This list of my all-time favorites is in no particular order of perceived quality, but rather release order. Even if I didn't give every one of my favorites a perfect score in my review, they resonate with me personally the most.
"Lawrence of Arabia" (1962)
I watched this movie for the first time at a 70mm re-release. Apart from the sweeping desert shots and epic battles, what I like about it is the character arc of T.E. Lawrence. He is built up as a mythic savior, but finds himself caught between the British and Arabs, and uncovers his repressed emotions in the process. "Lawrence of Arabia" is a movie about ambition in the midst of being an outsider, and learning where that ambition comes from.
"Halloween" (1978)
Halloween has always been my favorite holiday, but aside from the festivity factor, John Carpenter's "Halloween" not only culminated the elements of a modern slasher film, but is also a story about reclaiming agency. Rather than relying on shock factor, this is a highly atmospheric production with characters to empathize with. As a side note, I have been known to play the theme song on the piano as October rolls around.
"Magic" (1978)
This may seem like an eccentric choice for one of my favorite movies, but Anthony Hopkins was snubbed for not getting an Academy Award for his performance. He really commits to the part, playing a ventriloquist who loses control of himself to the act. There are a number of classic moments in the movie, like when Burgess Meredith's character challenges him not to use his dummy for five minutes. With a love triangle featuring Ann-Margret, it also serves as a twisted precursor to "Grumpy Old Men".
"Superman" (1978)
I have always been a Superman fan, even since watching the Fleischer cartoons on VHS. Christopher Reeve basically embodies the character, with a wholesome but completely committed demeanor. Say what you will about the blue screen, or the "spin the planet backwards" plot point. But this movie's heart was in the right place, and is the most faithful adaptation to date. I still hear the John Williams soundtrack whenever I read the comic book.
"The Shining" (1980)
I first watched this movie at 14, and was too young to appreciate it. I expected a slasher, but really, this is a story about isolation, and invites you to wonder what the eventual madness that Jack Torrence experiences comes from. Because uncertainty is one of the purest sources of fear. Stanley Kubrick meticulously shot the film, forcing you to sit with every frame for an uncomfortable amount of time. And Jack Nicholson was basically made for the role. I have never read the Stephen King novel, and hear he doesn't like the movie, but it deserves to be celebrated for what it is.
"Scarface" (1983)
This remake is a tale of 80's excess, which polarized audiences at first, but it now has the respect it deserves. Tony Montana is caught between his history as a political prisoner and the American Dream, essentially flying too close to the sun. But there is an element of humanity to his character despite his role as a cocaine kingpin. Family is one of his primary motivations, which is a major theme in the film. The runtime is nearly three hours, but it's a fast three hours.
"Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" (1984)
Yeah, I know. "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is widely considered to be the best Indiana Jones movie. But "Temple of Doom" shows Indy at his most vulnerable, and does the most to push the envelope. Risk-taking is an essential part of cinema, and for all its controversy, there isn't a forgettable moment. I grew up with Indiana Jones, so I may be biased, but here this movie stays on my top ten.
"Lucas" (1986)
Another eccentric choice, but this movie is very personal to me. It speaks of a similar experience to my own. "Lucas" has me in tears every time, because it's an honest coming-of-age story about one-sided affection. Many stars got their big break here, including Winona Ryder and Corey Haim. But I actually find it underrated.
"RoboCop" (1987)
"RoboCop" is a story about resilience, which is a universal human theme underneath all the gore and satire. That's what makes the action land so well. Peter Weller has the perfect robotic presence, making you forget he's wearing a costume. And ultimately, this is a story about regaining humanity, making it not just exciting, but existential.
"Batman" (1989)
This one was practically unavoidable. I grew up with Batman, ever since watching the 60's TV show. But Tim Burton's vision is arguably most true to the comics, yet it still manages to have a clear directorial voice. The Danny Elfman soundtrack is what I hear when I read the comic books, and while Heath Ledger
gets all the credit as the Joker, Jack Nicholson really was pushing boundaries for a superhero movie at the time. Michael Keaton comes off not as a hotshot billionare, but rather a man with lurking trauma from the murder of his parents. I have shared this movie with family, seen it in 70mm, and consider it the definitive version of the character.
I tend to be drawn to movies about vulnerable outsiders, no matter the genre. But this top ten is also heavily influenced by my longtime fandom. It's not a definitive list of the best movies ever made, but rather a personal top ten. So take that for what it's worth.