My 25 Favorite Movies as of 2024

The ultimate example of Magic Realism at the movies focuses on a young girl who becomes a Christ-like savior for her baby brother, during a brutal era when freedoms are destroyed by a fascist regime in Spain. A fairy tale for adults, like Alice in Wonderland but uncompromisingly true-to-life.

Wim Wenders' deeply poetic movie finds an angel wanting to become human after falling in love with a radiant female circus trapeze artist.

One of the most passionately made movies of all time is also admirably restrained, showing just enough of the brutal terrors of the Holocaust to make it real. We also get an honest portrait of a flawed driven protagonist whose conscience comes alive as he sees that even children will suffer terribly when hatred and bigotry turn an entire society into a furnace of destruction.

The depth of Tolkien's fantasy trilogy comes magnificently to life in Peter Jackson's rousing conclusion to his Lord of the Rings trilogy. An intimate epic tale that's refreshingly aware of the frailty we'll find in the greatest leaders.

The Star Wars movie adults enjoy most, graced by a gothic atmosphere, intelligent humor, unexpected romance, subtle dialogue, spectacular battles (that are not traumatic to watch), epic music, and characters for the ages.

Lynch's stunning feature film is the pilot episode for his classic surrealistic TV series, where wonderful things (nature's splendor, passionate romance, eccentric humor, dreamy music) can still be found in the midst of terrible tragedy.

Spielberg's masterful heart-mending story of a lonely boy who meets a lost gentle visitor from another world.

Endlessly re-made, but how could anyone match the humor, wonder, humanity, and dread of Disney's original animated adaptation of Pinocchio.

Miyazaki's animated classic about a girl who must find her highest qualities when she is thrust into a spooky enchanted world, on a quest to rescue her captured parents.

J.J. Abrams' heartwarming coming-of-age movie about a group of suburban kids who encounter an otherworldly presence and become heroic.

An unsentimental life-affirming look at a young genius whose potential might be wasted, unless a caring no-nonsense therapist, a true friend, and a potential love interest can inspire him.

If you care about kids, see this movie.

A couple kids discover a big furry friendly creature in the forest, and a super-cool living cat-bus, in one of Miyazaki's most captivating animated films.

A young mermaid girl finds a boy companion who is as awe-struck as we are, in this intoxicatingly imaginative animated movie.

A clear influence on Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth. Stunning cinematography, and a wonderful soundtrack with a music-box melody, in a touching tale about a young girl intrigued by the movie Frankenstein.

The Marx Brothers at their iconic hilarious best, accompanied by soaring durable songs.

Effortless hysterical comedy, and a touching story. One of the greatest endings at the movies.

A dazzling tribute to the movies, made by Fellini when he had writer's block about what his next movie should be about - so he made a terrific film about a director who didn't know what his next movie should be about.

For me, Fellini's ultimate statement on the importance to not let life destroy our inner child.

Much more than technical breakthroughs. Try to find the spectacular energy behind the craft, and the poignant emotion in the story.

A classic cautionary tale, in which billiards genius "Fast Eddie" Felson (Paul Newman) turns his back on his pal Charlie Burns (Myron McCormick) to pursue the big time with a cunning and cruel businessman. A haunting, stunningly well-crafted movie about passion and friendship.

About a comedy movie director who wants to make a serious movie, made by a comedy movie director who wanted to make a serious movie.

Heartbreakingly wise on essential life topics: resilience, friendship, finding beauty during terrible hardship, and hope.

Like a fantastic hilarious 100-minute Twilight Zone episode.

One of the greatest animated movies, a supernova of awe and wonder.