Best Movies in Cinematic History

Arguably, the most relevant film in history with regards to the human condition. Hatred, murder, family, love, sacrifice, decency, inhumanity, good, and evil. A shining example of the most atrocious event of the 20th Century, and an exemplary examination of one man who made a world of difference. I encourage everyone who hasn't seen this film to do so when they get the chance. Quite possibly, the finest film ever made.

Two heads truly ARE better than one. Up to this point, Steven Spielberg wowed audiences with 'Jaws' and 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' George Lucas was riding the fast track to superstardom with his initial 'Star Wars' trilogy. But 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' brought these two cinematic legends together for the first time ever and what came out of it was one of the most enthralling adventures of all time - as well as one of the most beloved and recognized characters ever portrayed on screen. Entertaining, artistic, and skillfully executed, this tremendous homage to the early 20th Century Saturday Matinee Serials is as timeless as they come.

The first, and only Fantasy film to win the Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture (11 Oscars in all), this final installment of the most popular fantasy tale of the 20th Century pulls out all the stops with memorable characters, cutting-edge special effects, impeccable production design, and most of all, the realization of what 50 years ago was considered impossible: Making LOTR into a credible film. The LOTR trilogy didn't just meet expectations, it surpassed them. It will be a long time before another Fantasy film reaches the pinnacle of success that this film did.

They say the middle act is always the toughest to make. 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' was no exception. But Peter Jackson's ability to intercut 3 (sometimes 4) separate story lines so seamlessly only proves once again his undeniable skills as a filmmaker. The creation of Gollum/Smeagol stands out among the always-impressive visual effects of this trilogy. Andy Serkis goes above and beyond what anyone might have expected in bringing such depth and personality to his digital counterpart. The stories of each band of characters flows like butter in sync with one another, with the relationship between the two leads (Wood and Astin as Frodo and Sam, respectively) taking center stage. See? Even Fantasy films can get it where it counts.

60 years after Bilbo Baggins returned from his journey with Gandalf and the Dwarves in 'The Hobbit', he still possesses the ring he found in the Goblin caves (where he encounters Gollum). But over the years, the little folk of The Shire have noticed that Bilbo isn't quite himself, these days. The discovery of the secret of Bilbo's ring sets the stage for the most engrossing, dangerous, and thrilling adventure ever written. Even though it takes a long time to introduce the characters, this first installment of 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy made believers out of even the staunchest film critics - who generally don't go in for the Fantasy genre in the first place. One of the best films of 2001 and winner of 4 Academy Awards (Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects).

After completely reinventing the Caped Crusader with the 2005 hit, 'Batman Begins', visionary director Christopher Nolan expands on the complex persona that is Bruce Wayne/Batman when he introduces us to the unpredictable anarchist The Joker (Best Supporting Actor, Heath Ledger). Great script, great performances, breathtaking cinematography and masterful editing. Superhero movies just keep getting better and better with time, it seems.

A wonderful finale for one of the greatest superhero sagas ever envisioned. Tom Hardy is masterful as Bane. Also, the script offers some real-world insight by reflecting on popular opinion towards the Government with it's sinister plot and weight-bearing undertone. It's a shame Tom Hardy didn't get a Best Supporting Actor nomination for this role. He had my vote.

Director Christopher Nolan proves once again his prowess as a filmmaker by reinventing the Dark Knight in this grittier, more realistic-toned starting point to his wildly successful 'Dark Knight' trilogy. Here we explore the origins of Batman and the demons he carries (and battles). A great character study in more ways than one. Michael Caine is magnificent as Alfred Pennyworth. Liam Nesson is charismatic as Bruce Wayne's mentor and eventual- arch nemesis Raz Al-Ghul. Cillian Murphy barely passes as Scarecrow/Jonathan Crane. Tom Wilkinson flexes his mafioso muscles well as Gotham mob boss, Falconey.

So far, THE greatest superhero film of all time. Normally, multiple personalities like these cancel each other out on film, but director Joss Whedon defies this conventional wisdom with incredible skill. Everyone is equally titanic in their respective roles, and the special effects are phenomenal. The only question is...Will 'Age of Ultron' be just as great? Only time will tell.

I love movies that provoke such in-depth conspiracies and battles that resemble 'a mouse fightin' a gorilla.' Jim Garrison is the only man to bring a legal court proceeding in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. His investigation leads him down a dangerous path of fear, intimidation, and what looks to be insurmountable odds to find the culprits and bring them to justice. Terrific script, and tremendous performances all around. Oscar Winner for Best Cinematography and Film Editing.

A powerful story during a time when America was not so enlightened and far more primitive in it's understanding of humanity. Chitewel Ejiofor gives an unforgettable and inspiring performance as wrongfully enslaved New York native Solomon Northrup; a man with a wife and two kids and a musical talent that proves to be the asset that helps him to ride out his twelve years in captivity. Newcomer Lupita N'yongo captures the willpower and guts it took for slaves of the day to ride out the most inhuman treatment that they were subjected to. Another film that should never be forgotten. Winner for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (N'yongo), and Best Picture.

Courage, determination, faith, intelligence, and imagination all play a part in this adaptation of the declassified mission that the CIA and the Canadian government initiated to get six American diplomats out of a war-torn Iran before they would be discovered, captured, and likely killed. Ben Affleck outdoes himself as a director with his incredible weaving of suspense and thriller elements. Despite limited character development, the characters are developed to the point where you care about them and you are rooting for them. It's not often that you see performances where actors can get across so much of their characters in such a short time. The climax of the film is not to be missed. Oscars for Best Film Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture.

Ron Howard's best film, by far. Three astronauts encounter a catastrophic setback on their mission to The Moon and are now racing against time and the odds to get home. This is a film I could watch over and over and over again. Superb screenplay matched with towering performances from the entire cast, this is a movie you don't want to miss. Oscars for Best Sound and Film Editing.

Ron Howard's second best film, I think. A powerful examination of the man behind the theories, and the woman who risked even her own sanity to save his. Love and perseverance make anything possible, as this film demonstrates very well. Russell Crowe gives his greatest performance ever as the Schizophrenic mathematician who's lifelong battle with his illness only strengthens his resolve and, ultimately, with the help of his devoted wife (Jennifer Connelly), creates a beautiful life. Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (Connelly), Best Director, and Best Picture.

Oscar Winner for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress (Jodie Foster), Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins), Best Director, and Best Picture, this eerie yarn of insanity and murder takes us deep into a very dark part of the human psyche. Cannibalism, serial killer, murder investigation, a determined up-and-coming FBI trainee, and a psychopathic serial-killing psychiatrist, this film has so many elements that make going to the movies great.

There's no such thing as having too much heart. This film is living proof of that. Inspired by the life-changing events of director Cameron Crowe, this bittersweet tale follows a gifted young journalist and his time on the road with up-and-coming rock band, Stillwater. Unforgettable music, wonderful acting, and an Oscar-winning Original Screenplay, this is a movie that leaves you feeling great and yearning for more. When this movie is on, it's time to ROCK AND ROLL!

You think you've got problems? Try being a member of the Buhrnam household. A wickedly funny story of two dysfunctional families who's lives intertwine during this moving sketch of life in the suburbs. Undeniably credible directing debut for Sam Mendes, and a star-turning role for Wes Bentley as the drug-selling, camcorder-toting neighbor who is the primary link to the two households. Everybody's got something to hide in this movie. The fun part is finding out how the others find out. As the saying goes: Look Closer. Oscar winner for Best Cinematography, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor (Kevin Spacey), Best Director, and Best Picture.

'I'M THE DEVIL!! NOW KINDLY UNDO THESE STRAPS!!' Only if you promise to sit down and watch this unforgettable tale of possession that sent chills down the spines of audiences of all generations and continues to do so today. Master filmmaker William Friedkin brings us this exquisite story of a 12-year-old girl who is possessed, then exorcised, in the Washington DC area. This film is a great example that you don't need flashy special effects to frighten someone. Want to know the scariest part? This film is based on a true story! Linda Blair catapulted to stardom with her Oscar-nominated performance as the little girl with a demonic problem, and screen legend Ellen Burstyn is equally magnificent as her mother. Jason Miller's film debut as the conflicted Priest and resident Psychiatrist at Georgetown University. Academy Awards for Best Sound and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Technology changes. But impressions left on people can last a long long time. 'Planet of the Apes' changed movie history with it's gripping story, thematic elements of societal casting and racial segregation, and ground-breaking makeup artistry by makeup and prosthetics wizard John Chambers. Charleton Heston is in unfamiliar territory as he is now the one who is physically and psychologically abused in his role as astronaut Taylor. Roddy McDowell and Kim Hunter are marvelous to watch together as the Chimpanzee couple Cornelius and Zira who help Taylor on his journey through a world of man-hating Apes. John Chambers received special Oscar recognition for his makeup work on this film. All the other Apes films are great too, but there's nothing like the original.

Quentin Tarantino has an uncanny ability to take any material and make it supremely entertaining. 'Pulp Fiction' is probably his best film to date. Winning an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, Tarantino skillfully weaves multiple stories into an epic, not-to-be-missed piece of film noir that's cool to watch, and never disappoints. Two dressed-to-kill hit men John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson steal the spotlight with their endless debates and philosophical overtones. What's stranger than fiction? 'Pulp Fiction.'

Famed Polish Pianist, Wladyslaw Szpilman, has quite a stellar career going for himself...until the Nazi war machine invades Poland and begins rounding up all the Jews in the country for what is a most dreadful fate. Only his skill with music, and his willingness to do everything possible to survive, can get him through this traumatic period of genocide and despair. Adrien Brody is terrific as the title role, and director Roman Polanski's insight into the making of the film certainly adds to the authenticity of the material. Won Oscars for Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Humanity's lust for blood never runs dry. That's why the Roman Empire held such gruesome displays of public execution in the gladitorial arenas of the day. Russell Crowe is imposing and charismatic as the Roman general who is betrayed, captured, and enslaved after his wife and son are murdered by newly-corwned emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). His constant defiance of the emperor's commands to have him killed lead the people of Rome to stand behind him and, ultimately, lead to a final confrontation between the two bitter enemies. Ridley Scott showcases his tremendous skill as a director in this film with towering performances from his actors, exquisite production design and costumes, and superb special effects. Oscar winner for Best Visual Effects, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, Best Actor (Russell Crowe), and Best Picture.

The amazing story of how the greatest manhunt in history transpired. September 11, 2001, changed the course of the world (perhaps for all time). Usama bin Laden is the most wanted man in the world. His Al-Qaeda operatives are coordinating terrorist attacks all over the globe. One young CIA agent (Jessica Chastain) is determined to bring Bin Laden to justice, no matter what. Truly a director's movie. Kathryn Bigelow tops her work on 'The Hurt Locker' in spanning ten years of chasing down leads, constant setbacks, and endless internal battles between the lead character and the inner workings of the Washington political circle. The final raid on the Bin Laden compound is brilliantly executed. I'm reminded by this film why I'm so proud to be an American. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave. Oscar winner for Best Sound Editing.

Christopher Nolan's landmark film that put him on the map. A cleverly executed story told in reverse, this blend of film noir couched in a murder mystery is just what the doctor ordered for any film buff. A man with short-term memory loss works tirelessly to track down and kill the man who raped and murdered his wife. But how long ago was it? He can't remember. Who can he trust? He can't remember. Did he already find the guy who did it? He can't remember. The audience is kept in perfect sync with the lead character as this mystery unfolds before our eyes in a way unlike anything seen before.

Mafia kingpin Al Capone is untouchable. Nobody would dare cross him. He owns everybody. The police, the judges, the politicians, the juries...what's a fiery and determined treasury agent to do? Well, he's told and shown how to do it by veteran cop Malone (Sean Connery). Treasury agent Elliot Ness (Kevin Costner) gathers the best he can find to find a way to get Al Capone where Ness feels he ought to be: behind bars. Even the best of us meet our match. Obviously, Capone was a little late getting that message. Sean Connery is a stand-out in his Oscar-winning performance for Best Supporting Actor. Robert De Niro is also good as the infamous crime lord of Chicago. Definitely a film I would keep with me forever.

Inspired by his first-hand accounts as a soldier sent to Vietnam, director Oliver Stone tells his side of the Vietnam war as seen through the eyes of a squad of Marines who's biggest battle is not with the Viet Cong, but with themselves and each other. Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe carry this brilliant yarn of war with Charlie Sheen acting as the central character (if not necessarily acting like it). Still, one of the greatest war films ever made. Winner of 4 Academy Awards: Best Film Editing, Best Director, Best Sound, and Best Picture.

The movie that has made it difficult for so many people over the last few generations to take a dip in the ocean. Great showcase for the three leads with Shaw as the stand-out. If true terror is not knowing what you're up against, than this film's antagonist takes the cake. Rousing score, great characters, and tremendous suspense make this timeless classic a delightful addition to any film library. Oscars for Best Sound Editing, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Score.

Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and director Robert Zemeckis, all made their careers off the back of this modern classic. Historically speaking (no pun intended), this film and its sequels were really all the legendary Delorean was good for. But the film is brilliantly written and executed with the incredible elements of time travel and mother-and-son romance not phasing the integrity of the film. In fact, this is a special case where such themes work in the films' favor. Great soundtrack and wonderful score matched only by the suspense of the film's climax. Oscar winner for Best Sound Effects Editing.

Envisioned by director James Cameron while he was sick in a hospital bed in Rome, this is another modern classic that is still mimicked and referenced to this day. This film has it all: Adventure, action, horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Romance, Comedy, you name it it's got it. A killer cyborg from the future is sent back in time to eliminate the mother of a human resistance before he is even conceived. Originally set to have Lance Henrickson as the title character, Arnold Schwarzenegger is perfect as the homicidal man-machine. The everyday look and demeanor of the two heros adds the the tension and belief of the material. Don't believe me? 'I'll be back.'

War is a terrible consequence of ignorance and hatred. No film proves that point more poignantly than 'Saving Private Ryan' with it's intensely graphic war scenes. The story of a squad of U.S. Army Rangers sent behind enemy lines to find and retrieve a Private who lost all his brothers in combat is nothing short of extraordinary. The entire cast is amazing in their respective parts. The sound effects for the battle sequences are astonishing and feel so real, you'd swear you were right in the middle of each battle. Academy Awards for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing, and Best Director.

The account of a Rwandan hotel manager who took it upon himself to save thousands of Tutsi refugees from annihilation. Like 'Schindler's List', this film shows how one man can make a difference. It is hard to fathom such reckless and inhuman hatred and anger. But the Rwandan Genocide showed the world what true evil can come out of such ignorance and intolerance. A film that should be kept and resurrected at every chance.

Power, wealth, influence...they mean a lot to a corporation who's looking out for their bottom line. This fact was no more obvious than when former Big Tobacco executive Jeffery Weigand (Russell Crowe) is approached by hotshot CBS newsman Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino) to reveal some troubling, and possibly incriminating evidence that Big Tobacco is not being forthcoming with the public. Threatened by his former employer, Weigand reluctantly agrees to blow the whistle. An amazing and captivating series of events unfolds that show the dark side of ambition, as well as the willingness to stand up for what's right. Sometimes, too much money and too much power equals too much trouble. Wonderful film with an exciting story and brilliant performances.