#5 – BEN-HUR
Ben-Hur was and continues to still be one of the most epic films of our time. It’s dramatic, filled with action, and manages to incorporate a Faith-based theme without forcing it heavy-handedly. There is even a couple of encounters between Ben-Hur and Jesus that are truly powerful. It’s emotionally stirring. It’s films like this that make me wish I lived back in that period of time when films with a faith based themes weren’t criticized so much, but praised. It won 11 Academy awards back in 1960.
#4 – THE DARK KNIGHT
Featuring one of the greatest performances ever put onto film, ‘The Dark Knight’ changed the entire comic-book movie genre forever. Christopher Nolan’s vision of the caped crusader is dark, gritty, and masterfully captured. Christian Bale’s batman is the most relatable version of the comic book hero ever. This film was everything somebody would want from a comic-book film. Too bad it was snubbed of a Best Picture and Best Director nomination at the Oscars. This film, in every way, was a masterpiece.
#3 – UP
Never in my life did I think an animated film could make me laugh, bawl my eyes out in heartbreak, and feel so much for the characters than ‘UP’ did. This is truly one of the most heart-breaking, but ultimately happiest films I’ve ever seen. It was the first animated picture since ‘Beauty and The Beast’ to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. This is definitely, in my opinion, Pixar’s best film to date. It will be tough to top this masterpiece of a film.
#2 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS
Okay… technically the ‘Lord of the Rings’ is made up of three films, but I cannot separate them. I considerate, watching the extended editions, a 10 hour epic film. Lord of the Rings is the most epic film of all time. Peter Jackson has brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel to life with fantastic and relatable characters, epic battles, stunning visuals, and flawless story telling. All three films were nominated for Best Picture, and the ‘Return of the King’ took it home, including 10 other Oscars including Best Director. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ had been my #1 film for a long time until one other film finally topped it. And that film is…
#1 – SCHINDLER’S LIST
Emotionally powerful and gripping, Steven Spielberg’s ‘Schindler’s List’ is the most accurate representation of the Holocaust. It handles it sensitive subject matter with perfection, and really shows us the power and meaning of a life. It’s a masterpiece. One of the greatest films of all time. It also features career-best performances from Liam Neeson’s and Ralph Fiennes. Schindler’s List is a must see for everybody!
Isaac Blaine Suttle 