Mikey's Top 250 Films
This list entails my all-time favourite films.
There are some notable exclusions, some of which are on my watchlist and others that I consider greats in many aspects - just not my personal favourites (be sure to check out All Time Greats - Not In My Top 250).
There are also inclusions of horrors and comedies, the likes of 'A Haunted House', which may seem unfitting of a place on such a list. However these are my personal favourites, chosen with consideration of their quality, but ultimately on the basis of: what would I rather watch?
My Philosophy
Often entertainment value trumps all - a strong story is a films most pivotal element, though a confident cinematic style is closely crucial. I try to embrace something for what it is, not what I wanted it to be. I love a good sci-fi or psychological thriller. I'm soft for romantic tear-jerkers and really feel that comedies are massively underappreciated. Ultimately though, it's films which are thought-provoking that I hold in the greatest sincerity. And if there's a clever twist at the end I'm all for it.
Key
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There are some notable exclusions, some of which are on my watchlist and others that I consider greats in many aspects - just not my personal favourites (be sure to check out All Time Greats - Not In My Top 250).
There are also inclusions of horrors and comedies, the likes of 'A Haunted House', which may seem unfitting of a place on such a list. However these are my personal favourites, chosen with consideration of their quality, but ultimately on the basis of: what would I rather watch?
My Philosophy
Often entertainment value trumps all - a strong story is a films most pivotal element, though a confident cinematic style is closely crucial. I try to embrace something for what it is, not what I wanted it to be. I love a good sci-fi or psychological thriller. I'm soft for romantic tear-jerkers and really feel that comedies are massively underappreciated. Ultimately though, it's films which are thought-provoking that I hold in the greatest sincerity. And if there's a clever twist at the end I'm all for it.
Key
Previous Position | Highest Position | Highest Rating | Overall Views | First Viewing | Latest Viewing
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253 titles
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsMatthew McConaugheyAnne HathawayJessica ChastainWhen Earth becomes uninhabitable in the future, a farmer and ex-NASA pilot, Joseph Cooper, is tasked to pilot a spacecraft, along with a team of researchers, to find a new planet for humans.★ 9.7 ★
Visually spectacular; a mesmerising cinematic masterpiece which is at once awe-inspiring, riveting and pioneering. The direction, score, acting, practical effects and story are out of this world. See it on the biggest screen you possibly can.
PR 9.6 | HP 1 | HR 9.7 | OV 10 | FV 2014 | LV 2024 - 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.★ 9.5 ★
Simply astounding. It will leave you in a terrifically deep sense of simultaneous shock and awe. Somehow, 'Infinity War' manages to blow away any preconceptions as the MCU marks its 10th anniversary in absolutely sublime fashion.
PR 9.3 | HP 1 | HR 9.5 | OV 7 | FV 2018 | LV 2021 - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleHeath LedgerAaron EckhartWhen the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.★ 9.4 ★
Featuring what can surely be considered the greatest performance of all time from Heath Ledger, 'The Dark Knight' reassessed the potential of what superhero cinema could be, bringing in a new wave of cinematic possibility with dark, grounded storytelling. Christopher Nolan masterfully demonstrates how anarchy escalates when chaos is introduced to a society, creating a truly terrifying adversary for Batman in the Joker.
PR 9.5 | HP 1 | HR 9.7 | OV 6 | FV 2008 | LV 2022 - DirectorFrank DarabontStarsTim RobbinsMorgan FreemanBob GuntonOver the course of several years, two convicts form a friendship, seeking consolation and, eventually, redemption through basic compassion.★ 9.4 ★
Unforgettable. A beautiful tale of hope, friendship and redemption. Synonymous with great film lists and rightfully so - its unlikely you will ever feel so deeply affected by a film. Totally story driven, it heals your soul.
PR 9.5 | HP 1 | HR 9.6 | OV 4 | FV 2009 | LV 2020 - DirectorJames CameronStarsLeonardo DiCaprioKate WinsletBilly ZaneA seventeen-year-old aristocrat falls in love with a kind but poor artist aboard the luxurious, ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic.★ 9.2 ★
A mesmerising tale of love and sacrifice. With beautiful set pieces and awe-inspiring dedication from its cast and director, 'Titanic' is a truly timeless, emotional masterpiece that will bring you to tears on every viewing.
PR 9.1 | HP 3 | HR 9.5 | OV 4 | FV 2011 | LV 2020 - DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsLeonardo DiCaprioJonah HillMargot RobbieBased on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.★ 9.1 ★
A larger than life, absolute blast of a film. Led by a breathtaking, career best performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, perfect casting elevates this energetic biopic beyond the limitations of morality to provide an enchanting true story of the destructive power of greed and wealth.
PR 9.0 | HP 6 | HR 9.1 | OV 5 | FV 2013 | LV 2021 - 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.★ 9.1 ★
The cinematic event of a lifetime. 'Endgame' is a devastatingly emotional, time travelling epic which fulfils on it's promise in ways you could never have imagined. It really is a preposterously well constructed finale - a love letter of a conclusion to the most ambitious saga in film history.
PR 9.2 | HP 5 | HR 9.2 | OV 5 | FV 2019 | LV 2021 - DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroRay LiottaJoe PesciThe story of Henry Hill and his life in the mafia, covering his relationship with his wife Karen and his mob partners Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito.★ 9.0 ★
A must see for any lover of cinema. Told in Scorsese's trademark narrative style, it is magnificently violent and powerfully acted; the greatest mobster film to ever grace the big screen.
PR 8.8 | HP 8 | HR 9.0 | OV 2 | FV 2010 | LV 2020 - DirectorNick CassavetesStarsGena RowlandsJames GarnerRachel McAdamsAn elderly man reads to a woman with dementia the story of two young lovers whose romance is threatened by the difference in their respective social classes.★ 8.9 ★
PR 9.0 | HP 4 | HR 9.4 | OV 4 | FV 2011 | LV 2023 - DirectorJon FavreauStarsRobert Downey Jr.Gwyneth PaltrowTerrence HowardAfter being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.★ 8.9 ★
The film that introduced me to the wonder of superheroes - and kicked off the highest grossing franchise in film history. 'Iron Man' is a terrific adventure which hits the sweet spot of building a believable, justified villain and manifesting a hero you can identify with, led by an epitome of cool performance from RDJ.
PR 8.8 | HP 11 | HR 8.9 | OV 4 | FV 2008 | LV 2019 - DirectorJohn LasseterStarsTom HanksTim AllenDon RicklesA cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman action figure supplants him as top toy in a boy's bedroom.★ 8.9 ★
A beautiful story of being replaced, lost and found which may well rank as animations greatest ever milestone.
PR 9.0 | HP 6 | HR 9.2 | OV 5 | FV 2003 | LV 2022 - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsLeonardo DiCaprioJoseph Gordon-LevittElliot PageA thief who steals corporate secrets through the use of dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O., but his tragic past may doom the project and his team to disaster.★ 8.9 ★
The most mind-bending, perception-altering film you will ever see. The film that distinguished Nolan's film-making style as one of the greatest in cinema.
PR 9.0 | HP 5 | HR 9.4 | OV 3 | FV 2010 | LV 2020 - DirectorMichael MannStarsAl PacinoRobert De NiroVal KilmerA group of high-end professional thieves start to feel the heat from the LAPD when they unknowingly leave a verbal clue at their latest heist.★ 8.8 ★
A meticulous showdown of two acting behemoths. Its gripping coffee shop standoff is iconic, reminding viewers the power of simplicity in achieving unease and character depth.
PR 8.7 | HP 15 | HR 8.8 | OV 2 | FV 2018 | LV 2022 - DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsLeonardo DiCaprioEmily MortimerMark RuffaloTeddy Daniels and Chuck Aule, two US marshals, are sent to an asylum on a remote island in order to investigate the disappearance of a patient, where Teddy uncovers a shocking truth about the place.★ 8.8 ★
An underrated masterpiece of thriller cinema. Deserving of multiple viewings to fully appreciate its minor details, 'Shutter Island' will shock you, confuse you and above all relentlessly test you psychologically.
PR 9.0 | HP 3 | HR 9.4 | OV 5 | FV 2014 | LV 2023 - DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandZendayaBenedict CumberbatchWith Spider-Man's identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.★ 8.8 ★
The greatest Spider-Man movie ever made. An MCU fans' wet dream and directorial lesson in utilising nostalgia as an narrative tool, not a mere cash-grab.
PR 8.7 | HP 16 | HR 8.8 | OV 3 | FV 2021 | LV 2022 - DirectorPete DocterRonnie Del CarmenStarsAmy PoehlerBill HaderLewis BlackAfter young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.★ 8.8 ★
A tear-inducing trip that may just help you reframe your emotions. Creative, uplifting, transformative.
PR 8.7 | HP 16 | HR 8.8 | OV 4 | FV 2015 | LV 2022 - 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.★ 8.8 ★
The most badass action movie ever made. 'Judgement Day' reconceived what Schwarzenegger could bring to Terminator - a 'Bad to the Bone' cool, straight talking and endlessly quotable GOOD guy.
PR 8.6 | HP 23 | HR 8.7 | OV 2 | FV 2019 | LV 2022 - DirectorLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsKeanu ReevesLaurence FishburneCarrie-Anne MossWhen a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth--the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.★ 8.8 ★
A sci-fi marvel which expanded the possibilities of cinema, and invited millions to question the nature of their reality. It's revolutionarily bold, creating a breath-takingly bleak, though nonetheless awe-inspiring, world.
PR 8.3 | HP 17 | HR 8.8 | OV 3 | FV 2013 | FV 2021 - DirectorGeorge LucasStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherLuke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.★ 8.8 ★
PR 8.6 | HP 12 | HR 8.9 | OV 2 | FV 2014 - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsJodie FosterMatthew McConaugheyTom SkerrittDr. Ellie Arroway, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of extraterrestrial intelligence, sending plans for a mysterious machine.★ 8.7 ★
With 'the' question at its centre, 'Contact' is an awe-inspiring journey which proposes that science and faith should perhaps work together.
PR 8.6 | HP 20 | HR 8.7 | OV 2 | FV 2020 | LV 2020 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsLeonardo DiCaprioTom HanksChristopher WalkenBarely 17 yet, Frank is a skilled forger who has passed as a doctor, lawyer and pilot. FBI agent Carl becomes obsessed with tracking down the con man, who only revels in the pursuit.★ 8.7 ★
PR 8.8 | HP 19 | HR 8.8 | OV 2 | FV 2017 | LV 2020 - DirectorDavid FincherStarsMorgan FreemanBrad PittKevin SpaceyTwo detectives, a rookie and a veteran, hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives.★ 8.7 ★
PR 8.2 | HP 21 | HR 8.7 | OV 3 | FV 2013 | LV 2020 - DirectorPeter WeirStarsJim CarreyEd HarrisLaura LinneyAn insurance salesman discovers his whole life is actually a reality TV show.★ 8.7 ★
PR 8.8 | HP 10 | HR 9.0 | OV 4 | FV 2008 | LV 2020 - DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsAmy AdamsJeremy RennerForest WhitakerA linguist works with the military to communicate with alien lifeforms after twelve mysterious spacecraft appear around the world.★ 8.7 ★
At once awe-inspiring, realistic and powerful. A totally different take on the generic 'alien invasion' genre, with a clever twist embedded throughout - in true Shutter Island style - you can't watch it the same way twice.
PR 8.5 | HP 25 | HR 8.7 | OV 3 | FV 2016 | LV 2020 - DirectorRyan CooglerStarsMichael B. JordanSylvester StalloneTessa ThompsonThe former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.★ 8.7 ★
Some 'Rocky' fans may contest 'Creed' - at the end of the day it is 'Rocky', modernised for a new generation of inspiration.
PR 8.8 | HP 15 | HR 8.8 | OV 3 | FV 2016