Like most people, my list of favorite movies evolves a bit over time. My current “Top Ten” is listed below, starting with my favorite movie of all. However, beyond Good Will Hunting, none of the rest are in any kind of order. I tried to put them in order but it just wasn’t possible. WARNING! Spoiler alert for some movies below. Continue reading at your own risk!
1. Good Will Hunting
(1998, starring Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck and Minnie Driver). This movie certainly isn’t for everyone but I absolutely love the raw, unfiltered authenticity depicted in this movie. The characters are flawed…real.
2. The Social Network
(2010, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake and Rooney Mara). David Fincher and Jeff Cronenweth created a visually stunning film but like most of the films on my list, it’s the characters that make me love this film. Each character is flawed and I love that! Of course, this film also speaks to the massive social shift taking place right now. And the trailer is just killer!
3. Shawshank Redemption
(1999, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman). “Gotta get busy living…or get busy dying.” It’s one of my favorite movie lines of all time. This movie also speaks to the unfairness of life. Yes, life can be beautiful. It is beautiful. But sometimes it can be sooo unfair. Sure, he escapes. But he still spent years in prison for something he didn’t do!
4. Dead Poets Society
(1989, starring Robin Williams). Seize the day!
5. Gladiator
(2000, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix). Ridley Scott has made some amazing films. This is no exception!
6. The Book of Eli
(2010, starring Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Michael Gambon and Mila Kunis). We walk by faith, not by sight. I love the literal interpretation of a Biblical concept.
7. The Family Man
(2000, starring Nicolas Cage, Tea Leoni and Don Cheadle). OK, so I admit. This one doesn’t seem to belong with all the other movies on my list but it’ll probably stay here forever. When this movie came out, Lana and I were going through a rough patch in our marriage and this movie helped anchor me in what could be. You either get it or you don’t get it. And I get that most people don’t get it and that’s cool! But, hey, even if you don’t get it…it’s got Don Cheadle!!
8. Les Miserables
(1998 Version with Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman and Claire Danes). I have seen no better example of mercy depicted in a movie than in this one.
9. Braveheart
(1995, starring Mel Gibson). “Every man dies but not every man lives.” William Wallace lived for something way more than himself. Whether it’s for freedom, another cause or Christ himself, that’s the only way to truly live.
10. ???.
Hmmm…I can’t really think of a 10th. What other movies belong on this list? There you have it. Care to be my counselor for the day? What do you suppose it says about me that these are my favorites?