100 Lesser-Known Movies to Watch at Home 2: The New Batch

In early 2020, when we found ourselves trapped in lockdown as COVID began to rear its ugly head, I put together a lengthy list of a hundred films to check out from the comfort of your own home (here if you missed it). Two years later, we’re still sheltering a bit as life hasn’t quite returned to normal — who knows if it ever will. So I present to you another hundred titles you may not be familiar with, all available to stream at the publication of this post. Hope that you find a few new gems in here — a good resource for finding where they are streaming or rentable is justwatch.com. If you like the list, please share with others!

Also, please give me a follow on letterboxd — it’s a great site for reviewing and cataloging movies and connecting with other loves of film! The previous list is on there as well as this one.

1. All is Lost (2013)

“I'm sorry. I know that means little at this point, but I am. I tried, I think you would all agree that I tried.”

Robert Redford commands the screen in one of his best performances in this harrowing tale of survival at sea from J.C. Chandor (“A Most Violent Year”). A sailor on a solo voyage in the Indian Sea awakes to find his boat taking on water after colliding with a rogue shipping container. Ruining his navigation and radio equipment, he finds himself heading straight towards a massive storm. This nearly dialogue free (only the opening has a tiny bit of voice over) adventure is a strong addition to the man-against-nature film cannon (as is the following entry on the list; I guess if it’s a survival film, it starts with “A” – I’m also looking at you, “Alive”). Redford conveys a lot with saying literally nothing. Although it got an Oscar nom for sound, and a Golden Globe nod for Redford, it never quite found the audience it deserves.
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2. Arctic (2018)

“They are looking for you, don't worry. They'll be here tomorrow…. Or the day after tomorrow. Don’t worry.”

I've been a sucker for survival films ever since seeing "Alive" as a teen. No cannibalism in this one -- though with Hannibal himself as the lead, who knows what happened pre-opening scene. Mads Mikkelsen can act his way out of anything, even the vast frozen tundra. Mads plays Overgård, a man stranded in the arctic after a plane crash. After an accident lands another in his care, he has to decide if he should wait for an unlikely rescue, or make a long seemingly impossible trek to find help. In a largely wordless performance, he's mesmerizing in every frame -- his facial expressions say more than enough. It's a fantastic directorial debut for Joe Penna, who keeps you engrossed the whole 98 mins. I only wish I had been able to see this on a big screen -- the scenery is both brutal and breathtaking. Turn off your devices and give it your full attention.
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3. Band of Robbers (2015)

“I’m Greg!”

I had two favorite books growing up: “Treasure Island,” and “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” So I really dug this loose, imaginative modern retelling of the Twain classic, with a game cast including Adam Nee and Kyle Gallner (as Tom and Huck), Matthew Gray Gubler, Melissa Benoist, Johnny Pemberton and a scene-stealing Hannibal Buress.
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4. Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes (2020)

“A TV that transcends time!”

Such a fun, goofy time-travel-loop comedy from Japan, with a simple (yet headache-inducing) concept executed perfectly for a brisk 70 minutes. Kato (Kazunari Tosa) discovers a two-minute time loop between his cafe and apartment via his TV. With the help of friends, he discovers how to see further into the future, and the immediate trouble it brings into his life. Shot on an iPhone (don't miss the behind the scenes footage midway through the end credits), it's a single take marvel with its own circular logic that's best to just surrender to and enjoy. And if this doesn't make sense, I'll be back to explain it to myself in two minutes.
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5. Blue Collar (1978)

“Credit's the only thing you can get free from the company. Got a house, fridge, dishwasher, washer-dryer, TV, stereo, motorcycle, car... 'buy this shit, buy that shit.’ All you got's a buncha shit.”

Paul Schrader’s directorial debut is an absolutely astounding look at union practices, race, and the difficulties to survive under the thumb of those above you. Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel and Yaphet Kotto star as three autoworkers at a plant in Wayne County, Michigan, struggling to make ends meet. Fed up with their mistreatment from management and union bosses, they hatch a plot to rob a safe at union headquarters – but what they find starts a series of events that’ll test all of them. The film succeeds as a drama, thriller and comedy, with the three leads doing some of their best work of their careers, particularly Pryor who shows what great dramatic chops he had. Powerful and scathing, it’s one of the best unheralded movies of the 70s. Also starring Ed Begley, Jr., Cliff DeYoung, Lane Smith and Harry Bellaver.
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6. Boy (2010)

“She reckons it's better to risk your money on something big and be real poor, than sit around being a bit poor.”

This early, hilarious Taika Waititi film has his trademark whimsy and playful fantasy elements along with engaging performances and moments of effective drama. The title Boy (James Rolleston) is a spunky 11-year-old with an active imagination and a Michael Jackson obsession living in a small New Zealand town. Having idolized his absent father (Waititi) his whole life, his expectations come crashing down when the deadbeat hoodlum suddenly resurfaces. Don’t miss the end credits dance sequence. Also starring Waititi regular Rachel House.
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7. Brigsby Bear (2017)

“Everyone says they're trying to help me but nobody can find me the new episode of Brigsby.”

Kyle Mooney’s weird and brilliant comedy works by staying true to the world created by the protagonist and heart of the film, James (Mooney). Raised off the grid by his parents (Mark Hamill and Jane Adams), James is obsessed with the children’s TV show Brigsby Bear. When he once again enters society (for reasons I won’t go into here), he has a hard time adjusting but never loses site of the one thing that means more to him than anyone. Mooney plays it straight and really commits to his skewed reality, and the rest of the cast is aces – Beck Bennett, Matt Walsh, Michaela Watkins, Greg Kinnear, Claire Danes, Tim Heidecker, Nick Rutherford, Andy Samberg and Ryan Simpkins. Directed by his Good Neighbor castmate, Dave McCary.
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8. A Brilliant Young Mind (x+y) (2014)

“When somebody says they love you it means they see something in you they think is worth something... It adds value to you.”

Leave it to the unimaginative execs in Hollywood to change the title to "A Brilliant Young Mind" stateside. “x+y” (original UK title) is an astounding, gentle and effective look at the struggles of those on the Autism spectrum. A very good Asa Butterfield plays Nathan, a young man who only finds comfort in numbers and patterns. After losing his father in a car accident, his mother (Sally Hawkins, always great) struggles to connect with him, but nurtures his gift of maths along with his teacher Martin (Rafe Spall, flashing some shaggy dog charm here), who helps him earn a spot on the UK squad in the International Maths Olympiad. It's full of little human moments and details that make it such a rewarding watch. The ensemble also includes Eddie Marsan, Jo Yang, Alex Lawther and Jake Davies (who gives a real standout performance as a teammate who struggles to fit in more than Nathan does).
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9. Chu and Blossom (2014)

“I want to show you something. This is my view.”

Likable indie comedy drama anchored by a winning performance from Charles Chu as a Korean foreign exchange student torn between his studies and familial expectations and his budding friendship with a performance artist (Ryan O’Nan). The two have inspired fish out of water chemistry, and there’s good support from Alan Cumming, Annie Potts, Mercedes Ruehl, Melanie Lynsky, Richard Kind and a charming Caitlin Stasey (who plays Chu’s photography classmate and potential love interest).
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10. Coherence (2014)

“If the chicken tastes like tuna, then it must be Miller’s Comet.”

Micro-budget sci-fi mindbender debut from James Ward Byrkit follows a group of eight friends at a dinner party when a comet passes overhead and, well, stuff happens. The largely improvisational film is tough to make sense of, but that’s part of the fun, with a solid cast (who only knew their character motivations each day) led by the excellent Emily Baldoni piecing things together along with the viewer. With Nicholas Brendon, Maury Sterling, Elizabeth Gracen, Lorene Scafaria, Alex Manugian, Hugo Armstrong and Lauren Maher.
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11. The Collector (1965)

“You could fall in love with me if you tried. I've done everything I could to make it easy. You just won't try!”

A young Terence Stamp goes full-on psycho in William Wyler’s adaptation of the novel by John Fowles. It follows Freddie (Stamp, quietly terrifying), an awkward man and entomology hobbyist who stalks and abducts an art student (a terrific Samantha Eggar, who received an Oscar nomination for her performance) and stashes her in his newly-acquired farmhouse, in a room equipped with the basics and art tools. A tumultuous relationship of some sort begins between them, and the two actors excel while pitted against each other. It’s disturbing, well-crafted filmmaking, and also received Oscar noms for its screenplay and Wyler’s direction.
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12. Colossal (2016)

“You're gonna keep working at the bar, or I'm gonna come back here tomorrow, and destroy an entire neighborhood.”

Just another weird sci-fi dramatic kaiju dark comedy – sure are getting tired of those! This intoxicating genre mashup follows Gloria (Anne Hathaway), a writer with a serious alcohol problem who moves back to her hometown in New Hampshire after breaking up with her NYC boyfriend (Dan Stevens). She reconnects with her childhood friend Oscar (Jason Sudeikis), who offers her a job at his bar. She soon discovers she’s linked to a giant monster appearing in Seoul, South Korea – and that that isn’t the only monster in her life. Hathaway is excellent, as is Jason Sudeikis, who charms – until he doesn’t. It doesn’t all work, but when it does it’s an incredible, unique film experience. With Tim Blake Nelson and Austin Stowell, written and directed by Nacho Vigalondo (“Timecrimes”).
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13. Columbus (2017)

“You grow up around something, and it feels like nothing.”

First feature from writer/director/editor Kogonada (who also helmed the recently released “After Yang”) is a hypnotic, beautiful meditation on familial responsibility, creativity, and the struggle of following your own path. John Cho plays Jin, who has journeyed to Columbus, Indiana to watch over his architect father who has fallen into a coma. He meets Casey (Haley Lu Richardson), a librarian who is similarly stuck there, taking care of her recovering addict mother (Michelle Forbes). The two walk and talk a lot, with the town’s intricately designed modernistic buildings as backdrops. Every shot is meticulously composed by cinematographer Elisha Christian, with the gray skies coloring the somber mood of the piece (also punctuated by the subtle score by Hammock). It’s a film where a little says a lot, and even though the pace is more of a rainy day stroll than a sprint, the feel of it lingers well after the credits have rolled. Also starring Parker Posey and Rory Culkin.
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14. Copshop (2021)

“I drew you a dick. It just got weird.”

Stylish, fun over-the-top action movie from Joe Carnahan is chock full of clever one-liners, with shades of “Assault on Precinct 13.” On-the-run shady con-man Teddy (Frank Grillo) gets himself incarcerated to hide out from a bevy of hitmen and crooked cops, including assassin Viddick (Gerard Butler, showing some charm here) and a scene-and-movie-stealing psychopath played by Toby Huss. Alexis Louder shines as Officer Young, a no-nonsense rookie cop who should have her own action franchise (she’s that good). It takes a minute to get going, but once it does, it’s a ridiculous ride if you surrender to it.
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15. Damsel (2018)

“Regular horses don't have names, they're just, uh, you know, regular.”

Robert Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska star in this odd, feminist dark Western comedy from the Zellner Brothers (whose “Kumiko the Treasure Hunter” shows up later on this list). Pattinson plays Samuel, a smitten guitar playing cowboy who journeys with his miniature horse Butterscotch and a pastor to find, rescue and marry Penelope (Wasikowska) – who doesn’t need saving. Leisurely paced (it ambles along at a speed that might frustrate some viewers), well shot and full of offbeat scenes and performances (Pattison and Wasikowska are both fantastic here, and Robert Forster kicks things off in a memorable extended cameo), it’s a unique and challenging film that subverts expectations. Also starring directors David Zellner and Nathan Zellner, Joseph Billingerie, Gabe Casdorph and Russell Mael of the band Sparks.
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16. Dating Amber (2020)

“You look like a shite version of the guy from Blur.”

Sweetly funny and effective coming out film from Ireland follows two closeted teens – Amber (Lola Petticrew) and Eddie (Fionn O’Shea), who agree to date each other until school is over to avoid ridicule from their classmates. A great friendship is born, and as Amber begins to embrace her queerness, Eddie pushes away from it. The two leads have an easy chemistry and excel in their roles – their journey together is brilliantly constructed over a brisk 90 minutes. Speaking of 90’s, the film is set smack dab in the middle of ‘em, and the period details are on point. With Sharon Horgan, Barry Ward, Lauryn Canney and Simone Kirby.
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17. Days of the Bagnold Summer (2019)

“I’m afraid you’re stuck with boring old me for six weeks, but we’ll have fun.”

Finally, a movie that combines Belle and Sebastian and Metallica! Charming directorial debut from The Inbetweener's Simon Bird, based on the graphic novel by Joff Winterhart, follows single mom Sue (Monica Dolin) and her teenage son Daniel (Earl Cave, son of Nick) during one long summer, having a hard go of it together after his absent father flakes on him. It captures that teenage negativity perfectly, when anything and everything you do with your mom is "embarrassing" or "the worst." Light on plot but heavy in funny human moments, it's worth a watch. Also starring Rob Brydon, Alice Lowe and Tamsin Greig. #SkullSlayerForever
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18. The Death of Dick Long (2019)

"What'd they do in Pulp Fiction?"
"They called Anthony Kiedis."
"No, you're thinking of Harvey Keitel, Anthony Kiedis was in the Chili Peppers."

Super dark comedy from Daniel Scheinert (one half of the Daniels, the team behind "Swiss Army Man" and "Everything Everywhere All At Once") follows two bandmates (Michael Abbott, Jr. and Andre Hyland, who excel in their roles) trying to cover up the unusual death (that's putting it mildly) of their buddy after a wild night. Comparisons to "Fargo" and "The Hangover" are apt, with laughs being mined out of the idiot decisions Earl and Zeke continue to make as things spiral out of control -- and a bit of convincing drama as information begins to be revealed. There's definitely a lot of anxiety-riddled cringe moments, which may turn off some viewers, as well as some sensitive plot points that I won't begin to go into, but it's a pretty rewarding watch from the A24 canon. With Sarah Baker, Virginia Newcomb, Sunita Mani, Jess Weixler, Roy Wood, Jr., the covered music of Staind and Nickelback, and the director himself in the ill-fated title role.
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19. Diani and Devine Meet the Apocalypse (2016)

“Oh, hi. We were just looking for some deserted homes to loot.”
“Honey, it’s looters!”

Ok, so I’m a little biased as I have a role in the film, but Gabriel Diani and Etta Devine’s kickstarted wonder is a really fun end-of-the world comedy. The two star as versions of themselves, a comedy duo in LA unprepared to deal with the sudden oncoming apocalypse. What follows is a super entertaining road film, with the two coming across all sorts of odd characters, including unusual hunters (played hilariously by Barry Bostwick, Armin Shimerman, Harry Groener, Kitty Swink and more), a friendly yet weirdly off couple who welcome them into their home (Jonathan Silverman and Janet Varney), well-armed hippies (Kirsten Vangsness and Ayre Gross), a myopic butler (John Apicella), and a real estate agent more concerned with selling a property than surviving (uh, me, Cole Stratton). Cleverly written and well made, it’s a goofy and enjoyable time. Also check out their first film, “The Selling,” which is lots of fun as well. With Jocelyn Towne, Robert Pine, Dawn Didawick, Amir Talai, Ramon De Ocampo and America Young.
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20. Dope (2015)

“If Neil deGrasse Tyson were writing about Ice Cube, this is what it would look like.”

Writer / Director Rick Famuyiwa crafted this lively, funny and dramatic look at three teens growing up in Inglewood, CA. At the center is Malcolm (a great Shameik Moore, who more than adequately carries the film), a self-professed nerd who embraces 90s Hip Hop culture and dreams of heading to Harvard. Along with his pals/bandmates Jib (Tony Revolori) and Diggy (Kiersey Clemons), he becomes embroiled in a plot centering around his backpack and illegal good stashed there during a raid at a party. The film feels fresh and vibrant at all times, and marries the comedy with a strong dramatic POV brilliantly. The killer soundtrack helps too, with music from A Tribe Called Quest, Digital Underground, Eric B. and Rakim, Naughy By Nature, Black Sheep and more, with original songs penned by Pharrell Williams. The rest of the uniformly good cast features Zoë Kravitz, ASAP Rocky, Blake Anderson, LaKeith Stanfield, Roger Guenveur Smith, Kimberly Elise, Chanel Iman, Tyga, Vince Staples and Forest Whitaker as a laid-back narrator.
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21. Driveways (2019)

“You know what I wish? I wish we could do it all over again. Be a little more deliberate. Take our time.”

I love Brian Dennehy – the shot of him walking away from the blazing barn in “Silverado” is forever etched into my mind. As is this little, quiet and magnificent film – a fitting send off for one of the greatest unheralded actors of all time. Dennehy stars as Del, an elderly widower and war vet who lives quietly in upstate New York. Enter Kathy (a perfect Hong Chau) and her young son Cody (Lucas Jaye, who gives a real strong, naturalistic performance), who arrive to clean out her deceased sister’s hoarder house next door. Slowly, they build a relationship with the reclusive Del, with Del and Cody forming a serious bond. Released at the start of the pandemic, it’s a film about kindness, decency and connecting with your neighbors, which was in short supply in early 2020. Directed by Andrew Ahn, with supporting turns from Christine Ebersole, Jerry Adler and Stan Carp.
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22. The Dry (2020)

“Suburbia in the country? Worst of both worlds.”

Solid Australian mystery thriller with Eric Bana essentially solving two murders twenty years apart. Meticulously plotted and well acted by the ensemble, it’s a slow burn that pays off and gets under your skin. Based on the book by Jane Harper, directed by Robert Connolly. With Bruce Spence, Genevieve O’Reilly, Keir O’Donnell, Miranda Tapsell and James Frecheville.
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23. The Exchange (2021)

“These are your friends? They look sad.”
“Uh they’re The Smiths.”

Tim Long and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Couple Months. This charming Canadian indie works, thanks largely to the likable performances, ‘80s setting and character-based humor. Avan Jogia’s portrayal of French exchange student Stephan is hilarious — his confidence and kindness sort of reminded me of an over-sexed Ted Lasso. Ed Oxenbould makes a good foil, Jayli Wolf is an adorable goofy nerd and Justin Hartley hams it up as a big fish in a small town track coach. A fun 90 minutes.
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24. Experimenter (2015)

“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.”

Michael Almereyda’s unusual and fascinating biopic of famed experimenter Stanley Milgram (well played by Peter Sarsgaard) chronicles his controversial study on obedience behavior in the early 60s – with a bevy of fantastic character actors taking part including Anthony Edwards, John Leguizamo, Anton Yelchin and Jim Gaffigan. The film itself is a bit of an experiment on the viewer – the fourth wall is routinely broken, with a fake-bearded Milgram narrating his own story and even breaking into song; several sequences are shot on sets in front of rear-projection; and a literal elephant in the room wanders across scenes. It’s an informative and interesting watch, even if it loses some steam in its last third. With Winona Ryder, Taryn Manning, Dennis Haysbert (as Ossie Davis), Kellan Lutz (as William Shatner), John Palladino, Lori Singer, Edoardo Ballarini, Josh Hamilton and Vondie Curtis-Hall.
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25. Extra Ordinary (2019)

“Why don't we see ghosts every day? The truth is ghosts are around us all the time, but most hauntings are so small they go unnoticed. For example, a pen, a pen lid, a gravel, a trapped sound, a child's ball or balls, a wheeled bin.”

Charming and stupid (I mean that as a compliment) Irish horror comedy is a great vehicle for Maeve Higgins (catch her stand-up sometime, she’s fantastic). She plays Rose, a driving instructor who also has supernatural abilities that she tries to ignore. When a washed-up rock star (Will Forte, chewing scenery) makes a deal with the devil, Rose has to help a father (Barry Ward) save her possessed daughter. Absurdly funny, occasionally scary, and pretty entertaining. With Claudia O’Doherty, Jamie Beamish, Terri Chandler and Emma Coleman.
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26. Family (2018)

“I’m usually in this place where I hate myself, but I still think I’m better than everyone else, you know?”

Taylor Schilling (“Orange is the New Black”) stars as Kate, a career-oriented woman who is also a total mess. After a family emergency, her brother Joe (Eric Edelstein) asks her to babysit her tween niece Maddie (Bryn Vale). She reluctantly agrees to help, and somehow finds common ground with her – even though all she wants to do is run away and become a Juggalo. There’s lots to like here in the directorial debut by Laura Steinel, especially the supporting cast featuring Kate McKinnon, Allison Tolman, Matt Walsh, Jessie Ennis and Bryan Tyree Henry, and the Juggalos themselves. Crack open a two-liter of Faygo and have a great time.
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27. Fast Color (2018)

“The world’s gonna die. I can feel it.”

Julia Hart’s excellent character-based Sci-fi film follows Ruth (the always solid Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a woman with supernatural abilities on the run from a creepy scientist (Christopher Denham). She returns home to her mother Bo (Lorraine Toussaint) and estranged daughter Lila (Saniyya Sidney) to attempt to harness her powers, reconnect with her family and stay out of the clutches of the government. It’s an incredible superhero origins story, with women of color at the forefront. Well-crafted and acted, and featuring solid special effects, it also stars David Strathairn.
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28. Flipped (2010)

“You know, Bryce... one's character is set at an early age. I'd hate to see you swim out so far you can't swim back.”

Underappreciated Rob Reiner film that functions like a pre-teen He Said / She Said – the story follows Juli (Madeline Carroll) who meets Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) in second grade and immediately falls in love with him, though he doesn’t feel the same way – until he does. It’s a gentle, nostalgic feel-good romance set in the 50’s and 60’s, and the device of seeing things from both perspectives works well here. Also starring Rebecca De Mornay, Anthony Edwards, John Mahoney, Penelope Ann Miller, Aidan Quinn and Kevin Weisman.
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29. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

"Who would win in a fight to the death -- me, or a bird?"

Charming, often hilarious, and touching film with Paul Rudd as a damaged man working as a caregiver to a wisecracking teen (Craig Roberts) who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy. They go on an unforgettable road trip together to see terrible roadside attractions, meeting other damaged souls along the way, including Selena Gomez as a runaway trying to get to Denver. Rudd and Roberts have a great rapport, and the dialogue really sings -- I found myself smiling the whole time and often laughing out loud (and I can be a tough audience). The film also deals with familial loss and strained ties effectively and emotionally. It's a lean and rewarding 90 minutes.
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30. George Washington (2000)

“I'm a hero because I like to save people's lives. Stuff like that.”

First film from writer/director David Gordon Green is a powerful, atmospheric look at group of kids in a poor North Carolina town, whose friendship is tested after a tragic accident one summer. Beautifully shot and skillfully acted by the unknown cast (the main trio of Candace Evanofski, Curtis Cotton III and Donald Holden are phenomenal), it slowly hooks you in and gets you on an emotional level.
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31. The Good, The Bad, The Weird (2008)

“People must know that they're going to die, and yet they live as though they never will. Hilarious.”

Korean action western that’s a stylish, energetic and full-on-fun homage to Leone, the film is a breathtaking, exhilarating ride. Taking place in 1940s Manchuria, three very different men seek a treasure map – The Good (Jung Woo-sung), a bounty hunter; The Bad (Lee-Byung hung), a hitman; and The Weird (Song Kang-ho), a thief. To find the buried riches, they’ll battle the army, bandits, and each other. Beautifully shot, with fantastic set pieces, and a wry sense of humor, it’s one of the best westerns to come from the east. Directed by Kim Jee-woon.
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32. Grace of My Heart (1996)

“I don't want to burst your bubble, but not only do we have someone like you. We are trying to get rid of the someone like you.”

Allison Anders’ terrific showcase for the wonderful Illeana Douglas is a spirited look at a young singer in the Brill Building 1960’s struggling to break through. Edna (Douglas) records a demo but is constantly turned down by labels. Her songwriting stands out and she is signed by Joel (John Turturro), who creates a new persona for her, and she begins to find success writing tunes for other artists. She continues to do well, but can’t find the spotlight for herself. The music is fantastic (mostly penned by Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach, and also including hits of the era), and the supporting cast is phenomenal – including Bridget Fonda, Chris Isaak, Eric Stoltz, Matt Dillion, Patsy Kensit, Richard Schiff, Bruce Davison, David Clennon and Jennifer Leigh Warren.
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33. Grand Piano (2013)

“You're not in control, Tom. The audience is control. And right now, I'm your audience.”

Damien Chazelle (pre “Whiplash”) wrote this completely ridiculous yet entertaining yarn that owes a ton to Brian DePalma. Elijah Wood stars as Tom Selznick, a piano prodigy struck with stage fright after a concert meltdown five years earlier. Now married to a famous actress (Kerry Bishé), he’s coaxed into playing a show honoring his late teacher on his beloved piano. With his wife and friends in attendance, he suddenly finds himself the target of a sniper (John Cusack, mostly in voice over) with a vested interest in Tom playing a perfect show. Sort of like “Phone Booth” for the Classical set, it moves with silly precision as a cat and mouse game begins between the two. Surrender to the absurdity and you’ll enjoy its quick 90 minutes. Also starring Alex Winter, Dan McManus, Allen Leech and Tamsin Egerton.
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34. The Grand Seduction (2013)

“We must all become cricket aficionados. It's kinda like baseball, but it's only got two bases and, uh, no one wears gloves.”

The always reliable Brendan Gleeson stars as Murray, a resident of the Newfoundland harbor town Tickle Head, who hatches a plan to lure a young doctor (Taylor Kitsch) to town to help entice an oil company looking for a place to set up shop and create jobs the depressed town desperately need. Shades of “Local Hero” permeate this pleasant, amiable ensemble comedy (a remake from a 2003 Quebec film) with fun turns from Gordon Pinsent, Liane Balaban and Mark Critch. Directed by Don McKellar.
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35. Greener Grass (2019)

“I have Julian here. He’s a dog now.”

This one won’t be for everybody, but this incredibly bizarre comedy builds its odd world and dares you to live in it – a place where all the adults have braces, a soccer ball passes for a baby, and a boy can turn into a dog just by falling into a pool. There’s something hypnotic about the ridiculousness of it all, and its full of great comedic performers from SNL and UCB – D’Arcy Carden, Mary Holland, Beck Bennett, Neil Casey, Dot-Marie Jones, Jim Cummings, John Milhiser, Janicza Bravo and writer/director/stars Jocelyn DeBoer and Dawn Luebbe.
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36. The Guest (2014)

“I’m a soldier, man. I like guns.”

Adam Wingard’s stylish dark thriller is batshit in the best possible way – elements of comedy, drama and horror mesh well together in the underrated film. Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens headlines as David, a soldier who knocks on the door of the Peterson family, claiming to know their son who was killed in action. Thrilled to have him there, David stays in the home and begins to build relationships with their teenage kids – Anna (Maika Monroe) and Luke (Brendan Meyer). When a body count starts happening around town, they Petersons start to realize they may have gotten more than they bargained for. Stevens is both icy cold and charming at the same time, fully embodying the role. The synth score is a great 80s throwback, and the production design is by my ol’ high school buddy Thomas S. Hammock! Buckle up for a fun, warped ride. With Sheila Kelley, Leland Orser, Ethan Embry, Joel David Moore, Tabatha Shaun and Lance Reddick.
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37. The Gunfighter (1950)

“How come I've got to run into a squirt like you nearly every place I go these days? What are you trying to do? Show off for your friends?”

One of Gregory Peck’s best unsung performances, he plays the title gunfighter, Jimmy Ringo, who is trying to put his past behind him and give that life up. Everywhere he goes, young guns are looking to be the one to put him down. He heads to Cheyenne hoping to see his estranged wife and the son he’s never met and takes up in the corner of an empty saloon in wait, where his past once again catches up with him. It’s a wonderful meditation on living in your own shadow and celebrity, and Peck plays the role with a weathered gravitas. A highlight of Henry King’s directed films, it’s starting to be recognized as the top-notch classic that it is. With Karl Malden, Helen Westcott, Millard Mitchell, Richard Jaeckel and Jean Parker.
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38. Harper (1966)

“Your husband keeps lousy company, Mrs. Sampson, as bad as there is in L.A. And that's as bad as there is.”

Paul Newman as a 60’s California Private Eye – what more do you need? How ‘bout fun turns from a stellar supporting cast including Lauren Bacall, Julie Harris, Robert Wagner, Janet Leigh, Shelley Winters, Arthur Hill, Pamela Tiffin and Strother Martin? Newman embodies Lew Harper (aka Lew Archer, from the great pulp library of Ross Macdonald), a wise-cracking, sarcastic investigator in the throws of a divorce, who navigates a missing millionaire case that (of course) is more than it seems. It’s a fun Chandler-esque throwback and is the first screenplay from one of the masters, William Goldman. Newman returned to the role in “The Drowning Pool,” which is pretty average but worth a look if you like this one. Directed by Jack Smight.
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39. The Hill (1965)

“We're all doing time. Even the screws.”

Sidney Lumet’s masterful and underappreciated military prison drama features one of the best turns by Sean Connery. He plays Joe Roberts, a soldier accused of assaulting his superior officer, who arrives at the British compound in the North African desert during WWII. There he classes with sadistic guards, primarily the inhumane Sgt. Williams (Ian Hendry), who makes the inmates repeatedly climb a massive dirt hill in the heat, killing one. It’s up to Joe and the others to try to gain control of the prison – and save their humanity. The cast is uniformly excellent, especially Ian Bannen as a sympathetic Staff Seargent and the great Ossie Davis as Private Jacko King, dealing with racial mistreatment along with everything else. Brutal, engrossing, and shot in sometime 115 degree heat, it’s a powder keg of a movie that will stay with you. Also starring Sir Michael Redgrave, Harry Andrews, Alfred Lynch, Roy Kinnear and Jack Watson.
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40. How to Deter a Robber (2020)

“Why does everything have to be a drinking game? Can’t you just drink, and play a game?”

Basically adult “Home Alone” meets “Fargo,” this briskly fun home invasion comedy stars “Gilmore Girls” alum Vanessa Marano as Madison, a college-bound young woman who, along with her goofy boyfriend Jimmy (Benjamin Papac) and cool Uncle Andy (Chris Mulkey, so good here), works to thwart a couple of robbers (Sonny Valicenti and Abbie Cobb) during Christmas. The dialogue is fun, and Cobb steals every scene she is in – a segment involving her attempting to serve water is particularly amusing. With Gabrielle Carteris, Jonah Ray and Leah Lewis.
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41. I Declare War (2012)

“Once you're dead, you go home. You can't be interrogated. It's a rule.”

This playful and sometimes pretty dark actioner gets inside the imagination of kids at war — sticks in hand turn into sub machine guns, a water balloon a grenade, a lighter a flame thrower. The films pulls all the tropes of war films on display — the teens spew four-letter expletives and attack each other with the highest stakes imaginable. Shades of “Lord of the Flies” permeate the exercise, making for an intriguing and fun watch.
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42. I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)

“I Don’t want a pay off.”
”Then I’m confused — what do you want?”
”For people not to be assholes.”

Macon Blair’s directorial debut is a dark comedy thriller with a bonkers final act that I found entertaining though I’m sure it’s divisive. Melanie Lynskey carries the movie beautifully, Elijah Wood adds wonderful support as an endearing oddball, and my pal Gary Anthony Williams steals scenes as a detective going through a divorce. A worthy companion-piece to “Blue Ruin,” which Blair starred in.
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43. I Went Down (1997)

"Sometimes, the benefit of the doubt can save your life."

Indie Irish black comedy buddy crime flick from playwright Conor McPherson is super enjoyable, largely thanks to the two leads -- Peter McDonald as Git and Brendan Gleeson as Bunny Kelly. Essentially a two-hander, the duo is tasked with retrieving some money for a shifty crime lord. A precursor to "In Bruges," they hit the road and banter endlessly, making this an often times hilarious character piece worth seeing.
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44. I’m Not Scared (2003)

“Monsters don’t exist. It’s men you should be afraid of, not monsters.”

Terrific Italian thriller told through the eyes of a 9-year-old boy set in the hottest summer on record in 1978 in the fictional southern town Acqua Traverse. While playing one day, Michele discovers a hole in the ground obscured by a sheet of metal – containing a young boy named Fillipo. Can Michele save the kidnapped kid before it’s too late? Taking place during the “Years of Lead” and loosely based on a true story, it mirrors the turmoil that was taking place at the time, where snatchings were at an all-time high in the country. Based on the book by Niccolò Ammaniti, it’s a tense, suspenseful coming of age tale, well-paced and performed by its largely young cast. Directed by Gabriele Salvatores (“Mediterraneo”).
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45. In a Valley of Violence (2016)

“Those men left me with nothing. I'm gonna leave them with less.”

Ti West, a horror auteur, delves into the Western with this clever homage to the genre, while peppering it with some really fun dialogue, playfulness and outbursts of violence. Ethan Hawke stars as Paul, who is heading to Mexico with his beloved dog Abbie (doing some of the best dog acting on par with the pup from “Love and Monsters” – more on that later). After an altercation with an obnoxious deputy (James Ransome) in a tavern, Paul is later ambushed, and what follows is a revenge tale a la John Wick but with shotguns and spurs. John Travolta plays a Marshall (and the Deputy’s father) who squares off against Hawke, whose men (including Toby Huss) just might be overmatched here. Karen Gillan and Taissa Farmiga plays (very different) sisters and Burn Gorman plays a sketchy priest. It goes a bit off the rails in the last act which adds to the fun.
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46. Kabluey (2007)

“Alright, now, which night-light? Annubis, Egyptian Jackal God? Or melted football shape?”

Groundling Scott Prendergast wrote, directed and stars in this lovable goofball of a movie. Salmon (Prendergast), a nice guy just kinda wandering through life (he was fired from his last job at a copy shop ‘cuz he kept laminating everything in the store), moves in with his sister Leslie (Lisa Kudrow), to help watch over her kids while her husband is deployed in Iraq. She gets him a job at her company wearing a ridiculous blue mascot outfit, which starts him on the road to finding a purpose in his life. Weird and funny, and full of snappy random dialogue, I originally saw this in the LA Film Fest when it premiered and found it pretty delightful. The supporting cast is stacked as well, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Teri Garr, Chris Parnell, Christine Taylor, Conchata Ferrell and Angela Sarafyan.
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47. The Kid Detective (2020)

“Experience is overrated. The world has enough assholes.”

Adam Brody stars as Abe Applebaum, a former kid sleuth with a heroic reputation in a small Canadian town. Many years later, he’s become a bit of a joke, still taking on small cases while being haunted by the big one he couldn’t crack. When the teenage Caroline (Sophie Nélisse) hires him to track down her boyfriend’s killer, Abe finds himself embroiled in complicated, dangerous plot that might just find him purpose and redemption. Brody is in top-form as the flawed protagonist, and the script has layers of sly comedy peppered in with the satisfying and somewhat dark mystery at its core. With Tzi Ma, Wendy Crewson and Peter MacNeill, written and directed by Evan Morgan.
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48. Kumiko the Treasure Hunter (2014)

“I only need page 95. It is my destiny.”

Rinko Kikuchi mesmerizes as the title character in this fantastic film from the Zellner Brothers, bringing to life a popular urban legend. Kumiko, a soft-spoken office worker, lives in Tokyo with her pet rabbit Bunzo, and is convinced the briefcase of cash at the end of the film “Fargo” is still buried and awaiting discovery (after all, it’s “based on a true story”). She uses a stolen company card and goes to claim it. Kikuchi brilliantly navigates the complexities of a character suffering from depression and disillusionment – so much is going on behind her downcast eyes that the viewer stays in step with her the entire way. Visually striking with an offbeat score from The Octopus Project, it’s a darkly comedic journey worth taking. Also starring Nobuyuki Katsube, Kanako Higashi, Shirley Venard and writer/director David Zellner as a deputy that tries to help her in her quest.
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49. The Lady in the Van (2015)

“In life, going downhill is an uphill battle.”

The treasure that is Maggie Smith owns this delightful adaptation of playwright Alan Bennett’s memoir. Smith stars as Mary Shepherd, an elderly woman who lives in a dilapidated van, who proceeds to park it in Alan’s driveway and stays there for 15 years. Alex Jennings (Bennett) and Smith have a great rapport, and the script is full of stingers, delivered by Smith with aplomb. Deftly directed by Bennett’s oft collaborator Nicholas Hytner, it also stars Jim Broadbent, Frances de la Tour, Roger Allam, James Corden, David Calder and Claire Foy.
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50. The Legend of Baron T’oa (2020)

“My dad had his back in the day ways, but this isn’t back in the day.”

Fun NZ action comedy with enough lens flares to make J.J. Abrams jealous. Uli Latukefu stars as Fritz, who returns to his Tongan neighborhood where he has always lived in the shadow of his well-regarded wrestling legend father Baron (John Tui). When his late dad’s championship belt is stolen by a local gang, it’s up to Fritz to get it back. It takes a while to get where it's going, but there are flashes of engaging comedy as it goes along to make it worth the journey. The final thirty minutes amp up the martial arts meets wrestling fights to a fever pitch.
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51. Liberty Heights (1999)

“But a lot of images fade, and no matter how hard I try, I can't get them back. I had a relative once who said that if I knew things would no longer be, I would have tried to remember better.”

Part of Barry Levinson’s collection of films about Baltimore, it’s a loving semi-autobiographical look at the Kurtzmans, a Jewish family living there in the 1950s. There are a few different subplots, but the most engaging is the budding friendship between son Ben (a young, excellent Ben Foster) and his black friend Sylvia (Rebekah Johnson, equally good), at the start of racial integration in the neighborhood. There’s lots of great little moments that linger, and a winning cast from top to bottom including Adrien Brody, Joe Mantegna, Bebe Neuwirth, Orlando Jones, Carolyn Murphy, David Krumholtz, James Pickens, Jr. and Anthony Anderson.
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52. Limbo (2020)

“In Afghanistan, we have story of bird who forgot how to sing.”
“What happened?”
“It died. Of sadness.”

Offbeat comedy/drama tinged with sadness and a wry sense of humor, it’s a sympathetic and loving portrait of Omar (Amir El-Masry), a Syrian refugee awaiting asylum in a remote coastal Scottish town. He carries around his family’s oud (and all the responsibility that comes with it), and kills time with his flat mates, including Farhad (a great comedic foil played by Vikash Bhai). Much like the wind that constantly pelts the area, they numbly await their fates, watching pirated “Friends” episodes, following a postal truck around, and taking a cultural class taught by Helga (Sidse Babett Knudsen) and Boris (Kenneth Collard). Shot in boxy 4:3, it emphasizes the trapped feeling the characters have, with each shot masterfully composed by director Ben Sharrock, reminiscent of a morose Wes Anderson.
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53. Little Fish (2020)

“I was so sad the day I met you. I don’t remember why.”

Chad Hartigan’s cinematic gut-punch is a heartbreaking tale set during a future pandemic and made more powerful by its timing in the new world we all live in now. Emma (Olivia Cooke) and Jude (Jack O’Connell) live together in Seattle when a devastating memory loss disease called NIL starts sweeping the masses. When Jude begins showing symptoms, Emma starts to make a record of their love for each other before it’s too late. Beautifully shot and emotionally scored by Keegan DeWitt, the two have a magnetic chemistry which makes this all so much more affecting. You might want to have some tissues handy. With Raul Castillo and Soko.
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54. Love and Monsters (2020)

“Don’t settle. You don’t have to. Even at the end of the world.”

A pleasant surprise in a sea of shitty releases during quarantine, “Love and Monsters” is a fun, creative genre film that's incredibly entertaining. Dylan O’Brien plays Joel, who lives underground with the some of the few remaining humans after a bevy of monsters take over the planet. Scared and indecisive, Joel finally ventures out to try to find his girlfriend, starting a dangerous road trip that he’s unlikely to survive. O'Brien is allowed to finally show some of that humor and charm he had on display in “Teen Wolf “(we don't need “American Assassin” Dylan O'Brien, thank you), the monsters are cool looking and well-rendered, and Hero & Dodge (the pups who play "Boy") give the greatest animal performance since Bart the Bear terrorized Alec Baldwin and Anthony Hopkins in The Edge. Also starring Michael Rooker, Jessica Henwick and Bruce Spence.
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55. Lucky (2017)

“The only thing worse than awkward silence: small talk.”

A fitting final showcase for the character actor of character actors, Harry Dean Stanton finds himself front and center and the heart of the amiable meditation on mortality finely directed by John Carroll Lynch. Lucky (Stanton), a chain-smoking 90-year-old war vet living alone in a small desert town, goes about his daily routines of doing the crossword puzzle at the diner, buying cigarettes and hanging out at a local bar (which includes a great appearance by David Lynch talking about his escaped pet rabbit named President Roosevelt). It’s a slow burn character study with Stanton truly owning the screen – a reminder of just how truly great he is. The supporting cast includes Tom Skerritt, Beth Grant, Ron Livingston, Ed Begley, Jr., Barry Shabaka Henley, James Darren and Bertila Damas.
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56. Lucky Grandma (2019)

“Discount bodyguard, discount rate.”

Grandma Wong (Tsai Chin), after a prognostication of riches to come, hits it big at a casino and then finds herself in the middle of a gang war. Anchored by an amazing performance by Chin, Lucky Grandma is a super enjoyable crime romp. It’s a brisk 87 minutes with parts comedy, action and drama.
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57. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

“He hates calling people his friends. Dude's got issues.”

One of the indie darlings of 2015 that somehow didn’t find much of an audience, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is at once charming, touching and sad. Thomas Mann stars as Greg, who spends his time making home movies with his friend Earl (R.J. Cyler). Greg’s parents (Nick Offerman and Connie Britton) ask him to spend time with his classmate and old childhood friend Rachel (Olivia Cooke), who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. Despite initial awkwardness, the two grow very close. It’s a tender coming-of-age story and look at not letting your circumstances define you, and the trio of leads are incredibly strong. Written by Jesse Andrews, adapting his own book, and an assured directorial debut from Alfonso Gomez-Rejon. Also starring Molly Shannon, Jon Bernthal, Matt Bennett, Katherine Hughes and Bobb’e J. Thompson.
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58. Memories of Murder (2003)

“What kind of detective sleeps well?”

The second film from Bong Joon-ho is a gritty, atmospheric slow burn police story following Korea’s first serial killer. Taking place in the late 80s, it follows local cops Park (Bong’s usual leading man, Song Kang-ho) and Cho (Kim Roi-Ha), who take a sledgehammer approach to coaxing confessions out of suspects. Enter Seo (Kim Sang-kyung), a more professional detective from Seoul who takes a personal interest in the brutal murders of women happening in the small town. The case takes twists and turns, with cops being bested at every step of the way. Masterfully directed and acted, it’s a Zodiac-esque story with the nagging feeling that everything just won’t be ok. Plus, there’s a lot of drop kicking!
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59. Miracle Mile (1988)

“People are gonna help each other, aren't they? Rebuilding things?”
“I think it’s the insect’s turn.”

Steve De Jarnatt’s brilliant end-of-the-world romantic thriller follows Harry (Anthony Edwards), who meets Julie (Mare Winingham) at the La Brea Tar Pits and it’s love at first sight. They make a date to meet up at the diner she works at when her shift ends after midnight, but a power outage has him miss his alarm and she goes home. He tries to apologize from a payphone, but answers a call of a distraught man saying the world is going into nuclear war in less than 70 minutes. Told mostly in real time, Harry tries to get to Julie before it’s too late. With an excellent soundtrack by Tangerine Dream, it’s genuinely tense and terrifying at times and will stick with you. With Mykelti Williamson, Denise Crosby, Raphael Sbarge, Kelly Jo Minter, Peter Berg, Kurt Fuller and O-Lan Jones.
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60. Miss Stevens (2016)

“Don’t be sad! Don’t be sad! Don’t be sad!”

Lily Rabe gives a fierce and funny performance at the front of this excellent character study from first time director Julia Hart (who also co-wrote with Jordan Horowitz). She stars as the titular Miss Stevens, who is tasked with chaperoning three students at a drama competition over a weekend (played by Lili Reinhart, Anthony Quintal and Timothée Chalamet, who flashes the star quality that he’d soon be known for). There’s a scene early on where Rabe and Chalamet bond over America’s Sister Golden Hair, and I knew this film was speaking my language. It confronts grief and depression in an optimistic way, and the journey Rabe takes over the quick run time is fascinating to behold. Also starring Rob Huebel and Oscar Nuñez.
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61. Mississippi Grind (2015)

“Get this man a Woodford!”

A bit of a spiritual companion to Altman’s “California Split,” Ben Mendelson and Ryan Reynolds team up for this shambling look at a pair of gamblers who find kindred spirits in each other after a chance meeting at a bar and end up traveling towards a high-stakes Poker showdown in New Orleans, chasing that high of the big win at casinos, racetracks, you name it. The two have great chemistry and bounce well off each other, and Mendelson really shows you why he’s one of the best actors working today. Leisurely paced, it’s a character study that rewards you if you stick with it. Directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Bowden (“Half Nelson”).
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62. Motorama (1991)

“Look at yourself. You're acting like a little kid. What, did you think it would be easy or something?”

This absurdist dark road comedy, written by Joseph Minion (“After Hours”), is one of the trippiest, weirdest and wickedly fun 90 minutes you’ll ever spend scratching your head while glued to the set. Jordan Christopher Michael stars as Gus, a ten-year-old obsessed with winning a gas-station sticker collection game called Motorama, for a supposed prize of $500 million. He steals his parents Ford Mustang and hits the road, coming across a collection of odd characters as he hits various petrol stations looking for elusive letters, for a game that is impossible to win. Peppered with a who’s-who of cult actors and musicians like Flea, Meat Loaf, Garrett Morris, Martha Quinn, Michael J. Pollard, Shelley Berman, Drew Barrymore, Dick Miller, Allyce Beasley, Mary Woronov and Jack “Eraserhead” Nance, with a score by The Police’s Andy Summers, it’s a surreal experience and one of the most bizarre movies of the 90s.
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63. The Narrow Margin (1952)

“What're you gonna do, go out and shoot us some breakfast?”

Terrific and often overlooked film noir stars Charles McGraw as a cop tasked with transporting a Mobster’s wife from Chicago to LA to testify in a trial. Can he hide her and keep her safe aboard a train full of killers trying to snuff her torch? The largely unrecognizable cast excel in their roles and keep you guessing on loyalties as the cat and mouse game escalates splendidly. Other than occasional incidental music, there’s no score which adds to the tension, and director Richard Fleischer’s handheld camera work (not used often at the time) adds to the claustrophobia of it all. Got the loose remake treatment in 1990 with Gene Hackman and Anne Archer (not half bad), but this one definitely stands on its own. Also starring Marie Windsor, Jacqueline White, David Clarke, Peter Virgo and Don Beddoe.
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64. Old Henry (2021)

“It can be hard to tell who and what a man is, he's got a mind to convince you otherwise.”

So good to see Tim Blake Nelson in a leading role, and he carries this “don’t poke a sleeping bear” western also starring Stephen Dorff, Trace Adkins, Gavin Lewis and Scott Haze. Nelson plays quiet farmer Henry, who lives an isolated life with his son Wyatt. When a horse shows up with no rider, a chain of events begins that forces Henry to relive his past. Beautifully shot and composed, it’s a Nelson acting masterclass.
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65. The One I Love (2014)

“So we met at a party and… it was magic.”

Elisabeth Moss and Mark Duplass star in this bonkers indie comedy full of fun and surprises. On the brink of divorce, Sophie and Ethan are sent by their therapist (Ted Danson) to a relaxing weekend away at a lovely vacation home in hopes of rekindling their love for each other. I’ll leave it at that – go in knowing as little as possible for maximum enjoyment. Maybe don’t even watch the trailer below. Directed by Charlie McDowell.
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66. Only The Animals (2019)

“Love is giving what you don’t have.”

Twisty French thriller from Dominik Moll follows several different narratives all tied into one central disappearance. The “Fargo” meets “Rashomon” comparisons are apt -- the wintery French countryside fills in for North Dakota here and is a character unto itself (you know how they always say that New York is a character in Sex in the City? Yeah, like that, but like NYC's cold, bitter, depressed little brother). Broken into character chapters, its methodically paced but has several intriguing moments. Bordering on too many coincidences, it's an ambitious if uneven viewing that will reward fans of moody murder mysteries.
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67. Plus One (2019)

“The truth is, if you spend your whole life waiting for perfect, you end up with nothing.”

A lot of Romcom’s recently have left a lot to be desired, but “Plus One” is a fresh, clever, funny surprise. Jack Quaid and Maya Erskine play longtime single friends who decide to be each other’s dates to ten weddings they have to go to one summer. She’s reeling from a recent breakup; he’s obsessed with a former classmate. You know where this one is going, but the journey is the fun part. With great performances and clever repartee, “Plus One” is engaging from frame one, due to the phenomenal chemistry between the two leads. Also on hand lending great support are Beck Bennett, Ed Begley, Jr., Jessy Hodges, Rosalind Chao, Finn Whittrock, Maya Kazan and Perrey Reeves. Written, produced and directed by Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer.
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68. Real Life (1979)

“Oh Lisa has a test!”

Albert Brooks skewers reality TV and the PBS show “An American Family” with this prescient look at a family’s narrative being controlled by the filmmakers. Brooks portrays, well, Albert Brooks, who starts filming The Yeagers, an average US family headed by Warren (Charles Grodin) and Jeannette (Frances Lee McCain) and kids Lisa (Lisa Urette) and Eric (Robert Stirrat). Capturing all moments of their lives, the Yeagers find themselves regretting ever taking part, as Albert and crew start inserting themselves more and more into the “documentary.” Hilarious, early, prime Brooks – the cameras alone are hysterical (and one of the cameramen, never seen and rarely heard, is Harry Shearer).
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69. The Red Riding Trilogy (2009)

“The Devil triumphs when good men do naught.”

Ok, it’s three films in one post, but they really do function as one, and I recommend watching them within a day of each other. Technically feature-length television episodes from the BBC, each one takes place in a different year, all connected by cold-case murders attributed to the Yorkshire Ripper. The first (1974) follows a reporter (Andrew Garfield) investigating missing school girls, a murder, and an unscrupulous land developer (Sean Bean). The second (1980) follows a by-the-book constable (Paddy Considine) tasked with catching the killer, and the conclusion (1983) introduces a soliciter (Mark Addy) also trying to figure it all out. Dealing with police corruption, the church, and a serial killer, it’s a moody, atmospheric and complicated set of films that will reward fans of procedurals who piece it all together. Oh, and you might want to turn the subtitles on – the Yorskhire accents are pretty thick. Also starring David Morrissey, Rebecca Hall, Daniel Mays, Sean Harris, Robert Sheehan, Tony Pitts and Peter Mullan.
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70. Riders of Justice (2020)

“But if everything is merely coincidences, isn’t the most natural reaction then to feel that nothing matters? Then where do we go with all our sorrow, all our anger, all our fears and loneliness?”

It's parts dark comedy, drama about loss and moving on, violent revenge thriller, and meditation on coincidence, chance and algorithms. Directed by Anders Thomas Jensen, it’s thrilling from start to finish -- all the characters are eccentric and well-drawn, the acting top notch, and Mads Mikkelsen continues his streak of phenomenal performances in above average films. I’ve rarely seen a movie balance so many different tones beautifully. Don't let the poster art throw you -- it's not your predictable Liam Neeson vs. the world kinda fluff; it’s truly one of the best films of 2020.
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71. Ruby Sparks (2012)

“Quirky, messy women whose problems only make them endearing are not real.”

Zoe Kazan wrote and stars as the titular character in this fantastic, sly comedy from directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (“Little Miss Sunshine”). Paul Dano stars as Calvin, a young writer blocked after penning a classic. When he creates his dream girl on paper, he’s shocked to find her the next day on his couch, in the flesh. Armed with his typewriter, he uses it to change things about her to suit her to him. Dano acts the part well, navigating the character evolvement from hero to monster, but it’s Kazan who is the real standout here, both as Ruby and writer, who takes male screenwriters to task for writing unrealistic women who exist to feed the men in their pieces as well as their own egos. The supporting cast all have some great moments, including Elliott Gould, Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas, Alia Shawkat, Steve Coogan, Deborah Ann Woll, Aasif Mandvi and Chris Messina.
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72. The Sapphires (2012)

“90% of all recorded music is shite. The other 10% is soul!”

The true story of the Cummagunja Songbirds, an Aboriginal sisters girl group in 1968 from New South Wales, who end up entertaining American troops during the Vietnam War. “Discovered” and managed by a very-good Chris O’Dowd and renamed The Sapphires, the sisters fight societal prejudice and – at times – each other as they venture out into the world. The four actresses are all excellent – Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell and especially Deborah Mailman, the feistiest of the group, and the music and comedy keep it bopping along, excelling in the dramatic moments as well. Directed by Wayne Blair, and also starring Tori Kittles, Eka Darville and Kylie Belling.
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73. Save Yourselves! (2020)

“The pouffe! It pouffed us!”

Amusing, breezy end-of-the-world comedy stars Sunita Mani and John Reynolds as a millennial Brooklyn couple who decide to unplug from their devices and get away to a cabin upstate – only to find their vacay interrupted by a low-key alien invasion (the aliens, knick-named “pouffes” are just slightly more sinister Tribbles). Bright dialogue and winning performances between the two leads highlight this goofy film that shows just how all of us are really unprepared to handle anything like this. Also starring NYC comedy darlings John Early and Jo Firestone.
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74. Shithouse (2020)

“You’re like the girl from 13 Going on 30.”
“Jennifer Garner?”
“No, I’m talking about the movie 13 Going on 30, there’s like, the girl with like the little house.”
“Yeah! That’s Jennifer Garner – you’re talking about Jennifer Garner right now. She’s – she’s awesome in that movie. What are you talking about?”

Writer/director/star and presumed caterer Cooper Raiff knocks it out of the park with his debut films that achingly nails the growing pains of going to college and being away from home from the first time. He plays Alex, a freshman with no friends despite his good looks and kind eyes. After a party at the Shithouse, he ends up spending the night walking and talking with Maggie, his RA (Dylan Gelula, fantastic), perfectly capturing those magical nights when two young minds connect. What begins as mostly a Linklater-esque walk and talk then transitions into the awkward-after, and the pain and confusion that comes with it. For anyone who lived in the dorms at school trying to find themselves, this will definitely strike a chord as it did for me. Raiff is one to watch. Also starring Amy Landecker and Logan Miller.
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75. The Silent Partner (1978)

“I feel as though I know you very well.”
“Then you know I’m ready to kill you.”

Curtis Hanson penned this Canadian thriller starring Elliott Gould as Miles, a bank teller who is held up at the holidays by a killer dressed as Santa Claus named Reikle (a very, very scary Christopher Plummer). Anticipating the theft, Miles pockets the money for himself, and starts a wicked cat and mouse game between the two. Well plotted and pieced together and highlighted by the sparring of the two leads, it escalates into some truly shocking violence. With Susannah Yorke, Celine Lomez, Michael Kirby and a young John Candy.
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76. Small Engine Repair (2021)

“If I’m a Chihuahua then you’re a fucking Corgi.”
“That’s not a burn, Packie. You gotta one-up me with a smaller dog.”
“Corgi is a smaller dog.”
“Corgi is practically a regular-sized dog. They just got wicked short legs.”

John Pollono gives his off-Broadway play the big-screen treatment with this crackling meditation on toxic masculinity that’s best seen knowing as little as possible (don’t watch the trailer – I mean, there’s a link to it below, but it gives away too much). Childhood friends Swaino (Jon Bernthal), Packie (Shea Whigham) and Frank (Pollano), who live in Manchester, NH (or as it’s called derisively, Manchvegas), get together for a night they’ll never forget. I don’t want to say too much, but the acting is absolutely incredible, with the three leads bringing a convincing ease to their live-wire characters. It’s exhilarating, thrilling and frustrating all at once. Also starring Jordana Spiro, Ciara Bravo, Spencer House, and brief cameos from the stars of the stage play James Badge Dale and James Ransome.
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77. Small Town Crime (2017)

“Most mornings I’m about as useful as a park bench in Hell.”

John Hawkes headlines this modern noir yarn as alcoholic ex-cop Mike Randall (booze played a role in his firing from the force) who spends his days barhopping, driving his Chevy Nova around, and waking up in strange places. When he finds a woman left for dead at the side of the road, he’s compelled to look into what happened to her, finding some direction in life as he gets in over his head. It’s pulpy fun, with tones of Rockford Files – I’d be totally down for more Randall mysterious if this had only found more of an audience. The supporting cast is uniformly strong and includes Clifton Collins, Jr., Octavia Spencer, Anthony Anderson, Michael Vartan, Dale Dickey, Robyn Lively, James Lafferty, Daniel Sunjata, Jeremy Ratchford and Robert Forster, stealing every scene he’s in. Written and Directed by The Nelms Brothers.
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78. Some Mother’s Son (1996)

“You know something? I've never seen things as clearly before as I can see things now.”

Helen Mirren gives a stirring performance in Terry George and Jim Sheridan’s harrowing dramatization of the 1981 hunger strike in the Maze Prison in Northern Ireland. Mirren plays Kathleen Quigley, whose son Gerard (Aidan Gillen) is among the IRA prisoners fasting along with Bobby Sands. Along with another mother, Annie Higgins, (Fionnula Flanagan, excelling here), she fights to keep her son alive and understand the movement. Moving and incredibly well acted by an amazing ensemble (also featuring Ciarán Hinds, John Lynch and Tom Hollander), it’s a powerful depiction of a difficult time.
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79. Spontaneous (2020)

“I'm just so glad I didn't explode all over you.”

One of the biggest surprises of 2020 for me, this at once delightful and horrifying film is anchored by strong charismatic performances by its two leads – Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer. A small town is tossed into turmoil when students literally start exploding in school – just full on combusting all over the place. Crawling with scientists trying to figure out what’s up, seniors Mara (Langford) and Dylan (Plummer) are caught up in a budding romance, all the while not knowing if each day will be their last. The dialogue is whip smart and darkly funny, while the randomness of the violence is a commentary on school shootings. Can’t recommend this one enough. Also starring Piper Perabo, Hayley Law and Rob Huebel. 
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80. The Standoff at Sparrow Creek (2018)

“Got anything from Holden Caulfield?”

Taut and ingenious debut thriller from writer/director Henry Dunham is a meticulously plotted, well-crafted chamber piece. After an attack on a police funeral, ex-cop Gannon (James Badge Dale) meets up with others from the militia he now belongs to and finds an assault rifle is missing. One of them is responsible for the attack and what follows is a series of accusations, interrogations and razor-sharp Mamet-esque dialogue as the truth tries to find its way out. Shot mostly in a darkly lit warehouse, the actors feel like animals in a cage, clawing at each other -- and what a great ensemble it is. Brian Geraghty, Patrick Fischler, Robert Aramayo, Gene Jones, Happy Anderson and the always good Chris Mulkey bounce off each other terrifically.
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81. Stir of Echoes (1999)

“Don't be afraid of it, Daddy.”

David Koepp’s superb and underrated paranormal thriller is deftly made, atmospheric and full of intriguing ideas. It follows Jake (a very good Kevin Bacon), a blue-collar father who gets hypnotized at a party and suddenly finds himself in communication with the beyond. The film goes beyond jump scares and instead ratches up the tension as Jake tries to figure out what he’s supposed to do to stop the visions and help the spirit in contact with him. Lost in the shuffle behind “The Sixth Sense” (they opened close together), Koep’s script is a cut-above, which isn’t surprising from the scribe of such classic blockbusters like “Jurassic Park” and the first “Mission: Impossible.” Also starring Illeana Douglas, Kevin Dunn, Kathryn Erbe, Jennifer Morrison and Zachary David Cope.
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82. Stoker (2003)

“He used to say, sometimes you need to do something bad to stop you from doing something worse.”

India (Mia Wasikowska) grieves the death of her father (Dermot Mulroney) at their expansive southern estate with her cold and unstable mother (Nicole Kidman). An appearance by Charlie (Matthew Goode), an uncle she never knew she had, spirals everything out of control. This film is bonkers in the best way -- surrender to the madness and you’ll be glued to the screen. A total technical marvel with transitions that are unparalleled, it’s a dazzling English language debut from Park Chan-wook (“Oldboy”). Written by Wentworth Miller.
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83. Strike! (1998)

“Up your ziggy with a wa-wa brush!”

Previously titled “The Hairy Bird” and “All I Wanna Do,” “Strike!” is a criminally neglected 90s feminist teen comedy with sharp writing, anchored by its stacked young cast. In 1963, Odie (Gaby Hoffman) is forced into Miss Godard’s Preparatory School for Girls after her parents find out she plans to sleep with her boyfriend. She becomes part of an eclectic group of students – the rebel Verena (Kirsten Dunst), promiscuous Parker (Monica Keena), aspiring biologist Momo (Merritt Wever), and Tweety (Heather Matarazzo), a young psychology student with an eating disorder. When the headmistress (the superb Lynn Redgrave) finds out they are going to merge with a local boys school, it’s up to them to hatch a plan to keep their academy the way it is. The first title is “A Film By Everybody Who Made It” – what’s not to love? Written and directed by Sarah Kernochan. Also starring Rachel Leigh Cook, Vincent Kartheiser, Thomas “You’re killing me Smalls” Guiry, Matthew Lawrence, Caterina Scorsone, and a blink-and-you’ll-miss it Hayden Christensen and Shawn Ashmore.
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84. Sword of Trust (2019)

“Is this Antiques Road Show for racists?”

Final film from the great Lynn Shelton is a hilarious, largely improvised tale of a group trying to sell an antique sword that is supposedly proof that the South won the Civil War. There’s a giddiness to the ridiculousness of the proceedings as the sword starts to make its way to a potential buyer, with the four leads (Marc Maron, Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins and Jon Bass) all terrifically trading off-the-cuff barbs. Bass’s flat-earther monologue is a hoot, and the always reliable Toby Huss once again steals scenes as a middleman named Hog Jaws. Also starring Dan Bakkedahl and the late writer/director herself.
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85. Take Shelter (2011)

“Sleep well in your beds. 'Cause if this thing comes true, there ain't gonna be any more.”

Excellent psychological-horror thriller from Jeff Nichols (“Midnight Special,” “Mud” and “Loving”), it’s an absorbing masterclass of dread and anxiety anchored by an incredible performance from Michael Shannon. He plays Curtis, plagued with recurring apocalyptic dreams and waking hallucinations. Is it a prophecy, or is he losing his mind? He starts building a shelter in his backyard, putting a strain on those close to him, including his wife (an equally good Jessica Chastain) and deaf 6-year-old daughter. This is one that gets under your skin and stays a while. With Shea Whigham, Katy Mixon, Kathy Baker, Ray McKinnon and Lisa Gay Hamilton.
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86. A Taxi Driver (2017)

“You promised, to tell people. It needs to be broadcast, so people will know.”

Based on a true story, Korea’s submission for best foreign film is a breathtaking and heartbreaking look at the Gwanju Uprising. Struggling cab driver Kim Sa-bok (the always excellent Song Kang-ho, who shows up on this list like a hundred times) pirates an expensive fare to take a German reporter (Thomas Kretschmann) to Gwanju from Seoul, but doesn’t realize the danger he’s about to drive into. With the roads all blocked and the army and media covering up what was really happening there, we see Kim’s struggle as he is pulled further into the protests and absolutely devastating violence surrounding him. Lightly comedic in tone initially, it shifts into a powerful, mesmerizing drama chronicling average people making sacrifices to do what’s right. Directed by Jang Hoon.
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87. The Thieves (2012)

"One man sows and another man reaps. Come on, smile."

Basically a Korean "Ocean's 11," this well-executed heist thriller features a sprawling cast (including "Squid Game" star Lee Jung-jae), clever plot mechanics and some truly terrific action sequences -- especially one staged on the side of an apartment building. Yes, the side. With Kim Yoon-seok, Kim Hye-soo, Jun Jyi-hun, Simon Yam, Kim Hae-sook, Oh Dal-su, Kim Soo-hyun and Angelica Lee.
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88. This Is Martin Bonner (2013)

“I’m trying to restart my life and I feel like if I don’t get on the train at the get-go, I’m going to miss it.”

Second feature from Chad Hartigan (whose latest, “Little Fish,” also appears on this list) is a quietly mesmerizing character study following the title Martin Bonner (a great Paul Eenhoorn), a recent Reno transplant from Australia by way of Maryland, who works for a program to help recently released prisoners acclimate back into society. One such case is Travis (a super strong Richmond Arquette, yes of those Arquettes), who strikes up a friendship with Martin, as the two are both starting their lives over, albeit in different ways. It moves very leisurely – about the most action you’ll get is Martin lip syncing to his own song from a 60s garage band he fronted back in Perth – but it’s always engaging, and a scene of familial reconnection at a Carrows between Travis and his estranged daughter Diana (played brilliantly by Sam Buchanan) is one of the most real, awkward yet hopeful segments I’ve ever seen. Also starring Demetrius Grosse, Robert Longstreet and Jan Haley.
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89. This Must Be the Place (2011)

“Have you noticed how nobody works anymore and everybody does something artistic?”

Director Paolo Sorrentino's Italian/French/Irish co-production is a marvelous, amiable road dramedy starring a fantastic Sean Penn as Cheyenne, a retired, burnt out rock star living in Dublin with his wife (Frances McDormand) and teenage daughter (Eve Hewson). When his father dies, he journeys to the US to find the Nazi war criminal who humiliated his dad at Auschwitz. With music by David Byrne and Will Oldham (and shades of Byrne’s “True Stories” love of Americana), outstanding visuals, and an intriguing, gutsy lead performance from Penn, it shines in its sly comedic moments and hooked me from the start. With Judd Hirsch, Harry Dean Stanton, Kerry Condon, Fritz Weaver and Joyce Van Patten.
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90. Thunder Road (2018)

“Just because somebody leaves... just because somebody chooses to leave, that doesn't mean they didn't want to be here with you. It means they had a hard time with things. It's a lot for some people.”

What a tour de force for Jim Cummings. The film manages to be funny, sad and cringy at the same time while watching a man completely break down. It’s a fascinating, sometimes challenging watch that packs a lot into its lean 90 minute run time. That opening monologue *chef’s kiss.*
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91. Together Together (2021)

"Don't name your kid Jesse. I know a Jesse and he doesn't even know what tumble dry low is."

Pretty lovely film anchored by a star-making performance by Patti Harrison. She plays Anna, who is hired as a surrogate for Matt (Ed Helms), a single man in his 40s who wants to be a dad. Harrison and Helms have a great chemistry (though his character can be a bit insufferable at times), and Julio Torres is hilarious as always as her co-worker. I love that they took back the Woody Allen font for the film.
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92. The Vast of Night (2019)

“I listen to your broadcast every night. I think you're very good and I hope you can get far away from here.”

Ultra-low-budget, but very moody and effective, this alien-invasion sci-fi drama stars Sierra McCormick and Jake Horowitz as teens in a small New Mexico town in the 1950s who discover an odd radio frequency and all that comes with it. Told in long takes, with a lot of voice over from the radio show callers, and one incredibly impressive tracking walk-and-talk that would make Aaron Sorkin proud, it compensates for its limitations by creating an atmospheric “Twilight Zone” riff that’ll hook you in. Turn the lights off, grab some popcorn, and surrender to the mood and you’ll have a great time.
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93. Victoria (2015)

“I’m not a bad guy, I just did a bad thing.”

This gutsy German thriller is a nearly 2 ½ hour single shot – no cuts, tons of locations, and a super realistic feel, from its character development to its tense escalating turns. At the center (in an incredible performance) is Laia Costa as the title Victoria, a Spanish woman in her 20s who has moved to Berlin (despite not speaking the language). At the start, she is at a dance club and meets Sonne (Frederick Lau) and his buddies Boxer, Blinker and Fuß. They drunkenly traverse the city in the wee hours, with an attraction building between the two. But what begins as a “Before Sunrise” soon turns into a messy crime caper with no way out. An outstanding technical achievement, it sucks you in and makes you feel like part of it all, and you’ll be as exhausted and exhilarated as the characters. Vibrant, pulsating filmmaking. Directed by Sebastian Schipper.
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94. We Are Little Zombies (2019)

“They told us these were the remains of our parents. Two human beings stuffed into a tiny pot. It’s crazy.”

Dazzling Japanese film following four young orphans who meet at their parents’ funerals and form a band. Framed as an 8-bit video game, featuring astounding camera work and creative shot choices, the film is at once bonkers and meticulously planned out. A little long, but always involving, and the chip tune soundtrack will be stuck in your head after, as will the film itself. I’ll be thinking on this one for a while.

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95. Wild Rose (2018)

“No one wants to see a convicted criminal up there.”
“Johnny Cash was a convicted criminal, you ball bag.”

Jessie Buckley shines in this music-filled drama following a young, troubled country singer from Glasgow named Rose-Lynn. Saddled with two kids and a penchant for getting in trouble, the head-strong musician works to get herself to Nashville to pursue her dream. Difficult at times, but also stirring and exhilarating whenever Buckley is on the mic, Wild Rose is a great addition to fish-out-of-water stories of redemption and triumph. Julie Walters is terrific as her long-suffering mother, as is Sophie Okonedo as a woman who hires Rose-Lynn as a maid and then champions her talent. Directed by Tom Harper.
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96. Wild Tales (2014)

“Shoot this, Néstor.”

Argentinian filmmaker Damián Szifron’s darkly funny anthology flick showcases six tales of revenge, all entertainingly done with confidence and panache. From a case of road rage that goes to 11 (heck more like 12), to a hit-and-run family drama, to an unforgettably bleak and hilarious wedding, there’s shades of Tarantino and Coen Bros. in this Oscar-nominated gem that flew a bit under the radar stateside. Starring Ricardo Darin, Oscar Martínez and a film-stealing Erica Rivas.
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97. The Winning Season (2009)

“My whole life I felt apart from other people. I don't feel apart from you girls. And no matter what happens tomorrow I'll always be proud of you.”

Sam Rockwell stars as a washed up high school basketball star, coaxed into coaching the varsity women’s team at his alma matter by his friend and school principal (Rob Corddry). An aimless divorced alcoholic with a strained relationship with his own daughter, he finds a purpose while helping the team find an identity of their own. It’s the underdog sports story you’ve seen many times, but it’s a good watch thanks to the performances from Rockwell and the strong ensemble featuring Emma Roberts, Rooney Mara and the great Margo Martindale.  
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98. The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020)

“Hey officer? If you do find him, don't arrest him. Shoot him. Shoot him until you can see the ground through his face.”

Pretty fantastic genre mashup from director/writer/star Jim Cummings (of “Thunder Road,” appearing earlier in the list) that’s a comedy, creature-feature and a portrait of a man having a meltdown (a Jim Cummings specialty). A small mountain town is panicked as grisly murders keep happening during the full moon – is it a man, a wolf, or a werewolf? Also starring Riki Lindhome, Jimmy Tatro and the late great Robert Forster (who might have the most appearances on this list).
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99. Woman at War (2018)

“But no one has been hurt, except our country and our planet.”

Exquisite Icelandic film that’s at once witty, touching and edge of your seat thrilling. Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir stars as Halla, a choir teacher who secretly moonlights as an environmental activist known as “The Woman of the Mountain,” sabotaging the aluminum industry by destroying electrical towers in the countryside. Beautifully shot, creatively scored (with the musicians popping up nearby whenever the accompaniment starts) and incredibly acted, it’s a commentary on climate change that’s incredibly effective. Directed by Benedikt Erlingsson.
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100. The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)

“If the butterflies in my stomach were cows, I'd be able to start a dairy farm.”

Entertaining sports drama biopic from New Zealand chronicles the eccentric Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins, in a winning performance), who rebuilt a 1920s motorcycle and ventured to American to try to set a land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967. A colorful character who manages to charm those he encounters along the way, Hopkins brings him to life marvelously (even if he doesn’t attempt the Kiwi accent). Written and directed by Roger Donaldson (who also did the excellent “Thirteen Days”) and co-starring Bruce Greenwood, Diane Ladd, Walton Goggins, Jessica Cauffiel, Joe Howard, Paul Rodriguez and Chris Williams.
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And that’s it! Everyone loves a trilogy, so look for another one hundred final recommendations in another two years or so. Please share this list if you can — and please be nice in the comments, as I just did this for fun and it was a lot of work. Thanks for checking it out!