As a movie buff, it is extremely difficult to choose top 5 movies of all time ... but here are some that come close...
1."Gone With The Wind" (1939) This love story set in the civil war definitely deserves this spot.British actress Vivien Leigh is captivating as Scarlett O' Hara, Margaret Mitchell's saucy southern belle; and Clark Gable in probably his most recognizable role is by far the best choice for the dashing Rhett Butler. Along with a memorable and star studded cast (Including the lovely and talented Olivia De Havilland as Melanie,and yet another talented British actor Leslie Howard as Ashley) A True Classic,"Gone With The Wind" is a breathtaking, epic love story that is well worth the time it takes to watch it.Nominated for 14 Academy Awards, Winner of 9 including Best Picture of the year. Voted #4 Best Film Of All Time by AFI.
2."It's A Wonderful Life" (1946) I know what you're thinking, it's a Christmas movie, and yes it is a Christmas tradition at my house but for me it's so much more than that. Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life",is the inspirational story of a compassionate and generous man named George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart is incredible) who dreams of getting out of the fictional town of Bedford Falls in pursuit of something better.Along the way he finds a beautiful wife, runs his father's business, and has a family. Life gets harder on the Bailey's when the greedy and miserable Mr. Potter (played by the wonderful Lionel Barrymore) trys to ruin George and all he has worked so hard for...not knowing where to go for help or what to do George attempts suicide, and is rescued by the lovable angel Clarence (Henry Travers). As a gift George gets to see what the world would be like without him in it and the lives that would have changed because of it. The ending of "It's A Wonderful Life" is a tearjerker that gets me every-time, it has a beautiful message that makes you appreciate what life has to offer..that is not only true for Christmas time, but all year round. Nominated for 5 Academy Awards; and was #1 on AFI's Most Inspirational Films Of All Time.
3."Titanic" is James Cameron's 1997 masterpiece about two lovers who meet on the doomed ship in 1912. Staring Leonardo Di Caprio in one of his first leading roles, and British actress Kate Winslet in her first American role."Titanic" is an exquisitely detailed, beautifully acted, heartbreaking love story that will leave you in tears every-time.Winner of 11 Academy Awards including best picture of the year.
4."The Lord Of The Rings" Trilogy.... yes, I am counting these three movies as one.(p.s. check out the soundtracks to all of these movies... they are bloody brilliant) all 3 movies are based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien.
"The Fellowship Of The Ring" (2001) being the first part of "The Lord Of The Rings" trilogy, Peter Jackson sets the pace for a wondrous and exciting journey in the fight for the freedom of Middle Earth. Elijah Wood is perfect as wide-eyed hobbit Frodo, and none could have played Gandalf the grey better than Sir Ian McKellen. Set in the beautiful country of New Zealand, "The Fellowship Of The Ring" is a brilliant start to the trilogy.
"The Two Towers" (2002) The battle for middle earth begins in the second part of "The Lord Of The Rings" trilogy. Aragon, Gimli, and Legolas travel to Rohan to rescue Pippin and Merry, while Sam and Frodo team up with Smegol/Gollum (the wonderful AGI version of Andy Serkus) to make their way to Isenguard.
"The Return Of The King" (2003)The last of the trilogy is by far the best. The battle for Middle Earth comes to a terrifying and dramatic end, when Aragorn must take his place as the king.Good and evil collide, as Frodo faces danger and temptations to keep the ring himself.Beautiful, heartbreaking and incredibly acted by all who appear in it "The Return Of The King" is filled with romance, adventure, and messages of love and friendship. Tied with "Titanic" for 11 Academy Award wins, including best picture.
5. "Casablanca" (1942) Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, "Casablanca" is set in unoccupied Africa during World War II. American Rick Blaine meets his former lover Ilsa Lund after their whirlwind romance ended suddenly years before in France. Facing great danger and his own jealousy Rick must choose to keep Ilsa with him, or help her and her husband leave Casablanca for the safety of America.Filmed in black and white, "Casablanca" is a beautiful romantic drama, and is surely a classic for all film lovers. Claude Rains and Paul Henri ed also give fantastic performances.Nominated for 8 Academy Awards, winner of 3 including best picture.
I hope this list will inspire many to check out these fantastic movies, enjoy with a nice big bowl of popcorn, and perhaps a box of Kleenex!