Today’s category, and the last list of this series: The leftovers. The misfits. The movies that somehow didn’t make any of my other lists but absolutely deserve love. These are the ones that I will stop and watch if they’re on and that I will absolutely recommend to anyone who will listen.
This might be the most honest list of the entire series. There’s no prescribed goal or objective to list, they’re purely there because they’re great. These movies are all over the place. Comedy, adventure, heart, chaos. Some are nostalgic. Some are brilliant. Some are both.
As always, these are not ranked.
One last ride.
- Role Models
- Galaxy Quest
- The Goonies
- City of God
- Raiders of the Lost Ark
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
- Shaun of the Dead
- Jumanji (Robin Williams)
- Barbie
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Here are some brief bits of rationale:
Role Models
This movie is way smarter and sweeter than it gets credit for. The humor is ridiculous, but the heart underneath it all works. There are so many quotable lines, and everyone plays their role perfectly. And I too can rock and roll part of every day.
Galaxy Quest
One of the best love letters to fandom ever made. It’s funny, heartfelt, and nails both parody and sincerity. If I had to pick a favorite Alan Rickman role, By Grabthar’s Hammer this might very well be it.
The Goonies
Childhood adventure at its best. It featured a ton of future stars and beyond the action and the humor, it was fun. Just plain fun. Its impact on damn near everyone is measurable by the sheer numbers of “Hey You Guys!” heard in the wild.
City of God
The sheer number of times I said “shiiiiit” while watching this movie shows how impactful it is. Back in the day when I first watched it, I didn’t know what life was like in Rio, and the fact that it is based on a true story makes it hit that much harder. There isn’t one part for me to call out, because there are just so many.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Adventure perfection. Pacing, action, humor—it all works. Indiana Jones is one of the most iconic characters in movie history for a reason. Plus, there’s no monkey brains in this one. Major bonus.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
I re-watched this with my kid a couple of months ago. It’s been years since I’ve seen it. The amount of lines and movements and sound effects I remembered reminded me just how many times I’ve seen this movie. I actually had the soundtrack playing this morning while I was watching the kids. Johnny Depp was fantastic, though if there’s one downside it’s that he was soooo oversaturated afterward.
Shaun of the Dead
This is the closest to horror that I’ll watch. The gore wasn’t over the top, and the humor kept it real. From the “you’ve got red on you” to the morning routine to the fence hopping and Kill the Queen, this movie is ridiculously good and rewatchable. Definitely made Simon Pegg’s career.
Jumanji (Robin Williams)
Don’t get me wrong, the new Jumanji’s are amazing too. But they don’t have nostalgia working for them. The mixed of practical and special effects and Robin Williams’ total commitment to the character make this a classic that’ll never be forgotten. If I could make those drums sound whenever I wanted, so many people would crap their pants because of this movie.
Barbie
I did this as a double feature with Oppenheimer in the theaters. And it was so much better. From the tongue in cheek jokes to the cameos to the random dance battle, there is just so much going right in this movie. At one point I was in tears because of my appreciation for what the movie was doing. No joke. I still sing along to I’m Just Ken whenever it comes on the playlist.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
This came out shortly after I graduated college, and I think it was the first comedy where I also considered it a good movie. The characters, the interactions, the heart of the movie all seemed real in a way that I hadn’t noticed before in other comedies. And does it matter that I think he stole the Dracula movie from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Nah. It’s still great.
If you’ve stuck with me through all these lists, thank you. This has been ridiculously fun. Movies are one of my favorite ways to connect with people, and my wife will confirm I talk about them way too much.
But now that’s it’s all done, are there any that didn’t make any list that should have? Have I got some cinematic blind spots that are just glaring to everyone but me? Let me know.
And most importantly… what should I watch next?
Eric Taveren 