a mystery classic.

At Number 98: Wreck-It Ralph

The only 3D animated film on the list, Wreck-It Ralph is one of those rare animated films that really worked for me. For gamers like myself, Wreck-It Ralph is packed with so many references and in-jokes that even the most hardcore gaming fanatics will have to watch the film multiple times to "Catch 'Em All!" Despite the gaming references, the film still appealed to many non-gamers, even if it was robbed by the significantly inferior Brave at the Oscars.

Wreck-It Ralph Review.

At Number 97: Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park changed filmmaking forever with its revolutionary CGI effects, yet it never allows the effects to overshadow the rest of the movie. Despite the use of CGI, Jurassic Park still used a lot of brilliant practical effects, all of which hold up better than most special effects. Thanks to Steven Spielberg's unmatched direction, Jurassic Park is the perfect example of an effects film done right. It is exactly what it needs to be, a fun and thrilling summer Blockbuster packed with stunning visual effects and entertainment.

Jurassic Park Review.

At Number 96: The Princess Bride

“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” Despite the name, The Princess Bride was not the "chick flick" that I expected it to be when I first watched it. In fact, I found it "inconvincible!" how hilarious and clever the film and dialogue was. While potentially too corny and silly for some viewers, The Princess Bride walked on the fine line of absurdity perfectly. As many have said before, The Princess Bride is one of the more quotable films ever made.

At Number 95: The Magnificent Seven

Based on the Japanese film, Seven Samurai, which you will see later on this list, The Magnificent Seven is not only a worthy retelling of the classic Japanese story, but one of the best westerns of all-time. From the all-star cast to the fun action and adventure, there is not much to complain about with The Magnificent Seven.  

The Magnificent Seven Review.

At Number 94: Rambo: First Blood

First Blood has been one of my favorite action movies for as long as I can remember, and it still holds up well today. Sylvester Stallone plays the mentally scared Rambo perfectly, and he even made the brilliant decision to cut much of his character's dialogue from the film, allowing the other characters do the talking. Even though the sequels are more like the standard clichéd 1980s far, First Blood set the benchmark that many action flicks continue to strive for today.

At Number 93: Perfect Blue

If Alfred Hitchcock and Darren Aronofsky collaborated on an animated film, Perfect Blue would likely be the result. Perfect Blue is eerie, suspenseful, mysterious, and intense, and it will leave you on the edge-of-your-seat throughout the 85 minute run time. Originally the film was set be a live-action adaptation of the Perfect Blue novel, but due to an earthquake, the production studio was forced to make it into an animated movie, which worked out for the best in the end since it launched the career of the late, great Satoshi Kon. Additionally, Darren Aronofsky has even said the film made an impact on his career as a filmmaker, and that it inspired some of his work.

At Number 92: The Untouchables

One of the best movies based on real historical events, The Untouchables follows the story of Eliot Ness taking down Al Copone's criminal empire. Sean Connery's Oscar winning performance was the core of the movie's success, and Kevin Costner also does an excellent job in one of his first breakthrough roles. All in all, The Untouchables is an all too often underrated film that does not receive the attention that it deserves.

The Untouchables Review.

At Number 91: The Big Sleep

Although the film's mystery is overly complex and does not make a lot of sense in the end, it is the snappy dialogue and banter that really makes The Big Sleep timeless. Bogart's and Bacall's on screen chemistry is nearly unmatched in the film! They just do not make mystery/detective films like they use to anymore; it is a real shame.

Please let me know what you think of what I have posted thus far in the comments, and check back soon for the next part of my list and my review of the Maltese Falcon tomorrow.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.