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This is the thread to share your passion for the movies that have inspired and influenced you. Just know that you don't have to specifically make a top 10.
Here are my choices
10. Naked Gun trilogy
These are some of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Airplane! is as good, if not better than these, but I enjoy the story and charm of Naked Gun more. These movies are just filled to the brim with visual and audible humor in every scene. The running gags are amazing. Frank bumping his car into something in every scene where he drives somewheres new and the gags in all 3 of the opening credits are wonderful. There are just a bunch of hilarious moments I can name, like when Frank bumps into a guy on a wheelchair which sends him spinning all over the place and eventually out the window where his silhouette mirrors that of E.T's. Or the moments where he is mispronouncing something or doing something completely wrong, making him look like a fool. Like the one time where he brought his mic into the bathroom with him and the whole audience can hear him struggling to take a ****. Or the time where he gets into a gunfight with someone 5 feet away, and he ends up knocking the guy out by throwing his gun at him.
Overall, these are some of the greatest comedies of all time. If you want a good laugh, I highly recommend these.
9. Jaws
There's not much new I can bring to the discussion. This is just a solid film with likeable characters, great writing, and some of the most iconic music of all time. For me, I can rewatch this film many times and not get bored. It just has that summer charm to it that makes it fun and relaxing to get into. It feels so real and authentic, partially due to the fact that you don't see the shark up close a lot to notice that its an animatronic.
8. Halloween
This is a film that actually benefits from its low budget feel. Like with Jaws, it's set in reality, in the quiet neighborhood of Haddonfield, which is actually directly inspired by the real life town Haddonfield in New Jersey. It's a slow burner of a film, but that only serves to get you immersed into this innocent town that is suddenly taken over by evil. The tension builds up, and the shots where The Shape watches Laurie from afar are genuinely creepy. Combine that with one of the best horror themes of all time, and some brilliant performances from Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasance and you have a recipe for a brilliant film that is rewatchable and helped to jumpstart the slasher genre.
7. King Kong (2005)
As much as I appreciate and enjoy the original, the 2005 remake is my prefered version. Not only is it the version that I watched first as a little kid, but it expands upon the formula from the original and makes it more cinematic. People often complain about the runtime, but honestly I barely notice it. Despite the fact that the crew doesn't even get on the island until the 1 hour point, I think the pacing is great and the film is entertaining throughout. From the creepy buildup to Skull Island's reveal to the action sequences and small character moments (Especially in the extended version), this remake gives more depth to scenes that the original couldn't deliver either due to the runtime or the limitations of its time. It has a reason to exist and I think it's an amazing experience.
6. Friday The 13th Part 4
My favorite horror franchise. Depending on my mood this spot could be swapped for parts 1,2 or 6. But I choose part 4 because not only is it one of the more fun films in the series, it also has some actual likeable characters which helps out a lot. As for Friday in general, I think it's just a really entertaining series and is very rewatchable for me. You have characters doing stupid ****, some creepy moments here and there, you have Jason who is a classic horror icon, and some of the most memorable kills in the genre. If I wanted to, I could just give this spot to the whole series because even the worst ones are fun in their own ways. From Jason Takes Manhattan which has silly moments littered throughout, to Jason X which is just Jason in space; it's quite creative with some of the scenarios and kills. I just can't get enough of this franchise and there are other highlights like Kane Hodder's Jason which is just ruthless.
5. Hacksaw Ridge
One time when I was over a friend of the family's house, he talked to me about a film where a guy goes into a battlefield without any weapons to help save his comrades. I was intrigued and decided to watch the film with him. I was absolutely blown away. I don't watch war movies that often (no particular reason), but this movie is just exceptional. First, you got Andrew Garfield who is a great actor, I also enjoyed his acting in the Amazing Spider-Man films. You really get to know Desmond and he has a believable motive for not wanting to carry a gun. Second, this film has some intense and engrossing action scenes. But what makes Hacksaw Ridge stand out is when the dust settles and Desmond explores the warzone looking for survivors. He drags each one over a long stretch of land and then carries them down a hill on a rope. This whole montage is so powerful because of the music, the shots of his hands trembling and bleeding, the reactions of the soldiers being saved, and Andrew Garfield's performance.
"Please lord, just one more."
This is one of the handful of films that managed to make me cry, and the great thing is that the film was inspired by a real Desmond who actually rescued dozens of soldiers from a battlefield during a war. Hacksaw Ridge is just emotionally gripping, please give it a watch.
4. Raiders of the Lost Ark
I'm gonna say it here: This is one of those films that is as close to perfect as you can get. Everything just works so seamlessly. The acting, action cinematography, pacing, humor, dialogue, character interactions, story, music, everything is top notch. Some people bring up how even if Indiana Jones wasn't in the movie, the plot would have ended the same way. They do have a point, but does it really matter? The film itself is fantastic either way. For me, this film just has a charm that no other movie has. The closest would be the third film, The Last Crusade, but even then there is something about Raiders that I enjoy more. I can't quite put my finger on it, there is something about it that makes it so entertaining and rewatchable.
3. Star Wars original trilogy
If I had to pick one, I would probably go with Return of the Jedi because the last confrontation between Luke and Darth Vader is so powerful. But these movies work so well because of the fact that they are a trilogy. Cinemassacre did a video once explaining why this trilogy resonates with so many people and why it's the pop culture juggernaut it is. Basically, it combines aspects from all kinds of cultures and movies to make something that is familiar, yet new at the same time. For me personally, a large part of why I love this trilogy is due to nostalgia. Like many others I watched these films as a kid and it captured my imagination, plus Lego Star Wars was my first video game ever. But even as I watch and analyze these films as an adult, I do find new things to appreciate about them. And as a whole, they are simply fun, thoughtful and even wholesome.
2. The Mist
While Friday The 13th is my favorite horror series, The Mist is my top favorite horror film (Or second favorite, depending on how you view the next film). I watched this film as a kid, and it left quite the impression on me. Not just because of the ending which is brilliant, but also because it captured my imagination so much. You have these people stuck in a store, surrounded by a thick mist that contains deadly monsters. The film oozes with tension and suspense. You never know when someone will snap, or when a monster will come and tear down the building. The human drama is done wonderfully as two factions start to form. And another thing is for half of the monsters, you only see their silhouettes or part of their body. It builds intrigue, makes you want to learn more about them and encourages you to ponder about the planet where they came from. The Mist is a masterfully crafted film, and it saddens me that the TV show went in a completely different direction as it could have built up on the lore that the novel and film created.
1. Godzilla (1954)
I'm a sucker for kaiju films, and Godzilla is a big reason why. When I first saw Cinemassacre's Godzillathon at the age of 10, I wanted to watch all the films and so I did. It's now my favorite films series of all time. Pretty much all of the movies have something charming about them, and a lot of them are just plain fun. The first film is a landmark title for the kaiju genre and forever changed cinema. Created by people who witnessed the horrors of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki firsthand, Godzilla is a metaphor for the atomic bomb as well as the fears and damage that it causes. This first film is dark and serious, with a focus on the damage that Godzilla leaves in his path, which is eerily similar to a nuclear bomb with radiation fallout, fire, and a whole city left crumbled and ruined. The characters are very good. The film does a great job of making you care about them and there is a lot of emotional weight throughout the runtime. Combine all of that with special effects that were impressive for their time and an effective soundtrack, and you have a masterpiece of a movie.
In terms of Godzilla himself, I've questioned what makes me and others drawn to him. It could be either his design, the cool radiation beam, how the character has evolved over the years, and/or the variety that his films offer when it comes to different tastes. Some films are straight up cheesy fun, some tell a really good story, some offer unique scenarios like Invasion of Astro Monster which has giant monsters fighting in space, and then there is Godzilla Final Wars which is just straight up Godzilla meets The Matrix. Either way, Godzilla has inspired me and to this day I'm still a massive fan with me owning all the films on physical media, as well as owning video games, posters, comics, figures, and all kinds of merchandise. I do think he is one of the reasons why I'm so passionate about movies in general, the charm and creativity has rubbed off on me and I'm constantly looking for more kaiju goodness.
Here are my choices
10. Naked Gun trilogy
These are some of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Airplane! is as good, if not better than these, but I enjoy the story and charm of Naked Gun more. These movies are just filled to the brim with visual and audible humor in every scene. The running gags are amazing. Frank bumping his car into something in every scene where he drives somewheres new and the gags in all 3 of the opening credits are wonderful. There are just a bunch of hilarious moments I can name, like when Frank bumps into a guy on a wheelchair which sends him spinning all over the place and eventually out the window where his silhouette mirrors that of E.T's. Or the moments where he is mispronouncing something or doing something completely wrong, making him look like a fool. Like the one time where he brought his mic into the bathroom with him and the whole audience can hear him struggling to take a ****. Or the time where he gets into a gunfight with someone 5 feet away, and he ends up knocking the guy out by throwing his gun at him.
Overall, these are some of the greatest comedies of all time. If you want a good laugh, I highly recommend these.
9. Jaws
There's not much new I can bring to the discussion. This is just a solid film with likeable characters, great writing, and some of the most iconic music of all time. For me, I can rewatch this film many times and not get bored. It just has that summer charm to it that makes it fun and relaxing to get into. It feels so real and authentic, partially due to the fact that you don't see the shark up close a lot to notice that its an animatronic.
8. Halloween
This is a film that actually benefits from its low budget feel. Like with Jaws, it's set in reality, in the quiet neighborhood of Haddonfield, which is actually directly inspired by the real life town Haddonfield in New Jersey. It's a slow burner of a film, but that only serves to get you immersed into this innocent town that is suddenly taken over by evil. The tension builds up, and the shots where The Shape watches Laurie from afar are genuinely creepy. Combine that with one of the best horror themes of all time, and some brilliant performances from Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasance and you have a recipe for a brilliant film that is rewatchable and helped to jumpstart the slasher genre.
7. King Kong (2005)
As much as I appreciate and enjoy the original, the 2005 remake is my prefered version. Not only is it the version that I watched first as a little kid, but it expands upon the formula from the original and makes it more cinematic. People often complain about the runtime, but honestly I barely notice it. Despite the fact that the crew doesn't even get on the island until the 1 hour point, I think the pacing is great and the film is entertaining throughout. From the creepy buildup to Skull Island's reveal to the action sequences and small character moments (Especially in the extended version), this remake gives more depth to scenes that the original couldn't deliver either due to the runtime or the limitations of its time. It has a reason to exist and I think it's an amazing experience.
6. Friday The 13th Part 4
My favorite horror franchise. Depending on my mood this spot could be swapped for parts 1,2 or 6. But I choose part 4 because not only is it one of the more fun films in the series, it also has some actual likeable characters which helps out a lot. As for Friday in general, I think it's just a really entertaining series and is very rewatchable for me. You have characters doing stupid ****, some creepy moments here and there, you have Jason who is a classic horror icon, and some of the most memorable kills in the genre. If I wanted to, I could just give this spot to the whole series because even the worst ones are fun in their own ways. From Jason Takes Manhattan which has silly moments littered throughout, to Jason X which is just Jason in space; it's quite creative with some of the scenarios and kills. I just can't get enough of this franchise and there are other highlights like Kane Hodder's Jason which is just ruthless.
5. Hacksaw Ridge
One time when I was over a friend of the family's house, he talked to me about a film where a guy goes into a battlefield without any weapons to help save his comrades. I was intrigued and decided to watch the film with him. I was absolutely blown away. I don't watch war movies that often (no particular reason), but this movie is just exceptional. First, you got Andrew Garfield who is a great actor, I also enjoyed his acting in the Amazing Spider-Man films. You really get to know Desmond and he has a believable motive for not wanting to carry a gun. Second, this film has some intense and engrossing action scenes. But what makes Hacksaw Ridge stand out is when the dust settles and Desmond explores the warzone looking for survivors. He drags each one over a long stretch of land and then carries them down a hill on a rope. This whole montage is so powerful because of the music, the shots of his hands trembling and bleeding, the reactions of the soldiers being saved, and Andrew Garfield's performance.
"Please lord, just one more."
This is one of the handful of films that managed to make me cry, and the great thing is that the film was inspired by a real Desmond who actually rescued dozens of soldiers from a battlefield during a war. Hacksaw Ridge is just emotionally gripping, please give it a watch.
4. Raiders of the Lost Ark
I'm gonna say it here: This is one of those films that is as close to perfect as you can get. Everything just works so seamlessly. The acting, action cinematography, pacing, humor, dialogue, character interactions, story, music, everything is top notch. Some people bring up how even if Indiana Jones wasn't in the movie, the plot would have ended the same way. They do have a point, but does it really matter? The film itself is fantastic either way. For me, this film just has a charm that no other movie has. The closest would be the third film, The Last Crusade, but even then there is something about Raiders that I enjoy more. I can't quite put my finger on it, there is something about it that makes it so entertaining and rewatchable.
3. Star Wars original trilogy
If I had to pick one, I would probably go with Return of the Jedi because the last confrontation between Luke and Darth Vader is so powerful. But these movies work so well because of the fact that they are a trilogy. Cinemassacre did a video once explaining why this trilogy resonates with so many people and why it's the pop culture juggernaut it is. Basically, it combines aspects from all kinds of cultures and movies to make something that is familiar, yet new at the same time. For me personally, a large part of why I love this trilogy is due to nostalgia. Like many others I watched these films as a kid and it captured my imagination, plus Lego Star Wars was my first video game ever. But even as I watch and analyze these films as an adult, I do find new things to appreciate about them. And as a whole, they are simply fun, thoughtful and even wholesome.
2. The Mist
While Friday The 13th is my favorite horror series, The Mist is my top favorite horror film (Or second favorite, depending on how you view the next film). I watched this film as a kid, and it left quite the impression on me. Not just because of the ending which is brilliant, but also because it captured my imagination so much. You have these people stuck in a store, surrounded by a thick mist that contains deadly monsters. The film oozes with tension and suspense. You never know when someone will snap, or when a monster will come and tear down the building. The human drama is done wonderfully as two factions start to form. And another thing is for half of the monsters, you only see their silhouettes or part of their body. It builds intrigue, makes you want to learn more about them and encourages you to ponder about the planet where they came from. The Mist is a masterfully crafted film, and it saddens me that the TV show went in a completely different direction as it could have built up on the lore that the novel and film created.
1. Godzilla (1954)
I'm a sucker for kaiju films, and Godzilla is a big reason why. When I first saw Cinemassacre's Godzillathon at the age of 10, I wanted to watch all the films and so I did. It's now my favorite films series of all time. Pretty much all of the movies have something charming about them, and a lot of them are just plain fun. The first film is a landmark title for the kaiju genre and forever changed cinema. Created by people who witnessed the horrors of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki firsthand, Godzilla is a metaphor for the atomic bomb as well as the fears and damage that it causes. This first film is dark and serious, with a focus on the damage that Godzilla leaves in his path, which is eerily similar to a nuclear bomb with radiation fallout, fire, and a whole city left crumbled and ruined. The characters are very good. The film does a great job of making you care about them and there is a lot of emotional weight throughout the runtime. Combine all of that with special effects that were impressive for their time and an effective soundtrack, and you have a masterpiece of a movie.
In terms of Godzilla himself, I've questioned what makes me and others drawn to him. It could be either his design, the cool radiation beam, how the character has evolved over the years, and/or the variety that his films offer when it comes to different tastes. Some films are straight up cheesy fun, some tell a really good story, some offer unique scenarios like Invasion of Astro Monster which has giant monsters fighting in space, and then there is Godzilla Final Wars which is just straight up Godzilla meets The Matrix. Either way, Godzilla has inspired me and to this day I'm still a massive fan with me owning all the films on physical media, as well as owning video games, posters, comics, figures, and all kinds of merchandise. I do think he is one of the reasons why I'm so passionate about movies in general, the charm and creativity has rubbed off on me and I'm constantly looking for more kaiju goodness.
