Watching movies doesn’t take a lot of work. Making a list of the best movies does take a lot of work. This list is based on my preferences, with plot, acting, music, viewing memories, special effects, directing, impact, and overall enjoyment as major factors. Rewatchability, or the ability to watch a film multiple times, certainly has a strong correlation with the rankings. What are your thoughts on numbers 50-41?
41) Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2012), PG, Directed by Thor Freudenthal
The school year is over, but Greg Heffley has plenty on his hands during the summer. The third movie in the series, based off the 3rd and 4th books, is even funnier than the first two.
42) Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010), PG, Directed by Thor Freudenthal
Greg Heffley enters middle school and encounters the craziest place in his life. The first Diary of a Wimpy Kid installment is equally memorable and hilarious and is very rewatchable.
43) It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), PG, Directed by Frank Capra
This classic shows the value of life as an angel shows a man what the world would look like without him. Often imitated but never duplicated, this is a must-watch, especially around the holidays.
44) Mary Poppins (1964), Not Rated, Directed by Robert Stevenson
A nanny and a chimney sweep entertain two children in this classic Disney musical. Mary Poppins has lasted the test of time and is entertaining for the whole family.
45) Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983), PG, Directed by Richard Marquand
Luke Skywalker and the Rebellion fight the climactic battle against the Empire. The last movie of the original trilogy doesn’t live up to the others in the original trilogy, but it is a Star Wars movie from the original trilogy.
46) Mission Impossible Rogue Nation (2015), PG-13, Directed by Christopher McQuarrie
In the fifth Mission Impossible film, Ethan Hunt is on the run from an evil organization and the U.S. government. The movie is the most entertaining of the series by far.
47) Mission Impossible (1996), PG-13, Directed by Brian DePalma
Agent Ethan Hunt solves a mission involving a spy organization. The first Mission Impossible movie is exciting and intense, though predictable.
48) Up (2009), PG, Directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson
An elder man and a boy scout fly a house with balloons to the rainforest in South America. Up isn’t in the conversation for best Pixar film, but it is a solid family flick.
49) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), PG, Directed by Alfonso Cuarón
Harry Potter is again in danger with a dangerous escaped criminal, Sirius Black, on the loose. The third installment of the Harry Potter series and the first one on this list, the Prisoner of Azkaban isn’t at the level of the other original five movies.
50) The Great Escape (1963), Not Rated, Directed by John Sturges
Set in WWII Germany, a group of prisoners of war attempt to escape a prison camp. The first half of the nearly three-hour film is brilliant, but the second half is forgettable.
Missed the Cut:
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) , Spiderman (2001), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two, Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (1999), Avengers (2012), Evil Under the Sun, Men in Black (1999), A Christmas Story, Curtain, NR, Unknown Director, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
Riker's Block 