There are so many, I am finding it difficult to limit to ten. In trying to find something for everyone, this is what I have come up with. Enjoy! And be sure to share your opinions afterwards.
In no particular order...
1. Dead Poet’s Society (1989): Writer: Tom Schulman. Based on the book by N.H. Kleinbaum, Tom Schulman. Starring Robin Williams and Ethan Hawke. “English teacher John Keating inspires his students to look at poetry with a different perspective of authentic knowledge and feeling” (unknown author posted on IMDb). Sounds boring? It’s not. Slow moving at first, this film explores depression, rebellion, respect and friendship. Carpe Diem!
2. The Usual Suspects (1995): Writer: Christopher McQuarrie. Starring Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, and Chazz Palminteri. “A sole survivor tells of the twisty events leading up to a horrific gun battle on a boat, which began when five criminals met at a seemingly random police lineup” (Skip_4591 posted on IMDb). Hailed as the 35th best film ever made, the only thing this move lacks is heart. One of Kevin Spacey’s best performances. Gripping with drama from start to finish. Just don’t piss off Keyser Söze!
3. The Life of David Gale (2003): Writer: Charles Randolph. Starring Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, and Laura Linney. “A man against capital punishment is accused of murdering a fellow activist and is sent to death row” (Mathew Buck posted on IMDb). That description is a VERY simple summary. This movie is full of twists and turns that will keep you questioning everything until the very end. Melissa McCarthy has a cameo as the Goth Girl: Maybe her first movie appearance? One of my all-time favorite movies.
4. The Last Supper (1995): Screenplay by Dan Rosen. Starring Cameron Diaz, Ron Eldard, Annabeth Gish, and Ron Perlman. “A group of idealistic, but frustrated, liberals succumb to the temptation of murdering rightwing pundits for their political beliefs” (Kenneth Chisholm posted on IMDb). That is pretty much the story in a nutshell. BUT, imagine it’s 1925 and you are at a bar in Vienna. Next to you is a young art student by the name of Adolf Hitler. Knowing what you know today, would you poison his Schnapps? So my date and place may be off, but you get the gist. It’s the philosophical debate of all time… What actions are excusable if they are for the greater good?
5. What Dreams May come (1998): Screenplay by Ronald Bass based on a novel by Richard Matheson. Starring Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Annabella Sciorra. “Chris Nielsen dies in an accident, and enters Heaven. But when he discovers that his beloved wife Annie has killed herself out of grief over the loss, he embarks on an afterlife adventure to reunite with her” (miselainis posted on IMDb). How far into Hell would you go to save someone's soul? Visually stunning. Heartfully disturbing. Chilling and deeply meaningful. One of Robin Williams’ (RIP) best dramatic roles.
6. Brazil (1985): Screenplay by Terry Gilliam, Tom Stoppard, Charles McKeown, and Charles Alverson. Starring Jonathan Pryce, Kim Greist, Robert De Niro, Katherine Helmond, Bob Hoskins and many more. “A bureaucrat, in a retro-future world, tries to correct an administrative error and becomes an enemy of the state” (Jon Reeves posted on IMDb). The first sci-fi movie I had ever seen, and still the most bizarre. All I can say is get some popcorn, snuggle up on the couch and dive into a very strange but fabulous movie. Enjoy!
7. Merlin (1998): Made for TV. Written by Edward Khmara, with teleplay written by David Stevens and Peter Barnes. Starring Sam Neill, Helena Bonham Carter, Rutger Hauer, Isabella Rossillini, Martin Short, and many many more! “This four-hour fantasy miniseries, elaborating on the Arthurian legend and filmed in England and Wales, offers a portrait of the wizard Merlin following his life as a youth to his later conflicts with the evil Queen Mab and his love for Nimue, who is kidnapped by Lord Vortigern “(Bhob Stewart, Rovi posted on Rotten Tomatos). Finally, a movie about someone other than King Arthur. Phenomenal acting, emotion, cinematography, story line… Not really. But it is fun and entertaining. This is a must see for followers of the Adventure and Fantasy genres. Loved it!!!
8. Excalibur (1981): Book by Thomas Malory, screenplay by Rospo Pallenberg. Starring Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay, Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson, and Patrick Stewart . “Merlin the magician helps Arthur Pendragon unite the Britons around the Round Table of Camelot, even as dark forces conspire to tear it apart” (Keith Simanton posted on IMDb). You know the story. A wizard, a king, a betrayal, a king, a sister, an evil aunt, more betrayal, battles, angry child, more battles, a sword and The Lady of the Lake. Raw, gruesome, dark and perfect! If you haven’t seen this particular movie, you have never seen the story of Camelot! To this day, it is the best rendition of the King Arthur story ever made into a movie.
9. Twelve Monkeys (1995): Written by Chris Marker, David Webb Peoples, and Janet Peoples. Starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, and Brad Pitt. “In a future world devastated by disease, a convict is sent back in time to gather information about the man-made virus that wiped out most of the human population on the planet”(Anonymously posted on IMDb). Story line over story line over story line. This movie will keep you saying “Huh?” till the very end. An intense illogical sci-fi thriller that is sure to please.
10. Labyrinth (1986): Created by Dennis Lee, Jim Henson, and Terry Jones. Starring David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, and Toby Froud. “Sixteen-year-old Sarah is given thirteen hours to solve a labyrinth and rescue her baby brother Toby when her wish for him to be taken away is granted by the Goblin King Jareth” (tanm_86 posted on IMDb). Don’t be fooled for a moment that this is intended for children. The story is great! The music is even better! David Bowie (RIP) is creepy and sexy and awesome. Jennifer Connelly plays that fine line between childhood and adulthood perfectly. The characters are comical, creative, entertaining, and yes, a bit scary. A magical dream, or nightmare, that only Jim Henson (RIP) could create.