What is your favorite movie of all time?

To me, nothing will EVER top the magic of Smokey and the Bandit.

Literally one of Hal Needham's and Burt Reynolds's greatest works to date. The plot is very simple: The Bandit accepts a challenge set by Big and Little Enos, which is to travel down to Texarkana, TX to illegally bootleg 400 cases of Coors, and deliver them back to Atlanta, GA, all within a 28 hour time limit. This film's plot actually makes a lot of sense when you think about US laws of the time. Bootlegging laws were much more stricter back then, especially in Texas. Taking beer east of Texas was considered as bootlegging, and it would have severe consequences for anyone who was caught doing it. So, this film's plot is actually based off of the real US laws of the late 70s. It only adds to the authenticity. Laws since then have gotten much more leniant, but they are still made to keep people in check from time to time. It's almost interesting to see the changes from the late 70s to now. It was like a completely different world entirely, and that authenticity only made the film more special, since we got to see the relics of a by-gone era of the United States. I mean, just look at the set comparisons on YouTube. It's like it became a whole different world overnight.

Then, you also have the AMAZING and WONDERFUL country soundtrack composed by the one and only Jerry Reed. He actually stated himself that the film, originally, did not have a music score when he was pulled in as the composer, and the film was nearly ready to be released. So, within a short time span, Jerry Reed composed an entire film soundtrack in such a short timespan, and gave us one of the most legendary pieces of country music in the form of "Eastbound and Down". But that's not it. Jerry would also make "Westbound and Down" as well, which would prove to be quintessential to the film's plot. You see, in the film, when they are heading down to Texas to get the beer, they are going westbound, and you hear "Westbound and Down" playing as a result. This is during the very beginning of the journey. And when they are on the freeway passing by a truck convoy, they are heading back to Georgia, which means they're going eastbound, and that's why you hear "Eastbound and Down", which plays MUCH later into the journey. It shows which direction they are traveling across the US at that time; "Eastbound and Down" playing signals they are nearing the end of their journey, and "Westbound and Down" means the journey has just begun. All in all, that is some truly EXCELLENT soundtrack continuity. It really goes to show how much of a blast they were having making this. He did a wonderful job composing the soundtrack.

But, of course, the star of the movie, is of COURSE Jackie Gleason, who plays as Sheriff Buford T. Justice. Oh man, he was SO FUNNY in this film. In fact, most of his dialogue was completely improvised and wasn't even actually in the script. The things he said during the movie? That was all him doing that on the fly, off the top of his head. His improv in this film was truly off the charts. He made that movie very special. In fact, you know that entire scene where Buford T. Justice and The Bandit run into a restaurant and have a nice, friendly chat, all the while Buford doesn't even realize he's talking to the very person he is after? Guess what? That was Jackie's idea. That entire scene wasn't even supposed to be in the movie. He came up with the idea himself, and as such, it was added to the film on Jackie's request and he made that scene entirely his own. Well, lemme tell ya, that scene became one of the most important scenes of the film, and quite frankly, one of the funniest as well. If it weren't for Jackie Gleason with his incredible improv, this film would have just been a mediocre 'modern-day Western'. But, Jackie's funny dialogue made the movie, he quite literally stole the show. His incredible talent in this film will never be matched. Ever. His improv was literally incredible. God, I miss him and his energy...

This is an absolute must-watch for any car/truck lover. You will absolutely love this film and have a good laugh!

I’m upvoting you on pure enthusiasm.
Agree 100%
When i was a kid, we did not have a tv, for many years. But my uncle did. And he had 2 movies on vhs? Smokey and the bandit. And the sting.
If there was bad weather we siblings and cousins often went there to watch one of those 2. Have probably seen the sting 20-30 times. But i would not be suprised if we saw the bandit a hundred times ;D

The Princess Bride, with In Bruges being a fairly close second. But I think The Princess Bride stays permanently at number 1 for me.

"Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
My ex used to fall asleep to this movie. I’ve seen up to the sword fight scene more time than I can count. Still love it.
And a hearty "fuck yea" for In Bruges, too
Me too, thanks.

Back to the future part 1

That's heavy
- “There’s that word again, ‘heavy.’ Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with the Earth’s gravitational pull?”

Monty Python and the Holy Grail, followed by Life of Brian.

Blues Brothers. It's damn near perfect.

And I still hate Illinois Nazis.

My dad had The Blues Brothers on VHS. I used to watch it ALL the time. I've seen it upwards of 100 times. It is still one of my favorite movies of all time. When I was a kid 95% of it went over my head, but as an adult, it's just so good.
- Same, when blues brothers 2000 came out, i was really excited, because back then, i had no idea how sequels work and that they are often just shit. Even tho i was the target audience for that movie, i really hated it.

Favorite is difficult and changes over time. But it's gonna be one of these:

The Big Lebowski
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Clerks
Tron
Airplane!
Die Hard
Escape From New York

Now I think The Pianist is the best movie of all time, which is a different thing, but that newer movie 1917 sure competes.

Were you born between '78 and '83?
- Nope, quite a few years after, actually.
Have no idea why 1917 was less commented than Dunkirk. The former is a masterpiece and the latter is just bad
- That music drop.

5th element

Awww, yeah. I saw this in the theater on acid. Was amazing.

It's still Office Space.

Damn it feels good to be a gangster
I've been wanting to rewatch. Nice.

Aliens

I just quote it constantly so it has to be ... or Dune part 2, probably needs a bit more time to breath before I can call it my favorite though.

Game over man! Game over!
Awesone movie. Aliens, terminator 2 and the abyss are just a goldmine of things that became culture backbone.

Shawshank Redemption

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

"Do you think Death could possibly be a boat?"
- No, no, no…Death is…not. Death isn't. You take my meaning. Death is the ultimate negative. Not being. You can't not-be on a boat.
  
  (Apropos user name!)

Matrix

Thoughts on the sequils?
- There are sequels?
- Better to watch the original 4 times in a row.

The Lord of the Rings

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Came here to find this. Every time it's moving.

Interstellar. I so sincerely regret not seeing it on the big screen.

It was a very intense experience in the cinema. Some sequences -docking, waves, tesseract...- were absolutely spectacular
- docking
  
  Can't believe they showed one guy fucking another guys foreskin, that seemed really out of place
- The scene where he read the poem was really memorable for me. I found out afterwards it's a well-known poem irl, but I'll probably always associate it with that movie. Rage, rage, against the dying of the light.
I can't shake off the Nolan when I see Nolan films. I see the same tired tropes of affluent people grandstanding each other against the stakes of the world, to the absolute non-consent of anyone in it. Ample nepotism in the sense that the "greatness" is inherited, and then tacking on over-the-top artistic prose with the intent of swaying the audience into believing that these are respectable people. All his characters scream of narcissism.

And as always: Eat a dick, Murphy. You're an adult now, you know exactly why your dad had to leave, and you still choose to hate him? Jesus, kid.
I’m not sure if you live in the US, but they’re releasing it for theaters on December 6th. I missed out on it the first time too, so I’m making sure I’m there.
Once I ignored the ridiculous conclusion that "love is the key" I also liked this film.
Same here, didn't see it on the big screen because I kept hearing negative things about the film but man... it's the best sci-fi movie I've ever seen!

Airplane!

It would be boring if I said The Empire Strikes Back so I’m going to say The Thing instead

Arrival

Princess Bride.

Inconceivable!

Velocipastor.

It is a goddamn masterpiece and the perfect movie for all occasions.

I never heard of the movie and the plot summary is almost exactly what i expected somehow
- I highly recommend giving it a watch!

Interstellar is the first one that comes to mind.

The Big Lebowski

Interstellar.

I've watched it so many times, yet I still ugly cry at least twice every time I do.

I first saw it in a completely empty theater as a teen. The visuals are obviously amazing, and I really liked the story, until the last bit - back then I was annoyed that they suddenly jumped from scientific accuracy towards feelings and emotions.

It took me a long time to properly understand the metaphor and message, but now I love it all the more!
- That stupid love shit they shoehorned in was sickening. But, Hollywood must always sit in every chair at the table. I'm sure that was the suits insistence and not the writers.
- What is your interpretation of the second half?
My pick too. The docking scene is fantastic, and the slingshot around Gargantua always gets me.

"We agreed Amelia; nighty percent."
- I'm convinced that movie is a masterpiece. The score is amazing too!
I’m not sure if you’re interested, but I believe they’re rereleasing it this weekend for theaters. At least in the US.

Update: they pushed it to December 6th

The prince of egypt. I'm not even religious, but the musics, the story and the visuals stayed in my heart. I will also say:

-Léon / the professionnal

-Interstellar (i am basic)

-Nausicaä and the valley of wind

-Inside out, wall-E and Up

and a ton of others...

Casablanca

Great pick!

So many quotes from Casablanca are part of our everyday culture... and AFAIK it is the first movie ever to feature a flashback in a flashback. Combined with the awesome cast of actors this is a masterpiece. :-)

Brazil (1985)

I've got a three-way tie and I've never been able to promote any one:

The NeverEnding Story
Wall•E
Watchmen

I consider Watchmen one of the most perfect movies ever made.

People often hate on the watchmen, i love it. The worst part about it that it has a graphic novel that is way better.
- I read the comics I don’t really see them as better. It’s a different experience.
Which cut?
- Ultimate or Director’s. I don’t mind the extra Black Ship comics scenes but I also recognize they really don’t add much of value. But I enjoy them.

Ahhh!!! I can't choose one. It would be a toss up between these:

The Birdcage, Death to Smoochy, Soapdish, Drop Dead Gorgeous, or Clue

Death to Smoochy

I don't think I've ever seen anyone else reference this film, ever. I watched it far too young, my parents got it in a pile of cheap DVD's thinking it was a typical Robin Williams kid friendly comedy, and it scarred me.. 😂
- One of my favorite dark comedies. Ridiculous yet hilarious. RIP Robin Williams.
+1 for drop dead gorgeous, my favorite comedy along with muppets from space.
- Just so many great lines, great characters, awesome cast. Between its age and non-mainstream release, it is one of those gems that easily gets overlooked.
Death to Smoochy is so underappreciated. Fantastic movie.

One is not enough, and a lot of great movies where already named, still, some great movies are missing:

Heat (Michael Mann) Every single time I see it, it is brilliant and I discover something new
Jin Roh (The original animation movie), awesome atmosphere and only after the 2nd viewing one can really appreciate it
Near Dark (1987) Why the hell did nobody ever produce something like this ever again?
Miami Vice (Michael Mann), 'Style over substance', in a great way, although I have the shaky camera
Seven Samurai
Casablanca
Strange Days
Point Break
XXX (Nobody understood that it was a parody back in the days :-P)
What we do in the shadows
Brazil
Rocky
Eternal Sunshine ...
The city of lost children
Leon the professional
Dolls
The Killer (The original of course)
The last unicorn
Dark City
The thing
The Lost Boys
Spirited Away
Donnie Darko
Rashomon
Brother (2000)
Parasite
Hatsukoi (First Love)

... from the top of my mind. :-P

The Mummy (1999)

It's either Matrix or Fight Club, I guess it depends on the day

Gotcha

Well that changes weekly, but if I had to pick just one to be stranded on a desert island with it would be the original Robocop(1987) - just so much nostalgia personally but a really great satire ahead of it’s time.

Although next week, I might could say the hilarious meta mindfuck Adaptation. Peak Nic Cage, Spike Jonez and Charlie Kaufman - a really fun and wild ride and I love how self indulgent it is.

so one thing I never got when. I was watching robocop was the danger of having mega corporations owning public services. I never gave it a second thought, and liked robocop cause hey robot cop action 😃

now we are living in a reality where billionaires and mega corporations own public services. it's scary
- Robo Cop, Total Recall and Starship Troopers are sometimes seen as an unofficial trilogy of bad capitalism. They have the same director and some overlapping themes.
- Withnail and I. Ludicrously quotable.
Murphy!

Fury Road.

My previous best film was Mad Max 2.

So you like Fury Road over Mad Max 2? I’m the opposite.

Pulp Fiction. Also, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. And Snatch. Also... aw man, there's so many...

War Games!

The Spanish Prisoner. I won’t spoil anything, but Steve Martin’s performance is remarkable!

Primer is another movie I’ve returned to over and over.

Also, Ever After for comfort.

Oh damn I haven’t watched Spanish Prisoner since college. It was one of my “you’ve never heard of this but it’s awesome” recommendations for ages!

Edit: added the actual movie I’m talking about
- Which of the three are you referring to!?

Sneakers

I'm not sure I can call it my favorite, but damn this movie is great.

Grammas boy

Favorite good movie: Shawshank Redemption

Favorite bad movie: Hackers

Nobody's favorite bad movie should be anything other than The Room. :-)

It's a tie between Goodfellas and The Big Lebowski.

This comment really ties the thread together, man.

One of my favorites that I don't often see mentioned is Upgrade. It's very nearly perfect as a near-future cyberpunk dystopia.

It sounds a lot like Limitless
- Not at all actually. Limitless is a liberal wet dream and upgrade is a hardcore dig at unregulated tech

Event Horizon. Hereditary/Midsommer may be close seconds.

Event Horizon does just the right amount of showing you the horrific monster style stuff while also leaning almost completely on the "people are the real monsters".
- Agreed. Definitely gives off a good balance of both. Great cast also.
Midsommer is one of those ones I struggle to watch. I get super empathetic and start tweaking out.
- That's fair, it is a bit tough. I really liked Hereditary, and Midsommer to a lesser extent. Then I watched a "complete guide" by Novum (YouTube). It's literally 6:55:24, but I watched it over about a week while working. It definitely made me appreciate it even more.
  
  Don't know if it would help you watch it, but it was very interesting (although it dissects the whole movie, so it's just a giant spoiler).
  
  The Hereditary one is "only" 4.5 hours, but also worth watching if you liked Hereditary.

Being John Malkovich

the story is just so out there and it's excellently acted and directed. chef's kiss

I never watched that movie because of the title. Watched it the first time last year. Holy shit what an amazing movie. The half floor had me dying.

Jupiter Ascending

While I wouldn't call it my favorite, I did really like it and I'm not afraid to admit it.
I still can't believe it got snubbed at the Oscars. The screenplay alone was astounding.

Withnail and I. Ludicrously quotable.

'I have been called a ponce...'
- There is nothing quite like a firm, young carrot

2001: A Space Odyssey

Literally can't choose ONE. Have to be Babel, Y tú mamá tambien, Roma, and Cars (yes pixar). Even putting those out there, I feel mad not including the petrified forest, taxi driver, or Wall-E

I was about to start Roma last night but didn’t. I should watch that tonight.

Strictly Ballroom

My absolute favorite that I rewatch constantly is Supertroopers. If I only had 1 movie to be able to rewatch forever, it would be that one

"...all nimbly bimbly...?"

Oh brother, where art thou?

Man of constant sorrow. Nuff said

This movie is a masterpiece. I've seen it more times than I'd like to admit.

Seven Samurai

The Magnificent Seven is way better, and predates it by 80 or 90 years. Rumour has it that John Sturges was so impressed by the Seven Samurai, that he presented Kurosawa with a Colt Single Action Army Revolver and said "You have made a great movie, but it's my movie, ya dig."

(you may crucify me now.)
- ...80 or 90 years? You sure 'bout that?
- I think you got that backwards. Magnificent seven came out in 1960, seven samurai in 1954. It even says magnificent seven is just an adaptation of seven samuria.

Ratatouille.

No one ever mentions this movie but my favorite movie is The Fountain, with Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz.

It's basically a love story set in three timelines, with absolutely amazing music, dark storytelling, and an unbelievably satisfying ending. A lot of it is left up to interpretation but it's not overly complicated. Cemented me as a huge fan of Aronofsky even if he's not always a pop culture favorite.

The movie that is constantly being re-watched, and I guess has become my happy place in the last 10 years, is The Martian

If you like that, you should read the book or listen to the audiobook.
- The audiobook really changed my perspective on the pandemic, wonderful book. The movie was fine but for whatever reason I didn't have the same emotional response as the audiobook.
  
  "Project Hail Mary" is a similar vibe by the same author, not quite as good but a fun read!

I love old movies. Here are 15 great ones. Watch these and you will love old movies too! Most are available on internet archive. I could probably add another 85 to this list.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
All About Eve (1950)
The Apartment (1960)
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane (1962)
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Rear Window (1954)
Laura (1944)
Rope (1948)
To Have and Have Not (1944)
Key Largo (1948)
Lifeboat (1944)
The Letter (1940)
Now Voyager (1942)

Edit: bonus movie

Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933)

I love so many of these, I'm gonna have to download the rest that I haven't seen.

All about Eve, Witness for the prosecution, maltese falcon, and now voyager, rear window, these are some of the best movies ever made.

Elysium

I re-watch from time to time to check where we're at.

I really like that movie, not many people talk about it. I have no idea if it did well or anything.
- I just can't stand Matt Damon in scifi.

Cinema Paradiso

Honorable mentions for Galaxy Quest and Heist.

Frozen II

I'll throw this one out there "Dogville"

Lilo and Stitch!

V for vendetta

Matrix

Hard to pick just one, and it changes from time to time. For this specific post, I’ll choose Sicario.

My most watched movies:
Jurassic Park
The Firm
The Verdict
Children of Men
Arrival
Lord of the Rings

But you know all of those already. Here's one you probably haven't seen: Love me some stage play adapted to movie. Doubt (2008)

If you like legal dramas, presumed innocent (the movie with harrison ford) is really good also.
- I do! Thanks for the suggestion

I'm a fan of most of the movies listed, but didn't notice anyone mention one of my favorites, Moneyball. Don't let the baseball fool you. I don't even like baseball. To me it's not about baseball, it's about trying to succeed in a flawed system.

Clerks, because when I was 22 years before I ever saw that movie I to ran my convince store just like that. Also totally relate to the crap customers you deal with in that setting.

Did you see Clerks 3? It is no way up to the original, but it was enjoyable for me. It seemed more like a therapy sess/love letter from the cast. Depending on your age, it might be a nice ending.
- I loved Clerks 3. I feel like people who set higher expectations for it (and for Reboot) did themselves a disservice.

E.T.

I am absolutely charmed by the characters, the story, the optimism, and the connection to the unknown.

Lots of great picks here! I could go with a dozen that have already been mentioned, but I will throw out Blade Runner. The look, the feel, the sound, the ideas... Rutger Hauer's classic monologue, Sean Young at peak compelling...

Waking Life

Die Hard

By a pretty huge margin.

That. Movie. Is. Perfect.

Withnail and I.

Don't threaten me with a dead fish!

Buckaroo Banzai will forever live near the top of my list...

Overall favorite: Shawshank Redemption
Watched the most times: Notting Hill and Coming to America

Aliens.

Alien is good too but Aliens is damn near perfect for me.

Idk what the heck James Cameroon is doing now but, Avatar just didn’t land in the same way to me.

I have two that flip for my favorite depending on my mood at any given time: "There Will Be Blood" and "Blade Runner 2049". They are both kinda slow and require attention to really appreciate, so probably my favorite movie to turn my brain off and have fun is "Mad Max: Fury Road".

Depends on my mood, but usually the Amazing Bulk.

My all time favourite is god bless america, it's kind of relatable

The Bagdad Café. It's not exciting, or romantic, or tragic, or even that funny. But it's beautiful. God I love that film. It seriously has some of the best acting, directing, and writing I've ever witnessed. Second would probably be Casablanca/Lawrence of Arabia/Pulp Fiction/Eight and a Half/......

Edit: also black cat white cat Edit: Pane e Tulipani Edit: Buster Keaton's The Cameraman

For me, it's Poor Things. I watched it three times in a row, when it came out. First of all, it's a perfectly executed movie for me, the style, the acting, the storytelling, Emma Stone. What makes it special for me, is that it embodies everything I like about my sexuality and I hope that humanity is heading in that direction of norm-breaking freedom of leading your life. Yorgos Lanthimos has a way of transporting a fresh view on possible paths for society.

yellow submarine (1968?)

I loved having the movie run in the background at parties. That sounds like an insult but tuning into a scene every now and again while blazed is a wonderful experience I do enjoy watching it properly from time to time too.

toss up between

it's such a beautiful day

Perfect animated film Makes me feel things

I’m not really a movie watcher, but at the moment I’d say Punch Drunk Love, Onward, Dune, 5th Element, and Tombstone. Oh! People Vs Larry Flynt.

One older one: Disneys Atlantis A newer one: Ready Player One

inception - dreams within dreams
- less known honourable mention: Paprika - inception if it was an anime and the main character was a therapist
Your Name - anime romance scifi
prince of eygpt (in spite of not being religious) - story of moses
- less known honourable mention: Jesus christ superstar (because I'm not religious) - what if Jesus Christ's death was a disco musical
2001 space odyssey - I'm afraid I can't let you do that dave
But I'm a cheerleader - young Natasha Lyonne (from oitnb) and Dante Basco (zuko from atla) go to a gay conversion camp run by rupaul
equillibrium - in a world where emotion is illegal, Christian bale is a gun ninja policeman
Castle in the sky - because I would feel bad putting every ghibli film

I have pretty thoroughly stopped caring about movies.

The only movie in the last 15 years I've wanted to sit down and just watch. By myself, not as a thing to do with friends or family, not as something to have sound in the house while I do something else, to sit down with a bowl of popcorn and a beer and WATCH, was Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. So we'll go with that I guess.