No. 25- The Goonies

Film: The Goonies

Starring: Sean Astin, Corey Feldman
Directed by: Richard Donner

Released: 1985


I first saw this movie...
Childhood, at home

Why I love it...
Adventure and childhood- it's a beautiful combination. There's a lot to appreciate about this film but what really makes a mark is Sean Astin's performance. You wouldn't think he'd pack such a punch but that kid was so perfect. Every time he'd go off on a monologue about One-Eyed Willy, Chester Copperpot, or how "Goonies never say die"- you were moved.

No. 26- Back to the Future

Film: Back to the Future

Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

Released: 1985


I first saw this movie...
Childhood, at home

Why I love it...
Who doesn't love some good Michael J and Chris Lloyd, amiright? Seriously, this is one of the more innovative and entertaining films every made. Incredibly witty and fun. It just made science fiction so cool.

No. 27- It's Kind of a Funny Story

Film: It's Kind of a Funny Story

Starring: Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Roberts
Directed by: Anna Boden

Released: 2010


I first saw this movie...
2010, movie theater

Why I love it...
It's creative without being pretentious. It's funny with depth. Zach Galifianakis is wonderful in the film, probably the best part. But I think the reason I really love this movie is the lead character. His vulnerability and perception of the world is very identifiable. You feel for the kid cause you've been there at times too.

No. 28- The Count of Monte Cristo

Film: The Count of Monte Cristo

Starring: Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Richard Harris
Directed by: Kevin Reynolds

Released: 2002



I first saw this movie...
2007, friend's house

Why I love it...
I think it's the symbolism, the themes, the moral of the story type thing. It's just a really powerful concept that all individuals can learn from. And anything with Richard Harris is going to be exceptional, right?

No. 29- Amelie

Film: Amelie

Starring: Audrey Tautou
Directed by: Jean-Pierre Jeunet

Released: 2001



I first saw this movie...
2003, at home

Why I love it...
It's offbeat, it's witty, and it's French. The cinematography is beautiful, the music moving, and the title character is so full of purity that your heart just goes out to her and her pursuits. It's also the ideal romantic movie for the cool kids who can't appreciate a romantic comedy.

No. 30- Beauty & The Beast

Film: Beauty & The Beast

Starring: Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson
Directed by: Gary Trousdale


Released: 1991



I first saw this movie...
1991, in theaters

Why I love it...
It's a classic tale. Some of the best music Disney has ever come up with, and definitely some of my favorite characters. It doesn't matter how old you are- everyone has a place for Beauty & The Beast in their heart.

No. 31- Singin In The Rain

Film: Singin In The Rain

Starring: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds
Directed by: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly

Released: 1952


I first saw this movie...
2004, at a friend's house

Why I love it...
There are few movies that make you feel as good as this movie. The music is great, the dancing is perfect, and the just the generable feel and mood is pleasant and charming. Gene Kelly has such showmanship, it's ridiculous. And no one can watch the title song sequence without wanting to join in.

No. 32- High Fidelity

Film: High Fidelity

Starring: John Cusack, Jack Black
Directed by: Stephen Frears

Released: 2000


I first saw this movie...
Circa 2007, at home

Why I love it...
It's me. All my characteristics that, though I'm not proud of them, are some of the more obvious- elitist with music, judgey, and occassionally whiney. But at the same time, the fact that it's being depicted by John Cusack makes it better.
With that said- it's funny, it's honest, and it's got some great music in it.

No. 33- Raising Arizona

Film: Raising Arizona

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter
Directed by: Coen brothers

Released: 1987



I first saw this movie...
Circa 1990, at home

Why I love it...
The Coen brothers write some of the funniest stuff. Yeah sure they have come up with a few good dramatic films (No Country For Old Men) but it's their humor that makes me a fan. And Nic Cage- I'm sorry he's amazing in this film. Say what you want about the man, but he will make you laugh here. It's just the outrageousness of it all. And it has my favorite chase scene of any movie ever.

No. 34- Willow

Film: Willow

Starring: Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer
Directed by: Ron Howard

Released: 1988



I first saw this movie...
Circa 1990, on TV

Why I love it...
Such a classic. I love its humor, I love its fantasy elements, and most of all I love the title character. Willow is a loving individual whose childlike personality is only amplified by his small size. And some of the best work of Val Kilmer- one of the most under-appreciated actors of our day.

No. 35- Get Low

Film: Get Low


Starring: Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek
Directed by: Aaron Schneider

Released: 2009


I first saw this movie...
2010, movie theater

Why I love it...
I just appreciate a simple, well-paced film. And everything about the movie is heartwarming- the characters, the humor, even the bad guys.
And the really unexpected thing about this movie is how engaged you become in the protagonist's journey. You really feel for him and just want to know what's going on with him.

No. 36- Powder

Film: Powder


Starring: Sean Patrick Flannery, Jeff Goldblum
Directed by: Victor Salva

Released: 1995


I first saw this movie...
Circa 1997, at home

Why I love it...
The first time I decided on my favorite movie, I chose this. I was young, but I still knew what I liked, cause this is a solid film.
It's got a paranormal edge, yes- but it's really about humanity. It's one of those movies that is super thoughtful and meaningful, but somehow isn't pretentious or annoying. And it's got some really solid quotes.

No. 37- Ocean's Eleven

Film: Ocean's Eleven


Starring: George Clooney, Bradd Pitt, Matt Damon
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh

Released: 2001


I first saw this movie...
Circa 2003, at home

Why I love it...
It may be the coolest movie ever made. And every guy loves a good heist movie right? It's filled with whit and humor, but in the most subtle, nonchalant way. And I've always appreciated that despite the fact that it stars several good looking actors, it's still definitely a guy's movie. 
Lastly, it has one of my favorite scenes (see Bellagio water show).

No. 38- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Film: Star Wars Episode III:
Revenge of the Sith


Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen
Directed by: George Lucas

Released: 2005


I first saw this movie...
2005, movie theater (6 times)

Why I love it...
It is the perfect bridge between the old trilogy and the new. I felt so much satisfaction and peace when the Star Wars saga (the greatest story ever told) was wrapped up with this one in 2005.
It has romance, it has comedy, and it has one of the most heart-wrenching scenes in all movies ("You were the chosen one!"). And it has easily one of the best light saber duels of the franchise (Obi-Wan & Anakin).
It easily fits in with the greatness of the original trilogy.

No. 39- Swingers

Film: Swingers


Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn
Directed by: Doug Liman

Released: 1996


I first saw this movie...
Circa 2000, at home

Why I love it...
The main character Mikey (played by Favreau) is so relateable. And at the same time, I think we all know somebody like Vince Vaughn's character- loud, put together, suave, and hopelessly ridiculous. It's just a cool movie with incredible acting and real heart.

No. 40- The Princess Bride

Film: The Princess Bride

Starring: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright
Directed by: Rob Reiner

Released: 1987


I first saw this movie...
At home, circa 1990

Why I love it...
It's a classic story- filled with adventure, comedy, over-the-top characters and situations, and of course true love (or bluffing, depending on what you hear). So many good things going on here it's hard to sort it all out.
Mandy Patinkin is one of the most under-rated actors of our day and he is top-notch in this film. Billy Crystal only needs a ten minute role to be one of the best parts of the whole film. He can do no wrong when being directed by the genius of Rob Reiner. It is my favorite kind of comedy.
But my personal favorite part- Peter Falk as the grandfather. He brings a charm and heart that no one else can.
It's a movie for all generations.

No. 41- A Beautiful Mind

Film: A Beautiful Mind

Starring: Russel Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Bettany
Directed by: Ron Howard

Released: 2001


I first saw this movie...
Friend's house, 2007 I think

Why I love it...
It's such an unusual plot and protagonist. Somehow Russell Crowe took a very unlikeable personality and made you fall in love with him. And the relationship with his wife- played by Connelly- is pretty beautiful. You can just never go wrong with a story of a man trying to overcome the trials of his life.

No. 42- Crash

Film: Crash


Starring: Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon
Directed by: Paul Haggis

Released: 2004


I first saw this movie...
Movie theater, 2004

Why I love it...
This movie is intense. It's by far the most gut-punching movie to come in the last decade. Want to know the sign of an amazing movie? You are different after seeing it. You have to talk about it to your friends and family afterwards. That's this movie in a big way. And so many catch-my-breath moments.
Seriously- go see it. It'll change your world.

No. 43- Fight Club

Film: Fight Club


Starring: Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter
Directed by: David Fincher

Released: 1999


I first saw this movie...
On TV, circa 2003

Why I love it...
I always admired how cool Ed Norton and Brad Pitt can be. And this movie is the epitome of it. It's edgy, it's funny (in a bizarre way), and it somehow makes you relate to Norton's character that makes you concerned that you may have serious mental issues. And without a doubt Pitt's best performance.

No. 44- Sleepless In Seattle

Film: Sleepless In Seattle


Starring: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan
Directed by: Nora Ephron

Released: 1993


I first saw this movie...
On TV at home

Why I love it...
Yeah, I can go for a good chick flick. But only when it has solid male representation (such as Tom Hanks, Rob Reiner, & Victor Garber). But I mostly love it because it's such a classic chick flick yet it totally makes fun of chick flicks and those who love them. And the scene where Rita Wilson describes An Affair To Remember is pure entertainment.

No. 45- Frost/Nixon

Film: Frost/Nixon


Starring: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen
Directed by: Ron Howard

Released: 2008


I first saw this movie...
At home, borrowed it from a friend

Why I love it...
It's just an intense movie. And it's so real. Cause it's real. Seriously. I heard a great deal about how amazing Frank Langella is for his portrayal of Richard Nixon, and he certainly lived up to the hype, but to me it's Michael Sheen (who plays David Frost) who makes the movie so special.

No. 46- Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix

Film: Harry Potter & The Order
of the Phoenix


Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Gary Oldman
Directed by: David Yates

Released: 2007


I first saw this movie...
Midnight showing, AMC Theater

Why I love it...
I'm not a huge Harry Potter fan. Before this movie I had very casually seen each of the HP films and liked them alright. But this movie is so much more than a Harry Potter movie. There's a depth and heart completely unexpected. You can see a lot of effort from the direction of Yates, and Gary Oldman's performance is perfection. I'm also a big fan of the fight scene between Dumbledore and Voldemort at the end. Pretty epic stuff.

No. 47- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

Film: Star Wars Episode IV: 
A New Hope


Starring: Mark Hamill,Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
Directed by: George Lucas

Released: 1977


I first saw this movie...
Circa 1986, being held by mother in our home.

Why I love it...
The Star Wars saga is the greatest story ever told. And the first film, A New Hope, is the classic hero story. The characters are vibrant, the scale is epic, and it stills maintains heart.

No. 48- The Lion King

Film: The Lion King

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones

Released: 1994


I first saw this movie...
1994, in the theater

Why I love it...
This movie is definitely one of the most important animated films ever. It took this genre of kids films and made it deep.
And there are few moments in movies that are more intense than when the spirit of Mufassa speaks to adult Simba.

No. 49- Mystic River

Film: Mystic River


Starring: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon
Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Released: 2003


I first saw this movie...
Around 2007, on TV

Why I love it...
This was my introduction to Clint Eastwood as a director. The man makes everything intense. It's quite the heavy, unpredictable movie with a cast perfect for Eastwood. It shows on TV a lot- I think I watch it every time.

No. 50- Unbreakable

Film: Unbreakable


Starring: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan

Released: 2000


I first saw this movie...
Circa 2001, at home with my family

Why I love it...
Bruce Willis is so subtle, it's beautiful.
Combine that with Jackson's intensity and Shyamalan's great storytelling- makes for a really great movie.

The List

My 50 Favorite Films.

Listed in order.

That's the concept of this blog.

I’ll be counting down my 50 Favorite Films.
Each post will feature the next movie on the list until we reach #1.

Please recognize that these are my favorite films- not the greatest, not the most important, not the must-see movies of all time. Rather, it’s a list of my favorites. The movies that over time I’ve enjoyed and have meant a great deal to me. These are movies that changed my view of art, changed my view of others & the world, and inevitably changed who I am.

If you've never seen any of these movies, I’d certainly urge you to check them out.
But fair warning- just because they’re each special to me doesn’t mean they’ll have the same impact on you.

I'm Tyson and these are movies that I like.