I've already written reviews/posts about some of my favourite films, but I've never come up with a definitive list before. It's always difficult to order these sorts of things, because opinions will change over time and new entries will inevitably emerge. But for now, here's my personal top twenty favourite films:
20. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Director: Wes Craven
Cast: Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, Johnny Depp
Back when slasher films were becoming the go-to horror sub genre, few films were as ground-breaking as A Nightmare on Elm Street. Most slashers had a silent killer stalking teenagers in the woods or the local neighbourhood, but Wes Craven brought something completely different to the table. Elm Street killer Freddy Krueger had a face, a voice, and a sharp-tongued wit, and his method of killing was utterly unique. Stalking Heather Langenkamp's resilient Nancy in her dreams, Freddy can manipulate her nightmares however he likes, meaning Nancy has to bring him into the real world in order to defeat him. The cast is very likeable, especially Langenkamp, who is supported in her role by John Saxon playing her concerned father in a very believable performance. But it's Robert Englund's creepy turn as Freddy that steals the show, and this performance helped the character, and the series, become instantly iconic.
19. Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)
Director: Terry Jones
Cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam
What many consider to be the funniest film ever made, Life of Brian was very controversial at the time of its release. Deemed offensive by many religious groups, the Python's take on the story of Christ achieved a level of infamy unmatched by any comedy. Since then, the film has rightly been recognised as a masterpiece, and, like the story it parodies, will now doubt remain a timeless classic. Every single moment is memorable, and the comedy doesn't diminish despite the hilarious one-lines and scenes being universally known. It's hard to choose a favourite moment, but I'm going to go with Michael Palin's Pilate struggling to keep his guards from laughing at his friend's name. The timing and delivery of Palin is spot on, and it's the perfect example as to how just how good the Python's were at their craft.
18. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Director: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones
Cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam
17. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, John Rhys-Davies
A throw-back to classic adventure films, Raiders of the Lost Ark has everything you could want from a film in this genre. Harrison Ford instantly turned Indiana Jones into one of cinema's greatest heroes, and Karen Allen's Marion is the perfect romantic companion to join him on his quest. Paul Freeman is also a delight as antagonist Belloq, as well as the performances from the other villains. But it's the heart-stopping action that steals the show, with so many spectacular chase sequences and hand-to-hand combat moments. You cheer for Indy the whole way through, and there's a great comeuppance for the villains, too. Combine that with John William's excellent musical score, and you have a perfect adventure film to be enjoyed by every generation.16. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Director: Michael Curtiz, William Keighley
Cast: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains
From one dashing and handsome hero to another, Errol Flynn is the quintessential Robin Hood in this thrilling adaptation. He's charming, brave and begins and ends almost every line with a hilarious, cocky laugh. Opposing him are the brilliant pairing of Basil Rathbone's Guy of Gisbourne and Claude Rain's wicked Prince John. The two of them have great chemistry as the scheming bad guys determined to stop Robin and his gang. Aiding Robin is his love interest Marion (de Havilland), and like the villains, there is great chemistry between her and our hero. The stunts are still impressive to this day, and Robin's final encounter with Gisbourne is one of the greatest sword fights ever filmed. The sets are also well executed, from the stone great hall to the forest camp, everything feels very authentic. With the classic green tights and feather hat to complete his look, this is Robin Hood at its purest, and best.15. Quadrophenia (1979)
Director: Franc Roddam
Cast: Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Philip Davis, Mark Wingett, Ray Winstone
As a huge fan of The Who's music, I was curious to see if a film adaptation of their 1973 rock opera could work. Thankfully, the film is just as moving and engaging as the album that inspired it, and is a brilliant portrayal of a coming-of-age story. From his rise to being one of the "faces" in the mod scene to his fall, we experience every emotion Phil Daniels' Jimmy Cooper goes through. The supporting characters are all great too, especially Jimmy's friends Chalky (Davis) and Dave (Wingett). Whenever the three of them are together, laughs are guaranteed, and their friendship feels genuine, which makes it all the more sad when things don't turn out so great. It's a film that doesn't shy away from showing the struggles of wanting to fit in, but there's also a great sense of fun, which is bolstered by the use of The Who's music and other tunes from that time. Since its release, the film has earned a cult following, and its messages and themes can most definitely still be applied to the youth of today.14. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Director: Irvin Kershner
Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, David Prowse, Frank Oz
The standout entry in arguably the most popular franchise ever made, The Empire Strikes Back surpassed the massive expectations of being better than the ground-breaking original. All the characters we loved from the first film are back, and each one of them goes through changes throughout the film. Luke Skywalker (Hamill) finally begins his Jedi training under the quirky Master Yoda (Oz), whereas romance blooms between Leia (Fisher) and Han (Ford). There is a great deal of tension throughout, with the brave Rebels on the run from the clutches of the Empire, with some incredible action sequences along the way. This all culminates in the emotional encounter between Luke and the sinister Darth Vader (Prowse), where a shocking revelation for Luke, and indeed the audience, means things will never be the same again. Whilst I could easily have included the other two films in the original trilogy on this list, I felt it fair to only include one. With its memorable new heroes and villains and game changing twists, The Empire Strikes back is the perfect representative of this beloved series.13. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Jared Leto
If you read my last post, you knew this film was eventual going to show up on this list. I only saw the original Blade Runner (1982) for the first time last year, and was very impressed by how ahead of its time it was. Then I saw the sequel, and was totally blown away. Not only does it compliment the original brilliantly, but Blade Runner 2049 tells its intriguing new story with phenomenal new visuals and engaging performances. Ryan Gosling's Officer K is the perfect protagonist to explore this complex world with the audience, and the returning Harrison Ford instantly brings his commanding presence back in his role as former Blade Runner Deckard. The questions raised by the original are further explored, but never in too much detail as to spoil the mystique and intrigue. Not just one of the best sequels ever made, but a modern sci-fi classic.12. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Sean Bean, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Liv Tyler
Like the original Star Wars trilogy, I could easily include all three entries in the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy on here. I went with the first film, simply because my favourite part of Lord of the Rings is seeing the nine heroes together as a team. But of course, there is so much more to Peter Jackson's first entry than an abundance of cool moments. Instantly drawing the audience into its complex lore, The Lord of the Rings is a tale of bravery and friendship, with Elijah Wood's Frodo Baggins at the heart of it all. Overwhelmed by the task of destroying a powerful ring once belonging to the Dark Lord Sauron, Frodo is joined by fellow hobbits Sam (Astin), Merry (Monaghan) and Pippin (Boyd), ranger Aragorn (Mortensen), soldier Boromir (Bean), elf Legolas (Bloom), dwarf Gimli (Davies) and wise wizard Gandalf (McKellen) on a quest to the most dangerous place in the world. The soundtrack, cinematography and set pieces are all suitably epic to match the long and perilous journey, and help define Lord of the Rings as one of cinemas greatest offerings. Side note: check out the extended editions of the trilogy, as they include more depth to the characters and lore.11. The Warriors (1979)
Director: Walter Hill
Cast: Michael Beck, James Remar, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, David Patrick Kelly, Roger Hill
Just missing out on the top ten is the cult-classic gang film The Warriors, which I have already reviewed on here. Alongside its fast paced thrills and quotable dialogue, the film also takes its time to develop the characters. Warchief Swan (Beck) becomes the leader of the Warriors after they are falsely accused of murder, and so, with hothead Ajax (Remar) and the other six members, the Warriors face a long night of running and fighting to escape the other gangs. Picking up the loud-mouthed Mercy (Van Valkenburgh) on the way, Swan begins to question the importance of being in the gang and living this dangerous lifestyle. Accompanying the thrills is Barry De Vorzon's synth-lead soundtrack, which gives the film a haunting, otherworldly vibe. With such a large variety of gangs, personalities and laughs, there is never a dull moment, and its a film I regularly re-visit and get a kick out of. 
