The Greatest Movies of Our Time: A different opinion (Part 2)

Last week, I brought you Part 1 of my blog on the Greatest Movies of Our Time, in my opinion. While the blog was really fun to write, it was also extremely time consuming. I discovered that trying to select 5 movies in each category was no easy task. There are so many great movies that I wasn't able to include as I was trying to keep with the format used by ABC.

While writing part one was exhausting, choosing movies for this week’s categories was even more stressful, especially since a lot of the movies that I considered for each category could easily have been I included in another. The lines between action, thriller and even historical films are easily blurred. I often found myself moving one movie back and forth between two genres, before making my final selection.

When it came to selecting the movies for the Best Film category, I was completely stumped. There are so many great movies, some that are included in my list, how could I possibly narrow it down to only 5? So, instead of making a choice, I decided to create a miscellaneous category to include those films that did not fit into the specific categories already listed. This way, I could ensure that some of my all time favourites still got the recognition I feel they deserve.

So without further ado, here is Part 2 of my list of The Greatest Movies of Our Time:

Best Action Movie
Aliens (1986)
From beginning to end, this movie is filled with one intense action sequence after another, but still includes outstanding special effects and set design that made the first film so amazing.

Die Hard (1988)
Exhilarating action, memorable characters and a unique storyline, this movie inspired countless action films and three sequels, but none compare to the original.

Kill Bill, Vol. 1 (2003)
This movie pays homage to some of greatest film genres of all time, in a way that only Tarantino can. If you enjoy great martial arts, this movie is not to be missed.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Creative action sequences, great script and one of cinemas most memorable characters make this movie not only one of the best action films of all time, but also one of the greatest movies ever made.

From Russia with Love (1963)
Packed full of exciting action and exotic locales, this second outing for James Bond is the best in the series, by far.

Best Suspense/Thriller
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Remarkable performances, stunning cinematography and outstanding direction make for an absolutely riveting movie experience.

Dirty Harry (1971)
Shot on location in San Francisco, an intense film with a great performances by Clint Eastwood as the no nonsense detective, Harry Callahan

The Fugitive (1993)
An exciting cat and mouse thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Duel (1971)
Spielberg’s first film was made for TV, on a limited budget and shot in 13 days. This simple story will have you biting your nails, until the final scene.

Charade (1963)
A witty script combined with great acting from the two leads, Grant and Hepburn, make this a fun and exciting caper.

Best Political/Historical Film
Citizen Kane (1941)
Loosely based on William Randolph Hearst, this is cinema at its best. Truly, a landmark of cinema.

Badlands (1973)
With mesmerizing performance by Spacek and Sheen as frighteningly indifferent young killers, this is a disturbing, yet brilliant film. Inspired by the 1950s Starkweather-Fugate murders.

The Killing Fields (1984)
Set during the Cambodian Civil War, the film follows the story of an American reporter and his Cambodian aid. An outstanding performance by Haig S. Ngor, made even more remarkable considering that he was also held captive by the Khmer Rouge for 4 years.

Goodfellas (1990)
One of Scorsese's best films providing an intense and disturbing look in to mob life, told through the eyes of Henry Hill, in an amazing performance by Ray Liotta.

There Will Be Blood (2007)
A stark and haunting reflection of the ‘American Dream’ gone wrong with an unforgettable performance by Daniel Day-Lewis.

Best Hitchcock Films
Vertigo (1958)
Captures paranoia and obsession in a tense, suspenseful masterpiece, told in the way only Hitchcock can.

Notorious (1946)
This is one of Hitchcock’s most suspenseful films with outstanding performances by Bergman, Grant and Rains.

Strangers on a Train (1951)
Only Hitchcock could make a tennis match so thrilling. Great chemistry between the two leads, Granger and Walker.

Lifeboat (1944)
Shot entirely on one set, this film as much a character study as it is suspense. A remarkable masterpiece that is often overlooked.

Psycho (1960)
A movie that is still as suspenseful and frightening today as it was when it was released, over 50 years ago.

Other Great Films
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Guillermo del Toro's haunting masterpiece seamlessly combines nightmarish fantasy with harsh reality.

Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
While the trilogy as a whole is a remarkable achievement, this first chapter brilliantly captures the excitement and suspense of the novel.

Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
A tense film noir with powerful performances and sizzling chemistry between Garfield and Turner.

Cider House Rules (1999)
A touching coming of age story with a beautiful performance by Michael Caine.

Witness (1985)
Harrison Ford's most touching performance as John Book, a hardnosed cop forced to hide in an Amish community.

Greatest Film Characters
Indiana Jones
The ultimate adventure hero, you can't help but cheer for him.

Darth Vader
The greatest movie villain of all time.

Norman Bates
Made us second guess pulling in to a roadside motel.

Ripley
She set the standard for the female action hero

James Bond
After 22 movies and 6 different actors, there is no question that James Bond belongs on this list.

So there you have it, my opinion on some of the greatest films ever made. I hope you enjoyed my list, and I look forward to hearing your comments.

Until next time,

Jon.