Top 50 Films
45. The Shawshank Redemption
This rating is determined by an average of the Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Metacritic, and Google ratings
What the Internet Thinks: 9.2/10
The Shawshank Redemption comfortably seats itself on most peoples top movie lists, and is recognised globally as a classic cinema masterpiece. Personally, I find the appeal of the film resides in its high-quality story telling and witty plot journey.
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We witness a man who was wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit (cliché I know, but stay with me). We follow our protagonist through the rough adaption to prison life as a once prominent accountant, now trying to turn his tribulation into a comfortable lifestyle. Yet, the whole film we are oblivious to the real intentions behind each of his decisions, and are delightfully fooled all the way to the climax; as we join the cast as the suckers that bought it all.
44. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
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What the Internet Thinks: 9.0/10
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of Jim Carrey's more serious roles and another piece of classic cinema loved by many. It is an enigmatic film experience we helplessly ride, observing our protagonist as he attempts to erase memories of the woman he once loved. Apart from the overarching narrative, the film explores the morality of both altering memories and consent; helping us to contemplate and even appreciate bad experiences as imperative stepping stones in our personal growth.
43. Coraline
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What the Internet Thinks: 8.4/10
Coraline is one of my go-to halloween films. It is a seamless and vivid stop motion film complemented by a mysterious and grim fairytale-esque sound track. The personal appeal of Coraline is the child-like perspective of what constitutes something spooky and ghostly - a subtle theme whispered throughout the film.
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The movie follows a young Coraline as she settles into a new and distant home with her parents. Under their encouragement to explore the aged mansion, our heroine stumbles upon a parallel reality connected through the house. Her new life seems much more attractive until Coraline finds herself grappling out of a permanent residency.
42. The Prestige
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What the Internet Thinks: 8.5/10
The Prestige is the first of many Nolan films to grace this list, favoured by me for his out-of-the-box approach to story telling and cinematography. Nolan's The Prestige has the audience guessing right up until the final minutes of the film; even venturing as far as to explore what I would label as the cloning paradox - without giving much away - a concept I still bring up in conversation to this day.
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The film analyses the lives of two dedicated magicians. Once stage partners, an incident early in the film divides friends into enemies, while they develop their lives and careers in a spiteful and desperate bid to outperform the other. The intensity of the tone begins the boil as our rivals push their physical and moral boundaries, sacrificing everything to prevail; and for what?
41. Kingsman: The Secret Service
This rating is determined by an average of the Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Metacritic, and Google ratings
What the Internet Thinks: 8.3/10
I came into the cinema expecting little from Kingsman: The Secret Service, and within a matter of minutes, promptly ate my words and found myself unable wipe the excited grin smeared across my face. The film finds its strength in its fast-paced action scenes, underdog trope, exceptional cast, secret spy fantasy, and unique story. It is littered with witty one-liners, amusing character design, and fun moments of intensity.
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The film follows the delinquent Eggsy as he uncovers the past of his late father. Curiously following in his footsteps, our protagonist takes on his father's mantle and discovers his purpose just in time to combat a global threat.