100 Modern Classic Movies Meme

I saw this from Emily, who has not tagged anyone for it, rightly supposing anyone who sees this will want to do it. It's irresistible.....and goes a long way to showing why the doomsayers have been saying books are dying, because if people like her and myself, who are avid book readers, watch as many movies as we have, then where do we find time to read? Yet we do. Two different forms of telling stories. There are times when I want movies, and many, many more times when I want to read a book. In fact, I will reread a book more often than rewatch at film, because I find rewatching movies I only like, rather than thoroughly enjoy, almost impossible unless I turn my brain off. So, here is my views of the 100 Modern Classic Movies - note the word modern, because almost all of these movies came out in 1980 or later.

Instructions are to bold movies we've seen. Like Emily, I've added my own comments - so you can see if we share the same tastes or not. I'm not as funny as her, so go check her answers out too.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994) – Gratuitious violence, classic dance scene, John Travolta's comeback rile. A fascinating movie, but not one I liked.
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03) – I own these! And have watched them again, after seeing them in the movie theatre! I think the best interpretation that could be done of the books, which I have read several times. These belong in the best of the modern films.
3. Titanic (1997) -- I hate this movie! I loathe it! i watched it once, in the theatre, and was so bored until finally action when the boat began to sink! One of the best sinking scenes ever. I was more distraught when Leo died because his character was far more interesting that Rose's - I loather her as much as the movie! One of the most over-rated movies of all time.
4. Blue Velvet (1986) – amazing film, but one I haven't been able to watch it again. Like Emily, I still remember scenes from this one, it was so vivid. Still one of the most unusual movies ever. And who could resist Kyle McLachlan in this one?
5. Toy Story (1995) – I have now watched it 54,000 times with my kids, and I still love it. Enduring and endearing, a true classic for all ages, probably forever.
6. Saving Private Ryan (1998 ) – still haven't seen this one. Not sure why.
7. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) – this movie I like for one reason: the ee cummings poem that Michael Caine writes to - Mia Farrow (? is that who he trying to seduce? Or married to??) one of the sisters. I love this poem and it is now one that I quote to myself all the time, especially the last line: 'no one, not even the rain, has such small hands'. The rest of the movie was boring.
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) – I can barely watch this, it scares me so much. Another true classic, with marvelous performances from Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. The ending still has me almost screaming in anxiety even though I've seen it several times.
9. Die Hard (1988 ) – I enjoy this one. I watched the first part while doing dishes last weekend. Not sure it's a classic, but it's a fun film to watch.
10. Moulin Rouge (2001) – I have a knee-jerk reaction to musicals: run away! Even though I like the odd one - Cat Ballou is one - The Sound Of Music is another - and I've seen tons of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies, I still will avoid them if I can. So I haven't seen this one yet, though I think my inner Elitest Movie Snob is dropping hints that it's time.
11. This Is Spinal Tap (1984) – Yes! On tv! But I don't remember much except it was funny!
12. The Matrix (1999) – I enjoyed this more than I thought I would, enough to see the second one. I don't think I've seen the third....
13. GoodFellas (1990) – seen it. Far to violent for me, so I've never watched it again, yet it is a classic.
14. Crumb (1995) – not seen it.
15. Edward Scissorhands (1990) – Yes! Fun, and creative, original, and heartbreaking. I do like this one.
16. Boogie Nights (1997) - no, even though I want to, it's just not on my radar.
17. Jerry Maguire (1996) – seen it! I like the kid best of all, though all the roles are enjoyable - a pleasurable escape.
18. Do the Right Thing (1989) – Still amazes me, but the ending made me cry so much, I was so upset at the death of one of the characters, that I haven't been able to watch it since. I've tried, but I get too anxious. A classic film, and still think Spike Lee's best one too.
19. Casino Royale (2006) – *Daniel Craig* my whole family (all the women anyway) love him!!! with an edge that I like, as we saw Bond beginning his career. A good solid movie.
20. The Lion King (1994) – still have never seen the whole thing. My daughter has.
21. Schindler’s List (1993) – incredible, riveting, and yet for me, the outstanding thing is the little girl and her red coat.
22. Rushmore (1998 ) - not seen
23. Memento (2001) – loved it, incredible, and fascinating. My husband liked it too and is one of the few movies he's stayed awake through the whole thing for!
24. A Room With a View (1986) – has been one of my favourite movies for years and years now. There are so many moments to love in this movie!
25. Shrek (2001) - endlessly seen, and I still love it. My kids love it too.
26. Hoop Dreams (1994) -?I can't remember. Maybe. on tv...
27. Aliens (1986) – like Emily says, what about Alien? Which is far superior, and I own, watch every couple of years, and it still scares me. Great horror classic.
28. Wings of Desire (1988 ) - yes! Except I can only remember U2's music video to the film! so this is a maybe and not counted as definite....
29. The Bourne Supremacy (2004) - love this one! I have seen them all,and own 2 of them. I like how the story continues through the three, and how he outwits most of the CIA :-)
30. When Harry Met Sally… (1989) – I enjoy this one. It has laugh-out loud moments, mostly due to Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan's chemistry.
31. Brokeback Mountain (2005) - not yet.
32. Fight Club (1999) - men fighting because they are bored? Yikes, it will be a cold day in hell before I willingly see this one.
33. The Breakfast Club (1985) – *sigh* now you will know how old I am, because I have seen this many times, and I love the them song "Don't you Forget About Me" by Simple Minds. A good classic movie.
34. Fargo (1996) – Amazing. It is good storytelling, full of twists because it's by the Coen brothers. Love Frances McDormand as the pregnant sheriff!
35. The Incredibles (2004) – fun!! saw it because of the kids, though.
36. Spider-Man 2 (2004) – seen them all, now. I like them,and will eventually own them all - we have #1, and why isn't it on here??
37. Pretty Woman (1990) – I hate this movie. May have accidentally seen all of it once, and am ashamed to say I laughed at spots. This movie is just wrong. But then,maybe I'm just a prude...I don't really care!
38. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – very different. I enjoyed it, but still deciding if I liked it.
39. The Sixth Sense (1999) – I love it. It still scares me silly. I can't watch this alone.
40. Speed (1994) – I actually like this one. My son saw it when he was five and for a few years after, he got upset when he thought the bus we were riding on would go too fast, and he would yell out, "Stop! Or you won't be able to slow down!"
41. Dazed and Confused (1993) – I think I saw this late night one night, which may explain why I am dazed and confused about the plot etc.....lol couldn't resist the bad pun!!
42. Clueless (1995) - yes, and liked it inspite of my self! gah!
43. Gladiator (2000) – I found myself liking this one far more than I expected, and it is good.
44. The Player (1992)- yes! I've seen this one! Didn't get all the humour, not working in Hollywood, but one I would see again.
45. Rain Man (1988 ) – I hated Tom Cruise by this point. I watched this for Dustin Hoffman, who I much more prefer as an actor. Interesting plot, especially as now I have a nephew with Asperger's Syndrome.
46. Children of Men (2006) – surprisingly good, moving, with an unexpected ending that I still find myself turning over in my mind.
47. Men in Black (1997) – saw it, more than once unfortunately, due to having a 13-year old in the house
48. Scarface (1983)- yes! I admit it! I like Al Pacino! So I even watched this, mostly due to my sister saying she liked it. I didn't. Even with Pacino in it.
49. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) – Wow. Magical. Amazing. love it, love it some more. Haunting, too. Shows what movie-making can do.
50. The Piano (1993) – I saw this more than once. Harvey Kietel manages to look sexy in this one! I enjoyed it, though hate Sam Neill in it.
51. There Will Be Blood (2007) – still not, it's on my list when I am in the mood for it.
52. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988 ) - yes, mostly on tv reruns. Hilarious, slapstick comedy that I can't resist laughing it.
53. The Truman Show (1998 ) – no
54. Fatal Attraction (1987) – saw it once on tv. Can't get the final scenes out of my head. I hate this movie the older I get.
55. Risky Business (1983) – cute. Only seen once - I'm not a huge Tom Cruise fan.
56. The Lives of Others (2006) – I had no idea how good this would be. I have to get a copy now. I keep replaying the ending over in my mind,and the storyline. Gripping, wonderful storytelling. It should be must viewing for anyone wondering what life in communist countries is like. Amazing movie. Breathless viewing.
57. There’s Something About Mary (1998) – again a hilarious slapstick movie that I laugh uproariously at.
58. Ghostbusters (1984) – This was among my favourites as a teenager! I can still watch it now - ghosts never go out of style, even if clothing and hair does!
59. L.A. Confidential (1997) – top 10 mystery/crime movie, ever.
60. Scream (1996) - yes! many times. But I have to be careful, or all my screaming (cause I do alot in this one with the pop-up creepy guy and gory killings) ends up keeping me up late into the night...
61. Beverly Hills Cop (1984) - yes. Did anyone not see this in the 1980's?
62. sex, lies and videotape (1989) – One of the best movies about different styles of relating, and the miracle that unlocks loneliness when you finally find that someone who understands. James Spader in this one - I love him. One of my favourite movies.
63. Big (1988) – unfortunately its cuteness means I have actually watched this all the way through.
64. No Country For Old Men (2007) – not yet. I want to, just have to be in the mood for all the killing....
65. Dirty Dancing (1987) – ok movie. I never really understood why everyone liked Patrick Swayze, since I was in love with Kyle in Terminator instead (Michael Beihn).
66. Natural Born Killers (1994) – have tried to and never been able to watch this the whole way through. I really intensely dislike just about everything in this movie and end up bored.
67. Donnie Brasco (1997) -- I had to look this up to see the plot, so no!! I haven't seen it!
68. Witness (1985) -- yes, many times.
69. All About My Mother (1999) – no
70. Broadcast News (1987) – I think I have, once.
71. Unforgiven (1992) – yes, and I really enjoyed it. A good western, updated to today's ethics
72. Thelma & Louise (1991) – yes. this was my movie for a long time! I still love it, too.
73. Office Space (1999) – finally saw it recently, and it was very funny, especially now that i work in an office!
74. Drugstore Cowboy (1989)- I didn't think i would like it, and ended up finding it a very good movie. Deserves to be on this list.
75. Out of Africa (1985) – maybe once. but I don't count it since i can't remember if I saw the whole thing or fell asleep during it!
76. The Departed (2006) – ohmygod, I did not expect to like this movie as much as I did, and the ending still pops into my mind at odd times! I will have to watch it again to catch all the plot points again. And Leo is all grown up....
77. Sid and Nancy (1986)- another tv viewing I might have slept through....
78. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – WHERE IS TERMINATOR ONE? IT IS BETTER AND ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES OF ALL TIME. Sorry, but Terminator is in my top 10 of all movies, and T2 further down the list.
79. Waiting for Guffman (1996) - what the %$#@ is this one?
80. Michael Clayton (2007) - not yet, though I really want to.
81. Moonstruck (1987) – *sigh* Nicholas Cage and Cher in this one....*sigh*
82. Lost in Translation (2003) – Again, I was totally surprised by this movie, as was my husband. I love it. And for anyone who has ever ventured into a foreign country, this is must seeing. Excellent movie.
83. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987) - I have actually seen Evil Dead! but not this one. Why are all the first movies of series left off this list??
84. Sideways (2004) – much funnier than I thought. My husband enjoyed it too.
85. The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005) – no
86. Y Tu Mamá También (2002) – no, but want to.
87. Swingers (1996) - no
88. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) - yes! And I laughed, alot *hangs head in shame*
89. Breaking the Waves (1996) - did Keanu Reeves star in this? Whatever,never saw it, never want to.
90. Napoleon Dynamite (2004) - want to, still haven't
91. Back to the Future (1985) – many times. Really enjoy it.
92. Menace II Society (1993) - ??? nope
93. Ed Wood (1994) - Yes!! and it's hilarious!
94. Full Metal Jacket (1987) –I watched alot of war movies in the 80's, not sure if this was one of them so not counting them.
95. In the Mood for Love (2001) - ??what the heck is this one??
96. Far From Heaven (2002) - Tom Cruise! NOOOO! a 3 hour movie with him! *stay away*
97. Glory (1989) - yes, and it blew me away. Still one of the most moving war movies for me.
98. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)- scared the dickens out of me, and now whenever I look at Matt Damon I see Mr ripley instead. It's so creepy. (Except for Bourne Identity movies)
99. The Blair Witch Project (1999) – I wanted to like this movie. I really did. but I was so mad by the end that I came out frothing at the mouth at the moving camera (little did i know everyone would be doing it! ), the bad editing, the horrible script, stupid, stupid, stupid! and so my son's generation!
100. South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut (1999) - no, though I do occasionally watch the tv episodes, but rarely....

So, I'd have to say I've seen far more than I expected, but the list is missing alot that should be on it. Usual Suspects? Wolfen? Love Actually? Batman Begins? IQ? A Fish Called Wanda? Lock, Stock, and 2 Smoking barrels? Hot Fuzz?

Let me know if you do this and I'll come see your answers - I enjoy things like this, where we can see what we've seen and what we've liked! I'm so happy Emily hated Titanic almost as much as I did! What did you think of it?