Well, I guess it’s finally time to get this thing up and running.
Since we’re still ironing out the logistics of how this site will operate, I thought I’d start with some background — a little about me, why I love movies, and why I’m so excited to have a space to talk about them.
Movies have always been one of my biggest passions. Even when I was a kid, my younger brother Andy (who’ll also be writing here) and I would stay up way too late on weekends watching MonsterVision with Joe Bob Briggs, USA Up All Night, and TBS Dinner and a Movie. We watched all kinds of films we probably shouldn’t have been watching at that age — and, for better or worse, those late-night marathons went a long way toward shaping who I am today. I’ve been hooked on cinema ever since, and I’m grateful to finally have a place to talk about something I never get tired of talking about.
Why Your Favorite Movies Say So Much About You
In my opinion, one of the best ways to really get to know someone is through their list of all-time favorite films. Movies are deeply personal — the ones we love most often say a lot about our values, our childhoods, our relationships, and how we see the world. That’s not to say every film needs to carry profound meaning; sometimes a movie is just plain fun. But when you step back and look at the bigger picture, patterns emerge.
The collection of films that speak to you — the ones you return to again and again — tells a story. And that’s exactly what I’m sharing here: the story of who I am, told through the movies I love most.
A Few Ground Rules Before We Begin
Before diving into the list, a few quick notes about how it’s constructed:
1. The Star Wars Clause:
Yes, I love Star Wars. Always have. But among our group, we’ve always left those films off our “favorites” lists out of sheer reverence — and, at this point, maybe a bit of tradition and laziness too. Does Star Wars outshine everything below? Maybe. But I’m not touching that part of the formula now.
2. Favorites, Not “Bests”:
Our philosophy here is simple: your favorites should be the movies you rewatch without hesitation. This isn’t about which films are the most technically accomplished or historically significant — it’s about the ones that bring you the most joy.
3. A Living List:
While most posts on this site will capture a moment in time, I want this particular list to evolve. As my tastes change and experiences shape me, I’ll update it. Think of it as a living, breathing snapshot of my movie life.
4. Why Fifteen?:
Sure, most people stop at ten. But we’ve always believed that stretching to fifteen gives a fuller picture. Those extra few titles often reveal just as much about who you are — and they deserve their place on the list.
So, with that preamble out of the way, here it is: my current list of all-time favorite films, along with a few thoughts on why each one matters to me.
My 15 Favorite Films of All Time
1. The Big Chill (1983)
This was the first movie that showed me you could build an entire film out of conversations — that plot wasn’t always the point. There’s plenty going on here, but it’s the ensemble dynamics and intimate character work that make it so special. The way the film explores friendship, aging, and the shared nostalgia of people who once thought they’d change the world is both hilarious and heartbreaking. It’s honest about how messy adulthood can be and how desperately we crave connection. Add in one of the greatest soundtracks ever put to film, and you have a movie that manages to feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
This film helped shape my love of history — or maybe my love of history helped shape my love of Raiders. Either way, the idea of uncovering secrets hidden beneath our feet for centuries electrified me as a kid and still does today. Indiana Jones isn’t just an action hero; he’s a character built on intellect and curiosity, a professor who uses his mind as much as his whip. Harrison Ford captured the perfect balance of wit, charm, and gravitas. And beyond the thrills, there’s something deeply satisfying about a story where knowledge and bravery go hand-in-hand.
3. The Social Network (2010)
This is about as close to a perfect film as I’ve ever seen. David Fincher’s obsessive attention to detail results in a movie that’s as sleek and precise as the code being written within it. But beneath the polish is a Shakespearean tragedy about ambition, ego, and the corrosive power of wealth in the digital age. Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg is brilliant — not a villain, not a hero, but a deeply flawed genius who was never prepared for the world he helped create. And with that haunting Reznor/Ross score pulsing underneath it all, the film becomes something more than just a biopic — it’s a document of a new era.
4. Boogie Nights (1997)
This is Paul Thomas Anderson at the peak of his powers — a sprawling, energetic, deeply human story about fame, family, and the pursuit of validation. It’s easy to dismiss a film about the adult film industry, but that’s exactly the point: PTA challenges us to look past the surface and see the humanity beneath it. Every character is layered and memorable, and the film’s humor and heartbreak are often intertwined. The rise-fall-redemption arc is one of my favorite storytelling structures, and Boogie Nights executes it perfectly. It’s stylish, audacious, and filled with more heart than you’d ever expect.
5. Rounders (1998)
I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve watched Rounders — probably more than any other film on this list. I’ve always connected with the “tortured genius” archetype, the character who knows he’s destined for greatness if only the world would give him the chance. That’s Mike McDermott in a nutshell. The film came out right as poker mania was sweeping the country, and like so many others, I was convinced I could outthink the game myself. Even now, it makes me want to pick up the cards again. Beyond the poker scenes, though, it’s a story about talent, risk, and the relentless pursuit of potential.
6. North by Northwest (1959)
This is Hitchcock at his most sophisticated — a tightly constructed, impeccably stylish thriller that’s just as fun today as it was in 1959. The mistaken-identity plot is a blast, full of twists and turns that keep you guessing, and Cary Grant is the epitome of cool. He’s suave, witty, and impossibly well-dressed — a man every guy secretly wants to be. The script is razor-sharp, the pacing is perfect, and the film oozes mid-century elegance from start to finish. Even if you’re not a Hitchcock die-hard, this is a film that’s impossible not to love.
7. Dazed and Confused (1993)
The vibe of this movie is everything. More than any film I can think of, it captures that elusive feeling of youth — the sense of freedom, the chaos, the aimlessness, and the infinite possibility of a single night. It’s a film about nothing and everything at once, just a snapshot of life and all the tiny moments that make it beautiful. Richard Linklater’s gift for naturalistic dialogue is on full display here, and the film’s mix of humor, nostalgia, and raw energy never gets old. And of course, the soundtrack is an absolute time capsule of 1970s rock perfection.
8. Jurassic Park (1993)
For many years, this was my favorite movie — and for good reason. Spielberg’s combination of awe, wonder, and genuine terror was unmatched in 1993, and it still holds up beautifully today. As a kid, the idea of dinosaurs walking the earth again was the ultimate fantasy. As an adult, I appreciate the film’s deeper layers — its exploration of science, ethics, and hubris. The effects remain astonishing, the characters are more complex than they get credit for, and the sense of adventure is timeless. It’s blockbuster filmmaking at its absolute best.
9. Beetlejuice (1988)
If there’s a more efficient 95 minutes in film history, I haven’t seen it. Every frame of Beetlejuice is brimming with creativity, humor, and gothic charm. This is Tim Burton at his most original and imaginative, using bizarre imagery and practical effects to tell a story about death, identity, and belonging. Beneath the surface-level weirdness, there’s also a sharp social commentary about clashing cultures and generational change. It’s spooky, hilarious, and deeply human — and Danny Elfman’s score ties it all together perfectly.
10. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
This was my entry point into Wes Anderson’s universe, and it blew my teenage mind wide open. It was the first film I loved that felt different — irreverent, literary, and unapologetically stylized. The characters are quirky but deeply flawed, the humor is dark and dry, and the emotional undercurrent is surprisingly profound. It was also the first time I realized that a filmmaker could have such a distinct, personal voice — that a movie could be art not just in story but in style.
11. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Another “tortured genius,” but this time the story digs deeper. The film’s emotional authenticity is undeniable — you can feel the heart and inspiration in every scene. It’s a story about trauma, healing, and self-discovery, about the ways our past shapes us and the people who help us move beyond it. Gus Van Sant’s direction is gentle and patient, allowing the film’s emotional beats to land naturally. It’s one of the most cathartic, hopeful films I’ve ever seen.
12. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Few films capture the wonder and heartbreak of childhood as perfectly as E.T.. It’s funny, touching, and at times genuinely frightening — a testament to Spielberg’s ability to balance tones without losing focus. Certain scenes from this film are etched into my memory forever, and even now, decades later, they still hit just as hard. It’s nostalgia done right: not just a trip down memory lane, but a story that continues to resonate.
13. Interstellar (2014)
I’ve always been fascinated by space exploration — not just the science of it, but the philosophy behind it. Interstellar taps into that fascination completely. It’s epic in scale and ambition, exploring humanity’s desire to reach beyond itself and discover meaning in the cosmos. It’s not a perfect film, but its willingness to take risks and tackle enormous questions is exactly why I love it. It’s a story about love, time, sacrifice, and the human spirit — and it’s one I find myself revisiting often.
14. Halloween (1978)
What I love most about Halloween is how inspired it feels. On the surface, it’s a straightforward slasher, but John Carpenter’s passion for the genre radiates through every frame. With a tiny budget and a simple concept, he invented modern horror tropes — from jump scares to the faceless “boogeyman.” And that iconic score? Also Carpenter. It’s a lean, relentless film that proves creativity always matters more than resources, and its influence can still be felt today.
15. Wet Hot American Summer (2000)
Absurd, irreverent, and brilliantly dumb — Wet Hot American Summer is the kind of comedy that rewards you for paying attention. David Wain and Michael Showalter take every summer-camp cliché and crank it up to eleven, creating something that’s both wildly silly and strangely smart. The film is packed with future comedy stars, iconic moments, and gags that only get funnier with time. You either get on its wavelength or you don’t — but if you do, it’s one of the most joyful, hilarious movies you’ll ever watch.
Final Thoughts
Putting this list together wasn’t easy — there are countless other films I love — but that’s the beauty of the exercise. These fifteen titles represent who I am, where I’ve been, and what I value most in movies. And as time goes on, they’ll continue to evolve right along with me.
