What are the top ten best films of all time?

Anyone who pays his or her hard earned cash for a movie tends to have an answer to this question, although it’s not an easy one.

It is impossible to narrow down a list of all time best movies, but for the purpose of this list, I have done that.

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Everyone’s list will be subjective. Some will have similar tastes, but no list is the same.

10. The Avengers (2012) 

There are few films that can match the fun, humor and excitement within The Avengers. The movie keeps you captivated every step of the way. It takes a concept long thought impossible: the formation of a team of superheroes, and makes it possible. Along the way it gives moments of genuine pathos that could challenge any film out there.

9. Ghostbusters (1984) 

Ghostbusters does what many of the best comedies cannot accomplish. It keeps you laughing the entire length of the film. It grabs you and never lets go. It is hard not to get into the adventures of Egon, Venkman, Stantz and the forgotten Winston, even after seeing it for the 100th time. It is an example of what happens when the ability of three comic geniuses come together to create a masterpiece.

9. The Assassination of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) 

Few films are as brilliantly crafted as this. Everything from the score to the writing and acting is on point and leaves an impression long after the credits. A film about hero worship and the media’s reaction to celebrities is mixed with the desolation of a western drama. By the end of the film, you are not sure who side you should be on. Who was the protagonist and antagonist?

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8. Little Miss Sunshine (2006) 

I never thought a film about a little girl trying to make it to a beauty pageant could hit every emotional heartstring in me. A combination of terrific writing and performances from the entire cast make this film near perfect. It touches on family issues in a way very few films can.

7. The Big Lebowski (1998) 

The Big Lebowski is by no means the Coen brother’s greatest film. The movie does show just how far the Coen’s talent can stretch. Their idiosyncrasies and brand of humor clicks on every level. Jeff Bridges and John Goodman also give performances of a lifetime, which helps make this film.

6. Pulp Fiction (1994) 

Pulp Fiction is a film that hit me at a very early age and changed everything. This film shows the talent of Quinten Tarantino and changed what a crime drama should be. Plot ideas and themes once thought old were rejuvenated with help of this revolutionary film. It is a clear example of what happens when the reins of an intelligent auteur are let go.

5. Annie Hall (1977) 

Woody Allen is a director whom filmgoers either prescribe to or they do not. Annie Hall is his magnum opus. It is one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time. One of the few films that looks at both sides of the relationship and gives them their equal due. It also touches on the theme of love like very few.

4. Jaws (1975) 

Jaws, one of the few films close to near perfection. Steven Spielberg is a master level director. There are very few bad films in his filmography and when I think of Spielberg, Jaws tends to come first. Jaws is pulse-pounding, heart-stopping and terrifying, everything a film should be.

3. Breakfast Club (1985) 

John Hughes knew how to write about teenagers in a unique way. He had a talent in making them feel human, where others got bogged down in stereotypes. Breakfast Club is the best example of this. Themes of acceptance, suicide and empathy are brought up like never before.

2. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) 

It is unclear who should be given credit for this emotional rollercoaster of a film. Is it Frank Darabont’s combination as director and writer? Is it the acting of Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman? Is it the source material written by Stephen King? It does not matter. Shawshank, much like Jaws, is near perfect. It hits even the toughest of individuals and makes them feel in ways they thought impossible.

1. The Dark Knight (2008) 

The number one spot did not take a lot of thought on my part. To me, it is a no-brainer. The Dark Knight not only changed people’s movie going experience, but changed how the comic book genre was viewed It took a genre previously laughed at and never taken seriously, and forced everyone to appreciate it. The Dark Knight captures your attention and never releases throughout the entire 152 minutes.