So here we are now, the grand conclusion of the 50 Movies Project. These are what I deemed to be the 25 best films from the project, and it became increasingly difficult to rank these in order. Most of these could be switched in-and-out at a moment’s notice, and all are certainly worth seeing.
I am looking forward to hearing your feedback on this list. What are your favorites? What would you rank differently?
25) Mulholland Drive [2001]
Perhaps the biggest mind-bender on my list, this is a movie I will not soon be forgetting.
24) Hotel Rwanda [2004]
An unbelievably depressing drama about the very real Rwandan Genocide from 1994.
23) Mr. Smith Goes to Washington [1939]
An entertaining political film that is still relevant today, some 70+ years later.
22) Once Upon a Time in the West [1968]
An epic in every sense of the word, also has Henry Fonda cast against type as a villain.
21) Cool Hand Luke [1967]
Proof that you don’t need guns and explosions to be a badass.
20) The Seventh Seal [1957]
Probably the most philosophical film in the project, and one that digs deep into the touchy subject of religion.
19) The 400 Blows [1959]
A remarkable coming-of-age drama with one of the most memorable closing shots I have ever seen.
18) The Maltese Falcon [1941]
The grand-daddy of Film Noir remains one of the best.
17) Casablanca [1942]
Eminently quotable, and one of the greatest love stories of all time.
16) The Graduate [1967]
This should be mandatory viewing for every recent college graduate.
15) Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb [1964]
Hilarious dark comedy that ranks as one of Kubrick’s best.
14) The Prestige [2006]
Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman in prime form as dueling magicians, with a plot twist I did not see coming.
13) The Godfather: Part II [1974]
I still prefer the original, but this was exceptionally well made with quite possibly Al Pacino’s greatest performance.
12) Vertigo [1958]
A twisted love story that only Hitchcock could create.
11) Schindler’s List [1993]
Incredibly moving film, but one that is so disturbing that I don’t think I could watch it again.
10) Back to the Future [1985]
I was pleasantly surprised at how well this holds up today; is it even possible to dislike this movie?
9) Unforgiven [1992]
Terrific western with a slow burn that culminates into an explosive conclusion.
8) Double Indemnity [1944]
Quintessential Film Noir with a legendary femme fatale (Barbara Stanwyck).
7) Psycho [1960]
One of the greatest thrillers of all time, and one that still maintains suspense even if the twist is known.
6) It’s a Wonderful Life [1946]
The ultimate holiday movie.
5) The Night of the Hunter [1955]
A multi-genre classic that feels way ahead of its time.
4) City Lights [1931]
Fantastic hybrid of comedy, drama and romance; it’s impossible to pick a favorite scene.
3) Grave of the Fireflies [1988]
Easily the greatest animated feature I have ever seen, and one of the most powerful war films as well.
2) Sunset Boulevard [1950]
A biting satire with slices of dark humor, and one of the greatest characters in cinematic history: Norma Desmond.
1) L.A. Confidential [1997]
This took everything I loved about classic Film Noir and updated it for modern times, bringing together an amazing cast with an intricately weaved plotline. Hollywood needs more movies like this.