60. The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
Logline: Circa the mid-15th century, Jeanne d’Arc (Maria Falconetti)—who claims of divine visions—is charged by a powerful, ecclesiastical court with the crime of heresy and burned at the stake.
Memorable Moments: Perhaps most ostensibly, the scene that sees Joan—fearless and steadfast—being consumed at the stake by fire. Or, the “standoff” between Joan and the English judges, uttering meek, staccato answers to scolding questions.
Why People Love It: Besides the surreal, majestically-captured atmosphere, Maria Falconetti (Joan, ‘Maid of Orleans’) lends the most flawless, unbeatable performance in this silent-era gem. Period.
Best Quote: Jeanne d’Arc: [Speaking to God] “Will I be with You tonight in Paradise?”
59. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Logline: Cosmo and Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) build a silent-movie business, where lovers—on-screen and off—seem to come and go. However, one of the biggest challenges will be transitioning to movies with sound, while Don begins to fall for newly-hired actress Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds).
Memorable Moments: The rain is pouring, Don—umbrella at hand— steps outside and shoos his ride away, breaking into a song and dance routine that captures not only the essence of the film, but the epitome of what pure giddiness resembles.
Why People Love It: Are you kiddin’? Singing in the Rain is only one of best classic movies ever—recognizable in over 65 countries—and a total homage to the early days of television.
Best Quote: Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor): “What’s the first thing an actor learns? “The show must go on!’ Come rain, come shine, come snow, come sleet, the show MUST go on!”
58. Stand By Me (1986)
Logline: In Castle Rock, Oregon, four boys—Gordie, Teddy, Vern, and Chris—depart to find the rumored corpse of another kid. Along the way, though, many life lessons are learned and the boys are thrust into the adult world seemingly overnight.
Memorable Moments: By far, the scene where the four boys, haven chosen to trek across a long train bridge, must outrun the train or face certain death.
Why People Love It: In the same nostalgic way that E.T. does, Stand By Me almost forcefully evokes memories of youthfulness and our once-inseparable childhood friends (for those growing up in the 80’s, anyhow), through bad and good times and the mounting pressures of becoming adults.
Best Quote: The Writer/Narrator (Richard Dreyfuss): “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?”
57. Toy Story 3 (2010)
Logline: This go-round, the toys’ owner (Andy) is college-bound, leaving his toys to a daycare full obnoxious children. After meeting a few new characters—a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants, for one—the toys begin planning their big escape.
Memorable Moments: When the Toy Story gang, in perhaps one of the most heart-felt moments of the entire franchise, faces death inside an incinerator, they firmly grasp each others’ hands and await either a last-second rescue, or certain, fiery death.
Why People Love It: Many moviegoers, including the lot of professional movie critics, agree that Toy Story 3 is probably the best one of all—combining hilarity, adventure, and even poignancy.
Best Quote: Andy (Voice by John Morris): “Now Woody, he’s been my pal for as long as I can remember. He’s brave, like a cowboy should be. And kind, and smart. But the thing that makes Woody special, is he’ll never give up on you… ever. He’ll be there for you, no matter what.”