86. Cinderella Man
Year: 2005
IMDB rating: 7.9
Awards: 3 Oscar Nominations
The Story: James Braddock is a former superstar boxer who saw his downfall but manages to rise from his own ashes and become an inspiration for the 30’s American society.
Why is it on the list: Because it is said to be one of the most inspirational movies ever made, even if an inspirational boxing movie is not something people haven’t seen before. However, this is a story of redemption and a man having to face his own downfall only to learn a lot about the world, himself and others. Because the story of James Braddock deserved to be told in the brilliant manner of Russel Crowe, leaving the audience feel each of his emotions, cheer for every win and suffer for every loss. Because it is a life lesson with moral and social implications and it’s hard to keep a straight face with no tears throughout the entire film.
Quintessential quote: “You think you’re telling me something? Like, what, boxing is dangerous, something like that? You don’t think working triple shifts and at night on a scaffold isn’t just as likely to get a man killed? What about all those guys who died last week living in cardboard shacks to save on rent money just to feed their family, ’cause guys like you have not quite figured out a way yet to make money off of watching that guy die? But in my profession – and it is my profession – I’m a little more fortunate” (James Braddock)
87. Independence Day
Year: 1996
IMDB rating: 6.8
Awards: 1 Oscar Award
The Story: In the face of extinction – as aliens are invading the Earth, some brave men gather in what is an epic battle of man making a stand in front of certain death and destruction.
Why is it on the list: Because it is THE alien – invasion movie of the nineties, with a funny and talented Will Smith, joined by a talented Jeff Goldblum. Because it had back then every ingredient to make a block buster, special effects and combat scenes included. Because even if it seems that from then on, aliens only invade the U.S., the way this movie depicts American spirit can touch even the most cynical of us. Because it had its funny moments, its dramatic scenes and its glorious ending, becoming a box – office hit, without having the pretense of being highly philosophic or having some deep meaning. It was then, as it is now, an entertaining film which can be seen time and again, despite the fact that alien – invading movies are being made now with a whole lot of more and new technologies and even having a background story.
Quintessential quote: “Payback’s a bitch, ain’t it?” (Russel Casse)
88. Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Year: 1991
IMDB rating: 8.6
Awards: 4 Oscar Awards
The Story: Sarah O’Connor and her son John are again in danger, after ten years passed since they were menaced by a cyborg from the future, but this time, their protector is even better prepared to complete this mission.
Why is it on the list: Because it is hard to choose an Arnold cult classic but if you really have to, Terminator 2 is the one, not because it had a major impact on the public, but had some special effects that back in the day made history. Because Arnie didn’t talk much, but what he said became immortal quotes and references and if we talk about science – fiction classics, this one comes naturally in mind. And because you can’t have a list like this without the Terminator 2 on it.
Quintessential quote: “You’re not here to kill me – I figured out that for myself. So what’s the deal?” (John Connor)
89. Shrek
Year: 2001
IMDB rating: 7.9
Awards: 1 Oscar Award
The Story: Welcome to a fairytale universe, where ogres live happy in their swamps until a certain ogre’s swamp is brutally highjacked. Set on a mission to get his peace and quiet back, he has to rescue the king’s daughter, princess Fiona, in order to deliver it to Lord Farquaad who wants to be king and promises Shrek to get his swamp back. But Fiona is more than the eye can see and Shrek discovers he’s not such a bad heartless ogre as he think he is.
Why is it on the list: Because it is a classical love story with ogres, and brilliantly designed for an animated motion picture. Because it changed the way we see animation and it changed a lot in terms of interpreting old tales. Because it still makes you laugh even after all these years and even if the sequels weren’t so brilliant as the first one, it really made a change in cinema technology and adult entertainment. It’s nothing predictable, it’s nothing you’d expect from an animated movie and it’s everything you might expect from the cast and producers.
Quintessential quote: “Okay, let me get this straight: you gonna go fight a dragon and rescue a princess just so Farquaad’ll give you back your swamp, which you only don’t have ’cause he filled it full of freaks in the first place. Is that about right?” (Donkey)
90. The Avengers
Year: 2012
IMDB rating: 8.2
Awards: 1 Oscar Nomination
The Story: When a supernatural threat coming from an unseen world threatens to destroy mankind, Nick Fury, a secret agency leader gathers a team of humans with special abilities to defend Earth from the vengeful actions of Loki, a demi-god with a terrible invasion plan.
Why is it on the list: Because it may not be the deepest, most meaningful, most classical of movies ever made, but because it will become a cult classic in new contemporary science-fiction, with Marvel studios leading cinematography to new levels of success. Because we had the former comics and movies heroes separately, but now we have them all in one place, in a movie that is filled with action scenes, funny moments and entertaining skills. Because this movie set a new standard for superheroes, because it became the starting point of a successful franchise and because it brought director Joss Whedon back into people’s collective conscience and world – spread appraisal. Because it was not only a financial hit, but a cultural hit with deep implications over all sci-fi movies.
Quintessential quote: “He has an army, called the Chitauri. They’re not of Asgard or any world known. He means to lead them against your people. They will win him the Earth. In return, I suspect, for the Tesseract.” (Thor)