81. Full Metal Jacket
Year: 1984
IMDB rating: 8.4
Awards: 1 Oscar Nomination
The Story: A cold-blooded, cold hearted U.S. Marine officer tells the story of the Vietnam War without any sugarcoating, but describing reality as it was.
Why is it on the list: Vietnam movies have been made and while not such a trendy subject in our modern times, the Vietnam War is still a heartbreaking and emotional subject for the American people. This movie may be one of the best of its kind, as it brings upfront not only the misery of war, but the misery of people, some turning into monsters, some still holding tight the eerie thread of humanity they have left. Because it is deep, emotional, violent and meaningful. Because it is a Kubrick masterpiece and a reference movie for all those interested in action / war dramas and thrillers. Because it has some memorable characters and speaks of some times that are not completely forgotten.
Quintessential quote: “A day without blood is like a day without sunshine.” (Private Joker)
82. Ghost
Year: 1990
IMDB rating: 6.9
Awards: 2 Oscar Awards
The Story: A man gets killed, but his spirit remains on Earth, trying to find out a way to protect his lover, find the truth about his death and get the peace he longs for in the afterlife.
Why is it on the list: Because back in the day, if you wanted to see a romance movie, a supernatural fantasy production, an entertaining comedy and a mystery / crime movie, you watched “Ghost”, as it comprises all four genres in what became the best movie of the nineties. Because the love song is eternal and there’s no man, woman or child who doesn’t know the Ghost theme, because young Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore did a great job portraying the two lovers, kept apart by the fine line between two different realms, because Whoopi Goldberg is as crazy as usual, and because you can still re-watch it with your mind open, even if we now have far better romances in cinemas.
Quintessential quote: “He’s stuck, that’s what it is. He’s in between worlds. You know it happens sometimes that the spirit gets yanked out so fast that the essence still feels it has work to do here” (Oda Mae Brown)
83. The Fifth Element
Year: 1997
IMDB rating: 7.6
Awards: 1 Oscar Nomination
The Story: Evil is coming to a futuristic Earth, but luckily, humans and associated aliens have a powerful shields against destruction. Unfortunately, the shield is wanted dead by some interested parties, and this is how the adventure begins, as former military actually cab driver Korben Dallas has to protect the Supreme Being so she can save everybody from the imminent apocalypse.
Why is it on the list: Because it is Besson’s childhood project he waited to put on screen when technology was developed enough to allow him build his colorful and vivid future. Because Bruce Willis still dies hard, Milla Jovovich is both sweet and strong and sexy, because the movie became a classic in Besson’s portfolio and science-fiction lovers all around the world, because the actions scenes are great and the costumes and special effects were worth their money. Because you can’t ignore the fact that this movie gave a little something for every cinema lover, from humor to huge explosions and even if technology improved immensely since then, you can still recite quotes, remember Gary Oldman playing Zorg and asking, at least once in a regular life situation, if somebody else wanted to negotiate.
Quintessential quote: “Evil begets evil, Mr. President. Shooting will only make it stronger.” (Priest Vito Cornelius)
84. Pirates of the Caribbean
Year: 2003 – 2011
IMDB rating: 7 – Average for the entire series
Awards: 1 Oscar Award, 7 Nominations
The Story: Jack Sparrow is a pirate, a ship’s captain, a man of adventure and big heart. Starting off with an epic quest of reclaiming his lost Black Pearl ship, Jack travels to the end of the world together with new-found friends, life -long arch-enemies and never ending missions to accomplish.
Why is it on the list: Because people love a good pirate story and the franchise gave them everything they needed: a crazy, brilliant, charming Johhny Depp, an adventurous saga and best quality entertainment. Because the acting is good, the directing rises to the expectation and some landscapes are breath taking. Because it’s hard to disassociate Depp from Sparrow and because we all wait for the next movie in the series, waiting to be swept away in new adventures. Because it is funny, light and smart and because it’s addictive. Memorable scenes intertwine with memorable quotes and Sparrow became one of the best anti-heroes cinema gave us in the last years.
Quintessential quote: “Me, I’m dishonest. And a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest. Honestly. It’s the honest ones you want to watch out for. Because you can never predict when they’re going to do something incredibly…..stupid.” (Captain Jack Sparrow)
85. Primal Fear
Year: 1996
IMDB rating: 7.6
Awards: 1 Oscar Nomination
The Story: A successful and arrogant lawyer takes the case of a young altar boy, accused of murdering a priest. The case gets even more complicated when past sins of the priest seem to proof the young man’s guilt, while his innocent behavior speaks of a more bizarre mystery.
Why is it on the list: Because this movie turned Edward Norton in the future star we all ended up loving, as he received the Oscar nomination for this part. Because among many other lawyer movies, this one takes the cake with incredibly good acting and a deep analysis of morals, ethics, justice and human monstrosity. Because it is a thriller in its pure and hard way of labeling and because Richard Gere’s character is plausible, genuine and masterfully played. Because back in the day, we had action movies, sci-fi trials, new genres and techniques being fast developed and among all, a solid court movie stood out from the crowd. The issue of multiple personality disorder reminded of Psycho, and even if it wasn’t new, it became a future trick used in the following years, with Norton’s Fight Club leading the tops.
Quintessential quote: “I got you. You the lawyer. Well, you sure fucked this one up, didn’t you, counselor! Looks to me like they’re gonna shoot ol’ Aaron so full o’ poison it’s gonna come out his eyes!” (Roy)