Inspired by the fine folks @bobfreelander and @BTSjunkie (and others), I’ve put together my Top 100. This list will exhibit my extreme bias towards recent films, which is a problem I would love to remedy. Therefore, if you have an (older) “classic” in mind that possibly influenced or is somehow related to my choices, please leave a comment with your recommendation. Thank you!
100. ARMY OF DARKNESS
I discovered the Evil Dead series through a chance rental of EVIL DEAD 2 for a sleepover at a friend’s house circa 1993. This was before the internet and the only way for a 13-year-old-kid in a boring town to find”cult” favorites was by luck. We rented a lot of garbage over the years, but when we finally came upon Sam Raimi it was, obviously, a revelation. ARMY remains my favorite because it makes me smile more than the others, and Bruce Campbell gives one of the most likable performances I’ve seen.
99. THE ABYSS
Cameron’s most “serious” film also contains the best acting performances he has directed. The special effects are still impressive, but Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio give it an emotional weight Cameron has yet to reproduce.
98. RETURN OF THE JEDI
Yes, it is the lesser of the original three. That’s kind of like saying it’s the worst Ferrari.
97. COCAINE COWBOYS
Although I almost always enjoy well-made documentaries on the first go-around, it is rare I care to experience repeat viewings. COCAINE is one of those few (with only one other on this list) because it is ridiculously entertaining. Every person interviewed here is a master storyteller.
96. THE NEVERENDING STORY
As a kid this captured my imagination like nothing other than STAR WARS. An amazing English-language debut by Petersen.
95. THE LOST BOYS
A horror movie with likable teens that doesn’t take a shit on your intellect? These don’t get made anymore.
94. TIGERLAND
I’ve inadvertently included consecutive Joel Schumacher films, and these two are definitely his best. TIGERLAND is carried by Colin Farrell though, who consistently entertains me and continues to make interesting choices as an actor.
93. ROCKY
There is nothing I can say here that hasn’t already been said. The first ROCKY is great story populated with wonderful characters.
92. THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (2002)
Where did this come from? Kevin Reynolds shows what he can do without Costner’s interference by directing one of the most entertaining historical action-adventure films I’ve seen. Quick story: The weekend this was released I received a notice of eviction from my apartment complex. To take my mind off of being temporarily homeless I did the obvious thing and went to the movies. For 131 minutes Dantes and Mondego didn’t allow me to think about my troubles once.
91. FARGO
Remember the days when the Coen brothers cared more about entertaining their audience than making fun of them? This script plus William H. Macy and Frances McDormand was a recipe for magic and the Coens smartly played it as straightforwardly as anything they’ve done.
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I’m surprised THE ABYSS is so low on your list. It probably wouldn’t be on mine at all, but the way you have talked about it before seems like it would be higher.
I don’t remember talking about it with you recently. Though I must admit, when it gets released on blu-ray its ranking could be bumped up a couple notches.
[...] TOP 100 (20-11) (continued; see 91-100, 81-90, 71-80, 61-70, 51-60, 41-50, 31-40, [...]