How to Train Your Dragon
Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders gave us a near perfect family animated film in How to Train Your Dragon with a story, characters, animation, and score that all work in harmony to produce a film that became an instant classic and is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats.
The Sound of Music
Regardless of how you feel about the film’s overwhelming optimism, there’s no doubt that The Sound of Music continues to stand the test of time thanks in large part to its music and characters, especially the performances from its two leads, and it certainly deserves recognition as one of the Greatest Films of All Time.
Juno
Between a stellar cast owning the feel and energy that the film seeks to capture and a script that refuses to become overtly caught up in the “issues” at the heart of its story, instead highlighting the humans that engage with those issues, Juno is more than deserving of recognition among the all-time greats.
The Wrestler
Headlined by powerhouse performances by Marisa Tomei and Mickey Rourke, Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler is a difficult but incredibly poignant film about fame, dedication, and the world of professional wrestling that certainly deserves a mention with the greats.
Precious
Precious is a deeply moving film carried by its front and center performances that has plenty to say about poverty, literacy, and the ways that humanity can overcome in even the darkest of places with the right support systems in place, well-deserving of a place among the Greatest Films of All Time.
The Searchers
The visuals of The Searchers and Wayne’s chilling lead performance have made it a film that stands the test of time as one of the greatest westerns ever made.
Central Station
It is the performances that lend emotional weight to Central Station, and Fernanda Montenegro fully earns the film its spot among the greats with a truly inspired performance that makes the film as great as it is.
The Trial of the Chicago 7
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a powerfully acted film that reminds us of our duty to stand up for those who can’t stand for themselves, especially in the world we currently live in, certainly deserving of mention alongside great films.
Letters from Iwo Jima
Clint Eastwood has given us a superior war film in Letters from Iwo Jima that brilliantly portrays the dehumanizing nature of warfare with poignant stories that humanize those we often view as the enemy, fully deserving of a spot among the Greatest Films of All Time.
The Last Detail
The Last Detail is a fantastically acted film that exceeds its premise by presenting an honest portrayal of the social crises of the 1970s through the experiences and relationships of these three men, earning it a place among the greats.
Leaving Las Vegas
It’s a film carried by its performances, but they’re certainly strong enough to do so, earning it a place among the greats.
Talk to Her
It’s well-written, excellently acted, and contains plenty of meditations on the complexities of the human experience to earn its recognition as one of the greats.
The Lion in Winter
Across the board, the film is well acted and well-put-together, providing a weighty and deeply engaging treat for any who give it the time of day, fully deserving of recognition among the greats.
Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame remains one of the most ambitious and well-executed cinematic event films ever that still tells a satisfying story while giving us entertaining action and character moments, earning the film a place alongside the greats.
The Bad and the Beautiful
The Bad and the Beautiful succeeds at telling an excellent story with excellent characters that simultaneously rips and celebrates Hollywood without ever gilding anything with a sense of nostalgia or reverence, earning the film a place of greatness.
Chariots of Fire
As it goes, Chariots of Fire holds up as a strong, well-acted, entertaining, and beautifully scored sports film that actually does earn its accolades and holds up fairly well on rewatch.
