As we close in on 2010, I thought I’d post my favorite films of each decade, from the 1930s to the 2000s. I want to stress that these are my favorite films, not necessarily the best films of each decade. The difference is a favorite of mine is something that I love and will watch over and over again; whereas best is based more off of influence.
1930s – The Wizard of Oz
Originally, I was thinking of going with a Frank Capra film. I’m a sucker for Frank Capra movies and Mr Smith Goes to Washington is my favorite of his. After thinking about it, I’m going to have to go with The Wizard of Oz. I’ve seen The Wizard of Oz countless times and I never tire of it. I also considered M, It Happened One Night and The Grand Illusion for this spot.
1940s – Citizen Kane
This is a situation where my favorite and what I consider the best film of a decade are one in the same. I thought about Casablanca, Double Indemnity & The Best Years of Our Lives, but ultimately Citizen Kane wins out. I probably need to see The Best Years of Our Lives again. I’ve only seen it once but it had a profound effect on me.
1950s – The 400 Blows
I enjoy the French New Wave and Truffaut’s The 400 Blows is definitely my favorite of that era. My first thought was it was released in 1960, but it makes the cut with a 1959 release. The 50s were also pretty great for Hitchcock (The Rear Window & Vertigo). 12 Angry Men, Sunset Boulevard & Singin’ in the Rain were also considered.
1960s – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The 60s were a tossup between two Sergio Leone films. I decided to go with The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, but you can’t go wrong with Once Upon a Time in the West. I probably enjoyed Once Upon a Time in the West more on the first viewing, but subsequent viewings give the edge to The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Honorable mention to The Man who Shot Liberty Valance, Psycho & The Graduate.
1970s – The Godfather, Part II
This was very difficult. I thought about The Godfather, Taxi Driver, Star Wars, Mean Streets & Annie Hall. I ultimately decided to go with The Godfather, Part II. There are certain scenes in that movie that still stick out to me. The 70s were pretty awesome, so you can’t go wrong with any of the picks.
1980s – This is Spinal Tap!
Originally, I went with Hannah and Her Sisters, switched to Raging Bull, and then thought about going with Empire Strikes Back. For better or worse, Star Wars has been a big part of my life and Empire Strikes Back is my favorite installment of the series, but I refuse to give George Lucas any more credit. I decided to go with my favorite comedy of all time, This is Spinal Tap! Still, I feel it’s a crime not to have a Woody Allen or Martin Scorsese movie on the list.
1990s – Boogie Nights
Of all the decades, this was the decade I had the hardest time deciding on. I thought about going with a Michael Mann movie, either Heat or Last of the Mohicans. I also thought about Pulp Fiction, Casino & American Beauty. Still, I have watched Boogie Nights a lot and still love it. It’s just full of so many memorable (and quotable) scenes.
2000s – Punch-Drunk Love
Of all the decades, the 2000s were the easiest for me to pick. I don’t think it’s been particularly strong decade, but it did see the release of my favorite film, Punch-Drunk Love. This is the 2nd PT Anderson film on this list and probably the pick that most people will argue against. It’s a film I watch a few times every year and I don’t see that changing.
Bo Ryan calls out his doubters.
