Movies
This is a collection of movies which I feel have something original, special, and authentic that make them a cut above the usual blockbuster.
Films
01
The Godfather
Even the deleted scenes are better than most anything else that has ever been released.
02
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
The ending dragged, but this movie is the gold standard of "Epic."
03
Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back
Galactic conflict, master/disciple relationship, psychic warfare, facing the challenge of evil winning. One of a kind.
04
The Seven Samurai
Gives a great glimpse into human nature, and the challenges of being an honor-driven person.
05
Raiders of the Lost Ark
The first 10 minutes have more cinematic merit than most series; the rest is a near flawless story.
06
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
Highly underrated and forgotten gem. The best of the "hey dude!" movies. Has purpose, vision, and character(s).
07
The Shawshank Redemption
Not as good as The Godfather, but an epic story in so many ways.
08
Star Wars IV: A New Hope
The only series with two movies on my list. Defined a generation; symbolically relevant to life on so many levels.
09
Blade Runner — Director's Cut
Brings out the humanity of all replicants — including Deckard. Proves science fiction can be great without blast-'em action.
10
Schindler's List
Perhaps Spielberg and Williams' best. Ralph Fiennes and Liam Neeson were both excellent.
11
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Captured the spirit of J.K. Rowling's creation better than any other in the series. Innocent and substantive at the same time.
12
The Avengers
Incredible integration of several different character arcs; the action is also pretty good.
13
Batman Begins
My personal favorite of the Christian Bale trilogy. One of the better reboots made.
14
Closer
A realistic depiction of how fucked up we all are.
15
Rocky
When one person with a vision holds onto his dream.
16
Commando
Personally my favorite Arnold movie. Fun, quirky, and relentless.
17
The Crow
If you ever want to know what the 90s were really like, it's this movie. Also a dharmic storyline.
18
X-Men: First Class
Good writing, character development, nuance, and explores the grey in both good and evil.
19
The Matrix
Seems to have everything: conspiracy theory, dharma, special effects, action, and a good story.
20
City of God
Not all organized activity is the mafia. A good, nonlinear, and realistic storyline of how life carries on.
21
WALL·E
Captures the spirit of humanity and life in a way few movies do. Shows hope in the dystopia.
22
Dogma
My favorite Kevin Smith film. Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, George Carlin, and Alan Rickman on the same team can't go bad.
23
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Incredibly well done, and incredibly sad tragedy. Depicts the challenges of excellence.