Welcome to the official Filmverdict Top 100 Films! This list has been compiled, using incredibly complex mathematical algorithms (i.e. guesswork) and a lot of deliberation, to celebrate the first birthday of Filmverdict. Remember these results reflect the personal opinions of two people, so this list is by its nature hugely subjective and is not presumed to be at all exhaustive. Nonetheless, enjoy! - Rich (RM)
100-71 | 70-41 | 40-11 | 10-1
10 to 1
10. North by Northwest (1959)
Alfred Hitchcock refined his 'innocent in peril' theme over the course of several films, but North by Northwest is surely at the top of the heap. It's a wonderfully entertaining romp led by Cary Grant's magnetic lead performance and featuring some of Hitch's greatest suspense sequences (which is saying a lot considering he was the Master of Suspense). Released between Vertigo and Psycho, it forms the middle part of an extraordinary trilogy of diverse classics. RM
9. From Russia with Love (1963) [DVD Review]
The second film in the illustrious series remains one of the most realistic of all 007's adventures. In production before Dr. No had even been released, Sean Connery here perfectly embodies the superspy and shows exactly why he's been so difficult to beat for all the subsequent Bonds. From Russia with Love's intricate and extremely satisfying plot is what truly sets it apart, however, providing some thrilling sequences including a brilliantly tense ride on the Orient Express. The following instalment Goldfinger may have established the template, but From Russia with Love cemented the franchise in audiences' minds. RM
8. The Matrix (1999)
If the sequels had never happened, The Matrix would be remembered more fondly than it is. Separated from its lumbering successors, it is a brilliant action film which pioneered some revolutionary computer techniques. It's easy to forget that the film was released just weeks before Star Wars Episode I but it's the influence of this relatively unheralded hit that has endured, in both subsequent blockbusters (not to mention video games) and myriad academic textbooks. The Wachowskis may eventually go down as one-hit wonders but what a hit it was. RM
7. Gladiator (2000) [DVD Review]
Ridley Scott revived the historical epic and in the process created a classic to rank alongside (or indeed above) any other films in the long-forgotten genre. Russell Crowe was an action man for the new millennium and it's his performance that drives this intimate juggernaut. It's a film that simultaneously astonishes with its never-before-possible vistas such as the Colosseum in Rome, while taking the viewer on an emotional roller coaster unparalleled amongst epics and rare in any film. RM
6. The Sting (1973) [DVD Review]
George Roy Hill's film reunites the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance
Kid dream team of Paul Newman and Robert Redford for the ultimate caper
film. Ridiculously slick, a phenomenal depiction of the Roaring Twenties,
and twists and turns that set precedents for many flicks to follow.
Frequently imitated but rarely challenged as the greatest heist movie of
all time. JG
5. Goodfellas (1990) [DVD Review]
Martin Scorsese's third true masterpiece is stylish yet authentic,
occasionally comic yet frequently brutal, and seductively addictive. De Niro
is connivingly hypnotic, Pesci is impeccably gruesome, and Ray Liotta is
certainly not overawed or a fish out of water in the central role - all the
characters are templates in delivery, iconography and nuance. A true
cinematic gem that encompasses a highly accurate biographical view of the
mob world in a sincerely gripping and outstanding manner. JG
4. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Spielberg's technically astounding war film has so much more to offer than just the masterful opening D-Day landing sequence (one of the most influential action scenes ever made - just see the current popularity of shooting with handheld cameras). For one thing, although it lacks the immediate impact of the film's opening, the concluding bridge defence set-piece is just as good. Between these two momentous skirmishes there's a war film with some wonderful characters and great performances as well as heaps of tension, as exemplified in the sniper duel. The director's second 1990s visit to World War 2 is a stunning and powerful masterpiece. RM
3. Die Hard (1988)
It's a surprise, even to me, to see Die Hard rank so high on this list but for a film routinely labelled 'the greatest action film of all time' it's a worthy testament to its enduring success. The premise - one man versus a bunch of terrorists in a skyscraper - is undoubtedly a large part in that success, but Bruce Willis' smirking everyman hero, Alan Rickman's despotic bad guy and John McTiernan's skilfully efficient direction seal the deal. Proof, if it were needed, that a massive scale and bucketloads of CGI are not necessary ingredients in edge-of-seat thrills. RM
2. Heat (1995)
Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, unforgettable sub-characters, astounding Michael Mann
direction and perfect Los Angeles locations are just some reasons why
Heat is the greatest crime film ever made. As excellent and as famous
as the bank heist shoot-out has become in Hollywood folklore, Mann's finest
hour is more than a basic action film. Despite a hefty running time, the
journey of the conflict between the authorities and an underworld syndicate
flies by. It's as sleek and efficient as De Niro's frosty mastermind, but
also as gung-ho and bombastic as Pacino's czar. The perfect acting
combination is captured faultlessly by a meticulous Mann. Veraciously
controlled and incredibly involving. JG
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The fact that Shawshank finds itself at the top of the pile reflects the fact that, to my knowledge, there's virtually nobody who's seen it who doesn't adore it. The cathartic, emotional ending makes it this generation's It's a Wonderful Life and as an audience we share in Tim Robbin's elation because we've been through all the hardship with him. A seemingly forgotten fact is that Shawshank is often quite shocking and grim, especially in its early stages, but it is ultimately tremendously rewarding. Although Morgan Freeman steals the show, Robbins is excellent and even all the quirkily individual minor characters have wonderful arcs. In light of its current standing as one of the most beloved films ever made it seems unbelievable that it was initially a flop on theatrical release, its fame due to the word of mouth that spread after it arrived on video. In some ways it's not surprising that it failed to ignite at the box office, because its superficial 'prison movie' tag in no way does it justice. Shawshank is a film that needs to be watched to be appreciated but once its 142 minutes have ended it's an experience that will never be forgotten. RM
Frank Darabont's chef d'oeuvre epitomises the shady area between box-office
flop and critical success. After the second-coming on home retail, the film
(which was largely ignored at the 1994 Oscars in place of a certain Mr Gump)
has taken on renewed admiration which duplicates with each new generation.
Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins don't blow you away as the film plays out,
but the Stephen King attributes of solid characterisation and cracking plot
stew away in your memory like a fine meal - you realise just how amazing the
experience was just after the masterpiece draws to a conclusion. Some may
argue about the slightly slow tempo in the middle act, the old-fashioned
morality message it contains, or the occasional lapses into prison
stereotypes, but The Shawshank Redemption is simply the most
uplifting tale in the history of cinema. Like the famous cricketer Don
Bradman, and his batting average of 99.94, the aforementioned (possible)
deficiencies just add to the charm of the engrossing picture and makes us
come to the realisation that no film is perfect. However, Shawshank
makes us suspend disbelief in a more fulfilling manner than any other. JG
The End... for now!
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