60 Movies I Grew Up On - BEST TO WORST
Combination of BEST QUALITY, and MOST INFLUENTIAL to me is at the top of the list. If you were born in the 80's you might relate to this list. The cutoff dates are approximately 1985-2005, a 20 year span. For movies to fall in this list, they must have influenced me in that time span.
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- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsJohn TravoltaUma ThurmanSamuel L. JacksonThe lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption.I remember my parents and all the grown ups were stunned when they saw this in theaters. I was too young then. I saw it shortly after on VHS. Changed my mind entirely and made for the first of serious film discussions.
- CreatorDavid SimonStarsDominic WestLance ReddickSonja SohnThe Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.I started watching this in 2003 around age 18. Soon after discovery, I added this to my weekly viewing on TV. I've said more than any other thing I've ever watched - this is the best writing in all of picture+sound.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsTom HanksRobin WrightGary SiniseThe history of the United States from the 1950s to the '70s unfolds from the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75, who yearns to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart.Another movie that just stunned the nation. Everyone I knew, young and old enjoyed this movie. The smarter a person was, the more they enjoyed it. Timeless to say the least.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsLiam NeesonRalph FiennesBen KingsleyIn German-occupied Poland during World War II, industrialist Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis.Absolutely shook the nation. Was talked about more than anything else in the world at the time it was released. I saw this on VHS some time after its release. I was only 8 when it came out.
- DirectorRon HowardStarsTom HanksBill PaxtonKevin BaconNASA must devise a strategy to return Apollo 13 to Earth safely after the spacecraft undergoes massive internal damage putting the lives of the three astronauts on board in jeopardy.The most underrated film in the last 20 years. James Horner transcended the modern day movie score. Very technically sound, very dramatic, amazingly acted, and amazingly well shot. Filming in real free fall like in space... just ridiculous. I saw this in theater with my mother. Age 10.
- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsMarlon BrandoAl PacinoJames CaanThe aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son.I saw this with my father on several occasions when it played on television. My first viewing might have been around age 8 or 1993, after hearing relentlessly about how great the film was. I certainly didn't understand this film or Part 2 until several re-watchings later. I also read the book - solidifying the saga for me. This film has never had trouble holding the spot as best film of all time.
- CreatorDavid ChaseStarsJames GandolfiniLorraine BraccoEdie FalcoNew Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life that affect his mental state, leading him to seek professional psychiatric counseling.Changed the medium of television in my household. Now I had an excellent hour of film to watch every Sunday night. My mother and father anticipated its debut and had me watch it from day one. Tony's family had so many similarities to my own, it was uncanny.
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsBrad PittEdward NortonMeat LoafAn insomniac office worker and a devil-may-care soap maker form an underground fight club that evolves into much more.The first movie that opened my eyes. The first movie which I appreciated Fincher for his work. Forced me to read many of Chuck Palahniuk's books. I saw this one in theater with my family and I was the only one that liked it. Age 14. Watched it 20 more times on VHS.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsEwan McGregorAlbert FinneyBilly CrudupA frustrated son tries to determine the fact from fiction in his dying father's life.Though this movie is right on the end of my timeline of movies, I have to include it equally among them. The ending of this one is totally wrenching, to the point of making it hard to watch. The movie is simply goofy and for seemingly not good enough reason. It comes together, though and really fooled me in a crippling sort of way. This is the flagship work of Burton.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom HanksMatt DamonTom SizemoreFollowing the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.I saw this in the theater at 13. I remember the tears and the walkouts in the beginning. I was mostly attracted to the color saturation Spielberg chose for the opening scene, and actually throughout the whole film. The white backlit hot windows seemed to me a pioneering of sorts at the time. They looked SO GOOD. This movie never feels old.
- DirectorYoshinori KitaseAkihiko MatsuiTakashi TokitaCrono, a young boy, is thrust to adventure by destiny to destroy an oncoming threat that will destroy the world in 1999.I know this is a SNES game and not a movie. Many, many inspiring hours, more so than any single film. This game was so good compared to other games at the time, it was like comparing a space shuttle to a Vespa scooter in technology. When I beat this game beginning to end, I enjoyed it as a life experience. I have since re-played from the beginning this game about 4 times. Ahead of its time.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLinda HamiltonEdward FurlongA cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her ten year old son John from an even more advanced and powerful cyborg.Another movie which became a household name. My first dose of James Cameron. I of course was too young for the theater, but saw this not long after its release on VHS. So many memorable scenes which I carry around even today.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroSharon StoneJoe PesciIn Las Vegas, two best friends - a casino executive and a mafia enforcer - compete for a gambling empire and a fast-living, fast-loving socialite.Again Scorsese really left me enamored with a fear - of getting beaten to death via aluminum baseball bat. This movie was probably more revered than Goodfellas or even the Godfathers around my house. There were just more primal, desperate things going on in this movie than in any others. What they do with cheaters, drugged-out Sharon Stone, the head in a vice, and the fights DeNiro had with Stone.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHenry ThomasDrew BarrymorePeter CoyoteA troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape from Earth and return to his home planet.Spielberg should be scattered all around on anyone's list of movies to grow up on. E.T. touched a set of nerves in me that no other movie had touched. My first viewing was around age 8 on VHS.
- CreatorDoug EllinStarsKevin ConnollyAdrian GrenierKevin DillonFilm star, Vince Chase, navigates the vapid terrain of Los Angeles with a close circle of friends and his trusty agent.This show is amazing. For this list's purposes, Entourage is a bookend on a list of films that inspired me for 2 decades. My friends of 2003-2005 (pre-Katrina) all adored entourage. I have watched each episode at least 30 times, no exaggeration. This show reminds me of excellent times and good friends even if I am feeling in the company of anything but. After Katrina many people relocated and those times ended.
- DirectorBryan SingerStarsKevin SpaceyGabriel ByrneChazz PalminteriThe sole survivor of a pier shoot-out tells the story of how a notorious criminal influenced the events that began with five criminals meeting in a seemingly random police lineup.Talked about in EVERY group of people at school and wherever else. Instant classic, instant cult classic, instant masterpiece. Didn't see in theater. Rented shortly after. I certainly didn't understand everything until a later viewing in life.
- DirectorBarry LevinsonStarsDustin HoffmanTom CruiseValeria GolinoAfter a selfish L.A. yuppie learns his estranged father left a fortune to an autistic-savant brother in Ohio that he didn't know existed, he absconds with his brother and sets out across the country, hoping to gain a larger inheritance.My brother liked this movie a lot, and he and I enjoyed talking about it - even the random tidbits like the Lamborghini cars and gambling. This one is a great family film that Cruise and Hoffman make completely unforgettable.
- DirectorGiuseppe TornatoreStarsPhilippe NoiretEnzo CannavaleAntonella AttiliA filmmaker recalls his childhood when falling in love with the pictures at the cinema of his home village and forms a deep friendship with the cinema's projectionist.My Dad bought this on VHS. I watched it around age 9, I think. This might have been my first foreign film that I handled all the way through. The unique music score is easily the best in all of cinema, foreign or not. A film like this was just really different for me at the time. I didn't fully understand the movie until a viewing around age 20.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroRay LiottaJoe PesciThe story of Henry Hill and his life in the mafia, covering his relationship with his wife Karen and his mob partners Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito.Being of Italian descent, my family adored this movie. I remember my cousin and uncle talking about it. I remember grown-ups always talking about how good it was. I saw it on VHS or on TV, don't remember. The scene with Henry breaking the nose of Karen's neighbor stuck with me permanently. I felt bad for the guys DeNiro kept killing near the end, and it wasn't until a viewing around age 25 that I understood it all.
- DirectorSam MendesStarsKevin SpaceyAnnette BeningThora BirchA sexually frustrated suburban father has a mid-life crisis after becoming infatuated with his daughter's best friend.I remember gym class Freshman year of high school and my best friend spending an entire hour telling me the plot of this film. I saw this in theaters. I have a permanent memory of watching the opening sequence (Lester in the shower) and the audience's reaction laughing.
- DirectorRon ClementsJohn MuskerStarsScott WeingerRobin WilliamsLinda LarkinA kind-hearted street urchin and a power-hungry Grand Vizier vie for a magic lamp that has the power to make their deepest wishes come true.My sister and I went to see this in the theater and we were the only two people in the whole show. We watched this movie and were totally uplifted. We spent days humming the songs to it. After obtaining on VHS, this became the ultimate fall-asleep-to movie as a youngster.
- DirectorDavid Mickey EvansStarsTom GuiryMike VitarArt LaFleurIn the summer of 1962, a new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy and his rowdy team, resulting in many adventures.One of the most quoted movies of my generation. This movie just hits the spot. Fun in every way. It's educational, entertaining, funny, and is fun and friendly with any age that watches it. Also timeless.
- DirectorTony ScottStarsTom CruiseTim RobbinsKelly McGillisAs students at the United States Navy's elite fighter weapons school compete to be best in the class, one daring young pilot learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.I idolized this movie. I first saw this around 1991 on VHS, the version that came with a Top Gun Pepsi ad. That was so cool. My first dose of Tom Cruise. I wanted to be him.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsRoy ScheiderRobert ShawRichard DreyfussWhen a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape Cod, it's up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down.Obviously before my time, this movie STILL managed to be a landmark in my discovery of films. I viewed this with my family on VHS or maybe even on television around age 7. This certainly had me afraid of deep waters. It's just amazing how this film was talked about and hyped SOO much even in my time.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsWil WheatonRiver PhoenixCorey FeldmanA writer recounts a childhood journey with his friends to find the body of a missing boy.My family rented this on VHS around 1992, and we all took an evening to watch it together. Excellent all around movie. Certainly made for a memorable viewing.
- DirectorCameron CroweStarsBilly CrudupPatrick FugitKate HudsonA high-school boy in the early 1970s is given the chance to write a story for Rolling Stone magazine about an up-and-coming rock band as he accompanies them on their concert tour.I rented this one and watched it with my mom. We both really liked it and laughed most of the way through. Crowe tells a great story. There isn't exactly a lead role, not like many other movies. The kid carries the movie as much as he is required, and the band has some excellent spots to fill in the gaps. FUN and funny little slice of experience. Great coming of age story.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsSam NeillLaura DernJeff GoldblumA pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure causes the park's cloned dinosaurs to run loose.I saw this in the theater and had to leave towards the end. At 8 years old, the raptors chasing the kids was unnerving. After obtaining on VHS my family probably watched this film 100+ times. The main theme music is excellent nostalgia as well.
- DirectorJoe JohnstonStarsJake GyllenhaalChris CooperLaura DernThe true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes.Very memorable viewing experience. Very fun and exciting movie. A gritty version of a kid's movie which educates, scares, entertains, inspires and tells the truth of certain situations. Great movie to grow up on.
- DirectorGus Van SantStarsRobin WilliamsMatt DamonBen AffleckWill Hunting, a janitor at M.I.T., has a gift for mathematics, but needs help from a psychologist to find direction in his life.I saw this in the theater with my parents. I remember not understanding some of it. Pretty great that it's more relevant as time goes on, and relates to me in different ways. A great project for the talented Damon. In high school people heckled it for its plot and I defended it saying they were missing the point. Psychologically a kid like Will doesn't exist, but you can't take the movie literally.
- DirectorFrank DarabontStarsTim RobbinsMorgan FreemanBob GuntonOver the course of several years, two convicts form a friendship, seeking consolation and, eventually, redemption through basic compassion.This movie seemed to slip through the cracks at the theater, but I remember it having an enormous VHS run, and also a highly anticipated TV run just a couple years after its release. This one I remember many talking about.
- DirectorChris ColumbusStarsDaniel RadcliffeRupert GrintEmma WatsonAn orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.I worked as a projectionist at the local theater for several months when this came out. I attended the early screening , which still had dozens of people. I then suffered through the beginning and end some 100 times from threading it up. Great family film, which introduced us to the ensemble that cultivated over $4 billion in just a ten year span. We talked about this film and the books all the time. Priceless franchise.
- DirectorPenny MarshallStarsTom HanksGeena DavisLori PettyTwo sisters join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry.My sister and mother liked watching this one. I certainly enjoyed it also. I loved Tom Hanks in this. We watched this one very many times. An important one to grow up with.
- DirectorJan de BontStarsKeanu ReevesDennis HopperSandra BullockA young police officer must prevent a bomb exploding aboard a city bus by keeping its speed above 50 mph.This movie was watched so many times at our house on the VHS. I LOVED the opening sequence with the elevators. The bus part is terrific also, all the way to the end. This was my first experience with Dennis Hopper. Imagine how I felt. This guy put a screwdriver through some innocent guy's NECK! Oh, what a great early viewing experience. My dad got sick of how much we watched this movie.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMichael J. FoxChristopher LloydLea ThompsonMarty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.This movie came out the year I was born. I maybe didn't see it on VHS 'til 1993. This movie might be the most revered, memorable movie constantly clicking around in my brain. It is strange how at least once a week I have a thought about this movie relating to my life.
- DirectorChris ColumbusStarsRobin WilliamsSally FieldPierce BrosnanAfter a bitter divorce, an actor disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his children held in custody by his former wife.My siblings and I never could get enough of this movie. This was viewed once a month at least for years. A VHS must-buy. A most recent re-watching brought some of the jokes to perspective, making it a nearly different movie than I remember as a kid. "THE WHOLE TIME?" So many great lines, so many great jokes from the unapproachable Robin Williams.
- DirectorChris ColumbusStarsMacaulay CulkinJoe PesciDaniel SternAn eight-year-old troublemaker, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his home against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve.I remember going to see this in the theater at age 5 and mumbling "Home-b'alone" even when people corrected me to Home Alone. There's just something profound and sentimental in this film that stabs at the heart in a good way. Now looking on it many years later, I confirm my splendor of it as a youngster in due portion to its excellent writer John Hughes.
- DirectorJoe JohnstonStarsRick MoranisMatt FrewerMarcia StrassmanThe scientist father of a teenage girl and boy accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them.It doesn't reinvent cinema, but it does have a crazy story, crazy set, crazy looking props, and Rick Moranis. I can't remember a more impacting movie that year. Plus, the cartoon that came with the VHS at the beginning was epic. Good movie to grow up with - family tones like Stand By Me and Sandlot.
- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsEwan McGregorLiam NeesonNatalie PortmanTwo Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory.It was this movie and its respective trilogy that defined Star Wars to me. I was never in to the older movies, and never watched one in its entirety until after this one. I remember going to the city with my brother and 3 friends at the time to go see this in a decent theater. We made a memorable day out of killing time due to a sold-out matinee. The movie was actually great for sparking my interest in the franchise.
- DirectorLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsKeanu ReevesLaurence FishburneCarrie-Anne MossWhen a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth--the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.This was a pretty big anticipation, now looking back on the experience of going to the theater. I remember laughing at some goofy parts and my friend telling me to be quiet. Otherwise my first take was the movie went overboard in areas - but was altogether unique, and entertaining as hell, but not exactly fun to watch. This movie stretched to be taken seriously, and worked well as a solo film... poor trilogy.
- DirectorMike JudgeStarsRon LivingstonJennifer AnistonDavid HermanThree company workers who hate their jobs decide to rebel against their greedy boss.I don't much care for Mike Judge's other works, but Office Space stands on its own. I'm not sure how the production came about, but the final piece is great. The tone in this movie rocks. It works so well and remains relevant. I can't remember how I first saw this movie, but I remember it being unusually good. A fun movie to help laugh at stressful things.
- DirectorMartin CampbellStarsPierce BrosnanSean BeanIzabella ScorupcoWhen a powerful secret defense system is stolen, James Bond is assigned to stop a Russian crime syndicate from using it.I remember seeing this in theater with my father. A mostly unusual occasion - this movie was fun as hell to watch in a dense theater of people. I was a fan of some of the older Bonds we would see on TV. This Bond was neater, newer, better photographed, more polished - AND the N64 console game that followed was epic in as many aspects. Excellent franchise (top grossing of all time), fun movie to see with Dad.
- DirectorTony KayeStarsEdward NortonEdward FurlongBeverly D'AngeloLiving a life marked by violence, neo-Nazi Derek finally goes to prison after killing two black youths. Upon his release, Derek vows to change; he hopes to prevent his brother, Danny, who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps.My brother and I found this one to be startlingly good. I think we caught this one on HBO first. Upon the first few viewings it grew on us like a cult classic. Today I recognize it as a small masterpiece, highlighting on some cold, un-stylized themes and opinions. It is Norton's Raging Bull. Parts of it drag on, but the execution for the most part hammers into the viewer for good.
- DirectorTerry GilliamStarsJohnny DeppBenicio Del ToroTobey MaguireAn oddball journalist and his psychopathic lawyer travel to Las Vegas for a series of psychedelic escapades.Probably the most re-watched movie of all time for my friends at the time. We could watch this movie starting from the middle or the end, it didn't matter. We tried watching it on nearly as many substances as they sift through - and we had maybe nearly the experience Terry Gilliam expected us to have. A proper and permanent introduction piece for Johnny Depp.
- DirectorSpike JonzeStarsNicolas CageMeryl StreepChris CooperA lovelorn screenwriter becomes desperate as he tries and fails to adapt 'The Orchid Thief' by Susan Orlean for the screen.This movie went into much re-watching and looking at under a microscope with my friends. What a great and slightly underrated movie. Typically untouchable writing from Kaufman. I liked this film more than Eternal Sunshine. I just related more I guess with Adaptation, and I enjoy that the performances are on an obscure wavelength.
- DirectorGuy RitchieStarsJason StathamBrad PittStephen GrahamUnscrupulous boxing promoters, violent bookmakers, a Russian gangster, incompetent amateur robbers and supposedly Jewish jewelers fight to track down a priceless stolen diamond.Watched and re-watched endlessly. We love the accents, the action, the story, even the names of the characters stick unlike other movies. Made a serious impact on this 15 year old when I first saw it on DVD. I missed it in theaters.
- DirectorTom ShadyacStarsJim CarreyCourteney CoxSean YoungA goofy detective specializing in animals goes in search of the missing mascot of the Miami Dolphins.Our first Jim Carrey Film. My parents hated and still hate this movie. It was a bit taboo when it first came out, so I had to see it asap. I remember many friends imitating Ace's moves and lines both in school and out of school. This was a sneaky hit comedy that not enough people appreciated. While Carrey didn't reinvent comedy, he certainly did something cool with it.
- DirectorJoel SchumacherStarsMichael DouglasRobert DuvallBarbara HersheyAn ordinary man frustrated with the various flaws he sees in society begins to psychotically and violently lash out against them.This was an instant laugh out loud comedy for me and my brother. Looking at it now, I don't think it really was meant for a comedy. It is just ludicrous in areas. It carried a theme like Office Space or Fight Club. This guy is just pushed around to the point of fighting back. Workable execution that made for a good experience.
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodIan McKellenOrlando BloomA meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.The whole trilogy was just a no-brainer for a studio. Peter Jackson, though, was the surprise to me. I like his "Bad Taste" film, but I didn't think he could pull off a Lord Trilogy. We read the books my senior year high school English class. We got to watch "The Two Towers" for our final exam, compliments of my computer's Video-Out port to VCR at the time. Highly anticipated films, well paid-off.
- DirectorJohn HughesStarsMatthew BroderickAlan RuckMia SaraA popular high school student, admired by his peers, decides to take a day off from school and goes to extreme lengths to pull it off, to the chagrin of his Dean, who'll do anything to stop him.Another VHS hit for us. I saw this maybe a dozen different times at my friend's house. Always a fun one to begin a weekend after school.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsEd HarrisMary Elizabeth MastrantonioMichael BiehnA civilian diving team is enlisted to search for a lost nuclear submarine and faces danger while encountering an alien aquatic species.This one I remember my cousins renting while babysitting me and my siblings one evening. I must have been 6 or 7 years old. They had talked and talked about it so much to enamor it in my mind, then watching it was a bit long and boring - but peppered with those memory-etching Cameron events.
- CreatorLorne MichaelsStarsThe Saturday Night Live BandDon PardoDarrell HammondA famous guest host stars in parodies and sketches created by the cast of this witty show.I was introduced to this show around the same time as I saw the Abyss. This show hammered some things into my head. It became something we all looked forward to on Saturday night, and I absolutely thank god for the talented generation of comedians during the show's run around 1988-1998.
- DirectorSteven SoderberghStarsMichael DouglasBenicio Del ToroCatherine Zeta-JonesA conservative judge is appointed by the President to spearhead America's escalating war against drugs, only to discover that his teenage daughter is a crack addict. Two DEA agents protect an informant. A jailed drug baron's wife attempts to carry on the family business.An introduction to Stephen Gaghan. A story that bleeds truth, shows hypocrisy out front and functional much like The Wire. This plot structure was neat to see in a working Drug/Crime film. Memorable scenes that would go just about overboard with the heavy drug using white girl. This one asked questions in place of paper thin closures.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordKaren AllenPaul FreemanIn 1936, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain its awesome powers.Before my time, but through whatever Spielberg ad campaign had these movies of his going on VHS and TV like they were brand new, I saw this film a lot. Of the 50 times I watched this movie as a youngster, I didn't fully understand it til a viewing at age 25.
- DirectorMichael MannStarsAl PacinoRobert De NiroVal KilmerA group of high-end professional thieves start to feel the heat from the LAPD when they unknowingly leave a verbal clue at their latest heist.This movie's title made me miss it until 2003. I then gathered a great DVD copy and watched it with loud, good sound system. I must say I was happy to delay watching Heat until then. I understood most of it by that age (18). Several re-watchings since have given me more understanding. The modern heist movie which sets the bar still today.
- DirectorCameron CroweStarsTom CruiseCuba Gooding Jr.Renée ZellwegerWhen a sports agent has a moral epiphany and is fired for expressing it, he decides to put his new philosophy to the test as an independent agent with the only athlete who stays with him and his former colleague.This movie had a real moving life about it. Cruise's role, especially at the beginning, had a lasting effect. Cuba Gooding got a deserved Oscar. My first dose of Cameron Crowe. This was a great movie to have on VHS and got many viewings.
- DirectorMichael PressmanStarsPaige TurcoDavid WarnerMichelan SistiThe Turtles discover their origins while they endeavour to save New York City from the evil Shredder and his Foot Clan.I might have seen this movie 50 times. I don't know why, other than it was really cool. Something about it had great replay value, better than the first. Also, I enjoyed the TV series and consider this spot to hold for both this film and the TV show. They were equally influential shows when I was younger.
- DirectorWolfgang ReithermanClyde GeronimiDavid HandStarsRickie SorensenSebastian CabotKarl SwensonA poor boy named Arthur learns the power of love, kindness, knowledge and bravery with the help of a wizard called Merlin in the path to become one of the most beloved kings in English history.This is my all-time favorite animated movie. The music is great and works well with all the scenes. My siblings and I could watch this once a week no problem when growing up. Beauty and the Beast was a strong one, Little Mermaid, and several of the smaller ones we definitely owe some homage to.
- DirectorKevin SmithStarsBen AffleckJoey Lauren AdamsEthan SupleeHolden and Banky are comic book artists. Everything's going good for them until they meet Alyssa, also a comic book artist. Holden falls for her, but his hopes are crushed when he finds out she's a lesbian.I didn't see this one until 2002 or so, but I remember liking it a ton. I had seen Clerks previously, but wasn't very enthused by it. This movie really hit me differently. I thought parts of it were like best movie of the year material. Other parts are just petty Kevin Smith. It's a healthy mixture and one that is priceless for young adults to see.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDustin HoffmanRobin WilliamsJulia RobertsWhen Captain James Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.Often overlooked. This movie is one of Williams' best works, and Hoffman is the best Captain Hook one could dream up. The tone and premise work because it is Spielberg perspective. This one was fun to watch and re-watch. This still works for kids today. My favorite spin on the Peter Pan franchise.
- DirectorSteven ZaillianStarsJoe MantegnaBen KingsleyMax PomerancA prepubescent chess prodigy is encouraged to harden himself in order to become a champion like the famous but unlikable Bobby Fischer.Nothing beats a game of chess for logic and problem solving. Zallian makes a touching little story out of a young boy who excels in playing chess. I know I talked this movie over several times when I was younger, and I can thank it for helping interest me in chess playing. This should really not be missed by any kids or teenagers - a modern and notable coming of age story.