I know that a few of my colleagues here at The Awards Circuit have been using this series to talk about the films they consider to be the Ten Best of all time, but I’m going to forego that and instead literally make this as subjective a list as possible and talk about the movies I feel are my favorites and thus the ones I consider to be my Top Ten of all time. I do this for many reasons, including not wanting to get into a debate over what can be considered the objectively best of all time (that gets into too many issues over film theory and different schools of thought on the art and I never want anyone to feel that they’re wrong in their thinking when it comes to film), but mainly…these are just the flicks I’m the most passionate about. This is the sort of situation where I prefer subjectivity over objectivity. I’ve written thousands of words on ‘Battleship Potemkin‘, ‘Casablanca‘, ‘Citizen Kane‘, and a whole host of over generally agreed upon classics in the past, and I called that film school (not that I didn’t enjoy those days or anything like that). What I cherish more, and have sought to do in my half decade or so at The Awards Circuit is to wax poetic on the films that bring me the most joy in life. Now, I’m not suggesting that a film that merely makes me feel good like ‘Little Miss Sunshine‘ or ‘Real Genius‘ be placed upon at Top Ten pedestal (though if someone had them on their own lists, I’d never begrudge them that), and by the same token my 100 favorite films of all time list (which I’ll include in the comments section of the piece once it’s published, which is now if you’re reading it) contains masterpieces like ‘2001: A Space Odyssey‘, ‘City Lights‘, and ‘On the Waterfront‘, but the following ten films occupy a special place in my heart. I realize that for some, this list will skew too new for their tastes, but I just chalk that up as fuel to my argument that the modern age of cinema is not the shadow of its former self that so many have made it out to be.
A number of films made a rather strong bid for this list as I gave quite a bit of thought to what truly are my “favorite” movies of all time. I can tell you that had I received another ten slots to play with, the likes of ‘Back to the Future‘, ‘The Battle of Algiers‘, ‘Blazing Saddles‘, ‘Boogie Nights‘, ‘Dazed and Confused‘, ‘Fight Club‘, ‘Manhattan‘, ‘Requiem for a Dream‘, ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope‘, and ‘Taxi Driver‘ would have likely been there (and separate works from the likes of Woody Allen, Paul Thomas Anderson, Darren Aronofsky, and Mel Brooks, so fear not fans of those filmmakers), but I only had a Top Ten to play with, so here it is…the films that I personally feel are my favorites of all time, and thus the greatest in my mind.
10. Leaving Las Vegas (Directed by Mike Figgis, 1995)
Sera: Don’t you like me, Ben?
Ben Sanderson: Sera… what you don’t understand is – no, see, no. You can never, never ask me to stop drinking. Do you understand?
Sera: I do. I really do.
A heart wrenching film if ever there was one, Mike Figgis’ ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ elicits emotion out of me in a way that few movies can. One can be forgiven for not expecting too much from a drama about failed screenwriter and alcoholic Ben Sanderson (Nicolas Cage) who goes to Las Vegas to drink himself to death but falls in love with Sera the prostitute (Elisabeth Shue) in the process. That being said, there’s an amazing depth to this work, and a profound sadness as well. Like the quote above says, Ben’s only real requirement of Sera is that she never ask him to stop drinking. They share a the type of love that only broken and sad people can share, but while she sees a life with him and a happy future, he only sees his quest to die with the bottle in his hand. I was deeply effected by the idea here that love can save, but love can also sometimes just delay the inevitable. As much as anything though, I admire this film so much for the powerful lead performances of Cage and Shue. This is Nic Cage’s career best role (and a worthy winner of the Best Actor Oscar), and it’s shocking in its restraint, considering what we’ve seen him devolve into of late (though it’s still a very lively performance). The same goes for Shue, as she was never able to match this type of performance again. Well over a decade after first experiencing it, I’m still haunted by ‘Leaving Las Vegas’.
9. Annie Hall (Directed by Woody Allen, 1977)
Alvy Singer: A relationship, I think, is like a shark. You know? It has to constantly move forward or it dies. And I think what we got on our hands is a dead shark.
There’s an incredible braveness found in this film, as Woody Allen chose to actually chronicle a relationship, not just from the meet cute to the happy ending, but from the natural beginning to the natural end, just like most relationships in life. His first crack at more serious fare after a life in stand up and a newfound career as a comedy director, the film follows his alter ego Alvy Singer (Allen) as he falls for the unique Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). It’s a poignant and hilarious film, notable for its realism and fantasy merged together. The portion of Alvy’s life we see is one we can all relate to, and when funneled by his random musings and fantastical urges and daydreams, he only becomes a more relatable figure. This was Allen’s best performance, and he also got an amazing one out of Best Actress winner Keaton, as you find it impossible not to fall as in love with her as Alvy does. Allen has made a number of amazing films in his career (and is still going strong with his latest gem ‘Midnight in Paris’), but this is his most complete work, and a true American masterpiece. I absolutely adore it and cite it as perhaps the best Oscar winner of the 1970′s…yes, I said it.
8. Magnolia (Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, 1999)
Narrator: And there is the account of the hanging of three men, and a scuba diver, and a suicide. There are stories of coincidence and chance, of intersections and strange things told, and which is which and who only knows? And we generally say, “Well, if that was in a movie, I wouldn’t believe it.” Someone’s so-and-so met someone else’s so-and-so and so on. And it is in the humble opinion of this narrator that strange things happen all the time. And so it goes, and so it goes. And the book says, “We may be through with the past, but the past ain’t through with us.”
There are few films more ambitious than this one from Paul Thomas Anderson. Full of audacity, powerhouse performances, and a whole lot of heart, this is the type of movie that rewards you with subsequent viewings. The first time around it’s easy to get sucked into what the prologue and climax mean in the grand scheme of things, but after that initial viewing, you come to appreciate the small miracles of the flick as much as the big ones. Almost a dozen California residents are bound together by different threads (some by blood, some by location, some by shared pain, and some by sheer coincidence), each one with their own standout moments. For me, the highlight is Tom Cruise’s bravado turn as a male chauvinist self help guru. As much as anyone else in the flick, he sums up the repressed feelings and hidden pain that form the glue of all the characters. And yes, I’ll admit that I’m someone who adores the surprise in the third act, though I can understand those who don’t. For me, this is the rare 3 hour film without an ounce of fat on it. The first time I saw it, I just sat their, paralyzed by its brilliance. That’s not my normal response to a film (especially of late). Only something special can do that, and this is something very special indeed.
7. Young Frankenstein (Directed by Mel Brooks, 1974)
Igor: Dr. Frankenstein…
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: “Fronkensteen.”
Igor: You’re putting me on.
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: No, it’s pronounced “Fronkensteen.”
Igor: Do you also say “Froaderick”?
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: No… “Frederick.”
Igor: Well, why isn’t it “Froaderick Fronkensteen”?
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: It isn’t; it’s “Frederick Fronkensteen.”
Igor: I see.
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: You must be Igor.
[He pronounces it ee-gor]
Igor: No, it’s pronounced “eye-gor.”
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: But they told me it was “ee-gor.”
Igor: Well, they were wrong then, weren’t they?
Sometimes, you love a movie just because it’s hilarious, plain and simple. I grew up on the films of Mel Brooks, and while some may argue that ‘Blazing Saddles’ or ‘The Producers’ top this one, I can’t help but laugh the hardest here with this flick. I have a soft spot for good comedies, and horror films as well, so something as funny as this work, with the obvious love for the classic horror film it’s winking at, well…how can I not love it? I find it to be Brooks’ most confidently made film, targeting its bits with a little more precision than usual from him. It certainly doesn’t hurt that every single joke is a winner here as well, distinctly memorable and quotable (try me, I have almost every line memorized by this point in my life), while also being often original in its comedy and satire as well. This is my go to movie whenever I feel the need to have a good laugh. It never lets me down, and that’s the very definition of what a film on this sort of list should do, at least in my eyes. For straight up laughs, it’s hard to find anything better than ‘Young Frankenstein’.
6. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Directed by Michel Gondry, 2004)
Clementine: I wish you had stayed.
Joel: I wish I had stayed too. NOW I wish I had stayed. I wish I had done a lot of things. I wish I had… I wish I had stayed. I do.
Clementine: Well I came back downstairs and you were gone!
Joel: I walked out, I walked out the door!
Clementine: Why?
Joel: I don’t know. I felt like I was a scared little kid, I was like… it was above my head, I don’t know.
Clementine: You were scared?
Joel: Yeah. I thought you knew that about me. I ran back to the bonfire, trying to outrun my humiliation.
Clementine: Was it something I said?
Joel: Yeah, you said “so go.” With such disdain, you know?
Clementine: Oh, I’m sorry.
Joel: It’s okay.
[Walking Out]
Clementine: Joely? What if you stayed this time?
Joel: I walked out the door. There’s no memory left.
Clementine: Come back and make up a good-bye at least. Let’s pretend we had one.
[Joel comes back]
Clementine: Bye Joel.
Joel: I love you…
Clementine: Meet me… in Montauk…
Getting at the root of what love is is maybe the hardest task on the planet. We choose to bond ourselves to another person, accepting their flaws as we hope they accept ours. More often than not, this ends in failure, but we’ve all retained memories and longing for the love of the past. Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman are tackling the idea that you might be able to get someone out of your head, but getting them out of your heart is perhaps impossible. A sci-fi romance about what happens when Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet) decide to heal their broken hearts after a break-up by undergoing a process that erases their memories of each other. The thing is, Joel is doing it in haste after seeing Clementine after the process, and he finds that he’d rather keep the memories, leading to him hiding those remaining bits deep within his brain. The set design is brilliant and imaginative, the cinematography beautiful, and the emotions deeply honest. I’ll confess that it took me a few times to really warm up to this film, but once I did, it’s gotten better and better with each viewing. I respond to it in a way that I only do with a select few other movies. It’s a film that brings me to tears almost every time I watch it.
5. Almost Famous (Directed by Cameron Crowe, 2000)
Elaine Miller: Rock stars have kidnapped my son!
For my money the best coming of age story ever put on the silver screen, Cameron Crowe’s film is a love letter to the 1970′s, journalism, rock and roll, youth, but also to the pure joy of of doing what you love. The loss of innocence is handled with amazing restraint, but this is a movie that never really pulls its punches, resulting in a heart warming flick that isn’t toned down for the masses. The tale of William Miller (Patrick Fugit) getting to go on the road with a band while covering them for Rolling Stone and learning the ways of the industry never ceases to put a smile on my face, whether it’s from watching the outstanding ensemble cast or just feeding off of the good vibes that the movie gives off. Any of us who were writing at a young age (myself included) can relate to this movie, and I still think back to it oftentimes when I’m at a press screening and clearly the youngest critic in the theater by far. It’s incredibly memorable, and also has the distinction of being the film with the best soundtrack ever in my eyes (the runners up include ‘Dazed and Confused’, ‘The Graduate’ ‘Garden State’, and ‘Harold and Maude’), so there’s that too. For all those reasons and more, it’s a classic in my eyes and an all time favorite.
4. The Fountain (Directed by Darren Aronofsky, 2006)
Izzi: It’s all done except the last chapter. I want you to help me. Finish it…
A film has never blown my mind on an initial viewing quite like this one from Darren Aronofsky. Tackling so many things at once (science vs. religion, universal symbolism, faith, enduring love, etc) can be dangerous, but Aronofsky pulls it off by telling three linking stories set over a thousand years, dovetailing into the potential realization that this is merely one story, with two different extensions suggesting two different schools of thought (this is just my interpretation of it, I know there are many others out there, so just bear with me right now and we can debate it later on) on the matter. Depending on the part of the story, Hugh Jackman is either playing Tomas, Tommy, or Tom Creo, and in each of the stories he’s trying to save Rachel Weisz’s Isabel/Izzi. He believes in science, seeking to go to the ends of time to find a cure for death, while she believes in faith, choosing literature, spirituality, and writing as her way of preserving herself for all time. The culmination is their views on life merging into one and giving her a form of immortality through art (in this case, a book). It’s truly beautiful stuff, and to see it done with Aronofsky’s typical visual perfection is a real treat. This is one of the more divisive titles on my list, I know, but I’ll defend it to the ends of time, just like Tommy would (and did) for Izzi…
3. Pulp Fiction (Directed by Quentin Tarantino, 1994)
Esmeralda: What is your name?
Butch: Butch.
Esmeralda: What does it mean?
Butch: I’m American, honey. Our names don’t mean shit.
What can you say about this awesome movie that hasn’t been said multiple times already? A shock to the moviegoing system when it first came out, Quentin Tarantino’s crime masterpiece is maybe the coolest film ever made. What film from the 90′s was more influential to as many up and coming filmmakers? It’s a rather hip piece of deranged brilliance, made even more amazing by just how funny and immensely quotable it actually is when you think about it. The interlocking stories of violence, redemption, and pop culture are all shocking and amusing in equal bits. Why do I love it so much though? It’s just incredibly entertaining, plain and simple. From the random conversations to John Travolta’s comeback performance to the tension fueled action sequences, Tarantino is just firing on all cylinders here as both a writer and a director. He nearly matched this with ‘Inglourious Basterds’, but ‘Pulp Fiction’ remains his masterpiece, no matter what Lt. Aldo Raine has to say on the matter. For me, this is the apex of QT’s filmmaking and indie film at its crossover best.
2. Chasing Amy (Directed by Kevin Smith, 1997)
Silent Bob: She was the girl, I know that now. But I pushed her away. So, I’ve spent every day since then chasing Amy… so to speak.
The rare romantic comedy that’s also honest, perhaps to a fault, Kevin Smith’s third film is an underrated gem in just about every way possible. I think it’s one of the very best original screenplays penned in the modern era, full of insight into relationships, human sexuality, sexual taboos/mores, gender roles, all done with humor, pathos, and heart. The story of the friendship between Holden (Ben Affleck) and Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) that turns into a complicated romantic relationship when the former falls for the latter, despite her being a lesbian. Alyssa is able to reciprocate the feelings, but Holden (along with Jason Lee as his best friend Banky) doesn’t especially know how to deal with being the less experienced on in bed for the first time. Their arguments are real and brutal, and the heartbreak they experience is perhaps inevitable. Affleck gives his best performance to date here, and Adams was incredibly snubbed by the Academy (as was Smith’s screenplay, which legend has it was surprisingly close to being nominated), but Smith is doing top notch work as well. His monologues are beautiful, while still being funny, and the message he’s sending is one we can all understand. I fully expected a standard romantic comedy with a happy ending when I first sat down to watch this movie well over a dozen years ago…what I got was something much much more. What I got was my second favorite film of all time. Regardless of what you may think of Kevin Smith (and everyone knows by now I’m a Smith apologist), it’s hard to deny the charm and power of ‘Chasing Amy’.
1. The Shawshank Redemption (Directed by Frank Darabont, 1994)
Andy Dufresne: Remember, Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.
Yes, this is my favorite film of all time, and it’s the movie I cite when asked to give an example of a perfect movie. It has everything. It’s epic yet intimate, gritty yet with a fairy tale quality, and dark while still retaining hope. The film is elegant and clever, a true testament to the soaring nature of cinema and the power of the human spirit. Never before or again has the voice of Morgan Freeman (plus the rest of him as well) been so perfectly utilized in a movie. He’s the heart and soul of the film, though Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne creates one of my very favorite characters in all of movie history. Not one moment of this movie isn’t incredible, whether it’s the uplifting moments or the times when things get pretty bleak for Andy and Red. I know I’m not alone in loving this film as much as I do, as the special edition of the DVD has no less than 2 documentaries on why the movie has the following that it does (it’s currently ranked as the greatest film of all time on the Internet Movie Database, for what that’s worth). This is a magical flick, plain and simple. If I’m not waxing poetic on it as much as perhaps you’d expect me to, it’s only because it’s hard for me to accurately express the perfection that it is. It’s been my favorite film since the first time I saw it, and I fully expect it to remain in that spot until I take my final breath…
There you have it…my cinematic soul humbly laid bare for you all. My #1-5 selections are on a level I don’t know that I’ll ever see another film reach in the near future, but I’m always on the lookout for my Top Ten to change, and I’d only be thrilled if that’s the case sooner rather than later. The only constant is change, and the more I see this list change and welcome new additions, the more I know that the world of film is still producing masterpieces.
Now, what do you think of my list? What are your favorite films of all time? Hell, what are your least favorites of all time? Whatever you want to say, I’m all ears ladies and gents, so have at it!
Joey Magidson
June 12, 2012 at 9:21 am
As promised, here are the other 90 films which would make up my Top 100 of all time, in alphabetical order:
(500) Summer
2001: A Space Odyssey
25th Hour
The 40 Year Old Virgin
The 400 Blows
Adaptation
Alien
All the Real Girls
The American President
The Apartment
Back to the Future
The Battle of Algiers
Before Sunrise
Better Off Dead
Big Fish
Blazing Saddles
Blue Valentine
Boogie Nights
Bound
Bowling for Columbine
Bull Durham
Casablanca
Citizen Kane
Clerks
A Clockwork Orange
The Contender
Cool Hand Luke
The Dark Knight
Dazed and Confused
The Departed
Die Hard
Dr. Strangelove
Drive
Duck Soup
The Empire Strikes Back
A Few Good Men
Field of Dreams
Fight Club
A Fish Called Wanda
Garden State
The Girl Next Door
The Go-Getter
Good Night, and Good Luck
Good Will Hunting
The Graduate
Half Nelson
High Fidelity
The Hurt Locker
Imaginary Heroes
Into the Wild
Jerry Maguire
Juno
Knocked Up
Life as a House
The Lion King
Lost in Translation
Manhattan
Memento
Moon
My Cousin Vinny
Network
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
On the Waterfront
Philadelphia
Platoon
Raging Bull
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Real Genius
Rear Window
Requiem for a Dream
Risky Business
Rocky
Saving Private Ryan
Saw
Say Anything
Se7en
The Silence of the Lambs
The Six Sense
The Social Network
Some Like It Hot
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
Swingers
Talk Radio
Taxi Driver
The Town
Toy Story
United 93
Up in the Air
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
The Wrestler
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
Mark Johnson
June 12, 2012 at 9:27 am
Great list! A lot of my favorites on here, including Young Frankenstein. I laughed out loud reading that Eye-gore quote. One of the funniest movies ever made, no doubt about it.
I need to go back and re-watch The Fountain.
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Joey Magidson
June 12, 2012 at 10:00 am
Thank you kindly sir!
It was a struggle to pick some of the quotes…too many good choices.
And yes, you do need to re-watch it…
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Kevin
June 12, 2012 at 10:56 am
Great list. Young Frankenstein has to be the funniest movie ever made. Also love Shawshank as your number one, it’s impossible to come up with a movie better than that.
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Joey Magidson
June 12, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Agreed on all counts.
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Knox
June 12, 2012 at 12:19 pm
This is an absolutely great list. I can’t thank you enough for putting Shawshank at the top, because it truly is that great of a film. I honestly don’t know why people say it isn’t that great and why it isn’t often included in Greatest Films lists. I personally think its just as good as all the classics like The Godfather and Gone With The Wind.
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Joey Magidson
June 12, 2012 at 3:23 pm
My pleasure…it’s far superior to any of the Godfather films or Gone with the Wind in my eyes, as you can tell.
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Phill
June 12, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Thank you for actually listing some of the great ones Joey. It was getting frustrating looking at the other list and finding mostly (if not all) “classics.” I was waiting on a list that would actually show some of the “greatest” films of all time, instead of listing glorified oldies.
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Joey Magidson
June 12, 2012 at 3:24 pm
You’re welcome…I just went with the ones that meant the most to me.
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Daniel Ashtiany
June 12, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Excellent choices. Eternal Sunshine is such a great movie. It’s about time I gave it another spin.
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Joey Magidson
June 12, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Go for it sir!
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taylor
June 12, 2012 at 1:46 pm
i love this idea of lists and have thoroughly anjoyed reading them, but am a little tacken aback by the amount of negativity in the comments of this series. I realize that readers of this site have strong opinions concerning film, but I feel we can disagree in respectful ways and create meaningful dialogue and debate. Case in point, I have never been able to make it thru Leaving Las Vegas. I can’t stand what I have seen of that film, but I respect the opinion of others who enjoy it. It’s what makes this their list. If we all agreed with each other, this site would be pretty boring…… Just a thought.
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Joey Magidson
June 12, 2012 at 3:27 pm
That’s always my goal here…respectful discourse. No one is ever wrong when it comes to the arts.
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Danniko
June 12, 2012 at 2:07 pm
I have to seriously applaud you for the inclusion of Magnolia. It is one of my all-time favorites, and it never seems to get noticed. Truly a beautiful, ensemble piece.
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Joey Magidson
June 12, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Agreed…it’s magnificent.
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Massimo
June 12, 2012 at 6:52 pm
Good list. I consider ‘Shawshank’ to be the greatest movie ever made as well.
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Joey Magidson
June 13, 2012 at 12:33 am
Great minds think alike.
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Matt M
June 12, 2012 at 9:25 pm
I have been waiting for someone to put Almost Famous on one of these 10 Greatest lists. My favorite movie of all time.
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Joey Magidson
June 13, 2012 at 12:33 am
Top 5 for me, as you can see.
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Jessie Makowski
June 12, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Wow, even though I know you well enough to know which movies you love most (therefore your top 10) – You have a very good list. And very well-chosen quotes.
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Joey Magidson
June 13, 2012 at 12:34 am
I appreciate that!
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Awesome
June 12, 2012 at 10:07 pm
Love this list. I think the inclusion of Chasing Amy on any list is amazing, but your second favorite film ever?!?! That just made my day. Such great movies.
My personal 10 goes (in order)
Goodfellas
Pulp Fiction
The Dark Knight
Psycho
Do the Right Thing
The Godfather
Toy Story 3
The Big Lebowski
The Social Network
The Exorcist
Kinda sad ‘Goodfellas’ didn’t make your top 100. In fact, only 3 Scorsese movies in the top 100. Not a big fan of his work or just all those movies are better?
Awesome(Quote) (Reply)
Joey Magidson
June 13, 2012 at 12:35 am
I’m glad I could please with my Chasing Amy selection.
I admire Scorsese quite a bit, but only those 3 really have me fawning over them. Goodfellas I like and am entertained by, but it always left me wanting just a bit more.
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Steve Glansberg
June 12, 2012 at 11:55 pm
Wow, Young Frankenstein. I think you’ve mentioned most all of these movies as being your favorites in articles over the years, but Young Frankenstein was a real surprise. Good call, very funny movies, I agree that it’s Brook’s best.
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Joey Magidson
June 13, 2012 at 12:37 am
It’s not too often that I can reference Mel Brooks in an article and have it not be out of context…though I’m glad I managed to work a surprise in.
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Myles Edward Hughes
June 13, 2012 at 12:23 am
Can’t say I approve of The Fountain, but the rest are classics. Good list overall.
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Joey Magidson
June 13, 2012 at 12:38 am
The Fountain is probably the most divisive film on the list, so it’s not unexpected…much obliged though.
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Christopher Shank
June 13, 2012 at 12:30 am
Not sure there’s anything I don’t like about the Top 100. Of course, anyone who puts ‘The Fountain’ on their Top 10 is good people in my book. I’d do a Top 10 of my own, but I think I’ll just share that with you personally, as I don’t have publishing rights on here.
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Joey Magidson
June 13, 2012 at 12:39 am
Fair enough…thanks!
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Jim Wilson
June 13, 2012 at 8:04 am
Hate Annie Hall but good list overall Joey.
I guess I’ll throw one out there:
1. Pulp Fiction
2. No Country for Old Men
3. City of God
4. The Assassination of Jesse James
5. Once Upon a Time in the West
6. Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
7. Seven
8. Collateral
9. Heat
10. X2
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Joey Magidson
June 13, 2012 at 12:40 pm
A solid list there, no doubt about that.
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Johnny
June 13, 2012 at 8:11 am
Love your list, Joey! My 1-2 is Shawshank and Almost Famous
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Joey Magidson
June 13, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Thank you!
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jmlatinsir2
June 13, 2012 at 2:46 pm
I agree with your choice of Annie Hall, Young Frankenstein and definitely The Shawshank Redemption. Magnolia was interesting but never quite gelled for me. The Fountain left me with the same feelings that The Tree of Life and now Prometheus, like a beautiful looking entree but lacking in nutrients.
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Joey Magidson
June 13, 2012 at 4:33 pm
I can definitely see the comparisons between The Fountain and The Tree of Life, though I obviously far favor the former over the latter…
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Kim
June 13, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Good choices, a nice mix.
Kim(Quote) (Reply)
Joey Magidson
June 13, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Thanks!
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Troy F
June 13, 2012 at 6:28 pm
Great List (agree on a few)
My Top 10 (focuses more on personal favourites):
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
2. American Beauty
3. Amelie
4. Goodfellas
5. Pinocchio
6. Princess Mononoke
7. Magnolia
8. The Social Network
9. Seven Samurai
10. Casablanca
Also in consideration and interchangeable on any given day:
11. Fantastic Mr. Fox
12. Jules et Jim
13. Pulp Fiction
14. Night on the Galactic Railroad
15. In the Bedroom
16. Star Wars – A New Hope
17. The French Connection
18. The Rescuers
Troy F(Quote) (Reply)
Joey Magidson
June 13, 2012 at 9:06 pm
Thanks, and nicely done yourself.
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Gianni
June 14, 2012 at 5:00 am
Because movies were not made before 1974. My eyes are bleeding.
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Joey Magidson
June 14, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Or you know, none of them happen to make my top 10 list…either one.
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Vincen
June 14, 2012 at 5:04 am
Check this out: My best of the 2011 season – an afterthought, if you will.
http://vincengregorii.blogspot.com/2012/05/oscarthon-year-two-i-films.html
http://vincengregorii.blogspot.com/2012/05/oscarthon-year-two-ii-results.html
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Joey Magidson
June 14, 2012 at 12:44 pm
Noted.
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Michael Solerwitz
June 14, 2012 at 1:05 pm
What about the Rock and or Rounders?
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Joey Magidson
June 14, 2012 at 3:08 pm
No sir…The Rock is dumb fun, but nothing more to me…and Rounders I barely remember, though I’ll give it another look just because.
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Irina
June 14, 2012 at 2:07 pm
well said
Irina(Quote) (Reply)
Joey Magidson
June 14, 2012 at 3:09 pm
Thank you kindly.
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Marty
June 14, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Annie Hall and Young Frankenstein would both be on my Top 10 list as well, along with Raiders of the Lost Ark, Blazing Saddles, Some Like It Hot, Reds, and others
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Joey Magidson
June 14, 2012 at 3:09 pm
No argument here from me in terms of those selections.
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Kel D
June 14, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Young Frankenstein? You’re putting me on….
In regards to Annie Hall, I’d put it at #3 or #4…now, if you were asked to rank your 10 favorite original screenplays, where’d it fall?
Kel D(Quote) (Reply)
Joey Magidson
June 14, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Well played.
My top 10 favorite Original Screenplays…here goes nothing:
1. Chasing Amy
2. Pulp Fiction
3. Almost Famous
4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
5. Young Frankenstein
6. Annie Hall
7. Magnolia
8. Garden State
9. Boogie Nights
10. Blazing Saddles
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Anon
June 14, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Wizard of Oz?
Anon(Quote) (Reply)
Joey Magidson
June 14, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Not as big a fan as most, actually.
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Daniel
June 14, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Pulp Fiction had a bigger impact on film in general and is an amazing movie, but Blow Out is the superior Travolta film and it’s not on enough top 10′s. Otherwise I agree largely with your list, although I might have omitted Chasing Amy and moved up Eternal Sunshine
Daniel(Quote) (Reply)
Joey Magidson
June 14, 2012 at 3:11 pm
True, most people don’t talk much about Blow Out…
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Trey
June 14, 2012 at 2:52 pm
Solid choices. Not a fan of Godfather or Goodfellas?
Trey(Quote) (Reply)
Joey Magidson
June 14, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Overrated in my book…I enjoy Goodfellas and I appreciate The Godfather trilogy (mainly the first two), but they’re not among my 100 favorites.
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Jake
June 14, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Excellent list! I agree wholeheartedly with a number of these and it shows a lot about your personality. Shawshank, Pulp Fiction and Young Frankenstein are all in my top 10 too.
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Joey Magidson
June 14, 2012 at 4:56 pm
Much obliged sir.
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Jason Kline
June 14, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Joey,
I know you and I have talked about this before, but I wanted to comment a little bit more on this…
As I mentioned earlier, I really wish I grew up watching more sophisticated movies, or “real” movies as I like to call them, as opposed to the kids movies or dumb comedies I grew up watching. The fact of the matter is, though, is I just didn’t really get into movies, and I mean really get into them, until probably ninth or tenth grade. Before that, I was just your typical moviegoer who went to movies if they were “blockbusters” or if it was one I really wanted to see. I went strictly for entertainment purposes, not critical purposes like I do now. That said, I have seen A LOT of movies from 2005 or 2006 through today’s date, but have not seen as many of the “classics” that so many people, such as yourself, talk about. I am working on it slowly but surely, but I am definitely behind the curve when it comes to so many pre-2005 critically acclaimed movies and especially the ones considered “classic cinema” in today’s culture (ie movies from our parents’ and grandparents’ generation).
My parents never encouraged the arts and have never really liked watching movies, so any movie I got to watch growing up was a kids or John Hughes-like movie pretty much and the difference in our Top 100 favorite movies clearly reflects that. Mine is littered with movies that are sentimental favorites that I would watch over and over as a kid, like Heavy Weights, Cool Runnings, Space Jam, and Rookie of the Year, while yours is filled with sophisticated, critically acclaimed films and classics like Citizen Kane, Some Like it Hot, A Clockwork Orange and Dr. Strangelove. You and I are basically the same age, yet you have seen all these historical and critically-acclaimed movies already that I am still trying to catch up on. I respect the hell out of you for a number of reasons, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t envious of you, and I mean that as a compliment.
As usual, I found this piece to be beautifully written. I love the passion and artistry, if you will, in your descriptions of each movie.
Leaving Las Vegas was a great but depressing movie. Nicholas Cage’s performance was honest and from the heart. He is hit or miss as an actor I feel (and usually more miss as of late), but this performance was hands down the best of his career. I wish he would stop making crap and start making solid movies again with performances like he had in this one. Elisabeth Shue was phenomenal as well. The scene where she is raped by the three college students is one of the most unnerving and powerful scenes I can remember seeing. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
Annie Hall was the very first Woody Allen movie I have ever seen. I watched it a few years ago after I borrowed it from the college library. I have mixed feelings about it, although I can recognize the greatness in the film. I have never seen any of Woody’s work from the ’80s or ’90s (or rest of the ’70s for that matter), but his stuff from the ’00s has been among my least favorites every single year. The only one of his that I have seen and truly loved is Midnight in Paris. I guess I’m just not usually a fan of his style.
I have never seen Magnolia, but I thought Young Frankenstein was pretty damn funny. I’ve only seen it once (like Annie Hall) so I can’t consider it a top 100 of mine, but I definitely thought it was funny and I agree that it is better than Blazing Saddles, which is also funny (albeit overrated in my opinion). My favorite part about the whole movie is the ongoing “Fronkensteen” joke throughout. That, and seeing Peter Boyle grunt his way through the movie just cracked me up. I couldn’t watch Boyle without picturing “Frank” from Everybody Loves Raymond. I laugh out loud just thinking about it…
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind is one of those movies that I really want to see and have been trying to get my hands on for quite some time, but just haven’t for whatever reason. I will definitely try to watch it by the end of the summer.
I watched Almost Famous for the first time a couple summers ago when my friend and I were doing a 1990-2010 Golden Globe Comedy/Musical winner marathon. I really really liked it. It definitely was not what I was expecting. It is probably the only performance that I have ever liked from Kate Hudson. I don’t know what it is, but she annoys me a lot. She’s too stuck up and snobby in her movies I guess. It is definitely an awesome coming of age movie that is serious where it needs to be, but doesn’t try to be more than it is.
The Fountain is another one I have never seen before. I honestly don’t even know what it is about. I remember when it came out in theatres, but I remember thinking it looked very weird and it was before I knew who Darren Aronofsky was so I ended up passing. Just another one I will have to add to my list of movies to see…
Pulp Fiction is definitely a fun movie. There are so many fantastic scenes in that movie that it is hard to just focus on one. My only gripe with it is the jumping around. It can be kind of confusing when a movie starts in the middle or the end and then jumps around in no real sequential order. I was watching Entourage the other day and there’s a scene where the gang is talking about how cool it would be if Vince was in a Tarantino film and Vince’s C-list actor brother, Johnny Drama, says that he loves Tarantino’s work and that maybe he could revive his career just like QT did for John Travolta. Your comment about that reminded me of that episode. I personally prefer Reservoir Dogs, but Pulp Fiction is a close second.
Chasing Amy is one I have heard very little about. I haven’t seen a lot of Kevin Smith movies as it is (Zach and Miri, Cop Out, and Red State are the only ones I’ve seen), and to be honest with you, I didn’t even know he directed Chasing Amy… I will watch it and tell you what I think since it is one you love so much.
Lastly, we get to Shawshank Redemption. I couldn’t agree more about how amazing of a movie it actually is. I was blown away the first time I ever saw it. It’s one of those where you sit back once it is over and just go “Wow!” Very few movies have had that affect on me (The Green Mile and The Dark Knight are a couple others that have) and I must say, it definitely lived up to all the hype I had heard and read about it. It is hands down one of the greatest movies ever made. My favorite scene is when Morgan Freeman is in his final release/parole meeting and you can tell he just doesn’t give a damn anymore. The scene is funny, yet serious at the same time. That particular scene is perfect in my opinion. I definitely couldn’t agree more on your assessment of the movie. It is as perfect of a movie as you will find. I have only seen the movie from start to finish one time (plus bits and pieces here and there), but it was amazing enough that I consider it one of my top 100 favorite movies.
As I said before, Joey, this was phenomenal as usual. Your passion for your craft is on as clear display as ever. I respect every writer on this site, but your articles are the only ones I will go out of my way to read. I respect your opinion more than any other critic, regardless of the website. Maybe it’s because I can relate to you easier, being as we are similar age-wise, or maybe it’s because I have gotten to know you over the last six months, but if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that your passion is what drives you and what makes you so good at what you do.
Jason
Jason Kline(Quote) (Reply)
Joey Magidson
June 14, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Jason- You are far too kind, and these words have made my day. I truly appreciate them!
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Brianne
June 14, 2012 at 5:34 pm
Excellent list indeed! I pretty much agree with everything you wrote about Pulp Fiction (I’m a QT fangirl) and in fact, just had a conversation the other day with someone about how Pulp Fiction should have won the Best Picture Oscar in ’94. Although, I could also argue that Shawshank was equally deserving of that honor. (Not to knock on Forrest Gump – ’94 was a tight Oscar race).
I also agree with you about Young Frankenstein — it’s the Brooks movie I laugh along with (and quote) the most. Spaceballs is a close second.
Easily, Shawshank, Pulp Fiction and Young Frankenstein are in my top 20-30. Eternal Sunshine, Annie Hall and Almost Famous are likely top 100.
Not a big fan of Wizard of Oz (gathered from trolling the comments)!? That’s near blasphemy in the eyes of this gal who unabashedly can likely quote the entire movie and sing you all the songs (including the lost Jitterbug sequence).
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Joey Magidson
June 14, 2012 at 10:25 pm
94 was one of the best slates ever, in my humble opinion.
Spaceballs would be #3 for me, after Blazing Saddles.
I like The Wizard of Oz, I just don’t love it.
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Leo
June 14, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Very insightful review, what’s funny is i agree with most of the films you listed in your summary on films that could have made the list like Taxi Driver and Fight Club. Now im going to have to make a note and watch the movies i havent yet from your top 10, judging by your taste they can’t dissapoint
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Joey Magidson
June 15, 2012 at 1:51 am
Definitely try them out!
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Tyrone-Shawn Crevelle
June 15, 2012 at 7:39 am
This was a fine list. I do like Kevin Smith, Mel Brooks, And Quentin Tarantino. All excellent Filmmakers. of your list I can say that Shawshank, Almost Famous and Pulp Fiction are my Favorites out of your list. I’ve never seen Chasing Amy and I Might have to…I did enjoy clerks and Dogma(loved Dogma). Young Frankenstein looks like fun but my Favorite will always be Blazing Saddles. with Woody Allen, I liked Sleeper. Of the movies that aren’t here that I would put into a top ten…I’d have to list “12 Angry Men” with Peter Fonda, Jack Klugman..etc. And of course because I am an Action Man….Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo…starring Toshiro Mifune. But great list I’ll check them out.
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Joey Magidson
June 15, 2012 at 1:19 pm
I appreciate that. I think you’ll enjoy Chasing Amy if you try it.
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Anna
June 15, 2012 at 10:03 am
Great list! Almost Famous and Pulp Fiction are definitely high on my list.
Anna(Quote) (Reply)
Joey Magidson
June 15, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Thanks! Gotta love them.
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Jamie
June 16, 2013 at 10:30 pm
Love that you put The Fountain on the list. It is one of my all time favorites not only because of the intensity of the subject beautiful cinematography but the quality of the acting is superb. Jackman and Burstyn going head to head in a key scene is a master class.
We agreed totally on 40 out of 100 and most of the others were on my highly admired list. Two personal favorites of mine not on your list simply because I love great dialogue: 84 Charing Cross Road and Torch Song Trilogy.
Jamie(Quote) (Reply)
Joey Magidson
June 17, 2013 at 12:32 am
Always happy to hear about someone else responding to The Fountain like I did…
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