Make a list of movies you believe everyone should see at least once.

Uh oh. There’s no number limit on this question. That could be trouble since I love movies. Not to mention that I can think of about a thousand documentaries that everyone should see, too. Also, my list of favorite films would be different than this list in some cases. This is a list of films I think people either haven’t given a proper chance or just haven’t seen because they’ve never heard of them before and they should.

In the interest of brevity, I’m going to choose just five fictional films. In no particular order:

 Fight Club

As soon as I saw this movie, it instantly became top ten, if not my favorite. Many, many people have entirely missed the point, including Roger Ebert and Kenneth Turan, film critic for the LA Times. This movie is not about violence; it’s about freedom. It might take more than one viewing.

A Clockwork Orange

It’s impossible to pick just one Kubrick film. I think people should see all of them (except Eyes Wide Shut). If I have to pick one that is constantly misconstrued, I’d pick A Clockwork Orange. Like Fight Club, this movie is not about violence. Visually, it is stunning and the message is eternal. Kubrick did an excellent job of turning Burgess’ brilliant book into a marvelous film.

Blade Runner

I don’t mean the theatrical version nor the recent digitally enhanced version, but the original director’s cut. This movie has been my pat answer favorite film of all time since I first saw it. I’m not sure anything could replace it. You might not like it, but I think everyone should see it at least once.

In The Mood For Love

If you’ve never heard of Wong Kar-Wai, you are missing out. In my opinion, this is his best film, though he has many. It is absolutely one of the most beautiful films you are ever likely to see. In cinematography, acting, story, costumes, set design, soundtrack and every other measurable way, In The Mood For Love is an outstanding film. It is as close to perfect as cinema ever gets.

Ikiru

Like Kubrick, it’s impossible to pick just one Akira Kurosawa film. Seven Samurai is my favorite film by him, but if I have to pick one that everyone should see once, it’s Ikiru. There are no flashy samurai in this film, no fight scenes, no historical backdrop, no Toshiro Mifune antics. It is a simple, pared down story that might actually change your outlook on life.

Bonus film: Infernal Affairs

Did you know that Martin Scorcese’s Oscar winning film The Departed is a remake? I didn’t know until I watched it and realized I knew the plot already. If you think The Departed is a good, original movie, watch Infernal Affairs. The original version has a great cast, it’s more succinct (by 50 unnecessary filler minutes), and it’s just generally better than Scorsese’s rip off of it. Besides, it’s part of a trilogy and the second and third movies aren’t half bad. Subtitles are not a bad thing.

Runners Up

Monty Python & The Holy Grail
Seven Samurai
Full Metal Jacket
Paths of Glory
Oldboy
La Bête Humaine
The Best Years of Our Lives
The Battle of Algiers
The Wages of Fear
Woman in the Dunes
Harakiri
Army of Shadows
City Lights
Steamboat Bill, Jr.
Star Wars
Night of the Living Dead
Army of Darkness

…and a million others.