Joey’s Top 10s: Top Ten movies of all time

Columnist Joey Franklin takes us through his Top Ten films of all time in second installment of Joey’s Top 10s

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Franklin takes us through a variety of classics, from Disney’s “Hercules” to Indiana Jones. However, it is a 1985 Chevy Chase classic that holds his top spot.

JOEY FRANKLIN

I have always been a movie fan. I grew up on the classics, such as Jurassic Park, Star Wars and the money-machine of Disney movies.

This list is subject to change, and it probably will by the end of the year. I will limit this list to one movie maximum of any given series (one Star Wars, one Lord of the Rings, etc. to keep the list interesting).

  1. “Hercules” 

This is my all-time favorite Disney movie (not including Marvel or Star Wars).

Usually, I am not a huge fan of musicals, but this is a definite exception for me. The animation style, use of color and songs come together really well to make an exceptional movie.

“Hercules” is very easy to watch and re-watch, and the characters are enthralling.

  1. “The Amazing Spider-Man”

Andrew Garfield did not get much love and appreciation for his depiction of Spider-Man until the release of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” in late 2021. Nonetheless, he has been my favorite rendition of Spider-Man the moment I saw “The Amazing Spider-Man” in the movie theater in 2012.

His endless quips and banter keep the movie really fun. The Lizard is not the best comic book villain, but Garfield and Emma Stone’s dynamic really make the movie.

  1. “Alien”

Arguably the best sci-fi movie of all time, “Alien” holds still its ground 43 years after being released.

The Xenomorph is one of the scariest creatures to ever cross the big screen, and Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley is one of the best fictional characters of all time. The suspense runs high during the entire movie, and you never feel safe until the credits roll.

The sequels (and prequels) to “Alien” never quite match the original in terms of suspense, storytelling or characters. “Aliens” (the second installment in the series, and the origin of a hilarious conversation I had with my dad while trying the explain that “Aliens” is the sequel to “Alien”) is probably the best follow-up to “Alien.”

  1. “The Dark Knight”

Widely known as the best superhero movie ever, Christian Bale portrays Bruce Wayne and his dark alter ego, Batman.

While Bale is one of the best actors to play Batman, Heath Ledger steals the show with his rendition of the Joker.

My one complaint with this movie is that it runs 2 1/2 hours long, but the movie keeps you engaged the entire time.

“The Dark Knight” is one of the darkest comic book movies, and it works really well. The darker themes and tones throughout the movie make this DC movie a nice change of pace from the Marvel movie formula, where the movies essentially have the same plot every time.

  1. “Jurassic Park”

“Jurassic Park” is one of the first movies I remember watching when I was a kid. The scream that the T-Rex lets out is such an icon sound effect.

The movie mixes tense moments and humor very well. The scene with the velociraptors in the kitchen is a heartstopper.

If you ever want to experience that scene for yourself, you can buy “Jurassic World Aftermath” for virtual reality. It is horrifying.  The first time I played, my cat brushed my leg and I nearly jumped out of my skin.

Now for my top five personal favorite movies of all time. I can watch these movies as many times as I want to and never get bored. I sincerely think that these movies should be on everybody’s list, especially my top three. 

  1. “Casino Royale”

This was the first James Bond movie I watched, and it is by far the best that I have seen of the series.

Le Chiffre is an interesting villain, and the stakes feel high throughout the entire movie. The stunts seem realistic and the plot throughout the entire movie keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Daniel Craig’s version of James Bond is very serious, and the spy aspect of his movies seems a lot less campy than the prior versions of James Bond.

  1. “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”

It might have been the over-the-top memes made out of the movie, it might have been a high school crush or it could have been Natalie Portman, but this tops all 11 Star Wars movies for me (12 including the animated “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” movie).

The prequels (“Star Wars” episodes 1-3) have the best storyline out of all the movies, from trade disputes to back-stabbing politicians to the fiery climax on the lava beach on Mustafar. Episode 3 in particular has a seemingly endless supply of quotable lines and memorable moments.

  1. “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark”

These top three could be in any order and could still be accurate. Indiana Jones is the most iconic character of all time, hands down.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be Indiana Jones when I grew up. He was not the best role model, but it was clear he always did what was right, and that left a big impression on me.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” is a masterclass in storytelling and character crafting. Harrison Ford delivers a brilliant performance as an archaeology professor by day, and adventurer by night.

  1. “Caddyshack”

“Caddyshack” is a classic comedy with an all-star cast. Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray and Michael O’Keefe headline the ensemble.

The movie seems to be largely improvised and follows the loose plot of a young golf caddy trying to earn a scholarship to pay for college.

Nearly every scene comes with a laugh, and Kenny Loggins lays down some killer songs for the soundtrack. Dangerfield is hysterical, and Chase delivers his usual subtle silver tongue-esque way of talking.

  1. “Fletch”

“Fletch” is the newest addition to my top ten list, taking the top spot, watching for the first time only a few months ago.

Another Chevy Chase movie, his character Irwin Fletcher is an investigative reporter in Los Angeles who has to go deep (and I mean deeeeeep) undercover to solve a mystery. Fletch takes on a multitude of disguises, which are better off seen rather than described. It is a must-watch movie.