Top Picks - Best of Lists of Movies and Film-Related Items
Detailed lists of "Top Picks" of items pertaining to movies, including quirky 'Best of' lists and some of the better offerings from Hollywood.
Top 10 Christmas Movies
The end of the year is usually such a busy time that it's tough to put aside a few hours to just relax in front of the TV. But if you do have a couple of hours to fill, any of these Christmas-themed movies will help lift your spirits and put you in the holiday mood.
The end of the year is usually such a busy time that it's tough to put aside a few hours to just relax in front of the TV. But if you do have a couple of hours to fill, any of these Christmas-themed movies will help lift your spirits and put you in the holiday mood.
Top 10 Inspirational Teacher Movies
An inspirational teacher can make a difference to a student, providing guidance and support at a crucial moment in a young person's life. The classroom – with all its inherent drama, conflict, and diversity – has provided the perfect setting for many movies. Whether it's the passion of a young, idealistic teacher or the wisdom of a seasoned vet, these films remind us how important an educator…
An inspirational teacher can make a difference to a student, providing guidance and support at a crucial moment in a young person's life. The classroom – with all its inherent drama, conflict, and diversity – has provided the perfect setting for many movies. Whether it's the passion of a young, idealistic teacher or the wisdom of a seasoned vet, these films remind us how important an educator…
Top 10 Movies About Aliens on Earth
Aliens invading Earth are nothing new. Whether it's H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds" or "Independence Day," Earth has frequently found itself under attack from space. But sometimes aliens come down to Earth and don't want to conquer the planet. In fact, they occasionally have a hard time fitting in.
Aliens invading Earth are nothing new. Whether it's H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds" or "Independence Day," Earth has frequently found itself under attack from space. But sometimes aliens come down to Earth and don't want to conquer the planet. In fact, they occasionally have a hard time fitting in.
Top 10 Cat-and-Mouse Crime Films
The Canadian Mounties are famous for "always getting their man," a motto given to them by Hollywood. Hollywood loves a good pursuit, especially when it involves a cop catching a criminal. But sometimes the one pursued is smart and gives the pursuers a run for their money, sometimes even managing to slip away. These kind of clever cat-and-mouse games sometimes involve a con or a reluctant sense of…
The Canadian Mounties are famous for "always getting their man," a motto given to them by Hollywood. Hollywood loves a good pursuit, especially when it involves a cop catching a criminal. But sometimes the one pursued is smart and gives the pursuers a run for their money, sometimes even managing to slip away. These kind of clever cat-and-mouse games sometimes involve a con or a reluctant sense of…
Top 10 Worst Movies Based on TV Shows
Once Hollywood studios decided that TV wasn't going to bring an end to movies, they started to shamelessly cash in on popular TV shows as the basis for feature films. But once TV shows became commodities to be exploited, the films based on them started a downward spiral.
Once Hollywood studios decided that TV wasn't going to bring an end to movies, they started to shamelessly cash in on popular TV shows as the basis for feature films. But once TV shows became commodities to be exploited, the films based on them started a downward spiral.
Top 10 Movies Based on TV Shows
Adapting TV shows to movies hasn't always been popular. Hollywood initially looked at TV as competition fearing it would keep people at home and away from the theater. So studios weren't eager to suggest that there were small screen shows worthy of big screen attention. But TV didn't bring the demise of movies and studios eventually came to realize that TV audiences were worth tapping into.
Adapting TV shows to movies hasn't always been popular. Hollywood initially looked at TV as competition fearing it would keep people at home and away from the theater. So studios weren't eager to suggest that there were small screen shows worthy of big screen attention. But TV didn't bring the demise of movies and studios eventually came to realize that TV audiences were worth tapping into.
10 Best Part Three Movies in 3D
3D can be traced back to the 1890s when the first patent for the process was filed. It hit its heyday as a gimmick to lure people away from TVs and back into theaters in the 1950s with films like "Bwana Devil" and "House of Wax." But 3D's changing. Gone are those funky glasses with red and blue lenses.
3D can be traced back to the 1890s when the first patent for the process was filed. It hit its heyday as a gimmick to lure people away from TVs and back into theaters in the 1950s with films like "Bwana Devil" and "House of Wax." But 3D's changing. Gone are those funky glasses with red and blue lenses.
Top 10 Teen Sports Movies
When trying to come up with a list of the best high school sports movies there was a debate about what's a sport and what's merely a game. Chess is definitely just a game but what about baseball? Hunting's a sport but do they teach it to teens?
When trying to come up with a list of the best high school sports movies there was a debate about what's a sport and what's merely a game. Chess is definitely just a game but what about baseball? Hunting's a sport but do they teach it to teens?
Actors to Watch in 2009 (And Beyond)
The most difficult part of putting together this 'Actors to Watch' feature was whittling down the field to just one dozen. The decision process was made somewhat easier when the criteria was narrowed down to the actors who've generated the most buzz and/or have films coming up in 2009 that are impossible to ignore.
The most difficult part of putting together this 'Actors to Watch' feature was whittling down the field to just one dozen. The decision process was made somewhat easier when the criteria was narrowed down to the actors who've generated the most buzz and/or have films coming up in 2009 that are impossible to ignore.
Top 10 DVD Easter Eggs
The Easter Bunny doesn't deliver these eggs, but they're just as special.
The Easter Bunny doesn't deliver these eggs, but they're just as special.
Catfight Hall of Fame
10 of the best girl on girl fights in feature films.
10 of the best girl on girl fights in feature films.
10 Films to Die For
If the thought of pink hearts with the words "I Love You" on them makes you cringe, or if the sight of cute, dimpled leading ladies agonizing over romance sends you running for the exits, then here's the perfect list of anti-Valentine's Day films. In these films love is obsessive and destructive, and sometimes leaves no survivors.
If the thought of pink hearts with the words "I Love You" on them makes you cringe, or if the sight of cute, dimpled leading ladies agonizing over romance sends you running for the exits, then here's the perfect list of anti-Valentine's Day films. In these films love is obsessive and destructive, and sometimes leaves no survivors.
Top 10 College Films
List of 10 of the best college movies of all time topped by "Animal House."
List of 10 of the best college movies of all time topped by "Animal House."
Top 10 Best Remakes
"The Magnificent Seven" tops this list of the best movie remakes.
"The Magnificent Seven" tops this list of the best movie remakes.
Top 10 Worst Remakes
Sometimes remaking a good thing is a bad idea...a very, very bad idea.
Sometimes remaking a good thing is a bad idea...a very, very bad idea.
Classic Love Teams
If contemporary romances don't fit the bill for you, then look back to some of the classic love teams that graced the screen in decades past. Back when studios were strong and had a stable of stars to draw on, actors and actresses who displayed onscreen chemistry could end up in a series of films together.
If contemporary romances don't fit the bill for you, then look back to some of the classic love teams that graced the screen in decades past. Back when studios were strong and had a stable of stars to draw on, actors and actresses who displayed onscreen chemistry could end up in a series of films together.
Top 10 Worst Movie Accents
Good acting takes many forms. Some actors build character from the outside using make up or costume. Others work from the inside, looking for motivation and backstory. Actors can also use accents to show their skill – think of Meryl Streep in "Sophie's Choice," Gael Garcia Bernal in "The King," or Brad Pitt in "Snatch."
Good acting takes many forms. Some actors build character from the outside using make up or costume. Others work from the inside, looking for motivation and backstory. Actors can also use accents to show their skill – think of Meryl Streep in "Sophie's Choice," Gael Garcia Bernal in "The King," or Brad Pitt in "Snatch."
Top 10 Movies About Politics
Politics contains all the elements of great drama – and comedy – high stakes competition, back room deal making, idealism clashing with corruption and cynicism, ambition, greed, power…well you get the idea.
Politics contains all the elements of great drama – and comedy – high stakes competition, back room deal making, idealism clashing with corruption and cynicism, ambition, greed, power…well you get the idea.
10 Vampires Movies That Don't Suck
With "True Blood" on cable and the "Twilight" phenomenon, vampires have received an invigorating transfusion of new blood. But vampires have always been popular. There's never been a decade without a Dracula or some cinematic incarnation of the bloodsucking breed.
With "True Blood" on cable and the "Twilight" phenomenon, vampires have received an invigorating transfusion of new blood. But vampires have always been popular. There's never been a decade without a Dracula or some cinematic incarnation of the bloodsucking breed.
The Best Bond Villains
Ian Fleming's British spy James Bond has had to take on a seemingly never-ending parade of villains since he first appeared on-screen in 1962. These villains were often fantastically wealthy and marred by physical deformity or megalomania.
Ian Fleming's British spy James Bond has had to take on a seemingly never-ending parade of villains since he first appeared on-screen in 1962. These villains were often fantastically wealthy and marred by physical deformity or megalomania.
Top 10 Bond Girls
With names like Pussy Galore, Holly Goodhead, Plenty O'Toole, and Octopussy, the women in a James Bond movie often seem like male fantasies with porn star names. The phrase 'Bond Girl' immediately conjures up images of gorgeous women, often foreign, and generally clad in little more than a bikini.
With names like Pussy Galore, Holly Goodhead, Plenty O'Toole, and Octopussy, the women in a James Bond movie often seem like male fantasies with porn star names. The phrase 'Bond Girl' immediately conjures up images of gorgeous women, often foreign, and generally clad in little more than a bikini.
10 of the Best Movies of 2008
Up until November my Top 10 list was topped by "The Dark Knight." Walking out of a screening in IMAX, I remember telling anyone who would listen that I'd just seen the best movie of the year and probably the best superhero movie ever made. Then in December I saw "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"...and I began flip-flopping "The Dark Knight" between 1st and 2nd place.
Up until November my Top 10 list was topped by "The Dark Knight." Walking out of a screening in IMAX, I remember telling anyone who would listen that I'd just seen the best movie of the year and probably the best superhero movie ever made. Then in December I saw "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"...and I began flip-flopping "The Dark Knight" between 1st and 2nd place.
Movie Standouts of 2008
Not your typical Top 10 list, this is an eclectic collection of some of the more interesting standouts in movies released in 2008.
Not your typical Top 10 list, this is an eclectic collection of some of the more interesting standouts in movies released in 2008.
Top 10 Comedies of 2008
A batch of familiar faces returned to - hopefully - make audiences laugh in 2008. Seth Rogen's responsible for a couple of comedies, Will Ferrell's in his fair share, and even Jim Carrey was back in the land of laughter after a long departure into the world of dramatic roles. But which ones worked? Which actually tickled our funny bones?
A batch of familiar faces returned to - hopefully - make audiences laugh in 2008. Seth Rogen's responsible for a couple of comedies, Will Ferrell's in his fair share, and even Jim Carrey was back in the land of laughter after a long departure into the world of dramatic roles. But which ones worked? Which actually tickled our funny bones?
Top Action Movies of 2008
Action movie fans had a lot to be happy about in 2008. Not only did Bond, James Bond return for more adventures, lots of action hero-types were back to take down the bad guys. Indiana Jones made his fourth appearance, Batman took on The Joker, the Hulk was released again, and even Hellboy was called back into action.
Action movie fans had a lot to be happy about in 2008. Not only did Bond, James Bond return for more adventures, lots of action hero-types were back to take down the bad guys. Indiana Jones made his fourth appearance, Batman took on The Joker, the Hulk was released again, and even Hellboy was called back into action.
Top 5 Steven Soderbergh Movies
The best of filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, topped by "The Limey."
The best of filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, topped by "The Limey."
Joel and Ethan Coen Movies
Guest writer Scott Marks believes the Coens' best film is "Miller's Crossing."
Guest writer Scott Marks believes the Coens' best film is "Miller's Crossing."
Top 10 Disaster Movies
From natural disasters to alien invasions, these films make us thankful we're safely seated in movie theaters, or comfy in front of our DVD players, and not actually a part of what's happening on the big screen.
From natural disasters to alien invasions, these films make us thankful we're safely seated in movie theaters, or comfy in front of our DVD players, and not actually a part of what's happening on the big screen.
The Best Jet Li Movies
Like Jet Li but not sure which of his movies you need to see in order to fully understand the martial artist's talent? Work your way down this list for a greater appreciation of all things Jet Li.
Like Jet Li but not sure which of his movies you need to see in order to fully understand the martial artist's talent? Work your way down this list for a greater appreciation of all things Jet Li.
Romantic Movies for Moms
What mother can't use a little R&R time spent in front of the TV watching a romantic movie? Ready for a little loving? Then check out this sampling of romantic movies for or about moms.
What mother can't use a little R&R time spent in front of the TV watching a romantic movie? Ready for a little loving? Then check out this sampling of romantic movies for or about moms.
Top 10 The Best Movies Inspired by Comic Books or Featuring S…
I'll be the first to admit I'm not an expert on comic books, however I don't believe you have to have read the source material in order to enjoy the movies they've inspired. This top 10 list of comic book and/or superhero movies is entirely based on the film's qualities and not on how well the screenwriters adhered to the characters created in the comics.
I'll be the first to admit I'm not an expert on comic books, however I don't believe you have to have read the source material in order to enjoy the movies they've inspired. This top 10 list of comic book and/or superhero movies is entirely based on the film's qualities and not on how well the screenwriters adhered to the characters created in the comics.
Movies with Evil Bunnies
Movies featuring evil bunnies or movies that are evil and just happen to feature bunnies or bunnies made evil by the fact they're in unappealing movies.
Movies featuring evil bunnies or movies that are evil and just happen to feature bunnies or bunnies made evil by the fact they're in unappealing movies.
Irish Actors
Actors who were born or raised in Ireland and are currently working in movies (in other words, no classic actors). Irish actors featured include Colin Farrell, Pierce Brosnan, and Cillian Murphy.
Actors who were born or raised in Ireland and are currently working in movies (in other words, no classic actors). Irish actors featured include Colin Farrell, Pierce Brosnan, and Cillian Murphy.
Classic Beach Movies
Surf, sand and bikinis - these romantic movies with a beach theme truly capture the spirit of the early 60s.
Surf, sand and bikinis - these romantic movies with a beach theme truly capture the spirit of the early 60s.
The Best Thanksgiving-Inspired Movies
Top movies about or taking place over the Thanksgiving holiday. The best Thanksgiving themed movies.
Top movies about or taking place over the Thanksgiving holiday. The best Thanksgiving themed movies.
Top Date Movies
Looking for a great movie to watch while spending a romantic evening at home? The following films offer a mixture of romance with a little comedy, action, or drama thrown in. Pop any of these films into your DVD (or VCR) and cuddle up with that special someone, and you're sure to have an entertaining, enjoyable evening together.
Looking for a great movie to watch while spending a romantic evening at home? The following films offer a mixture of romance with a little comedy, action, or drama thrown in. Pop any of these films into your DVD (or VCR) and cuddle up with that special someone, and you're sure to have an entertaining, enjoyable evening together.
Top Tearjerkers
List of some of the best tearjerker movies on DVD or VHS. Top tearjerkers including Titanic, An Affair to Remember, and Dying Young.
List of some of the best tearjerker movies on DVD or VHS. Top tearjerkers including Titanic, An Affair to Remember, and Dying Young.
The Best Books About Films and Filmmaking
Check out this selection of books for true behind-the-scene stories about movies, actors, directors and more.
Check out this selection of books for true behind-the-scene stories about movies, actors, directors and more.
Best Bets - Romantic Comedies on Video
From "High Fidelity" to "Swingers," these romantic comedies are sure to deliver laughs along with love.
From "High Fidelity" to "Swingers," these romantic comedies are sure to deliver laughs along with love.
Classic Romantic Movie Soundtracks
There's an incredible wealth of soundtracks from classic romantic movies. It's tough to choose just 10, but this list represents my choices for the best of the best.
There's an incredible wealth of soundtracks from classic romantic movies. It's tough to choose just 10, but this list represents my choices for the best of the best.
Fantasy Films
Romance and fantasy go together perfectly. My five favorite romantic fantasies feature stellar performances and entertaining storylines.
Romance and fantasy go together perfectly. My five favorite romantic fantasies feature stellar performances and entertaining storylines.
Sounds from the 70s, 80s and 90s
"Grease" tops my list of the best soundtracks from the 1970s, 1980s, and the 1990s.
"Grease" tops my list of the best soundtracks from the 1970s, 1980s, and the 1990s.
Great Romantic Movies for Dates
If you're looking for a great movie to watch on a date, then this list of 10 entertaining romantic movies may be just what you're looking for.
If you're looking for a great movie to watch on a date, then this list of 10 entertaining romantic movies may be just what you're looking for.
Movie Musicals
Here's a collection of movie musicals sure to satisfy any fan of the genre.
Here's a collection of movie musicals sure to satisfy any fan of the genre.
Movies for Women
Calling a movie a "Chick Flick" is NOT a bad thing! Here's a list of some of the best films that have earned the "Chick Flick" title.
Calling a movie a "Chick Flick" is NOT a bad thing! Here's a list of some of the best films that have earned the "Chick Flick" title.
Romantic Movies for Teens
Heath Ledger's "10 Things I Hate About You" tops this list of the best romantic films for teenagers.
Heath Ledger's "10 Things I Hate About You" tops this list of the best romantic films for teenagers.
Romantic Movies with a Wedding Theme
It's no surprise there are a lot of great romantic movies featuring weddings. Here's my picks of the best romance films centered around wedding ceremonies.
It's no surprise there are a lot of great romantic movies featuring weddings. Here's my picks of the best romance films centered around wedding ceremonies.
Sports & Love
Mixing the love of sports with romance, this short list includes my choices for the best romantic sports movies.
Mixing the love of sports with romance, this short list includes my choices for the best romantic sports movies.
Top Tearjerkers
"Titanic" tops my list of the most effective tearjerkers. Here's my choices for the top 8 movies that make you cry.
"Titanic" tops my list of the most effective tearjerkers. Here's my choices for the top 8 movies that make you cry.
Top Horror/Thrillers on DVD or Video
Here's a list of my favorite horror films with "The Exorcist" - of course - topping the list.
Here's a list of my favorite horror films with "The Exorcist" - of course - topping the list.
Meg Ryan Movies
Even after her break-up with Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan is still a romantic movie fan favorite.
Even after her break-up with Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan is still a romantic movie fan favorite.
Julia Roberts Movies
From "America's Sweethearts" to "Someone to Talk About," Julia Roberts and romantic movies just seem to go together.
From "America's Sweethearts" to "Someone to Talk About," Julia Roberts and romantic movies just seem to go together.
Romantic Movies Starring Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock has starred in more than her share of romantic movies. Here's a collection of some of her best romantic movie roles.
Sandra Bullock has starred in more than her share of romantic movies. Here's a collection of some of her best romantic movie roles.