Aaron's 100 - 2024 Edition: No. 75 - No. 51

It’s time, once again, for me to share with you my 100 favorite movies.

This year, the entire endeavor is tinged with deep sadness. My father, with whom I shared a close relationship and many wonderful moviegoing experiences, passed away on August 16, 2024. Making a list of my favorite movies seems pretty meaningless in light of it all.

And yet, here I am.

Movies help me process things. They help me practice empathy. They make me think (at least, the good ones do). So, I think there is importance in continuing to talk about them.

Before we go any further, a few housekeeping notes:

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.
These are my personal favorites, so I'm not saying these are the 100 objectively best films ever made.
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.

But enough intro, let's get to the list! Here are numbers 75-51...

75. Private Life - Tamara Jenkins (2018) Few films - if any - have been able to mix humor and sadness as well as this one. Writer/Director Tamara Jenkins creates a masterful story about infertility and the marriage between Richard (Paul Giamatti) and Rachel (Kathryn Hahn). Hahn gives an incredible performance, one that should have garnered her the Oscar for Best Actress. This film is on Netflix, and is a diamond in the rough for anyone who seeks it out. Last year’s ranking - NR

74. 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 continues to rise in my rankings. Last year’s ranking - #89

73. The Social Network - David Fincher (2010) Aaron Sorkin is one of my favorite writers, and this is the film for which he won his Oscar. The script is incredible, and it seems even more timely today. This film is endlessly rewatchable, and it has a bevy of acting talent. Many look back and say this film should have won Best Picture in 2010. While I’m not sure I agree (you’ll see some other films from that year later on in this list), there’s no doubt that this film is an all-timer in its own right. And beyond Sorkin’s writing, the direction from Fincher plus the incredible score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross make this a fascinating cinematic experience. Last year’s ranking - #80

72. The Revenant - Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (2015) This film is a visual splendor thanks to the immaculate combination of director Inarritu and cinematographer Emmanuel "Chivo" Lubezki. This was part of Inarritu's back-to-back Oscar wins for Best Director, but Chivo had him bested with three wins in a row for Best Cinematography, including his work here. They decided to shoot this film only in natural light, and it makes for some absolutely incredible visuals. Of course, this film also represented the first ever Oscar win for Leonardo DiCaprio. His acting here is visceral. He even ate real bison liver in one scene to add to the verisimilitude. The best component of this film might actually be the score by Ryuichi Sakamoto. It is moving and haunting. One thing is sure after watching this film - I never want to meet a grizzly bear in the wild. Last year’s ranking - #75

71. Faust - F. W. Murnau (1926) Few films have made me appreciate the history of the movies quite like this one. I was absolutely floored upon watching it for the first time. How in the world did Murnau create such imagery with the tools on hand in the mid-20s? He is surely one of the great directors, and this film is a perfect example. Its story is one that has been handed down for generations, and if you've ever heard of a "Faustian bargain" you basically understand it. The demon Mephisto (Emil Jannings) makes a bet with an archangel (Werner Fuetterer) that the good hearted Faust (Gosta Ekman) can be corrupted. In an attempt to save his plagued village, Faust makes a deal with Mephisto and we watch as he descends into darkness. Along the way, Murnau treats us to what must be some of the most incredible images ever committed to film. I simply don't understand how he did it, but I will never stop marveling at his unique achievement. This is another silent film, and while I wouldn't label it as "scary" necessarily, it does deal with some frightening themes. However, if you're a fan of striking imagery, you absolutely must see this classic from the silent era. Last year’s ranking - #74

70. The King of Comedy

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70. The King of Comedy - Martin Scorsese (1983) Marty is known for other films besides this one. While it certainly has a dedicated following, it doesn't seem to get the acclaim of some of his more famous films. However, I think it holds up quite well to any film the masterful director has ever made. Here, Scorsese and Robert De Niro are satirizing our culture's thirst for celebrity. Scorsese uses "dream" sequences to throw us off and make us question whether we're seeing the real story or not. No matter what you think of the film, one thing is clear when you watch it - Rupert Pupkin is one of the most memorable characters you will meet. I reviewed this film for Filmotomy's retrospective on the year of film in 1983. Also, if you thought Joker was a good film (I did not), watch this film and see the many ways that Joker ripped it off. Last year’s ranking - #73

69. The Shining - Stanley Kubrick (1980) Kubrick. Nicholson. These two names came together to adapt Stephen King’s famous novel into arguably the most influential horror film of all time. However, I think Shelley Duvall often gets overshadowed by these icons of cinema when we discuss this film. Kubrick’s treatment of actors on the set of this film has become notorious for its perfectionism. He often made them do 75 takes or more. In a story that is so unnerving and shocking, Duvall plays a key part and she absolutely knocks it out of the park. Yes, Nicholson’s performance is rightfully praised, but these scenes would not be as iconic without Duvall’s work alongside him. The music is also a key element, becoming almost as unnerving as Kubrick’s images. Almost. Last year’s ranking - #71

68. When Harry Met Sally - Rob Reiner (1989) It's the best rom-com. From the intercutting interviews with couples to the back-and-forth romance of its main characters, When Harry Met Sally is classic in every sense of the term. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are electric as one of the great on screen couples. And this film has some scenes that have been etched into movie history. Of course, there's the diner scene. But the New Year's Party scene is even better. There's many great quotes. It's just a great film. It's the kind of film that, when you watch it, you just know. Like you know about a good melon. Last year’s ranking - #70

67. The Irishman

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67. The Irishman - Martin Scorsese (2019) If you haven’t figured it out so far, the rest of the list will make it clear - Martin Scorsese is one of my absolute favorite directors. When Sarah and I drove two hours to Chicago to see this movie in the theater, my anticipation was sky-high. I was almost nervous as the movie began. This was my first time seeing a Scorsese film during its theatrical run. It absolutely blew me away. It more than lived up to my expectations. Yes, it is long. But I find the film to be incredibly rewatchable. This is Scorsese wrestling with his own artistic legacy. It is moving and cerebral, yet it also contains the fun and flair for which he’s known. You can read my “Favorite Movies” piece about this film at the link above, and I also reviewed it for InSession Film. Last year’s ranking - #68

66. Remember the Titans - Boaz Yakin (2000) Though this remains a, primarily, nostalgic pick for me, I recently watched it again and it holds up so well. There was a time where I listed this as my favorite film. Growing up, there was no film that I had seen more than this one. In fact, this may still be the film I've seen the most times. It is incredibly rewatchable, and even though it is a Disney film and certainly appropriate for all ages, it deals with themes that are mature and thought-provoking. It uses music so well, from its soundtrack of 70s hits to its rousing score. And I'm not sure I've ever seen a bad Denzel Washington performance. He always delivers, and he certainly does so here as coach Herman Boone. As I've gotten older, my movie tastes have changed and my love for football has waned a bit, but this will always be a film that is near and dear to my heart. Last year’s ranking - #67

65. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - Steven Spielberg (1989) For a long time, I've gone back and forth over which Indiana Jones film is my favorite. I remember watching the films with my family when I was a kid and being simply enthralled by the music, the story, and the character so wonderfully embodied by Harrison Ford. This is the film from the original trilogy that I have seen the most. It is so much fun, and I personally love the interplay between Ford and Sean Connery. I vividly remember watching the closing scenes as our hero takes the path of the "penitent man." And this film may contain the most classic closing shot of all-time. Too bad Indiana Jones didn't actually ride off into the sunset but made us sit through Kingdom of the Crystal Skull instead. Last year’s ranking - #66

64. Black Swan - Darren Aronofsky (2010) This film is haunting and incredibly dark. It deals with themes of artistic obsession and abuse. It contains one of the great lead performances by Natalie Portman, for which she rightfully won an Oscar. I’ve only seen this film once, and that viewing has stuck with me in ways few other films have. The ending, especially, just rocks you. In so many ways, it is the perfect ending to what we’ve seen throughout the film. Just perfect. Last year’s ranking - #64

63. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope - George Lucas (1977) It spawned the greatest cultural phenomenon of our time. From the films themselves to the toys, the costumes and now the theme parks, Star Wars is ubiquitous. Think about the massive achievement it is to create something that spawns so much love and fanatic affection. George Lucas is certainly a visionary, and his use of special effects in this film impacted filmmaking in ways that are still being felt. Would there even be a Marvel Cinematic Universe if not for the success of Star Wars? Even the notion of a blockbuster was shaped by this and the release of Jaws just a few years earlier. The characters are incredible, and the storyline is classic. It took influences from Stanley Kubrick and Akira Kurosawa and made something entirely new and groundbreaking. And we're still talking about it today. Last year’s ranking - #53

62. Inside Llewyn Davis

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62. Inside Llewyn Davis - Joel and Ethan Coen (2013) This film has been a mainstay on this list, and it pops up again here at number 61. One of the key reasons for that? Inside Llewyn Davis remains one of my absolute favorite movie soundtracks. Here, not only is the film populated by many classic folk songs from the era just before Bob Dylan, but the music used in the film was all recorded live on set. And lead actor Oscar Isaac did not have someone else provide the vocals for him. No, he acted and sang as lead character Llewyn Davis in the film. Aside from the incredible production that this film was, the story is also riveting. It shows that talent alone is not enough. The road to stardom is dotted with many talented folks who simply never made it. From a technical standpoint, the direction and writing from the Coens are obviously stellar. But I must also call out the cinematography from Bruno Delbonnel. This film looks much different than other Coen Brothers' films, but that is a testament to how Delbonnel brings his own artistic touch into the story. His work perfectly captures the dinginess of the film's settings and the longing inside Llewyn Davis. Last year’s ranking - #61

61. The Departed - Martin Scorsese (2006) First off, I always read this film's title as "The De-PAH-ted". The Boston setting makes for many great accents from this incredible ensemble cast - particularly Boston natives Mark Wahlberg and Matt Damon. This cast really is fantastic from top to bottom. Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Alec Baldwin, Vera Farmiga and Martin Sheen all give wonderful performances. But I can't help but focus on Scorsese's direction even with the enormous and star-studded cast. This was Scorsese's first film to garner him Best Picture and Best Director wins at the Academy Awards. While I don't find it to be quite as good as some other Scorsese classics, those awards were certainly well-deserved. This is a film that spins us ever deeper into its story before unravelling in compelling ways. And it is impossible to stop watching once you put it on. Last year’s ranking - #56

60. Inception - Christopher Nolan (2010) This is the best Christopher Nolan film. I still remember the cultural discussion that surrounded it upon its release. Everyone wanted to know if you had seen Inception and what you thought of its ending. Putting its puzzle of a plot to the side for a moment, this is simply an incredible film. Nolan's direction is fantastic. The music from Hans Zimmer is some of the best he's ever created throughout his storied career. And the ensemble cast is wonderful throughout. The lead performance from Leonardo DiCaprio gets the headlines, but look at all the acting talent riddled throughout this cast - Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe, and the legendary Michael Caine. Cotillard is, I think, deserving of specific praise. Considering the plot of the film, it may be too much to say her performance is "dreamlike" but there is certainly an ethereal quality to her work here. No matter what you think of the ending, this film as a whole is one we will be watching and discussing for years to come. Last year’s ranking - #57

59. Phantom Thread

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59. Phantom Thread - Paul Thomas Anderson (2017) There's so much I love about this film, but I must first start with the score. The music here from Jonny Greenwood is so lush and evocative. It is one of the most beautiful film scores I've ever heard, and I think it should have won the Oscar for Best Score in 2017. Then you have what may be the final performance by the greatest actor of his generation and, possibly, of all time. Daniel Day-Lewis is incredible here, but...dare I say it...I don't think he gives the best performance in the film. Relative newcomer Vicky Krieps absolutely shines as Alma, the muse and love interest of fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock (Day-Lewis). Lesley Manville also gives a fantastic performance as Reynolds' sister, Cyril, but it is Krieps that takes her character on an incredible journey in the film. She comes to dominate the story despite the commanding presence of Day-Lewis. This is a dark film, but it is also incredibly funny at times. It was my favorite film of 2017, and it continues to beguile me. Last year’s ranking - #55

58. The Third Man - Carol Reed (1949) One of the great plot twists. Incredible cinematography. Orson Welles in one of his best performances, sporting his trademark Cheshire grin. I had long heard that this was one of the finest examples of postwar filmmaking. Then, I finally watched it and realized that was completely true. I’ll never forget my first watch of this film. I was absolutely floored. The images are indelible, right up until the unforgettable final shot. When you talk about great films, this one has to be on your short list. Last year’s ranking - #54

57. It's a Wonderful Life - Frank Capra (1946) Classic. What other word is there for this film? It was entered into the public domain in 1974 due to a clerical error which kept the film's original copyright owner from filing a renewal. Because of this, from the mid-70s on, it was routinely shown on network television around Christmastime. This gave it a second life after it was critically-acclaimed but not well-received by the public upon its initial release. In the years since, it has become an absolute classic. George Bailey (James Stewart) is simply one of the all-time great movie characters. And Capra's direction is, for lack of a better word, wonderful. Once you see this film, it is nearly impossible to keep from being enchanted by it. My father-in-law and I share a love for this movie, and we usually re-watch it together at Christmas. Last year’s ranking - #43

56. The Godfather Part II - Francis Ford Coppola (1974) Of all the cinephile joys, we are graced with a new Francis Ford Coppola film in 2024 (as of this writing, I have yet to see Megalopolis). It is greeted with such fanfare because he is truly one of the greatest directors to ever live. The argument will continue to rage among cinephiles on which of the first two installments of this classic trilogy is the best. You'll just have to wait and see if this one can be topped, but it is undeniable that this is an incredible film in its own right. I find it to be the most emotional of the Godfather films, with the continuation of the trilogy's focus on family reaching a deeply personal level. Obviously Al Pacino's performance as Michael Corleone is legendary, but so too is John Cazale as Fredo Corleone. Cazale tragically died at a young age, but he showed such promise for a long and acclaimed career. Every film he appeared in was nominated for Best Picture, and this one became the very first sequel to ever win the award. It dropped a bit this year, but that has a lot more to say about the films left on the list than any issue with this great film. Last year’s ranking - #60

55. Brief Encounter

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55. Brief Encounter - David Lean (1945) On paper, you wouldn't think that an extramarital interaction over the course of a couple weeks would make for a great visual narrative. Such stories showcased in modern films often seek out the overly-salacious aspects, but there is no overt sexual content in this film and certainly no nudity. The story is revealed through subtext, at first, and then gradually we get more information about the relationship between Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson) and Dr. Alec Harvey (Trevor Howard). Again, none of that sounds like the makings of a great film. But in the hands of the legendary David Lean, what doesn't look intriguing on paper becomes an enthralling story. Lean is most famous for his grand epics (one of which is still to come on this list), but he brings that same mastery of cinematic technique to this story which focuses on small moments and interactions. The black and white shots of the smoke filled train station are strikingly beautiful, and the characters make you feel for their inner turmoil. At the same time, it is Johnson's incredibly-evocative performance that elevates the material to new heights. This is another film that I've reviewed for Filmotomy, and it is a wonderful example of the art of filmmaking. Last year’s ranking - #59

54. All the President's Men - Alan J. Pakula (1976) The Watergate investigation is one of the seminal events in recent history. Its impact is still being felt today - both in the political sphere and in the movies. We've seen a few major "newspaper movies" come out in the last few years. All of them - except for one - are in the shadow of this 70s classic. You have two great performances from Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman in the lead roles, and an even better performance from Jason Robards in a supporting role as Ben Bradlee Sr. The headline here, however, is the script from the late, great William Goldman. This film handles its material so well. Think of all the different avenues this story provides. It navigates the pitfalls that have plagued other journalism films by staying focused on its main story - finding the truth. There are few better examples of that search than the work done by investigative journalists Bob Woodward (Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Hoffman). This film is a classic for a reason. Last year’s ranking - #62

53. The Thin Red Line - Terrence Malick (1998) In my opinion, this is the best war film released in 1998 - beating out Saving Private Ryan by a good margin. Terrence Malick's drama about the conflict at Guadalcanal near the end of World War II is the superior film, in my opinion. I love Malick's focus on nature, and he has another film later on in my list that takes that fascination to even new heights. Malick is notoriously difficult on actors, and he basically cut out all of George Clooney's scenes in this film. But he brought out powerful performances from Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, and Adrien Brody, and created a unique film within the war movie genre. Last year’s ranking - #31

52. La La Land - Damien Chazelle (2016) This is another film right near the top on my list of favorite movie music. I listen to the music from this film often. In fact, it pops in my head randomly throughout the day. I absolutely love it! But it's more than just music. There is a powerful story here about the rightful place that dreams should take in our lives. The cinematography is incredible (though there is a film later on in my list that I think should have gotten the Oscar instead of this film), and the direction is fantastic. Couple that with an incredible performance by Emma Stone, and there's more than enough reason to overlook Ryan Gosling's less-than-stellar singing. Oh, and I could watch the Griffith Observatory scene on a loop for the rest of my life if I had to. Last year’s ranking - #52

51. Broadcast News - James L. Brooks (1987) What a great film! I’m always struck by the sheer power of this film. Director James L. Brooks has long been one of the best writers of romantic comedies in the entire film industry. This is my personal favorite of his films, and it boasts an all-star cast of comedic talent. At the top of that list is Holly Hunter, who commands the screen as TV producer, Jane Craig. William Hurt and Albert Brooks are both fantastic as well, and this is an indelible example of 80’s comedy film genius. Last year’s ranking - #58

So, there you have it. We are well into the main list! Check back next week for numbers 50-26. For now, leave me a comment below or tweet at me to let me know what films you think I missed. Thanks, friends!