6. Raiders of the Lost Ark
Spielberg opened “Raiders of the Lost Ark” with nail-biting tension. Coming straight from the success of Han Solo, Harrison Ford stars in this action-adventure film as archeologist Indiana Jones, in this film that was also written by George Lucas. Indiana Jones is kind of a James Bond representation but without the hardware, as Spielberg claims.
Spielberg and Lucas again showed their great bond, with “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the first installment of the Indiana Jones franchise, being a great hit among the critics and masses. The research was strong in the film, with historical elements like Ark of the Covenant and Nazi spies creating a great hype around the film.
Some great moments carved the film’s success with the epic Nazi brawl sequence with Indiana Jones, the spirit of the Ark of the Covenant, and the great opening sequence. Ronald Lacey was brilliant as the sadistic major Arnold, the production design was impeccable, and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” became the start of one of the greatest film series of all time.
7. Toy Story
Children love their time with toys, but what does the toy feel about their human companion? Yes, “Toy Story” is a film that humanizes toys. An existential story told in the style of a light comedy, this fully computer-animated feature film has been loved by a generation of film fans and will continue to be loved. The fear from Woody, the most beloved toy of young Andy, of being replaced by new toys, is a very human concern regarding missing out from one’s affection.
Buzz Lightyear as the action figure who thinks of himself of an actual space ranger is an ideal vehicle for both comedy and tragedy. With skillful direction from former Disney employee John Lasseter, the impact of “Toy Story” spans decades. That’s why a sequel has been released in 2019, 24 years after the first film.
8. Ratatouille
We’ve always loved food, but perhaps we crave more in the age of Instagram and ‘food porn.’ A great food porn film surrounding the fine dining industry in Paris, “Ratatouille” is a delicious and beautiful watch. Walt Disney and Pixar like to humanize non-human characters.
Here, they did it with a young rat named Remy who wants to be a chef. Remy is a joyful, moralistic individual who flees to Paris from a sinkhole to fulfill his dream of being a chef, and helps garbage boy Linguini in Remy’s ideal restaurant Gusteau’s. Complete with friendship, romance, food, and dreams, “Ratatouille” is a film that is impossible not to love and will cheer up even the saddest heart.
9. Singin’ in the Rain
Another film for film lovers. “Singin’ in the Rain” shows the transition from silent era pictures to talkies and highlights the real heroes behind them. The story is compiled with frequent song-and-dance routines, as it is a musical film. It deftly highlights all the minute details that the early talkies presented to the filmmakers and actors. Created in gorgeous technicolor, “Singin’ in the Rain” is a spectacle with brilliant direction by Gene Kelly.
It was a triumph in every department, be it staging, acting, cinematography or direction. A basic love story at its core, this is a sugary romance with gorgeous color blends. This is a film to cherish during good times with a party of friends. It inspired many musicals in its era and continues to do so with 2016’s “La La Land,” created by the inspiration Damien Chazzele took from this film.
10. Die Hard
The ideal Christmas movie trumping all of the horror flicks, “Yippee-ki-yay, motherf*cker.” Sorry, anything about “Die Hard” cannot be said apart from labeling it as the granddaddy of all action films. It is impossible to describe the fun of the film in written words.
This is the film that made Bruce Willis the action star he is today. A meta-commentary of the economic turmoil in the 1990s, this flick will not give you a break to even drink a sip of water. Yes, that’s how good this film is. If you haven’t watched it yet, start now or cry with us in appreciation, “Yippee Ki-yay…..”.