Story telling has shaped the world over centuries. Stories have been used as form of education, entertainment, passing on of moral values and cultural preservation. Movies have been communicating stories since the 1890s, now nearly 125 years ago, but storytelling has been around since the beginning of time.
Over the years of my life many films have been released but only a few have really stuck around in my head as having any worth.
The following is a list of my 10 favorite movies of all time listed by their release date:
The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride (PG) was released on October 9, 1987. It is one of my favorite movies because of its comical appeal. Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin and Robin Wright are three of the actors and actresses who acted in the film. The film is 98 minutes long and covers the life of a “zoro” like figure who falls in love with a Princess.
The Count of Monte Cristo
Jim Caviezel has played several rolls on film and television series, but his role as Edmond in The Count of Monte Cristo (PG-13) is my favorite. The Count of Monte Cristo follows the life of Edmond Dantes as he is betrayed and placed in prison. He then escapes prison to exact revenge on those who put him behind bars, using a secret weapon. On January 25, 2002 this 131 minute movie hit a theater near you.
Napoleon Dynamite
I have formed a “love hate” relationship with the 2004 August 27th release of Napoleon Dynamite. Originally, this PG movie blew me out of the water for its comedic appeal and has become one of my most quoted movies to date. Jon Heder’s performance as Napoleon was good. I was first introduced to this movie as a 14-year-old, but now as an adult the movie is pretty crazy but still goes down as one of my favorites since I still quote it today.
The Prestige
With October 20, 2006 came the release of the magical movie The Prestige (PG-13). The movie is mysterious and will allude you toward thinking one thing, or looking one way, while an illusion is taking place. The performances of Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johansson are all magical. Be sure to watch this 130 minute movie in full.
Oceans Thirteen
Ocean’s Eleven and Twelve were very well made but in particular Ocean’s Thirteen (PG-13) goes down as my favorite of the trilogy. George Clooney, Brad Pit, and Matt Damon are three of the biggest names in the film who star in the movie. It has a run time of 122 minutes, but every second is worth watching in great detail for comedic, action, and romantic relief. Ocean’s Thirteen was released June 8, 2007.
Get Smart
Based on the 1960s American comedy television series which satirizes the secret agent genre, Get Smart (PG-13) the movie makes leaps and bounds in that direction as well. It is filled with comedy through and through, most of which is pretty clean. Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway teamed up in this film to make light the spy realm on June 20, 2008.
To Save A Life
To Save a Life (PG-13) had a limited release in theaters on January 22, 2010. This small independent film is the only Christian film I am listing on this article. It follows the life of a high school student who experiences many trials before and after choosing to accept Jesus as the Savior of his life. The film stars Randy Wayne, Deja Kreutzberg, and Joshua Weigel. I highly recommend setting aside a youth night or church event for this 120 minute film. Your faith will be encouraged. Choose to save a life.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the Worlds
Maybe I’m a bit biased because I’ve been told I look like Michael Cera, but his roll as Scott Pilgrim in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (PG-13) is grand. On August 13, 2010 the movie had a wide release. The movie is based on the graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O’Malley. It follows a Toronto musician who falls in love with a girl. Scott then has to “fight” off her “seven evil exes”. The movie includes an appearance from pre-Captain America, Chris Evans, along with several other talents from popular television series and movies. Overall, I enjoy ever minute of this 120 minute film.
The Avengers
Marvel has created comic book heroes and is now making them legends, through film. The Avengers (PG-13) made history on May 4, 2012 as one of the best superhero movies of all time! The movie follows Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Steve Rogers/Captain (Chris Evans) America, Bruce Banner/The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johanson) and Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremey Renner) as The Avengers. Tom Hiddleston, Loki, made his evil appearance memorable. This is a classic good vs. evil superhero showdown easily worth the 143 minutes it takes to watch–multiple times. It has been made very accessible for viewing on Netflix or Amazon Instant Video with subscriptions to their services.
The Dark Knight
Batman has been botched, bruised and blamed, but with Christian Bale’s performance as “The Dark Knight” (Batman) it has been made brilliant. The newest Batman series began in 2005 and ended on July 20, 2012 with The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13). The Dark Knight Rises follows the turmoil Gotham is in due to Batman’s absence. Bruce Wayne, Batman’s hidden identity, is conflicted about the need for a hero in the city. Tom Hardy’s performance as Bane is gripping and Joseph Gordan-Levitt’s character provides hope. Watch this 165 minute film, you won’t regret it.
Final Thoughts
As you can tell after reading this article I am mainly compelled to enjoy action movies filled with comedic moments. Hopefully this list will adjust with great movies to be released in the future. I do hope you will enjoy watching some of my favorite movies, but I’d like to know what yours are. Comment below to let me know.
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