What better way is there to start writing for this website than to present my list of the 50 greatest movies I’ve ever seen? After all, I have been toying with the idea of putting a list such as this together for a long time, and now that I am writing for this site I have the opportunity for it to gain attention from a larger audience than myself, and those friends of mine willing to humble me and listen to it.
Just a few words on what to expect from me in the future: besides offering straight reviews, I will do some more of these favorites lists as well as capping the year with my own film awards (as if there aren’t enough already!).
THE 50 GREATEST FILMS according to Phil Contrino:
#50: BULWORTH (1998)
Warren Beatty delivers a brilliant performance in this pitch-perfect satire of modern politics.
#49: OCEAN’S 11 (2001)
Steven Sohderberg’s highly stylized tale about a group of criminals who rob a casino is an expertly staged caper flick as well as a laugh-out-loud comedy.
#48: MEET THE PARENTS (2000)
A well-staged comedy, which proves Robert DeNiro’s presence as a comic actor.
#47: THREE KINGS (1999)
Probably the best war movie I’ve ever seen. It’s a very emotional film, and it’s very funny as well.
#46: TRAFFIC (2000)
Another top notch film by Steven Sohderberg, Traffic is a riveting ensemble piece about the drug world.
#45: DON’T LOOK BACK (1967)
As a big Bob Dylan fan, I have to include this film, which is a great look at one of the most influential musicians…EVER. With it’s scenes of Dylan looking at electric guitars and singing about how unfairly African-Americans were being treated during that time period, the film is bound to be looked upon by the people of the future as a way to reference the past.
#44: A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (2001)
The love child of Stanley Kubrick and Steven Speilberg, A.I. is a very emotional look at the future.
#43: THE MATRIX (1999)
A fantastic sci-fi movie that serves as a metaphor of our society.
#42: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980)
The most consistently excellent film of the Star Wars trilogy.
#41: CARLITO’S WAY
The tragic saga of a Puerto-Rican gangster, made all the more brilliant by the bravura performance of Al Pacino.
#40: MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE (1996)
Complex and well executed action film from Brian DePalma.
#39: A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)
A chilling film, that stays with you long after watching it. Kubrick’s best.
#38: FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (1998)
Proves that a movie doesn’t have to make any sense to be hysterically funny.
#37: PRIMARY COLORS (1998)
A fantastic political drama from director Mike Nichols.
#36: ELECTION (1999)
A hilarious satire of high school politics, and even high school in general.
#35: THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (2001)
A poignant look at a very eccentric family.
#34: AMERICAN PIE (1999)
A gross out comedy that comes straight from the heart.
#33: AMADEUS (1983)
The pure emotion of the film transcends the boundaries of time.
#32: INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE (1994)
A very well executed movie about vampires.
#31: AMERICAN PSYCHO (2000)
Makes you question why you are laughing so hard.
#30: RUSHMORE (1998)
Has a very unique tone and sense of humor.
#29: CASINO (1995)
Martin Scorcese’s electric partner piece to GoodFellas.
#28: STARSHIP TROOPERS (1997)
Works on three levels: 1) a satire of a fascist nation 2) great sci-fi action film and 3) teen melodrama.
#27: ROAD TO PERDITION (2002)
Tom Hanks takes a look at his dark side as a mafia hit man in this superb mafia film.
#26: AMERICAN BEAUTY (1999)
A darkly comic and tragic look at a man trapped in a mundane suburban life, and his struggle to break free of it.
#25: A SIMPLE PLAN (1998)
When I saw this movie in theaters I really had to take a piss, but the movie had me so hooked I was forced to wait until it was over.
#24: RAIN MAN (1989)
One of the most endearing films ever. Extremely funny and emotional.
#23: UNBREAKABLE (2000)
Writer/Director M. Night Shyamalan’s highly original super-hero film, which is superior to Shyamalan’s Oscar nominated debut The Sixth Sense.
#22: GLENGARRY GLENROSS (1992)
A harsh look at what it’s like to be in the sales profession. Brilliant performances from every member of the ensemble cast.
#21: THE INSIDER (1999)
Well crafted piece of work by master director Michael Mann. Features a chameleon-like performance by Russell Crowe.
#20: CHASING AMY (1997)
Kevin Smith’s best film. The movie is shockingly funny as well as being extremely honest.
#19: MEMENTO (2001)
The film is revolutionary, but it would have been nothing without its brilliantly crafted storyline.
#18: HE GOT GAME (1998)
My favorite Spike Lee “joint”. Features a stunning performance from Denzel Washington.
#17: HEAT (1995)
Michael Mann’s highly stylized take on the cops and robbers genre. The film succeeds on so many levels.
#16: THE GRADUATE (1967)
A film (despite what Roger Ebert may say) that has stood the test of time. As a teenager I can relate to it and I’m sure that teenagers will be able to relate to it for years to come. Oh yeah, and the music isn’t too bad either.
#15: MAGNOLIA (1999)
A beautiful ensemble film from director Paul Thomas Anderson. Of course, Tom Cruise steals the movie right out of everyone’s hands.
#14: 12 MONKEYS (1996)
Simply put: my favorite sci-fi movie ever.
#13: SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER AND UNCUT (1999)
Once again, simply put: my favorite comedy of all time time.
#12: THE GODFATHER (1972)
Excellent mafia movie. I watch it almost every time it comes on TV, and every time it hooks me all over again.
#11: ANY GIVEN SUNDAY (1999)
My favorite sports movie ever. Features one of Al Pacino’s top performances.

If you haven’t seen any of the following films, I suggest you check them out as soon as possible. I will let them all speak for themselves with the exception of the best of the best: GoodFellas.
#10: ONE FLEW OVER THE CUKOO’S NEST (1975)
#9: JFK (1991)
#8: FIGHT CLUB (1999)
#7: THE USUAL SUSPECTS (1995)
#6: AS GOOD AS IT GETS (1997)
#5: JERRY MAGUIRE (1996)
#4: VANILLA SKY (2001)
#3: GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997)
#2: ALMOST FAMOUS (2000)
and
#1: GOODFELLAS (1990)
For me, it doesn’t get ANY better than Martin Scorcese’s mafia masterpiece GoodFellas. It is one of the most dramatically compelling movies ever, while at the same time being one of the most hilariously funny movies ever. There is not a single scene that is boring or easy to fast forward through. The end of the film is the biggest cinematic rush I have ever seen. There is so much that is perfect in the film, that in my opinion, nothing will ever surpass it.
Well, that’s all. If:
- you want to know more reasoning behind a choice of mine.
- State a film you think should have been included
- argue with a choice I made.
Then please feel free to send me an email at philc@castlebar.ie .
- Phil Contrino