My 30 Favourite Films (Part 1)

To celebrate the one year anniversary of this blog, I will now list my favourite films of all time. I simply adore every film on this list from start to finish, and it was ridiculously hard to narrow it down to only thirty films. 

Also, I have disqualified any film that I have not seen within at least two years, below are a the films that may have made it on here if not blocked by this rule.

M (1931)
Ikiru (1952)
Seven Samurai (1954)
The Godfather (1972)
The Wicker Man (1973)
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Raging Bull (1980)
Goodfellas (1990)
Battle Royale (2000)
Oldboy (2003)
There Will be Blood (2007)

Also a special mention has to go out to the film When the Wind Blows (1986), which is an unbelievable masterpiece in every way, however due to its incredibly bleak tone I cannot in any way claim to enjoy it. Do this depressing nature I also have no real desire to rewatch the film in the foreseeable future. 

Aside from these honourable mentions, this is a collection of the greatest films ever made in my eyes, listed in chronological order.

Sunrise (1927, F.W Murnau)

My favourite film of the silent era, Sunrise is an intensly emotional and dreamlike experience. It uses very few title cards, telling its story entirely through its amazing visuals and its stunning soundtrack.
This is basically a film that I could watch any time any place, it goes through so many emotions so effortlessly and is a joy to wander through. In particular the Cathedral scene at around the 1/3 point in the film is one of the most overwhelming scenes in any film period.



Citizen Kane (1941, Orson Welles)

What even needs to be said about this film? One of the most complex, stunningly structured and relatable character studies in the history of film. A towering achievement in every aspect of filmmaking, from early scripting to final editing and everything in between.
All wrapped up by one of the most powerful endings in film history.




Double Indemnity (1944, Billy Wilder)

A dark and twisted little tale, filled with intrigue and brimming with character. One of the best constructed screenplays of all time without a doubt.
Slick, beautifully told, and able to balance many moving parts without ever feeling overwritten or difficult to follow. A joy of genre cinema.
Also, yet another exceptional ending scene, capping the films bleak mood and grim characterization.








By Jack D. Phillips