Aaron's Top 10 Favorite Films

Movies have been a large and critical part of my life. I have these to thank for my passion and devotion toward trying to become a writer in that land out West. So without further ado, here are my top ten favorite movies:

10. Nightcrawler (2014)

The most recent film in my top ten, Nightcrawler features a brilliant script, a memorable performance by Jake Gyllenhaal and the gorgeous, neon color scheme of Los Angeles.   Nothing is unforgettable in this dark thriller.

9. American Psycho (2000)

American Psycho is my favorite dark comedy and features Christian Bale’s best performance as Patrick Bateman. Jumping between funny and psychotic, the film never lets up until the ambiguous ending.

8. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

This was the first Edgar Wright film that I ever saw. Everything in this film is creative fun. One of my absolute favorite zombie, comedy films.

7. Psycho (1960)

A true classic with a remarkable twist. This is Hitchcock’s most impressive film, which is really saying something.

6. Anchorman (2004)

My favorite comedy ever made. This movie is a quotable monster that never fails to make me laugh with its random and ingeniously idiotic humor.

5. No Country for Old Men (2007)

A movie that is responsible for my fingernail biting habit. This Coen Brothers' epic should be retitled, "Tension: The Movie".

4. Aliens (1986)

How do you top Alien, a sci-fi, horror classic? You bring in James Cameron and turn it into an action thrill ride. Also, big points to the movie for providing more Xenomorphs, my favorite horror monster.

3. Terminator 2 (1991)

How to make a badass, sci-fi classic cocktail: grab one of my favorite actors (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a strong female character, fantastic chase scenes, timeless effects, an interesting plot, an intimidating villain and mix well for over two hours. This is the epitome of what an action movie should look like.

2. The Dark Knight (2008)

While this is my favorite comic book movie, it is not focused on superheroes. This is a philosophical, detective film that is the magnum opus of Christopher Nolan’s work. It’s iconic, deep, intelligent and unforgettable.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)

This thing… Oh, boy… Where do I even start? I try to be fancy and somewhat vague with why I love some of these films, but I’ll be specific with my number one. This movie is a [insert Quentin Tarantino's favorite word here] masterpiece in every way possible. Not only does it tell multiple stories in a new-at-the-time, non-linear style, but it also provides some of the best dialogue of any movie ever. It’s one of the films that inspired me to be a scriptwriter. I will never get tired of watching this gem.

While those are my top ten movies, here are some honorable mentions: Hot Fuzz (2007), The Shining (1980), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Godzilla (2014), Dawn of the Dead (2004), Die Hard (1988), The Room (2003).