My Favorite Movies
My favorite movies (in no particular order). These movies stuck with me long after the credits rolled, and they bring me more joy and appreciation each time I watch them.
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- DirectorPete TravisStarsKarl UrbanOlivia ThirlbyLena HeadeyIn a violent, futuristic city where the police have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner, a cop teams with a trainee to take down a gang that deals the reality-altering drug, SLO-MO.A solid action movie through and through. The Cyberpunk vibes combined with the close-quarters action make for one hell of a thrill.
- DirectorDoug LimanStarsTom CruiseEmily BluntBill PaxtonA soldier fighting aliens gets to relive the same day over and over again, the day restarting every time he dies.An instant classic in the sci-fi/action pantheon, Edge of Tomorrow redefined the genre. Plus, I'm a sucker for time loops.
- DirectorChad StahelskiStarsKeanu ReevesRiccardo ScamarcioIan McShaneAfter returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt, John Wick discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life.All three movies deserve a spot on this list, but #2 was my favorite by far. Stahelski can still deliver.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsChris EvansSamuel L. JacksonScarlett JohanssonAs Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world, he teams up with a fellow Avenger and S.H.I.E.L.D agent, Black Widow, to battle a new threat from history: an assassin known as the Winter Soldier.I love all MCU flicks, but this one has a special place in my heart. The cold war spy thriller -esque tone and the phenomenal action really astounded me. Knowing the Russo's from their work on Community, I was pleasantly surprised to see them flourish with something new.
- DirectorBrad BirdStarsTom CruiseJeremy RennerSimon PeggThe IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name.Brad Bird really flipped the script on this MI movie. The subversion of expectations and the lighter tone make this my favorite MI film by far, just narrowly edging out Fallout.
- DirectorDavid LeitchStarsCharlize TheronJames McAvoyJohn GoodmanAn undercover MI6 agent is sent to Berlin during the Cold War to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and recover a missing list of double agents.I had low expectations when I first saw this movie, but boy did I end up loving it. A hint of John Wick and a handful of cold war thrills makes one hell of a combination.
- DirectorRon ClementsJohn MuskerStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittEmma ThompsonMartin ShortJim Hawkins is a teenager who finds the map of a great treasure hidden by a space pirate. Together with some friends, he sets off in a large spaceship, shaped like a caravel, on his quest.An underrated gem in the Disney animated pantheon, this movie only begs one question: Did you even have a childhood if you never saw this movie?
- DirectorGary TrousdaleKirk WiseStarsMichael J. FoxJim VarneyCorey BurtonA young linguist named Milo Thatch joins an intrepid group of explorers to find the mysterious lost continent of Atlantis.A cast of wonderfully vibrant and memorable characters makes for yet another underrated gem from Disney. A classic adventure.
- DirectorMark DindalStarsDavid SpadeJohn GoodmanEartha KittEmperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his ex-administrator Yzma, and must now regain his throne with the help of Pacha, the gentle llama herder.The most quotable movie ever. Don't @ me.
- DirectorSergio PablosCarlos Martínez LópezStarsJason SchwartzmanJ.K. SimmonsRashida JonesA simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions.Through groundbreaking techniques, this movie proved that 2D movies still have a place in an animation scene dominated by 3D animation. Plus, the story is one of the most heartwarming you'll find anywhere, full stop.
- DirectorChristopher LandonStarsJessica RotheIsrael BroussardRuby ModineA college student must relive the day of her murder over and over again, in a loop that will end only when she discovers her killer's identity.I said it before, I'm a sucker for time loops. HDD did for horror movies what Edge of Tomorrow did for sci-fi/action. Plus the story isn't anything to shy away from either, it'll leave you feeling really great inside by the end.
- DirectorChristopher LandonStarsJessica RotheIsrael BroussardPhi VuTree Gelbman discovers that dying over and over was surprisingly easier than the dangers that lie ahead.If it ain't broke don't fix it. Just slap a fresh coat of alternate-reality paint and go again.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris HemsworthMark RuffaloThe Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.The movie that should have been titled Thanos: Infinity War. I still think about this movie on a regular basis. So many character interactions, the culmination of so many character arcs, and the most quotable villain since The Joker. Everything you could want from a superhero movie and more.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansMark RuffaloAfter the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos' actions and restore balance to the universe.The movie that should have been a mini-series. Really, what other three hour movie could leave you wanting it to be longer?
- DirectorJoss WhedonStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansScarlett JohanssonEarth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.The movie that started my love for the MCU. I saw every MCU movie in theaters, and I was a fan of Marvel long before that. But this movie got me on board for the long haul.
- DirectorMakoto ShinkaiStarsRyunosuke KamikiMone KamishiraishiRyo NaritaTwo teenagers share a profound, magical connection upon discovering they are swapping bodies. Things manage to become even more complicated when the boy and girl decide to meet in person.Believe it or not, this was the movie that inspired me to make this list. I finished watching it and I was like "damn this was one of the best movies I've ever seen. I have to find some way to make sure I don't forget that I love this movie".
- DirectorBob PersichettiPeter RamseyRodney RothmanStarsShameik MooreJake JohnsonHailee SteinfeldTeen Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his universe and must join with five spider-powered individuals from other dimensions to stop a threat for all realities.My favorite super hero of all time (right in front of Captain America) in the most loyal depiction since the Spectacular Spider-Man animated series. Everything that makes Spider-Man great is on display here. Phil Lord brings the magic again.
- DirectorChris McKayStarsWill ArnettMichael CeraRosario DawsonA cooler-than-ever Bruce Wayne must deal with the usual suspects as they plan to rule Gotham City, while discovering that he has accidentally adopted a teenage orphan who wishes to become his sidekick.In many ways, this is the Spider-Verse of Batman. Very self-referential, a must-see for any Batman fan of any age.
- DirectorAlice WuStarsLeah LewisDaniel DiemerAlexxis LemireWhen smart but cash-strapped teen Ellie Chu agrees to write a love letter for a jock, she doesn't expect to become his friend - or fall for his crush.I love this movie so much for the writing. The characters feel so unique and genuine, and the story is at times gut wrenching and heart warming.
- DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaniel CraigChris EvansAna de ArmasA detective investigates the death of the patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.I've been a fan of mystery novels for as long as I could read. Never before did I feel the essence of a mystery novel captured so well on the big screen. The twists and turns here are ones for the ages.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLinda HamiltonEdward FurlongA cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her ten year old son John from an even more advanced and powerful cyborg.I remember the first time I saw this movie like it was yesterday. What looks like a run of the mill action movie ends up being a heartwarming tale about a boy and his pet terminator.
- DirectorJohn HughesStarsMatthew BroderickAlan RuckMia SaraA popular high school student, admired by his peers, decides to take a day off from school and goes to extreme lengths to pull it off, to the chagrin of his Dean, who'll do anything to stop him.Incredibly funny and set in my hometown of Chicago. Often imitated but never duplicated, the penultimate representation of 80's humor.
- DirectorLee UnkrichAdrian MolinaStarsAnthony GonzalezGael García BernalBenjamin BrattAspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.My favorite Pixar movie? Yeah, I was surprised too. After all, I grew up watching all the Pixar movies since the very first Toy Story. But this one just really struck a chord with me (no pun intended).
- DirectorDon HallChris WilliamsStarsRyan PotterScott AdsitJamie ChungA special bond develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who together team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.Pixar and Marvel had a baby! How cuuute!!!
- DirectorTom McGrathStarsWill FerrellJonah HillBrad PittEvil genius Megamind finally defeats his do-gooder nemesis, Metro Man, but is left without a purpose in a superhero-free world.I still wonder how this movie could have possibly come out in 2010. It satirized, parodied, and subverted the superhero genre long before superhero fever was in full swing. This move is so much better than it has any right to be.
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsMichael CeraMary Elizabeth WinsteadKieran CulkinIn a magically realistic version of Toronto, a young man must defeat his new girlfriend's seven evil exes one by one in order to win her heart.Scott Pilgrim is in this year.
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsSimon PeggNick FrostMartin FreemanAn overachieving London police sergeant is transferred to a village where the easygoing officers object to his fervor for regulations, all while a string of grisly murders strikes the town.Edgar Wright deserved a place on this list. Hot Fuzz is action, comedy, and intrigue all at a breakneck pace. And it's a damn masterpiece.
- DirectorTomm MooreRoss StewartStarsHonor KneafseyEva WhittakerSean BeanA young apprentice hunter and her father journey to Ireland to help wipe out the last wolf pack. But everything changes when she befriends a free-spirited girl from a mysterious tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night.Probably the only movie in existence worth using the Apple TV+ 7-day trial for.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsChris EvansRobert Downey Jr.Scarlett JohanssonPolitical involvement in the Avengers' affairs causes a rift between Captain America and Iron Man.I mean, do I really need to explain this one? This movie had everything that made The Avengers so amazing, did away with all the faults of Age of Ultron, and still somehow remained a loyal sequel to Winter Soldier. This was the movie that proved the Russo's capable of taking point for Marvel going forward.
- DirectorShane BlackStarsRussell CroweRyan GoslingAngourie RiceIn 1970s Los Angeles, a mismatched pair of private eyes investigate a missing girl and the mysterious death of a porn star.I can't not laugh out loud when I watch this movie. Shane Black is just a genius.
- DirectorMax BarbakowStarsAndy SambergCristin MiliotiJ.K. SimmonsStuck in a time loop, two wedding guests develop a budding romance while living the same day over and over again.Time loops. And Andy Samburg.
- DirectorGeorge MillerStarsTom HardyCharlize TheronNicholas HoultIn a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in search for her homeland with the aid of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshiper and a drifter named Max."A movie doesn't become perfect by being better than all other movies. It becomes perfect by setting a clear goal for itself, and accomplishing it effortlessly." -Me
- DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsJonah HillChanning TatumIce CubeA pair of underachieving cops are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring.Two words: Lord. Miller.
- DirectorLauren MontgomeryStarsChristopher MeloniVictor GarberTricia HelferTest pilot Hal Jordan finds himself recruited as the newest member of the intergalactic police force, The Green Lantern Corps.The best Green Lantern origin story put to screen (though that's not saying much). The homages to movies like Training Day give this origin an edge over its peers.
- DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsAnna FarisBill HaderBruce CampbellA local scientist is often regarded as a failure until he invents a machine that can make food fall from the sky. But little does he know that things are about to take a turn for the worst.Lord. Miller
- DirectorBryan SingerStarsPatrick StewartIan McKellenHugh JackmanThe X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants.The best X-Men movie, showcasing the best of all that came before it, and achieving MCU levels of story cohesion and excitement.
- DirectorTim MillerStarsRyan ReynoldsMorena BaccarinT.J. MillerA wisecracking mercenary gets experimented on and becomes immortal yet hideously scarred, and sets out to track down the man who ruined his looks.I still think the original test footage for this movie is hilarious, so how could I not put the complete package on my list?
- DirectorMichael MannStarsTom CruiseJamie FoxxJada Pinkett SmithA cab driver finds himself the hostage of an engaging contract killer as he makes his rounds from hit to hit during one night in Los Angeles.WOW! I was not expecting this movie to be as good as it was. I can't believe I waited to see this movie until 2021. Collateral was so ahead of its time. Especially the action, which was reminiscent of John Wick (or it would be, if Collateral didn't come out a DECADE beforehand!). The story kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
- DirectorCedric Nicolas-TroyanStarsMary Elizabeth WinsteadWoody HarrelsonMiku MartineauA jaded assassin assigned to target a yakuza clan has 24 hours to find out who poisoned her and get vengeance before she dies.Some people thought this movie was boring. But MEW brings such a gravity to what could have been a very two-dimensional character. And the "Violent reluctant-protector takes a young girl under their wing" a la The Last of Us or The Witcher never gets old in my book. See my quote in Mad Max if you think I'm still unjustified putting this on my list.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsSam NeillLaura DernJeff GoldblumA pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure causes the park's cloned dinosaurs to run loose.
- DirectorGore VerbinskiStarsJohnny DeppOrlando BloomKeira KnightleyJack Sparrow races to recover the heart of Davy Jones to avoid enslaving his soul to Jones' service, as other friends and foes seek the heart for their own agenda as well.
- DirectorJoseph KosinskiStarsTom CruiseJennifer ConnellyMiles TellerAfter thirty years, Maverick is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN's elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.
- DirectorNathan GrenoByron HowardStarsMandy MooreZachary LeviDonna MurphyThe magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time, and who she really is.
- DirectorJoel CrawfordJanuel MercadoStarsAntonio BanderasSalma HayekHarvey GuillénWhen Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll and he has burned through eight of his nine lives, he launches an epic journey to restore them by finding the mythical Last Wish.
- DirectorJoaquim Dos SantosKemp PowersJustin K. ThompsonStarsShameik MooreHailee SteinfeldBrian Tyree HenryMiles Morales catapults across the multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles must redefine what it means to be a hero.
- DirectorJake KasdanStarsDwayne JohnsonKaren GillanKevin HartFour teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.
- DirectorNick BrunoTroy QuaneStarsChloë Grace MoretzRiz AhmedEugene Lee YangWhen a knight in a futuristic medieval world is framed for a crime he didn't commit, the only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona -- a mischievous teen who happens to be a shapeshifting creature he's sworn to destroy.
- DirectorJeff RoweKyler SpearsStarsMicah AbbeyShamon Brown Jr.Nicolas CantuThe Turtle brothers work to earn the love of New York City while facing down an army of mutants.
- DirectorGareth EdwardsStarsFelicity JonesDiego LunaAlan TudykIn a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction.