Everybody's got that one movie (or more) that they think is perfect. And, of course, I'm no different. Movies have always been my go-to for entertainment since I was a little kid. And through out the years I've gathered quite a collection of films that, for me, are the definition of perfect.
So, without much more delay, let's get into them. But just as a side note, this will not be in any particular order as I'm just going to write them down as they pop into my head. Also, I'm going to combine two or more movies into the same entry if they are from the same franchise/series, because if I were to separate all of them into their own entries this list would be very long.
Die Hard
Easily one of, if not THE, best action movies ever made. Just about every aspect to this movie was made with a care and enthusiasm that's seemingly harder and harder to come by today in Hollywood. And I'm glad I watch it every year for Christmas. It serves as good palette cleanser for the end year, that are more and more frequently becoming stale for good crowd-pleasing, movies. The action is just as intense now as it's ever been (maybe even more so), the characters are all likeable or detestable in all the right ways and it has pitch-perfect pacing. About the only thing that stands out is the German language that the bad guys speak; it's not exactly authentic. But, even that kind of has it's own charm to it.
Predator
Hmm, two John McTiernan movies back-to-back. Not intentional, but I think it speaks to the film making that those were some of the first ones I thought of. A mashup of genres that we don't seem to get anymore; with the first third being your typical (classic) 80's action flick, the second turning into a horror/slasher, and with the final third becoming a survival picture. And just like Die Hard the pacing is perfect for each of those thirds, all while giving you so many great character moments between all the members of the Special Forces team. And let's not forget about the creature/Predator (or the Yautja for those who want to be more specific) itself; a creation from the great Stan Winston that still looks amazing 39 years (as of 2026) later. And is a creature so cool that, while not necessary, is just as fun to learn more about as it is to not know much at all.
Jaws
Seeing this one on the big screen this past year was a dream come true, almost a religious experience. I have always loved this movie; ever since I was a little kid watching it on TV. And while I still love the same things about it that I did as a kid, I've grown to love other aspects of it even more as an adult. The thrills and chills of three men battling a great white shark are still fun to see, but its the more character driven moments that I've truly began to love as I got older. Robert Shaw is the absolute scene stealer of the movie; commanding your attention every time he shows up. To this day--after watching this movie dozens of times--I'm still mesmerized during his monologue about the Indianapolis. It's a movie that's got it all-- thrills, horror, action and drama.
Alien/Aliens
This is where I start sharing the entries. Both of these movies are worthy of the word, Perfection. One's a haunted house/Slasher flick in outer space; the other is a thrill-a-minute war movie with new additions to the lore. Both have great characters with Sigourney Weaver leading the way (though Hudson, played by the great Bill Paxton, is my personal favorite of the entire franchise). And both having amazing creature designs with H. R. Giger creating the original blueprint. And both these movies make for on hell of a double-feature night. Just be sure to skip The Director's Cut of Alien, but make sure to watch the Special Edition of Aliens!
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
These movies are the sole reason I decide to make this list up the way I did. How do you split up the best trilogy of all time into one singular movie choice? The truth is, you don't. Yeah, there have been other good trilogies out there, but none of them are anywhere near the same scale and consistency as these. And I don't think we'll every see anything like them again, at least not in my lifetime. Filled with great characters that you just love spending time with going on an epic journey to save the world. And none of it feels disingenuous, every aspect of these movies have an earnestness to them that seems to be severely lacking these days; Peter Jackson couldn't even replicate it with The Hobbit trilogy (though for what they are, I enjoy them well enough, and they sever as a good way to immerse yourself even further in the the world of Middle-Earth). And while there are no bad versions of these movies, I am, of course, talking about the Extended Editions-- I don't even think I've seen the Theatrical versions since they were first released on DVD. And I'll never go back. Why would I want to shortchange myself on spending even more time in that world? And can we please get a proper 4K release with all the special features?
It's a Wonderful Life
Another one of those movies that I love to watch around the end of the year. It's a movie that just serves as a good reminder that there's good and good people in this world. Just a nice wholesome reminder that while life can sometimes get you down, there are wonderful things to enjoy and experience. It's a movie that never ceases to move me every Christmas season; one I've enjoyed since a kid, but never appreciated until I started getting older and life started getting crazier. If you aren't even a little choked up by the time you hear Auld Lang Syne, then all I can tell you is you need to open yourself up more to the humen experience. And it's all lead by an amazing performance by Jimmy Stewart, playing a man for whom life doesn't keep turning out quite the way he wanted it to as he continues to do what he feels is right, but every time pushed further to his breaking point. You see and feel all of it; his excitement to explore the world and his sadness and depression when it doesn't happen for him but all his friends and family. All of it is laid out for us to not only see, but to maybe see a little bit of ourselves in George Bailey. If you've never seen it, might I suggest you change that by next Christmas. Let it sever as an uplifting way to end one year and enter a new one.
Raiders of the Lost Ark/Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade
How do you chose between these two? Both are the most amazing adventure films ever put to celluloid! And while I tend to lean towards The Last Crusade as my favorite out of the four movies (yes, you read that correctly. There are only four, they never made an ill-advised fifth movie that sucks the fun of Indiana Jones out of it), I think Raiders of the Lost Ark is very closely tied to it. There is just so much to love from these movies; everything from the characters, to the locations, to the set pieces, it all is a great time to be had! The tank chase scene in Crusade is an all time great of spectacle and action. With the truck caravan from Raiders a few close second! God, I miss seeing real stunts being preformed in camera in real locations! But, while they are both very close in greatness, Crusade will always take the lead for just one factor alone; Sean Connery. The pairing between him and Harrison Ford is not only comedic gold, but gives the film a little more emotional weight and stakes that Raiders doesn't quite have. And if you wondering, yes I do like Temple of Doom, but not on the same level as these two.
Saving Private Ryan
The movie that sparked my fascination with WW2. Just the opening scene of the Omaha Beach landing is worthy of the word perfect. The shear intensity and realism of those 20-25 minutes not only locks you into the rest of the story, but, if you're like me, gives you immense appreciation and respect for what those men had to go through. And that reason alone makes this movie not only perfect in my eyes, but also makes it important. We are 82 years removed from the events of that day, along with being 85 years removed from the start of WW2 (as of 2026); many of those veterans are now gone. This movie is a perfect reminder to never forget those men and their sacrifice. Also, please check out HBO’s Band of Brothers and The Pacific; both amazing shows that carry on the legacy that this movie started.
And that’s it. Those are just a handful of movies that I think are perfect. I had a lot of fun trying to come up with this list. I wanted to make sure I had a nice variety of genre to add and found myself really thinking about the movies, and why, I think they fit. I hope you had a good time reading this as I did writing it!
Let me know down in the comments below what movies you think are perfect!
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