Top 30 | Greatest Animated Movies of All Time

These are the top 30 animated movies I've ever seen.

Top 10 | Best Original Songs in Cinema

These are my Top 10 Favourite Songs in the history of cinema. There's not a doubt in my mind that I've forgotten some great ones, but as it stands, these are the ten songs that evoke the strongest emotions out of me. It was extremely hard to narrow the list down to just 10, but in the end I wouldn't change this list one bit.

Come What May - Moulin Rouge (2001) 

David Baerwald, Kevin Gilbert - Performed by Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor

Colors of the Wind - Pocahontas (1995) 

Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz - Performed by Judy Kuhn

Over the Rainbow - The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Harold Arlen - Performed by Judy Garland

Moon River - Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini - Performed by Audrey Hepburn

The Way We Were - The Way We Were (1973)

Marvin Hamlisch, Alan and Marilyn Bergman - Performed by Barbra Streisand

A Whole New World - Aladdin (1992)

Alan Menken, Tim Rice - Performed by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga

When You Wish Upon a Star - Pinocchio (1940)

Leigh Harline, Ned Washington - Performed by Cliff Edwards

Nobody Does It Better - The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Marvin Hamlisch, Carole Bayer Sager - Performed by Carly Simon

Reflection - Mulan (1998)

Matthew Wilder, David Zippel - Performed by Lea Salonga

My Heart Will Go On - Titanic (1997)

Will Jennings, James Horner - Performed by Celine Dion

If you liked this list, check out my list for
Top 11 Most Beautiful Movie Themes

Top 10 | Pure Drama

Top 10 Pure Drama

For a film to be a 'pure drama,' the overwhelming theme and element to the film must be drama. There were a number of films that could have made it onto this list, such as The Last Picture Show (1971), Citizen Kane (1941), and The Lives of Others (2006). Films such as these are dominated by drama... not romance, not comedy, not crime nor action... just drama. Here is my Top 10 Pure Drama's. 

10 | All About Eve (1950) Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz

What's cooler than Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, George Sanders and Anne Baxter bantering in the same scene? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. All About Eve is one of the wittiest, funniest, and most dramatic movies ever made. It contains my second favourite Davis performance of all time, along with my favourite performances by George Sanders and Anne Baxter. I just found the clash of divas, the chaos, and the backstabbing so darn entertaining. It's one of the greatest Best Picture winners of all time, and one of my all time favourite movies. Also, it contains one of the greatest lines in movie history. "Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy night." 

9 | Mulholland Drive (2001) Directed by David Lynch

(I'm aware that crime is a major theme in the film, but the dramatic aspects are phenomenal). I'll admit, I wasn't a fan of Mulholland Drive when I first saw it. After re-watching it, I found it to be one of the most thrilling, wild, confusing, entertaining masterpieces I'd ever seen! It contains Naomi Watts' greatest performance, along with a haunting score, a wildly original story, a jumbled up puzzle of clues, and one of the best endings I've ever seen. The highlight: The Spanish rendition of "Crying" by Roy Orbison. 

8 | 12 Angry Men (1957) Directed by: Sidney Lumet

12 Angry Men may just be one of the most important movies ever made. The first time I ever saw this film, I was blown away by how flawed the jury system in America is (keep in mind, I was only in the 10th grade). The drama that unfolded between all of the jury members was astounding, especially when certain social prejudices were revealed. I just remember my jaw hitting the ground every time Henry Fonda refuted certain pieces of evidence... evidence that would otherwise be used as the nail in the coffin for the suspect. The best line: "No jury should declare a man guilty, unless it's sure." 

7 | The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) Directed by: Julian Schnabel

Seldom has there been a film that has moved me as much as The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. It's usage of first-person cinematography and extremely effective, poetic dialogue made the movie a masterpiece. I just remember sitting there, feeling as paralysed as the main character. I was so submersed in his story that when the ending came... I just lost it. I cried for about 15 minutes. In my opinion, no other movie from 2007 comes close to the league of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. 

6 | Sunset Boulevard (1950) Directed by: Billy Wilder

"I am big, it's the picture's that got small!" Sunset Boulevard is arguably the greatest movie of all time. It's a flawless film. Absolutely flawless. When it comes to 'drama,' there are no other women as dramatic or as creepy as Norma Desmond, played perfectly by Gloria Swanson. To me, it is the greatest performance in the history of cinema. That's right, it's my all time favourite. I remember feeling torn between liking and hating Norma. I felt sorry for her, being abandoned by the world of cinema since the introduction of the talkies... but she was also an obsessive and self-loving bitch. Her immortal line 'Alright Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up," always gives me chills. 

5 | American Beauty (1999) Directed by Sam Mendes

American Beauty is one of the first films that made me fall in love with the world of cinema. The 'normal' family, neighbours, and friends are anything but normal... and this film was the opposite of what I expected. There is lots to talk about, so I'll narrow it down. The affairs and midlife crises of Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening were hilarious, believable, and always entertaining. My favourite story was the daughter's relationship with the strange neighbour, "Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world, I feel like I can't take it." I loved how the over-confident best-friend is more self-conscious than anyone, and that the extremely conservative neighbour had to repress himself his whole life. It's just one big, perfect-mess of drama. 

4 | Farewell My Concubine (1993) Directed by Kaige Chen

Leslie Cheung moved me to tears.

Farewell My Concubine is my favourite Chinese movie of all time, and my personal favourite drama. It spans 5 decades of Chinese history, and follows one of the most unusual and interesting characters in cinematic history. It's one of those stories where it's hard to like any of the characters, yet you're so invested in their lives. It is stunning and tender, shocking and heartbreaking, and always riveting. Leslie Cheung gives one of the all time greatest performances in this film. He plays an actor that makes a living from playing a female opera singer... but he's also in love with his male co-star and best friend.

3 | A Separation (2011) Directed by Asghar Farhadi

A Separation is one of those films that BEGS to be discussed immediately after the credits roll. It's another 'flawless' film in my opinion, and one of the most intelligent and interesting ever created. We instantly delve into a really f*cked up situation, where it's easy to feel sorry for everyone and hard to pin the blame on anyone. I just remember after seeing this film, my family and I just sat in the lounge room discussing it for about an hour. It had a profound effect on me, and I think it'll become a 'classic' in the near future. 

2 | The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Directed by Frank Darabont

The Shawshank Redemption was my first taste of a perfect film. It raised the bar for me, setting a new tone for anything I saw after it. The characters, the dialogue, the cinematography, the score by Thomas Newman, the story, that escape scene... wow. Put simply... it's one of the most inspiring, poetic films I've ever seen. I couldn't pick a highlight from the film, because to me, the whole thing is just one big highlight.

1 | Ikiru (1952) Directed by Akira Kurosawa

I started watching this film having no idea what to expect, and left with a smile and a tear. Ikiru is undoubtedly one of the greatest movies of all time, for its story is enough to inspire someone to do something with their life. Takashi Shimura's performance is nothing short of perfection. It's one of the greatest performances of all time. Never has there been a film that made me appreciate life so much... there are so many wonderful lessons throughout this film. It's a must-see for any film fanatic. 

If you liked this list, check out my list for
Top 10 Greatest Romance Movies

Top 10 | Studio Ghibli Movie's

Studio Ghibli brings dreams to life. The films of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata are among the greatest ever made. These are my personal Top 10 Favorite films by the renowned animation company. I haven't seen every Studio Ghibli film, but I know that the ones I've chosen are all worthy of a place on this list.

10. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

Hayao Miyazaki

Kiki's Delivery Service is such a fun, light-hearted, magical adventure. It's more of a children's movie, but I really connected to the story and the characters. 

9. Ponyo (2008)

Hayao Miyazaki

Ahh Ponyo. This is definitely one of the most beautiful animated movies of all time. It's sooo cute and tons of fun.

8. Porco Rosso (1992) 

Hayao Miyazaki

Porco Rosso blew me away! He's laid-back, sassy, funny, and a tough son of a gun! His escapades with Fio had so much spark, I just wanted to see more!

7. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

Hayao Miyazaki

Nausicaa is one of the strongest female characters in the history of film. It's such a great story, and breathtakingly beautiful. Plus, you can't get much cuter than those giant Ohmu insects!

6. Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986)

Hayao Miyazaki

Laputa was one of the first Ghibli films I had ever seen, and it was my favorite for a long time. Every time I look up at the sky, I can't help but wonder if there's a beautiful floating island just waiting to be discovered ;)

5. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Hayao Miyazaki

TOTORO, TO-TO-RO! I love this movie so much. I'd call it a perfect film. It's one of the greatest children's movies of all time, and by far one of the most magical films I've ever seen. Every time I walk in my backyard, I can't help but feel happy at the thought of a little Totoro watching me. 

4. Princess Mononoke (1997)

Hayao Miyazaki

Princess Mononoke is a masterpiece. Words cannot describe how amazing this film is. It delivers such an important message in the most powerful, mesmerising way possible. I adore the score, the animation, the story... everything about it!

3. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Hayao Miyazaki

I saw Howl's Moving Castle in my Japanese class when I was in 5th Grade. I never forgot it, and never will forget it. It's the most magical of all the Ghibli films, and my second favorite of all time. My heart flutters when I think of Howl and Sophie, and the lovable fire-demon, Calcifur! 

2. Spirited Away (2001)

Hayao Miyazaki

If someone said to me that Spirited Away was the greatest movie of all time, I'd completely understand. It's perfect. Just perfect! It takes my breath away every single time, and there's always something new to discover with each frame. It's the most visually beautiful animated movie of all time, that's for sure. 

1. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Isao Takahata

Grave of the Fireflies is the most powerful, devastating film I've ever seen. You know how powerful it is? Well I just started crying whilst flipping through the photos of this film. To me, it trumps almost every other film in the world today. My heart rips to pieces every time I watch this movie, but it's so masterful that I can't help but watch it over and over. Setsuko... ahh I need to learn to stop crying about it! 

Well that is my Top 10 Studio Ghibli Movies. What would your list include? 

If you liked this list, check out my list for

Top 30 Greatest Animated Movies