1. Lawrence of Arabia

The granddaddy of all epics, few epics can match the scope and awe of David Lean’s masterpiece. AFI has previously honored this movie as #5 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #23 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #10 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #3 on its 100 Years of Film Scores, #30 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #7 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

2. Ben-Hur

If you haven’t seen the famous chariot race, go rent this movie, stat! Made during the Golden Era of Charlton Heston before he became a NRA nut, this movie from director William Wyler is truly epic. AFI has previously recognized this movie as #72 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #49 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #21 on its 100 Years of Film Scores, #56 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #100 on its 100 Years…100 Movies -10th Anniversary Edition.

3. Schindler’s List

Along with the Nanjing Massacre, the Holocaust was one of the great war tragedies of the 20th century. Somehow, Steven Spielberg has managed to reduce this atrocious stain on human history to a manipulative cartoon about dead Jews. If only a good director has made this movie…. AFI has previously recognized this movie as #9 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #13 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains list, #3 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #8 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

4. Gone with the Wind

One of the highest grossing movies of all time and a perennial classic shown on TV every year, this is Southern fried Civil War soap opera is one of the first, great epics. AFI has previously recognized this movie as #4 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #2 on its 100 Years…100 Passions, #59, #31 & #1 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes, #2 on its 100 Years of Film Scores, #43 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #6 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

5. Spartacus

Many Kubrick fans look down on this epic because it was a movie that Kubrick was a hired gun on. Producer and star Kirk Douglas brought Kubrick in to direct after the original director Anthony Mann was fired. The resulting movie is, in the Moose’s opinion, Kubrick’s best and effectively ended the blacklist of screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. AFI has previously honored this epic as #62 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #22 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #44 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #81 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

6. Titanic

One of the most expensive movies of all time became the biggest hit of all time with over $1.8 billion dollars grossed worldwide. James Cameron’s deftly mixes human drama and ill-fated romance with special effects spectacle. AFI has previously honored this movie as #25 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #37 on its 100 Years…100 Passions, #14 on its 100 Years…100 Songs, #100 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes and #83 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

7. All Quiet on the Western Front

One of the all time great war films, this is a gripping and realistic account of World War I and has been selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry. AFI has previously recognized this movie as #54 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list.

8. Saving Private Ryan

This movie’s reputation and subsequent Oscar win was made on the opening sequence Omaha beachhead assault. In reality, the opening sequence is nothing more than a Dolph Lundgren-esque action sequence shot with a bigger budget and a handheld camera. As for the rest of the movie, you’re better off watching the Dolph Lundgren film. If you want to see a better movie about WWII, watch Terrance Malick’s The Thin Red Line. AFI has previously recognized this junk as #45 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #10 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #71 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

9. Reds

The Moose has not seen Warren Beatty’s movie about Communist and journalist John Reed. AFI has previously recognized this movie as #55 on its 100 Years…100 Passions list.

10. The Ten Commandments

Another classic film from Charlton Heston’s Golden Age, this Cecil B. Demille movie about the life of Moses is on television every year. You don’t get much more epic than this. AFI has previously honored this movie as #43 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains and #79 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers.

COMMENTS

AFI’s list for epics is good, but not great. There are too many great films left off and too many mediocre films chosen in their place. If it were up to the Moose, the list of the 10 greatest epics as defined by the AFI would be, in no particular order Lawrence of Arabia, Ben-Hur, Spartacus, The General (1927), Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ, The Thin Red Line, Doctor Zhivago, The Bridge on the River Kwai and Apocalypse Now.

Other great epics you might want to check out include Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor, The Last of the Mohicans and Patton.

Jury Duty

1. To Kill a Mockingbird

An adaptation of one of the great American novels, this movie features one of Gregory Peck’s classic performances as widowed lawyer Atticus Finch and a young Robert Duvall as Boo Radley. AFI has previously honored this movie as #34 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #1 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #17 on its 100 Years of Film Scores, #2 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #25 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition list.

2. 12 Angry Men

This tense drama from director Sidney Lumet will have you going back and forth with the jurors on whether or not the defendant is guilty and deserves to die. Suspenseful and gripping and it takes place almost all in one room. AFI has previously honored this movie as #88 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #28 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #42 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #87 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

3. Kramer vs. Kramer

This Dustin Hoffman starring drama captured the attention of the nation in 1979 and won five Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman and Best Supporting Actress for Meryl Streep. Yet AFI has never previously recognized this movie. Go figure.

4. The Verdict

This David Mamet scripted drama stars Paul Newman as an alcoholic lawyer pushing a medical malpractice case for his own gain but discovers along the way that he is doing “the right thing”. AFI has previously honored this movie as #75 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers list.

5. A Few Good Men

“You can’t handle the truth!” The truth is that this is a very good movie featuring a powerhouse performance from Jack Nicholson. AFI has previously recognized this movie as #29 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes list.

6. Witness For the Prosecution

This tense movie directed by Billy Wilder is adapted from a play by Agatha Christie. AFI has never previously recognized this movie.

7. Anatomy of a Murder

This courtroom drama stars James Stewart as a small-town lawyer who takes on a murder case against a high powered big city prosecutor played by George C. Scott. Check it out, it’s good. AFI has never previously honored this movie.

8. In Cold Blood

The Moose has never seen this adaptation of the book by Truman Capote. AFI has never previously honored this movie.

9. A Cry in the Dark

The Moose has never seen this movie. AFI has never previously recognized this movie.

10. Judgment at Nuremberg

A big trial on one of the biggest stages, this movie tackles difficult issues as it recreates the trial of German war criminals after World War II. Featuring a powerful cast featuring Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Maximilian Schell, Montgomery Clift, Judy Garland, Marlene Dietrich and a young Denny Crane (William Shatner). AFI has never previously honored this movie.

COMMENTS

As you can see by the list, most of the movies on here have never been recognized by the American Film Institute. That’s why this is one of the better lists from an underrated genre that has been replaced at the American cinema by endless reruns of Law & Order on television.

Courtroom dramas are a writer’s genre. At their best, they’re part gripping suspense thrillers and part morality plays. For once, The American Film Institute has done a respectable job with this list. Sure, there are movies that the Moose would trade out, but, in general, it’s a good list.

Some other great courtroom dramas that you might want to check out: Inherit the Wind, The Insider, The People vs. Larry Flynt, The Accused, Reversal of Fortune, The Talk of the Town and Indictment – The McMartin Trial.

Point Break

Hannibal

1. The Godfather

Of course The Godfather was going to be at the top of the list. Americans love this movie and with good reason. It’s very good. AFI has previously recognized this movie as #3 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #11 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #2 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes, #5 on its 100 Years of Film Scores and #2 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

2. GoodFellas

A lot of people love this overrated, self-indulgent movie by hack Martin Scorcese. Then again, a lot of people voted for George W. Bush twice, so there you go. Must be the same people. This movie does feature a riveting performance by Ray Liotta. Too bad you have to sit through all the gratuitous violence and masturbatory camera movements to watch it. AFI has previously recognized this piece of crap as #94 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list and #92 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Ediition.

3. The Godfather Part II

A rare sequel to a good movie that’s even better than the original. The Corleone family saga continues as does the corruption of the American dream. AFI has previously recognized this movie as #32 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #11 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #58 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes and #32 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

4. White Heat

“Made it, Ma! Top of the world!” Classic James Cagney at his best in one of the great gangster films . AFI has previously honored this movie as #26 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains list and #18 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes list.

5. Bonnie and Clyde

Critically reviled at the time because of the extremely violent shoot out at the end, this movie went on to become a big hit and is now considered a classic. Look out for an amusing performance by Gene Wilder and a brilliant one by Gene Hackman. AFI has previously honored this movie as #27 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #13 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills list, #65 on its 100 Years…100 Passions list, #32 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #41 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes and #42 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

6. Scarface: The Shame Of A Nation (1932)

The Al Pacino movie may be more quotable, but this 1932 Howard Hawks film loosely based on the life of Al Capone is the better movie. Selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library Of Congress for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant, AFI has previously honored this movie as #47 on its list of 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains.

7. Pulp Fiction

This movie introduced the world to Quentin Tarantino’s pulpy, pop culture dialogue and revived John Travolta’s career. AFI has previously recognized this film as #95 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #53 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills and #94 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

8. The Public Enemy

This is the movie that launched James Cagney to stardom and forever typecast him to the public as the tough guy. This movie was also selected to be preserved by the Library of Congress in the National Film Registry. AFI has previously honored this movie as #42 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains list.

9. Little Caesar

“Is this the end of Rico?” Never. This is the third movie on this list to be selected by the Library of Congress to be preserved in the United States Film Registry. AFI has previously honored this movie as #38 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains and #73 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes.

10. Scarface

One of the most influential movies of all time in the world of hip hop music, this endlessly quotable movie starring Al Pacino as Cuban drug dealer Tony Montana was written by none other than Oliver Stone. AFI has previously honored this movie as #61 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes list.

COMMENTS

Out of all the AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 lists, this is perhaps their best list with only a few blatant mistakes. The Moose would only make a few changes to this list. First, I would eliminate all numerical rankings. Then I would combine The The Godfather and The Godfather Part II into one entry. This would make room for the excellent masterpiece Angels With Dirty Faces. Then finally, the Moose would replace GoodFellas and Pulp Fiction with Donnie Brasco and the David Mamet written The Untouchables.

The gangster genre is a rich genre filled with many great films. Here is a list of great movies that barely missed a spot in the top ten: Touch of Evil, The Sting (by AFI’s definition of a gangster film), Once Upon a Time in America, Black Rain, Get Shorty, and the David Cronenberg movies A History of Violence and Eastern Promises.

Let the Moose know if I’ve missed any great gangster films.

1. 2001 – A Space Odyssey

Many consider this semi-experimental film Kubrick’s masterpiece. Personally, while I can see how ground breaking and influential this movie is, it bores the hell out of the Moose. AFI has previously recognized this as #22 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list as #40 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #13 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #78 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes, #47 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #15 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

2. Star Wars

One of the most popular movies of all time, how could his movie not be on this list? I was pleasantly surprised that AFI did not have this movie as number one because the Moose doesn’t think this movie is particularly good. Most people think otherwise as a multi-billion dollar franchise shows. AFI has previously recognized this dreck as #15 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #27 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #14 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #8 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes, #1 on its 100 Years…100 Years of Film Scores, #39 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #13 on its 100 Years…100 Moives – 10th Anniversary Edition.

3. E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial

One of the highest grossing movies of all time, E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial captured people’s imagination in the 1980’s. It’s one of the few Spielberg movies that is watchable and has more depth than Jean-Claude Van Damme. Proof that even a talented, but soulless hack can do it right now and then. AFI has previously recognized this as #25 on its 100 Years…100 Movies, #44 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #15 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes, #14 on its 100 Years of Film Scores, #6 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #24 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

4. A Clockwork Orange

One of Kubrick’s real masterpieces, this movie threatens you with its anarchic violence that is shocking even today. Its vision of a liberal government policies that tries to control what people think and desire could be closer to reality than you think or want. AFI has previously honored this movie as #46 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, 321 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #12 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains and #70 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

5. The Day the Earth Stood Still

Klaatu barada nikto! This iconic movie may look a little dated, but the story still resonates. So much so that Hollywood is remaking this film with Keanu Reeves. AFI previously honored this movie as #82 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills list and #67 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers list.

6. Blade Runner

One of the most influential sci-fi movies ever, filmmakers have been copying the dark look of this film ever since its release. Based on a Phillip K. Dick short story, the movie itself is actually a little boring. Then again there are so many versions available now on DVD, you’re sure to find a version that you like if you’re willing to watch all of them. AFI has previously recognized this movie as #74 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills list and #97 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

7. Alien

Another iconic science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott. The man has a gift with visuals. And dinner has never been the same since. AFI has previously recognized this as #6 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills list and #8 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains list.

8. Terminator 2 – Judgment Day

One of the pioneers of integrating computer generated images into big-budget action spectacles, James Cameron has created some of the most stunning and thought provoking sci-fi of the last three decades. His vision of an apocalyptic future is both bleak and hopeful and this is one of the more intelligent action blockbusters you will ever see. AFI has previously honored this movie as #77 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills list, #22 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains and #76 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes list.

9. Invasion of the Body Snatchers

This science fiction horror film has often been called a commentary of the Communism that America was afraid of at the time. Like the best of horror and science fiction, it holds up a mirror to society to show some of the darkest elements of human nature. Chilling and unforgettable. AFI has previously honored this movie as #47 100 Years…100 Thrills list.

10. Back to the Future

The most fun and entertaining movie on this list, Robert Zemeckis’s has created a timeless classic. This tale of time traveling gone wrong never lets the science or effects overtake the human elements of the story. Surprisingly, AFI has never previously honored this wonderful film.

COMMENTS

With this list, the AFI has disappointingly gone with convention and picked some of the more popular and obvious science fiction films. People joke about how fast technology, especially computers, become obsolete. And while a good story will always remain a good story, audiences now are more sophisticated than in the past.

Some of the movies that the AFI has chosen are classics in their own right. But with the advances in special effects technology, these films have suffered. The effects in some of the old classics have become laughable. Sure, the story is good but the old effects now make it hard for a modern audience to maintain their suspension of the belief that the story requires. It’s the equivalent of seeing the zipper on the back of a monster suit. How scared can you be of a cinematic boogeyman when you can see his zipper?

With that in mind, the Moose’s version of this list of the 10 greatest American sci-fi films would include, in no particular order, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Aliens, The Abyss, The Thing, Back to the Future, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, A Clockwork Orange, Terminator 2 – Judgment Day and The Fly.

I’ve noticed that many directors who excel in science fiction often make several good, if not great, contributions to the general. Here are some other sci-films that you might want to watch.

From director Paul Verhoeven: Robocop, Total Recall and Starship Troopers.

From Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan writer-director Nicholas Meyer: Time After Time.

From master genre director John Carpenter: Escape from New York and Starman. Also check out Carpenter’s low budget movie They Live for a film that could have been great with a bigger budget and better cast.

Filmmaker Darren Aronfsky gave us the good, but pretentious Pi and the sublime film The Fountain.

For those of you who think that sci-fi requires a big budget and fancy effects, check out the indie sci-fi flick Primer.

And finally, here are some good, but not great, science fiction films that are worth checking out: The Matrix, Dark City and The Andromeda Strain.

1. The Wizard of Oz

AFI has previously recognized this as $6 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #43 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #4 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #1 on its 100 Years…100 Songs, #4 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes, #3 on its 100 Years…100 Musicals, #26 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #2 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

2. The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring

I’m guessing that AFI has named The Fellowship Of The Ring to represent the whole Lord Of The Rings trilogy. That being said, The Fellowship Of The Ring is the best of the three films. AFI has previously recognized this as #50 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

3. It’s A Wonderful Life

Timeless classic that airs every year near Christmas. AFI has previously named this #11 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #8 on its 100 Years…100 Passions, #6 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #1 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #20 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

4. King Kong

One of the first and most memorable special effects spectacles, the original King Kong showed us that no matter how amazing the effects can be, a good story will always remain king. AFI has previously recognized this as #43 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #12 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #24 on its 100 Years…100 Passions, #84 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes, #13 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Scores and #41 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

5. Miracle on 34th Street

Another perennial holiday classic, Hollywood has fantasies now of producing another movie as enduring as this one. AFI has previously named this #9 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers list.

6. Field of Dreams

If you build it, they will come… to watch this movie over and over again. The magic of this movie is how it tugs at the heart. AFI has previously honored this as #28 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers list and #39 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes.

7. Harvey

James Stewart and an imaginary rabbit. What’s not to like? If you haven’t seen this gem, go rent it. You won’t be disappointed. AFI has previously recognized this as #35 on its 100 Years…100 Laughs list.

8. Groundhog Day

This movie reminds me of how I feel about the majority of movies that Hollywood makes now. I keep going back to see the same movie over and over again hoping that someone will make something original. This movie is Bill Murray at his best. AFI has never previously recognized this movie.

9. The Thief of Bagdad

The Moose has never seen this movie. AFI has never previously recognized this movie.

10. Big

An above average body swapping movie that earned Tom Hanks his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Is it good? Yes. Does it deserve to be on this list? No. AFI has previously recognized this as #42 on its 100 Years…100 Laughs list.

COMMENTS

This is one of AFI’s stranger lists. When you think of a fantasy film, you usually think of a movies like The Lord Of The Rings trilogy or Clash of the Titansor even Labyrinth, not human dramas with a dream sequence or figments of the imagination. I think the AFI really dropped the ball on this particular list.

If it were up to the Moose, I would throw out the more human dramas in favor of more fantastical films. My top 10 list would probably include The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Princess Bride, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Rosemary’s Baby, Mary Poppins, Superman II, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Dark Crystal, and one of my favorites (and probably a controversial pick) Big Trouble in Little China.

Other great movies that fall under AFI’s broad definition of this genre would include: Beetlejuice, Conan the Barbarian, Clash of the Titans, and The Ten Commandments.

And always, feel free to leave your thoughts and comments They are always appreciated.

Table of contents for AFI's Top 10 Top 10 - America's 10 Greatest Films in 10 Classic Genres

1. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Films In 10 Classic Genres
2. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Animated Films
3. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Romantic Comedies
4. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Westerns
5. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Sports Movies
6. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Mystery Films

The American Film Institute defines “mystery” as a genre that revolves around the solution of a crime. This is a too small definition of the genre as it leaves out a great movie that is centered on the mystery of “Rosebud”. Of course, the movie I am referring to is Citizen Kane, a movie twice honored as the best American movie of all time on AFI’s own 100 Years…100 Movies list.

1. Vertigo

Receiving mixed reviews upon release, Vertigo has since been considered one of Hitchcock’s best and his most personal film. It’s no surprise that this movie tops the list. AFI has previously honored this movie as #61 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #18 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #18 on its 100 Years…100 Passions, #12 on its 100 Years…100 Scores and #9 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

2. Chinatown

Director Roman Polanski and screenwriter Robert Towne clashed over the ending of this classic. In the end, they shot the ending Polanski’s way and the rest is history as this has become a modern day noir classic. AFI has previously recognized this movie as #19 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #16 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #16 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #74 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes, #9 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Scores and #21 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

3. Rear Window

In a perverse twist, Hitchcock casts good natured Everyman James Stewart as a wheelchair bound peeping tom in this suspense thriller and makes voyeurs out of the audience. Obsession at its best. AFI honored this movie as #42 on its 100 Years…100 Movies, #14 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills and #48 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

4. Laura

The Moose has never seen this movie but Roger Ebert lists it as one of his Great Movies. AFI has also previously recognized this movie as #73 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills list and #7 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Scores.

5. The Third Man

If there were ever a suspense thriller that could possibly rival those of Alfred Hitchcock, this is it. Featuring one of the most powerful movie entrances ever filmed, The Third Man is a masterpiece waiting for audiences to rediscover it. AFI has previously honored this movie as #57 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #75 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills and #37 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains.

6. The Maltese Falcon

This is the movie that defined Humphrey Bogart’s person until the end of his career. His hard boiled Sam Spade is easily one of his most vivid characters and The Maltese Falcon has often been called the first film noir. AFI previously recognized this movie as #23 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #26 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #14 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes and #31 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

7. North By Northwest

This classic starring Cary Grant and directed by Alfred Hitchcock set the template for the future James Bond movies as well as countless other suspense thrillers. Filled with countless iconic scenes from the train ride with Eva Marie Saint to the crop duster scene to the chase across Mount Rushmore, there’s no denying this movie’s place on this list. AFI previously honored this as #40 on its 100 Years…100 Movies, #4 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills and #55 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

8. Blue Velvet

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more bizarre mystery set in an ideal town as in David Lynch’s twisted Blue Velvet. You’ll never look at Dennis Hopper the same again. AFI previously recognized this as #96 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills list and #36 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains.

9. Dial M for Murder

Hitchcock has yet another entry on this list with this adaptation of a stage play starring Grace Kelly. This movie touched a nerve with many women and it should. It’s well crafted terror and suspense at its finest. AFI previously honored this movie as #48 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills list.

10. The Usual Suspects

What this movie is doing on this list is beyond me. Sure, it’s enjoyable to a point, but the surprise twist ending both makes and breaks this movie as there’s little replay value to it once you know the surprise. AFI previously recognized this movie as #48 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains list.

COMMENTS

A look at the list of winners makes you wonder if the AFI has combined the mystery genre with the thriller and film noir genre. Of course, Alfred Hitchcock dominated the list with four movies on the list. This is one of the few lists the AFI has put out with almost no clunkers; the only one on this list being The Usual Suspects.

If it were up to the Moose, I would replace The Usual Suspects with The Conversation and Dial M for Murder with Alfred Hitchcock’s remake of his own film The Man Who Knew Too Much; I would also remove all numerical rankings and leave it as the ten best mystery films.

Other great films that merit consideration but don’t quite make the prestigious top 10 would be: Alfred Hitchcock’s Suspicion, The Big Sleep, House of Games, Sleuth and The Fugitive.

Table of contents for AFI's Top 10 Top 10 - America's 10 Greatest Films in 10 Classic Genres

1. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Films In 10 Classic Genres
2. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Animated Films
3. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Romantic Comedies
4. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Westerns
5. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Sports Movies
6. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Mystery Films

The American Film Institute defines “sports movies” as a genre of films with protagonists who play athletics or other games of competition. The best sports movies take the simple stakes of sports – win or lose – and uses them to remind us of the power and will of the human spirit.

1. Raging Bull

An almost great film, this dramatization of middleweight boxing champion Jake La Motta features brilliant performances by Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Cathy Moriarty. What prevents this movie from being truly great is the pretentious over direction by overrated hack Martin Scorcese, who has admitted to abusing cocaine during the production of this movie and seems intent to recycle all the boxing camera tricks from Rocky II the year before. AFI previously recognized this movie as #24 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #51 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills and #4 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

2. Rocky

One of the Moose’s all time favorite movies of any genre, Rocky is the classic story of the underdog. This movie works on so many levels as it touches upon the redemptive power of love, the nobody that becomes somebody and the American Dream. Forget all the sequels that have cheapened the brand and go back to the heart stirring original about the Everyman who just wants to go the distance. If this movie doesn’t move you, no movie will. AFI has honored this movie as #78 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #52 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #7 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #58 on its 100 Years…100 Songs, #80 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes, #4 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #57 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

3. The Pride of the Yankees

This acclaimed baseball flick starring Gary Cooper deals with baseball Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig and how his life was tragically cut short when he was stricken with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). AFI has recognized this movie as #25 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains list, #38 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes and #22 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers list.

4. Hoosiers

This rousing and iconic basketball film about a small-town Indiana high school that wins the state championship was hailed by the readers of USA Today newspaper as the best sports movie of all time. AFI has honored this movie as #13 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers list.

5. Bull Durham

Based on writer/director Ron Shelton’s own experiences playing in minor league baseball, this movie was ranked by Sports Illustrated as the #1 Greatest Sports Movie of all time. Not too shabby. AFI has previously recognized this funny movie as #97 on its 100 Years…100 Laughs list.

6. The Hustler

You’ll be hard pressed to a movie today as engaging as this drama about small time pool hustler “Fast Eddie” Felson looking to take down legendary pool player “Minnesota Fats”, or one with as good a cast as this one which includes Jackie Gleason, George C. Scott and Paul Newman. This is a story about what it means to be human. Shame on AFI for never previously recognizing this classic.

7. Caddyshack

This wacky golf comedy received a mostly negative reception at its time of release. It has since gone on to become a major cult classic and many of the movie’s quotes have entered the pop culture. And how could you not watch the antics of Bill Murray in this film and not laugh. AFI previously recognized this movie as #71 on its 100 Years…100 Laughs list and #92 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes.

8. Breaking Away

Who would have thought a cycling movie about four teenagers in Indiana would have so much resonance? AFI has previously recognized this movie as #8 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers list.

9. National Velvet

A movie about a horse racing little girl who rides her horse to victory in the Grand National steeplechase. Even with notable stars Mickey Rooney, Elizabeth Taylor and Angela Lansbury but this movie lacks any lasting resonance and has no business belonging on this list. AFI did, however, previously recognize this movie as #24 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers list.

10. Jerry Maguire

Only Cameron Crowe’s could come up with a moving story about a sports agent who decides that money is empty and that personal relationships is the key to a successful life and career. Everyone remembers the boisterous performance of Cuba Gooding Jr.’ and the line “Show me the money”, but this movie is greater than the sum of its parts in spite a predictable performance by Tom Cruise. When the Moose was in film school, I read the script and thought it was brilliant and sublime. Upon hearing the news that Tom Cruise had been cast in the title role, the Moose joked with some friends about how Tom Cruise would play the part… arching his eyebrows here for dramatic effect, smiling here because he doesn’t know what else to do and he knows that he can get by on his “charm”, pausing here because he thinks it would be dramatic and great “acting”, etc. When the movie came out, my friend called me up and told me that I was spot on in my breakdown of Mr. Cruise’s performance. Even Tom Cruise couldn’t torpedo this strong movie, though he comes close. AFI previously recognized this movie as #100 on its 100 Years…100 Passions list and #25 and #52 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes.

COMMENTS

While the most popular sports in America are team sports (football, baseball, basketball), it is no surprise that the majority of the movies on this list are individual sports. The stakes are that much higher when the only person you can rely on is yourself.

Though the Moose hates to empirically rate movies, I would not hesitate to name Rocky as the best sports film of all time followed by the remaining nine in no particular order. Although its set up almost like a B-movie, Rocky tackles so many themes that you always get something new each time you watch it. For the rest of the list, the Moose would get rid of Raging Bull, The Pride of the Yankees, Caddyshack, Breaking Away, National Velvet and Jerry Maguire and replace them with Million Dollar Baby, The Harder They Fall, The Set-Up, Requiem for a Heavyweight, Champion, and Rudy. I realize that five out of the six movies that the Moose has chosen are boxing films, but that is only because boxing is the most cinematic of sports as it condenses all the drama and conflict of life down to two gladiators in the middle of the square jungle.

Some other great American sports films for you to discover include: Any Given Sunday, the original The Longest Yard and the iconic ’80’s underdog story The Karate Kid.

Table of contents for AFI's Top 10 Top 10 - America's 10 Greatest Films in 10 Classic Genres

1. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Films In 10 Classic Genres
2. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Animated Films
3. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Romantic Comedies
4. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Westerns
5. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Sports Movies
6. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Mystery Films

The American Film Institute’s Top 10 Top 10 honors the greatest American films in each of the genres chosen by AFI. There’s no genre more American than the Western. The AFI defines “western” as a genre of films set in the American West that embodies the spirit, the struggle and the demise of the new frontier.

1. The Searchers

Many people consider this to be the best collaboration between director John Ford and Western icon John Wayne. AFI previously recognized this movie as #96 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list and #12 on the 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

2. High Noon

One of the all time great Westerns, this movie about a pacifist marshal who takes a stand against a ruthless outlaw he previously arrested. I doubt anyone would argue against its inclusion on this list. AFI has recognized this movie as #33 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #20 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #5 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #25 on its 100 Years…100 Songs, #10 on the 100 Years of Film Scores, #27 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #27 on the 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

3. Shane

Another classic about a gun-for-hire that becomes an almost mythic hero as he defends a Wyoming homestead. AFI has recognized this movie as #69 on its 100 Years…100 Movies, #16 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #47 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes, #53 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #45 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

4. Unforgiven

Clint Eastwood has long been associated with the Western genre. Here he takes all that he knows about the genre and has crafted a new masterpiece that breaks down the legend of the Old West gunfighter even as it creates a new myth. A classic. AFI has recognized this as #98 on its 100 Years…100 Movies and #68 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

5. Red River

The Moose has not seen this movie so I will not comment on it. AFI has not previously recognized this Western starring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift.

6. The Wild Bunch

This overrated Western is famous for its excessive violence and stunts. While it’s not a bad film, the Moose doesn’t think it deserves to be on this list when compared to the many great films that were left off. AFI has recognized this movie as #80 on its 100 Years…100 Movies, #69 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills and #79 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

7. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Who can forget the chemistry between Paul Newman’s Butch and Robert Redford’s Sundance in this most unusual and light Western buddy movie. AFI has previously recognized this film as #50 on its 100 Years…100 Movies, #54 on its 100 Years…100 Thrills, #20 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #23 on its 100 Years…100 Songs and #73 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

8. McCabe & Mrs. Miller

The Moose has not seen this movie either so will not comment on it. What the hell have I been doing with my time? AFI has not previously recognized this Robert Altman Western starring Warren Beatty and Julie Christie.

9. Stagecoach

This 1939 John Ford directed John Wayne movie was very influential to the Western genre. AFI has previously recognized this as #63 of its 100 Years…100 Movies.

10. Cat Ballou

How this unwatchable piece of crap made this list is beyond me unless the AFI has instituted an affirmative action policy on the lists it generates. Watch at your own risk. AFI has recognized this as #50 on its 100 Years…100 Laughs list.

COMMENTS

The AFI has done a horrible job compiling a list of the best Westerns. It’s ironic that the Westerns most cinephiles name as their favorites and most deserving to be on this list are the Italian spaghetti Westerns directed by Sergio Leone starring Clint Eastwood. But AFI is only considering the best American Westerns and American has a long and rich tradition of producing great Westerns that long before the stylistic Leone films were ever conceived.

The Moose has not seen two of the movies on this list, Red River and McCabe & Mrs. Miller but I feel it would be fair to remove them and replace them with great classic Westerns that the Moose has seen as there are so many good Westerns. The Moose’s personal Top 10 Westerns list would be, in no particular order, The Searchers, High Noon, Shane, Unforgiven, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Rio Bravo, Blazing Saddles, Pale Rider, The Shootist and The Outlaw Josey Wales.

I’m sure many people would question the inclusion of Blazing Saddles but Mel Brooks sharp satire is one of the funniest films ever made and perfectly sends up the Western genre. Other great Westerns that would almost make the list include The Ox-Bow Incident, The Fastest Gun Alive and Bad Day at Black Rock, the original 1957 version of 3:10 to Yuma and High Plains Drifter .

For fans of the genre, be sure to check out these other almost great Westerns.

From director Kevin Costner: Dances with Wolves and Open Range.

For the Wyatt Earp story: Gunfight at the O.K. Corral is the better movie while Tombstone has very solid performances by Kurt Russell and Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday.

Let the Moose know what other Westerns deserve to be on the list or the almost list.

Table of contents for AFI's Top 10 Top 10 - America's 10 Greatest Films in 10 Classic Genres

1. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Films In 10 Classic Genres
2. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Animated Films
3. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Romantic Comedies
4. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Westerns
5. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Sports Movies
6. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Mystery Films

Romantic comedy is a genre where they really don’t make them like they used to. For whatever reason, Hollywood can’t seem to make a smart romantic comedy anymore. As a result, it’s only natural that the movies chosen on AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 list for romantic comedies skew older. AFI’s definition of “romantic comedy” is as a genre in which the development of a romance leads to comic situations.

1. City Lights

For those of you who haven’t seen this masterpiece by Chaplin, run out and find a copy to watch of this silent gem that’s both funny and heart sublime. This timeless romance between a tramp and a blind flower girl proves that romantic comedies need not be all about witty banter and dialogue. AFI has previously honored City Lights as #76 on its 100 Years…100 Movies, #38 on it’s 100 Years…100 Laughs, #10 on its 100 Years…100 Passions, #38 on its 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #33 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers and #11 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

2. Annie Hall

This film from neurotic New York filmmaker/psuedo-pedophile Woody Allen has often been called the quintessential modern romantic comedy. AFI previously recognized this movie as #31 on its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #4 on its 100 Years…100 Laughs, #11 on its 100 Years…100 Passions, #90 on its 100 Years…100 Songs, #55 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes and #35 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10 Anniversary Edition.

3. It Happened One Night

This movie was the first movie to sweep the top 5 categories at the Academy Awards winning Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Screenplay (Adapted). That feat would only happen again twice in the history of the Academy Awards (with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and The Silence of the Lambs). It Happened One Night sets the standard for high concept conflicts and fast paced witty dialogue in romantic comedies. AFI has recognized this movie before at #35 of its 100 Years…100 Movies list, #8 on the 100 Years…100 Laughs, #38 on the 100 Years…100 Passions and #46 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

4. Roman Holiday

A romantic comedy set in Rome starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn and directed by William Wyler. How could this movie not make this list? Hepburn won an Oscar for this movie as the European princess who learns how to live life when she spends a day on the town with the American reporter who falls in love with her. AFI recognized this movie at #4 on its 100 Years…100 Passions list.

5. The Philadelphia Story

You‘d be hard pressed to find a movie with a better cast than this romantic comedy starring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and James Stewart. This romantic love triangle keeps you guessing as to who will end up with who as you’re laughing your pants off. AFI previously honored this movie at #51 of its 100 Years…100 Movies, #44 of its 100 Years…100 Passions and #44 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

6. When Harry Met Sally…

This iconic movie has pretty much set the mold of the romantic comedy in stone for a good fifteen years after its release. While many people remember the fake orgasm scene, that’s actually the movie’s weakest moment. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan hit all the right notes trying to figure out over the years that they love each other in the only romantic comedy since the 1980’s that deserves to be mentioned in the same company as the classics of the genre. AFI previously recognized this movie at #23 of its 100 Years…100 Laughs, #25 of its 100 Years…100 Passions, #60 on its 100 Years…100 Songs and #33 on its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes.

7. Adam’s Rib

This classic Battle Of The Sexes pits the lovers against each other in the courtroom with a trial that turns into a forum on sexual values and politics of the day. Even though the movie was made and set in the 1940’s, its social commentary is topical even today, that is if you’re not too busy laughing your guts out at the funny moments in the film. AFI has honored this movie as #22 on its 100 Years…100 Laughs list.

8. Moonstruck

This quirky romantic comedy won people over because the characters talk precisely what’s on their minds. Featuring a young Nicholas Cage and Cher at her best, this movie makes you wonder why Hollywood can’t make them like this anymore. AFI has recognized this movie at #41 of its 100 Years…100 Laughs, #17 of its 100 Years…100 Passions and #96 of its 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes.

9. Harold And Maude

I’m glad that the AFI recognized this strange indie gem that will turn your idea of a romantic comedy on its head. Like The Graduate, this movie captures the lost feeling of modern youths in a world where it’s good even when it’s bad. And no one will forget the lessons learned from the unlikely romance between Harold and Maude. AFI previously recognized this movie as #45 on its 100 Years…100 Laughs list, #69 on its 100 Years…100 Passions and #89 on its 100 Years…100 Cheers.

10. Sleepless in Seattle

Yes, this movie was very popular and is mildly diverting, but you would have to be a clueless, strung out crack whore to think that this mediocre escapade deserves to be on the same company as the rest of the movies on this list. Completely undeserving, AFI did previously recognize this movie at #45 of its 100 Years…100 Passions list.

COMMENTS

With the exception of Sleepless in Seattle, you can probably make a case for all the movies that the AFI has chosen. That being said, I think there are many better and more deserving movies but they almost all older films. I believe the AFI probably tried to balance out the list with a few modern inclusions even if they were not worthy. How else could you possibly explain Sleepless in Seattle?

If it were up to the Moose, I would drop Annie Hall, It Happened One Night, When Harry Met Sally…, Moonstruck, and Sleepless in Seattle to make room for the quick witted Cary Grant movies His Girl Friday and Bringing Up Baby. The Moose would also include the Billy Wilder comedy Some Like It Hot and the Ernst Lubitsch films Trouble in Paradise and The Shop Around the Corner. And as much as the Moose loves Harold And Maude, I would probably drop it to include either the Billy Wilder films The Apartment or Sabrina or the Cary Grant movie The Awful Truth. On second thought, I would pick The Awful Truth and Sabrina and drop City Lights.

As you can see, the Moose’s list would be all older films. It’s not that there hasn’t been any good romantic comedies in the past 30 years, it’s just that they don’t quite compare to the sterling older movies. Maybe it’s because writers now aren’t as smart and literate as they were then, or maybe it’s you’d be hard pressed to find actors that could match with the likes of Cary Grant. If the Moose had to pick a romantic comedy from the past 30 years, I would pick either When Harry Met Sally… or Steve Martin’s L.A. Story with an honorable mention to the James L. Brooks’s As Good As It Gets.

The Moose welcomes all comments and suggestions.

Table of contents for AFI's Top 10 Top 10 - America's 10 Greatest Films in 10 Classic Genres

1. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Films In 10 Classic Genres
2. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Animated Films
3. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Romantic Comedies
4. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Westerns
5. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Sports Movies
6. AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 – America’s 10 Greatest Mystery Films

The first classic category that AFI (American Film Institute) covers with its AFI’s Top 10 Top 10 list is Animation. Before anyone cries out about the exclusion of anime films, remember that this list only covers American made films. Here, the AFI list skews older and is dominated by Disney (and Pixar) films.

1. Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs

Snow White pioneered the way for future animated movies with its mix of story, music and visual gags. AFI has recognized Snow White before as it is #49 on AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movies, #10 on 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains, #19 on 100 Years…100 Songs and #34 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

2. Pinocchio

This classic story of the wooden puppet who wants to be a real boy has also been recognized by AFI before as it is #7 on the 100 Years…100 Songs and #38 on the 100 Years…100 Cheers.

3. Bambi

Who didn’t cry when Bambi’s mother was shot? Bambi is a coming of age story that introduced pathos and adult themes into what had been until now a mostly children’s genre.

4. The Lion King

Disney’s second Golden Age of animation started with The Little Mermaid in 1989 and continued on through the 2000’s until the increasingly popular computer animated films, starting with Toy Story, took over the genre. The Lion King represents the pinnacle of Disney’s second Golden Age of hand-drawn animation with its Shakespearean-like story, lush visuals and songs by Elton John and Tim Rice.

5. Fantasia

Of course, the sequence that most people remember from this groundbreaking film is The Sorcerer’s Apprentice starring Mickey Mouse as a would-be sorcerer. Fantasia is a unique movie that melds classical music with stunning animated visual images. With a few exceptions, there is very little narrative as most of the images are paired with the rhythm and intensity of the music. AFI previously recognized this movie on its 100 Years…100 Movies list at #58.

6. Toy Story

The first ever feature length computer animated film, Toy Story takes an inventive visual style that showcases what you could do with computers and added it to a great story. Unlike many other animated films and even live action films, Toy Story places its story at the forefront and hangs its unique stylistic elements on it. Although it is the first computer animated film, looking back at now, the movie still looks amazing and sucks you in to the story of Woody and Buzz. AFI recognized this movie as #99 on its 100 Years…100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition.

7. Beauty and the Beast

The first and only feature-length animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, this movie based on the fairy tale introduced the blending of traditional animation with computer generated imagery. As groundbreaking as the visual elements were, what really captured people’s imagination was the romantic, almost operatic story at the center of the movie that sent the rare message in today’s pop culture that looks are not everything. AFI previously recognized this movie at #34 of its 100 Years…100 Passions list, #62 of its 100 Years…100 Songs and #22 of its Greatest Movie musicals.

8. Shrek

The only non-Disney film on this list (Pixar Studios is now owned by Disney), Shrek is an anomaly in more ways than one. Personally, I can’t stand this movie. It’s derivative and obvious and the animation looks cut rate compared to the Pixar films. Still, this movie was a monster hit and even did well critically. Little did anyone know it would spawn two sequels with another on the way.

9. Cinderella

This classic fairy tale has spawned a cottage industry of commercializing little girls’s desires to be princesses. Every little girl wants to be Cinderella. Of course this just shows you how powerful the story and imagery is in this classic Disney film. While the story may not appeal to all (mainly those of the male persuasion), the story telling will.

10 Finding Nemo

A clownfish that isn’t funny who just happens to be an overprotective father. A regal tang with short term memory loss. A vegetarian shark. Selfish sea gulls. Put them together and you have one of the most entertaining animated films ever. Produced by Pixar, this movie has a story that both kids and adults will love. It’s one of the most critically acclaimed animated films ever with a 98% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Few will argue that Finding Nemo doesn’t belong on this list.

COMMENTS

If you look at AFI’s list, you’ll see that most of the movies skew older and all, with the exception of Shrek, were produced by Disney. While certainly a classic film, is Snow White really the best American animated film ever? Sure, there are many subtle visual jokes and the animation is rich, but the character of Snow White herself is a little bland. Does it really deserve to be #1? And while the Moose is a firm believer of recognizing the pioneers that came before you, is Cinderella really better than a movie like The Iron Giant or Ratatouille?

The Moose can’t stand Shrek and does not believe it belongs on this list as it takes up a space that could be occupied by a better and more deserving film. In fact if it were up to the Moose, I would first get rid of the numerical rankings and instead just recognize the 10 movies as the best of the genre without having to empirically rank them against each other. Then the Moose replace Snow White, Shrek, Cinderella and The Lion King with the The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Brad Bird trifecta of Ratatouille, The Incredibles and The Iron Giant.

Let me know what you all think.