Tammy Armstrong's Top Ten Movies

This list is a mix of feel-good movies that I could watch over and over, and movies that I really like but that I don't own or watch frequently. I apologize to all the movies to which I'm about to do a great injustice by omission; my recall of movies is apparently terrible. So in some ways, this is the top 10 of the moment - the bottom 3 get a bit iffy, in particular. I think it has some staying power, though.

1. Love Actually (2003)

The ultimate chick flick of all time. Star-studded cast, well-timed and well-balanced between the various storylines, AND you get to watch it as a Christmas movie or year-round.

2. The Dark Knight (2008)

This represents my love for comic book movies. I could have listed Spider-Man or Iron Man as they are also favorites, but Dark Knight is gloriously done. Seeing it for the first time while spending the summer in Chicago--after I had been there long enough to recognize things/places like Wacker Drive and CTA buses--made it that much sweeter.

3. Harry Potter (2001-2011)

Can we all agree that the series counts as one movie? Mom and I used to spend quiet weekend evenings watching one or the other of these movies - not intently watching, but chatting and catching up with the movies as background. They're kind of companion movies: comfort when you feel homesick or lonely. We could also place the Twilight movies in this category, terrible as they are.

4. Chasing Liberty (2004)This is probably a terrible movie. But it was my favorite chick flick as a teenager and has stuck with me. It also has a surprisingly excellent soundtrack. Also, Mark Harmon should probably play every teenage-daughter's father until he's 90.

5. The Incredibles (2004)

There's a wonderful warm feeling that immediately accompanies watching a Pixar movie. It was a tough call between this and Up! or the Toy Story movies, but The Incredibles won. A little romance, a little crime-fighting action, and a sweet theme of the importance of family.

6. Star Trek (2009)

I'm a bit of a Trekkie. This movie made it okay to admit that publicly for the first time. I could probably watch this once a month and still feel excited about it.  

7. Best In Show (2000)

When I was pretty young, my mom showed our Keeshond, Bandit. I remember traveling to shows, getting some ribbons/cups, and Bandit getting a reputation for drinking judges' coffee if they set their mugs on the floor next to their chairs. My parents, who were much more aware of the culture at the time, say this movie pretty accurately represents the dog show culture... and I imagine it translates for any type of competition/subculture like this. I love it for its ridiculous characters and for introducing me to the mockumentary.

8. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

It's been a long time since I've watched this one, but I can't imagine a more quotable movie--or one that has been quoted so widely for so long. Everyone has a favorite scene: I'm quite partial to the Knights Who Say "Ni!" (or later, "Iki-iki-iki-pa-TANG zoop! boing! wasaaaaa...").

9. Everything is Illuminated (2005)

This is one that almost didn't make it into the list because it doesn't lend itself to a lot of re-watching. It's not the most uplifting movie overall, and is one of the more serious movies on this list. I love that they give the perspective/narration to Alex, and the cinematography is wonderful. 

10. Mr. Nice Guy (1997)

Jackie Chan had to be on here somewhere. This one has him starring as a TV chef in Australia who gets mixed up in a spot of trouble and has to be awesome. As always, totally improbable but totally lovable.