This list is alive, meaning it won't be the same forever. This list is also somewhat subjective. It doesn't adhere to a strict sense of 'best films' or 'great films', but rather using a barometer of me. I am the qualifier of what films I recommend in this list. There will be a bias towards epic, action, adventure, sci-fi and superhero films, but I hope people won't hold that against me!
Films you must watch before you die
Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003): this franchise revived the fantasy genre like no other film in history, and influenced the filmmaking industry in so many ways I would argue you are truly missing out.
The Dark Knight (2008) - The best comic book movie I have seen in my youth (so far). It takes an
already dark setting and traumatises it through escalation, moral impossibility and chaos, while keeping true to the spirit of Batman and his mission for justice.
Idiocracy (2006) - A ridiculously funny and smart film about where society is probably headed in the future. I have watched this film a dozen times and recommended it to so many people. It's a cautionary tale that everyone should hear and use to rethink their life.
Up (2009) - While the Toy Story franchise is the most recognisable Pixar film to the general audience, Up was the film that had me tearing up in the first 15 minutes as well as the last 15 minutes of the film. It is a masterpiece in storytelling without words, and nothing short of the best animated film I have ever watched.
Films worth checking out
The Avengers (2012) - It's such an important part of my generation of movie goers that even though I don't think it's that great a film, it's nonetheless made its mark.
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) - I think this is a highly underrated film. Despite it already being a commercial and critical success, it's an improvement to its predecessor in the same way The Dark Knight was an ambitious extension to Batman Begins, and a great response from Dreamworks to Pixar saying "we can make good animated films for kids too!". Oh and it's the first time a female and asian was directing a major hollywood animation film, another big plus!
Wall-E (2008) - One of Pixar's strongest films which fully utilises the medium of film by being a practically silent film half the time, while squeezing in a really good message for kids and adults alike.
The Simpsons Movie (2007) - I loved The Simpsons, though I only started watching it maybe during my college years because my parents banned me from watching it while I was under their roof. Perhaps the most memorable thing was during the opening credits, where Ralph permanently scarred my memory of 20th Century Fox's grandeur logo display with "da da da daaaa!" You have to see it to get what I mean, but you have been warned!
Equilibrium (2002) - I love science fiction films which ask the "what if" question and answer it through the life of a character immersed in that world. This is one of the better ones.
Toy Story Trilogy (1995-2010) - The pixar films that captured (most) of our childhoods through the eyes of our toys so perfectly, and in a way established CGI films as a legitimate way to tell a story, and helped usher in a golden age of animation.
The Fifth Element (1997) - This film is an artsy sci-fi/action film which is another load of fun to watch with your friends, as long as you're not sick to death of Bruce Willis by this point. Countless memorable scenes choreographed with no logic or reason. They did it because they thought it would look cool. And that's cool.
As Good As It Gets (1997) - This was the first romance genre film that I actually enjoyed, as well as the first Jack Nicholson film I saw as a child. He really made this movie so likeable and charming I think it makes a strong case for the existence of the entire romantic/comedy genre.
Good Will Hunting (1997) - this is one of the few films which I hated as a child but grew to love when I was old enough to appreciate it. This film shows the drama of being a genius but being afraid of it as well.
Gattaca (1997) - A futuristic film about eugenics which addresses the theme of genetic engineering and raises very important questions is definitely a must-watch for any scientists working on the cutting edge of technology.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994): one of those perfectly narrated and executed films about prisoners and hope.
Commando (1985) - This film is so stupid and over the top, it's amazing fun to watch. Arnold Schwarzenegger was in his top form for both acting and weightlifting, and so many of his later films recycles cliches and jokes from this film.
Terminator 1 and 2 (1984, 1991) - Most young people have seen Terminator 3 and 4, but I think neither of them are as good as the original two. Do check them out even if they're a bit before your time.
Die Hard (1988) - This film began the modern action film. To me it did it first, and did it so well that I would rather watch this film again than many of the newer copycat films.
Die Hard (1988) - This film began the modern action film. To me it did it first, and did it so well that I would rather watch this film again than many of the newer copycat films.
Rise of the Planet of the apes (2011)
Pokemon - The First Movie (1998) - I grew up with Pokemon cards, and believe it or not, this was actually the first film which made me cry. (Fan boy/spoilers mode) It was when Ash sacrificed himself by running into the middle of a crossfire between Mewtwo and Mew to stop the bloodshed between all the real and cloned Pokemon, and then gets turned into stone as a result. I remembered thinking, "this is what a true hero is!" but then again I was 9 and had only watched movies and TV shows that other kids were also watching at the time. In retrospect that film was really rubbish, but it did shape the way I looked at heroism and my own purpose in life for a good 5 years until I was old enough to watch Batman (and started high school). I don't need to catch them all any more though deep inside I still want to!
Iron Man (2008)
Thank You for Smoking (2005)
Titanic (1997)
Cast Away (2000)
Finding Nemo (2003) - This film is a timeless tale about the difficulties of fatherhood, broken homes and redemption through the eyes of a clown fish. It was produced during Pixar's prime in both animation and story-telling, and I never feel too old to watch this movie again :)
Wreck-it Ralph (2012)
Source Code (2011)
Back to the Future trilogy (1985-1990)
Home Alone (1990)
The Lion King (1994)
Mary Poppins (1964) - This was the first ever musical I have ever heard. I didn't realize how old it was until years after I first saw it, and I was surprised how much I enjoyed the music especially when the two most famous songs are about drinking medicine and some fantastically long work I couldn't for the longest time spell correctly.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Independence Day (1997) - This was the only disaster film by Roland Emmerich I liked, primarily because it was the first time he used this disaster film formula successfully (compared to day after tomorrow, 2012, Godzilla). I'm not american but this film did make me feel the American spirit (if it really exists) and in my opinion it's the first time I suspended my disbelief when watching a movie which was actually kind of dumb. Oh well the action was cool.
Captain America - The First Avenger (2011)
Sound of Music (1959)
Chariots of Fire (1981)
Armageddon (1998)
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Gladiator (2000)
X-Men: First Class (2011) - I did not like the original trilogy, but this prequel was so well executed in comparison I might actually give its sequels a chance! It's kind of a flip sentiment I had for the Star Wars prequels and originals.
The Terminal (2004)
Superman (1978)
James Bond series - This ranking is averaged over about half the films in the franchise that I have watched, starting from Moonraker till the current ones. Yes I know it's lazy, but honestly there's just too many of them and their qualities are all over the map. I liked the construct of the franchise, I liked the roster of characters (Bond, Q and M) though until they changed direction with Daniel Craig, I did start losing interest since it was getting formulaic and repetitive. The Bond girls are always beautiful, like a cherry on top in most spy/action films.
Contact (1997)
Watchmen (2009)
Schindler's List (1993)
The Matrix (1999)
E.T. (1982)
Inception (2010) - I like heist films, I like high concept sci-fi, and I like character driven stories. This movie had all three and delivered perfectly at so many levels I think it deserves an essay. If it passes the test of time and I still like it 5 years down the track I might bump this up the list.
The Time Traveller's wife (2009)
Morning Glory (2010) - Rachel McAdams is my favorite actress, not because she is the most beautiful or has starred in the greatest films, but because she is great casting in almost every romance genre film I've seen her in. I know there's a lot better films out there about journalism and running TV stations, but this one just worked for me almost perfectly. Her personality is also much more interesting to watch than many other young film actresses lately (and I'm sorry to say this, but it's even better than Scarlett's performances).
Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
Despicable me (2010)
Bee Movie (2007)
Starship Troopers (1997)
Star Wars (original trilogy)
Aladdin (1992)
Mulan (1998)
Catch Me if you can (2002)
Who am I (1998)
Sister Act (1992)
Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy (2003-2007) - as silly as these films are, I do love them and Johnny Depp's performance.
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
The Good Son (1993)
Lost in translation (2003) - This film made me fall in love with Scarlett Johansson. It was practically a silent film and it featured my favorite holiday destination: Japan. The dark humor, the subtle performances and unspoken dialogue was a simple yet really deep look into the human psyche of people who question their marriage choices. It was a film about insecurity, uncertainty and finding a like-minded travel partner for an escapist holiday. Every time I see this movie makes me want to book the next flight to Japan in hopes to meet my Scarlett over the skyline of Tokyo :)
Kick-Ass (2010)
Spiderman Trilogy (2002-2007)
S1M0NE (2002)
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Austin Powers - International Man of Mystery (1997)
300 (2006)
Groundhog Day (1993)
Cool Runnings (1993) - This film I watched on VHS a few years after its release, and aside from being a well made little sports film filled with good character-driven humor, was what drove me to pay more attention to Olympics as a youth.
Face Off (1997)
Get Smart (2008)
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Bicentennial Man (1998)
Eternal Sunshine of a spotless mind (2004)
Real Steel (2011)
Men in Black and Men in Black 3 (1997, 2012) - I skipped the second film because I didn't like it and thought it killed the franchise. But I really liked the overarching theme this film was going for; that the universe really is that much bigger and we are not at the center of it. I loved Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones' performance but couldn't care less about the actual aliens. That's what happens when you get such awesome actors who just overshadow everyone else in these types of films!
Bolt (2008)
Hancock (2008) - This film I can't say I like a lot, but it was a very refreshing take on the modern superhero genre. And I did love Will Smith's performance even though it's nothing groundbreaking. It's not a movie I watched over and over again but whenever I think about it I do have fond memories of.
Star Trek (2009)
Megamind (2010)
Ratatouille (2007)
The Karate Kid and remake (1984, 2010)
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