Day 8: List your 10 all time favorite movies
Top ten films easy yeah!!! Hell no my top tens change depending on my mood so I am bound to miss out loads I would include on any other day. I am going to try to pick films I have watched more than any other and post a poster and clip for each one, wherever possible my favourite clip. In no particular order….
10) The Breakfast Club – 1985 Brat Pack comedy-drama film written and directed by John Hughes and starring Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy. I loved this film I was of course a good girl at school and only ever had detention once and of course it was nothing like this.
9) Another in the same vein, Pretty in Pink – 1986 romantic comedy-drama film about love and social cliques in 1980s American high schools. It is one of John Hughes’s films starring Molly Ringwald I loved the fact she was different and a little geeky not really fitting in anywhere yet found the confidence to be true to herself though I will be honest part of me wanted a happy ending for Duckie.
I decided with this to share the title song as it really was so iconic of the 80’s as a whole
8) I grew up in 70’s was a teenager in the 80’s I really could not miss this film out the one the only Dirty Dancing – 1987 American romance film. Written by Eleanor Bergstein and directed by Emile Ardolino, the film stars Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in the lead roles, as well as Cynthia Rhodes and Jerry Orbach even more poignant now given Patrick Swayze’s death from cancer a couple of years ago the hard part is choosing just one clip so once more the song decided it.
7) Yet another 80’s classic mainly because I loved dancing I still do though the body can no longer do what the mind would like to…Flashdance – 1983 American romantic drama film directed by Adrian Lyne. It was the first collaboration of producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer and the presentation of some sequences in the style of music videos was an influence on other 1980s films, including Top Gun (1986), Simpson and Bruckheimer’s most famous production. Flashdance opened to negative reviews by professional critics, but was a surprise box office success, becoming the third highest grossing film of 1983 in the U.S.[2][3] It had a worldwide box-office gross of more than $100 million.[4] Its soundtrack spawned several hit songs, among them “Maniac” performed by Michael Sembello and the Academy Award–winning “Flashdance… What a Feeling”, performed by Irene Cara, which was written for the film.
6) Barbarella – 1968 French-Italian science fiction film based on Jean-Claude Forest’s French Barbarella comics. The film stars Jane Fonda in the title role and was directed by Roger Vadim, who was Fonda’s husband at the time.
The film was not popular at its release, but it did not vanish into obscurity. Instead, it received greater attention afterward with a 1977 re-release and TV/Video runs, and was later regarded as representative of the sexploitation genre. It is regarded by some as a cult classic, and Jane Fonda’s appearance in the film has become iconic. It may be politically incorrect but I love this film it is kitsch, quirky and provided the name for my favourite band growing up, amazing sexy costumes what’s not to love. As for the clip I picked well I guess it could be argued what a way to go lol
5) The Rocky Horror Picture Show – 1975 British musical comedy horror film based on The Rocky Horror Show, a musical stage play, book, music and lyrics by Richard O’Brien. Directed by Jim Sharman from a screenplay by Sharman and O’Brien, the production is a humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the late 1940s through early 1970s. It introduces Tim Curry and features Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick along with cast members from the original Kings Road production presented at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in 1973. I cannot imagine there is anyone n the planet who has not seen this film at least once but I understand younger audiences may not have seen it yet (I traumatised my daughter by showing her Tim Curry in this when she was watching him be serious in something else lol) I don’t think it needs explaining why its so wonderful but if you are in doubt the clip will remind you.
4) Silence of the Lambs – a 1991 American thriller film that blends elements of the crime and horror genres. It was directed by Jonathan Demme and stars Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Ted Levine, and Scott Glenn. It is based on Thomas Harris’ 1988 novel of the same name, his second to feature Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer. Slightly different from the other films once again but I felt I needed to give a more balanced view of my likes have picked the end scene from this just because I love the way it leaves it open for the sequel but don’t get me started on what they did to that.
3) Moulin Rouge – 2001 Australian-American romantic pastiche-jukebox musical film directed, produced, and co-written by Baz Luhrmann. It tells the story of a young English poet/writer, Christian (Ewan McGregor), who falls in love with the terminally-ill star of the Moulin Rouge, cabaret actress and courtesan Satine (Nicole Kidman). It uses the musical setting of the Montmartre Quarter of Paris, France. At the 74th Academy Awards, the film was nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Nicole Kidman, winning two: for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. A film that I not only love but have in common with my daughter as favourite films I decided to choose a song clip as it sums up the energy and spirit of the whole film so well.
2) Lost Boys – 1987 teen horror film starring Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Kiefer Sutherland, Jami Gertz, Corey Feldman, Dianne Wiest. Where do I start here, good looking vampires (Dwayne was my favourite) cute dog, comic good guys, evil step parents, mad grandparents this film had it all and more it also had an absolutely fantastic soundtrack.
Again I am picking a song from the soundtrack this one still gives me goosebumps
1) Okay this is possibly my favourite all time film and certainly the one I have watched the most through the years maybe I am a romantic at heart but I will dent it with my dying breath lol
Breakfast at Tiffany’s – 1961 American romantic comedy film starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard, and featuring Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen, Martin Balsam, and Mickey Rooney. What do I need to say about this film Audrey is the epitome of elegance and beauty and the story is one that is heartbreaking so determined to break away from her past she is willing to sacrifice love for financial stability but only finds disappointment. Her actual occupation should you wish to call it that has been questioned it she simply a social climber or does she trade physical affection of money either way it does not matter as Hepburn plays the character with such fragility and sensitivity. I just love it and always will.
Paula Acton 
I’m nor sure I could name 10 films let alone my favourite ten but lets have a go.
But I warn you now I’m pinching some from your list…….
10. Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Iconic film and Audrey Hepburn at her best.
9. Silence of the Lambs. True horror in that everything seems so normal. Who couldn’t listen to Anthony Hopkin’s accent all day?( Not that I’m biased)
8.To Sir with Love. Brilliant film with Sidney Poitier playing the teacher sent to a down at heel school in London’s East End. He has to win over the pupils, teach them respect for each other, and get them to learn. Stars Lulu who plays an excellent part. http://youtu.be/CbjMVpK_utU
7. The Inn of the Sixth Happiness. The Gladys Aylward story starring Ingrid Bergman who has to lead a group of children over the mountains in China to get away from the Invading Japanese.Amazing film. No dry eyes when Athene Seyler falls from a balcony or when Robert Donat ( The Mandarin) sends Aylward to safety with a catch in his voice. Curt Jurgens is the love interest.
6. Guess who’s Coming to Dinner, Back to the very talented Mr. Poutier who stars alongside my favourite acting duo ( and the woman I have drooled over all my life) Spencer Tracy and KATHARINE HEPBURN along with Katharine Houghton. The story of two people ( Poitier and Houghton) who descend on her parents and announce they’re going to be married. This is a big test to her parents Liberal attitudes as this would be an interracial marriage and they’ve never met him before. This is an amazing film but then anything with Katharine Hepburn in it is.
5. The Lion in Winter. Henry II (Peter O’Toole) won’t commit to naming his heir to the throne and all his three sons want it. His wife Eleonor of Aquitaine
( Katie Hepburn again) wants it to go to Richard but they are all plotting against Henry together and separately. Well scripted and played historical drama also stars a young Anthony Hopkins.
4.A Man for all Seasons. Starring Paul Schofield who had made the part his own in the stage play, this is the story of Sir Thomas More who refused to sign a letter asking the Pope to annul the marriage between Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. .The story of a man of conscience standing his ground and paying the price.
3. Braveheart. The story of William Wallace who led the Scots against the tyranny of King Edward I of England in an effort to gain Independence for the Scots..Some fanciful dream scenes in the film but not enough to spoil the action. Edward I is brilliantly played by Patrick McGoohan ( Just watch how he deals with his son’s boyfriend ).
2. Ghost. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore., What a pairing. After being killed during a botched mugging, a man’s love for his partner enables him to remain on earth as a ghost. There’s a nice twist at the end. Great also for the fantastic music. http://youtu.be/ZoEwR9_Sy_M
1. Goodbye Mr. Chips. A film based on a short story by novelist James Hilton. The Magnificent Robert Donat beat off people like Clark Gable to win this part. He plays a schoolteacher devoted to his school to the expense of his social life. So much so that he’s passed over for promotions because he’s regarded as mousey. Bring on the school holiday and a hiking trip in Eorope with the German Teacher ( Paul Heinreid- a German) where he bumps into Greer Garson. One thing leads to another and they marry. It’s a New Mr Chips with a sense of humour and a pretty wife at school now. Then comes a sad bit when his wife and baby die in childbirth.Keep your tissues handy. Hitler casts a pallm over Europe and Paul Heinried goes back to Germany to fight. Mr Chips is made temorary headmaster when so many teachers go to fight and causes a minor uproar when he remembers the death of an old colleague, yes, The German Master, killed in action.
I won’t spoil the closing of the film but believe me even the men will need tissues.
Made it and surprised myself.
Huge Hugs xxxxxxx
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I nearly included Ghost myself 😀 great list
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The postman has just been thank you, thank you, thank you lots of hugs xxxxxx
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This list looks fun! I might borrow the idea and do my own post about it. I loved the Molly Ringwald movies, especially 16 candles! You forgot that one 🙂
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Would love to see your list I could have added at least another dozen films lol 😀
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I love your picks, Paula! It is hard to narrow them down, huh? I wanna try!
(Side-note: I’m anti-remake of movies. Originals are so much better.)
The Dark Crystal – Classic Jim Henson awesomeness.
Labyrinth – Best fantasy story AND David Bowie.
The Never Ending Story – Behold! The power of a book!
Red Dawn – “Wolverines!”
The Goonies – Because Goonies never say die.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – Life DOES move pretty fast…
Grease – I have the soundtrack… ’nuff said.
A River Runs Through It – So touching & always makes me cry.
Interview with the Vampire – Brad Pitt is yummy & Tom Cruise is crazy, as usual.
Annie – An adorable redhead who sings and dances her way to happiness – duh.
And so many others I can’t keep track.
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See I can’t believe I missed Labyrinth off when I was only discussing how sexy Bowie is as the goblin king and how I want a masquerade ball just like that one the other day
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Great lists! It’s amazing how different they are.
Here’s mine today, tomorrow it would be different.
1. Random Harvest. Greer Garson, Ronald Coleman.
2. Fisher King. Robin Williams, Jeff Bridges.
3. The King of comedy. Robert De Niro.
4. The Shinning. Jack Nicholson.
5. The man with two brains. Steve Martin.
6. Awakenings. Robert De Niro, Robin Williams.
7. The Big Lebowski. Jeff Bridges.
8. Total recall. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
9. Taxi driver. Robert De Niro.
10. Monsters Inc. Billy Crystal.
11. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet.
12. When Harry met sally. Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal.
I can’t count.
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A couple there I really like it is so hard to just pick ten or even twelve lol
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Oh yeah. I could have added five and taken away two the second I press send.
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Lord David tempted me into a blog post of my own on this topic, which I linked back to yours. I can relate to your 80’s movie choices… I loved The Beakfast Club, and still have an affection for Dirty Dancing… the movie that is. And who can not like The Rocky Horror Picture Show… but after than we diverge 🙂 Fun challenge.
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