My top 10 movies (and why I watch them over and over again)

I love watching films. Like reading, it takes me to places I could never go and meet all sorts of strange and wonderful characters. We have a pretty extensive DVD collection covering just about every genre. It is our go-to place when normal TV and streaming services let us down. As a bit of fun, I thought I would list my top ten movies, although they are not in any particular order, as I couldn’t quite rate them that closely.

I watch films to be entertained, to forget about the stress and problems of life and to be cheered up. As great as Schindler’s List and The Killing Fields are, you won’t find them on my shelves. I cried my eyes out when watching them, and although I am a watering pot when it comes to most things, having my heart ripped out isn’t something I enjoy.

There are no war films here for a similar reason, although they are a favourite of my husband’s. He can watch them when I’m out! If I wanted to see a senseless waste of human life, and people traumatised and shell-shocked, I just have to turn on the news.

I am also not a fan of the horror genre. I make an exception for really dreadful B-movies, which seem to have more characteristics of comedy because they are so bad, but blood and gore are really not my thing.

Perversely, however, I love a bit of gratuitous violence, although none of the films made it to my top ten. There is something very satisfying about someone cutting a bloody swathe through a mass of very nasty people as a kind of avenging angel. Especially if they throw in a great one-liner afterwards. It satisfies my need for justice, and for evil to be punished.

As I look at my list, there are some obvious similarities which tell me what I yearn for from a film – and probably a book too.

In almost all of them, there is an element of the fantastical, which isn’t really surprising from a fantasy writer, I suppose. I love to be swept off to new and exciting worlds or see magic break into the ordinary.

Good always triumphs over evil, and everyone lives happily ever after. A staple for me, and one that you will see reflected in my books as well. No matter what terrible issues I face or problems I encounter, I believe that ultimately, there will be justice, redemption, and rest.

There is at least one point in all the films where I find myself laughing. It could be because of a character, or a clever piece of dialogue, or a farcical situation, but it makes me giggle. I like my comedy to be intelligent, and all these films give me a LOL moment, not just a polite smile.

So, let’s take a closer look at my choices.

1. Galaxy Quest (1999)

I am a trekkie, especially the original series and TNG. (We’ll forget DS9 ever happened.) This is a funny yet respectful homage to Shatner, Nimoy et al and the tropes that marked their intergalactic journey. A cast of a cult sci-fi show suddenly find themselves aboard a spaceship fighting aliens after their characters are mistaken for the real thing. A great romp following a group of has-beens who become close friends and rediscover themselves.

2. LOTR trilogy (2001,2002,2003)

Okay. Technically, this might be three films, but it is really just one story. My list, my rules!

If anyone ever made a film out of my books, I would want them to show the same respect and love of detail that Peter Jackson gave Tolkien’s work. What’s not to love about this? Impossible odds, amazing characters and sweeping vistas. I thoroughly recommend stocking up with snacks and drinks and watching all three extended DVD’s back-to-back in one day. This is also worth doing with the Star Wars films in episode order. That way, you can put Jar-Jar Binks firmly behind you for the rest of the day.

3. Harvey (1950)

If you haven’t seen this, you must! James Stewart plays a gentle, loveable man whose best friend is an invisible six-foot white rabbit. His sister, embarrassed about his delusions, decides to commit him to a mental institution. And so the fun begins!

Don’t dismiss this because it is in black and white. It is a wonderful story extolling kindness and generosity. I saw this as a stage show once, and they did a tremendous job with the special effects. So much so, that when Harvey made his “appearance” as the cast took their bows, the theatre erupted in cheers.

4. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)

The only film on my list without a jot of magic in it. I have a soft spot for Clint Eastwood’s spaghetti westerns, and get a thrill out of the soundtrack, too. The story follows three bounty hunters, all seeking a hidden fortune of gold. One is ruthless and black-hearted, one a likeable villain and the other a “good” guy. If you only ever watch one western, make it this one.

5. Ladyhawke (1985)

I want to clutch my heart just thinking about this film. A warrior and his lady are separated by a curse. One is a hawk during the day and the other a black wolf at night. The only time they glimpse each other is at twilight and dawn when they both become human for one brief moment.

The worst thing about this film is the dreadful soundtrack, which is cringeworthy. Please try and ignore that. Instead, concentrate on Matthew Broderick as he chats to God about each predicament he finds himself in, as he helps the lovers find a way to break the curse.

6. The Princess Bride (1987)

This has everything. Action, adventure, comedy and, of course, true love. Buttercup falls in love with Westley, a poor farm boy, who leaves to make his fortune. When she hears that his ship has been captured by the Dread Pirate Roberts who, as everyone knows, leaves no survivors, her heart is broken. About to marry a prince, she is kidnapped, but a mysterious stranger in black follows her and wins her freedom. With an impressive cast, this film is a delight from beginning to end. Anyone who has seen it can easily recite a litany of quotes from this inconceivable film, which does turn out to be a kissing story!

7. Highlander (1986)

With a French Scotsman and a Scottish Spaniard, this film really should be a comedy, but the story of eternal warriors fighting down the ages until there is only one survivor to claim the “prize” is magical. Accompanied by an awesome soundtrack by Queen, it interweaves historical reminiscences with modern day action. I bawl my eyes out when they start to sing “Who Wants to Live Forever.” Every Time. Don’t bother with the sequels, though.

8. Fifth Element (1997)

If I had to put these in number order, this one would be near the top. It is my go-to film when I am feeling low because it is so fantastical and epic that you forget everything about your troubles while watching it and come out feeling energised and ready to face the bleakest odds. Korben Dallas is a washed-out taxi driver whose life changes dramatically when a beautiful woman literally crashes through the roof of his car, setting him on a quest to find and deploy the ultimate weapon to stop evil in its tracks. One of my favourite scenes is set during an operatic performance which is also the soundtrack to a wonderfully choreographed fight scene. Funny, and thrilling, you learn along with Leeloo why the human race is worth saving, despite all our faults.

9. The Lake House (2006)

I love a good rom-com, and Sandra Bullock is one of my favourite actresses in this genre. Paired with Keanu Reeves (what’s not to like there!), they play a couple who fall in love via letters sent through time. Living two years apart, they connect through the mailbox at the lake house where they both lived at one time.

Time for a good cry! Spoiler alert, however. There is a HEA, despite the awful revelation about why Alex didn’t turn up for their dinner date.

10. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

I bumped Stardust (2007) off the list when I remembered this one. I watch this every Christmas Eve, and it never ceases to warm my heart. Another James Stewart film, this tells the story of George Bailey who, despite his lofty ambitions, ends up stuck in a small town, with a crummy job and a house in constant need of repairs. When faced with bankruptcy and prison, he contemplates suicide, only to be saved by his guardian angel. He is given the chance to see what life would have been like for those he loves if he had never been born.

As someone who has faced that low point myself a few times, the idea that the world would be a worse place without me in it keeps me going when I want to give up. A worthy film to end my list.

So, there you are! My top ten choices. No doubt after I have published this, I’ll suddenly think of another great film that really should have been on here.

What about you? Let me know what would be on your list, and if you have any recommendations that fit my criteria, drop me a comment.