MY FAVOURITE MOVIES
I have loved movies since I was a child, but I’m trying very hard not to include either science fiction of animation in this list. But that’s very difficult as those are by far my favourites so have cheated a bit and added Aliens to start the list off. I’m not going for what I think is the greatest of all time, just ones I have personally loved watching again and again, let e know what yours are.
Aliens
Directed by: James Cameron
Released on 29 August 1986
A high-octane sci-fi action thriller where Sigourney Weaver returns as Ripley, the ultimate space badass. After surviving the events of Alien, she’s reluctantly dragged back to the planet where the alien creatures were first discovered—this time with a squad of heavily armed marines. What starts as a rescue mission quickly turns into an all-out battle for survival against a hive of terrifying, acid-blooded aliens. Ripley takes charge, proving once again that she’s the toughest in the galaxy, especially when facing off against the towering Alien Queen. It's survival horror with a lot of firepower and even more aliens.
V for Vendetta
Directed by: James McTeigue
Released on 17 March 2006
A dystopian thriller set in a future, totalitarian Britain. The story follows Evey, a young woman who becomes entangled with a masked vigilante known only as "V." V is determined to bring down the oppressive government, using both violent rebellion and powerful symbolism. With his iconic Guy Fawkes mask and a flair for theatrics, V seeks to inspire the public to rise up against their corrupt leaders. As Evey becomes closer to V, she grapples with questions of justice, freedom, and what it means to fight for change in a society built on fear and control.
Heat
Directed by: Michael Mann
Released on 2 February 1996
A gripping crime thriller that revolves around the intense cat-and-mouse game between a dedicated LAPD detective, Vincent Hanna, and a master thief, Neil McCauley. As McCauley and his crew plan a high-stakes heist, Hanna is determined to bring them down. The film masterfully intertwines their lives, showcasing the personal sacrifices each man makes for their respective obsessions—one for law and order, the other for his criminal lifestyle. With its iconic heist sequences, strong performances from a stellar cast including Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, and a deep exploration of morality and relationships.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Directed by: Albert Lewin
Released on 3 March 1945
A gothic drama based on Oscar Wilde's novel. The film follows Dorian Gray, a handsome and wealthy young man who becomes infatuated with his own portrait painted by artist Basil Hallward. After wishing that he could remain forever young while the portrait ages in his place, Dorian soon discovers that his wish comes true. As he indulges in a life of hedonism and moral corruption, his portrait bears the scars of his sinful actions, reflecting his true self. The film explores themes of vanity, morality, and the consequences of a life lived without accountability. With its striking visuals and haunting narrative, The Picture of Dorian Gray serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desire and the loss of one's soul.
The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Released on 10 December 2001
A young hobbit named Frodo Baggins, is tasked with an epic mission: to destroy a powerful ring that could bring doom to all of Middle-earth. To do this, he joins a diverse group of allies—including a wizard, an elf, a dwarf, and several brave hobbits—who set out on a perilous journey to the dark land of Mordor, where the ring must be destroyed. Along the way, they face dangerous creatures, treacherous landscapes, and the corrupting influence of the ring itself, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the dark forces hunting them.
High Fidelity
Directed by: Stephen Frears
Released on 21 July 2000
A quirky romantic comedy that follows Rob, a record store owner and obsessive music lover, as he navigates a personal crisis after his latest breakup. To make sense of his love life, Rob revisits his "top five" most painful breakups, reflecting on what went wrong while seeking advice from his oddball employees. Along the way, he discovers more about himself, relationships, and growing up. Set against a backdrop of music nostalgia and witty banter, the film is a humorous and heartfelt exploration of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. - I knew there was a reason I love lists.
La Haine
Directed by: Mathieu Kassovitz
Released on 17 November 1995
A powerful French drama that explores the aftermath of a riot in the Paris suburbs. The film follows three young men—Vinz, Saïd, and Hubert—over a 24-hour period as they navigate the tense atmosphere of their neighborhood, dealing with issues of poverty, police brutality, and social injustice. As they grapple with their frustrations and anger, particularly after a friend is hospitalized due to police violence, the film delves into the complexities of their lives and the broader societal issues at play. Shot in black and white, La Haine is a raw and poignant commentary on urban alienation and the cycle of violence, making it a significant work in contemporary cinema.
Vertigo
Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Released on 22 May 1958
A psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock, centered around former San Francisco police detective John "Scottie" Ferguson, played by James Stewart. After retiring due to acrophobia (an extreme fear of heights), Scottie is hired to follow the mysterious Madeleine Elster, played by Kim Novak, who appears to be possessed by a deceased ancestor. As he becomes obsessed with her, he uncovers a web of deceit involving identity and manipulation. The film is renowned for its innovative cinematography, particularly the "Vertigo effect," and its exploration of themes such as obsession, love, and the complexities of perception. Vertigo is widely regarded as one of Hitchcock's masterpieces and a landmark in cinema, showcasing the director's mastery of suspense and psychological depth.
The Thin Red Line
Directed by: Terrence Malick
Released on 28 February 1999
A reflective war film set during World War II, focusing on the Battle of Guadalcanal. It follows a group of American soldiers as they struggle with the physical and emotional toll of combat. Rather than focusing solely on action, the film explores the inner thoughts and philosophical musings of its characters, delving into themes of fear, death, and the human condition. Through striking visuals and meditative narration, it presents war as a complex and existential experience, contrasting the brutality of battle with moments of natural beauty and personal introspection.
Harvey
Directed by: Henry Koster
Released on 13 October 1950
A comedy about Elwood P. Dowd, an eccentric man whose best friend happens to be an invisible, 6-foot-tall rabbit named Harvey. While Elwood is kind and friendly, his insistence on Harvey’s existence embarrasses his socialite sister, who tries to have him committed to a sanitarium. As chaos ensues, the people around Elwood begin to question their own ideas of reality and sanity. Through its whimsical humor, the film explores themes of kindness, imagination, and the value of seeing the world a little differently. Starring James Stewart, it’s a heartwarming classic that blends fantasy with lighthearted comedy.
The Batman
Directed by: Matt Reeves
Released on 4 March 2022
A gritty reboot of the iconic superhero franchise, focusing on a younger, more vulnerable Bruce Wayne, played by Robert Pattinson. Set in Gotham City, the film portrays Batman's second year of crime-fighting as he investigates a series of murders orchestrated by the mysterious Riddler, who targets the city’s corrupt elite. As Batman delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers dark secrets about his family's past and the city's criminal underworld. The film emphasizes themes of vengeance, morality, and the psychological toll of being a vigilante, featuring a strong supporting cast that includes Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman and Paul Dano as the Riddler. With its noir aesthetic, captivating storytelling, and character-driven approach, The Batman offers a fresh take on the beloved hero.
Jurassic Park
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Released on 16 July 1993
A groundbreaking science fiction adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on Michael Crichton’s novel. The story follows billionaire industrialist John Hammond, who creates a theme park on a remote island populated by genetically engineered dinosaurs. When a group of experts, including paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant and mathematician Ian Malcolm, are invited to tour the park, things quickly go awry when the security systems fail, allowing the dinosaurs to roam free. The film explores themes of science and ethics, the unpredictability of nature, and humanity's hubris in playing god. With its stunning visual effects and thrilling action sequences, Jurassic Park redefined the blockbuster genre and became a cultural phenomenon, leaving a lasting legacy in both cinema and pop culture.