# what is your ONE favorite film of all time? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 21, 2010, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768 "2010-01-21T00:21:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![slime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@slime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slime)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/121 "2010-01-21T19:55:09Z")
Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It takes a couple of times wathching it so you can stop watching the main action and watch all the little bits going on in the background. ---
**Author:** ![Baal\_Houtham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baal_houtham/32/13604_2.png) [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/122 "2010-01-21T20:09:05Z")
It’s not an answer I’m completely comfortable with, but darnit, _The Princess Bride._ It’s not perfect. There are a dozen things that could be changed for the better, but they don’t greatly matter. There’s no film with more wonderful lines and few with as many great scenes. The story within a story structure allows it to build a reality with its own rules, and it uses that freedom with few missteps. It gives free reign to deep cynicism and over-the-top romance. The Man In Black reaches the top alive and dutifully draws his sword; he’s given a grace period and gratefully sits down to empty the rocks from his boots. The duel begins and the geek joy in encountering excellence puts beatific smiles on the face of both swordsman. There are movies that are more “perfect,” but I don’t love them quite as much. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/123 "2010-01-21T20:14:12Z")
> [@faithfool](#): > > The original **Willy Wonka**. Never do I tire of watching this. You and me both. I adore this movie. I’ve adored it since the first time I saw it at age 6 in the theater. I’ve probably seen it a hundred times, I stop to watch it almost every time I happen by it while channel surfing, and I can quote large sections of it. ---
**Author:** ![HubZilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ccd318/32.png) [@HubZilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HubZilla)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/124 "2010-01-21T20:16:10Z")
_Godzilla vs Destoroyah_ Even made a [fan page](http://gvsdestoroyah.dulcemichaelanya.com/) of it back in college! ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/125 "2010-01-21T20:19:19Z")
War of the Worlds (the original version) > **[The War of the Worlds (1953) ⭐ 7.0 | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046534/)** > > 1h 25m | G ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/126 "2010-01-21T20:20:12Z")
> [@NineToTheSky](#): > > Easy. > > 2001: A Space Odyssey > > It still stands the test of time - and for a sci-fi movie made in the '60s, that’s saying something. I re-watched this again a couple of weeks ago, and my opinion remained the same - “What the hell is everyone seeing in this movie?” I did, however, develop an appreciation for the cinematography - he did some really amazing things with his cameras. ---
**Author:** ![Cunctator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/43a26b/32.png) [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/127 "2010-01-21T21:49:51Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > > [@Cunctator](#): > > > > Kind Hearts and Coronets > > You’re only allowed to choose one. :rolleyes: If there’s a joke here, I don’t get it. ---
**Author:** ![Mr\_Shine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr_shine/32/464_2.png) [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/128 "2010-01-21T21:57:03Z")
You’re not allowed “Kind Hearts” and “Coronets”. Pick one. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/129 "2010-01-21T21:57:39Z")
> [@Cunctator](#): > > If there’s a joke here, I don’t get it. It sounds like two movies: “Kind Hearts” and “Coronets.” I almost turned the joke back on **jjimm** ’s own choice of “Withnail” and “I.” 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/130 "2010-01-21T22:17:58Z")
> [@Oredigger77](#): > > Silverado. > > It is the perfect western. The score if wonderful and it is shot in some stunning beautiful country. It has some great actors probably one of the best casts ever put together. It was written by Lawrence Kasdan who has written some of the best movies of the 80s and this is his best work. The plot is perfect showing both the friendships growing while lots of interesting problems crop up and giving the bad guys depth so they aren’t just the men in black hats. > > I can’t think of anything the move is missing except maybe John Wayne. > > Thanks, I haven’t watched it in almost 6 months and I am going to watch it this weekend. I love _Silverado_. I just bought the blu-ray, so I’ll be watching it again soon. As you said, the cast really is one of the best ever: Kevin Kline Scott Glenn Brian Dennehy Danny Glover Linda Hunt Kevin Costner Jeff Goldblum John Cleese Rosanna Arquette Jeff Fahey And several recognizable (by face if not by name) character actors. ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/131 "2010-01-21T22:43:20Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > Mine is _Withnail and I_. I’ve had this sitting at home for a couple of weeks now, from Netflix. I will watch it this week-end! > [@Clothahump](#): > > I have to vote for [The Wizard Of Speed And Time](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081766/). Mike Jittlov is a genius. I saw a short film by Mike Jittlov in an animation festival, and ever since then I’ve been wanting to see this movie, but it’s not available on DVD, is it? ---
**Author:** ![LilyoftheField](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/13edae/32.png) [@LilyoftheField](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilyoftheField)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/132 "2010-01-21T22:50:43Z")
I read the question in the thread title and the first thing that popped into my head was “Kramer vs Kramer”. That’s not really my favorite movie of all time. I don’t think… But at the time that movie came out I was a young struggling single mom with a young child. And there was that one scene in the movie where the kid is having a temper tantrum and screams at his dad, “I hate you!” And the Dad (played by Dustin Hoffman) screams back “I hate you too, you little bastard!” That is just so, so…what you want to say to your own obnoxious little brat sometimes, and yet so what you dare not say for fear of scarring his little psyche for life…! I loved it! …and I guess I still do, even though my own little brat is now 37 years old… :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Gagundathar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a183cd/32.png) [@Gagundathar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gagundathar)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/133 "2010-01-21T22:55:16Z")
Star Trek - The Wrath of Khan ---
**Author:** ![Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/intergalactic_gladiator/32/112_2.png) [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/134 "2010-01-21T23:02:16Z")
> [@Tangent](#): > > I love _Silverado_. I just bought the blu-ray, so I’ll be watching it again soon. As you said, the cast really is one of the best ever: > > Kevin Kline > Scott Glenn > Brian Dennehy > Danny Glover > Linda Hunt > Kevin Costner > Jeff Goldblum > John Cleese > Rosanna Arquette > Jeff Fahey > And several recognizable (by face if not by name) character actors. I forgot about Silverado, what a great, great movie. I’m having a tough time deciding what my favorite movie would be. I love Spaced Invaders, but I have a tough time saying that’s my favorite of all time. Maybe Repo Man or Spinal Tap. Can I waffle on this? ---
**Author:** ![LilyoftheField](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/13edae/32.png) [@LilyoftheField](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilyoftheField)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/135 "2010-01-21T23:05:17Z")
> [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](#): > > Can I waffle on this? No. Sorry…but, no. You must choose… ---
**Author:** ![slowpony](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8e8cbc/32.png) [@slowpony](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slowpony)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/136 "2010-01-21T23:39:01Z")
My favorite movie is _Rebecca_. I can watch it forever. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/137 "2010-01-21T23:49:05Z")
> [@rolandgunslinger](#): > > Open Range. > [@Lakai](#): > > Pulp Fiction. > [@Jules\_Andre](#): > > Aw, I was getting so close to the end of the thread with my pick having not yet been mentioned. It’s **Serenity** for me, and #2 isn’t very close. All of these made my short list, but I’d have to go with _ **Heat.** _ It has it’s flaws, but I feel those are masked or surpassed by its virtues. ---
**Author:** ![Maiira](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f04885/32.png) [@Maiira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maiira)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/138 "2010-01-21T23:54:42Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Tell us what your ONE favorite film is… I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna!! _Stamps feet_ All right, my answer can probably be **Newsies** , but it’s not a decision I’m comfortable with. I love it because it’s cute and fun and has hot boys. But dammit, I also want a movie that makes me think, and something that thrills (or scares) me, and something that makes me cry. So my runners-up will be **Mulholland Dr.** , **Sin City** , and **Pan’s Labyrinth**. Neener neener. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![smaje1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47774/32.png) [@smaje1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smaje1)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/139 "2010-01-21T23:59:16Z")
> [@Mr\_Shine](#): > > You’re not allowed “Kind Hearts” and “Coronets”. Pick one. Not sure if everyone is joking about this, but “Kind Hearts and Coronets” is one film. Just happens to have an “and.” My desert-island movie is Gone With the Wind. It’s also my desert-island book. If you’ve never seen it, take an afternoon off and watch it (comes in at just under 4 hours). It’s amazing. It blows my mind that it was made in 1939. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768/140 "2010-01-22T00:29:05Z")
> [@smaje1](#): > > Not sure if everyone is joking about this, but “Kind Hearts and Coronets” is one film. Just happens to have an “and.” Well of course. That was a joke, hence the wink, and hence the follow-up joke about me choosing “Withnail” and “I”. **Arnold** , I’m really glad you’re giving my choice a go - but urge you not to read too much about _Withnail_ before you watch it: the publicity about the film is all about it being a rip-roaring farcical comedy, by concentrating on only one part of the movie. It absolutely isn’t that; it’s much more subtle. Also, for maximum comprehension, and what isn’t obvious when the movie opens, is that in the first scene they’re totally strung out on amphetamines, and have been for days, and are losing the plot. It’s a badly set-up opening (qv “low production values”), but once you know that, the rest of the film makes a lot more sense. I wish I could send you a copy of the script (which I own). It’s soooo clever. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-one-favorite-film-of-all-time/525768.md?page=8)