36. Edward Scissorhands
Year: 1990
IMDB rating: 8.0
Awards: 1 Oscar Nomination
The Story: Edward is the incomplete experiment of a mad scientist who died before managing to build this modern Frankenstein a pair of human hands, leaving him with scissors and a hiding place from the real world. But one day, the monster is befriended and adopted by suburban exponent Peg, who is kind enough to bring him into her family and community. But from accepting the naive, eccentric creature to an entire degeneration, the story escalates towards revealing the ugliness and pettiness that lies under the colorful facades of the American suburban life.
Why is it on the list: Because it marks the relationship between eccentric, fantastic and sometimes crazy director Tim Burton and an actor that seldom needs further introduction: Johnny Depp. Because this is a genius, obsessive, surrealist story about tolerance, acceptance, loyalty, diversity and creativity, where the symbolical monster has to find his place not only in his new-found family, but also in the world. Because it is a deep emotional story and because it is filled with symbols and subtle messages that defy irony, absurdity and the illusion of happiness, while we become witness to the process of growing and learning of a man that is so inadequate, so impossible to fit in, that his tragedy becomes universal for all those who are and feel different and are treated this way without reasonable doubt.
Quintessential quote: “No matter what, Edward will always be special” (Peg Boggs)
37. Blade Runner
Year: 1982
IMDB rating: 8.3
Awards: 3 Oscar Nominations
The Story: In a cyberpunk futuristic world, Deckard is a blade runner, a man set on the mission to find and execute clones (replicants) who escaped their extra-terestrial colony and came down to Earth with the purpose of finding their creator. We are in 2019 Los Angeles, in a world that is based on high technology, human cloning and space colonization.
Why is it on the list: First and foremost because it is a Philip K. Dick story that was made into this rather controversial movie. Because it was received with skepticism back in the day and progressively it became a cult – movie, a touchstone in Ridley Scott’s career and the founding ground for all it was to become Sci – Fi cinematography. Because it is not only a dark Sci-Fi movie, but a deep philosophical one and because even now it can puzzle people and keep them wondering. Because as little appraised as it was then, as much appraised it is now, as it is a noir thriller which combines melancholy, sentiments, reason and the viewer’s undivided attention and personal involvement.
Quintessential quote: “Quite an experience to live in fear, isn’t it? That’s what it is to be a slave” (Batty)
38. Die Hard – The Entire Series
Year: 1988 – 2013
IMDB rating: 7 – Average for the entire series
Awards: 4 Oscar Nominations
The Story: John McClane seems gets into trouble everywhere he goes, no matter is the Nakatomi Building, Dulles International Airport, the peaceful streets of New York or the more recent Mother Russia. He is an officer of the NYPD, although his methods are quite law – bending if not law – breaking, he seems really indestructible and no matter the mess he gets himself into, things tend to blow up around him, with happy-end results.
Why is it on the list: Because the series turned Bruce Willis into Bruce Willis who lately forgot to play characters but he plays himself. Doing a great job, actually, if you followed the RED series too. Because we had anti-heroes before, but he turned McClane into a superstar and the series stand as a milestone for action movies with a bang. Because it actually doesn’t matter if Willis gets old the character gets a little tired, while the plot beats logic and reality sometimes with severe consequences, this is an entertaining series, gave us an immortal character and made Willis one of the most badass actors of contemporary cinema.
Quintessential quote: “Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker” (John McClane)
39.Thelma and Louise
Year: 1991
IMDB rating: 7.3
Awards: 1 Oscar Award
The Story: Thelma and Louise are two average American women and est friends whose lives didn’t turn out as they may have dreamed when young. One is an unhappy waitress, the other has a misogynistic and abusive partner. So the girls decide to get away for a few days, be spontaneous and enjoy a road trip, until their adventure culminates with Louise killing a guy attempting to rape Thelma and from that point on, their life becomes a run away from the cops who hunt them down.
Why is it on the list: Because if you see it now, it may not impress you too much, although you’ll stay to watch it until the end. Because it beautifully exploits human feelings, morals, perspectives, inner conflicts and the wisdom of decisions and their consequences. Because it shows how good people can do bad things and how justice can be sometimes too blind. And because it is a story about freedom and friendship told in a funny, sad and touching manner. And because Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis proved they are truly super stars.
Quintessential quote: “You get what you settle for” (Louise Sawyer)
40. The Sound of Music
Year: 1965
IMDB rating: 7.9
Awards: 5 Oscar Awards
The Story: In the 30’s Austria, Widower Navy captain Georg Von Trapp has seven naughty (although apparently very disciplined) children who can make any nanny run away from their house in screams. Maria is trying her best to become a nun, but her wild spirit gets her into trouble, for the desperation of the entire convent. So when Von Trapp asks for a new nanny, Maria shows up at their doorsteps. Nonconformist, impossible to silence and having a personal original manner of resolving problems, Maria becomes the epicenter of Von Trapp family. War and love collide only to end up beautifully.
Why is it on the list: Because it is one of the best musicals ever made, revolving around the naughty nanny’s figure we will become accustomed with in cinema until the present day. Because it was funny, touching, heart – melting, and because some songs are still loved by millions of people. Because it depicts a relationship we would now describe as being “complicated”, while pure and innocent in its unique development. Because it bares a certain nostalgia even today, as it speaks of being who you were born to be and who you want to become.
Quintessential quote: “Maria, these walls were not meant to shut out problems. You have to face them. You have to live the life you were born to live” (Mother Abbess)