Category: Top 100

“As you recall, I was talking thru my updated Top 100. Let’s do this thing

50-South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut 39
Whodda thunk that our favorite foul mouth animated mountain kids would spawn a movie musical that has held up for nearly 20 years? Maybe the same people that woulda thunk that movie would lead to an Academy Award nomination for Best Song. I can still crack up at this movie after all these years and however many times the songs have come up on my iPod. Personally, I blame Canada.

49-Goodburger Return
My nostalgia knows no bounds, and Goodburger is a total embodiment of my love of the 90s. The 2:00 AM rule still holds true for this movie. Watch it too early, and it’s dumb. Watch it too late, and you’re too loopy. Hit that sweet spot, and it’s the funniest thing you’ll ever see. At least it is if you’re a child of the 90s.

48-The Fast and the Furious (franchise) 27
This is the rare franchise that has actually improved with every installment. Most drop off sharply once they hit 4 or 5, whereas that’s when Fast just hit its groove. Hmm, if you made me, 7 > 6 > 4 > 5 > 1 > 3 > 2. Yeah seven got me really emotional saying goodbye to Paul Walker, but it also stepped up the action so much (the car flying between buildings?!). I also don’t think I’ve ever been as giddy for a future movie as I got when I saw the end of 6 tease the addition of Jason Statham. I’m still amped up.

47-The Little Mermaid -21
Yup, still a Disney kid. Maybe I don’t wish I was a mermaid as much as I did when I was three, but ya gotta respect a princess who is strong-willed and ambitious about being more than just a princess.

46-Snatch -15
So apparently, this is a TV series now? Not sure how that will work, but this movie will forever be a classic to me. I know, I know, so many of my entries have touted clever/brilliant/smart dialog, and this is likely to be yet another one. What can I say? I know what I like in a movie, and this one is very much it.

45-Planet Terror -8
It’s a shame the Grindhouse thing didn’t take off, because I would have totally eaten up more movies like this one. Hmm maybe “”eaten up”” isn’t the best choice of phrase when talking about a zombie movie. It’s true though, I loved how absolutely bonkers this movie was, and it could have launched a whole new subgenre of B movie.

44-Toy Story 3 -5
Still the only movie I will ever admit made me cry, and it happened on multiple viewings. This is simply Pixar magic at its best. So. Many. Feels.

43-Terminator 2: Judgement Day 45
My one definitive answer to a sequel that’s better than its predecessor. T1 was good, but T2 is mind blowing. I much prefer Ahnold as a good guy, and Sarah Connor is one of the most badass and iconic strong female film characters of all time. It’s the perfect popcorn movie, and few blockbusters have been able to match it.

42-Memento 21
Brilliant. A concept that can never (or at least should never) be replicated. Originality goes a really long way with me, and there is nothing else like this movie. It’s still haunting.

41-Mrs Doubtfire Return
Remember when family movies were enjoyable for the whole family? They don’t make ’em like they used to, and there ain’t ever gonna be anybody like Robin Williams. That man’s talent knew no bounds, and this was one of his best showcases.

40-Frailty -15
Aww Bill Paxton. His directorial debut is still my go to every Halloween (assuming I think to watch something). It’s such a disturbing and dark film (like we know I like ’em) and it just sucks me in every time. It also has yet to be dethroned as the best movie I ever impulsively bought from a bargain bin.

39-Death to Smoochy -6
When I hear the term “”dark comedy””, Smoochy is the first example that comes to mind. Who even thinks of this stuff? It’s such a messed up concept, and that shock is exactly what draws me in. And it’s brilliantly funny, in a does-it-make-me-a-bad-person-if-I-laugh-at-this sort of way, and you don’t care how offensive it may potentially be because it’s still just that funny and clever.

38-Whiplash New!
I don’t think any movie gives me a bigger rush of adrenaline, and it’s not even an action movie (at least not in the traditional sense). The acting is masterful, the music is energizing, the plot is incendiary, and I even learned some about editing and other technical aspects of film. Just, wow.

37-Clueless 6
Think there’s a more quotably classic 90’s comedy than this? As if!

36-Almost Famous -25
I just find this movie to be so beautiful and moving. I dare you not to get emotional during the “”Tiny Dancer”” scene. Kate Hudson has never been better, nor has much of the rest of the exquisite cast. And I love a story where your socially abnormal teenager finds acceptance with an unexpected crowd.

35-Cabin in the Woods -6
I can’t stress enough how brilliant this movie is. It’s not a straight up genre mashup, but the tongue in cheek humor is certainly what elevates it above all the other horror films in this genre it pays homage to. Sometimes, the answer isn’t to tweak the tried and true formula, but instead to play into it fully. Also, cast. Yes.

34-A Clockwork Orange 15
There are few movies darker than this (and they’re likely higher up on my list), and we all know that I love a film that’s truly disturbing. The book is even more intense, and if you can get thru the language, it’s absolutely worth it. Who says I don’t appreciate classic cinema?

33-Father of the Bride -1
This was one of the few movies that me and both parents could agree on. Obvs getting me to agree with my Daddy was easy. Mom? Not so much. I feel like whenever I do get married, much of that process is going to have been informed by this film. Namely, keep it simple, and leave Franck out of it.

32-Kill Bill -9
I’ve explained it before, but if you could this as two movies, then Vol 1 is likely my fave Tarantino. However, I believe it’s more correct to think of it as one, in which case Vol 2 brings it down for me. I’m just all about the action from the former, and less about the revenge of the later. Still, both halves are pretty freakin’ great.

31-Home Alone 10
I don’t even think of this as a Christmas movie because the whole thing is fantastic year round. A couple years ago, I showed it at a movie night at the old job. Co-worker brought his 5-year-old who laughed hysterically throughout. Those are the moments that make life worth living.

30-Boondock Saints -17
Aw I miss Boston, and this movie capture’s the city’s energy so well. The mix of DGAF and loyal to the nth degree. Even if the rest of the world forgets about this movie, it’ll always live on the banks of the river Charles.

29-Battle Royale 19
Still completely enthralled with the concept and the raw violence of this movie. It’s not one you get over easily, and every subsequent rip-off just makes me that much more enamored with this original.

28-Interview With the Vampire -14
It might not hold up too well, and there may have been a plethora of vampire movies in the past 20+ years, and some of them may have been better than this. However, this is still the movie that gave us Lestat (well after Anne Rice wrote him) and for that, this movie will linger on. Remember, at the time, it was rather revolutionary to get a story from the vamps’ perspective instead of just seeing them as the blood lusting villains.

27-Drop Dead Gorgeous 20
All the times so far that I’ve praised clever dialog in a movie, ain’t got nothing on this one. I have never played this film for an unsuspecting audience friend and not gotten hysterical laughter from them every five minutes. It’s just bizarre enough to be brilliant.

26-Requiem For a Dream -9
Am I still the only person you know who has willingly seen this movie multiple times? And would put it on again in a heartbeat? Yeah, I thought so.

25-Mean Girls 13
Not only is this one of the funniest movies of the new millennium, it’s also one of the most important. It so accurately captures the frenemy relationship between most high school girls, and highlights how dangerous that can be. And did I mention it’s really really funny?

24-Magnolia -4
I still say that no other interconnected story ensemble movie has done it as well as Magnolia. Each story could hold its own movie, and the intricate connections between them all are so beautiful. The whole thing is perfectly cast as well. Some of these stars have never shone brighter.

23-Reservoir Dogs -4
I still say Tarantino’s first was unequivocally his best. It’s so raw and gritty and intense and iconic. You see so many of what are now his signature elements start here and propagate throughout his career, but that first spark of madness was the brightest.

22-Psycho 22
I think for me, it isn’t so much that I love the film as a whole as it is that I love Norman Bates. Nice Guy Serial Killer, not a concept we encounter too frequently, and certainly never as effective as here. Of course, Hitchcock is the master of horror, and his accomplishments with this film are outstanding. Still for me, it’s all about Norman.

21-The Martian New!
I’ve talked about movies that are perfectly “”me””, but this is more one that is perfect FOR me. Every element of it is perfection, and I love how much this film warrants nerd-ing out. Can I give it any more of an endorsement?

20-The Godfather 61
There are those that argue this is the best movie ever made. I don’t know exactly what I’d pick, but I would never argue against this one. On all fronts, it really is among (if not absolutely) the best. You can’t not be completely absorbed in this film whenever you watch it.

19-The Goonies 81
I don’t know what I was thinking dropping this so far down the list last time. The first time I watched this movie is still one of my happiest memories ever, and to do this day even thinking about it gives me warm fuzzies. I proudly gave a copy of this to my little cousins last Christmas, and I really hope they can appreciate it the way that I do.

18-Die Hard -3
Still the greatest action movie, and not even because the action is that great. It’s all about the attitude. John McClane is the OG DGAF hero, and he should be on everyone’s Christmas list. Yippie Ki Yay!

17-Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 60
I took my Mom to see this at Fenway Park and she actually enjoyed it. That should tell you something about this movie right there. My day in Chicago a couple years ago recreating favorite scenes from the film with the BFFF was one of my best days ever. I’m totally a Cameron, and I’m okay with that.

16-Elf 5
I could never have anticipated how much this film would have permeated into my life. It seems like I’m always finding an appropriate opportunity to reference it. It’s so sweet and sincere and perfectly gets me into the Christmas spirit every year.

15-Harry Potter 20
Oh God, I’m not even gonna try and rank them all, but It’d start with 4 > 3. This franchise (books included, obvs) has meant more and more to me in recent years, I guess since rereading them before my first trip to the Wizarding World. There’s always a new layer to discover, and they’re just so poignant yet fun. Magical doesn’t even begin to cover it.

14-Serenity -4
Hard to believe that a short lived cancelled TV series spawned such beloved characters, but my coat will be brown till I die. Star Wars vs Star Trek? Bitch please. I aim to misbehave. Always and forever.

13-Forrest Gump 5
Servers at Bubba Gump hate me because I’m not match for their trivia questions. It’s not my fault I watched this movie non-stop for about a year. Nor is it my fault that seafood is my favorite, and the fact that there’s a seafood chain based on a top 20 favorite movie means that I visit frequently, esp now that I actually live near a couple.

12-Lord of the Rings 4
My favorite book, so of course among my favorite movies. I may not leave the extended editions constantly running in the background like I did back in college, but now it’s like a new discovery every time I do rewatch them. Comforting like visiting an old friend, one that’s still always full of surprises.

11-Muppet Christmas Carol 1
Oh the feels. The warm and fuzzy feels. It’s a story that’s been done a million times in a million formats, but nothing tops Muppets. Not only is it the best Christmas Carol, it’s also the best Muppets. And it’s no wonder that Rizzo’s my fave Muppet after his performance here. No, I’m not still bitter that he was mostly cut out of the reboots, idk what you’re talking about. No, I didn’t confront Jason Segel about it at his book signing… (okay maybe I did)

10-Clerks -3
Kevin Smith’s masterwork. He’s had some incredible movies since (although most of them were in the 90s) but none have ever topped the sharp and insightful and very much relatable screenplay he wrote here. Anyone who has ever worked in any kind of customer service role knows that feel bro, all too well.

9-21 Jump Street 18
I am declaring this the best movie night movie of all time. I’ve shown it at several different movie nights and it’s always a hit. And I laugh hysterically every dang time, no matter how well I already know it. Brilliantly self-aware, carefree, and inventful. The sequel may not have been quite as awesome as the first, but it’s not too far off either.

8-Heathers 0
You can tell a lot about a person if they describe Mean Girls as Heathers without a body count, or describe Heathers as Mean Girls with a body count. I’m generally the former, although based on context, I could use either. This original way of dealing with one’s teen angst bullshit makes for one of the most cathartic high school movies around. Big fun!

7-Zombieland 2
Runner up for best movie night movie ever, and one of the best ever examples of a genius genre mashup. This one nails the balance between horror and comedy, making it one of the absolute greatest movies of all time according to me.

6-American Psycho 0
I was really close to moving this into the top five, but the two ahead of this are just too meaningful to me. Mr. Patrick Bateman here is more of a dangerous obsession. I just can’t help myself around him, in any incarnation: film, book, or even stage last year.

5-Angus 0
I don’t remember if I first encountered Angus in high school or later, but I’ve never found a character that has been so inspiring and hopeful to me in dealing with the struggles I faced then. He’s vulnerable but brave and faces his enemies head on, no apologies. He’s exactly what I needed, and he makes me laugh every time.

4-SLC Punk! 0
I’ve identified with characters before, but here I simply identify with the attitude of the film as a whole. The idea of personal rebellion, and fighting to make your own way in this world, and not caring one little bit what anyone else thinks about you. These are all philosophies I live by to this day, and they are fully embodied in this movie.

3-Donnie Darko 0
In all the years since I’ve seen this movie, it’s stayed with me and still haunts me. I can debate and discuss it for hours on end without getting bored, and I love the connection I feel with anyone who feels as intensely about this movie as I do. Some people just don’t get this movie at all. Those that do are my people.

2-Fight Club 0
This movie has so many different meanings to so many different people. For me, it’s about non-conformity and rebelling against the norms of society. It’s about making your own way, and what happens when you go from blindly following one leader to another. Oh right, I’m not supposta talk about it.

1-Aladdin 0
Nope, this movie is never going anywhere. I feel like I’ve doubled down on this one over and over again, with bday movie nights and Disneyland trips, and bday Disney trips. No movie makes me happier, and I doubt any ever will.”

“I was long overdue for another revamp of the Top 100 list. Since I recycle posts for this list (you really think I’m gonna watch all 100 again?…well I guess I wouldn’t put it past me), I figured I should at least give a quick blurb on each this time about why it’s there. It also gives me a chance to clarify where an entry is inclusive of an entire franchise or just meant for a specific film. I’m alshto indicating where it lands compared to the previous year, or if it’s completely new to the list, or back on after missing an iteration or two.

I won’t go into my extremely tedious process of how I put the list together, but I do want to at least point out that I don’t know where they line up with previous years until the list is set and I’m actively comparing. And of course, five minutes earlier or later and we may have had a completely different placement. Except for my #1. That ain’t ever changing.

Shall we?

100-The Babadook New!
I’m sure I’ve made this comment before, but spot 100 tends to be kinda special. Once I’ve finished the list, if I find there’s one movie that dropped off that I just gotta squeeze in, it’ll usually sneak into this spot. I really wanted to include this movie because I keep coming back to it as an example of what makes a really good horror movie. And the sound the Babadook make still freaks me out to think of it.

99-The Faculty -20
I know it’s bad. I keep it around for nostalgia purposes. For the lines I still quote, and the incredible cast it assembled. I wouldn’t subject the uninitiated to it, but do feel a twinge of happiness whenever someone recognizes the source of my saying “”I don’t believe a person should run unless they’re being chased””.

98-Cabin Fever -33
Can I even justify this other than declaring my love of Eli Roth yet again? It’s simple and solid and subtly brilliant in some ways.

97-Revolutionary Road -45
I still feel a wave of emotion whenever I think about this movie. It’s not as flashy or nostalgic as some of my other choices, but it’s stayed with me. Say what you want about Titanic, but I think this is the better pairing of Leo and Kate.

96-Inception -46
It’s hard to find such a unique film, and I love how the concepts are stuck in our minds to this day. I still hear it referenced regularly, and I forget how groundbreaking the visuals are. I really need to watch it again soon.

95-Funny Games -2
This keeps hanging on because we know I love my movies messed up, and they don’t get any more demented than Funny Games. I may have become slightly desensitized over time, but I can guarantee you that this movie will still shake me up. Even as other disturbing fare has emerged, none are as ruthless and unapologetic as this is.

94-Scream -23
Still my favorite slasher movie. What can I say, I’m a child of the 90’s, and the classic 80’s killers don’t do it for me. Give me some meta commentary on the genre any day!

93-Birdman New!
Unofficial rule, if you’re my favorite movie of a given year, you’re likely to end up on the next revision of this list. The initial excitement I felt towards this movie may have faded in the past two years, but I can’t forget the brilliant and skillful filmmaking behind it. And the way that it’s just on the cusp of making perfect sense. Love that.

92-Repo: The Genetic Opera New!
It was inevitable. This movie has gone from being too weird for me to a slowly building obsession. Forget Rocky Horror, this is the movie that I want to be watching Saturdays at midnight with a shadow cast. Bonus points for Anthony Head singing!

91-Lars and the Real Girl -15
I can’t let Lars go. This small and simple movie has more heart that the majority of what you’ll find in the theater. It’ll likely always be my favorite Ryan Gosling role, and we can’t forget about the massive creativity points it earns.

90-Final Destination 9
I know the franchise gets really stupid. But the first one really freaked me out, and the later ones were really creative. And I still can’t get over the twist at the end of the last one. One of my favorite ever Shyamalan-esque turns.

89-Masterminds Return
I can’t believe I let this drop off the list last time! I mean yes, it’s a really dumb movie, and everything it does, Die Hard does better. However, on a nostalgia level, you don’t get bigger than this for me. I bet I can still recite every line of dialog…

88-V For Vendetta Return
This may have been surpassed by better action films, but it hasn’t been beaten by a better rebellion. V has lived on and is still the man I’d want to have lead me to revolution.

87-Dumb & Dumber New!
I love how a movie called Dumb and Dumber is actually really smart. So much of the humor is pure genius, and I still love it after all these years. Who’d have known when this was first released that it’d become such a major part of the pop culture landscape.

86-Stay -19
It’s like I hope that by keeping this movie on the list, more people will discover it. Yeah, it’s sort of a Donnie Darko rip-off without the rabbit, but I still find the psychological twists and turns of this movie absolutely fascinating. And I could look at emotionally tortured Ryan Gosling all day.

85-The Lobster New!
My 2016 fave makes its way onto the list! I still hold that this is one of the most unique films I’ve ever seen. I love the quirky and bizarre tone, and the way that it raises so many questions about their world and ours with such a simple concept.

84-Selena New!
Nostalgia wins again. This is quite possibly the only movie that can ever make me miss south Texas. I love how people that didn't grow up in that culture and didn't know who Selena was until she was embodied by JLo still discover and appreciate this film in all its 90s glory. There's a reason music biopics are so popular, and I'd argue that this is among the best.

83-Sin City -53
Remember a decade ago when this film was absolutely revolutionary? It's faded from memory (and the sequel did nothing to bolster it), yet it's still worth praising for the visual miracle that it was. We've seen every sort of comic make its way to the screen since, but none have looked as bloody good as Sin City.

82-John Wick: Chapter 2 New!
Last minute squeeze in after I'd supposedly finalized the list. I realized that I did end up seeing this twice in the theater, and thus it was eligible, and it was also visually superior to the film that I knocked out of this slot. This is the level of action movie my daddy raised me to love, and what every other dude who kicks butt should aspire to be. I'm mostly counting this for Chapter 2, but a lil love for 1 factors in as well.

81-Tucker & Dale Vs Evil New!
This is as “”me”” as a movie gets: laughs and blood. Specifically, weird but clever meta humor mixed with gruesome horror. I am all about this.

80-Hostel Part II -10
What I’ve loved about this one is that it transcends torture porn, because you see both sides of the (I guess) knife. We go one step further than we did with the original, and it adds a lot more internal conflict within a couple key characters. And if we are gonna talk torture porn, nobody (except maybe Jigsaw) does it better than my boy Eli Roth.

79-American History X -22
The sad thing is that I don’t know if there’ll ever be a time when this movie isn’t utterly important, and it’s now more relevant than ever. There are scenes that still haunt me

78-Mulholland Dr New!
It was only a matter of time until this movie made the list. It’s started to make more sense to me lately, and the initial wonder I’ve felt towards it has turned into full on giddy excitement. I still love picking it apart and trying to be at peace with the strangeness of it all. I think this is the gold standard for the weird and confusing yet twistedly enjoyable film that other films rarely manage to hit.

77-Mission Impossible 7
4 > 1 > 2 > 5 > 3. I love how each has a vastly different vibe from the others (particularly those three I listed first). Each movie pushes the envelope even further, coming up with an even more bonkers set of action sequences mixed with that classic espionage thrill. The franchise may be on its last legs, or it may just pull out another surprise like Ghost Protocol. Time will tell.

76-The Sixth Sense New!
I’m really surprised this wasn’t here before. I could have sworn it made a past iteration, but apparently, it hadn’t. I love that Shyamalan’s getting his groove back, but nothing is ever going to top his masterpiece. Even when you know the twist, it’s still a haunting and engaging movie that’s held up for almost twenty years now.

75-Detroit Rock City -16
Rock and roll plus youthful energy plus a cleverly quotable script. I only wish I was a bigger KISS fan so that I could fully appreciate this movie.

74-Hedwig and the Angry Inch New!
True, my obsession may be more with the stage show than the film, but if I can’t see Michael C Hall (my fave of the 3 Hedwigs I saw on b’way) on stage regularly, I’ll take the original John Cameron Mitchell on film.

73-The Wedding Singer -11
For me, this is Adam Sandler at his best. Not the crude childish characters he insists on playing well past their prime, but his sweet and sincere Robbie Hart. Add in the warm fuzzies from having choreographed the stage musical at MIT, and I’m always gonna think fondly of this one.

72-The Dark Knight -36
This used to be a staple at the top of the list, but I think superhero fatigue has pushed it down, at least until I watch it again sometime. Today we’re inundated in supes, but time was when that was more of a niche genre. We’ve got this movie to thank for doing it better than any others before or possibly since.

71-Catch Me If You Can 3
I think this is one of those movies that is just perfect. It’s a fun and interesting stranger than fiction story. The cast is unbelievable. The production value and music and direction. All of it is spot on

70-Star Wars Saga New!
I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get this franchise on my list. I freaking love Star Wars. I think part of it tho is that they’re not really movies I feel compelled to watch over and over, as much of the rest of this list is. It’s more that I have such love for the characters, and it’s been a shared passion between friends for years. Of course, the resurgence of the films helped give a boost here.

69-Inglorious Basterds -18
I kinda cheated a little bit here. I was holding Pulp Fiction on the list out of habit, when I realized that I actually like Basterds better. So, I just swapped ’em out. Basterds is the rare film that I actually enjoy more and more every time I see it. It’s kind of diminishing returns at this point, but still, I keep finding more magic hidden deeper below the surface on every subsequent watch.

68-Saved! -34
Oh man, remember when this movie was everything for me? I’m a bit more removed from the period in my life that this most resonates with, but there’s some dialog here that is unbeatable. And it’s a sweet story with a fantastic cast that I’m never gonna be able to let go of.

67-Lucky Number Slevin -12
I think the theme we keep running into is that there’s a lot of movies here that I keep forgetting how awesome they are. At one point, this was in my top ten before fading down the list. Every so often, I’ll watch it and remember how sharp and snappy the dialog and the story are with some big names at their best, and then it gets lost in the noise again.

66-Kung Fu Panda 31
This is one of my ultimate happy movies, and I still remember watching it with my roomie to try and hold myself together on one of the worst days of my life. Even then, Po and his friends made me smile, and I suspect they always will (even if they don’t do so as effectively in the sequels)

65-Magic Mike XXL New!
Oh, hello there. I feel like I shouldn’t even need to explain why this is a favorite. It’s the ultimate good time party vibe with some really hot guys rocking even hotter dance moves. What more could a gal ask for?

64-The Shawshank Redemption Return
I feel like this one flops and on off the list the most. No one would argue against it being an incredible movie, with a truly moving storyline and compelling characters. I guess maybe sometimes I take it for granted and other times I appreciate it. Right now, I’m feeling appreciative.

63-Ghostbusters New!
The original Ghostbusters always lurked just outside the list. Take the new one into account, and we’ve finally got enough to propel it to a decent spot. The first is absolutely classic, something I often quote and think fondly on. Still I can’t stress enough how extremely important the new one is for women in comedy and in technology. It does a service to its predecessor while doing its own original thing, arguably giving us characters even more memorable than before.

62-The Matrix -22
Forget that the sequels existed, and this is one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time. It revolutionized not only the genre, but the entire industry with breathtaking action sequences and a plot that was just crazy enough that you maybe believe it for a minute. I'd be remiss if I didn't honor this movie with a spot. Lord knows it totally changed the game for me.

61-That Thing You Do 29
When I was little, I saw this as a fun movie about a band (at one point, they had me thinking it was true) that falls as hard as they rise. As I got older, when I learned the term “”one hit wonder””, the movie made a whole new level of sense. It’s fun and smart and produced better music than most fictitious bands manage to.

60-The Lion King Return
What? We know I'm a Disney kid, ergo, we knew there'd be much Disney on this list. I think this was the first movie I ever saw twice in the theater. It's also a movie I watched on repeat for about a year straight. Put it on right now and you'll find me bouncing along and singing every word. That's how I roll.

59-Black Swan 7
This might be my favorite Halloween costume ever, and it’s one of the ones I put the least thought into. I love how the movie combines my passion for psychological thrillers with my lifelong passion for dance. It’s another one of those that just seems like it was made only for me, and I’m proud of that association.

58-Jurassic Park New!
I had to beg so hard for my parents to let me see this, and they only acquiesced because I had a longstanding dinosaur obsession. I still love dinos, and they’re certainly at their best here. It’s amazing how well this film has held up, and I attribute that to Spielberg’s genius at the helm.

57-Juno -11
I still say this is one of the most clever screenplays ever written. I stayed pretty faithful to Diablo Cody after, but she never quite topped herself here. And based on this performance, I still want Ellen Paige to play me in a hypothetical movie version of my life.

56-D2: The Mighty Ducks 0
Again, I didn’t know where movies previously ranked. Interesting that this is the only one outside the top 10 that stayed put. My love of this made me a sucker for an underdog sports movie, but none of them have ever matched up to my ducks. One and Three are okay, but Two is where it’s at.

55-Romeo + Juliet -2
Has a more beautiful movie ever been made? The stunning visuals of this are unlike anything else. The imagery heightens the emotion of a story that I prolly wouldn't have cared much about. Plus, Leo is pure perfection.

54-It follows New!
I keep on highlighting this as a genius horror film, that subverts the genre it celebrates. It's such a clever twist on a classic horror trope, and it's really freaking scary. The idea that the demon could come back at any moment if you haven't tracked its movement still freaks me out.

53-Equilibrium 7
Ask me about my all-time favorite action sequences, and I'll still start with the opening sequence in the dark and the one where Christian Bale saves a puppy. Sure, it's a blatant and kinda hokey rip-off off Fahrenheit 451, but it's also unlike any other action movie. Its style is up there with John Wick, it just makes a greater attempt at substance.

52-Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny 16
One of my favorite movie musical soundtracks ever. Put on Kickapoo or Beelzeboss and I know every word for every part. Sure, maybe my love for this movie shows off a vast immaturity. I don't care. I think it's hilarious.

51-Fanboys -9
Funny that a movie about Star Wars fans has done better on this list than actual Star Wars. It’s an underappreciated gem that should be required watching for all fans of the Wars. Trekkers need not apply.

Actually, that’s enough for now. Let’s split this into two posts”

“So sneak peak, I’m working on revamping my Top 100. Long overdue, I know. The list is pretty much finalized, but I’m doing some work on the post (that will hopefully be completed by the time this one posts). Anyways, I say that because this is the one movie currently on there that doesn’t already have some associated post. What’s the point in being on my favorites list if I’m not gonna use that as an excuse to watch?

I first saw this movie much younger than I should have. There were definitely a lot of adult themes I was rather scandalized by. Yet third grade me could appreciate a lot of the silly sight gags and purely puerile phrases pouring from our leads. Watching now, I get how ironic it is that a film called Dumb and Dumber about two really really not smart people is one of the smartest screenplays that has ever made it to the screen.

I say it’s smart because of how it all fits together. Every misstep the characters take is somehow exactly what they need to advance themselves, and they don’t even realize it. When I was 9, I took everything they said at face value, and laughed at that. Now that I’m, um, older than 9, I see the next layer of the jokes. It’s brilliant.

Also brilliant are the performances from Jim Carey and Jeff Daniels. They play into the script perfectly, and somehow manage to make their characters ones that you root for. They’re over the top, but never too much. It’s such a hard line to toe, and few have ever managed the feat. Over twenty years later, I’m still laughing at everything they do, no matter how many times I’d seen it before.”

“This film has lingered outside of my top 100 every time I’ve written it up, but it picked up some momentum and finally made the cut. I think a lot of that has to do with my increasing love for director David Fincher. His name comes up quicker and quicker whenever I think about fave directors. Tarantino’s still the top, but Fincher (along with a couple other runners up) are nipping at his heels.

Pretty sure this was his directorial debut, and holy \m/ what an entrance. This is one of the smartest and darkest films I’ve ever encountered. As a very logical person, I like lists. I like themes. So the seven deadly sins theme to the serial killer hooks me like you would not believe. It has that gritty and dark visual that Fincher is known to utilize. It’s what made him the perfect choice for Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and is the single thing that has me most psyched beyond all reason for Gone Girl. In this film in particular, everything just looks so dirty. You get uncomfortable watching, but in a way that absorbs you and adds to the whole experience. Fight Club had a similar dirt, but there it felt more like rebellion.

The cast for this is perfect. Morgan Freeman as the aging detective, who wants nothing more than rest (more mental than physical) but gets sucked into this one last case. The usually subtle and restrained Brad Pitt playing an uncharacteristically hot headed rookie-ish cop. To be honest though, it always takes me a minute to remember that it’s Pitt and not Ethan Hawke rocking his same Training Day look and role. But the ULTIMATE here is Kevin Spacey. This is up there with Usual Suspects for his best performance. So creepy because it’s so controlled. Just incredible.

There is not a part of this movie that isn’t completely \m/ up. I love the opening credits, with the Nine Inch Nails playing over the gruesome images. Is it bad that when the cops discover the notebooks with the killer’s thoughts (that were presumably used in the credits) all I want is to read thru one of them? Maybe I should stick to Divergent. The way the deaths line up with each of the sins is brilliant, and that infamous ending just sucks the air right out of you.

What’s in the box?”

“There’s no better cure for being in a funk than watching a slasher movie. Especially when that movie is the best of the best. Sometimes, you’re just not in the mood to deal with shiny happy people. You just want to watch bad things happen to other people. Makes me feel better at least.

This film kicked off an era of slasher obsession. I was in about sixth grade at the time, so it would be a while before I was allowed to see this movie or any of the others that cashed in on the genre. But everyone at school was talking about it. I think it was just the thought of seeing this brutal bloody murders on the big screen that jazzed everyone. That kinda thing didn’t happen often at that point in time. Even if the films this parodied were full of gore, it was brighter and more full on. Also, for most of my generation, this was the first time we saw that.

Here’s what I find absolutely brilliant about Scream. It’s a parody or commentary of the genre, while still being a part of it. So rather than going the Scary Movie comedy route, it goes meta. The whole time they’re trying to figure out who the killer is, they do so by pointing out the rules of killer movies. Some rules are followed. Others are broken. It all makes sense when you realize that it’s directed by Wes Craven, a Master of Horror with a specialization in slasher. Specifically due to his responsability for the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, one of many touched on here.

We’ve also got a wonderful 90s-tastic cast. Neve Cambell, Matthew Lillard (I miss him being relevant), Courtney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich (where did he disappear to?), Rose McGowan, Jamie Kennedy, Liev Schriber (before he become a legit serious actor) and Drew Barrymore. Killing off Drew so quick was quite the scandal. Maybe not to the same level as Janet Leigh in Psycho, but similar effect. Losing your biggest name so quickly tells you that no one’s safe. Anything goes.

The sequels got progressively less good, but I am partial to Scream 2. Jerry O’Connell might be a big part of why. 3 was just dumb. Some of the groove came back for 4, but the final act felt forced. It also starts to feel contrived that yet another person wants to kill Neve’s Sidney. But at the same time, I suppose you need someone to hold the franchise together. That’s a luxury most of the copycats weren’t afforded.

Oh yay Red Right Hand, the Scream theme song. Totally forgot about that.

The first Scream also gets the pacing perfect. The first hour is all the set up. A few one off murders here and there. The second hour is the big house party. Things are just pretty non-stop once we get there. Sure, there’s some deus ex machina and other coincidences that help speed things along. But we’re covered by the aforementioned parody/commentary, so it make sense that they take shortcuts and get away with it.”

“I hit the end of the DVD section of the wall. Before hitting the BluRays, I decided it was time for me to update my Top 100 list. Ta da!

1 ALADDIN
2 FIGHT CLUB
3 DONNIE DARKO
4 SLC PUNK!
5 ANGUS
6 AMERICAN PSYCHO
7 CLERKS
8 HEATHERS
9 ZOMBIELAND
10 Serenity
11 ALMOST FAMOUS
12 MUPPETS CHRISTMAS CAROL
13 BOONDOCK SAINTS
14 INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE
15 DIE HARD
16 Lord of the Rings
17 REQUIEM FOR A DREAM
18 FORREST GUMP
19 RESERVOIR DOGS
20 MAGNOLIA
21 ELF
22 PRIMAL FEAR
23 Kill Bill
24 THE AVENGERS
25 FRAILTY
26 THE LITTLE MERMAID
27 21 JUMP STREET
28 CHOKE
29 CABIN IN THE WOODS
30 SIN CITY
31 SNATCH
32 FATHER OF THE BRIDE
33 DEATH TO SMOOCHY
34 SAVED!
35 Harry Potter
36 THE DARK KNIGHT
37 PLANET TERROR
38 MEAN GIRLS
39 TOY STORY 3
40 THE MATRIX
41 HOME ALONE
42 FANBOYS
43 CLUELESS
44 PSYCHO
45 PULP FICTION
46 JUNO
47 DROP DEAD GORGEOUS
48 BATTLE ROYALE
49 A CLOCKWORK ORANGE
50 INCEPTION
51 INGLORIOUS BASTERDS
52 REVOLUTIONARY ROAD
53 ROMEO + JULIET
54 THE GREEN MILE
55 LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN
56 D2: THE MIGHTY DUCKS
57 AMERICAN HISTORY X
58 LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
59 DETROIT ROCK CITY
60 EQUILIBRIUM
61 KICK ASS
62 THE WEDDING SINGER
63 MEMENTO
64 (500) DAYS OF SUMMER
65 CABIN FEVER
66 BLACK SWAN
67 STAY
68 TENACIOUS D: THE PICK OF DESTINY
69 KEEPING THE FAITH
70 HOSTEL PART II
71 SCREAM
72 DESPERADO
73 CAN’T HARDLY WAIT
74 CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
75 FAST & FURIOUS
76 LARS AND THE REAL GIRL
77 FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF
78 THE TRANSPORTER
79 THE FACULTY
80 THE DEPARTED
81 The Godfather
82 THE BREAKFAST CLUB
83 OCEAN’S ELEVEN
84 MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
85 CHASING AMY
86 CRUEL INTENTIONS
87 SE7EN
88 T2:JUDGEMENT DAY
89 SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER, & UNCUT
90 THAT THING YOU DO
91 DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
92 MASTERMINDS
93 FUNNY GAMES
94 Lego movie
95 THE USUAL SUSPECTS
96 BUBBLE BOY
97 KUNG FU PANDA
98 40 Year Old Virgin
99 FINAL DESTINATION
100 THE Goonies

Not too many surprises. The way I did it this time is I took my movie list and put it into Excel. Pulled out any obvious “”No’s”” and then ranked the rest. I figured it wasn’t likely there’d be any potential favorites I didn’t own, and this would also ensure I’d seen them all twice as per the rule. I did break the rule for Lego Movie, but I was pretty confident it would make the cut, and I ranked it conservatively.

If you look at the official Top 100 page, there’s links to one blog post per each movie. I do have two that I’ll need to go in and blog, but the rest have already been written up. Either from a previous revision of the list, the first watch in theaters, or part of the DVD catch up. I used to make sure there was a list specific post, but I’d rather try and get new movies than more duplicate entries.

Also on the official page you’ll see comparisons with the previous list. Biggest jump goes to 21 Jump Street, jumping 63 spots to the 20s. It also beats out Drop Dead Gorgeous which holds the honor of highest debut. Biggest drop on the list was The Goonies, falling back 80 spots to just barely hang on in the pity spot (I often skip a couple of movies at the end that may have ranked higher if there’s something I really want to include). However, Newsies completely fell off the list from 31.

And for some extra fun, I ranked my next 100 too. List is less official. For now, it’ll just exist here sans individual posts, but maybe someday I’ll go thru ’em too.

101 THE LION KING
102 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU
103 A VERY HAROLD AND KUMAR CHRISTMAS
104 GOOD BURGER
105 ROCK OF AGES
106 APT PUPIL
107 TOM AND HUCK
108 BLOOD DIAMOND
109 TUCKER & DALE VS EVIL
110 V FOR VENDETTA
111 STAR TREK
112 The Shawshank Redemption
113 AUSTIN POWERS 2: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME
114 EASY A
115 DJANGO UNCHAINED
116 PITCH PERFECT
117 DUMB & DUMBER
118 MYSTERY MEN
119 SHOOT ‘EM UP
120 THE ITALIAN JOB (2003)
121 SHUTTER ISLAND
122 Nightmare Before Christmas
123 MINORITY REPORT
124 NEWSIES
125 END OF WATCH
126 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
127 WANTED
128 FULL METAL JACKET
129 STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA
130 HAIRSPRAY
131 WRECK-It Ralph
132 LOOPER
133 IGOR
134 RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
135 THE BOURNE IDENTITY
136 PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER
137 A SINGLE MAN
138 SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
139 BILL AND TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE
140 PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL
141 AMERICAN BEAUTY
142 SUNSHINE
143 MRS DOUBTFIRE
144 A KNIGHT’S TALE
145 THE CLIENT
146 TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE
147 INDEPENDENCE DAY
148 JOE’S APARTMENT
149 CRANK
150 DISTRICT 9
151 TOP GUN
152 WARRIOR
153 A CHRISTMAS STORY
154 BACK TO THE FUTURE
155 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
156 GHOSTBUSTERS
157 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
158 SKYFALL
159 THE WOLF OF WALL STREET
160 GLADIATOR
161 EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
162 SWEENEY TODD
163 THE BUMBLEBEE FLIES ANYWAY
164 EASTERN PROMISES
165 THE CORE
166 JURASSIC PARK
167 FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL
168 THE HUNGER GAMES
169 AFTERSHOCK
170 THE SIXTH SENSE
171 PHILADELPHIA
172 AMERICAN HUSTLE
173 BURIED
174 I LOVE YOU MAN
175 THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU
176 RED DRAGON
177 ROUNDERS
178 GONE BABY GONE
179 ARGO
180 TED
181 IN & OUT
182 25TH HOUR
183 12 MONKEYS
184 THERE WILL BE BLOOD
185 PITCH BLACK
186 DOGMA
187 THE CROW
188 JUNGLE 2 JUNGLE
189 MEAN CREEK
190 THANK YOU FOR SMOKING
191 THE GOOD SON
192 MACHETE
193 GRAVITY
194 VANILLA SKY
195 BEGINNERS
196 COOL HAND LUKE
197 ATONEMENT
198 THE PRESTIGE
199 FARGO
200 LORD OF WAR”

“We’ve reached the final entry on my top list reboot. Incidentally, that makes this the highest ranking debut. For someoe who loves superheroes, I really don’t have a lot of that genre on my list. With a few exceptions, they tend to be fun but flimsy. Avengers is the movie that the others wish they could be.

I covered things in pretty good detail when I previously wrote this up. I really don’t think there’s anything I can add. The cast is amazing. The dialogue is playful and fun (thank you Joss Whedon). The action sequences are stunning. This is how you do a superhero movie. In other words, can Joss Whedon take over for all of them?

Here’s some bonus fun.“

“I’m not even gonna try and hide the fact that I’m kinda excited for the excuse to watch this. Yes, this is how I am spending my Friday night. Watching Toy Story 3 with my cats. I am not ashamed. The box of tissues is on hand. Yes, this movie makes me cry. Movies never make me cry. A few come close (for entirely different reasons) but Toy Story 3 has succeeded. Still not ashamed. I’m actually in good company. After seeing this movie, Eli Roth tweeted “”I learned @breteastonellis and I were both traumatized by the end of Toy Story 3. American Psycho & Hostel got nothing on Woody & Buzz.”” Yeah the \m/ in the head tough guys behind Hostel and American Psycho were defeated by Toy Story 3.

I would not love this movie nearly as much as I do if it weren’t for the original Toy Story. I grew up with these toys. I didn’t care as much for 2, but that doesn’t make me love these child’s playthings any less. Woody. Buzz. Hamm. Mr Potato Head. Rex. Slinky. They might as well have been my toys instead of Andy’s. I won’t even go into what this film did for computer animation. That’s a whole ‘nother entry on its own.

I didn’t say too much when I wrote up Toy Story 3 on a first view, but I did touch on my history with Toy Story. Watching this movie makes me feel like a little kid again. I know, it doesn’t take much, but it’s usually not as deep as this movie does. The humor is so silly and clever, and the toys are just adorable. Mr Potato head tortilla, paso doble Buzz (or really all of Spanish Buzz), the improv acting with Bonnie, the play sequence at the beginning, the aged Buster, the new voice talent, the old voice talent, metro Ken, Mrs Potato Head ploting, the Cool Hand Luke reference, the dialog, the animation.

I’m gonna break my no spoiler rule and talk about the ending. I feel this is a pretty innocuous spoiler to give, not a big offense. But this would be a good paragraph to skip if you wanna remain unspoilt. Although, if you care enough about this movie to care about spoilers, you really shoulda seen this two years ago. There’s actually two points in the end that get to me. The first is when they’re in the garbage dump, headed to the incinerator. After years of hijinks and getting out of sticky (sometimes literally sticky) situations, they finally reach one they can’t get out of. They look around and realize they’ve reached the end. Resigned to their fate, they just calmly grab each other’s hands and brace themselves for what’s to come. That image just sticks with me. Its so simple and beautiful and sad. It’s on the screen just now and I feel the tears welling up. But thankfully they get out of it just in time (thank you aliens), allowing us to get to the next moment that chokes me up: Andy passing on his toys to Bonnie. I too have such a hard time getting rid of things with sentimental value. When my parents had garage sales, I used to sneak out and rescue things. Just seeing the two of them play with the toys is even more beautiful. It’s a perfect ending. Andy is allowed to grow up, just like those of us who saw the first Toy Story in theaters, and the toys are given a chance to live on so a new generation can enjoy them onscreen and off. Cue tears.”

“Power’s out in half of my town. Thought tonight’s movie would be thwarted, but I seem to have escaped the darkness. Although the clock in the living room was doing that sorta just woke up hungover flashy thing, so I think I may have gotten home just after power was restored to my building.

Cabin in the Woods (woo oooh). Multiple reasons why this makes my list. For one, it’s just a really fun film. But it also gets MAJOR bonus points for the experience I had watching it the first time. I wrote it up back then, but it was amazing. I went to a sneak that brought in cast members Fran Kranz and Kristen Connolly. Plus the place was packed with Browncoats, so even without the stars it still would have been among my top movie going experiences.

If you discount that unfair advantage, this film would still end up here on ExpDelTop100. What I love about this film is the playful mix of horror and humor. Yes, it’s scary (by definition at least; didn’t induce nightmares for me). The kids in the cabin are being chased around the woods by the zombie redneck torture family (Side note: last time I spent a weekend out in middle of nowhere Maine, I was blaming every noise and mishap on the zombie redneck torture family). But mixed in with that, you’ve got Joss Whedon dialogue. You don’t get better than that. EVER. I love how you’ve got a few of his alums in this film: the aforementioned Fran Kranz from Dollhouse, Tom Lenk from Buffy, and Amy Acker from Angel and Dollhouse. And the whole thing is just really clever. I’m prolly still within the spoiler gag order so I can’t explain how or why it’s clever. But if you’ve seen it, you know.

I enjoyed this so much that I voluntarily went for a second viewing a couple weeks after the sneak. I do repeat movies all the time, but it’s usually because somebody else wants to go. It’s rare that I decide to go see a movie again just because I wanna see it again. My to-do list for movie watching is usually too long to accomodate such things. But in this case, I really wanted to go again. I also just really wanted to support the movie since I had seen it for free the first time. Watching it a second time was great because once I knew where things were going, I could keep an eye out for more clues and such along the way.

Also, am I the only one who pauses key scenes at the end trying to get a good mental inventory of everything on screen? Just me? Hmm.”