Aaron's 100 - 2020 Edition: Honorable Mention
It’s time, once again, for me to share with you my 100 favorite movies.
I have a lot of fun keeping track of this list (I actually keep a note on Evernote throughout the year). Lists can be a little silly, but they are so much fun. I started this in 2018, and you can find the previous versions of the list by heading over to my Movie Journal. On this year’s edition, I’ll make a note of where each film showed up the previous year (HM stands for Honorable Mention and NR stands for Not Ranked). The list will come in increments of 25, with this first post focusing on the honorable mentions. Keep in mind a few things: 1) these are my personal favorites, so I'm not saying these are the 100 objectively best films ever made and 2) I am not giving a blanket recommendation for every film on this list. You should certainly keep in mind age and content maturity when viewing some of these films (for more info on that, check out this post). Also, this series will only focus on feature films, so you won't see any documentaries. Finally, for any films that I have previously reviewed, there will be a button below the title for you to click through to the original review.
Before we get started, the following movies are ones that made it on last year’s list as either an Honorable Mention or a Top 100 pick but are not on this year’s list: Apollo 13, Gladiator, Toy Story, Zoolander, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Hangover, Dumb and Dumber, Lincoln, Up in the Air, North by Northwest, and The Breakfast Club. It pains me to leave all of them off the list, but that just means the rest of the movies are just that good! With that out of the way, let's get to the list! Here are the 25 honorable mention films that almost made the cut...
25. Crazy, Stupid, Love.
25. Crazy, Stupid, Love. - Glenn Ficarra, John Requa (2011) This romantic comedy is incredibly underrated. It’s one of those movies for which I’ll always have a soft spot. And can you blame me with this cast?! Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Steve Carell, AND Julianne Moore! Not to mention Marisa Tomei and one of my favorite character actors - John Carroll Lynch. Is it a perfect film? No. But it gives you much more than most romantic comedies, and it just gets me every time. Last year’s ranking - HM #25
24. A Few Good Men
24. A Few Good Men - Rob Reiner (1992) This is my second favorite film from one of my favorite writers - Aaron Sorkin. It is best remembered for being the vehicle of one of the most famous movie lines in history. But more than that one quote, this scene showcases Sorkin's mastery of allowing his characters to give their point of view. Col. Jessup (Jack Nicholson) believes wholeheartedly that we live in a world that calls for people on the fringes to make choices to protect the unknowing folks back home. No matter how reprehensible we may feel Jessup's views are - and no matter what Sorkin may feel personally as the writer - he allowed Jessup to give his point of view in that scene. The courtroom is the perfect location for Sorkin's trademark dialogue, and this is one of the great courtroom dramas ever made. Last year’s ranking - HM #24
23. Mrs. Doubtfire
23. Mrs. Doubtfire - Chris Columbus (1993) This film is incredibly nostalgic for me, as my family would routinely watch it when I was a kid. Robin Williams is one of my all-time favorites, and here he runs the full gamut of his incredible talent - from zaniness to dramatic intensity. His skill for voices is on display from the very first scene. There's simply nobody else who could have played this part. There are multiple scenes where Williams finds the comedy in juxtaposition - that his character must be in multiple places at once but, obviously, cannot succeed. This is simply one of the great comedic performances, and it will always be a favorite of mine. "Hellooooooo!" Last year’s ranking - #94
22. Black Panther
22. Black Panther - Ryan Coogler (2018) I recently re-watched this after the tragic passing of star Chadwick Boseman. This was already an incredible film and one of the comic book movie genre’s greatest films (one of only three to show up on this list). But now it just plays differently - particularly the scene where Boseman’s T’Challa goes to the ancestral plane. He was truly one of our greatest actors, and his loss will be felt for years to come. Outside of Boseman’s incredible lead performance in this film, it should also be noted that it displays some of the best writing in the genre - particularly when it comes to the villain, Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan. Last year’s ranking - NR
21. Spider-Man
Into the Spider-Verse
21. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse - Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman (2018) Sometimes you have a theatrical experience that just remains in your head for a while. I had just that experience when I watched Spider-Verse for the first time. Its visual style is incredible, and it’s just so much fun to watch. There is only one comic-book film that I have ranked ahead of this one. It has a strong message, and it is a technical and visual marvel (pun intended). It’s a fun film that is endlessly re-watchable. Last year’s ranking - HM #20
20. Ace in the Hole
20. Ace in the Hole - Billy Wilder (1951) We often use the term “powerhouse” to describe performances that exude sheer power and force. Few have had the power and force of the late Kirk Douglas in this classic film from genius writer/director Billy Wilder. Here you see the early threads of our current culture’s propensity to seek salacious details over cold, hard facts. You also see the threads of media manipulation that would be mined by another classic film that will find its way up to the very top of these rankings. For now, fire up this film and be amazed at the filmmaking and acting on display. Last year’s ranking - HM #19
19. The Big Heat
19. The Big Heat - Fritz Lang (1953) Film noir is one of the most essential genres in film history, and this is one of the absolute best examples of film noir. What I love most about this is that it takes chances. This is an ambitious work from one of the all-time great directors in Fritz Lang. It takes twists and turns that must have felt jarring for its day. Characters are faced with impossible choices that make them blur the lines between good and evil. Last year’s ranking - HM #18
18. Le Samourai
18. Le Samourai - Jean-Pierre Melville (1967) This French classic is the epitome of cool. You have the striking French leading man Alain Delon in the lead role, and the film continues to build up to its fantastic closing scene. This film influenced many that came after it in the morally-conflicted criminal henchman genre (including a film starring Ryan Gosling that shows up later on in the list). It may be a bit of a slow burn, but it’s worth it! You can also read my review of the movie for Filmotomy as part of their 1967 retrospective. Last year’s ranking - NR
17. Bicycle Thieves
17. Bicycle Thieves - Vittorio De Sica (1948) This is a film that routinely gets mentioned in lists of great classic films from around the world. To me, it highlights one of the best uses of the art form of film - to help us empathize with the viewpoint of someone in a different walk of life from us. This film achieves that in a twofold way. We as the audience experience this, but the characters onscreen experience it as well. They think one way about the people around them at the film's beginning, but the hardships of life change their perspective in nuanced ways as the film continues. This remains one of the great Italian films, and one of the great films from any country. Last year’s ranking - HM #15
16. Nosferatu
16. Nosferatu - F. W. Murnau (1922) You won’t find many horror movies on my list, but this is one of them. It is also the oldest movie on my list, and it remains one of the most influential films ever made. The film’s production history has reached legendary status among cinephiles, as the studio did not get the rights for adapting the Dracula story from Bram Stoker's family. They simply changed names and places and basically copied the main story. As such, this film was mired in legal battles and was nearly obliterated from history. But a few copies were preserved and passed down through the years. It certainly is not as scary as many modern horror films, but it is far superior in quality. Max Schreck's performance as the vampire, Nosferatu, remains one of the most memorable performances in silent film history. Last year’s ranking - HM #14
15. The Italian Job (2003)
15. The Italian Job - F. Gary Gray (2003) At one time, this would have been at the very top of my list of favorite movies. I loved this one growing up, and I think it still holds up pretty well, thanks in large part to its cast. Mark Wahlberg is certainly in his element here as mastermind thief Charlie Croker. The supporting cast is incredibly talented, from Charlize Theron to Donald Sutherland to Jason Statham. It handles its action set pieces very well, especially the famous Mini Cooper car chase sequence. This film is fun and very re-watchable. Just don't say that it's "fine." Last year’s ranking - HM #13
14. Lady Bird
14. Lady Bird - Greta Gerwig (2017) I didn't quite appreciate the power of Lady Bird's screenplay the first time I saw it. But then I saw it again...and again...and again. First off, it's an incredibly-charming film, one that invites repeated viewing. And each time you watch it, you catch more of the subtlety in the relationship between Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) and her mother, Marion (Laurie Metcalf). I love Jon Brion's music in this film, but - above all - it is Greta Gerwig's laser-focused screenplay that drives this film. It's so wonderfully-written, and I can't think of a movie that more artfully explores the mother/daughter relationship. I also appreciate that this film chooses not to frame its coming-of-age story around a romantic relationship, but rather a familial one. There are so many wonderful directorial choices from Gerwig here, and that is why this was one of the best films from 2017. Last year’s ranking - HM #10
13. Mudbound
13. Mudbound - Dee Rees (2017) Though it wasn't quite as acclaimed as Lady Bird, I found Dee Rees' moving epic Mudbound to be one of 2017's best films as well. In fact, if I had a vote (which I most certainly do not), I would have given Dee Rees the Oscar for Best Director. She weaves so many storylines together seamlessly, and she finds the beauty in the landscapes of the Mississippi Delta. Thankfully, Mudbound's cinematographer Rachel Morrison was nominated for an Oscar for her work on the film, becoming the first woman to be nominated for Best Cinematography. The acting performances here are incredible, too. Garrett Hedlund, Carey Mulligan, Mary J. Blige (Oscar-nominated), and Jason Clarke all put in fine work. But it is Jason Mitchell who gives the film's best performance as Ronsel Jackson. It's a long film and it's tough to watch at times, but Mudbound has treasures in store at every turn. Last year’s ranking - HM #9
12. Cries and Whispers
12. Cries and Whispers - Ingmar Bergman (1972) Ingmar Bergman's 1972 film Cries and Whispers is a wonderful example of the power that quality set design and cinematography can have on a film's impact. Sven Nykvist (cinematographer) and Marik Vos-Lundh (art director) support Bergman's story and visual narrative with the juxtaposition of the striking red walls of this mansion and the pure white of the costumes. This is a story about pain and our attempts to deal with it. The acting performances are incredible, especially from Bergman regular Harriet Andersson. This is another film that grew on me after watching it a second time, as there is so much here to unpack. The closing scene ties the film's thematic elements together beautifully, and this is yet another example of Bergman's complete mastery of the art of filmmaking. I reviewed this film for Filmotomy, as part of their Bergman 100 retrospective. Last year’s ranking - #99
11. Gangs of New York
11. Gangs of New York - Martin Scorsese (2002) It’s not lost on me that Bergman and fellow legendary director Martin Scorsese have gone back-to-back here. They are my two favorite directors. But, you wanna know why Gangs of New York is such a good film? Daniel Day-Lewis. Surely Scorsese's skill behind the camera deserves a great deal of the credit, too, but Day-Lewis gives a mountain of a performance here as Bill the Butcher. It's titanic. From the moment he steps into view (which might just be the best character introduction ever), you know he owns the story. The film's ending is searingly emotional. The entire movie will make you consider the foundation of America - not the one we're taught in schoolbooks, but the one that came through the blood, sweat, and more blood spent by immigrants and natives. In many ways, we're still fighting the battles portrayed in this film. Gangs of New York will keep you thinking, and the talent on display will entertain you at the same time. Last year’s ranking - HM #6
10. Tokyo Story
10. Tokyo Story - Yasujiro Ozu (1953) This one commonly shows up on lists of the greatest films ever made, and for good reason. It has a simple beauty all its own. And the performances are incredibly moving as this story of a family facing life’s struggles unfolds. Japanese cinema has given us some of film’s great artists, and Ozu is right at the top of that list with Akira Kurosawa. This is the only Ozu film I’ve seen, so I’m very intrigued to continue to engage with his filmography. Last year’s ranking - NR
9. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
9. Beauty and the Beast - Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise (1991) It is the best Disney-animated film, in my opinion. This was the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture, and it cemented Disney's resurgence. For the next 20 years, they would dominate the movie landscape, and it's hard to see any of that happening if not for the success of this film. I love that Belle loves books and reading. I love the music. I love the story. It is as enchanting as ever no matter how many times you've seen it. Disney has made some wonderful films since this was released, but I don't think they've ever topped it. Last year’s ranking - HM #5
8. Interstellar
8. Interstellar - Christopher Nolan (2014) Christopher Nolan is one of the most talented and influential directors of our time. Whether you love his films or not, a new Nolan film has become a must-see event. His 2014 film Interstellar is one of my personal favorites of his. I remember seeing it multiple times with my then-girlfriend, now-wife, Sarah, in the theater. We were both gobsmacked by it. This is a film with ambition, and I would always prefer such a film - even if it falls a bit short - over a vanilla film that doesn't try very much. But I don't think Interstellar falls short at all. Nolan's trademark time-warp storytelling fits perfectly into this space-time drama. Matthew McConaughey is great, as is Jessica Chastain. There's even a supporting role for current critic darling Timothee Chalamet. The whole cast is great, but it is Nolan's vision and direction that make this film so memorable. Last year’s ranking - HM #4
7. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
7. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg - Jacques Demy (1964) This has become one of my all-time favorite movie musicals. From French director Jacques Demy, this enchanting film stars Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo as star-crossed lovers. Its claim to fame is that every word in the film is sung (as opposed to the more common choice in musicals of having characters speak and then break into song). It was a major influence on later musicals (La La Land most of all), and its ending is so poignant and unique. The colors in this film are simply astounding, too. Once you get past the initial jolt of having all the words sung to you, you'll realize just how incredible of a film this is. Last year’s ranking - #97
6. Wild Strawberries
6. Wild Strawberries - Ingmar Bergman (1957) I've already mentioned my love for Bergman, and his career is simply astounding. Take the year 1957, for instance, when he created the all-time classic The Seventh Seal *and* Wild Strawberries, which shows up here as an honorable mention. Again, we’re splitting hairs here when doing rankings like these, but I do feel that Wild Strawberries is one of Bergman’s more re-watchable films. Swedish legend Victor Sjostrom gives a fantastic performance as retired doctor Isak Borg, a man who is on a trip to receive an award for his lifetime achievement. Along the way, he meets people that make him consider his past in interesting ways. This is one of Bergman's most accessible films and one of his most moving. In a career spanning decades and containing multiple all-time classics, Wild Strawberries stands up as one of Bergman's best. Last year’s ranking - #98
5. The Night of the Hunter
5. The Night of the Hunter - Charles Laughton (1955) Charles Laughton was a famous actor before he made this film - his only directorial credit. That he started and ended his directorial career with a film as classic as this one is so impressive. This film has some incredible visual sequences. And it is also influential in movie history for the scene that mirrors a Spike Lee film that came over 30 years later and shows up very highly on this list. The lead performance from Robert Mitchum as the movie’s villain is an all-timer. Last year’s ranking - NR
4. Ex Machina
4. Ex Machina - Alex Garland (2014) Alex Garland is surely one of my favorite directors working today. His films are so cerebral, yet visually stunning at the same time. Ex Machina incorporates a profound investigation of what it means to be human through the story of a master coder (Domnhall Gleeson), a tech magnate (Oscar Isaac), and the world's first true artificial intelligence, named Ava (Alicia Vikander). I absolutely love the ending to this film, and the entire story left me thinking for a long time. I’ve now watched it multiple times, and it certainly holds up to repeat viewings. If you'd like to see more of my thoughts on Ex Machina you can head over to my capsule review of the film for Filmotomy's British cinema roundup. Last year’s ranking - #100
3. 2001: A Space Odyssey
3. 2001: A Space Odyssey - Stanley Kubrick (1968) When you're talking about visually-striking science fiction films, the conversation begins with this Kubrick classic. It changed filmmaking in ways that have been reverberating ever since. Nearly every science fiction film released after 2001: A Space Odyssey has been influenced by it in some fashion. It stands alone in the genre for its early use of special effects and its profound themes. You can certainly tell the difference between the effects used here and the CGI effects of modern films - but that's what is so amazing about this film. With tactics that would be deemed rudimentary by today's computer-enhanced standards, Kubrick, cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth, and visual effects supervisor Douglas Trumbull were able to create jaw-dropping scenes like the famous Stargate sequence and some of the most memorable images in the history of cinema. I would love to see this film on the big screen someday. Last year’s ranking - #89
2. Annie Hall
2. Annie Hall - Woody Allen (1977) It's hard to know exactly what to do with the films of Woody Allen. On the one hand, he's clearly one of the best writers the medium of film has ever seen. But the sexual assault allegations against him (of which he was acquitted in court, but his adoptive daughter continues to affirm) are impossible to overlook. That is especially true considering he had an affair with and ended up marrying his ex-wife's adopted daughter and so many of his films contain a storyline where he dates younger women. There was a time when I would have said Annie Hall was my favorite romantic comedy. While I can't change the feelings I had about the film upon first seeing it, I'm certainly conflicted about it now. It shows up here on my list because it fully displays Allen's talent for direction and writing. This is an incredible film, and it certainly represents the work of many people besides just Allen. However, Allen's films (including this one) are so tied to his own persona, and I wouldn't begrudge anyone who says they can no longer watch his films. My favorite film critic - Matthew Zoller Seitz - wrote a great piece about this difficult topic. I haven't revisited Allen’s films in some time, and I'm still processing how to navigate this going forward. Last year’s ranking - #91
1. Mad Max: Fury Road
Honorable Mention #1. Max Max: Fury Road - George Miller (2015) While I was blown away by the technical achievement of this film on my first watch, the totality of the story did not hit me until I watched it again. There’s a reason this has started showing up on lists of the greatest action movies ever. The stunts are absolutely incredible, and the cinematography is breathtaking. Add in a fantastic performance from Charlize Theron, and you have an unforgettable film that misses out on the Top 100 once again by the narrowest of margins. Last year’s ranking - HM #1
So, there you have it. Those are the films that just barely missed out. Check back next week for numbers 100-76. For now, leave me a comment below or tweet at me to let me know what films you think I missed. Thanks, friends!