The Top Ten Greatest Films of All Time
Dec 20, 2010 0:21:24 GMT -8
Post by Jason on Dec 20, 2010 0:21:24 GMT -8
I've dedicated a few weeks to compiling and watching a list of my favorite films and ranking them based on my recent viewings. It was a very analytical process. There were a few films that came very, very close to that ten spot. I would like to throw in an honorable mention, in random order, for the films that didn't quite make the cut.
Here are a few: Forrest Gump (1994), Citizen Kane (1941), Philadelphia (1993), And Then There Were None (1945), Re-Animator (1985), To Kill A Mockingbird (1962), Murder on the Orient Express, (1974), The Big Lebowski (1998), Vertigo (1958), Double Indemnity (1944).
Now, for the ten greatest films of all time.
#10
Casablanca (1942)
This film set the tone of American cinema. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman put on my favorite on screen romance of all time. It's been 68 years and they've still yet to be matched. Bogart as Rick Blaine is still one of the most well-respected roles of all time, and rightfully so. His character is so diverse in emotion. It takes an incredibly talented actor to pull this off in one film.
Casablanca is a very fast paced, fast talking film. For some, it may take multiple viewings to absorb all the witty remarks or information about the film, but even then, it would be hard for me to not love this movie. With Casablanca being filmed and released during World War II, it is probably the most controversial war movie of all time. An instant classic in American film-making and a brilliant performance from the entire cast. The film has stood the test of time (at least with me) as one of the greatest films ever made.
Favorite Character: Rick Blaine
Favorite Quote:
"Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine" - Rick Blaine
#9
Murder By Death (1976)
I may be alone in the ranking of this one, but I just love a good whodunit murder mystery. This is one of them. It is one of the most fun and energetic films I've ever seen. Another fast paced film and a very, very well made one.
Each actor puts on unique and hilarious performances for each of their characters. You wouldn't recognize him unless you're very familiar with his work, but Peter Sellers plays a poor speaking, Asian detective named Sidney Wang ,and puts on one of the most hilarious performances ever. Peter Falk's character is very similar to the character of Rick Blaine, played by Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, which is possibly a parody. In my opinion, these two actors, as well as Alec Guinness, put on the best performances of the film and deeply contributed to my adoration of it. Perfect for a night of goofy, laugh out loud fun.
Favorite Character: Sidney Wang
Favorite Quote:
Sidney Wang: What that?
[points to large cage in wall]
Jamesir Bensonmum: Oh, it's nothing, sir. Just the cat.
[loud barking and growling issues from cage]
Sidney Wang: That cat?..... You feed cat dog food?
#8
The Green Mile (1999)
Wow. What an emotional roller coaster of a movie. When Tom Hanks is starring in a film, you can expect an excellent performance every time.
I first saw this film with my Dad during the original release in theaters, at 11 years old. I was deeply affected by this film (particularly of the early scene involving the two young girls), and as I've matured and grown to understand what the film is truly about, I'm even more affected by it, today. The film is so unique and grasping, once it's over, you won't even realize you've just watched a film over 3 hours long. It is a very, very touching story and not what you might expect out of a prison movie (much, much better than The Shawshank Redemption, in my opinion). A very well-executed cinematic masterpiece. One of the greatest ever made.
Favorite Character: Paul Edgecomb
Favorite Quote:
"I couldn't help it, boss. I tried to take it back, but it was too late." - John Coffey
#7
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction is one of the most (if not the most) entertaining films I've ever seen. Non-stop entertainment from start to finish, brilliant performances from the cast and a great combination of comedy, action and violence. Each cast member fits their role perfectly and deeply contributed to an already fantastic movie.
I can't begin to say enough about how well made and brilliant this film is. It's Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece, without a doubt, and, in my opinion, untouched when it comes to a mob-like movie. But that's only because I'm not a big fan of mob movies! The film is not shown in chronological order, which only adds to the anticipation of possible occurrences in the film and ultimately makes the film just a bit more enjoyable for me. The film is over two hours long, and I'm surprised it's so short. It seems as if the film would need to be told for hours upon hours, but it managed to fit everything you needed to know in a very reasonable amount of time. Flawless film making and many masterful performances.
Favorite Character: Jules Winnfield
Favorite Quote: Hard to choose, but this may be it...
Vincent: Want some bacon?
Jules: No man, I don't eat pork.
Vincent: Are you Jewish?
Jules: Nah, I ain't Jewish, I just don't dig on swine, that's all.
Vincent: Why not?
Jules: Pigs are filthy animals. I don't eat filthy animals.
Vincent: Bacon tastes gooood. Pork chops taste gooood.
Jules: Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
#6
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
Anatomy of a Murder is, without a doubt in my mind, the greatest courtroom drama of all time. James Stewart plays Paul Biegler. A humble, small-town lawyer representing an army lieutenant who has been arrested for murdering a man he believes raped his wife. On the other side of the case, George C. Scott plays Claude Dancer. The young, hot shot Assistant State Attorney General who's looking to bring Stewart down. For me, George C. Scott put on the greatest performance in his entire career as Claude Dancer. Stewart is spot on, as always, and Lee Remick adds major additional interest to the film. For reasons that go even beyond acting. A perfectly executed, well-directed and intense courtroom drama.
Favorite Character: Paul Biegler
Favorite Quote:
"Twelve people go off into a room: twelve different minds, twelve different hearts, from twelve different walks of life; twelve sets of eyes, ears, shapes, and sizes. And these twelve people are asked to judge another human being as different from them as they are from each other. And in their judgment, they must become of one mind - unanimous. It's one of the miracles of Man's disorganized soul that they can do it, and in most instances, do it right well. God bless juries." - Parnell Emmett McCarthy
#5
Psycho (1960)
This is my favorite pure horror film of all time. There are very, very few films that leave an audience so affected by it. Upon viewing, men and women would leave the theater trembling and vomiting. When looking back to the era of film when Psycho was released, it's easy to see why. Psycho is probably the film that was furthest ahead of its time.
Most people who've never even seen Psycho know about the film. But for those who don't, I would not be able to praise a certain actor for the role he/she played in the film without revealing a major spoiler, so I'll refrain from describing much of the film. The film may seem tame compared to some of the movies that we've seen over the last 50 years since Psycho's release, but there is no question that this film is among the very, very few that left an audience so terrified and shaken upon seeing it in 1960.
Favorite Character: Norman Bates
Favorite Quote:
"Well, if the woman up there is Mrs. Bates... who's that woman buried out in Greenlawn Cemetery?" - Sheriff Al Chambers
#4
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
This film is, quite possibly, the most intelligent movie ever made. Throw in some of the greatest acting you will ever see, jaw-dropping suspense and an incredibly brilliant plot and you'll get a movie like The Silence of the Lambs.
Anthony Hopkins, as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, is considered to be the greatest movie villain in film history because of The Silence of the Lambs. What makes this even more impressive, is the fact that his screen time in the film is only 16 minutes. His choice of words, his pure intelligence, his complex personality and his terrifying demeanor are the things that put Lecter at the top of the greatest movie villain list of all time. He is the most unpredictable character in film history.
Favorite Character: Dr. Hannibal Lecter
Favorite Quote:
[on telephone] "I do wish we could chat longer, but... I'm having an old friend for dinner. Bye." - Dr. Hannibal Lecter
#3
Dial M For Murder (1954)
This film is a sorely underrated piece of work from Alfred Hitchcock. There are many elements to the film that sky rocketed Dial M For Murder to the #3 spot on my list.
The brilliant planning that is revealed, and characteristics of Tony Wendice, played by Ray Milland, during the opening 30 minutes is probably my favorite movie scene of all time. His intentions are blackmail. But why? Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings highly contribute to the success and excellence of this film. John Williams plays the sharp and persistent Chief Inspector who's been assigned to investigate the murder and adds great suspense to an already brilliant movie..
For those who have not seen this film, I do not want to give away the brilliance of the scene described above, I do hope my review will inspire some to give this film a chance.
Favorite Character: Ray Milland
Favorite Quote:
[Detective Pearson is about to leave with Mrs. Wendice's small purse around his wrist] "Oh, wait a minute, you clot; you can't walk down the street like that - you, you'll be arrested!" - Chief Inspector Hubbard
#2
Rear Window (1954)
This is one of the most suspenseful movies ever made, and has withstood the test of time for 56 years, and counting. This film is flawless in every way. My all time favorite director, actor and actress working together in the same film doesn't always happen, and they went out and created one of the most memorable and suspenseful films of all time. Not to mention the fact that if anyone were to ask me who the most beautiful woman I've ever seen is, I would say "Grace Kelly" in a heartbeat. She is stunning, radiant, intelligent and the perfect woman to bring home to Mom.
The acting is fantastic, the plot draws you in immediately and the suspense is almost unmatched. I first saw this film when I was very young, and only remember seeing the "flashbulb scene", which was incredibly suspenseful, even to a young child growing up in the late 80s, early 90s. James Stewart and Grace Kelly fit their roles perfectly. Stewart, as the recently injured photographer, puts on a very diverse performance and one of the best of his career. Grace Kelly as the "too perfect" Lisa Fremont provides hope for all the hopeless romantics out there that there just may be a girl out there for them. Her entrance in the film is the greatest entrance in cinematic history.
Favorite Character: Lisa Fremont
Favorite Quote (the most bone chilling quote of all time):
"Let's start from the beginning again, Jeff. Tell me everything you saw..... and what.. you think it means" - Lisa Fremont
#1
Clue (1985)
This is the most fun I've ever had watching a film and the most entertaining I've ever seen. It is the most briiliant, fast paced comedy with the perfect cast, the perfect plot, the perfect everything. The perfect film for me.
Six strangers are invited to a party in a mansion secluded in the woods of New England. Each guest is greeted by Wadsworth, the butler, played by Tim Curry. After all six guests arrive, dinner is served by the radiant french maid, Yvette, played by Colleen Camp. It is after dinner that the true intentions of the invitations are revealed. All six strangers are being blackmailed, and for various reasons which I will not reveal, unless blackmailed.
Clue is my favorite film of all time.
Favorite Character: Wadsworth
Favorite Quote:
Cop: Let me outta here! You have no right to shut me in! I'll book you for false arrest, and wrongful imprisonment, and obstructing an officer in the course of his duty... and MURDER!
Wadsworth: [Wadsworth opens the door, feigning innocence, while other guests gather around] What do you mean... murder?
Cop: I just said it so you would open the door.
Here are a few: Forrest Gump (1994), Citizen Kane (1941), Philadelphia (1993), And Then There Were None (1945), Re-Animator (1985), To Kill A Mockingbird (1962), Murder on the Orient Express, (1974), The Big Lebowski (1998), Vertigo (1958), Double Indemnity (1944).
Now, for the ten greatest films of all time.
#10
Casablanca (1942)
This film set the tone of American cinema. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman put on my favorite on screen romance of all time. It's been 68 years and they've still yet to be matched. Bogart as Rick Blaine is still one of the most well-respected roles of all time, and rightfully so. His character is so diverse in emotion. It takes an incredibly talented actor to pull this off in one film.
Casablanca is a very fast paced, fast talking film. For some, it may take multiple viewings to absorb all the witty remarks or information about the film, but even then, it would be hard for me to not love this movie. With Casablanca being filmed and released during World War II, it is probably the most controversial war movie of all time. An instant classic in American film-making and a brilliant performance from the entire cast. The film has stood the test of time (at least with me) as one of the greatest films ever made.
Favorite Character: Rick Blaine
Favorite Quote:
"Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine" - Rick Blaine
#9
Murder By Death (1976)
I may be alone in the ranking of this one, but I just love a good whodunit murder mystery. This is one of them. It is one of the most fun and energetic films I've ever seen. Another fast paced film and a very, very well made one.
Each actor puts on unique and hilarious performances for each of their characters. You wouldn't recognize him unless you're very familiar with his work, but Peter Sellers plays a poor speaking, Asian detective named Sidney Wang ,and puts on one of the most hilarious performances ever. Peter Falk's character is very similar to the character of Rick Blaine, played by Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, which is possibly a parody. In my opinion, these two actors, as well as Alec Guinness, put on the best performances of the film and deeply contributed to my adoration of it. Perfect for a night of goofy, laugh out loud fun.
Favorite Character: Sidney Wang
Favorite Quote:
Sidney Wang: What that?
[points to large cage in wall]
Jamesir Bensonmum: Oh, it's nothing, sir. Just the cat.
[loud barking and growling issues from cage]
Sidney Wang: That cat?..... You feed cat dog food?
#8
The Green Mile (1999)
Wow. What an emotional roller coaster of a movie. When Tom Hanks is starring in a film, you can expect an excellent performance every time.
I first saw this film with my Dad during the original release in theaters, at 11 years old. I was deeply affected by this film (particularly of the early scene involving the two young girls), and as I've matured and grown to understand what the film is truly about, I'm even more affected by it, today. The film is so unique and grasping, once it's over, you won't even realize you've just watched a film over 3 hours long. It is a very, very touching story and not what you might expect out of a prison movie (much, much better than The Shawshank Redemption, in my opinion). A very well-executed cinematic masterpiece. One of the greatest ever made.
Favorite Character: Paul Edgecomb
Favorite Quote:
"I couldn't help it, boss. I tried to take it back, but it was too late." - John Coffey
#7
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction is one of the most (if not the most) entertaining films I've ever seen. Non-stop entertainment from start to finish, brilliant performances from the cast and a great combination of comedy, action and violence. Each cast member fits their role perfectly and deeply contributed to an already fantastic movie.
I can't begin to say enough about how well made and brilliant this film is. It's Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece, without a doubt, and, in my opinion, untouched when it comes to a mob-like movie. But that's only because I'm not a big fan of mob movies! The film is not shown in chronological order, which only adds to the anticipation of possible occurrences in the film and ultimately makes the film just a bit more enjoyable for me. The film is over two hours long, and I'm surprised it's so short. It seems as if the film would need to be told for hours upon hours, but it managed to fit everything you needed to know in a very reasonable amount of time. Flawless film making and many masterful performances.
Favorite Character: Jules Winnfield
Favorite Quote: Hard to choose, but this may be it...
Vincent: Want some bacon?
Jules: No man, I don't eat pork.
Vincent: Are you Jewish?
Jules: Nah, I ain't Jewish, I just don't dig on swine, that's all.
Vincent: Why not?
Jules: Pigs are filthy animals. I don't eat filthy animals.
Vincent: Bacon tastes gooood. Pork chops taste gooood.
Jules: Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
#6
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
Anatomy of a Murder is, without a doubt in my mind, the greatest courtroom drama of all time. James Stewart plays Paul Biegler. A humble, small-town lawyer representing an army lieutenant who has been arrested for murdering a man he believes raped his wife. On the other side of the case, George C. Scott plays Claude Dancer. The young, hot shot Assistant State Attorney General who's looking to bring Stewart down. For me, George C. Scott put on the greatest performance in his entire career as Claude Dancer. Stewart is spot on, as always, and Lee Remick adds major additional interest to the film. For reasons that go even beyond acting. A perfectly executed, well-directed and intense courtroom drama.
Favorite Character: Paul Biegler
Favorite Quote:
"Twelve people go off into a room: twelve different minds, twelve different hearts, from twelve different walks of life; twelve sets of eyes, ears, shapes, and sizes. And these twelve people are asked to judge another human being as different from them as they are from each other. And in their judgment, they must become of one mind - unanimous. It's one of the miracles of Man's disorganized soul that they can do it, and in most instances, do it right well. God bless juries." - Parnell Emmett McCarthy
#5
Psycho (1960)
This is my favorite pure horror film of all time. There are very, very few films that leave an audience so affected by it. Upon viewing, men and women would leave the theater trembling and vomiting. When looking back to the era of film when Psycho was released, it's easy to see why. Psycho is probably the film that was furthest ahead of its time.
Most people who've never even seen Psycho know about the film. But for those who don't, I would not be able to praise a certain actor for the role he/she played in the film without revealing a major spoiler, so I'll refrain from describing much of the film. The film may seem tame compared to some of the movies that we've seen over the last 50 years since Psycho's release, but there is no question that this film is among the very, very few that left an audience so terrified and shaken upon seeing it in 1960.
Favorite Character: Norman Bates
Favorite Quote:
"Well, if the woman up there is Mrs. Bates... who's that woman buried out in Greenlawn Cemetery?" - Sheriff Al Chambers
#4
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
This film is, quite possibly, the most intelligent movie ever made. Throw in some of the greatest acting you will ever see, jaw-dropping suspense and an incredibly brilliant plot and you'll get a movie like The Silence of the Lambs.
Anthony Hopkins, as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, is considered to be the greatest movie villain in film history because of The Silence of the Lambs. What makes this even more impressive, is the fact that his screen time in the film is only 16 minutes. His choice of words, his pure intelligence, his complex personality and his terrifying demeanor are the things that put Lecter at the top of the greatest movie villain list of all time. He is the most unpredictable character in film history.
Favorite Character: Dr. Hannibal Lecter
Favorite Quote:
[on telephone] "I do wish we could chat longer, but... I'm having an old friend for dinner. Bye." - Dr. Hannibal Lecter
#3
Dial M For Murder (1954)
This film is a sorely underrated piece of work from Alfred Hitchcock. There are many elements to the film that sky rocketed Dial M For Murder to the #3 spot on my list.
The brilliant planning that is revealed, and characteristics of Tony Wendice, played by Ray Milland, during the opening 30 minutes is probably my favorite movie scene of all time. His intentions are blackmail. But why? Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings highly contribute to the success and excellence of this film. John Williams plays the sharp and persistent Chief Inspector who's been assigned to investigate the murder and adds great suspense to an already brilliant movie..
For those who have not seen this film, I do not want to give away the brilliance of the scene described above, I do hope my review will inspire some to give this film a chance.
Favorite Character: Ray Milland
Favorite Quote:
[Detective Pearson is about to leave with Mrs. Wendice's small purse around his wrist] "Oh, wait a minute, you clot; you can't walk down the street like that - you, you'll be arrested!" - Chief Inspector Hubbard
#2
Rear Window (1954)
This is one of the most suspenseful movies ever made, and has withstood the test of time for 56 years, and counting. This film is flawless in every way. My all time favorite director, actor and actress working together in the same film doesn't always happen, and they went out and created one of the most memorable and suspenseful films of all time. Not to mention the fact that if anyone were to ask me who the most beautiful woman I've ever seen is, I would say "Grace Kelly" in a heartbeat. She is stunning, radiant, intelligent and the perfect woman to bring home to Mom.
The acting is fantastic, the plot draws you in immediately and the suspense is almost unmatched. I first saw this film when I was very young, and only remember seeing the "flashbulb scene", which was incredibly suspenseful, even to a young child growing up in the late 80s, early 90s. James Stewart and Grace Kelly fit their roles perfectly. Stewart, as the recently injured photographer, puts on a very diverse performance and one of the best of his career. Grace Kelly as the "too perfect" Lisa Fremont provides hope for all the hopeless romantics out there that there just may be a girl out there for them. Her entrance in the film is the greatest entrance in cinematic history.
Favorite Character: Lisa Fremont
Favorite Quote (the most bone chilling quote of all time):
"Let's start from the beginning again, Jeff. Tell me everything you saw..... and what.. you think it means" - Lisa Fremont
#1
Clue (1985)
This is the most fun I've ever had watching a film and the most entertaining I've ever seen. It is the most briiliant, fast paced comedy with the perfect cast, the perfect plot, the perfect everything. The perfect film for me.
Six strangers are invited to a party in a mansion secluded in the woods of New England. Each guest is greeted by Wadsworth, the butler, played by Tim Curry. After all six guests arrive, dinner is served by the radiant french maid, Yvette, played by Colleen Camp. It is after dinner that the true intentions of the invitations are revealed. All six strangers are being blackmailed, and for various reasons which I will not reveal, unless blackmailed.
Clue is my favorite film of all time.
Favorite Character: Wadsworth
Favorite Quote:
Cop: Let me outta here! You have no right to shut me in! I'll book you for false arrest, and wrongful imprisonment, and obstructing an officer in the course of his duty... and MURDER!
Wadsworth: [Wadsworth opens the door, feigning innocence, while other guests gather around] What do you mean... murder?
Cop: I just said it so you would open the door.
