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.