The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Whether you’re a movie buff or simply a curious couch-watcher, it’s clear to see that some movies are better than others, and people love trying to rank them. If we’re going off Rotten Tomato scores or Oscar awards, it's pretty evident what movies are hits and what movies are flops.
1. The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption was directed by Frank Darabont and released in 1994, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. It follows a wrongly-accused banker as he serves over two decades at Shawshank State Penitentiary before finally finding the means to escape. The friendships he forms and his ability to retain hope no matter what solidify this movie as one of the greats.
2. Saving Private Ryan
Saving Private Ryan was directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1998, starring Tom Hanks and Matt Damon. It is considered one of the most accurate looks into World War II as it follows a group of soldiers trying to save Private James Ryan. It also won five Academy Awards, certifying its position.
3. The Dark Knight
Considered one of the best superhero movies ever, this film was directed by Christopher Nolan and released in 2008, starring Christian Bale and Heath Ledger. Ledger’s Joker in particular was considered one of the best iterations for the character, and he even won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
4. Forrest Gump
This movie was directed by Robert Zemeckis and released in 1994, starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. It follows a man with a lower IQ as he navigates historical events throughout the 20th century. It also won Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Tom Hanks.
5. Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park is said to have changed cinema forever with its practical effects and groundbreaking visuals. This landmark science fiction film was directed by Steven Spielberg and starred Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum. It also won three Academy Awards as it showcased a theme park that took cloning dinosaurs to a dangerous level.
6. The Silence of the Lambs
This psychological thriller follows an FBI trainee as she has to work with Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch a criminal on the loose. Starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, this film was directed by Jonathan Demme and won five major Academy Awards including Best Director, Best Actress, Best Picture, and Best Actor.
7. The Lion King
One of the only animated films on the list, it’s no surprise that The Lion King was so successful as it follows a story of redemption and justice as a young lion reclaims his place as king. This movie was directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff and was released in 1994, receiving two Academy Awards for its score and song.
8. Back to the Future
Another science fiction staple, this film was directed by Robert Zemeckis and starred Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. It was released in 1985 and gave audiences a lens into different versions of both the past and the future. It also won an Academy Award and has solidified its position as a sci-fi great.
9. The Lord of the Rings – Return of the King
Lord of the Rings is considered a defining fantasy film; the most notable one is certainly Return of the King, which was released in 2003 and received all 11 Academy Awards it was nominated for. It was also directed by Peter Jackson and starred Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, and Ian McKellen, who brought titular characters to life and were hailed for their epic scale.
10. Rocky
A classic hard-work and redemption story, this movie follows a small-time boxer as he trains to take down the world heavyweight title champion. Starring Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire, this movie was released in 1976 and was directed by John G. Avildsen, and also brought in three Academy Awards.
Now that we have talked about some of the best movies ever, here are some of the worst.
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1. Disaster Movie
This movie, released in 2008, was directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer. Starring Matt Lanter and Vanessa Minnillo, it’s a parody film that mocks disaster movies. The only issue is it lacks humor and is considered a cheap spoof full of crude jokes.
2. Manos: The Hands of Fate
This movie, released in 1966, follows a family that stumbles upon a creepy house run by “The Master.” Apparently, the house is home to a mysterious cult, but the poor acting, terrible plot, and jarring cinematography have earned it a place as one of the worst films ever made.
3. Birdemic: Shock and Terror
With a name like Birdemic, you already know you’re in for a terrible time. Directed by James Nguyen, this film was released in 2010 and followed a couple trying to survive a bird attack. The terrible special effects and awful CGI birds alongside clumsy dialogue have earned it its terrible reputation.
4. Left Behind
This film starred Nicolas Cage, but even that star power wasn’t enough to save it. The movie follows a Christian-themed apocalypse where millions of people vanish during the rapture. Unfortunately, the wooden writing alongside the preachy tone makes it quite boring and poorly performed.
5. Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2
Most sequels are terrible, but this movie takes it to a whole new level. After releasing in 2004, this movie follows a group of super-intelligent babies trying to stop a villain. Its absurd premise, weird humor, and childish antics have earned it a place as one of the worst sequels ever made.
6. Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever
This movie, released in 2002, had some star power behind it with actors Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu. Two elite agents are forced to team up to stop a conspiracy, but the incoherent plot, weird dialogue, and excess of action make it feel heavy without any meaningful story.
7. Saving Christmas
Christmas-themed movies are a given, but this 2014 film directed by Philippe Gagnon is considered one of the worst. Actor Kirk Cameron plays himself as he tries to teach everyone the true meaning of Christmas. However, the film is preachy, unfunny, and very self-indulgent as it forces religious messages and has no depth.
8. Dragonball Evolution
This movie might be the reason anime adaptations have such a bad reputation. It played off the popular Dragon Ball anime but failed to capture any of the heart or charm. The dialogue was weak, the special effects terrible, and the casting just made no sense at all.
9. Son of the Mask
Another sequel that earned itself a place as one of the worst movies around follows the son of the original mask wearer from 1994’s The Mask. Essentially, a baby inherits magical powers, but the cartoonish feel, lack of humor, and terrible effects make it worse for wear.
10. Gold Diggers
This 2003 film stars Will Friedle and Chris Owen, and follows three broke men as they try to rob older sisters. However, the weird gags, dull plot line, and unfunny dialogue just make it a wreck of a movie to watch.
