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.
1930s: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
1940s: It’s a Wonderful Life
1950s: North by Northwest
1960s: Psycho
1970s: Jaws
1980s: Back to the Future
1990s: Goodfellas
2000s: Tie: Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, The Dark Knight
Apparently I’m a sucker for Capra and Hitchcock.
@dan m.
I think I could have guessed all of these, except your 2000s. The 00s weren’t much of a decade.
I got the Frank Capra collection for Molly this year, but it was on sale for $26.
“http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ION7A8?ie=UTF8&tag=rmlumleycom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000ION7A8
I agree with Dan M. way more then with you Rob.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (Uhg)
It’s a Wonderful Life (Score)
North by Northwest (Score)
Psycho (Uhg, that is enough Hitchcock already)
Jaws (Maybe)
Back to the Future (Score)
Goodfellas (Uhg)
Tie: Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (nope!) The Dark Knight (Maybe)
Wizard of Oz, Are you kidding me? That movie is thought of as some techinal wonder because it was in color, that fact is that it looked like it was staged by Helen Keller. You can see shadows against the poorly painted back-drops in nearly every scene. It is like the set crew had no idea what light and shadows were.
Also how is 2001 missed in the 60′s? Sure it does have to be #1. For most people it is far too slowly paced and they just don’t understand the brilliance of it all. I mean if you ever some to my house and watch that movie, you will get the full expereince. The several minutes of black screen and nearly inaudible music at the very beginning… the signal from the moon that makes you wanna rip your ears out… the whole first half of the movie grabs the viewer, shakes them very very hard and then says “Sit down and shut up, we are going to Jupitar motherfuckers!”. By then your mind is just blown and you are along for the ride.
Concerning 2001: It was a list about favorites, which to me translates to movies that have a high enjoyment factor or rewatchability. Although I’d never disagree that 2001 is a great film, it’s not something I’m often in the mood to watch when I want to be entertained. It’s a film that demands your attention, and it’s harder to absorb than something with a straightforward narrative, dialogue and traditional three-act story structure.
Concerning The Wizard of Oz: You’re bothered by shadows against backdrops, but you’re not bothered by a guy dancing around in a monkey suit in 2001?