I thought I'd fit the trend and make my own list.

10. I Robot

I can't say why this film sucked me in so much, but I thought the atmosphere was fantastic, and I have to admit I think Will Smith was excellent. Although not hugely original I found it fascinating the question how would humanity survive of our machines turned against us. Reminded me of Mass Effect and the Quarian Geth relationship.

9. The Shawshank Redemption

I like the relationship between Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in the film, and the fact that it shows the darker side of prison life, as well as the prospect of realising you have to sit in prison for years of your life, years wasted, and all the thoughts that would come with that free time. I liked the plot twist too, as well as the film in general. Sometimes its hard to place what you liked about a film, but I know I found this film enjoyable.

8. Full Metal Jacket

I watched this yesterday and ... wow. "You can walk the walk but can you talk the talk" is but one of the quotes I picked up from this film that have become commonplace in society. To add I was impressed how it showed the darker side to the military: the indoctrination, the "Section 8's", the "far away look" soldiers get in Vietnam and war in general from seeing too much combat and the point the film raises about how nobody wanted the American's in Vietnam, and they saw their friends die for a useless cause, only to be criticised as soon as the war turned bad. Thought provoking.

7. Apocalypse Now

I've read heart of Darkness and found Copella adapted the film very well. Don't go into this thinking its a film about war, its not. It explores the darker side of human nature, and captures fear and suspense brilliantly. To add the introduction with "The End" by "The Doors" and the helicopter's dropping napalm is fantastic and then merging into the present in the character's head and with the fan blades spinning is fantastic. It goes to show for a soldier the war carries on fighting in your head even though the conflict has ended. Contemporary and relevant even now, especially with retired or wounded war veterans in Iraq suffering from PTS.

6. House Of Flying Daggers

Something about the film was beautiful. The relationship between the girl and the guy, the scenery, the music...of course the action was fantastic, but I felt this film was more about the relationship between the three main characters then about action. Thoughtful and emotional, I recommend watching it.

5. The Sixth Sense

The twist...wow. i didn't see that coming. Intelligent and frightening, you have to watch it. Very well directed too.

4. Gladiator

I have seen this film so many times. The soundtrack is brilliant, the acting perfect and the directing during the fighting is clear and realistic. Commodus if a fascinating character, like somebody out of Shakespeare, and his character faults and downfall are in many ways tragic and touching, as is their impact on Maximus.

The film is very well written too: one quote that sticks in my mind is

"Commodus: If you're very good, tomorrow night I'll tell you the story of emperor Claudius who was betrayed by those closest to him, by his own blood. They whispered in dark corners and went out late at night and conspired and conspired but the emperor Claudius knew they were up to something. He knew they were busy little bees. And one night he sat down with one of them and he looked at her and he said, "Tell me what you've been doing busy little bee or I shall strike down those dearest to you. You shall watch as I bathe in their blood." And the emperor was heartbroken. The little bee had wounded him more deeply than anyone else could ever have done. And what do you think happened then, Lucius?
Lucius Verus: I don't know, uncle.
Commodus: The little bee told him everything.

The music, the candles, the look of fear on the boy and his mother's face and Commodus' mad grin...haunting.

3. Once upon a time in America

I loved the feel of this film. Sometimes, possibly due to its length, I think the Godfather is seen as better. I disagree and I found it fascinating watching the change in American history and culture and the impact it had on the boys you see as they grow up into adulthood and old age. Again I can only recommend you watch the film, as apart from the fact the acting is brilliant, its really something you have to see as opposed to describe. The shot of the changing Brooklyn Bridge sticks in my mind particularly.

2. Casablanca

Timeless: I loved the feel to this film, I loved the period setting, and I loved the acting. The story is brilliant and the film captures the romance and relationship between Rick and Ilsa brilliantly. Just watch it and you'll understand what I mean abut the atmosphere. It also seems a very cool film despite the fact it was made in the 40's: the hats, the suits, the jazz etc.

1. 2001: A space odyssey

My favourite Kubrick film. I just love how philosophical the film is. I think directors these days aren't nearly so imaginative and groundbreaking as they could be: Kubrick really puts a lot of questions out there. I also like how the film is split into four distinct sections each with a point: Man's reverence for God and the divine, man's evolution and independence but his dependence on his tools, man's loss of use of his tools and man's eventual victory over them and enlightenment to something more.

If you watch the film for the first time, then make sure you check out an analysis as some bits you couldn't pick up by yourself. Like when the astronaut heads into space: yes space is large and daunting, and man in comparison is small and insignificant, but the breathing as the only sound effect highlights something more: man, in space, is like a fish out of water. Hence his reliance on H.A.L, which will eventually turn against him. Anyway a lot of points crammed into one fantastic movie. A definite must see.

Notable mentions: The Seventh Seal, Pi: Faith in Chaos, Alien, Aliens, The Usual suspects, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Being John Malkovich, 12 Monkeys, Donnie Darko and all the other films I've watched but have forgotten about.