The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix (1999)

[9] A man slowly discovers that reality is not what it seems and that we are all actually slaves to more advanced technological organisms in this uber-cool, groundbreaking sci-fi flick with an incredible screenplay and visionary aesthetics. There is a…
Titanic (1997)

Titanic (1997)

[9] By anchoring his screenplay in one of the most inherently compelling tragedies of the twentieth century and placing the the weight of the story on Kate Winslet's able shoulders, James Cameron concocts a recipe for the biggest money-making movie…
Jurassic Park (1993)

Jurassic Park (1993)

[9] If you think of this movie as Jaws on land, as director Steven Spielberg has suggested, it can't quite compare to that masterpiece. The characters aren't strong enough. But it's still a hell of a summer event movie, delivering…
Death Becomes Her (1992)

Death Becomes Her (1992)

[10] Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis headline this supremely dark comedy about two rival women (Streep and Hawn) who take a potion promising them youth and eternal life. But jealousy consumes them and leads to both their deaths.…
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

[9] This is one of those rare sequels that is arguably better than its predecessor. It may not be as raw and moody as The Terminator, but Terminator 2 is a kick-ass action movie -- one of the best ever…
The Abyss (1989)

The Abyss (1989)

[9] Underwater oil drillers are forced to work with the military to recover lost nuclear warheads, but they discover far more lurking in the depths of the ocean... This unique underwater sci-fi/thriller from James Cameron (Terminator, Aliens) is an ambitious,…
Aliens (1986)

Aliens (1986)

[10]

James Cameron accomplishes a rare feat with a sequel that doesn’t shame the original and succeeds on its own merits.  Aliens is so different in tone than the original Alien, I think of it as a sequel only in name (this goes for all the Alien movies).  In a smart move, Cameron decided not to compete with Ridley Scott in the areas of horror and suspense.  Aliens is decidedly a combat movie.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

[9] It may not be as clever or well-crafted as its predecessor, but the first Indy Jones sequel (which is technically a prequel) is still loads of fun. In place of the Nazis, we get a blood-drinking Indian cult, and…
Return of the Jedi (1983)

Return of the Jedi (1983)

[9] Compared to the previous two episodes in the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi comes up a bit short in character and drama. Richard Marquand's direction isn't as elegant or purposeful as Irvin Kershner's (who directed The Empire Strikes…
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

[10] In Steven Spielberg's blockbuster classic, a young boy named Elliot (Henry Thomas) takes care of a stranded alien, helping him send a message into space for the mother ship to return and rescue him.  E.T. is about loneliness and…