My Top 10 Favorite Movies of All Time
A list of movies dear to my heart. Some classics, some childhood favorites, some recent first-time views. My rating for each is included. This list is ever-changing, but here is the most recently updated version!
#1 - The Abyss (9.5/10)
A sci-fi masterpiece directed by James Cameron, released in 1989. I will not say anything else about the story here as I do not want to spoil it, but please understand, this film is criminally underrated.
If you don't mind spoilers and want to know more about this film, feel free to read my full review of the movie here: My Favorite Movie, "The Abyss" (https://shopping-feedback.today/geeks/my-favorite-movie-the-abyss%29%3C/p%3E%3Cstyle data-emotion-css="14azzlx-P">.css-14azzlx-P{font-family:Droid Serif,Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,serif;font-size:1.1875rem;-webkit-letter-spacing:0.01em;-moz-letter-spacing:0.01em;-ms-letter-spacing:0.01em;letter-spacing:0.01em;line-height:1.6;color:#1A1A1A;margin-top:32px;}
#2 - Jurassic Park (9/10)
This used to be my #1 favorite movie of all time, but once I saw The Abyss, that changed.
However, as a life-long dinosaur nerd with a profound interest in filmmaking and cinematrography, this will always be in my top five easily.
The practical effects, the dedication and attention to detail in bringing dinosaurs to life, the dynamic of the main characters and the incredible story make this a timeless classic that will be remembered for generations.
#3 - The Sixth Sense (9/10)
My favorite Bruce Willis film, and still the greatest twist ending I've ever seen in a film.
Again, I will not discuss anything related to the story here to avoid spoiling the plot, but be on the lookout for my full movie review coming soon!
#4 - Dances With Wolves (9/10)
A great western starring Kevin Costner I used to watch with my father all the time. It is beautifully filmed, delivers a powerful message and serves to remind us all how majestic the last frontier truly was.
It also highlights the ways of life and traditions of the Native American nations that called the great plains home. I recommend everyone watch this movie at some point in their lives to better understand the perspectives of different peoples during a pivotal point in U.S. history.
#5 - The Princess Bride (8.5/10)
A classic, fun, feel-good comedy-action movie I've loved since I was about eight years old. My family quotes lines from this movie constantly!
#6 - Inglourious Basterds (8.5/10)
My personal favorite movie from Quentin Tarantino. I know some people believe his films are overly violent, but honestly, I don't know how impactful a movie about World War II could possibly be without depicting the gore, the bloodshed, the backstabbing and the utter chaos any war would create. It's war, and his stylistic choices to showcase the true horror, tension and absurdity of war are executed perfectly.
Brad Pitt is awesome in this movie, but Christoph Waltz truly steals the show. Not sure I've seen anyone quite as menacing in a film since Hannibal Lecter.
#7 - The Incredibles (9/10)
This was the movie my siblings and I would pick every Thursday night to watch with our parents. Pizza and wings, no homework and a chill night together as a family to watch The Incredibles. I miss those nights dearly.
#8 - Mad Max: Fury Road (9/10)
Another violent film, but beautifully done. The sci-fi story is captivating and unique, the futuristic characters and setting are alien, yet still somehow relatable in a charming way.
Despite the quick camera movements, endless gore, and obstacle after obstacle wreaking havoc on the main characters' uphill battle to find hope, there is something incredibly pure and heart-warming about this movie that will have a lasting impact.
#9 - Les Mis (8.5/10)
My favorite musical of all time, and the 2012 film version provides the audience with a window we never knew we needed into the souls of these brilliant characters. On stage, it might be difficult for us to see the faces and expressions of the characters, but on screen, we feel their every emotion.
The one-take camera shots, star-studded cast and breath-taking cinematography will bring anyone to tears (there are multiple points in this film during which I consistently cry to this day).
#10 - Jaws (8.5/10)
This film really needs no introduction, but I will give credit where it is due. Still Steven Spielberg's best work, and still sends shivers down my spine every time I watch it.
This film is a masterclass in making the audience fear what they cannot see, which fun fact, was never the intended startegy with this film, just a happy accident!
The animatronic shark ran into issue after issue, and certain scenes were done in a completely different way to convey the shark was lurking just beneath the surface without putting the clunky robot on full display.
Until the end, that is.
***Honorable Mentions***
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (9/10)
Marcel the Shell With Shoes On (9/10)
Nope (8.5/10)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (8.5/10)
About the Creator
Madison "Maddy" Newton
I'm a Stony Brook University graduate and a communications coordinator for the NYS Assembly. Writing is one of my passions, and Vocal has been a great creative outlet for me.
Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/madleenewt120/
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More stories from Madison "Maddy" Newton and writers in Geeks and other communities.
My Favorite Movie, "The Abyss"
***Spoilers ahead!*** If you have not already seen this film, please proceed with caution. The 1989 sci-fi/adventure film The Abyss, directed by James Cameron, remains to be an other-worldly oddity in the realm of cinema with its intense narrative, special effects, stellar performances and thrilling set design, transporting audiences into an underwater realm of suspense and mystery. The cinematic language of the film itself and the technical work that went into it making it has had a lasting impression on viewers since the 80's, and critics have widely regarded it as a captivating and visually stunning masterpiece.
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Comments (23)
Hey Maddison!! Circling back to say congrats on honourable mention on the leaderboard a few weeks back!! (I just got back from vaycay, so I'm playing. bit of catch up!!)
Thank you for mentioning animation in your list, I feel like the medium often gets overlooked by most adults.
Great movie list (having seen 9 out of 10). Have you seen Tarantino’s Jackie Brown? It’s my favorite and yes I loved Inglorious Bastards. Congrats on Top Story!
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Oh, a great list! Though I haven't seen all of them, I was really happy to see the Incredibles here, haha. I'm guessing you're a film/movie lover! And congrats on Top Story!! 💛
Great sharing Congratulations on Your Top story I will go through some movies you have shared long time havent watched them :) a great reminder Thank You !
Subscribed! And your definitely right alot of criminally underated goodies here and some I haven't seen yet and will be trying!! Plz check out my work and lmk what you think thank you 💗💗💓💗💓
Just back to say congratulations on TS! It was a great idea and a really fun read. Can’t wait to read the rest of them.
Great choices & congrats on TS! PS. Which The Hunchback of Notre Dame? There are many! My fave is 1939 with Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara. The many adaptations to film include 2 silents and some flicks that changed the title - all of that would make for an interesting article! Thx for the read and recommendations!
Glad to see the Hunchback in Honorable Mentions! Such a good watch. There are some classics in this list Madison, and quite a few that I've been meaning to watch but never have. Maybe I'll finally put Dancing With Wolves on!
What an eclectic list of movies! I haven't seen 'The Abyss' for ages! Congrats on top story by the way!
This is a good list of movies. A I would find it hard to pick only 10. I guess it would be fun to try. Congratulations on the TS!
Madison, it looks like we have some serious similarities in our movie tastes!! Love these little reviews and in some cases reminders of some classics that I need to revisit!! Great reviews here and congrats on Top Story!
Jurassic Park, Sixth Sense, Jaws....part of my childhood memories. Nice piece. Congratulations on placement in Top Stories.
Congrats on TS!
Mine is a lot differnet but a good list nonetheless
Some great movies on your list, but it was the first one that opened my eyes to a smile. I fricken loved the Abyss!!! I'm sure I've seen it at least 5 times. Might be time to watch it again, lol. Congrats on your TS, Maddy!
Out of these, I've only watched Jurassic Park, The Incredibles, and Jaws. Congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Oh, nice collection; some of these are also my favorites.
Loved reading your list, Maddy! Such a great mix of nostalgia, classics, and personal memories. The Abyss definitely deserves more love—and your take on The Incredibles made me smile. Family movie nights hit different. 🎬🍕
Really 🥺
All of these movies are fantastic. My favorite is the Princess Bride, followed closely by Jurassic Park.
What a stout list—The Abyss as #1? Bold pick. I'll have to bump it to the top of my watchlist. Love seeing Jurassic Park and The Incredibles on your list—those are staples in their own right. This was so fun to read I thought I would make my own list. Here’s where I landed: • The Lord of the Rings Trilogy – Extended Editions An unsurpassed cinematic achievement. Every time I revisit them, I’m reminded how much beauty, bravery, and heartbreak can be woven into myth. • Jurassic Park—Same as you—this one never loses its magic. Spielberg made dinosaurs real in a way no one has since. • Beauty and the Beast (1991)—The music, the animation, the gothic fairytale energy—it’s pure enchantment. Still my favorite animated film. •Anne of Green Gables Trilogy (1985–2000)—A quiet, luminous masterpiece in its own right. Megan Follows is Anne. These films taught me that gentleness can be its own kind of strength. • No Country for Old Men—Bleak, poetic, and terrifyingly quiet. Every frame feels like fate breathing down your neck. • The Dark Knight—It reshaped the superhero genre and still stands tall. Ledger’s Joker is… untouchable. • Pulp Fiction—One of the most influential films of the last 30 years. The structure, the dialogue, the needle drops—Tarantino in full control. • Godzilla Minus One—The newest entry on my list, but it earned its spot. A masterclass in emotional storytelling disguised as a monster movie. • White Christmas—Cozy, nostalgic, and full of heart. I watch it every year, and every year it reminds me to be grateful, generous, and maybe even a little cheesy. Thanks for sharing your list—it was such a fun read. Always love seeing which movies move people deeply. Film is such a personal thing, and your list really shows your heart