Trying to finalise a top ten list of my favourite films is not only daunting, but somewhat impossible.
(I just know I have compiled a list like this before, but I am not trawling through my entire blog just to check!)
I have so many favourite films. A list of one hundred would be easier.
How about a top thirty? (I started at twenty but kept thinking of others!)
These films are all personal favourites. They may not all be winners of great awards or even listed on lists by other film critics, but they mean something to me - and isn't that what really matters? In my eyes, these are pure gold!
So, in no particular order, here are my top thirty favourite films...
It's not the most butch list ever, is it?!
I don't think there is anybody out there who knows me well who doesn't already know that this IS my all-time favourite. I have seen it so many times and it never fails to entertain me. I know it (almost) word for word.
A damn-near perfect movie (for me). It has drama, romance, comedy, horror, a singing plant... what more could you ask for?
Based on the seminal classic horror novel The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, this is a film that should be studied by those who churn out crappy jump-scare horror. Pure brilliance.
I love Hitchcock films and to limit my choices for this list was very hard. However, this stunning slow-builder is simply terrific.
My second Hitchcock has some superb set-pieces. This is the film that actually sealed the deal with my love of his oeuvre.
This was a hard choice as I have often cited 1937's Shall We Dance as my favourite Fred and Ginger movie. However, as I am limiting my list to thirty and I love all of their black & white collaborations, I choose this as it is the epitome of everything that is great about their films.
Lynch is a bit hit and miss for me but this is, without question, his masterpiece. It stayed with me for days after the first viewing. Sublime.
A severely underrated movie, in my opinion. It's an incredible journey through various countries over generations. The soundtrack won an Academy Award (rightly so).
One of those movies that never fails to cheer me up. A perfect cast.
One of two Polanski films on this list. It's depiction of creeping insanity is delirious and captivating.
Tim Burton's best film (as Director) and Johnny Depp shines as the earnest yet terrible film maker.
Camp as Christmas and beautifully macabre. It has become a bit of a cult classic but I have always loved it (I saw it six times at the cinema!)
My third and final Hitchcock for this list (I have so many favourites!) is the genre-defining, spine-tingling, utterly brilliant movie that terrified a generation.
Although not directed by Burton, this is his baby. It blends my love of Hallowe'en and the joy of Christmas all in one go.
Seriously, it had to be on this list. It's an undisputed classic.
Onto another drag movie and another flawless piece of cinema. Dorothy Michaels is a masterpiece in acting.
Ridley Scott is an amazing director and no one can deny the chemistry between Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon.
An incredibly under-appreciated film, this one. I adore it. It makes me cry every time.
David Lean, Noel Coward, Rachmaninoff... sheer heaven
Another film highlighting incredible chemistry. this time between Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell.
An Ealing Studios classic. Michael Redgrave's performance is astonishing.
Another Ealing gem. Despite the stellar cast, Katie Johnson steals the movie as Mrs. Wilberforce (Mrs. Lopsided)
Yes, yes, an obvious choice. But is is brilliant and Jean Hagen is magnificent as Lina Lamont.
Another Polanski. This one adapted from Ira Levin's novel. As far as I am concerned it is one of the best adaptations (book to movie) I have ever witnessed.
Macabre, camp and fantastic.
Another Ridley Scott. I much prefer this to Aliens but I also prefer Scott over Cameron any day!!
Jeepers. I do like the camper fare, don't I?!? How can anyone not enjoy this space romp?
Practically perfect in every way.
Another murder mystery with a superb cast and a sensational plot by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins.
A totally bonkers spoof but with class 'A' performances all 'round. (Although Maggie Smith steals the show..)
So, that's the lot. A few bubbling under the mark such as Bugsy Malone, My Fair Lady, El Orfanato, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark to name a few... I know I will wake up at three o'clock in the morning thinking "Why didn't I think of THAT one?!? but for now I am content.
Hard to argue against any of your list even though I know mine would be mostly different (except clue, last of Sheila and murder by death)
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