The 1970s was a turbulent time…the Vietnam War, Richard Nixon’s wonderful enemies list and the cold war all made for an interesting environment for film. With war on the mind you may notice many of the films on the Top 25 revolve around three themes: hilarious comedy, rabid escapism and war. Those of us that lived through those times wanted to laughs, to escape reality and to understand the insanity of violent conflict and death. I tended to the first two but couldn’t help watching the third. These 25 movies are some of my all time favorites. I hope they become yours too. READ MORE

Physical beauty, incredible talent and excellent physical skill are key factors in determining the greatest action heroines of all time. To varying degrees, the women on the Top 25 list must have all three and, like their more muscular brethren, hordes that want to watch them in action. The rules were simple: the star must have at least one legitimate action film and be recognized as one of the "action" stars in the film. For practical reasons (there just aren't as many female action stars), the number of films in which action heroines starred played very little in the choices, but the performances and action did. The women on the list are some of the most beautiful, kinetically superior and dynamic personalities in film. READ MORE

There are few more subjective categories than the Top 25 Greatest Horror Movies. In thinking about my own top 25, and trying to stay objective, I found myself struggling with movies that scared the hell out of me, movies that thrilled me with original horror and even films so disturbing I would never watch them again. Of the ones that were truly great, some gave me great laughs and some made me jump in my seat. One even made me crawl under my seat as a child. Some were so horribly real that they caused me nightmares and heart palpitations. The ones that didn’t will be on someone else’s list.

No. 25: Zombieland

The newest horror film on the list, Zombieland is funny far more than scary, but a great film for all that. This is a megamovie with one great cameo and 90+ minutes of great action. The originality, disgusting violence and unlikely characters make Zombieland one of the best funny scary movies as well. You might want to sneak in some Twinkies, I so wanted one by the end of the film. Take a pen, too. You might want to write down the Zombieland rules before you leave. Ya’ never know. Oh, and start up the cardio, these Zombies are quick. READ MORE

Action heroes are those characters that thrill us with their derring-do, their dedication to the right things and their defense of the weak and defenseless. When it comes to pure heart pounding action – whether it’s swords, fists or six guns blazing, the action hero cares not, only that the evildoers suffer and the innocent survive. These champions all starred in films that were dedicated to perpetuating that ideal: the mythic nature of heroes in the Greek tradition. Hercules, Achilles and Odysseus were all larger than life and each of the following is exactly that, larger than life.

25. Daniel Craig

Star of the recent rethink of the decades-old James Bond 007 series, Daniel Craig blasted onto the screen with guns blazing and fists swinging, without most of the toys from recent Bond films. Casino Royale, not really a remake, but a whole new imagining, began a new career for the now blond Bond. He is the closest thing to the real James Bond (the character from Ian Fleming) and far more brutal, to point of sadistic. Although he is not exactly a hero, Craig managed to sell the new Casino Royale and people flocked to the theater. Craig’s other films include The Golden Compass, Defiance and Quantum of Solace. All were solid performers, with Craig as a breath of fresh air. He is a welcome throwback to a more manly time. READ MORE

25. Li’l Abner (1959)

If I was asked if Li’l Abner is one of the best musicals ever, I would argue yes. I originally watched it live at the St. Louis Muni Opera with the same cast. The film is so true to the stage musical that I was just as thrilled by it. It’s hilarious, extremely well directed, the cast is about as good as I could imagine and it's watchable again and again. Li’l Abner is such a wild eyed recreation of a classic comic that it blows nearly every other attempt away. The only knock on the film is it seems to be hidden away and is seldom played on TV. READ MORE

25. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

I expect some people will have a hernia when they see Holy Grail on my list, but it is the single greatest spoof of period films ever made and represents countless millions of fans both of Python and the genre (others will wonder why it’s not number one). Arguably Monty Python is the also the single greatest comedy troop of all time and this is their finest work. Working without a net the boys managed to create the funniest adventure/comedy ever made with no special effects, no great actors and with a tiny budget of 150,000 pounds sterling or less than half a million dollars American. Yet the film has left an indelible mark on American culture and film. READ MORE

There are many things that make a film great: critical acclaim; audience delight; box office records; stunning performances; and just plain entertainment just to mention a few. The films below are those that meet these criteria and more. They are films that go beyond the ordinary and create a special environment that transcends the silver screen. Some are personal favorites of mine, some are not, but all of the movies here listed have affected countless lives and generated many imitators.

25. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Far be it from me to not include Peter O’Toole’s greatest film. Unfortunately, a little low on the radar to modern audiences, Lawrence of Arabia is one of the great films. In scope and style, the film is gigantic. It is the consummate one man film with O’Toole as T.E. Lawrence a man far bigger than his time and oft considered great, but oft considered crazy. With sweeping vistas, great battle scenes and superb acting, the film certainly belongs with any list of superior movies. READ MORE