So in bloghopping the other day, I noted that Cranky Reader was listing which of the AFI Top 100 Films she’d seen. I decided to do the same. Seen 56 of these. A former film major I work with has seen 95, and my cubicle mate, who lives with a film professor, has seen 99 of them. the only she skipped happens to be one of my favorites, The African Queen. (I htink she’s watching it this weekend). Sailor BOy guessed he’d seen 80 of them, but when we looked at the list it was closer to 60. There are a few more I would have seen by this week, if I weren’t on deadline.
1. CITIZEN KANE (1941) — I fall asleep every time I try to watch this one. I never make it past the death scene. I swear.
2. CASABLANCA (1942) — One of my favorite movies of all time. Top five. Could watch this seventeen times in a row and marvel at its amazingness every single time. Not a misstep, not a bad frame. Everything is perfection.
3. THE GODFATHER (1972)
4. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) — I like this film a lot. I don’t think I worship it as some do, but I’ll watch it if it’s on TV. (Casablanca, I’ll cancel other plans for.)
5. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) I should have seen this this week, because Sailor Boy has it out on Netflix. But instead I’m on deadline.
6. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)
7. THE GRADUATE (1967)
8. ON THE WATERFRONT (1954)
9. SCHINDLER’S LIST (1993) — No, and I refuse to watch it, too.
10. SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952)
11. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
12. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950) — I only saw this recently, despite having owned the Glenn Close soundtrack of the musical version for ten years.
13. THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (1957)
14. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959) — Are men in drag really that funny? I mean, really? I don’t get the massive appeal of this film.
15. STAR WARS (1977) — I really need to see this again. Have been wanting to ever since watching the last.
16. ALL ABOUT EVE (1950)
17. THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951) — Another one of my top five movies of all time. This is my ideal romance: man and woman work together to save world (or part of it) and fall in love and learn about their own strength. Great film.
18. PSYCHO (1960) — Hint: If there’s a Hitchcock on this list, I’ve seen it. Whenever I see it, I’m always curious about what it was like when it first came out, and people didn’t know the ending. Was it its generation’s The Sixth Sense?
19. CHINATOWN (1974) — Another movie I feel I *should* have seen, but haven’t.
20. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST (1975) — Fell asleep in this one, too.
21. THE GRAPES OF WRATH (1940) — I hated the book with the heat of a thousand fiery stars. Why would I ever subject myself to its film version?
22. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968) — Yeah, I saw it. Wish I’d been stoned at the time. The section with the computer is undeniably awesome, but I wonder if I would have liked it so much had I not been practically comatose with boredom for the hours surrounding it?
23. THE MALTESE FALCON (1941) — No, and I really feel as if I should have. Love me some Bogart. (Can’t you tell?)
24. RAGING BULL (1980)
25. E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982) — Confession: I had the biggest crush on Elliot. I still do, actually, in that I think I’d fall madly in love with the man he grew up to be. Elliot, honey, call me!
26. DR. STRANGELOVE (1964) Saw this at the AFI recently. I think it’s my favorite film of Kubrick’s.
27. BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
28. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)
29. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939) — Have it on Netflix Queue.
30. THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948) — Sadly, fell asleep during this one. But that was because it was *really* late.
31. ANNIE HALL (1977) — Another comedy that goes right over my head.
32. THE GODFATHER PART II (1974)
33. HIGH NOON (1952) — I want to see this one.
34. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962) — Cf. situation with Lawrence of Arabia. I think I probably saw this in middle school when we read the book, though, but it’s been an enormous amount of time now.
35. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934)
36. MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969)
37. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946)
38. DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)
39. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (1965)
40. NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)
41. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
42. REAR WINDOW (1954)
43. KING KONG (1933) — And I can’t wait for the Jackson version.
44. THE BIRTH OF A NATION (1915)
45. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951)
46. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)
47. TAXI DRIVER (1976)
48. JAWS (1975) — And it scared me to death. Love the scar scene though. Best scene ever.
49. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)
50. BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969) — Why haven’t I seen this? I love The Sting. I love The Princess Bride. Off to put this on Netflix Queue.
51. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940) — Love it. Adore it. Worship it. Three of my favorite actors in one movie. A little Bogart and I’d be in heaven.
52. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953) — On Netflix Queue
53. AMADEUS (1984) — No, but I have no idea why. Perhaps Sailor Boy can enlighten me?
54. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)
55. THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)
56. M*A*S*H (1970) — Is it sacrilege to say I like the show more?
57. THE THIRD MAN (1949)
58. FANTASIA (1940)
59. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955)
60. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) — Love love LOVE this movie. Harrison Ford is perfect and Karen Allen rocks my world. Everything that a movie should be.
61. VERTIGO (1958) Jimmy can be so dark when he wants to be. Second favorite hithcock film, after Notorious.
62. TOOTSIE (1982) — Cf. Some Like It Hot, although moreso. I think I like SLIH more, in that though not uproariously funny, it was entertaining and had a good script. This movie is boring.
63. STAGECOACH (1939)
64. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)
65. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991) — I don’t like to watch horror, so I’ll probably never see this, though I hear it’s incredible.
66. NETWORK (1976)
67. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (1962)
68. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951) — Eh. Boooooring.
69. SHANE (1953) — I read the book. This is one Sailor Boy got on Netflix and I never watched.
70. THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)
71. FORREST GUMP (1994) — Is there anyone who hasn’t? I remember thinking it was good when I was a kid and it came out, but I tried watching it a few years ago and felt SO manipulated by it. Also, the book? Nothing like it at all.
72. BEN-HUR (1959)
73. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939)
74. THE GOLD RUSH (1925)
75. DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990) — Isn’t this like, five hours long?
76. CITY LIGHTS (1931)
77. AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973) Another one I just saw at the AFI. (I love living a block away from that place.) Great film. Lucas was quite the talent, once upon a titme.
78. ROCKY (1976) — I heard Stallone wrote this script in like, three days. It’s a great movie. I didn’t think I’d say that about a sports film, but I loved it.
79. THE DEER HUNTER (1978)
80. THE WILD BUNCH (1969)
81. MODERN TIMES (1936)
82. GIANT (1956)
83. PLATOON (1986)
84. FARGO (1996)
85. DUCK SOUP (1933)
86. MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935)
87. FRANKENSTEIN (1931)
88. EASY RIDER (1969) — Another great film I didn’t realize I’d like as much as I did.
89. PATTON (1970) — NO but it’s on so much at my house I’m surprised I haven’t absorbed it by osmosis. Not a big military film person, but my parents are obsessed with them.
90. THE JAZZ SINGER (1927)
91. MY FAIR LADY (1964) — Gotta say, I prefer The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.
92. A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951)
93. THE APARTMENT (1960) Really? Some undeserved Jack Lemmon awards going on here. This film is okay, but top 100? Who are they kidding!
94. GOODFELLAS (1990)
95. PULP FICTION (1994) This film is a masterpiece. Quentin Tarantino totally deserves his career. Single-handedly brought Travolta back from the dead (though the jury’s still out about whether or not that’s a good thing) and is just hte coolest, slickest little slice of cinema ever.
96. THE SEARCHERS (1956)
97. BRINGING UP BABY (1938)
98. UNFORGIVEN (1992) I don’t watch a lot of westerns, but this one really stuck with me.
99. GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
100. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942) I adore this film. Noir gangster Cagney sings! And tap dances! Who knew?
August 20th, 2005 at 5:26 pm
Book world still looking for major literary fiction of 2005
As the fall season approaches, the book world is still searching for this year’s great American novel.
Debt Consolidation Loans
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August 20th, 2005 at 5:47 pm
I am secure enough in my masculenity to admit I love CASABLANCA as well. LOL.
What would be your top 10?
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August 20th, 2005 at 6:33 pm
Geez, apparently I AM just as movie-deprived as my husband claims I am! I’ve only seen 18 of those! Sheesh.
Shannon
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August 20th, 2005 at 6:43 pm
hey, don… almost lost you in amongst all the spam.
My top ten from this list, or my top ten in general? I usually try to avoid actually MAKING the list, because I think it changes so much depending on my mood. There are certain movies I like best when I’m in the mood for a romance, for a musical, for an action flick, etc. And then I know I’m going to forget something and just shoot myself.
Hmm, in no particular order:
1. Casablanca
2. The African Queen
3. Notorious
4. The Empire Strikes Back
5. The Terminator
6. The Matrix
And here I give up, not because these others aren’t on the list, or are, or I like more or less than the ones already up there, but because I have to narrow them down, and I’m just not capable of that.
I love: Swingers, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty (I love animation), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Holiday Inn, Working Girl, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, LA Confidential, Toy Story, Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill vol. 2, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, Rocky, The Abyss, Harvey, Vertigo, Lord of the Rings (all three, baby!).. and… yeah. It goes on like that. See? Can’t choose.
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August 20th, 2005 at 8:01 pm
You must see Amadeus. And the Mash the series was far better than the movie. Don’t bother with Shane.
Teri
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August 20th, 2005 at 8:05 pm
I can’t believe you haven’t seen Good Fellas or Dancing With Wolves. I mean…either of them? You must see them. And yes, Dancing With Wolves is a loooong movie, but it’s so emotional. It’s the best work Costner’s ever done. The hero’s journey in that story is…amazing. Very moving story. Must watch.
And I agree, Amadeus is a masterpiece.
Marley = )
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August 20th, 2005 at 8:38 pm
You must (absolutely MUST) see Dr. Zhivago. It’s an amazing film. Omar was a hunk back then. Julie, beautiful as always. And the story? Epic. The direction? Incredible; even the ice and snow of the Russian winter was a character.
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August 20th, 2005 at 9:55 pm
You’ve missed lots of great movies, Diana — finish that book and start viewing! I was surprised to note that I’ve actually seen all 100 of them (of course I did have a friend who was a firm professor many years ago), plus I’m old enuf to have seen plenty of them when they actually were released, LOL. There isn’t a single film on there, IMO, that’s not worth seeing!
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August 20th, 2005 at 10:27 pm
I must admit, I’ve tried seeing Dr. Zhivago, but fell asleep. In fact, there are several on the list like that. Sierra Madre and Citizen Kane spring to mind. I’ve read the book Shane. I liked MASH — just liked hte show more. Most of these are on my netflix queue to see. I feel like the ones I refuse to see might be good to HAVE seen, I just don’t want to put myself through it. I read Maus. Do I really have an obligation to Schindler’s List as well? Patton is one of hte house movies. My mother has seen it a billion times. I probably should have soaked it up through osmosis by now, but I’m allergic to war films. Though someone described BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES to me and I think I remember seeing it.
I don’t feel bad about not having seen all of them. I’m still pretty young.
Even Sailor Boy, it turns out, hasn’t seen that many more than I have (And at least five of them he’s only seen because I made him sit through them: Casablanca. African Queen, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Gone with the Wind, and All About Eve. Howeve,r I must say I like Now Voyage better than All About Eve.
SB made us go to the IMDB top 100 list, too. He’s seen 92 of those. I’ve seen 76. A lot of anime. And very skewed towards recent pics. But he feels vindicated b/c Shawshank redemption is number 2 on that list, which is part of his top ten.
So, who here thinks we should make SB guest blog? I vote yes, but I think he’s going to need a little encouragement.
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August 21st, 2005 at 9:50 am
>>So, who here thinks we should make SB guest blog? I vote yes, but I think he’s going to need a little encouragement.< <
You sure we wouldn’t skeeeer him? *EG*
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August 21st, 2005 at 11:10 am
I have to agree with Marley about watching Dances With Wolves, Diana! It’s incredible and one of the most moving movies I’ve EVER seen. My hubby and I have watched it like a million times…of course, we have only watched the TV version, which is exceptionally shorter than the DVD (which we have but haven’t watched yet). If you want to give it a try, watch the TV version when it comes on. Just as moving and wonderful!
Shannon
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August 21st, 2005 at 11:47 am
Wow, I’ve seen all but Birth of a Nation. Although now that I live in the boonies, I don’t get to see nearly as many films. I used to see everything, including foreign films. ::sigh::
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August 21st, 2005 at 10:13 pm
How funny! I’ve seen 25 of the AFI 100 and 25 of the IMdB 100. The ones I’ve missed, I have no desire to see. Mostly.
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August 22nd, 2005 at 3:55 pm
You really should see It Happened One Night. Classic romantic comedy that fits all my criteria.
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August 23rd, 2005 at 7:53 am
Amadeus is one of my favorite films ever. Tom Hulce was amazing. F. Murray Abraham? Gothic. I can still remember certain scenes with such vividness. A must see!
BTW, I fell asleep trying to watch Citizen Kane, too. Of course, I was in college at the time. Haven’t tried again.
I’m shocked that I’ve actually seen 50 of these movies…probably because most of them are old. Since the child was born, my movie watching habits are pathetic.
I can’t believe you haven’t seen Bridge on the River Kwai with your parent’s military film enthusiasm. It’s great…of course now, I’m going to be whistling all day.
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August 23rd, 2005 at 9:44 am
this was a hoot! Silence of the Lambs IMO ranks right up there with Psycho. I hate gore and blood and guts (so why did I have children?) but I think with SOTL it’s the psychological aspect and the suspense that make it work so well.
ET *sigh* the only movie I’ve ever seen with my dad. Funny until just now I’d forgotten that.
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August 23rd, 2005 at 12:08 pm
Oh, Julie, it’s BECAUSE of their military film enthusiasm that I haven’t seen these flicks. I leave the room the second I see a set of fatigues on the screen.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Cece — everyone seemed ot pick up on it after Shannon gave it a whirl. THIS! Christine even did the BFI version.
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August 8th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Honestly, I’am speechless. The Shawshank Redemption is extraordinary. I’am not too old film fanatic, as a matter of fact, this film came out the same yearI was very young, and therefore I am to a greater extent accustomed movies with unbelievable special effects, edge-of-your-seat action, et cetera. This film has no of that, and nonetheless, it appeals so closely to me . Way Frank Darabont uses the narration of Red to drive on the story, the excellent the film music used (note the harmonica used merely earlier Red getting the letter close to the end). The entire film, from starting to finish, from actions to sound, is a lighthouse of desire, assessment, and redemption. The cast is mastered, Morgan Freeman(Red) really brings about a fresh feel to the film, and that is precisely what the movie is, what a film should be. Really recommended for every movie fan.
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