iPouya

I’ve always loved movies and although a graduate student, I still make time to see a few a week. I’ve subscribed to  movie magazines since I was 14 and have long enjoyed reading and learning about old films, upcoming films, and the stories behind their creation. Many films have been an integral part of my consciousness (Michael Collins, Battle of Algiers, Malcolm X) and some biopics continue to inspire me (Rudy and October Sky). Below is an ever expanding list of my favorite films categorized into groupings particular to my interests. I hope you find this page useful in expanding your selection in film and please feel free to recommend any movies by commenting below. The links of the actors and directors lead to their profiles on Wikipedia and the listings of the films link to the film’s trailer – whenever possible. And yes, I’m unapologetic about the fact that I fancy Avatar!

Favorite Films (Overall):

1. The Matrix Saga (1999 – 2003)
2. Avatar (2009)
3. Braveheart (1995)
4. The Motorcycle Diaries (2003)
5. The Deer Hunter (1977)
6. Rudy (1993)
7. The Battle of Algiers (1966)
8. The Dark Knight (2008)
9. Malcolm X (1991)
10. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
11. Gandhi (1982)
12. Fight Club (1999)
13. Michael Collins (1996)

Favorite Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio

1. The Basketball Diaries (1995)
2. Gangs of New York (2002)
3. The Beach (2000)
4. Blood Diamond (2006)
5. The Aviator (2004)
6. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
7. The Departed (2006)
8. Titanic (1997)
9. Shutter Island (2010)
10. Revolutionary Road (2008)
11. Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Favorite Actor: Christian Bale

1. The Dark Knight (2008)
2. Batman Begins (2005)
3. The Prestige (2006)
4. Empire of the Sun (1987)
5. 3:10 to Yuma (2007)

Favorite Director: James Cameron

1. Avatar (2009)
2. Terminator (1984)
3. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
4. Aliens (1986)
5. Titanic (1997)
6. The Abyss (1989)

Favorite Direction: Christopher Nolan

1. The Dark Knight (2008)
2. Batman Begins (2005)
3. Inception (2010)
4. The Prestige (2006)
5. Memento (2000)

Favorite Director: Steven Spielberg

1. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
2. E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982)
3. The Indian Jones Trilogy (1981)
4. Empire of the Sun (1987)
5. Jurassic Park (1993)
6. Schindler’s List (1993)
7. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
8. Munich (2005)
9. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
10. War of the Worlds (2005)
11. Hook (1991)

Favorite War Films:

1. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
2. Deer Hunter (1978)
3. Platoon (1986)
4. Apocalypse Now (1979)
5. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
6. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
7. Glory (1989)
8. First Blood (1982)

Favorite Gangster Films:

1. The Godfather (1972)
2. The Godfather: Part II (1974)
3. Goodfellas (1990)
4. Casino (1995)
5. Scarface (1983)
6. The Untouchables (1987)
7. A Bronx Tale (1993)

Favorite Crime Films:

1. Heat (1995)
2. The Departed (2006)
3. Blow (2001)
4. City of God (2002)
5. Pulp Fiction (1994)
6. Carlito’s Way (1993)
7. The Usual Suspects (1995)
8. The Sting (1973)
9. Ocean’s 11 (2001)

Favorite Cult Classics:

1. The Goonies (1985)
2. The Warriors (1979)
3. Pulp Fiction (1994)
4. Rounders (1998)
5. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
6. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
7. Domino (2005)

Favorite Computer Animated Films:

1. Toy Story 3 (2010)
2. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
3. Shrek 2 (2004)

Foreign Films:

1. Paradise Now (2005)
2. Battle of Algiers (1966)
3. City of God (2002)
4. Lives of Others (2006)
5. Amelie (2001)
6. Persepolis (2007)

Iranian Films:

1. A Time for Drunken Horses (2000)
2. Children of Heaven (1997)

Favorite Documentaries:

1. Exit through the Gift Shop (2010)
2. Occupation 101 (2006)