NPR

Off the back of some other stuff I was talking to friends about. What was the best year ever for movies?

I’ll suggest 1994

Shawshank Redemption
Forrest Gump
Pulp Fiction
Leon
The Madness of King George
The Lion King
Speed
Natural Born Killers
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Bullets over Broadway
Four Weddings and a Funeral

1979

Apocalypse Now (my reason for choosing that year)
Quadrophenia
Escape from Alcatraz
Alien
Life of Brian
Manhattan
Mad Max
The Tin Drum
The Jerk - at the time, funny as fuck, probably less so now.
The Muppet Movie
Rocky 2
The Warriors

Biffer wrote: Tue Mar 07, 2023 7:46 pm Off the back of some other stuff I was talking to friends about. What was the best year ever for movies?

I’ll suggest 1994

Shawshank Redemption
Forrest Gump
Pulp Fiction
Leon
The Madness of King George
The Lion King
Speed
Natural Born Killers
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Bullets over Broadway
Four Weddings and a Funeral

There is certainly some classy pedigree in that lot.

I had thought Natural born Killers was Tarantino also?

1967

The Graduate
In Cold Blood
Cool Hand Luke
The Jungle Book
In the Heat of the Night
You Only Live Twice
The Dirty Dozen
Belle de Jour
Guess who's comming to Dinner
The Producers
Point Blank
Barefoot in the park
Far from the madding crowd
Billion Dollar Brain

Every one a Banger

Looking on IMDB they list 1939 as the best year and looking at the list , I can see a valid argument

Dogbert wrote: Tue Mar 07, 2023 9:18 pm 1967

The Graduate
In Cold Blood
Cool Hand Luke
The Jungle Book
In the Heat of the Night
You Only Live Twice
The Dirty Dozen
Belle de Jour
Guess who's comming to Dinner
The Producers
Point Blank
Barefoot in the park
Far from the madding crowd
Billion Dollar Brain

Every one a Banger

Looking on IMDB they list 1939 as the best year and looking at the list , I can see a valid argument

Yeah, 1959 features a lot too, Ben Hur, Some Like It Hot, North by Northwest, Porgy and Bess, Sleeping Beauty, Pillow Talk, Suddenly Last Summer.

Here for the 1939 nomination, but I don't think gets enough credit from younger voters as most haven't seen the majority (if any) and lots of people tend not to give them a chance because b/w.

The list is typically...
Gone With the Wind
The Wizard of Oz
Dark Victory
Goodbye, Mr Chips
Ninotchka
Only Angels Have Wings
Gunga Din
Wuthering Heights
The Hound of the Baskervilles
Mr Smith Goes to Washington
Of Mice and Men
The Huntchback of Notre Dame

But if you've seen those, these unheralded ones from that year are really worth checking out:

Stagecoach - if you like Westerns, this is an OG ensemble cast, possibly even focusing on the events of just one ride (been years since I've seen it)
It's a Wonderful World - delightful screwball rom-com
Young Mr Lincoln - courtroom drama
The Roaring Twenties - gangster film, Cagney and Bogart together for the last time, inserts them into historical events if I remember correctly
Drums Along the Mohawk - a rare 'western' set during the American Revolution (if you're into history films, it's a period so rarely covered)
The Four Feathers - many consider it the best adaptation of this story (been done four times I think?)
Another Thin Man - I think it's the third, maybe not the best, but in recommending classic films, these are a delight ... wise-cracking couple solve murders (Myrna Loy one of the best babes ever, imo).

Biffer wrote: Tue Mar 07, 2023 7:46 pm Off the back of some other stuff I was talking to friends about. What was the best year ever for movies?

I’ll suggest 1994

Shawshank Redemption
Forrest Gump
Pulp Fiction
Leon
The Madness of King George
The Lion King
Speed
Natural Born Killers
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Bullets over Broadway
Four Weddings and a Funeral

Also Three Colours Red and White, Chungking Express and Once Were Warriors.

Probably not the best year ever, but 1974 was pretty good.

The Godfather: Part II
Chinatown
Badlands
The Conversation
The Parallax View
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Murder on the Orient Express
The Mean Machine
Taking of Pelham 123
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot
Bring me the Head of Alfredo Garcia
The Night Porter
The Passenger
Zardoz
Death Wish
Dark Star
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Phantom of the Paradise
Blazing Saddles
Young Frankenstein

Spielberg’s first film The Sugarland Express was also released this year.

1986 as any Fule knows!

Ymx wrote: Tue Mar 07, 2023 9:18 pm

Biffer wrote: Tue Mar 07, 2023 7:46 pm Off the back of some other stuff I was talking to friends about. What was the best year ever for movies?

I’ll suggest 1994

Shawshank Redemption
Forrest Gump
Pulp Fiction
Leon
The Madness of King George
The Lion King
Speed
Natural Born Killers
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Bullets over Broadway
Four Weddings and a Funeral

There is certainly some classy pedigree in that lot.

I had thought Natural born Killers was Tarantino also?

True Romance a year earlier too.. Tarantino was busy back then!

Grandpa wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 11:06 pm

Ymx wrote: Tue Mar 07, 2023 9:18 pm

Biffer wrote: Tue Mar 07, 2023 7:46 pm Off the back of some other stuff I was talking to friends about. What was the best year ever for movies?

I’ll suggest 1994

Shawshank Redemption
Forrest Gump
Pulp Fiction
Leon
The Madness of King George
The Lion King
Speed
Natural Born Killers
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Bullets over Broadway
Four Weddings and a Funeral

There is certainly some classy pedigree in that lot.

I had thought Natural born Killers was Tarantino also?

True Romance a year earlier too.. Tarantino was busy back then!

Natural Born Killers was Oliver Stone - which is one reason it's shit.

EnergiseR2 wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:32 pm

mat the expat wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:45 pm 1986 as any Fule knows!

In a weird way that years releases were made for my 11 year old self thus why I quite enjoyed Howard the Duck. I even got to watch Alien though got in serious trouble woth my mum when she saw 18 and presumed there must be ridin.

Some outliers, but generally, top bollocks!

Obviously Highlander should be #1

1. Top Gun
2. Stand by Me
3. Aliens
4. Platoon
5. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
6. Big Trouble in Little China
7. Cobra
8. Pretty in Pink
9. Labyrinth
10. Highlander
11. The Fly
12. Blue Velvet
13. Legal Eagles
14.Three Amigos!
15. Little Shop of Horrors
16. Short Circuit
17. Nine 1/2 Weeks
18. Hoosiers n
19. The Initiation
20. Critters
21. Howard the Duck
22. Reform School Girls
23. Manhunter
24. The Name of the Rose
25. Crocodile Dundee
26. The Mosquito Coast
27. April Fool's Day
28. The Mission
29. Troll
30. Flight of the Navigator
31. Castle in the Sky
32. The Color of Money
33. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
34. Lucas
35. Heartbreak Ridge
36. Betty Blue: 37°2 le matin
37. Maximum Overdrive
38. The Karate Kid Part II
39. From Beyond
40. Back to School
41. River's Edge
42. Youngblood
43. Peggy Sue Got Married
44. The Wraith
45. At Close Range
46. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer
47. Crossroads
48. Children of a Lesser God
49. Hannah and Her Sisters
50. The Hitcher (1986)

That's a pretty good list of Things That Were Wrong In The 80s.

Guy Smiley wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 1:40 am That's a pretty good list of Things That Were Wrong In The 80s.

Hipster

mat the expat wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 2:36 am

Guy Smiley wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 1:40 am That's a pretty good list of Things That Were Wrong In The 80s.

Hipster

1986 was my first year living in Sydney. There was a lot that was wrong with popular culture. Starship was on endless repeat on nearly every radio station sqawking 'we built this city'. It was shit.

I did discover Triple J that year, though.

To this day, The Fisherking is my favourite film.
Other half decent efforts released that year, 1991.

Silence of the Lambs.
Terminator 2.
Thelma and Louis.
The Doors.
JFK.
Barton Fink.

Anyway you can't beat this film.

[media] [/media]

Guy Smiley wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 2:46 am

mat the expat wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 2:36 am

Guy Smiley wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 1:40 am That's a pretty good list of Things That Were Wrong In The 80s.

Hipster

1986 was my first year living in Sydney. There was a lot that was wrong with popular culture. Starship was on endless repeat on nearly every radio station sqawking 'we built this city'. It was shit.

I did discover Triple J that year, though.

I happen to like that song - Mannequin was tops. Come at me bro!

It was shit and you liked it.

mat the expat wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:45 pm 1986 as any Fule knows!

There are some great films on your list, but imho none of them is better than two that are absent: Jean de Florette, and Manon des Sources.

Gumboot wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 6:03 am

mat the expat wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:45 pm 1986 as any Fule knows!

There are some great films on your list, but imho none of them is better than two that are absent: Jean de Florette, and Manon des Sources.

Absolutement!

It's from IMDB so will have a slant to the more commercial

Like all top 50s, people will watch shockers and boost them up

Guy Smiley wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 4:58 am It was shit and you liked it.

13 years old watching this?



Indeed

Dinsdale Piranha wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:22 am

Grandpa wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 11:06 pm

Ymx wrote: Tue Mar 07, 2023 9:18 pm

There is certainly some classy pedigree in that lot.

I had thought Natural born Killers was Tarantino also?

True Romance a year earlier too.. Tarantino was busy back then!

Natural Born Killers was Oliver Stone - which is one reason it's shit.

Though Tarantino wrote it... should have let him direct it too...

mat the expat wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:25 am

EnergiseR2 wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:32 pm

mat the expat wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:45 pm 1986 as any Fule knows!

In a weird way that years releases were made for my 11 year old self thus why I quite enjoyed Howard the Duck. I even got to watch Alien though got in serious trouble woth my mum when she saw 18 and presumed there must be ridin.

Some outliers, but generally, top bollocks!

Obviously Highlander should be #1

1. Top Gun
2. Stand by Me
3. Aliens
4. Platoon
5. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
6. Big Trouble in Little China
7. Cobra
8. Pretty in Pink
9. Labyrinth
10. Highlander
11. The Fly
12. Blue Velvet
13. Legal Eagles
14.Three Amigos!
15. Little Shop of Horrors
16. Short Circuit
17. Nine 1/2 Weeks
18. Hoosiers n
19. The Initiation
20. Critters
21. Howard the Duck
22. Reform School Girls
23. Manhunter
24. The Name of the Rose
25. Crocodile Dundee
26. The Mosquito Coast
27. April Fool's Day
28. The Mission
29. Troll
30. Flight of the Navigator
31. Castle in the Sky
32. The Color of Money
33. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
34. Lucas
35. Heartbreak Ridge
36. Betty Blue: 37°2 le matin
37. Maximum Overdrive
38. The Karate Kid Part II
39. From Beyond
40. Back to School
41. River's Edge
42. Youngblood
43. Peggy Sue Got Married
44. The Wraith
45. At Close Range
46. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer
47. Crossroads
48. Children of a Lesser God
49. Hannah and Her Sisters
50. The Hitcher (1986)

What's with the numerical order? Please say that isn't a quality ranking! Imagine putting The Mission below Reform School Girls!

My opinion on that list...

Line6 HXFX wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 3:41 am To this day, The Fisherking is my favourite film.
Other half decent efforts released that year, 1991.

Silence of the Lambs.
Terminator 2.
Thelma and Louis.
The Doors.
JFK.
Barton Fink.

This you?

Niegs wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 3:00 am

mat the expat wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:25 am

EnergiseR2 wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:32 pm

In a weird way that years releases were made for my 11 year old self thus why I quite enjoyed Howard the Duck. I even got to watch Alien though got in serious trouble woth my mum when she saw 18 and presumed there must be ridin.

Some outliers, but generally, top bollocks!

Obviously Highlander should be #1

Spoiler

Show

1. Top Gun
2. Stand by Me
3. Aliens
4. Platoon
5. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
6. Big Trouble in Little China
7. Cobra
8. Pretty in Pink
9. Labyrinth
10. Highlander
11. The Fly
12. Blue Velvet
13. Legal Eagles
14.Three Amigos!
15. Little Shop of Horrors
16. Short Circuit
17. Nine 1/2 Weeks
18. Hoosiers n
19. The Initiation
20. Critters
21. Howard the Duck
22. Reform School Girls
23. Manhunter
24. The Name of the Rose
25. Crocodile Dundee
26. The Mosquito Coast
27. April Fool's Day
28. The Mission
29. Troll
30. Flight of the Navigator
31. Castle in the Sky
32. The Color of Money
33. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
34. Lucas
35. Heartbreak Ridge
36. Betty Blue: 37°2 le matin
37. Maximum Overdrive
38. The Karate Kid Part II
39. From Beyond
40. Back to School
41. River's Edge
42. Youngblood
43. Peggy Sue Got Married
44. The Wraith
45. At Close Range
46. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer
47. Crossroads
48. Children of a Lesser God
49. Hannah and Her Sisters
50. The Hitcher (1986)

[/spoiler]


What's with the numerical order? Please say that isn't a quality ranking! Imagine putting The Mission below Reform School Girls!

My opinion on that list...

I think it's box office takings

Of course



Should be #1

mat the expat wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 3:43 am

I think it's box office takings

Of course



Should be #1

It's a damn good year, tbh... what movie is that one? Is that the head guard from Shawshank Redemption?

You're dead to me if you've not seen Highlander

mat the expat wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 5:02 am You're dead to me if you've not seen Highlander

Weirdly, never! I can't remember it making a weekend TV movie, not available at the library. I have seen this classic sword swinging movie though!

Just remember if you watch it, There can be only one (film)

Niegs wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 5:01 am

mat the expat wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 3:43 am

Is that the head guard from Shawshank Redemption?

Yep.

Of course, neither of those performances can compare to his greatest ever role...

1975 had:

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
Dog Day Afternoon
Jaws
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Tommy
Nashville
Shampoo

For me as a movie goer - 1999 seems to be when I lived at the theatre

Flight Club
The Matrix
American Beauty
Sixth Sense
Toy Story 2
Being John Malkovich
Election
Magnolia
Man on the Moon
Three Kings
American Pie
Any Given Sunday
Austin Powers
The Blair Witch Project
Mystery Men
Boys Don't Cry
The Iron Giant

Niegs wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 5:01 am

mat the expat wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 3:43 am

I think it's box office takings

Of course



Should be #1

It's a damn good year, tbh... what movie is that one? Is that the head guard from Shawshank Redemption?

Clancy Brown - Yes. He's a busy guy. He does a lot of voiceover work these days.

Highlander was enjoyable. Highlander 2 tops my list of worst sequels ever

We don't talk about ANY sequels to Highlander. EVER!

Clancy Brown - if you've never seen it, Deadly Pursuit with him, Sydney Poiter and Tom Berenger - excellent movie.

It's on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9beAuz0wDZk

And of course, this:

Thor Sedan wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 11:50 am 1975 had:

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
Dog Day Afternoon
Jaws
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Tommy
Nashville
Shampoo

Another fine year. I saw the R18-rated Cuckoo's Nest when I was about 15 - the woman at the cinema, who just happened to be the mum of a mate's girlfriend, cracked up when I asked for a ticket and just shooed me in.

Gumboot wrote: Fri Mar 24, 2023 5:41 am

Thor Sedan wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 11:50 am 1975 had:

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
Dog Day Afternoon
Jaws
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Tommy
Nashville
Shampoo

Another fine year. I saw the R18-rated Cuckoo's Nest when I was about 15 - the woman at the cinema, who just happened to be the mum of a mate's girlfriend, cracked up when I asked for a ticket and just shooed me in.

I think I was about 15 when I read the book! Loved it.

mat the expat wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 5:02 am You're dead to me if you've not seen Highlander

This!



And one of the most iconic lines from a movie ever:
"It's better to burn out than fade away"

troglodiet wrote: Sat Mar 25, 2023 1:55 pm

mat the expat wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 5:02 am You're dead to me if you've not seen Highlander

This!



And one of the most iconic lines from a movie ever:
"It's better to burn out than fade away"

Deadset!

So many:

Forgive me Sister, I am a worm!

"The heavier blade sir!"

"A little boom-boom"

"Hotchkiss!"