By: Dan Buser
The second part of HHS Cinema Club’s top 50 Movies are listed below. If you missed part one, check it out here.
In this segment we will cover movies 29 to 11. The list will later be concluded in the third final list.
- “Animal House” directed by: John Landis
Is it a perfect movie? No. Does it always make sense? No. Does it deserve a spot on this list? Probably not, but it’s here anyway. None of that really matters though as Animal House is always ready to supply the laughs. John Belushi also deserves special mention for stealing every scene he is in.
- “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” directed by: Steven Spielberg
Spielberg created the summer blockbuster with his classic “Jaws”, but he perfected the formula with Indiana Jones. Harrison Ford plays the iconic archaeologist in a film filled with memorable moments.
- “The Departed” directed by: Martin Scorsese
With big name stars like Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jack Nicholson, “The Departed” boasts one of the best casts ever assembled. With such a talented cast to work with, Scorsese seamlessly weaved together a story involving moles in both the mob and the police.
- “Modern Times” directed by: Charlie Chaplin
Any of the Chaplin’s classic films involving his iconic character, the Tramp, could have been selected for this list, but for my money, it’s his iconic satire “Modern Times”. With a simple hat, cane, and mustache, Chaplin’s brand of slapstick is still more entertaining than most the comedies released now a days.
- “Alien” directed by: Ridley Scott
“Alien” has got to be one of the best Sci-Fi and horror films of all time. Director Scott changed the Sci-Fi genre forever with his genre-breaking tail of survival in space. It also features one of the best female heroines of all time.
- “Chinatown” directed by: Roman Polanski
As one of the last great films to be made in the noir genre, “Chinatown” managed to pay tribute to the old films old while also ushering in a new age of thrillers. Jack Nicholson cranked out another outstanding performance, with the finale act being one of the most memorable of all time.
- “The French Connection” directed by: William Friedkin
Another genre changing film would be “The French Connection”. This police drama had one of the most iconic chases of all time. Its impact can be seen in almost every modern chase sequence.
- “Braveheart” directed by: Mel Gibson
The definition of a historical epic, “Braveheart” features huge set pieces, dramatic storytelling, fantastic writing, and exceptional performances.
- “Unforgiven” directed by: Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood may have become known for his fun spaghetti westerns; however, it’s his realistic look at the life of a gun for hire that has managed to step above the rest. It also helped establish Eastwood as a director finally breaking free from his acting roots.
- “The Deer Hunter” directed by: Michael Cimino
Never before has a war film ever been so personal. “The Deer Hunter” trades in the typical war film tropes like huge battles and massive amounts of casualties for the intimate stories of a small group of comrades. The movie includes some of the most emotion packed scenes in history.
- “Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope” directed by: George Lucas
Say what you want about George Lucas, but without his original vision for “Star Wars”, we would never have grown to hate him. “Star Wars” has introduced some of the most iconic heroes and villains of all time. “A New Hope” has and always will be the benchmark for Sci-Fi films.
- “Goodfellas” directed by: Martin Scorsese
A movie with unparalleled style, “Goodfellas” is another stellar entry in the crime film genre. Telling the true story of mobster Henry Hill, “Goodfellas” succeeds in making you feel the danger and the fear of betrayal that mobsters live with everyday.
- The Shining directed by: Stanley Kubrick
The definition of a horror movie, “The Shining” is filled with dread in every shot. Packed with iconic and horrific moments, Kubrick’s signature style is found in every aspect of the film. Additionally, Jack Nicholson gives one of the best performances of his career.
- The Lion King directed by: Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff
“The Lion King” is the definitive Disney classic. The animation, the voice acting, the music all holds up wonderfully. From start to finish, “The Lion King” is a roaringly good time.
- “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” directed by: Larry Charles
While there’s no doubt that Sacha Baron Cohen’s bizarre and absurd comedy is not for everyone it does offer something for anyone. From a sly pun to ridiculous shock value humor “Borat” has jokes of all shapes and sizes all wrapped up in one package easily making it one of the funniest movies ever.
- “The Shawshank Redemption” directed by: Frank Darabont
Often ranked among the best of all time, “Shawshank“ is a perfect film. It’s performances are flawless and will live on forever. Shawshank is an unforgettable cinematic experience and not one many will soon forget.
- “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” directed by: Milos Forman
Jack Nicholson finds yet another spot on our list with what is undoubtedly the best performance of his career. A hard movie to watch, but an even harder movie to forget. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” sets the bar high for character-driven storytelling.
- “Casablanca” directed by: Michael Curtiz
“Casablanca” was the first perfect movie. Every movie since then has strived to be talked about the way that “Casablanca” did. Still perfect by today’s standards, “Casablanca” is a truly immortal movie.
- Lord of the Rings directed by: Peter Jackson
While some would say it’s cheating to put three movies at one spot, the folks down at cinema club see them as inseparable. The three movies perfectly combine multiple story lines and thousands of pages of fantasy lore into a highly enjoyable nine hour journey through Middle-earth. The three films together create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Stay tuned for the final part of HHS Cinema Club’s top 50 movies of all time.