Films/Shows i would take to a desert island..
by NRalphy1 | created - 03 Jan 2011 | updated - 24 Mar 2012 | PublicThe films or shows i couldnt live without.
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1. The Sopranos (1999–2007)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama
New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life that affect his mental state, leading him to seek professional psychiatric counseling.
Stars: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli
Votes: 469,295
The greatest viewing experience of all time-easily. A masterpiece that makes you wish you were able to take a week off work and watch from start to finish, only pausing for toilet breaks or refreshments! This show will never be surpassed!
10/10
2. The Godfather Trilogy: 1901-1980 (1992 Video)
R | 583 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
The multigenerational saga of the rise and fall of the Corleone crime family.
Director: Francis Ford Coppola | Stars: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Robert De Niro
Votes: 16,378
For me its one i watch about once a year and every time i do i say: 'I forgot how good that was'. I could go on forever with reasons why these 3 films are a must for anyone. 9.5/10
3. The Town (2010)
R | 125 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A proficient group of thieves rob a bank and hold an assistant manager hostage. Things begin to get complicated when one of the crew members falls in love with her.
Director: Ben Affleck | Stars: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner
Votes: 415,154 | Gross: $92.19M
One of my favourite films of all time - already. A film i hadn't heard much about but found a download and stuck it on to give it a go, and i was blown away! Affleck went to the top of the tree in my humble opinion once i had seen this and it prompted me to see Gone baby gone which i also loved. The Town displays great acting, a great story and fantastic action sequences and Blake Lively is stunning!! 9/10
4. The Shining (1980)
R | 146 min | Drama, Horror
A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future.
Director: Stanley Kubrick | Stars: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers
Votes: 1,104,762 | Gross: $44.02M
Scary stuff this, well acted, well written and a great tension builder. Turn the lights off, lock the doors...and hide the axe! 9/10
5. 25th Hour (2002)
R | 135 min | Drama
Cornered by the DEA, convicted New York drug dealer Montgomery Brogan reevaluates his life in the 24 remaining hours before facing a seven-year jail term.
Director: Spike Lee | Stars: Edward Norton, Barry Pepper, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rosario Dawson
Votes: 184,572 | Gross: $13.06M
Ed Norton was fantastic, Brian Cox was brilliant and Rosario Dawson was beautiful. A great story, solid acting and great direction (not a fan of Spike Lee usually). Best bit- Brian Cox at the end of the film talking his son through the life he could have: ...'I haven't had a drink in two years, but I'll have one with you, one last whisky with my boy. Take our time with it, taste the barley, let it linger. And then I'll go. I'll tell you don't ever write me, don't ever visit, I'll tell you I believe in God's kingdom and I'll see you and your mother again, but not in this lifetime....' 9/10
6. The Office (2001–2003)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
The story of an office that faces closure when the company decides to downsize its branches. A documentary film crew follow staff and the manager David Brent as they continue their daily lives.
Stars: Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook, Lucy Davis
Votes: 122,991
This is series 1 and 2 and the Christmas specials. Ricky Gervais is a genius. Everything about this is perfect. Will never be beaten and spawned a new generation of comedy. Ricky Gervais can act, so much so i believe that if he takes the main part in a serious film he will win an Oscar, don't believe me? check out series 2 when he is told that he is going to be made redundant...you heard it here first! 10/10
7. Gangs of New York (2002)
R | 167 min | Crime, Drama
In 1862, Amsterdam Vallon returns to the Five Points area of New York City seeking revenge against Bill the Butcher, his father's killer.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jim Broadbent
Votes: 472,370 | Gross: $77.81M
This film is great but only just. This could have been a masterpiece and the first 10 minutes suggested just that, Daniel Day Lewis was at his best (should have had the Oscar that year) and the opening scenes were exhilarating. Then came a few dodgy accents and elephants and the film took a downturn. Luckily every time DDL is on screen all is forgiven. 8/10
8. A Bronx Tale (1993)
R | 121 min | Crime, Drama
An intense drama about a boy torn between his tough, hard-working father and a violent yet charismatic crime boss.
Director: Robert De Niro | Stars: Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Francis Capra
Votes: 160,775 | Gross: $17.27M
A great soundtrack, great characters, great story and great acting. This film showed what Chazz Palminteri could have done in a few other films of the same genre. It showed that De Niro can do the good guy and that the hells angels shouldn't dis respect bars! an all round great film. 8.5/10
9. Superbad (2007)
R | 113 min | Comedy
Two co-dependent high school seniors are forced to deal with separation anxiety after their plan to stage a booze-soaked party goes awry.
Director: Greg Mottola | Stars: Michael Cera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bill Hader
Votes: 631,479 | Gross: $121.46M
Hilarious characters and constant gags. I laugh every time i watch this. So well written. Supergood. 8.5/10
10. Borat (2006)
R | 84 min | Comedy
Kazakh TV talking head Borat is dispatched to the United States to report on the greatest country in the world.
Director: Larry Charles | Stars: Sacha Baron Cohen, Ken Davitian, Luenell, Chester
Votes: 441,355 | Gross: $128.51M
Try not to laugh-its impossible! SBC is fearless and it pays off. The unsuspecting public make this film scarier than most horrors with their behaviour and views which in turn makes borat all the funnier. 9/10
11. Top Gun (1986)
PG | 109 min | Action, Drama
As students at the United States Navy's elite fighter weapons school compete to be best in the class, one daring young pilot learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.
Director: Tony Scott | Stars: Tom Cruise, Tim Robbins, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer
Votes: 501,819 | Gross: $179.80M
Erm..one for the ladies that might land on the island with me....couldnt leave it out! 7/10
12. American History X (1998)
R | 119 min | Crime, Drama
Living a life marked by violence, neo-Nazi Derek finally goes to prison after killing two black youths. Upon his release, Derek vows to change; he hopes to prevent his brother, Danny, who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps.
Director: Tony Kaye | Stars: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien
Votes: 1,184,909 | Gross: $6.72M
Unbelieveable performance from Norton. Powerful stuff and very entertaining. Not for the faint hearted. 9/10
13. Rocky (1976)
PG | 120 min | Drama, Sport
A small-time Philadelphia boxer gets a supremely rare chance to fight the world heavyweight champion in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.
Director: John G. Avildsen | Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Votes: 627,608 | Gross: $117.24M
(1 - 6)
You cant leave these films out, we all have our favourites but you cant just watch 1, you have to watch 1 - 6. Sheer entertainment.
8/10
14. The Exorcist (1973)
R | 122 min | Horror
When a young girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.
Director: William Friedkin | Stars: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb
Votes: 454,241 | Gross: $232.91M
Shocking. Terrifying. Timeless. On its re release in the UK i saw this at the cinema where the audience were divided between those laughing and those cowering behind their seats...or scared idiots who are trying to be hard and normal people. lights on for bed when you watch this. 9/10
15. The Football Factory (2004)
R | 91 min | Crime, Drama, Sport
An insight on the gritty life of a bored male, Chelsea football hooligan who lives for violence, sex, drugs & alcohol.
Director: Nick Love | Stars: Danny Dyer, Frank Harper, Tamer Hassan, Roland Manookian
Votes: 32,746
Say what you will, if you're English and have a pair you love this film. I remember seeing the trailer in the cinema and i couldnt wait to see it. Rod: Let's get out of here Bill, there's six Stoke fans staring right at us. Billy Bright: Right, which one's staring at me. Rod: The one with the hat on. Please don't start Bill. Billy Bright: [pointing at fan] Right see you you c**t, I'll cut you first. 6/10
16. The Dark Knight (2008)
PG-13 | 152 min | Action, Crime, Drama
When the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Votes: 2,866,397 | Gross: $534.86M
Heath Ledger. Enough Said. 9/10
17. Once Were Warriors (1994)
R | 102 min | Crime, Drama
A family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts.
Director: Lee Tamahori | Stars: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga
Votes: 36,802 | Gross: $2.20M
Something different from the usual hollywood films we are used to. Well acted and powerful. Disturbing at times but a great film. Check out Cliff Curtis (Die Hard 4.0, Three Kings and Training Day) as Uncle Bully. 8/10
18. This Is England (2006)
Not Rated | 101 min | Crime, Drama
A young boy becomes friends with a gang of skinheads. Friends soon become like family, and relationships will be pushed to the very limit.
Director: Shane Meadows | Stars: Thomas Turgoose, Stephen Graham, Jo Hartley, Andrew Shim
Votes: 128,639 | Gross: $0.33M
The film and the TV show. Both funny, powerful and we acted. The clothes are brilliant, haircuts stylish and the story immense. The soundtrack is awesome. 9/10
19. The Bourne Identity (2002)
PG-13 | 119 min | Action, Mystery, Thriller
A man is picked up by a fishing boat, bullet-riddled and suffering from amnesia, before racing to elude assassins and attempting to regain his memory.
Director: Doug Liman | Stars: Franka Potente, Matt Damon, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen
Votes: 575,691 | Gross: $121.66M
(+ The Bourne Supremacy and Ultimatum) All 3 fantastic films that you can watch again as soon as they have finished. Just Brilliant. The must coninue making these films as long as Greengrass and Damon are involved. 9.5/10
20. Swingers (1996)
R | 96 min | Comedy, Drama
A wannabe actor has a hard time moving on from a break-up, but he is lucky to have supportive friends.
Director: Doug Liman | Stars: Vince Vaughn, Heather Graham, Jon Favreau, Ron Livingston
Votes: 88,061 | Gross: $4.51M
Cool Soundtrack, cool clothes, cool script and cool film. Launched Favreau and Vaughn and deservedly so. best bit: Mike (Jon Favreau) dancing like a pro with Lorraine (Heather Graham) at the end. 9/10
21. Friends (1994–2004)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, Romance
Follows the personal and professional lives of six twenty to thirty year-old friends living in the Manhattan borough of New York City.
Stars: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc
Votes: 1,086,312
Feel good fun. This will always put a smile on your face. 9.5/10
22. Goodfellas (1990)
R | 145 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
The story of Henry Hill and his life in the mafia, covering his relationship with his wife Karen and his mob partners Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Votes: 1,255,402 | Gross: $46.84M
This film is unbelievable from start to finish, the script, acting, cast and soundtrack are all top drawer. Unmissable. 9.5/10
23. Rounders (1998)
R | 121 min | Crime, Drama
A young, reformed gambler must return to playing high stakes poker to help a friend pay off loan sharks, while balancing his relationship with his girlfriend and his commitments to law school.
Director: John Dahl | Stars: Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Gretchen Mol, John Malkovich
Votes: 160,030 | Gross: $22.91M
The film that made poker cool, another Ed Norton film on my list. I can watch this film on repeat and i never get bored. I think this one is just down to preference! 8/10
24. Kingpin (1996)
PG-13 | 114 min | Comedy, Sport
A star bowler whose career was prematurely "cut off" hopes to ride a new prodigy to success and riches.
Directors: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly | Stars: Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, Bill Murray, Vanessa Angel
Votes: 90,942 | Gross: $24.94M
Bill Murray at his best, pure silly fun. 8/10
25. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
R | 99 min | Comedy, Horror
The uneventful, aimless lives of a London electronics salesman and his layabout roommate are disrupted by the zombie apocalypse.
Director: Edgar Wright | Stars: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis
Votes: 593,224 | Gross: $13.54M
Such a well written comedy, and horror better than most serious recent horror films. Modern classic 9/10
26. Christmas Vacation (1989)
PG-13 | 97 min | Comedy
The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.
Director: Jeremiah S. Chechik | Stars: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki
Votes: 219,986 | Gross: $71.32M
A great way to get into the Xmas spirit and a few easy laughs. Best bit: Clark watching old home videos stuck in the attic with Ray Charles Spirit of Christmas playing-then someone opens the hatch.. 8/10
27. Casino (1995)
R | 178 min | Crime, Drama
In Las Vegas, two best friends - a casino executive and a mafia enforcer - compete for a gambling empire and a fast-living, fast-loving socialite.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods
Votes: 563,087 | Gross: $42.44M
Brutal, sexy, funny and cool! Pesci is crazy, De Niro is smoking and Stone is stunning. A great film from start to finish Best Bit: 'is this your pen?...' 8.5/10
28. Snatch (2000)
R | 102 min | Comedy, Crime
Unscrupulous boxing promoters, violent bookmakers, a Russian gangster, incompetent amateur robbers and supposedly Jewish jewelers fight to track down a priceless stolen diamond.
Director: Guy Ritchie | Stars: Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Stephen Graham, Vinnie Jones
Votes: 909,520 | Gross: $30.33M
One of the best baddies ever-Bricktop. He makes a good film great and his lines have been quoted on many a night out with the boys. Bricktop: ..'i just had them polished, now go and put the kettle on..' Turkish: 'you take sugar?' Bricktop: 'no fank you Turkish...am sweet enough' 8.5/10
29. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
R | 142 min | Drama
Over the course of several years, two convicts form a friendship, seeking consolation and, eventually, redemption through basic compassion.
Director: Frank Darabont | Stars: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Votes: 2,883,834 | Gross: $28.34M
A classic. Morgan freeman can narrate any film and people will be captivated. Throw in a great performance from Tim Robbins and the film is a winner. (plus an amazing story, script and director) 10/10
30. The Wrestler (2008)
R | 109 min | Drama, Sport
A faded professional wrestler must retire, but finds his quest for a new life outside the ring a dispiriting struggle.
Director: Darren Aronofsky | Stars: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis
Votes: 319,722 | Gross: $26.24M
Not a film i was at all interested in seeing but very glad i did. Mickey Rourke can act. Very well. Marisa Tomei is still gorgeous. 9/10
31. Life (I) (1999)
R | 108 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
In 1932, two strangers are wrongfully convicted and develop a strong friendship in prison that lasts them through the 20th century.
Director: Ted Demme | Stars: Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, Obba Babatundé, Nick Cassavetes
Votes: 54,707 | Gross: $63.84M
Eddie Murphy at his best. Why a film hasn't been made with Murphy and Lawrence as 2 old men is beyond me-hilarious. 8/10
32. City of God (2002)
R | 130 min | Crime, Drama
In the slums of Rio, two kids' paths diverge as one struggles to become a photographer and the other a kingpin.
Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund | Stars: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele, Phellipe Haagensen
Votes: 799,802 | Gross: $7.56M
I never watch films i have to read...apart from this. A great story told very well. 8/10
33. Forrest Gump (1994)
PG-13 | 142 min | Drama, Romance
The history of the United States from the 1950s to the '70s unfolds from the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75, who yearns to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart.
Director: Robert Zemeckis | Stars: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Votes: 2,252,882 | Gross: $330.25M
This film is magical, a great watch from start to finish. Just try to hold off the lumps in your throat at the end...Jenny!!! 9.5/10
34. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
R | 169 min | Drama, War
Following the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.
Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns
Votes: 1,494,448 | Gross: $216.54M
35. Grease (1978)
PG | 110 min | Comedy, Musical, Romance
Good girl Sandy Olsson and greaser Danny Zuko fell in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they're now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance?
Director: Randal Kleiser | Stars: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway
Votes: 300,080 | Gross: $188.76M
Everyone has seen this film and its everyone's guilty pleasure. What more needs to be said? 8/10
36. The Town (2010)
R | 125 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A proficient group of thieves rob a bank and hold an assistant manager hostage. Things begin to get complicated when one of the crew members falls in love with her.
Director: Ben Affleck | Stars: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner
Votes: 415,154 | Gross: $92.19M
Wow! What a movie, evrything about this film is top drawer. Instant favourite!
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