51. Blood Diamond
Year: 2006
IMDB rating: 8
Awards: 5 Oscar Nominations
The Story: Danny Archer is a man who’ve seen them all when it comes to diamonds, and then some, as he’s a smuggler, a middle – man, a crook basically. Wanting to make a final deal, he makes it to Sierra Leone, a land of conflict and terror, a land marked by killing, enslaving and refugee exodus. He meets a fisherman and a writer and together they set for a journey that will change their lives.
Why is it on the list: Because hearing Di Caprio talking to that accent makes you want to see all his movies again and recommend this one to anybody. Because it is a fast – paced history – based action movie and drama with everything needed to make a good movie. Because it speaks of diamonds not as they being the girls’ best friends but reasons for war and blood shed. Because it doesn’t become judgmental, even if you wear diamonds on your hands or ears. Because the message is purely humane, a lesson and a curse and yet it leaves you thinking and hoping for the best. Because director Zwick rose to the expectation and overcame it.
Quintessential quote: “In America, it’s bling bling. But out here it’s bling bang” (Danny Archer)
52. Jaws
Year: 1975
IMDB rating: 8.2
Awards: 3 Oscar Awards
The Story: The happy and peaceful lives of people living on Amity island is brutally ended by a menace that comes from the depths of the ocean they love so much. A great white shark makes victims and terrorizes the community, apparently impossible to stop. Three people team up and fight to stop the monster.
Why is it on the list: Back in the day, this was THE horror movie and it’s no news that people tended to avoid bathing in the sea after watching this motion picture. Because it had such an emotional impact, it is still discussed so many years later. Because it made Spielberg the thriller rock star that he is now, a man that got used to making high budget movies with blockbusting results. Because since Jaws, many directors deliver a nature-monster movie once a year, and if you checked the news lately, now we have the sand-shark menace and the storm-shark breed to worry about. Basically, sharks are still in fashion and we have to thank Jaws for that. Special effects? Poor, of course, in 2013, but back in 1975 they did exactly what they were supposed to.
Quintessential quote: “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” (Brody)
53. The Big Lebowsky
Year: 1998
IMDB rating: 8.2
Awards: –
The Story: “The Dude” Lebowsky is a two time loser who spends his time at the bowling alley together with his equally odd friends. Until one day, when some thugs mistake him for another Lebowsky – a millionaire, break into the Dude’s home and piss on his carpet . Our hero, ready to ask compensation from the rich Lebowsky, finds himself on a mission where he manages to piss so many people, everybody ends up wanting his head. Together with his two disturbed buddies, Lebowsky makes so much trouble, you’re wondering how the adventure will end.
Why is it on the list: Because the movie turned into a cult movie and turned Jeff Bridges into a superstar. And mostly because it is full of memorable moments and lines, as well as a bunch of characters you don’t know if to love or to hate. The weirdness, the vulgarity, the anger management problems, the wits and the almost absurd situations displayed, they all merge to make a movie that stood the test of time and still brings us some good laughs if we re-watch it.
Quintessential quote: “That rug really tied the room together” (The Dude)
54. Lord of War
Year: 2005
IMDB rating: 7.6
Awards: –
The Story: Yuri Orlov is a man who knows everything about guns, as it is used to sell them since teenage years in Little Odessa. The movie follows his rise as the ultimate arms dealer, his relationship with his brother, his love interest and the Interpol officer who’s set to nail him whatever the costs and who follows him everywhere. Yuri sees his downfall and his resurrection, as he is permanently noticing the events around him, speaking his mind and telling uncomfortable truths.
Why is it on the list: Because we love Nicholas Cage, despite his apparent downfall as an actor. Because this may be one of his best movies besides “Leaving Las Vegas”. Because this is undoubtedly a drama, beautifully mixed with funny moments and Yuri’s witty comments. Because this is a first person point of view which doesn’t judge arms dealing, doesn’t find excuses for Yuri and tells some truths we may not like to hear. Because Yuri is an anti-hero you grow fond of and hope he’ll make it. Because the Cage – Hawk duo is brilliantly played and you can’t help by taking the arms dealer’s side. Because the interaction with Jared Leto is equally well played and because hearing Cage’s voice as he tries to explain how really wars and armed conflicts are funded and by who, makes you want the movie to not finish soon. And because it is the fewest movies who tells the story of war from the dealer’s point of view, not the opponents.
Quintessential quote: “There are over 550 million firearms in worldwide circulation. That’s one firearm for every twelve people on the planet. The only question is: How do we arm the other 11?” (Yuri Orlov)
55. Mission: Impossible
Year: 1996
IMDB rating: 7
Awards: –
The Story: A smart and talented secret agent falls the victim of suspicion when he is wrongfully accused of misdemeanors and disloyalty. Incapable to trust his organization, he sets on a quest of his own in order to find the truth and clear his name.
Why is it on the list: Because Tom Cruise did a lot of memorable roles, from Maverick to Jerry McGuire, and it is really hard to choose a good action movie, with a charismatic character that still raises enough interest and success in order to be continued and turned into a famous franchise. So basically, because of Ethan Hunt’s character, special effects that back in the day were monumental, a very good written story, intense action scenes and an ending that it alone asked for more movies to come. Because it became a classic, a cultural reference (lines and soundtrack) and an iconic interpretation for Cruise’s career.
Quintessential quote: “Anonymity… is like a warm blanket.” (Max)