10. The Princess Bride

This movie has all the elements a family adventure film should have, with sword fights, comedic dialogue, interesting characters, and of course, a central love story. This movie proved that you did not have to have huge explosions, grotesque villains and a huge body count for people to enjoy it.

9. Donnie Darko

This movie has almost no special effects, but was very well received by those searching for a more intelligent science fiction based movie. In this movie, the plot drives the story, not the special effects.

8. Alien, the trilogy

Not one of our favourites, but we cannot ignore the impact this movie has made since its original release in 1979. So many other movies have tried, and failed, to use this movie’s “there’s something in here” plot while the characters get picked off one by one. This movie gave fear to regular stomach aches for months.

7. Twelve Monkeys

Brad Pitt gives a stellar performance, and special effects be damned, this is a truly incredible movie to watch. Some actors are made for a role, and both Brad and Bruce Willis work marvellously together to keep you glued to your seat.

6. Blade Runner

Speaking of actors that are perfect for certain roles, Harrison Ford brings realism to a role of a private eye in the not so distant future when artificial life become self aware.

5. Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind

Not only does Jim Carrey prove that he can play someone that is not a complete moron, he shows that he can completely keep his zany side in check and performs brilliantly in this incredible movie that shows you the depths of love. The story continues to surprise and entertain you throughout. A great movie to share what that special loved one in your life.

4. E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial

You should get a kick out of seeing a young and adorable Drew Barrymore. This movie is for kids, or for you to relieve a part of your childhood. It is very well put together, and fun to watch even if it is just a puppet from space.

3. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

The only reason why these movies are not in the number one spot is because of the fact that it is an adaption of an existing novel, whereas the top two are actual original stories. That being said, no movie is as well put together as Peter Jackson’s Middle Earth. If I have one complaint, it is the ending of the last movie that just never seemed to end!

2. The Matrix Trilogy

If not for the commercial success the movie in the number on spot, this would be considered the all time best. No other movie is as well thought out as Matrix. It’s only danger that could have befallen this movie is to get into the Robert Jordan trap (never ending series) so as to stretch out the story beyond recognition. There were many critics of this last movie in this series, but what could the producers do? There will always be critics and you cannot satisfy everyone.

1. Star Wars Saga

Darth Vader is the only thing coming this now over commercialized movie in the top 3. I am personally disgusted with how commercial episode 6 was, and the fact that Mr. Lucas tried to continue that aspect with Jar Jar Binks, and then ultimately failed in his attempts to get back to what had been missing since the Empire Strikes Back in Episode 3. But, the characters behind the franchise has stayed in our hearts, as we have played out many stories with our friends, on board games, and online.

Gary Whittaker
www.tenwebzine.com