Commemorating the 30th anniversary of Pulp Fiction, a groundbreaking film that revolutionized the genre and the film industry, I am embarking on a two-part movie series.
This post presents a compilation of 43 films that I have revisited frequently over the years and which I believe still offer compelling viewing in 2024. While some aspects of these films may not have aged well due to the span of 43 years covered by this list, the diverse selection presented here caters to a wide audience. The list includes the timeless 1976 classic, Taxi Driver, as well as the recent 2019 Best Picture winner, Parasite. Encompassing dramas, comedies, foreign language films, and various thrillers, this compilation offers a broad spectrum of cinematic experiences. Whether it's the thrilling scenes, stellar acting performances, intriguing plot twists, comedic brilliance, or often something deeper such as moral dilemmas without clear solutions, this list offers a rich array of movie-watching opportunities.
Thanks to one of my favorite movie podcasts, The Rewatchables, for the inspiration. Given the length of this extensive list, I have arranged these films in order based on the ones I would prioritize for a rewatch if I were in charge of the streaming platform.
In the sequel post to this film series to be released in October, I will feature shocking and unforgettable scenes, along with memorable quotes, from several of these movies and a few others.
Pulp Fiction, 1994 Quentin Tarantino
Quentin Tarantino's groundbreaking crime drama comedy was a game-changer in the world of filmmaking. This movie showcases witty dialogue, surprising plot twists, and an innovative plot structure that had not been seen before its release. It propelled Samuel Jackson to international stardom and is known for its unique blend of dark humor and unmatched dialogue.
Goodfellas, 1990 Martin Scorsese
Is there a mob movie that surpasses this one? While The Godfather I and II are exceptional, Martin Scorsese's film stands out. Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and others deliver unforgettable scenes, quotes, and moments. It's difficult to think of a more impressive film soundtrack, perhaps with the exception of Pulp Fiction.
Boogie Nights, 1997 Paul Thomas Anderson
Biopic film depicting the 80's adult film industry featuring Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly, Burt Reynolds, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, and a talented ensemble cast in this exceptional Paul Thomas Anderson production. This comedy-drama not only propelled the careers of many actors but also delivers one of the most memorable pool party scenes in cinematic history. Additionally, there is a scene that permanently alters one's perception of the classic Night Ranger song "Sister Christian." The film boasts an incredible soundtrack.
Dazed and Confused, 1993 Richard Linklater
This film covers a group of rowdy teens celebrating the last day of high school in 1976 in Austin, Texas. Take a fun and hilarious music filled ride with Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck (before they were famous) in renowned director Richard Linklater's (Bernie, School of Rock, Before Sunrise trilogy, High Fidelity, Everybody Wants Some) best film.
Fargo, 1996 Joel Coen
One of the most captivating and eccentric films in the drama/thriller/comedy genre, created by the amazing Coen Brothers duo. Following this film, William H Macy and Frances McDormand were perceived in a new light and saw their careers take off. Fargo masterfully blends shock, awe, and moments of laughter seamlessly.
Kill Bill 1 and 2, 2003 and 2004 Quentin Tarantino
Quentin Tarantino delivered 2 films that take the viewer into places they never could have imagined from thrilling martial arts action scenes to a deeply personal vendetta that ends in beautiful violence. Uma Thurman leads a stellar cast in a film that features many memorable scenes and career defining performances.
True Romance, 1993 Tony Scott
This Tony Scott directed masterpiece was written by Quentin Tarantino and features some of the most impressive dialogue in film history. It has violence, humor and drama and helped make Patricia Arquette's career. Christian Slater is as cool as can be as the lead and there are too many fantastic character actor roles too mention, led by Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper.
The Fugitive, 1993 Andrew Davis
This is one of the best suspenseful thriller films ever made. Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones deliver iconic performances, adding to their already impressive careers. The drama that unfolds in this film is highlighted by unforgettable scenes such as a spectacular train and bus collision, daring river escapes, intense dam jumps, and thrilling sequences set in Chicago, including a dramatic escape during the St. Patrick's Day Parade and daring infiltrations of hospitals. It is undoubtedly one of the top films showcasing Chicago.
Stripes, 1981 Ivan Reitman
Starring Bill Murray, John Candy, and Harold Ramis, this 1981 comedy classic depicts a group of army cadets navigating basic training. The humor arises from the lack of mental and physical readiness of most cadets to enlist in the military, leading to endless laughter.
The Big Lebowski, 1998 Joel and Ethan Coen
This film by the Coen Brothers is a blend of comedy and drama. Jeff Bridges portrays The Dude, while John Goodman delivers an outstanding performance in a movie that embodies the classic Coen Brothers style, featuring numerous unexpected scenes that captivate, fascinate and shock the audience.
Sideways, 2004 Alexander Payne
Paul Giamatti gives a remarkable performance in the best fictional movie about wine ever made. Director Alexander Payne presents memorable scenes and plenty of humor in this outstanding film that highlights the beauty of Santa Barbara Wine country, a destination I was fortunate to visit twice following the movie's debut. It is unlikely that I would have ever visited this beautiful part of California if it weren't for his film.
Die Hard, 1988 John McTiernan
This movie is considered the ultimate "Christmas" film for fans of skyscrapers, terrorists, underdogs, and witty one-liners. Bruce Willis was a notable actor prior to this film, but reached a whole new level of stardom afterwards. This film is widely regarded as one of the greatest action movies of all time.
Before Sunrise, 1995 Richard Linklater
This is one of 3 Richard Linklater films on this list. This beautiful 1995 film about European travel in your 20s, random romantic encounters and wanderlust will make you wish you could travel somewhere with an open mind and few obligations and attachments. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy star in this film which features hardly any other actors and which resulted in 2 additional films with the same actors carrying on their relationship made nearly 10 years apart (Before Sunset in 2004 and Before Midnight in 2013).
Crimes and Misdemeanors, 1989 Woody Allen
Woody Allen's movies are part of the comedy drama genre as opposed to slapstick comedy. It's all about the dialogue in his films. If your a fan of Seinfeld or Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm, you probably enjoy or would enjoy the terrific writing and dialogue found in Woody Allen's films. I could list Manhattan, Annie Hall, Midnight in Paris, Blue Jasmine and many others on this list, but I picked this film which isn't a comedy but a crime drama. It features the iconic Martin Landau in a role where he gets involved in some complex and problematic situations which force him into making some very difficult, moral compromising decisions.
National Lampoons Vacation, 1983 Harold Ramis
Due to the enduring popularity of Christmas Vacation as a classic holiday movie, this film tends to be somewhat underrated despite its greatness. In my opinion, it may even surpass the former slightly. Starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo in the lead roles, this movie predates Christmas Vacation and follows a cross country family road trip where not much goes right. It's a bit more adult than Christmas Vacation but is an incredibly entertaining ride of a film.
Boyz n The Hood, 1991 John Singleton
Inner city South Central LA film about growing up in violence and trying to make it through to something better. The movie holds a wealth of valuable life lessons that continue to resonate with me. It emphasizes the importance of being a strong father and has specific scenes and quotes which could be included in a guidebook for parents of high schoolers. Gratitude to director John Singleton and actor Laurence Fishburne for their outstanding contributions to this epic portrayal.
Platoon, 1986 Oliver Stone
This Oliver Stone Vietnam War film is on many "best ever" movie lists. As much as any movie can, this film takes you right into the heart of the villages, rice paddies and jungles of Vietnam and gives you some idea of what the soldiers and medics encountered during this war. Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe give epic performances. The good vs. evil dynamic between Berenger and Dafoe's characters is memorable and the villain that emerges from this rivalry is one of movie history's greatest.
Saving Private Ryan, 1998 Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg's World War 2 movie is impactful on a level that few war films have ever achieved. The depiction of the Normandy D-Day invasion stands out as one of the finest examples of war filmmaking in the history of cinema.
Kingpin, 1996 The Farrelly Brothers
Bill Murray and Woody Harrelson are both spot on in the best bowling centric film ever made. Randy Quaid rounds the cast out in this hilarious story of bowling redemption with all the ridiculousness you'd expect from The Farrelly Brothers (Dumb and Dumber).
Less than Zero, 1987 Marek Kanievska
An adaptation of a Brett Easton Ellis novel into a movie starring Andrew McCarthy during his peak fame in the 80s, alongside what I consider to be Robert Downey Jr.'s finest acting performance. Many who associate Downey Jr. solely with Iron Man would be surprised by the exceptional performances he delivered in Less than Zero and Chaplin. The movie delves into the profound depths of drug addiction within a highly affluent society, leaving a lasting impression on me during my early 20s.
Gone Girl, 2014 David Fincher
Based on a very popular novel, David Fincher hit another home run with this film. Few films of recent history have such stark twists and offer such thrilling drama. Ben Affleck is terrific and Rosamund Pike gives one of the best acting performances of the 2000's to date in this unforgettable 2014 thriller.
Airplane, 1980 Jim Abrahams, David and Jerry Zucker
This is an incredibly funny slapstick, spoof comedy that definitely hasn't aged well in some spots. But, boy it is still very, very funny. Kareem Abdul Jabaar has a terrific role but classic slapstick actor Lesley Nielsen is the lead in this film which is literally one comic plane crash.
Anchorman, 2004 Adam McKay
Will Ferrell has never been better in this absolutely hilarious movie about a fictional full of himself television anchorman. Incredible cast of character actors from Jack Black to Steve Carell to Ben Stiller with bizarre scenes of humor that just keep coming.
Step Brothers, 2008 Adam McKay
In this comedy movie, Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly star as grown men still completely reliant on their parents whose laid-back lives are turned upside down when their parents get remarried. Richard Jenkins and Mary Steenburgen deliver superb performances as the parents, in this hilarious film filled with immature humor that will have you laughing until your sides ache.
Raiders of the the Lost Ark, 1981 Steven Spielberg
They made lots of Indiana Jones movies, but the initial one is the one to come back to. It is hard to imagine any movie character being cooler than Harrison Ford's Han Solo character from the Star Wars films, but Ford somehow outshines Han with his depiction of Dr. Jones in this film. This Spielberg movie has it all including archaeology, espionage, thrilling action, and comedic moments.
The Counterfeiters, 2007 Stefan Ruzowitsky
This WWII movie looks at the war from a different perspective and was honored with the Best Foreign Film award at the 2007 Academy Awards. The plot revolves around the abduction of a Jewish expert thief and forger, who is compelled to assemble a team to produce counterfeit British pounds to support Germany's war efforts from inside a concentration camp. Due to the critical nature of his mission (as Germany's financial crisis played a significant role in the war's conclusion), he is granted special privileges in the camp. The narrative delves into the moral dilemma faced by the film's protagonist, who previously enjoyed a luxurious life in Monte Carlo before his capture, as he witnesses the suffering of others and grasps the broader implications of his actions.
The Lives of Others, 2006 Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
The movie narrates the tale of the Stasi in East Germany, depicting how this clandestine police unit monitored individuals' lives and what they believed to be confidential discussions. It explores the repercussions of the surveillance activities from the viewpoints of both the monitored individuals and the monitors themselves. This profound film delves into the significance of human relationships, leaving the viewer with many thoughts to ponder.
Taxi Driver, 1976 Martin Scorsese
Robert De Niro stars as a Taxi Driver who is starting to drift away from mainstream society in this iconic Martin Scorsese movie. The famous "You talking to me?" scene showcases his exceptional acting skills. The film builds up tension and mystery as the story progresses, leading Travis Bickle to eventually focus on saving a young prostitute played by Jodie Foster.
Parasite, 2019 Bong Joon-ho
This gripping thriller from a talented Korean filmmaker (known for Mother, The Host, Okja, Snowpiercer) takes viewers on a suspenseful journey, exploring themes of social inequality, class distinctions, and the harsh realities of life. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists, leading to a series of events that spiral out of control, catching everyone off guard.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles, 1987 John Hughes
John Hughes is known for producing several iconic movies in the 1980s, including "Breakfast Club," "Sixteen Candles," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," and "Home Alone," all of which are considered highly rewatchable. With so many terrific films from this director, this seems to be the one I've come back to most often over the years. Starring John Candy and Steve Martin, it follows the story of two businessmen who meet by chance and become travel companions, facing a series of misadventures as they try to return to Chicago for Thanksgiving.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High, 1982 Amy Heckerling
80s comedy about grinding through high school in an era when working at the mall food court was where you could find the "cool" kids. It's a comedy that handles adult subjects also making it a holistic complete comic masterpiece.
Scream, 1996 Wes Craven
I'm not a big horror film fan but will dip into the genre infrequently. I don't think I've watched more than 10 horror films since this film was released in 1996, but wow did Scream deliver. It was gory, but not too much, and really leaned into the teen "someone's a psycho killer at this party but who?" theme. It really brought me back to some of the Nightmare on Elm Street films I watched as a 13 and 14 year old.
The Game, 1997 David Fincher
David Fincher (Seven, Fight Club, The Social Network) always offers incredible drama and thrills in every film he's ever made. This one is quite a ride. Michael Douglas is a rich man pushed to the ends of his wits where he is forced into some incredible circumstances as part of his participation in a game that certainly doesn't feel like one. Sean Penn has a nice supporting role and this movie really leaves you wondering 'What happened and was it all a mirage?" This film features an incredible Douglass anxiety filled performance reminiscent of his performances in Fatal Attraction, Basic Instinct, Wall Street, Falling Down and Disclosure.
No Country for Old Men, 2007 Joel and Ethan Coen
This film is nearly perfect. A drama with few words, terrific character actors and a plot that just continues to slowly unfold. It's hard to imagine anyone portraying a villain better than Javier Bardem in this incredible film that offers sweeping scenes of the West interspersed with action, intrigue and violence.
The Town, 2010 Ben Affleck
Along with The Departed and Good Will Hunting, one of the best Boston based films I can remember. Ben Affleck and Jeremy Renner star in this stylistic bank robbery heist film that has a bit of romance, even more grit and thrilling, action sequences that beg for the viewers attention.
Point Break, 1991 Kathryn Bigelow
The film's plot is centered around bank robbers in president masks in Southern California with a deep dive into surfing culture. The movie features beach football games, skydiving, Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, and a brief appearance by Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis shirtless, portraying a surf hooligan ready for a fight. What else can you ask for?
Heat, 1995 Michael Mannn
Michael Mann created Miami Vice and is an absolute maestro of style, music and drama. This beautiful film features terrific shots of the Los Angeles area throughout and incredible acting with a cast led by Al Pacino and Robert Deniro in their prime. The chase scenes and shootouts that take place in this smart crime, drama heist are some of the best in movie history.
Training Day, 2001 Antoine Fuqua
Denzel Washington is known for alot of films and is one of the very best and most versatile actors ever. He never was in a film like this and arguably no one has ever delivered a pure SOB villain performance in a movie so good. Ethan Hawke is his antithesis and is incredible also in this cop crime drama that has elements of pure evil.
The Hangover, 2009 Todd Phillips
I recently found out my almost 11 year old son secretly watched this movie with his cousins. He certainly isn't ready for this film and I wouldn't have condoned him watching it, but at least they've got good taste. This film is crude and offers unbelievable situational humor all centered around a bachelor party. Bradley Cooper starred in this long before he was a star and Zach Galifianakis became a star because of this film.
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, 1989 Jeremiah Chechik
Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo are back in this Christmas season comedy which features Clark Griswold doing his best to bring the Christmas cheer to his family. He succeeds in offering one slapstick scene of humor after another. Julie Louis-Dreyfus of Seinfeld fame gives a terrific role as the unfortunate neighbor of Clark Griswold.
Bernie, 2011 Richard Linklater
Jack Black is an extremely popular actor who is also very underrated when it comes to his range and depth (which I believe is endless). He does it all in this film, from teaching Sunday school to taking care of the community and becomes attached to a rich women in the community, played by Shirley McClain. He's her friend, buddy, servant, live in babysitter.. until he just can't take it anymore and snaps. Or does he?
High Fidelity, 2000 Stephen Frears
One of the best movies with music as a centerpiece ever made. John Cusack stars as a record store owner with a complicated love life and interesting employees (including Jack Black) in a heartfelt, yet grungy comedy romance that ages well.
The Color of Money, 1986 Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese takes us into the world of pool hall sharks and gambling in a film that features some incredible acting performances and memorable scenes. An end of prime 61 year Paul Newman and a 24 year old Tom Cruise team up in this young vs. old, teacher vs. student drama centered around pool. Tom Cruise playing pool and dancing to Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon is arguably Tom at his very best in a career that has so many iconic performances.
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