Honorable Mention
Not quite "Top 12" material, but I thought these were all very good movies (in alphabetical order):
Amistad: Another quality Spielberg effort.
Crash: I liked this movie, but I AM NOT RECOMMENDING IT. See it at your own risk, and don't blame me. Yes I know it's weird and no I am not into car crashes.
Good Will Hunting: Different and thought provoking (and Robin Williams is finally in a good movie).
Hard Eight: An odd title, maybe director Paul Thomas Anderson should have used it for his second film (Boogie Nights) instead. A great little film.
One Night Stand: A bit dreary, but nice performances- especially by Robert Downey Jr. (on furlough). Admirable follow up to "Leaving Las Vegas" by director Mike Figgis.
Romy and Michele's High School Reunion: I know it's goofy, but I just smiled through the whole movie.
Some Good Ones
I enjoyed the next group of movies to varying degrees, and recommend all of them (in alpha order).
Air Force One
Men In Black
Alien Resurrection
Mother
As Good As It Gets
My Best Friend's Wedding
Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery
Night Falls On Manhattan
Breakdown
Playing God
Conspiracy Theory
Private Parts
Cop Land
Return Of The Jedi (Special Edition)
Donnie Brasco
Rosewood
G.I. Jane
Scream 2
Gang Related
Seven Years In Tibet
Gridlock'd
Star Wars (Special Edition)
Grosse Pointe Blank
The Edge
In And Out
The Empire Strikes Back (Special Edition)
In The Company Of Men
The Full Monty
Kiss The Girls
The Ice Storm
Liar Liar
Touch
Mad City
U-Turn