Recommended movies
I love movies so hard, where do I even begin?
Where do I even begin?
When people find out that I’m a true movie lover, they often ask:
“What’s your favorite movie of all time?”
While the question itself is innocent and well-meaning—simply an attempt to connect with me and learn more about what makes me tick—that makes it no less painful.
Because, the truth is, I’m not just a movie lover. I’m a film nerd. A cinephile. A geek, through and through. And frankly, that makes me a bit of a snob about cinema. I admit it!
As a result, I’ve typically responded, “That’s hard. Give me a decade or genre.”
While I can rattle off a litany of movie titles, though, I haven’t necessarily had a readily compiled list for every decade and genre. As much as I’ve used IMDb to help me keep track of every movie I’ve watched since 2012 and help me organize all my movie lists, the idea of creating a singular statement about my all-time favorites felt overwhelming.
Knowing that I intended to put this particular page together, though, I finally went through the painstaking process of compiling my favorites in one place. Momentarily, you will have the opportunity to agree, disagree, or vehemently contest my list. If you know me, you know that I’m all for the debate!
How did I compile this list?
Before you behold my list in all its splendor, though, you should know how I reached my current conclusions.
First, my process. Since I had a list of all my rankings already compiled in IMDb, what I did was start pulling together my 10-star ranked films, as well as those that have topped my “best of the year” lists over the last 2 decades. Granted, I haven’t rated every film I’ve ever watched, but this was a great starting point. I also went through IMDb’s Top 250 and AFI’s Top 100 to make sure I wasn’t missing anything major from my list, which I wasn’t. From that starting list of roughly 200 films, I started to pit films head to head in a battle royale (which is a fun movie, by the way).
From a criteria perspective, I took three main things into consideration. They are all worth knowing as you read my list.
Greatness is… My only criterion for a film to be great is pretty simple: Do what you are trying to do, and do it to the best of your abilities. This means, if you’re trying to be a ridiculous comedy, be as ridiculous as possible and you will have my approval. If you’re a tragedy, then you better be tragic and bring out the tissues. As much as I might be a snob about movies, that doesn’t mean I don’t generally love all types of movies or consider certain genres lesser than others. If it’s a tough movie, I can very easily say, “This was a great movie,” while simultaneously saying, “I never want to see it again.” By and large, I enjoy most films, even if they don’t always stick with me.
Favorites, not bests. This is not a list of the “best” films of all time, just my “favorites” of all time. Though there is some overlap to those categories in my own mind, they are not one and the same. You’ve been warned.
Parental filter. The last consideration I took into compiling my list was far more nuanced. When pitting films head to head, I asked myself, “Would I rather my children have the opportunity to see movie A eventually, or movie B?” This isn’t a hard science, obviously, but basically, I operated under the assumption that, if the ranking became too tough and movie A was listed higher in my ranking, I would rather them see that movie eventually than movie B. While timing and their own readiness is always a factor with this type of consideration, it helped me tremendously in my own list formation.
Last but not least, before I share my favorites list, I should also mention that I intend to build this page out in the future and create recommended movie lists by year, decade, genre, category, and maybe even country. I’m already covering the lists by year thanks to my years in review, but there’s still more I can do in these more specific lists. I plan on it.
And now, for the main feature…
My all-time favorite 30* films
🍿 Relax, sit back, and enjoy the show.
30. 12 Monkeys
This is sci-fi at its finest, and also, it’s a mystery. I love the world that Terry Gilliam creates in this film and the stellar performances from Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt. Plus, that ending is one for the books.
29. Snowpiercer
There is no other film in history like Snowpiercer. It’s dystopian, yes, but it’s more than that. It’s a powerful, unique statement on class warfare and revolution, and it does so in a way that’s absolutely thrilling. The very diverse cast is stellar, but it’s Bong Joon Ho’s direction that makes this one truly stand out.
28. Raging Bull
Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci give all-time great performances under Martin Scorsese’s best example of actor’s direction. There’s nothing else to say other than it’s worth seeing.
27. Gravity
The value of life and rebirth is captured in a space movie that is non-stop perfection, beginning to end. This is Sandra Bullock’s best performance in my humble opinion, but just as much so, it’s Alfonso Cuarón’s best direction—and he even has a movie further up my list. Watching this in a theater was one of the most transportive films I’ve ever experienced—I felt like I was in space.
26. Lost in Translation
This is one of the most bittersweet films I’ve ever witnessed. I don’t know how Sofia Coppola was able to write and direct a movie of such maturity at her young age, but she did. Both Murray and Johansson are a wonder to behold.
25. Match Point
I didn’t expect two Scarlett Johansson films to make my list right in a row, but here they are. That said, this is really Woody Allen’s film—his best direction, period, in my opinion. As much as I’m not a fan of him personally, this morality tale gives the audience a great deal to ponder and discuss long after the credits roll.
24. The Thing (1982)
Kurt Russell and a band of ragtag misfits stuck in the Antarctic with a creature from another world? Yes please. The Thing is my all-time favorite horror film, though I wouldn’t classify it as straight-up horror as much as I would sci-fi horror. Rob Bottin’s makeup and special effects work in this movie are for the ages.
23. The Proposition
This is pure Greek tragedy housed in an Australian western. Starring Ray Winstone, Guy Pearce, Danny Huston, and Emily Watson, I was captivated when I first saw it, and it stuck with me more than few films I can remember. It’s brutal, but there’s something powerful to learn in its terrible, sunburnt tale.
22. L.A. Confidential
I remember sitting awestruck in the theater when I saw L.A. Confidential for the first time. I love good noir, and this flick fires on all cylinders, providing mystery, action, thrills, and even some good one-line comedy. The script almost crackles, every actor is top-notch, and I love revisiting it whenever I can.
21. Singin’ in the Rain
This is pure joy, captured on film. Donald O’Connor’s “Make ‘em Laugh” is one of those songs and scenes that stick with you when you see it as a kid. As a film lover in particular, I love how meta this movie is, clearly paving the way for some other great films about the industry itself.
20. Casablanca
“Here’s looking at you, kid.” While Bergman is exceptional, this is Bogart’s film, through and through. His whole persona is one that mesmerizes—who couldn’t fall in love with this guy? I didn’t know what all the hoopla was about, but when I saw it, I was captivated, and I remain so to this day. It’s definitely one of the all-time best endings ever.
19. It Happened One Night
There are only three films in history that have won the big five Oscars—Silence of the Lambs, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and It Happened One Night. It’s hard to find a more perfect romantic comedy than this one. Despite the fact that it was released in 1934, this thing holds up beautifully. The script is great, but it really is Gable and Colbert who make it sing. More importantly, legend tells that this is the film that made Frank Capra realize it’s the director’s utmost responsibility for the final product—so it’s him who deserves the greatest credit of all. Do yourself a favor and see this movie as quickly as you can.
18. Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig had surely been known for her acting aplomb prior to this, but this is the film that put her on the map as a writer and director. There’s not a false note in this movie. I think this is how every teenager’s life feels in their head, where every moment is of the utmost importance. Each performance is a masterclass, but it’s Saoirse Ronan who carries the film from beginning to end. I love all the bittersweet and mature truth this coming of age tale has to share. It soars.
17. The Shawshank Redemption
I can remember the very moment in which I finished watching The Shawshank Redemption for the first time. After a late shift at my job as a teenager and picking up the rental before bed, it didn’t matter that the film ended well after Midnight. I rewound the ending 20 minutes to watch the conclusion again. And then, were that not enough, I did it once more. The movie embodies hope, and I love every second of it.
16. Children of Men
Children of Men was a memorable filmgoing experience. I was spellbound, and I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. As much as the performances are all spectacular, this film truly is Alfonso Cuarón’s. The world that is established feels lived in and frighteningly real—which is what makes it all the more powerful.
15. The Constant Gardener
The movie’s tagline says it well: “Love. At any cost.” But this is not a typical romance. Yes, it is a love story at its core. But really, it’s a love story wrapped in a thriller. You think the film is one thing, but by the end, it’s something totally different than what you thought it was. You truly are placed in the shoes of its protagonist in that regard, played by Ralph Fiennes, and it caught me completely off guard.
14. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
As a teenager, this movie felt like a harrowing experience. And that’s the point. Inasmuch as it’s a melodrama, it’s an expertly crafted melodrama with some of the finest performance you’ll ever see. Jack Nicholson is a wonder, but it really wouldn’t be half the film it is without the performance of Louise Fletcher as the dreaded Nurse Ratched—one of the greatest (i.e. worst!) villains ever put on the silver screen.
13. Whiplash
Damien Chazelle’s love of music—jazz, in particular—resounds in every frame of this movie. Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons knock it out of the park, feeding off of each other’s energy in a way that only builds tension as the film proceeds. But it’s the final scene—the last 5-seconds, especially—that make Whiplash what it is, leaving you questioning if the ends justify the means long after the credits. In my opinion, this is the best final frame ever captured on film.
12. Almost Famous
I had just turned 18 when Almost Famous hit theaters. I can remember seeing it the very first time, moved by the wonder of growing up through the eyes of Patrick Fugit’s William Miller. This is Cameron Crowe’s masterpiece, helped incredibly by the likes of Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Jason Lee. It is the ultimate road trip film—and wow, that scene on the bus where they all sing just gets me every time.
11. It’s a Wonderful Life
Frank Capra directed Jimmy Stewart in what I consider the very best encapsulation of friendship and community ever captured on film. It never gets old, it only improves with age. Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey is a man sold out to serving others—but even servants reach their wits’ end sometimes. What a beauty this story is to behold. I try to watch it at least once a year, whether it’s near Christmas or not, because it always refreshes my spirit.
10. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Even if it ends undesirably, is love still worth it? Is all the joy worth all the hurt? These are some of the poignant questions that this incredibly creative film from Michel Gondry raise, and in my book, it’s Charlie Kaufman’s very best screenplay. I love the performances from Carey and Winslet, not to mention the incredible supporting cast. This feels like a dream that was somehow captured on film, and it delights me so.
09. Fargo
The Coen Brothers may not consistently deliver—but there’s as sure as thing in my book as I would bet on. Their long list of stupendous, quirky, and dark films are all worth seeing, but Fargo is perhaps the best encapsulation of who they are. Ranging from humor to shock, it really is Frances McDormand’s innocent sheriff that makes this the movie it is. In that regard, it’s a mighty fine precursor to their far more serious companion film, No Country for Old Men—which I’ll get to shortly.
08. Braveheart
Had you asked me before I made this final list, I probably would have ranked Braveheart as my favorite. But when placed head to head with these other outstanding films, I would much rather prefer my kids see the movies that follow over Braveheart. Still, William Wallace holds a soft place in my heart and I’ll never pass up an opportunity to watch the warrior on screen. Freedom!
07. Hoop Dreams
I’m surprised there aren’t more documentaries on my list, because it is my favorite genre. Hoop Dreams is an epic not only because it’s a great movie. It’s real life, captured on film in a way that makes you go through the emotional ups and downs with them. While it’s a commitment, time wise, it’s a film that deserves every second of your rapt attention.
06. The Godfather: Part II
The Godfather is often ranked as better than Part II, but it’s always a tight race. For me, it’s Part II that makes the saga sing. To watch Al Pacino as Michael Corleone is to watch one of the greatest—an artist at his very peak. Of course, Pacino is phenomenal in many things, but this is the film that sets him apart as a master in his craft. And of course, that’s not even mentioning the incredible direction and other performances across the board. This is a movie I just can’t refuse.
05. Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is a perfect comedy, and in my book, the most rewatchable of all movies. That’s somewhat hilarious given the fact that it’s a film about a day on repeat, but it doesn’t matter—I could rewatch this any day and never tire of it. Bill Murray is at his very finest, and even just thinking about the movie, I start to chuckle and can hear the music turning in my head: “Then put your warm little hand in mine; there ain't no hill or mountain we can't climb; babe, I got you babe…”
04. Die Hard
Yes, it’s a Christmas movie. But more than that, it’s just a perfect movie. Though I never saw it in theaters during its original theatrical run, I’ve seen it plenty in theaters since then. Most recently, when I saw it, I really took notice of how well directed and choreographed it is. It could have been such a watch it and forget it flick, but between the pitch perfect performances of Bruce WIllis and Alan Rickman, it’s hard (no pun intended) to think of a more entertaining film.
03. Mad Max: Fury Road
Pure adrenaline. The set pieces and production design in this movie are worth a movie unto themself. But somehow, George Miller just made them part of the background while a thrilling adventure takes place before your very eyes. This is the stuff of movie magic, even if it’s a magic not everyone can appreciate. I’m awestruck whenever I see this movie and think about the feat (the many feats, really) that it took to produce it. And for that, I’m grateful.
02. No Country for Old Men
Right behind documentaries is my favorite genre of fiction: thrillers. Unfortunately, there are too few thrillers that are made. But in my world, No Country for Old Men is the very best of the bunch. There’s not one misstep, unnecessary line, or out of step character through this entire film. Josh Brolin is outstanding. Tommy Lee Jones has never been better. And of course, Javier Bardem is the real wonder here, playing the most nightmare-inducing villain of all-time in my book. But without a doubt, this is the Coen brothers’ masterpiece, and their statement about the world in this movie is one that will haunt you for long after the silent credits roll.
01. La La Land
As I noted earlier, it’s hard coming up with a favorite. But here she is. La La Land is the reason movies were invented in the first place. It is cinematic magic, plain and simple. And it’s not just cotton candy, either. It’s bittersweet—a true taste of life and love and loss. It’s jazz. It’s art. There’s not a film that brings a smile to my face that’s bigger and more sincere than this movie. I thought it was great when I saw it the first time, captivated from the very onset of its delightful opening number. But after watching the pitch perfect final 20 minutes, in its musical ode to all that has come before it both in other films and the story you’ve been witness to up to that point, La La Land catapults into another stratosphere. It is symphonic perfection. As much as any of these prior films might be contested or even oscillate in their position, this is a sturdy number one that I’ll be revisiting until the day I die.
*Why was this list 30 titles long, and not 50, 25, or 10? Well, 50 seemed like too many while 10 was too few. 25 felt just right, but I didn’t like that it excluded 5 great movies I had already ranked. So there you have it. I’m so objective! 😉