DAILY FILM DOSE: A Daily Film Appreciation and Review Blog: AFI RELOADED: THE FANBOY 100 - #1-50

Tuesday 9 October 2007

AFI RELOADED: THE FANBOY 100 - #1-50

After a summer of compiling over 500 entries, I’m pleased to announce the FANBOY 100.

Earlier this year the American Film Institute re-voted their top 100 American movies of all time. The first list, compiled in 1998 sparked a great discussion, several TV specials and got people talking about some old classics they hadn’t seen in a while. This year that list was updated to see how the films of the last 10 years would be ranked and to see how our tastes in culture had changed. Please see my posting dissecting some of the differences and similarities of both lists – HERE.

There was much discussion from bloggers and fanboys out there – some more passionate and angered than others. Therefore Daily Film Dose spearheaded another vote, using the same guidelines and same short list of films used by the AFI. The result is what I’ve called the “FANBOY 100”. We can now put rest speculations of how the fans may have voted for their favourite films, in comparison to the AFI’s. The major difference of this list is that the Fanboys were allowed the choice of moving off the 400-film short list for as many selections as possible. The AFI allowed only five, which, in my opinion, cuts down the votes significantly. Funny enough, even with the allowance of as many free selections, all of the films below were on the 400 short list.

The survey is still not 100% scientifically accurate. The mere fact that there’s a shortlist influences voters to a large degree. Enjoy and discuss.



1. The Godfather (1972) dir. Francis Ford Coppola

Francis Coppola’s masterpiece still reigns supreme as filmed-entertainment of the highest order. Michael Corleone’s character arc from naïve and innocent war-hero to corrupted sadistic maniac is the highest bar for writing and acting. Coppola made the story into a film about family, so it’s fitting, amid all the gangster politics, the first two films boiled down to a story of two brothers and the fateful decision made by Michael which dooms them both forever. Placement on the AFI List: #2



2 Psycho (1960) dir. Alfred Hitchcock

“Psycho” reached only number 14 on the AFI list, but the fans think it’s number 2. Generally considered the first modern horror film, Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece is a manipulative piece of cinema, and Hitchcock at his most devious. He sets up a road chase film like his previous “North by Northwest” but instead pulls the rug from under us by killing off his heroine midway through the film. We, as the audience, have no idea what to expect next. “Psycho” is often imitated, never duplicated. Placement on the AFI List: #14

3. Pulp Fiction (1994) dir. Quentin Tarantino

The major line-jumping of “Pulp Fiction” is likely due to the voting demographic – which is much younger, pop-culture savvy and modern. “Pulp Fiction” is the definitive film of our current generation. Thirteen years later, its influence is still being felt today. “Pulp Fiction” not only won the Palme D’Or, it cracked the $100million domestic box office barrier (unheard of for an indie film back then) and was nominated for all the major Oscars – and taking one home for writing. What makes “Pulp Fiction” so unique and so influential? It was the heart and soul of Tarantino put onto film – a film junkie who devoured the medium. He was able to make a film on his own terms, his way, with relatively complete freedom. Special films like this should be celebrated as often as possible. The fans have spoken. Placement on the AFI List: #94.



4. Casablanca (1942) dir. Michael Curtiz

“Casablanca” ranked #3 on the AFI, and here it comes in at #4. Therefore it’s safe to say fans and critics/historians alike are in agreement, “Casablanca” is a great film for everybody. In fact, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like the film. What is the attraction to “Casablanca”? It was a cookie-cutter studio film that rose to the top as the best and greatest example of the entertaining value of the Hollywood formula – a tight script which practically invented the screenwriting template, dynamic and attractive stars (Bogart and Bergman), and top notch supporting players (Sidney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Claude Rains). Placement on the AFI List: #3

5. Citizen Kane (1941) dir. Orson Welles

Believe it or not, I received a lot of hate mail about this film. For the many of you who revere the film, there’s a whole lot of ‘anti-Kaners’ out there, but not enough to excise it from the top 5. Kane is still influential, though not untouchable. AFI picked it twice in a row as the top film. Technically the film is brilliant and innovative. Everyone should watch the special features and listen to Roger Ebert’s commentary on the DVD. The film is a magic show. Welles, in his youth, was a magician, and his sleight of hand in evident all over the film. No matter how many times you see it, “Citizen Kane” can always be re-discovered. Placement on the AFI List #1.

6. Schindler's List (1993) dir. Steven Spielberg

“Schindler’s List” is also consistently a favourite among critics and fans. Upon its release Spielberg was praised for maturing as a director and telling an adult story, an important story, without his traditional artifices. Indeed, the palpable realism is powerful, but Spielberg’s eye is always present. Watch for some of his signature movements and compositions hidden in the handheld ‘verite’-style camerawork. Placement on the AFI List: #8.



7. Goodfellas (1990) dir. Martin Scorsese

Scorsese was very popular with the fans. The AFI voters had “Raging Bull” as his masterpiece, but the fans obviously love the Liotta, De Niro, Pesci and Sorvino gangsters better. And I agree. While “Raging Bull” rages with anger and fury, “Goodfellas” is more fun, energetic and audience-pleasing. Who can forget the awesome moment when Henry Hill, who has been narrating the film in voiceover, suddenly turns to camera in his trial, breaks the fourth wall and talks to camera? It’s a risky device, but it’s so natural for Scorsese and only elevates the film to awesome brilliance. Congrats Marty. Placement on the AFI list #92!

8. Apocalypse Now (1979) dir. Francis Ford Coppola

Coppola is the man. Two films in the top ten, and one more standing by at #11. The legend and awe of “Apocalypse Now” grows and grows. It’s the epitome of the pure sacrifice filmmakers give to their films. Coppola took years off his life making it, and though it garnered a Palme D’Or and some Oscar nods, it was the fanboys who helped put the film on its high pedestal. You should all be given credit, and a pat on the back. Placement on the AFI list #30.


9. Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) dir. Stanley Kubrick

To Kubrick fans, it will come as no surprise that this film tops his other films, including “2001” and “A Clockwork Orange”. It’s the benchmark for black comedies – The "Citizen Kane” of black comedies. Virtually untouchable, razor-sharp and flawless. Placement on the AFI List # 39.

10. Star Wars (1977) dir. George Lucas

“Star Wars’” influence speaks for itself. I need not say anymore. Placement on the AFI List #13.

11. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) dir. Steven Spielberg

I thought “Raiders” might top “Schindler’s” in the fan voting, but I was wrong. If people thought “Star Wars” was fun, exuberant adventure cinema, Spielberg and Lucas miraculously topped it with “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Like Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction”, it’s a film made by a couple of filmmakers who devoured a different type of cinema in their youth – the B-movie adventure serial. Lucas and Spielberg mashed up “Tarzan”, “Buck Rodgers”, “Flash Gordon” and more to create the iconic franchise. Placement on the AFI List #65.

12. The Godfather Part II (1974) dir. Francis Ford Coppola

The second “Godfather” film is the high bar for film sequels. In Part II the film turns even darker than the somber ending of the first film. Michael Corleone has morphed into a sadistic killer and an unemotional robot. There is very little semblance of the same character we were introduced to in the first film. Perhaps the most remarkable scene in the film is the second to last scene, when Coppola flashes back to the dinner table scene where we see Connie meet Carlo. Not only do we get to see Sonny again, but we get to see Michael before he was corrupted and tempted by the dark side. And we’re also reminded of one of the biggest ‘what ifs’ in cinema history. What if Brando reprised the role as Vito Corleone for that scene? We can only dream. Placement on the AFI List #32

13. Taxi Driver (1976) dir. Martin Scorsese

“Taxi Driver” was Scorsese’s major breakthrough film. Though “Mean Streets” and “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” brought him critical attention, Scorsese became a household name with “Taxi Driver”. The film works because of the trifecta of talent – Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Paul Schrader. It’s the definitive film for cinematic loners. Placement on the AFI List #52

14. Jaws (1975) dir. Steven Spielberg

“Jaws” was a sensation in 1975. Not only was it then the most successful film of all time, it gave birth to the summer blockbuster tent pole films that now finance practically everything in mainstream Hollywood. Under immense pressure and stress of a skyrocketing budget, schedule delays, a mechanical shark that didn’t work and a doubting studio, Spielberg, like Coppola in “Apocalypse Now” put his creativity to the test and came out a winner. Placement on the AFI List #56.

15. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) dir. Frank Darabont

There’s a reason “Shawshank” is tied for the top-rated film on the IMDB, just about everybody loves the film. Darabont’s interpretation of Stephen King’s short story is part prison film, part Capra fantasy. Morgan Freeman’s earnest voiceover sets the tone early, but it’s the surprising second act turn that elevates the film to greatness. Though it was nominated for seven Oscars, the film wasn’t really discovered by the public until its video release. Word of mouth quickly turned this film into a classic.

16. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) dir. Milos Forman

Like “Shawshank”, just about everybody loves “Cuckoo’s Nest.” It’s a simple story so thoroughly entertaining and satisfying with solid star-making performances, dramatic plot twists and an ample dose of the 50's/60’s rebellious attitude. Aside from the anchor elements of Ken Kesey’s novel, Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher, for me, the heart of the film is ‘Chief’ the gentle giant mute who ends the film with possibly the most tearjerking yet uplifting endings of all time. It brings chills to my skin each and every time I watch it. Placement on the AFI List #33.

17. Silence of the Lambs (1991) dir. Jonathan Demme

A slew of serial killer films have been released since “Silence of the Lambs” – including three Lector sequels/prequels. Aside from David Fincher’s equally impressive “Se7en” “Silence of the Lambs” still rocks its competition. The film is only one of three films to win all four major Oscar categories – Actor, Actress, Picture, Director, Screenplay. But the fact it performed so well as a genre film at awards season is incredible. Placement on the AFI List #74.

18. A Clockwork Orange (1971) dir. Stanley Kubrick

"Clockwork" is the second favourite Kubrick film for the fans. The success of this film is staggering as well. Despite the family-unfriendly subject matter, and having a protagonist who rapes and murders people and gets away with it, the film was Warner Bros’ highest-grossing film of that year. Is that a testament to the times or the power of the film? A bit of both I suspect. Few films and filmmakers since have been able to make such subject matter a commercial success. Placement on the AFI List #70.

19. Rear Window (1954) dir. Alfred Hitchcock

This comes as no surprise to me that “Rear Window” is the second favourite Hitchcock film for the fans. “Vertigo” is revered by the international critics, but “Rear Window” trumps “Vertigo” as popular cinema. The concept is so simple and effective – a wheelchair bound emasculated man has only a window through which to view and interact with society. We all can relate to Jimmy Stewart in the film because there’s a voyeur in all of us. Placement on the AFI List #48.

20. The Wizard of Oz (1939) dir. Victor Fleming

The name “The Wizard of Oz” has so much cache it was an almost automatic inclusion on the list. It is a wonderful film, and the top musical on the list. But it’s not the musical numbers that make the film great – it’s the fantastical new world Dorothy enters, perfectly represented by the famous door opening transition from black & white to colour. Placement on the AFI List #10.

21. Empire Strikes Back (1980) dir. Irvin Kirschner

This is the most telling entry. In the AFI List “Star Wars” placed #13 – “Empire Strike Back” was non-existent. Clearly the voters (critics, historians etc) lumped all the “Star Wars” into one and named the first film as the best. Now “Empire” gets to be represented as a separate and distinct ‘great’ film unto its own. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

22. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982) dir. Steven Spielberg

After so many years “E.T.” still captures the fans' hearts as a story about a friendship between a boy and Reeces Pieces-loving alien. Placement on the AFI List #25

23. Chinatown (1974) dir. Roman Polanski

“Chinatown” established its own subgenre of noir films. “L.A. Confidential” is the only worthy rival to “Chinatown’s” crown as the noir-king. An interesting double bill would be David Lynch’s subversive “Mulholland Drive”. Placement on the AFI List #19

24. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) dir. Stanley Kurbrick

Stanley’s Kubrick’s existential sci-fi still divides some people, but at #24, it’s still a popular and powerful film and a benchmark for the genre. Placement on the AFI List #15

25. Raging Bull (1980) dir. Martin Scorsese

“Raging Bull” made a major jump into the AFI top 5, but according to the fans, it’s not his most popular film. It’s as much a violent and disturbing film about domestic abuse as it is about boxing. It’s a tough film to watch, and clearly not as fun or audience-friendly as “Goodfellas”. Placement on the AFI List #4

26. To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) dir. Robert Mulligan

The honourable presence of Gregory Peck anchors this important film about civil rights in the segregated U.S. South. It made many top 5 lists, especially among women. Placement on the AFI List #25.

27. The Graduate (1967) dir. Mike Nichols

Even though we are long gone from the 60’s for the young Fanboy voters, “The Graduate” is still relevant as a statement of the transition period from youth to adulthood. Nichols’ direction is as fresh and fun as it was 40 years ago. Placement on the AFI List #17.

28. It's a Wonderful Life (1946) dir. Frank Capra

Frank Capra’s quintessential Christmas film is seen by new audiences every year. As soon as the film ceases to be relevant to our lives broadcasters won’t play it on television every year. And there’s no indication that that will happen any time soon. Placement on the AFI List #20.

29. Fight Club (1999) dir. David Fincher

This is the second most notable entry – David Fincher’s neo-cult classic “Fight Club”. Most critics and audiences dismissed the film as nihilistic excess when the film was originally released. But for film junkies under 20, it’s grown in stature to be the “Taxi Driver” of their generation. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

30. Vertigo (1958) dir. Alfred Hitchcock

“Vertigo” in critics’ circles in generally considered Hitchcock’s masterpiece. In the recent AFI list it jumped to #9 and placed #2 in the last ‘Sight and Sound’ poll. Clearly fans aren’t as enamored with the film as critics. Placement on the AFI List #9

31. Fargo (1996) dir. Joel Coen

There were many cries afoul when “Fargo” got knocked off the new AFI list. The fans have spoken again and the Coens are represented with a respectable #30. Placement on the AFI List – nil

32. Gone With the Wind (1939) dir. Victor Fleming

Again, some respect for what still is the inflation-adjusted box office champion of all time. Placement on the AFI List #6

33. North by Northwest (1959) dir. Alfred Hitchcock

This is not one of my favourite Hitchcock films, but hey, it’s not my list. Hitchcock’s espionage romp across the USA has some particularly wonderful suspense sequences, specifically the famous and fabulous crop duster scene. Placement on the AFI List #55.

34. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) dir. Peter Jackson

I thought the recency effect of the huge popular franchise might dominate and propel the Rings films higher than this. But #33 is a respectable number for a new entry into cine-history. Placement on the AFI List #50.

35. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) dir. David Lean

A critical fave of the AFI voters, David Lean’s epic just doesn’t seem to have the likeability with the fans. With reduced attention spans, perhaps it’s the 227 mins running time. Placement on the AFI List #7.

36. The Shining (1980) dir. Stanley Kubrick

Kubrick’s horror masterpiece didn’t even crack the AFI Top 100. But since fans are not genre phobic, and “The Shining” is generally considered one of the greatest horror films of all time, it’s not surprising it’s up to #36. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

37. Annie Hall (1977) dir. Woody Allen

This is the only Woody Allen to make either list His other great films – “Crime and Misdemeanors” and “Manhattan” received some good quality vote counts, but just couldn’t crack the 100. Placement on the AFI List – #35

38. Back to the Future (1985) dir. Robert Zemeckis

One of the great fan films of all time gets some much needed respect. Thanks voters for counting this 80’s classic. Placement on the AFI List – nil

39. Singin' In the Rain (1952) dir. Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen

This film is routinely considered the greatest musical of all time. The male-centric youth who dominated the voter demographic has something to do with the difference in placements with the AFI list. Placement on the AFI List #5.

40. Sunset Blvd. (1951) dir. Billy Wilder

Fans and critics both love this film. It’s quality noir about the dark side of Hollywood and celebrityism. Placement on the AFI List #16.

41. 12 Angry Men (1957) dir. Sidney Lumet

Sidney Lumet’s chamber-drama is a classic film – essentially an investigative crime film told entirely within a jury room. It’s a brilliant concept executed perfectly thanks to a great team of actors led by the soft-spoken Henry Fonda. Placement on the AFI List #87.

42. The Matrix (1999) dir. Andy and Larry Wachowski

If the sequels had been more successful “The Matrix” would have scored higher. Up until “Reloaded” and “Revolutions” came out the first “Matrix” was the “Star Wars” of the computer/internet generation. Even with the extreme negative reaction to the other two the first film has survived as an influential film. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

43. Saving Private Ryan (1998) dir. Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg’s powerful film re-invented the modern war film and established the new cinematic language of war. Every battle scene from here on in will be compared to the first 25 mins of “Saving Private Ryan”. Placement on the AFI List #71.

44. Blade Runner (1982) dir. Ridley Scott

“Blade Runner” has grown into one of the all-time great sci-fi films, standing side-by-side with “Star Wars” and “2001: A Space Odyssey”. Ridley Scott combines stunning visual effects with an existential story about the nature of humanity. Placement on the AFI List #97.

45. The Lord of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003) dir. Peter Jackson

Jackson’s achievement in making each LOTR chapter bigger and better is a triumph. His use of CGI, trick photography, costume design and all other forms of in-camera special effects to achieve his vision is astonishing. And to think he made them all at the same time. It's mind-boggling. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

46. Alien (1979) dir. Ridley Scott

Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” and “Alien” is one of the great career one-two punches in cinema. Two sci-fi films, completely different in style – one, a monster film masquerading as sci-fi and the other a film noir masquerading as sci-fi. Genius. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

47. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2003) dir. Michel Gondry

Like “Shawshank Redemption” this Gondry/Kaufman concoction, in a very short time, has become many people’s favourite film. It’s a great film, but the immense popularity of this little gem definitely took me by surprise. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

48. Some Like It Hot (1959) dir. Billy Wilder

Men in drag is classic go-to humour. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis did it better than anybody. But it’s Marilyn Monroe who’s magnetic and impossible to take your eyes off. Placement on the AFI List #22

49. American Beauty (1999) dir. Sam Mendes

"American Beauty” didn’t make the AFI List despite being a generational-defining film for many people. Perhaps it’s Mendes’ arguably declining work since this debut film. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

50. Forrest Gump (1994) dir. Robert Zemeckis

“Forrest Gump” is finally bested by “Pulp Fiction”. But the earnest audience-pleaser actually ranked higher in the Fanboy list than either AFI List. Placement on the AFI List #76.



Click HERE to continue for films 51-100.


39 comments :

Anonymous said...

This list suffered a bit because people older than 50 generally don't know how to use the internet. Thanks for the work you did. it was very interesting to see.

where were my fellow audrey fans on this one?? no Roman Holiday?

Other movies I think should be there: The Apartment, The Awful Truth, Charade, The Big Lebowski, His Girl Friday, Leon(the Professional)

Jawsphobia said...

People older than fifty can use the internet.

I think there are some titles included that - while good films - give the impression of being reflex votes like voting for a dead politician. Citizen Kane, Casablanca and 2001 - are those truly "fanboy titles?" They seem like the old guard. There are movies I like much better.

And though I did not participate in this survey I like many of the choices. Glad to see Empire in there and Back to the Future.

Anonymous said...

I am over 50 and I use the internet daily. I code and edit on the Internet, or do you expect me to say internets. I am not an exception, many of my friends, over 50, are quite versed in the internets. I'm only an exception to your prejudice. Typical age discrimination, as if people over 50 are a different species. Unless you die first you will be over 50, someday. Anyway I've seen the first 50 and I agree with the list. the second 50 contained some clunkers, as far as I'm concerned.

barberoux@gmail.com

Laurie Mann said...

I'm 50 and have been using the Internet since I was 31. I first heard about the ARPANET when I was 18. My parents have been using the Web regularly for about 10 years.

Anyway...

My tastes are a little more fan-boyish than the "average woman." But I hate movies both groups like, such as the "Matrix," "Titanic," "It's a Wonderful Life." How fan-boyish? My husband and I were married on 5/22/77 and went to see Star Wars while we were on our honeymoon.

That said, I want a movie that moves beyond special effects and art direction. Many SF and fantasy movie makers are starting to understand this. I think the Lord of the Rings movies worked so well because they were produced and acted, generally, more like historical epics and fantasy films.

So while I tend to rewatch SF and fantasy films, and saw Star Wars in the theater about 12 times, I love dramas, particularly quirky dramas like American Beauty or Fargo. These days, American Beauty still seems to be the flick many folks have decided to hate. It still features some splendid performances and interesting photography.

But this is an interesting list, and I may blog about it later.

Anonymous said...

All definitely great films, but heavily weighted toward more recent, big studio productions.

I would never have put The Matrix above Cassavetes' "A Woman Under the Influence" for example.

I thoroughly enjoy the Ring trilogy as well as most of the Star Wars films, but for all their flash and incredible imagination, none of them have the emotional impact of City Lights. (a top 50 film list without Chaplin???)


I guess it suffered a bit because people under the age of 50 don't know how to seek out great talent. ;)

Sara Jean said...

This is a great list, I'm enjoying reading what the fans like as opposed to the critics - too many films on the AFI list get their placement because it's just accepted wisdom that they belong there.

I do have a quibble - why is it the fanboy 100? Did no women vote in this poll? Women can be just as fannish as guys, ya know.

Anonymous said...

most of this list would never make my top 100. I mean, that many Kubrick, Scorcese and so few Wyler, Hawks, Wellman? This is merely a list of films peoplle still know off and not a thorough selection of quality!
And by the way, Peter jackson is a great action-scenes director but a lousy 'interior scenes with people talking director.' Kubrick only made two films worth mentioning, same goes for Tarantino. Watch Pukp Fiction closely with a clear eye, and you'll notice that he can not direct that good (his fims are worth watching for the dialogues and his talent for casting).
And To kill a mockingbird? my god, by far the most overrated film of all time, perhaps.
Anway, how can ever publish a list like this one igf you have ommited almost every film made before 1965?
And one last detail: The Matrix is a bad movie anywhich way you view it. It hits the same level of non-film as Sin City. We are talking about movies here. So not that auteur-shit, that is an urban megend that needs to be buried. No existing moviemaker is an artist, simply because moviemaking is a craft, a structure, a company the director runs. But not art.

Anonymous said...

why did you quote part II in your entry about part I?

Anonymous said...

The Exorcist.

Anonymous said...

Well the list is a lot better than I thought it would be. The only big film missing from AFI's is Midnight Cowboy I would say. However being so heavy on new films and the complete lack of any Charlie Chaplin (or other silent film) or ANY western at all does diminish this list quite substantially for me.

Just to stir up some controversy, I think The Usual Suspects and Fight Club are the two most overrated films ever (I would throw Se7en in there as well but it didn't make this list..hum). Also Raging Bull is Marty's best film just like 2001: A Space Odyssey is Kubrick's.

Jurassic Park???
Never even heard of Stand By Me

Anonymous said...

I didn't read any of the comments, but I hope others caught the disappointing inaccuracy of both Godfather descriptions. The end of Part 2 is where Carlos and Connie meet, not announce their engagement. Michael tells Fredo "I knew it was you" in the second one, not the first. Come on now.

Alan Bacchus said...

Sorry for the Godfather errors. You guys are the best editors - seriously.

I'll make the change...

Thanks,

Alan

Anonymous said...

The guys who made this list clearly aren't fanboys and clearly don't know fanboy films and obviously must be part of the aging boomer generation because anybody from Gen X on who are genuine fanboys would NEVER put Matrix over Blade Runner. That's just wrong. Blade Runner sits firmly at number 3 on my list behind Raiders of the Lost Ark (#2) and The Empire Strikes Back (#1).

Anonymous said...

Are you serious? What is with the whole fascination of Lord of the Rings? Try watching those movies again....seriously....try it. And if you guys were true fanboys, you would KNOW that 2001 is probably the greatest movie ever made. Followed by Raging Bull at a very close second.

Anonymous said...

From someone who did vote: Many classic movies are too low, many others aren't there by stars like Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant and more. From the modern day, Kevin Costner is missing (no Field of Dreams?) and so are a couple of Tom Hanks films.....

Anonymous said...

timberkid: "Kubrick only made two films worth mentioning".
Huh?
C'mon now. You can't mean that.
Have you seen all his films? Do you even like movies? Are you a human being?
; )

Unknown said...

What, no David Lynch?

Anonymous said...

there are some of us out here who think the shawshank redemption is way overrated. i don't' get why people love it.

the matrix, pulp friction....meh overrated.

greg

Anonymous said...

this list is a joke and so is cinema.

Co said...

Hey, I liked the list very much, I had a great time reading it. Buy I just have to say... 'Ghostbusters'? Really? I also think 'Taxi Driver' is Scorsese's best, although 'Goodfellas' is also a masterpiece.

Unknown said...

Clerks not on a fanboy top 100? How is this possible? Kevin Smith is the ultimate proto-fanboy.

Others for your consideration: Seven Samurai; American Graffiti; Kagemusha; Ordinary People; Round Midnight; Scarface.

Return of the King *may* almost deserve to be on the list but the other LOTR films were not that good and waste the space for other much more worthy films.

Glad my personal top 5 is represented on the list though.

Citizen Kane usually trumps it but The Godfather is the best American film ever done, period. Nothing before or since been as masterfully written, photographed, acted, directed, and composed as a piece of cinema and there have been many very fine and worthy movies. Had Coppola not made another film his place in film history would have easily been cemented.

Raging Bull comes in a close second in terms of sheer artistry, acting, and composition. Taxi Driver, while great, is not the Scorcese masterpiece that Raging Bull is.

The Rambling Randal said...

what aboput the best movie ever monty python and the holy grail

Corporate Monkey said...

What ??? No Dark City!

Nils said...

Why is there only American movies on this list? What about The Blue, The White, and The Red Movies. Or The Battle of Algiers. Amelie de Montmartre. Old Boy? To name a few.

Anonymous said...

You know all these wierd shapes around the United States of America on a world map?

These are called Countries. They also make movies.

Peace,

Anonymous said...

fanboyism as far as i'm concerned really is about the kid who won't let something go.
Starwars i would say is a fan boy movie.
Matrix is a fanboy movie.
blade runner is a fanboy movie.
Back to the future is a fan boy movie.
Casablanka is a stretch of a fanboy movie.
Stand By Me???
gone with the wind???

People complain about how this movie is missing or whatever. And with regards to the people over fifty can't use the internet. It's true. You don't see a giant following of people who go trolling through the internet who are 50 plus. If you "use" the internet and are 50 plus. Grats.

Anyways, i'm amazed that any black and white films made it on there at all.

Anonymous said...

this list is garbage

Anonymous said...

This is NOT a fanboy list. A fanboy list should have more James Cameron, more Brian De Palma, more Tim Burton, more Terry Gilliam, more Star Trek, more James Bond, more Cohen Brothers, more Kevin Smith and Akira Kurosawa.

Conspicuously missing are these quintessential fanboy faves.

Se7en
Dark City
Crow
Aliens
City of Lost Children
Oldboy
Superman
Scarface
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Brazil
12 Monkeys
Blue Velvet
Edward Scissorhands
Goonies
Clerks
Star Trek II: Wrath of Kahn
Goldgfinger
Robocop
Akira
Seven Samurai
Predator
Frankenstein
Dracula
Evil Dead
Army of Darkness

If it is a fanboy list, Star Wars is tops. The mere title is synonymous with the term fanboy. Raiders of the Lost Arc, Fight Club and Clockwork Orange should all be in the top ten.

Films that are definitely NOT fanboy are Gone With The Wind,
(come in, can you even picture a fanboy admitting that they've seen GWTW? Is GWTW even a proper web abbreviation?) Lawrence of Arabia, Casablanca, Citizen Kane, The Graduate, To Kill a Mockingbird, It's a Wonderful Life, Annie Hall, Some Like It Hot, On The Waterfront, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, A Streetcar Named Desire, Ben-Hur, Network, SOUND OF MUSIC (OK who's the SOM fanboy? anyone? You? THEN YOU'RE NOT A FANBOY!), All about Eve, WEST SIDE FLIPPIN STORY?!?! How is that on any list!?!!) and It Happened One Night.

Where these may be great movies, they ARE NOT fanboy movies, nor are they representative of the fanboy experience.

Anonymous said...

How many times am i gonna read about nitwits mentioning foreign films? Can you not read? It's from the AFI list!
Deep breaths...

Anonymous said...

How many times am i gonna read about nitwits mentioning foreign films? Can you not read? It's from the AFI list!
Deep breaths...

Anonymous said...

No Napoleon Dynamite?

Unknown said...

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Anonymous said...

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is way to high -- if it even belongs at all. I don't think "E.T." deserves to be here either or at least not that highly placed. "Fight Club" at 29 while "American Beauty"/"Forrest Gump" are 49/50 (??!!??) -- no way!

The fact that "Fight Club" even made it into the top 50 (much less the top 100) lets one know that the 'fan boys' are a little "light on their feet".

Unknown said...

This is fun, but if it's called the Fanboy 100, can you extend the list to include the top 100? It would be great for a one-on-one comparison with the AFI list.

Alan Bacchus said...

Hi Zach:

Thanks for your comment, the list continues here:

http://dailyfilmdose.blogspot.com/2007/10/afi-reloaded-fanboy-100-51-100.html

Alan

Alexandre Di Lolli said...

Rear window before Vertigo you've got to be kidding!

Alan Bacchus said...

Hey Alexandre,
Nope, not kidding. That's what the vote decided.
Alan

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