Welcome to the first part of my ultimate movie list, where I’ll be counting down my personal top 100 films that have left a lasting impression on me. We’re kicking things off with numbers 100–81! Some of these films are fresh and thrilling, while others are timeless classics—older than my Netflix subscription, that’s for sure. This list isn’t about following trends or chasing fleeting fads.

As someone who’s an expert in almost everything (but a master of none), I gravitate toward films that stand out—whether it’s their creativity, storytelling, or the way they linger in my mind long after the credits roll.

To set the tone for this journey, I’ve chosen a neonpunk AI-generated visual. The vibrant neon lights of neonpunk perfectly capture the boldness and energy I want to bring to this list. Much like the films I’m celebrating, neonpunk blends futuristic, edgy designs with a touch of nostalgia and innovation—creating a unique visual experience that mirrors the boundary-pushing spirit of these movies.

In the world of cinema, as in life, it’s not the years, honey—it’s the mileage.

Let’s dive in!

100. A Night at the Roxbury

Year: 1998
Director: John Fortenberry
Starring: Will Ferrell, Chris Kattan, Raquel Welch, and Molly Shannon

Two socially awkward brothers, Steve (Will Ferrell) and Doug Butabi (Chris Kattan), who dream of opening their own nightclub. They spend their weekends at the popular Roxbury club, trying to fit in with the crowd.

A Night at the Roxbury is a hilarious comedy built on the chemistry between Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan relying on slapstick humor, physical comedy, and the dynamic duo’s iconic dance moves. It’s a film that doesn’t aim to be anything more than entertaining ride, and it achieves that goal perfectly. Ultimately, this movie is a perfect example of carefree, feel-good absurdity of the late ’90s capturing the spirit of the era, long before comedy started to take a more serious turn.

99. Bridget Jones’s Diary

Year: 2001
Director: Sharon Maguire
Starring: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant

Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger), a single woman in her 30s living in London. Struggling with her weight, romantic relationships, and career, Bridget decides to take control of her life by starting a diary to track her progress. Over the course of the film, she navigates her feelings for two very different men in her life.

Bridget Jones’s Diary is a fun and light-hearted rom-com I have a tendency to watch every now and then. Bridget, played by Renée Zellweger, is your classic lovable mess: a bit clumsy, constantly second-guessing herself, and always finding herself in awkward situations. The movie follows her ups and downs in love, work, and life, and it’s all pretty relatable in that “I’ve been there” way. You don’t watch it for deep life lessons; it’s a feel-good watch perfect for relaxing weekends when you want a break from more seriousness.

98. The Hand That Rocks the Cradle

Year: 1992
Director: Curtis Hanson
Starring: Rebecca De Mornay, Annabella Sciorra, Matt McCoy, Ernie Hudson

Claire (Annabella Sciorra) and Michael Bartel (Matt McCoy) lives cozy life until a nanny Peyton Flanders (Rebecca De Mornay) becomes part of their lives hiding her sinister motives behind a seemingly kind and caring exterior.

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is one of those films that sticks with you long after you’ve watched it. I first saw it in the late 1990s, and even after revisiting it 20 years later, it still holds up as a compelling, edge-of-your-seat thriller. Directed by Curtis Hanson, who also brought us LA Confidential and 8 Mile, the film shines in its ability to build tension without any flashy gimmicks or overused plot twists. Instead, the suspense is built in a subtle, almost quiet way without feeling rushed.

97. The Worst Person in The World

Year: 2021
Director: Joachim Trier
Cast: Renate Reinsve, Anders Danielsen, Herbert Nordrum

Julie (Renate Reinsve), is navigating the turbulence of her late 20s and early 30s in Oslo – questioning on what to do with her life.

The Worst Person in the World is a thoughtful and honest look at the challenges of modern life. Instead of offering easy answers, it tells the story of a woman trying to figure out who she is in a world full of uncertainties. This Norwegian film is heartfelt and bittersweet, capturing the beauty and messiness of life in a way that feels very real. Told in twelve chapters, with a prologue and epilogue, the movie follows Julie as she struggles with her identity, navigates two important relationships, faces career doubts, and deals with the pressure of society’s expectations. It’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a raw and relatable story about life’s imperfections.

96. Wedding Crashers

Year: 2005
Director: David Dobkin
Starring: Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams, Christopher Walken

John Beckwith (Owen Wilson) and Jeremy Grey (Vince Vaughn) are crashing weddings to meet women and have fun without any serious commitment.

Wedding Crashers is a feel-good, high-energy buddy comedy with sharp dialogue and a light, entertaining vibe. While it’s not my all-time favorite comedy, it’s definitely one of those films that’s always a good option when you need something fun and easy to watch. The chemistry between Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson is the heart of the film, and their back-and-forth banter keeps things moving at a fast pace. The outrageous situations they find themselves in never fail to deliver a laugh, making it the perfect pick for a lighthearted movie night. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or returning for a re-watch, Wedding Crashers delivers a solid dose of humor and good times.

95. The Bone Collector

Year: 1999
Director: Phillip Noyce
Starring: Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, Luis Guzmán, Michael Rooker

Lincoln Rhyme (Denzel Washington), a former NYPD detective who was left paralyzed from the neck down after a tragic accident is along with his partner, Amelia Donaghy (Angelina Jolie, working together to track down a serial killer terrorizing New York City.

The Bone Collector, based on Jeffrey Deaver’s 1997 thriller novel, is a modern classic—a gripping cat-and-mouse thriller that’s definitely worth watching. As a well-crafted ’90s film packed with twists and turns, it holds your attention from start to finish. The 1990s was a golden age for thrillers, known for the smart storytelling and edge-of-your-seat tension. The Bone Collector is a great example of why these films were so successful, blending a clever mystery with good acting. This movie may not be the best of its era or genre, but even after 25 years, it still holds up.

94. Rööperi (Hellsinki)

Year: 2009
Directed by: Aleksi Mäkelä
Starring: Samuli Edelmann, Peter Franzén, Kari Hietalahti

Two outcast Helsinkians, Tomppa (Samuli Edelmann) and Krisu (Peter Franzén) navigate the dangerous world of organized crime.

I like only a handful of Finnish-speaking movies, and Rööperi is one of them. This Finnish crime drama, set between 1966 and 1979, highlights the rise of organized crime in Helsinki.

The film not only chronicles the lives of men from the Punavuori “Rööperi” district who turn to crime but also offers a realistic portrayal of the district and its inhabitants. It captures a time long gone, when many left for Sweden in search of a better life as life in struggling Finland became too harsh. While critics weren’t fond of it, I found the film compelling for its gritty portrayal of both crime and the social changes of that period.

93. Le Havre

Year: 2011
Director: Aki Kaurismäki
Starring: André Wilms, Kati Outinen, Jean-Pierre Darroussin

An aging shoe shiner, Marcel Marx (Jean-Pierre Darroussin) attempts to help a young African refugee boy (André Wilms) escape from the authorities to find his mother in England.

Le Havre is a heartwarming and beautifully crafted film by Aki Kaurismäki that tells a touching story of kindness and solidarity. The film’s quiet, minimalist style is paired with dry humor, memorable performances, and a unique balance of melancholy and optimism. As much as I admire the film, I have to admit, I’m generally not a fan of Kaurismäki’s style. His films are sometimes too slow-paced for my taste. But Le Havre is different. Its simplicity and the way it tells a story about human kindness really won me over. The humor and warmth in this film stood out to me more than in his other movies. In this case, his minimalist style worked perfectly, letting the story’s hopeful message come through without feeling too heavy or distant.

92. Blow Out

Year: 1981
Director: Brian De Palma
Starring: John Travolta, Nancy Allen, John Lithgow

A sound technician, Jack Terry (John Travolta), records the sound of a car crash that he believes may have been a murder.

Blow Out is a fascinating psychological thriller that hasn’t received the attention it truly deserves. People might know Brian De Palma best from films like Carrie, Scarface, and The Untouchables, but Blow Out stands out as one of his most underrated masterpieces. De Palma masterfully uses his signature techniques, such as long takes, split screens, and slow-motion sequences to heighten the tension and make the audience feel like they are right there in the middle of the action.

The movie’s atmosphere is another standout feature. The way De Palma creates tension through sound design and visual techniques is great. The noises, whether it’s a wind in the background, the snap of a camera, or the sounds of a recording, are all well crafted, turning everyday sounds into unsettling elements that ramp up the film’s tension.

91. The Strangers

Year: 2008
Director: Bryan Bertino
Starring: Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman, Gemma Ward

Kristen (Liv Tyler) and James (Scott Speedman) quiet evening in a remote vacation home turns into a terrifying ordeal as they are stalked and attacked by three masked strangers.

A tense and terrifying home-invasion horror film, The Strangers thrives on a haunting atmosphere, minimalistic storytelling, and a growing sense of dread that intensifies with every passing moment. Instead of relying on jump scares or excessive violence, it expertly crafts a feeling of isolation and silence, making every second feel more suffocating. The surrounding darkness becomes an oppressive force, trapping the characters with no place to hide or escape. The subtle yet effective lighting, sound design, and sparse score amplify this sense of impending doom. While it may not boast the technical sophistication of some other horror films, its psychological impact sets it apart in the genre.

90. Ghostbusters

Year: 1984
Director: Ivan Reitman
Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver

A team of scientists start a ghosthunting business in New York City, battling supernatural forces that threaten the city.

Ghostbusters is, without a doubt, a perfect example of 1980s filmmaking at its finest. It is a film that stands the test of time with an unique combination of sci-fi comedy, supported by an iconic cast, groundbreaking visual effects, and an unforgettable theme song. The film’s groundbreaking visual effects, especially for its time, still hold up today, adding to the sense of wonder and excitement as the Ghostbusters battle supernatural entities in a New York City that’s suddenly overrun by ghosts. The special effects and creative design of the ghosts gave the film a distinctive look that stood out from other movies of the era.

89. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Year: 2004
Director: Adam McKay
Starring: Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate

Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), a clueless news anchor competes with a new female anchor and navigates the changing landscape of news broadcasting.

Anchorman is a hilarious and absurd satire of 1970s television news, a chaotic celebration of both the absurdity of its era and the characters that make it so unforgettable. Being a brilliant comedy, it masterfully balances satire, slapstick, and outrageous humor, offering a perfect blend of ridiculousness that continues to resonate with audiences. The film’s sharp wit and memorable performances, especially from Will Ferrell, ensure that it remains a beloved classic in modern comedy. With its timeless humor and satirical take on the media, Anchorman will continue to be a touchstone for fans of absurd comedy for years to come.

88. The Hangover trilogy

Year: 2009-2013
Director: Todd Phillips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha

Four friends—Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis), and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to Las Vegas for Doug’s bachelor party. The next morning, the guys wake up in their hotel room with no memory of the night before.

The Hangover is a laugh-out-loud comedy packed with outrageous moments and a twisty plot that keeps things fresh. The film’s wild, unpredictable energy makes it one of the best comedies of the 2000s. With its sharp humor, chaotic situations, and standout performances from Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, it quickly became a modern comedy classic. Galifianakis, in particular, steals nearly every scene as the awkwardly bizarre Alan, providing some of the film’s most memorable laughs.

The story itself is a crazy, unraveling mystery as the guys try to piece together the events of a lost night in Vegas. It’s the kind of comedy that keeps surprising you—just when you think you know what’s coming next, the film throws in another absurd twist. With its sharp humor The Hangover quickly became a comedy that everyone talks about and continues to watch time and time again.

87. The Tree of Life

Year: 2011
Director: Terrence Malick
Starring: Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Hunter McCracken

Young Jack (Hunter McCracken) is one of three brothers growing up in a small Texas town as part of the O’Brien family. He has a difficult relationship with his strict father (Brad Pitt) but shares a close bond with his loving mother (Jessica Chastain).

The Tree of Life a visually stunning film that tackles some of life’s biggest questions – about existence, the universe, and the meaning of it all. It’s the kind of film that might not appeal to everyone, but it’s definitely one that should be experienced, regardless of your usual preferences.

I’m not typically a fan of director Terrence Malick’s style, as his films can sometimes feel a bit too artsy for my taste. But even I liked this movie, there are a few slow moments and some lingering shots that can feel like they drag on a bit, but they’re balanced by the sheer beauty and depth of the film. The visuals alone are worth the watch—breathtaking scenes that seem to capture the vastness of the universe and the fragility of life itself.

The acting is also top-notch, with standout performances from Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain, who bring the story’s emotional core to life. Beneath the dreamlike imagery and philosophical musings, there’s a deeply human story about family, love, and loss.

86. The Wolf of Wall Street

Year: 2013
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: : Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie

A stockbroker Jordan Belfort rises to wealth and power, only to be undone by his greed, and criminal behaviour.

The Wolf of Wall Street is a fast-paced, high-energy film that takes a brutal, unapologetic look at the excesses of capitalism. I loved the wildness and chaos in The Wolf of Wall Street—it perfectly captures the reckless energy and excess of the world it portrays. The acting in The Wolf of Wall Street is outstanding. Especially Leonardo DiCaprio shines as Jordan Belfort, showing his wild, greedy, and charismatic personality.

85. Raiders of the Lost Ark

Year: 1981
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman

Adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) embarks on a quest to find the biblical Ark of the Covenant, battling Nazis and other foes along the way.

A timeless classic that blends action, adventure, and humor, Raiders of the Lost Ark set the standard for adventure films. Harrison Ford’s charismatic portrayal of Indiana Jones makes him one of cinema’s most iconic heroes. The film’s thrilling set pieces, inventive action, and Spielberg’s direction ensure it remains a genre-defining film.

84. Basic Instinct

Year: 1981
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Starring: Sharon Stone, Michael Douglas, George Dzundza

A detective becomes involved with a seductive crime novelist who may be connected to a brutal murder. As the investigation unfolds, their volatile relationship complicates things.

Basic Instinct is a provocative and stylish thriller that has remained a cinematic milestone, even four decades after its release. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the film stands out for its ability to mix the classic elements of film noir with sharp psychological tension. This film’s direction is bold, unafraid to tackle controversial themes and push the limits of what was acceptable for its time.- The world it creates is both alluring and dangerous, keeping viewers on their toes from beginning to end. One of the film’s greatest strengths is its complex characters, most notably Sharon Stone’s portrayal of Catherine Tramell.

83. Canal

Year: 2014
Director: Ivan Kavanagh
Starring: Rupert Evans, Hannah Hoekstra, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Steve Oram

David (Rupert Evans) and his family move into a new house, dismissing the rumors about it being haunted. However, he soon begins experiencing strange visions, which gradually lead him into a spiral of madness.

The Canal is a surprisingly strong film, even though its plot might feel familiar, as similar themes have been explored in many other movies. What’s odd, however, is that despite its quality, the film is somewhat hard to find and not widely available for streaming. I watched it a many years ago, though I can’t quite remember whether it was through a streaming service or if I saw it at a cinema—perhaps at Espoo Ciné, a film festival focusing on new European films in the Espoo and Helsinki areas.

This Irish film stands out primarily for its atmospheric qualities. Director Ivan Kavanagh expertly crafts a slow-burn pace, which builds tension gradually, drawing the viewer into the eerie world of the protagonist. The film blends psychological horror with subtle, creeping dread, rather than relying on quick scares or gore. Themes of isolation and the inevitability of death are explored deeply, giving the film an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after it ends.

82. Misery

Year: 1990
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen

Paul Sheldon (James Caan), a bestselling author who becomes the victim of his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates).

Misery, based on the 1987 novel by Stephen King, is a great example of a psychological suspense thriller, with a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge. The performance of Kathy Bates is incredible as she switches between warmth and terrifying rage in a way that makes you never know what to expect from her. It’s not just her character’s actions, but the way she manipulates Paul’s mind that makes her such a compelling villain.

Misery is one of those rare films that gets under your skin, and it’s the kind of movie you’ll want to watch multiple times. Each viewing brings a deeper understanding of the twisted dynamics between the characters and the intricacies of the suspense. With Bates’ unforgettable performance, Misery is a great thriller that stands the test of time, proving to be just as powerful and chilling as the first time you watch it.

81. Tuntematon Sotilas (Unknown Soldier)

Year: 2017
Directed by: Aku Louhimies
Starring: Jussi Vatanen, Eero Aho, and Juho Milonoff

The film is set during the Continuation War fought between Finland and the Soviet Union from 1941 to 1944, and follows a Finnish machine gun company throughout the war.

Tuntematon Sotilas (The Unknown Soldier) is a 2017 Finnish war drama film directed by Aku Louhimies. It is an adaptation of Väinö Linna’s bestselling 1954 Finnish classic novel, which is considered part of the national literary legacy. The film offers a raw and realistic depiction of the brutality and emotional toll of war. The 2017 adaptation is notable for its unflinching portrayal of war’s brutal reality. While earlier versions, particularly the 1955 film (which is de facto movie for many to watch at Independence Day), presented a more romanticized and heroic view of war, Louhimies’ film opts for a raw and graphic depiction of the horrors of battle.

The cinematography is stark, capturing the harsh landscapes and the overwhelming sense of dread as the soldiers navigate their lives amidst the constant threat of death. Louhimies focuses not only on the brutality of combat but also on the human side of war – how camaraderie, fear, and personal loss shape the experience.

Closing remarks

And that’s a wrap on 100-81 of my top 100 films! But don’t worry, there’s still plenty more to come. In the next part of the list, I’ll be diving deeper into films that have stuck with me for different reasons—whether it’s for their impact on the genre, their unforgettable characters, or the way they simply make me feel. Next we’ll explore movies 80-61, and continue the countdown.