Monday, September 17, 2012

Top 10 Favorite Movies of All Time (as of 9/17/12)


The biggest problem that can affect anyone when it comes to naming what your favorite movies of all time are is that it will never be consistent. Over the years, you're going to come across other films, both new and old, that will grow on you. So, with that in mind, here are my Top 10 Favorite Films of all time, as of September 15th, 2012. Keep in mind of course that this list will certainly change later down the line but for now, let's get started...



10. Terminator 2



I'm starting off this list with a film that has become a real favorite of mine more recently compared to the other films on this list, all of which I saw when I was younger. Terminator 2 is one of the rare examples of a sequel that is not only as good as its predecessor, but in a way it's actually much better. Now don't get me wrong, the original Terminator was another great sci-fi film too, but T2 does outdo it in many areas. Of course, director James Cameron delivers on the action and special effects, but what really makes this film work is its story and character development, as the lead characters all go through major changes throughout the movie. The end result is one of those rare action movies that brilliantly blends exciting action and terrific writing together into one excellent film.



9. Shrek


My favorite film from Dreamworks Animation mainly because this is up there with the films of Pixar in the way it can appeal to both kids and adults. Add in a terrific voice cast and you have yourselves a great film.



8. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade



When it comes to the Indiana Jones movies, the two best entries in the series are easily 'Last Crusade' and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and while 'Raiders' is also a terrific adventure flick, I prefer 'Crusade' mainly because of the addition of Sean Connery as Indy's father. It's just perfect casting on Spielberg's part and Connery and Harrison Ford work great together.



7. The original Star Wars trilogy


Cheating a bit here by going with the entire trilogy instead of just one film, but this is the case of a trilogy of films where each film is great. Of course, 'A New Hope' is the one that started it all, with its great writing and well-developed characters. Then, we have 'The Empire Strikes Back', which goes even further into developing these characters culminating with one of the best twists in cinematic history. Finally, we come to 'Return of the Jedi' and when it comes to this entry, I think it's actually really underrated compared to its predecessors, primarily because of the final battle between Luke, Vader, and the Emperor which has so much meaning behind it as Luke Skywalker tries to bring his father back from the Dark Side, but at the same time he risks going down the same path of evil that his father went. This is one trilogy of films that I highly recommend seeing to anyone who hasn't seen any of these films before.



6. The Incredibles


The first of two Pixar films on this list and also the first of two Brad Bird helmed pics, The Incredibles may just be Pixar's best film ever made. Bird brilliantly mixes a superhero flick with a tale of superheroes trying to adapt to a normal life. This is also the only Pixar movie that is really truly worthy of a sequel, as shown by the film's ending when a new villain is introduced. Easily one of the finest animated films ever made.



5. Toy Story 2


Okay, so if The Incredibles is the best Pixar movie ever, why do I like this Pixar movie more than that one? Well, the reason why Toy Story 2 is my favorite Pixar movie of all time is because this is an excellent example of how to do a sequel right, with its broadened scope and new cast of characters. Plus, the sequence where Jessie's back story is explained might just be the first example of when Pixar went a more mature route as it is really sad. The end result is a sequel that is just as excellent as the original Toy Story, but actually kind of better.



4. Iron Giant


And here's the second Brad Bird film on this list, more importantly the one that began his phenomenal film career in the first place. It's just a shame that this film wasn't a huge box office hit because it's such a great movie. Like Incredibles, the story is brilliant, there is a good amount of depth given to these characters, and the animation is terrific.



3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire


For the record, I'm pretty much counting the entire Harry Potter franchise here, but unlike the Star Wars trilogy, there are much more films in this series (which would be kind of cheating in regards to this list) and I will admit I do like some entries more than others. Case in point, we have Goblet of Fire, my personal favorite of the series. There is never a dull moment and the film takes the right dark turns the same way 'Prisoner of Azkaban' did, especially with the introduction of Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort in the final 15 minutes of the movie. I won't go as far as saying this is the best, but it is certainly one of the best entries of this franchise.



2. The Lion King


Favorite Disney movie of all time. Of course, it isn't the best but it certainly is one of the finest to come out from the studio. There are many reasons why this is such a great movie; its scope, its atmosphere, Hans Zimmer's truly moving score, the memorable songs, etc. This is just an epic animated film and it still gives me goosebumps every time I see it.



1. Back to the Future


Here we have a brilliant mix of science fiction, action, comedy, romance, and drama all rolled into one very memorable, highly quotable, and extremely entertaining film. I don't know how many times I've seen this movie, but it's one of those films that never gets old. All three Back to the Future movies are terrific but in the end, this is undeniably the best one of the three. It's a certified classic and for the record should NEVER be remade... EVER!!

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