PurpleRain and Melaisis said:
Can I ask why particularly? I actually just got this out a few days ago, and I was quite disappointed. It had some poignant moments and powerful scenes, very Auschswitz at times (or for those who prefer gaming analogies - Half Life 2-ish, with humans being annihilated and controlled) but I just found that it lacked a cohesive story. To me at least it seems to be a few good scenes, with some dodgy parts between (again, like Half life 2). I think that's just me though, I also felt the same about Blade Runner - some great parts and ideas, a lack of a quality storyline to tie it altogether killed it for me.
Hard Candy was definitely powerful. The kind of movie that made you breathe out as the credits rolled, because you'd been so tense and enthralled up until the very end.
Fight Club - good recreation of a good book, definitely changed the way I thought about things.
Shaun of the Dead gets extra points just because of the levels it can be enjoyed at. Just on the basic level there's the above average comedy. Then zombie film. Then romance film. And then there's extra details, small references to other films and movies (e.g. Shaun walking to get flowers while ambulances rush past and people sprint away is a direct reference to the 70's version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, classic horror film). Certain shots used, background details, all the little pieces you start to notice after a few watches. Masterpiece.
Any Given Sunday - Just makes me say Wow most times I watch it. Good sports movie, with that great lifting feeling of watching the underdogs succeed, but also powerful direction/production from Oliver Stone. The argument between Pacino and Foxx, with Ben Hur and sky shots interspersed is probably the high point for me. And a few years later, there's now also a lot about Foxx's character that can be applied to his real-life career as well.
Primer - My lesser known movie plug of the day. Made on a ridiculously small budget, physics language which isn't dumbed down for a change, and a twisting plot so crazy it's hard to completely understand until you've seen it a few times - easily one of my favourite movies. Could not recommend it more to those who want to think a little when it comes to their movie viewing. You have to make sure you understand it though. Pay attention, watch it a few times if you need to, or google it to get a full rundown. It was ok when I first finished it. A google and quick read through later and it had improved. Second watch through I was in love.
Memento and Usual Suspects - Just because I love a good twist, and these are some of the best.
And of course, Romero's Dead series (Night of the Living Dead/Dawn of the Dead/Day of the Dead/Land of the Dead). Well made horror movies, a sense of suspense which is still carried years later, and interesting social commentary. The man's a legend. Can't wait for Diary...
I know there's probably more, but I think I've probably said my bit for now. For it to reach my top few, it generally has to leave me with a feeling of awe for an hour afterwards. The kind of movie that you just HAVE to tell everyone who'll listen about.