Ben's Top 70 greatest movies

The story of a young man who sets off on a quest to find a princess with two robots and a mysterious old man who has spiritual abilities.

No other series of movies has had a greater impact on me then the Star Wars movies. It contains the perfect combination of story, music, drama, action, energy and fun. It's the perfect example of why I enjoy movies. I only included Episode IV here because of it's cultural impact staus but I love all six episodes.

1st time: Was born in '79 so I first saw Star Wars on television. The 1st time I saw a Star Wars movie in the theater was Return of the Jedi in 1984.

The story of Oskar Schindler who as a member of the Nazi party plays a pivitol role in aiding his Jewish workers in survival of the Holocaust.

Schindler's List may be the only movie I've ever seen that was able to perfectly blend historical content with artistic vision. It was my introduction to the Holocaust and one of the only movies that got me so emotionally caught up that it actually made me shake in fear (the Ghetto Liquidation Scene and the Auchwitz scene). It's flawless in every aspect and contains the finest acting I've ever seen by a cast. I saw it Christmas day 1993 and went back 3 more times in the theater.

A professor of archeology is recruited by the US Govenrment to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazi's during the pre years fo WWII.

Year after year, there are movies that try and miserably fail at recreating the combination of action, adventure, and entertainement of the Indiana Jones films. Lucas and Spielberg fired on all cylinders and crafted this amazing series of movies that haven't dated one bit. From the opening Temple run to the brilliant editing of the openeing of the Ark, this movie flies by and never ever has a dull moment in it. Yet at the core of this and all 4 Indiana Jones movies lies some great old fashioned storytelling that makes this near the top of my list.

1st time: Saw it as the Saturday night movie on ABC

Follows the story of a Captain and his team, who after landing on the beaches of Normandy are tasked with finding a lone US soldier in Europe to bring him back as the sole surviving member of his family.

The opening 30 minutes of this movie alone could land it on a best of list. I love War movies and also love WWII history. Spielberg again shows his unequaled ability behind the camera as a director. The cast is top notch with Tom Sizemore being a particular standout for me.

Saw it in the theater twice.

A mentally and physically unstable officer is given a top secret assignment to find and assassinate a rogue colonel deep in the jungles during the height of the Vietnam War.

Apocalypse Now is so many things in one movie. There's the war scenes; the mystery and suspense of what exactly Martin Sheen will find at the end of the river; the surreal bridge sequence at night against an enemy no one sees; and the outright over the top final 40 minutes at Kurtz's compound.

It's unlike any war movie so much that I sometimes don't consider it to be one. It's more like a journey from madness to insanity.

Saw it for the first time around 12 years old and was instantly a favorite.

The story of the Banks family who when asking for the help of a nanny to watch their mischievous children, are sent a magical, mysterious woman who teaches the household the meaning of family.

Walt Disney took every skill, talent, trick, and device he learned in the past 40 years and poured it all into this incredible movie. The music is catchy; the sets and costuming are georgous; Julie Andrews gives a career defining performance in her 1st major role; and the effects are way before their time. It doesn't get old or boring and is never cliched or melodramatic. Simply the best there is.

Had this on VHS and wore it out as a kid. It's up thee with Star Wars and Indiana Jones on the amount of times I've seen it.

The epic story of the mob boss Vito Corleone, and his three contrasting sons, and their role in continuing the "family business".

Impeccably shot, acted, and written, The Godfather rightly deserves a spot on any best of list. Multiple viewing hold new finding and meaning in the story. Slow, methodical, violent, but never melodramatic, it's a truly epic film that shows the bond of family, and the loss of innocence and morals to keep that family together.

Saw it for the first time when I was about 12. I love all three movies. Fantastic story.

Alex is a teenager who passes the time with his gang robbing, beating, and raping on a frequent basis.

Stanley Kubrick has made some amazing movies but this one stands above the others. At one moment shocking, the next funny, Clockwork Orange assaults the viewer with stange visuals, concepts, and sadistic violence. But at the heart of the story is the role played by society by civilians, government, and prisons and its effect on people.

Saw it for the 1st time around 14 years old. Been a favorite ever since.

Boxer Rocky Balboa is a man with tons of heart but little purpose in the world until he has a once in a lifetime chance when picked to fight the Heavyweight Chamion of the World, Apollo Creed.

Still hands down the best ending I've ever seen to a movie. Rocky slowly builds up over its two hours by getting you emotionally invloved in its characters before unleashing a hugely emotional finale, but not one you would expect. Stallone's brilliant writing and acting put him on the map and it will forever be his signature role.

Saw the more action oriented sequels first and then saw this one when I was bout 9 years old.

A detective is tasked with locating and disposing of "replicants" who are artifical humans, before they attempt to inflict violence on their maker.

Blade Runner is special because it's visuals and atmosphere mean as much to it as the storyline. Ridley Scott is one of the few directors able to use this to his advantage as his movie Alien is also on my list. Harrison Ford sheds his Han Solo and Indiana Jones character to instead play a more distant hero, one you don't immediately cheer for. Film Noir at it's finest.

Saw it for the first time around 12 years old at home via rental.

The new Police Chief in a small New England town has to deal with the brutal attacks of a Great White shark, while keeping tourism and town dollars flowing during summer.

No one goes in the ocean without having a split second thought about a shark. Jaws put that in people's heads. Spielberg employs the great less is more tactic to scare via suspense, rather than with a huge monster. So much so that the scariest scenes are when you see glimpses of the shark or in some cases, nothing at all. Add to this John Williams simple but unrelenting music and it hold up beautifully to this day. Pay special attention to the scene when Dreyfuss and Schieder try to convince the mayor to close the beaches. The whole scene is in one uninterrupted take. It's quite spectacular and highlights Jaws second most effective tactic, the acting of its cast.

Saw this when I was about 7. Was scared for sure but sat glued to the TV the whole time.

Intertwined stories converge around two assassins, robbers, a boxer, and a beautiful woman with a husband linked to all of them.

Quentin Tarantino is all over the place. He's uneven and kinetic, disjointed and alarming. His movies aren't normally my kind of thing, except here. Here it all comes together so crazilly you can't take your eyes off the screen. It's like watching the work of someone on ADD meds who keeps missing their doses. From the long dialogue driven openeing to the almost unwatchable drug overdose scene, this movie was his masterpiece. It gave John Travolta a second career and put the great Samuel L Jackson on the path to box office gold. How many movies contain a 50's dance contest, heroin overdose, attack with a katana, bible quoting assassins, discussions about why dogs are charming and pigs are filthy, a msyterious shiny gold suitcase, oh and a gimp? Only one, but that's Tarantino's niche and his way.

Saw this in the theater when it came out. I was around 15. Crazy time.

Neal Page tries desperately to get home to his family for Thankgiving and is delayed time and again along with a good natured but annoying fellow traveler.

My theory on comedy is that it may be funny when you laugh, but if you work it's dialogue into your everyday life, it's genius. Enter this movie. Everyone has been stuck in a situation with someone they wished and prayed would just go away but they keep coming back. Add to that the performances of these two great comedians. Martin plays the straight man to Candy's antics and it works so well you feel the animosity they have for each other. I've long said this movie was shunned from the recognition it truly deserved. It easily would have been a contender for Best Picture, Writing, and Acting oscars but comedy tends to be snubbed quite a bit. If John Hughes should be remembered for anything it should be this. A movie that makes you cry from laughing and then laughing to crying. One of a kind...

Saw this via rental when I was about 11. Once of my families favorite movies growing up. When I met my wife I knew we were compatible when we both could quote this movie.

When the mining crew of the Nostromo discover a SOS beacon from a nearby planet, strange thing shappen when they investiagte a ship that has mysterious eggs on it.

For something we know could never happen, Scott takes the "there's a monster in the house" theme and makes you jump at every shadow, every sound, and constantly guess what might be in the corner. Terrifyingly intense throughout it stands as a landmark of horror/sci-fi and great storytelling.

Saw it around 8 years old. A little young I know but it was awesome. Funny story is my mom was very pregnant with me when she saw it in the theater in 1979 and to this day claims was so scared she thought labor might have come early.

Lonely wood carver Gheppeto wishes on a star to have his puppet creation be turned into a real son. When brought to life Pinocchio must use his moral compass if he hopes to truly become a real boy.

Walt followed up his blockbuster Snow White with an entirely different movie. More personal, much darker, and dealing with heavy themes of morality, abuse, death, sacrifice, and faith. Pinocchio is a masterpiece even by Walt Disney standards. It still stands as probably the most beautifully animated movie ever. Look at the details in the backgrounds fo Pinocchio's village and Pleasure Island. Scenes like the meeting with the Coachman, Honest John, and Gideon have such atmosphere. Look at the animations of the water at Pinocchio's death. It also contains the greatest Disney song ever. It wasn't nearly the hit Snow White was but it proved one truth about Walt Disney. He was above all else an artist with a vision.

Saw it at a very small age. Probably 4 or so. Always was one I watched more than almost any other Disney movie.

A robot assassin is sent back through time to kill the mother of the future resistance leader, thereby making him cease to exist, and the robots victorious. A protector for the mother is then sent back to stop the assassin.

More Film Noir. T2 may have turned the series epic, but the 1st terminator proposed one of the best storylines I'd ever seen. What if you could change the future, or can you? Terminator is effective because although it's overall storyline is complex, it plays as a simple chase film. There's also the way in which James Cameron gave his movie the doom and darkness of almost all night time scenes. There's some debate as to whether Schwarzenegger was as good as he was because his acting was robotic or because he really was that good. Either way he's iconic and perfect for this role.

Saw it when I was about 7 on TV. It really hooked me and I watched it until I memorized it's dialogue, sound effects, and music.

DA Jim Garrison investigates the case of JFK's assassination and the theory of involvement of the US Government, Mob, and Cuba.

JFK came at the end of Oliver Stone's creative apex of Talk Radio, Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July, and The Doors. He saved his best for last. Whether you believe in anything put forward in JFK, few can deny how well made and thrilling this movie is. The huge cast of almost every working actor in 1991 moves this 3 + hour story along at a thrilling pace. JFK is the greatest edited motion picture I've ever seen. If you wanted to demonstrate how editing is an art in itself, watch the numerous film stocks, jump cuts, and flashbacks in here. It's incredible and fascinating.

Saw it via rental when I was about 12 years old.

A woman who steals money to start a new life makes a getaway and stops at a small lonely motel run by a strange young man named Norman Bates.

The blueprint and originator of slasher and thriller films. Before it became cliche it was here. Hitchcock lets the camera linger on shots when you want it to move (the parlor dinner and shower scenes). You view strange angles and disquieting shots that make you uneasy (up the stairs of the house). There's a reason this movie is held in high regard, it's one of the best there is and all thriller and horror movies since owe it at least a small piece of thanks.

Saw it for the 1st time around 13 years old.

A young boy from a broken family befreinds a stranded alien, who form a bond that links their two lives as one.

Timeless, sweet, endearing, emotional. Any of these describe ET. To a kid who grew up in the 80's this was about as good as it got. Later on after my parents divorced it took on a different meaning for me. Lots of themes come up in this movie that made it so special to audiences. There's the obvious friendship story, being lost and alone, broken homes. There's even strong faith and Christ like elements to ET, who comes down to earth, brings love and healing, and then ascends to the heavens.

I might list this as the 2nd best ending ever to a movie next to Rocky. makes me cry like a baby everytime.

Saw it in the theater when I was about 2 years old.

A high school slacker is accidentally sent to the past in a time machine car, learns that the only way to get back to the present is to make his parents fall in love when in high school.

There something very moving and empowering when George McFly stands up to Biff. Then later when Marty is about to disappear forever, George pushes down a bully, takes Lorraine's face in his hands and leans in to kiss her. The music swells and you feel like cheering. That's my favorite scene in the whole movie, and this movie has lots of scenes almost as good as it. How about Doc's race to get the power line connected as Marty hits 88MPH in the Delorean. I'm partial to movies in the 80's because it was my childhood, but when you have movies this fun how can it not be the best decade ever in movies?

Saw this the 1st time around 6 years old. I usually watch at least once a year. My kids love it too.

The story of Brian an ordinary person who happened to be born on the same day and in the next stable over from Jesus Christ. This links him throughout his life into being mistaken as the Messiah.

If I had to pick one movie as the funniest thing I've ever seen, this would take the cake. Not nearly as controversial as it is made out to be, the Python's pull out all of their trademark tricks, jokes, and biting satire to make a gut busting, wipe the tears away movie about Brian who is mistaken for the coming Messiah. Infinitely quotable.

Saw it around 15 years old. True classic.

FBI trainee Clarice Starling is given a chance to find brutal serial killer Buffalo Bill by going into the twisted mind and knowledge of caputred serial killer Hannibal Lecter; who will help Clarice find Buffalo Bill if she opens her mind to him.

The scenes with the policemen bring Lector his dinner, and Starling in the basement are some of the most intense scenes I've ever watched. The direction especially with shot setup and camera placement is brilliant in this movie.

Saw it around 13 years old via video rental.

An unruly nun is sent to be the governess to a ultra strict man and his 7 children. She teaches them all that life is meant to be enjoyed and not be afraid to show love to one another.

I love musicals and this is one of the best. Not a single piece of filler music in this whole movie. It really has everything. A great love story. It's old fashioned and movies aren't made this way anymore. Julie Andrews shows off her amazing voice. You root for the good guys and hate the bad guys.

Saw it when I was about 5. Always reminds me of my grandma.

Dr. Frankenstein grandson reanimates the dead and then has to deal with the consequences of his actions.

I dare dare dare anyone to not full on, flat out, burst out laughing when Dr. Frankenstein says to his creation... "Hi there handsome!".

Mel Brooks' masterpiece is the American equivalent to Life of Brian. Perfect satire, off the wall humor, and witty writing.

Saw it in the middle of the night with my dad on TV when I was about 12. Fell in love with it immediately.

When confined to a wheelchair with a broken leg, a man passes time by slowly becoming obsessed with the daily activities of his neighbors which he watches from his apartment window, until he begins to suspect one of his neighbors is a murderer.

I saw this movie only very recently. I knew of it's plot by the countless spoofs and tributes to it in other movies and TV. I was taken aback by how something made so long ago lost none of it's suspense and thrill over the years. I should be surprised because after all Hitchcock is one of the true few genius' of movie making. His shot setup and camera placement are out of this world. The whole movie flows with an energy that moves from one scene to the next wher eyou just can't wait to see what will happen next.

1st time seeing it was only about 5 years ago.