This is Maxim's list of the greatest "guy" movies of all time. What makes a movie a guy movie, by Maxim standards? The magazine pointed out that it's a difficult term to define specifically, but suggested "sophomoric humor, cartoon violence, mean-spirited putdowns and gratuitous nudity" and some of the standards of the genre.
But why let some random editors decide the best Dude Flicks ever. We're leaving it up to the men (and women!) of Ranker to make the final call. Your votes will determine the order of this list. (Here's the original Maxim Greatest Guy Movie rankings.)- 1In the Southwest during the Civil War, a mysterious stranger, Joe (Clint Eastwood), and a Mexican outlaw, Tuco (Eli Wallach), form an uneasy partnership -- Joe turns in the bandit for the reward money, then rescues him just as he is being hanged. When Joe's shot at the noose goes awry during one escapade, a furious Tuco tries to have him murdered. The men re-team abruptly, however, to beat out a sadistic criminal and the Union army and find $20,000 that a soldier has buried in the desert.
- Released: 1966
- Directed by: Sergio Leone
Also ranks #6 on The 25+ Best Civil War Movies Of All Time, Ranked- Also ranks #1 on The 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- Also ranks #1 on The Greatest '60s Movies, Ranked
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- 2In the heart of the sci-fi action thriller The Terminator, a cyborg assassin known as The Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time from 2029 to 1984. His mission? To execute Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose unborn son is destined to lead humanity in a war against machines. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a soldier from the same post-apocalyptic future, is also hurled back in time with an assignment to protect Sarah. It's a race against time, technology, and destiny itself. This James Cameron-directed film won several awards for its groundbreaking special effects and gripping narrative.
- Released: 1984
- Directed by: James Cameron
Dig Deeper 56 Things You Didn't Know About the Terminator Movies- And Deeper 12 'Terminator' Fan Theories That Are Just Crazy Enough To Be True
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Movies Of 1984, Ranked
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- 3Goodfellas, an iconic mobster film directed by Martin Scorsese, is a gritty exploration of life within the Mafia. It's based on the true story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a small-time gangster climbing the ranks of organized crime. Joining him in this perilous journey are his partners, volatile Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) and cool-headed Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro). The movie masterfully exposes the allure and harsh realities of mob life, earning six Academy Award nominations. This includes Joe Pesci's win for Best Supporting Actor, marking a significant achievement in cinematic history. Goodfellas is a quintessential crime drama that delves into the intricate dynamics of loyalty, betrayal, and power.
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
- Dig Deeper 15 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of 'Goodfellas'
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Oscar-Nominated Movies of the '90s
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4The film Rocky is a sports drama, marking the genesis of a beloved franchise. It introduces us to Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a small-time boxer from Philadelphia with a heart of gold and fists of steel. The plot thickens when heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) offers an unprecedented opportunity - a shot at the title. Rocky's journey from obscurity to the limelight is a testament to determination and grit. This underdog tale, directed by John G. Avildsen, captivated audiences and critics alike, earning three Academy Awards including Best Picture in 1977.- Released: 1976
- Directed by: John G. Avildsen
- Dig Deeper Movies That Won Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes
- Also ranks #1 on The Greatest Sports Drama Movies of All Time
- Also ranks #2 on Low-Budget Underdog Films That Spawned Huge Franchises
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5The Godfather, a celebrated crime-drama, presents an intimate study of the Corleone family. At its core is Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), initially an outsider, who gets reluctantly drawn into the family's criminal enterprises. His father, Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), is the patriarch, whose power and influence cast long shadows over his family's affairs. The movie paints a vivid tableau of post-war New York's underworld, riddled with betrayal and power struggles. This cinematic masterpiece, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, swept the 1973 Academy Awards winning Best Picture amongst others.- Released: 1972
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
- Dig Deeper Small Details About 'The Godfather' Films That Demand A Rewatch
- Also ranks #1 on Every Movie Directed By Francis Ford Coppola, Ranked By Fans
- Also ranks #1 on The Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
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6Die Hard, a classic action-thriller, revolves around New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis). He's just trying to reconcile with his estranged wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), at her company's Christmas Eve party. But things spiral out of control when German terrorist Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) and his henchmen take over the high-rise building. Armed only with his wits and determination, McClane must face down the deadly adversaries, save the hostages, including his wife, and thwart Gruber's grandiose heist plan. A high-stakes game of cat and mouse ensues creating an unforgettable cinematic experience resulting in four Academy Award nominations.- Released: 1988
- Directed by: John McTiernan
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7Vietnam veteran and drifter John J. Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) wanders into a small Washington town in search of an old friend, but is met with intolerance and brutality by the local sheriff, Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy). When Teasle and his deputies restrain and shave Rambo, he flashes back to his time as a prisoner of war and unleashes his fury on the officers. He narrowly escapes the manhunt, but it will take his former commander (Richard Crenna) to save the hunters from the hunted.- Released: 1982
- Directed by: Ted Kotcheff
- Also ranks #3 on Movies Where Major Characters Didn't Survive The Original Endings
- Also ranks #4 on The Best Movies Of 1982
- Also ranks #4 on 20 Action Movies That Are Way Better Than The Oscar Winners That Beat Them
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8Bruce Lee plays a martial-arts expert determined to help capture the narcotics dealer whose gang was responsible for the death of his sister. Lee enters a kung fu competition in an attempt to fight his way to the dealer's headquarters with the help of some friends.- Released: 1973
- Directed by: Robert Clouse
- Also ranks #1 on The Fiercest Fist Fights In Film History
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Martial Arts Movies Of All Time
- Also ranks #2 on The 55+ Best Movies Of 1973
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9In Dirty Harry, a gritty 1971 thriller, Inspector Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) prowls the streets of San Francisco. He's relentless, unorthodox and carries a .44 Magnum - the world's most powerful handgun. When a rooftop sniper known as Scorpio (Andy Robinson) terrorizes the city, it's up to Callahan to stop him. The film, directed by Don Siegel, is renowned for its raw portrayal of urban crime and its iconic protagonist. Despite controversy over its violence and ethical ambiguity, Dirty Harry remains a landmark in cinematic history.- Released: 1971
- Directed by: Don Siegel
- Also ranks #1 on The Best '70s Action Movies
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Cowboy Cop Movies, Ranked
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Cop Movies of the 1970s
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10In Lethal Weapon, we're thrust into the high-stakes world of two Los Angeles police detectives. Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), a volatile maverick reeling from his wife's death, pairs up with seasoned detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover). As they navigate the city's gritty underbelly, their contrasting styles and personalities create an undeniable dynamic. The movie, a blend of action and crime genres, is punctuated by thrilling car chases, explosive confrontations, and compelling character development. Directed by Richard Donner, Lethal Weapon has become a quintessential buddy cop film. Despite its intense action sequences, it remains grounded in the reality of its characters' lives.- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Richard Donner
- Dig Deeper Surprising Facts Most People Don't Know About 'Lethal Weapon'
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Buddy Cop Movies
- Also ranks #1 on The Most Legitimately Heartwarming Friendships In Action Movies
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- 11In the riveting drama The Great Escape, a group of Allied prisoners, led by Virgil Hilts (Steve McQueen), are confined in an ostensibly escape-proof German POW camp during World War II. The determined captives, including Danny Velinski (Charles Bronson) and Robert Hendley (James Garner), devise an audacious plan to tunnel their way out. This war epic, based on true events, is a tale of ingenuity, resilience, and daring that won critical acclaim for its gripping narrative and memorable performances. The movie's genre-defying plot and thrilling pace ensure it remains a classic in cinema history.
- Released: 1963
- Directed by: John Sturges
- 12Pulp Fiction, a quintessential Quentin Tarantino piece, is a genre-defying blend of crime, drama, and black comedy. The film intricately weaves the lives of two hitmen - Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson), with a washed-up boxer Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis), and a mob boss's wife Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman). Punctuated by Tarantino's signature non-linear storytelling, the movie explores themes of redemption and consequences. It bagged the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1994, testifying to its cinematic brilliance.
- Released: 1994
- Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
- Dig Deeper 12 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From 'Pulp Fiction'
- And Deeper The Best 'Pulp Fiction' Quotes, Ranked
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Movies Of 1994, Ranked
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- 13Deckard (Harrison Ford) is forced by the police Boss (M. Emmet Walsh) to continue his old job as Replicant Hunter. His assignment: eliminate four escaped Replicants from the colonies who have returned to Earth. Before starting the job, Deckard goes to the Tyrell Corporation and he meets Rachel (Sean Young), a Replicant girl he falls in love with.
- Released: 1982
- Directed by: Ridley Scott
- Dig Deeper Kurt Russell's 'Blade Runner' Sequel Might Be The Biggest Flop Of 1998
- And Deeper There Are Eight Versions Of Blade Runner, And Each One Is Crazier Than The Next
- Also ranks #1 on Great Movies with a Neon Aesthetic
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14When petty criminal Luke Jackson (Paul Newman) is sentenced to two years in a Florida prison farm, he doesn't play by the rules of either the sadistic warden (Strother Martin) or the yard's resident heavy, Dragline (George Kennedy), who ends up admiring the new guy's unbreakable will. Luke's bravado, even in the face of repeated stints in the prison's dreaded solitary confinement cell, "the box," make him a rebel hero to his fellow convicts and a thorn in the side of the prison officers.- Released: 1967
- Directed by: Stuart Rosenberg
- Also ranks #2 on The 35+ Best Movies of 1967
- Also ranks #3 on What's the Best Florida Movie of All Time?
- Also ranks #5 on The 65+ Best Prison Movies Of All Time
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15When the mystical Russell Nash (Christopher Lambert) kills a man in a sword fight in a New York City parking lot, he leaves a sliver of an ancient weapon lodged in a car in the process. After brilliant forensics specialist Brenda Wyatt (Roxanne Hart) recovers evidence of the mysterious weapon, she and her partner, Lt. Frank Moran (Alan North), embark on an investigation Of Nash that will land them in the middle of a dangerous, centuries-old feud between powerful immortals.- Released: 1986
- Directed by: Russell Mulcahy
- Also ranks #2 on Actor Clancy Brown Is In Way More Movies And TV Shows Than You Realize
- Also ranks #3 on The 50+ Best Movies About Immortality, Ranked
- Also ranks #4 on The 75+ Best Sword and Sorcery Movies
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- 16In a violent, near-apocalyptic Detroit, evil corporation Omni Consumer Products wins a contract from the city government to privatize the police force. To test their crime-eradicating cyborgs, the company leads street cop Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) into an armed confrontation with crime lord Boddicker (Kurtwood Smith) so they can use his body to support their untested RoboCop prototype. But when RoboCop learns of the company's nefarious plans, he turns on his masters.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Paul Verhoeven
17Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood) watches helplessly as his wife and child are murdered, by Union men led by Capt. Terrill (Bill McKinney). Seeking revenge, Wales joins the Confederate Army. He refuses to surrender when the war ends, but his fellow soldiers go to hand over their weapons -- and are massacred by Terrill. Wales guns down some of Terrill's men and flees to Texas, where he tries to make a new life for himself, but the bounty on his head endangers him and his new surrogate family.- Released: 1976
- Directed by: Clint Eastwood
- Also ranks #3 on The 25+ Best Civil War Movies Of All Time, Ranked
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Movies Starring Clint Eastwood
- Also ranks #1 on The Best 1970s Westerns, Ranked
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18A Mexican village is at the mercy of Calvera, the leader of a band of outlaws. The townspeople, too afraid to fight for themselves, hire seven American gunslingers to free them from the bandits' raids. The professional gunmen train the villagers to defend themselves, then plan a trap for the evil Calvera.- Released: 1960
- Directed by: John Sturges
- Also ranks #1 on The 20 Best Western Movies For Your Kids
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Western Movies on Amazon Prime
- Also ranks #3 on The Best 1960s Western Movies, Ranked
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19In the raucous comedy National Lampoon's Animal House, party-crazed fraternity Delta Tau Chi, led by Bluto Blutarsky (John Belushi), is in a constant state of war with the college administration, personified by Dean Wormer (John Vernon). The film, set in 1962, navigates through wild parties, pranks and chaos. As the Dean plots to expel the fraternity, the misfits plan their revenge. A mix of slapstick humor and social satire, this John Landis directed movie remains a classic in its genre. It won People's Choice Award for Favorite Non-Musical Motion Picture.- Released: 1978
- Directed by: John Landis
- Dig Deeper Behind The Scenes Stories From 'Animal House' That Are Way More Insane Than The Movie
- Also ranks #1 on The Funniest Movies About College
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Movies to Have Playing During a Party
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20In Vietnam in 1970, Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) takes a perilous and increasingly hallucinatory journey upriver to find and terminate Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a once-promising officer who has reportedly gone completely mad. In the company of a Navy patrol boat filled with street-smart kids, a surfing-obsessed Air Cavalry officer (Robert Duvall), and a crazed freelance photographer (Dennis Hopper), Willard travels further and further into the heart of darkness.- Released: 1979
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
- Dig Deeper Behind-The-Scenes Stories About Marlon Brando In 'Apocalypse Now'
- Also ranks #3 on Every Movie Directed By Francis Ford Coppola, Ranked By Fans
- Also ranks #4 on The Best Movies Based on Short Stories
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21In the classic crime drama, Scarface, Tony Montana (Al Pacino) emerges as a Cuban immigrant in 1980s Miami. With nothing but ambition, he becomes involved in the lucrative cocaine trade. His rise to power is swift, but so too is his moral decline. Tony's mistress Elvira Hancock (Michelle Pfeiffer) and right-hand man Manny Ribera (Steven Bauer) feature prominently in this tale of excess and downfall. Directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone, Scarface won a Golden Globe for Al Pacino's performance, eventually cementing its place in film history.- Released: 1983
- Directed by: Brian De Palma
- Dig Deeper The Real-Life People, Places, And Events That Inspired 'Scarface'
- Also ranks #4 on The 70+ Best Movies From 1983, Ranked
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- 22In the gritty war drama Platoon, we follow Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen), an American soldier thrust into the horrors of the Vietnam War. As he navigates this brutal landscape, Chris finds himself torn between two sergeants: the morally corrupt Barnes (Tom Berenger) and the righteous Elias (Willem Dafoe). Directed by Oliver Stone, this film offers an unflinching portrayal of warfare's dehumanizing effects. The movie was lauded for its realism and earned four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It stands as a chilling testament to the savagery of conflict and the toll it takes on those who endure it.
- Released: 1986
- Directed by: Oliver Stone
- Dig Deeper Movies That Won Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes
- Also ranks #4 on The Best War Movies Of All Time
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Oscar-Nominated Movies of the '80s
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- 23As D-Day approaches, Colonel Breed hands the roguish Major Reisman (Lee Marvin) an important assignment: He must train a team of soldiers to parachute across enemy lines and assassinate German personnel at a French chateau. The soldiers, recruited from murderers, rapists and criminals on death row, are promised commuted sentences. In spite of their history, the 12 men prove a spirited and courageous unit. Led by Major Reisman, they will exact revenge.
- Released: 1967
- Directed by: Robert Aldrich
- Also ranks #4 on Real History We Learned After Watching Movies & TV In 2023
- Also ranks #4 on The 35+ Best Movies of 1967
- Also ranks #5 on The Best 60s War Movies
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- 24In the comedy classic, Caddyshack, we are immersed in the chaotic world of Bushwood Country Club. The plot orbits around Danny Noonan (Michael O'Keefe), a young caddy striving to earn a college scholarship. In his pursuit, he finds himself tangled with a host of eccentric characters. The movie features a wealthy club patron Judge Smails (Ted Knight), the brash real estate developer Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield) and an unhinged greenskeeper Carl Spackler (Bill Murray). Amid their antics and mishaps, Caddyshack delivers a comedic examination of social class and golfing culture. The film has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of America's funniest movies.
- Released: 1980
- Directed by: Harold Ramis
- Dig Deeper Drug-Fueled Stories From Behind The Scenes Of 'Caddyshack'
- Also ranks #3 on The Best Movies Of 1980
- Also ranks #3 on Wild Facts About Bill Murray We Just Learned That Made Us Say 'Really?'
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25In Monty Python and the Holy Grail, King Arthur (Graham Chapman) embarks on an absurd, comedic quest for the famed relic. Accompanied by his Knights of the Round Table, including Sir Lancelot (John Cleese), Sir Robin (Eric Idle), and others, they traverse a fictitious medieval England. The film is a parody that humorously subverts the Arthurian legend with slapstick humor and satirical commentary. Directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, it's a cult classic in the comedy genre. Despite its low-budget production, the movie gained critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.- Released: 1975
- Directed by: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones
- Dig Deeper 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' Was An On-Set Nightmare That Everyone Hated Filming
- And Deeper 12 Times 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' Was Surprisingly Historically Accurate
- Also ranks #1 on 12 Pretty Accurate Movies Set In Medieval Times
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26In the iconic 80s coming-of-age film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, teenage life is under the microscope. Amidst Southern California's sun-soaked malls and high schools, we follow a group of students as they navigate adolescent adventures. Our key characters include Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a young girl grappling with her burgeoning sexuality, her best friend Linda Barrett (Phoebe Cates), Mark Ratner (Brian Backer) the shy novice in love, and Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn), the perennial surfer dude. Directed by Amy Heckerling, this movie weaves together tales of love, loss, and teen angst against a backdrop of carefree adolescence and rock 'n' roll.- Released: 1982
- Directed by: Amy Heckerling
- Also ranks #5 on Hit Movies And TV Shows That Were Based On Books Nobody Had Heard Of
- Also ranks #7 on The Best Movies Of 1982
- Also ranks #11 on The Funniest Movies About High School
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27In this satirical take on Westerns, crafty railroad worker Bart (Cleavon Little) becomes the first black sheriff of Rock Ridge, a frontier town about to be destroyed in order to make way for a new railroad. Initially, the people of Rock Ridge harbor a racial bias toward their new leader. However, they warm to him after realizing that Bart and his perpetually drunk gunfighter friend (Gene Wilder) are the only defense against a wave of thugs sent to rid the town of its population.- Released: 1974
- Directed by: Mel Brooks
- Dig Deeper 13 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of 'Blazing Saddles'
- Also ranks #1 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
- Also ranks #3 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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28In Mad Max 2, the world has been ravaged by a catastrophic energy crisis, leaving society in shambles. Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson), a former highway patrol officer turned survivalist, roams the desolate Australian wasteland. He reluctantly agrees to help a small, gasoline-rich community escape from a horde of bandits led by the merciless Lord Humungus (Kjell Nilsson). The film, brimming with high-octane action and post-apocalyptic imagery, won the Saturn Award for Best International Film in 1982. It's an adrenaline-fueled ride that explores themes of survival and sacrifice amidst chaos.- Released: 1981
- Directed by: George Miller
- 29A group of thieves assemble to pull of the perfect diamond heist. It turns into a bloody ambush when one of the men turns out to be a police informer. As the group begins to question each other's guilt, the heightening tensions threaten to explode the situation before the police step in.
- Released: 1992
- Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
- Dig Deeper The Best 'Reservoir Dogs' Quotes, Ranked
- Also ranks #3 on The Greatest Directorial Debuts Of All Time
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- 30Suffering from insomnia, disturbed loner Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) takes a job as a New York City cabbie, haunting the streets nightly, growing increasingly detached from reality as he dreams of cleaning up the filthy city. When Travis meets pretty campaign worker Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), he becomes obsessed with the idea of saving the world, first plotting to assassinate a presidential candidate, then directing his attentions toward rescuing 12-year-old prostitute Iris (Jodie Foster).
- Released: 1976
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
- Dig Deeper 12 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From 'Taxi Driver' That Are As Wild As The Film Itself
- Also ranks #1 on Great Movies About People Going Through Life Solo
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31In the 1981 comedy film Stripes, John Winger (Bill Murray) is a man who loses everything - his car, apartment, and girlfriend. To escape his misfortune, he convinces his best friend Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis) to join the Army with him. Their unconventional attitudes often collide with their superiors, particularly hard-nosed Sergeant Hulka (Warren Oates). The pair's hijinks lead them from basic training to an unexpected mission in Europe. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the movie weaves humor and adventure into a memorable tale of friendship and resilience.- Released: 1981
- Directed by: Ivan Reitman
- Also ranks #2 on 15 Funny War Movies That Are A Comedy Boot Camp
- Also ranks #3 on The 25 Hottest Bill Murray Characters Ever
- Also ranks #7 on The Best Movies Of 1981
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32In the eclectic comedy The Blues Brothers, Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd) are on a mission from God. Paroled from prison, they set out to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised from closure due to unpaid taxes. With a plan to reunite their old band and stage a big gig, they dodge police, neo-Nazis, and country singers in a madcap race against time. Director John Landis melds music, humor, and high-speed car chases in this cult classic that celebrates blues, soul, and R&B music.- Released: 1980
- Directed by: John Landis
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Movies About Music
- Also ranks #2 on Great Movies About Starting a Band
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Movies Of 1980
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33Biography of controversial World War II hero General George S. Patton. The film covers his wartime activities and accomplishments, beginning with his entry into the North African campaign and ending with his removal from command after his outspoken criticism of US post-war military strategy.- Released: 1970
- Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner
- Also ranks #2 on The Most Patriotic Movies Of All Time
- Also ranks #2 on The Most Over-The-Top Movie Monologues
- Also ranks #4 on 35+ Great Political Movies Based on True Stories
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34Following the murder of a mutual friend, aspiring con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) teams up with old pro Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to take revenge on the ruthless crime boss responsible, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). Hooker and Gondorff set about implementing an elaborate scheme, one so crafty that Lonnegan won't even know he's been swindled. As their big con unfolds, however, things don't go according to plan, requiring some last-minute improvisation by the undaunted duo.- Released: 1973
- Directed by: George Roy Hill
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Con Artist Movies Of All Time
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Movies About Deception
- Also ranks #3 on The Best Movies Released Christmas Day
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35In the small New England town of Charlestown, the local mill is about to lay off 10,000 workers. The town's minor league hockey team, the Charlestown Chiefs, is doing no better. After years of failure, this will be the team's last season. Exasperated player and coach Reggie Dunlop (Paul Newman) lets the club's recent acquisitions, the Hanson Brothers, play. The brothers' actively violent and thuggish style of play excites the fans. Dunlop retools the team, using violence to draw big crowds.- Released: 1977
- Directed by: George Roy Hill
- Also ranks #2 on The 55+ Best Hockey Movies Of All Time
- Also ranks #5 on Fictional Sports Teams You Wish You Could Root For IRL
- Also ranks #7 on The 100+ Best Movies Of 1977
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- 36In the classic Western film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, we follow the lives of two charismatic outlaws, Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) and The Sundance Kid (Robert Redford). The duo forms the core of the notorious 'Hole in the Wall' Gang, known for their audacious bank and train robberies. As the law closes in on them, they decide to flee to Bolivia, hoping for a fresh start. Directed by George Roy Hill, this 1969 film won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay. Despite the adventurous facade, it subtly explores themes of friendship and changing times.
- Released: 1969
- Directed by: George Roy Hill
- Also ranks #4 on The Greatest '60s Movies, Ranked
- Also ranks #4 on 16 Great Chase Movies Where Lovable Outlaws Are On The Run From Justice
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Oscar-Nominated Movies of the 1960s
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37When gunslinger Joe Burdette (Claude Akins) kills a man in a saloon, Sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne) arrests him with the aid of the town drunk, Dude (Dean Martin). Before long, Burdette's brother, Nathan (John Russell), comes around, indicating that he's prepared to bust his brother out of jail if necessary. Chance decides to make a stand until reinforcements arrive, enlisting Dude, an old cripple named Stumpy (Walter Brennan) and baby-faced cowboy Colorado Ryan (Ricky Nelson) to help.- Released: 1959
- Directed by: Howard Hawks
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Western Movies of the 1950s
- Also ranks #2 on Every Angie Dickinson Movie, Ranked
- Also ranks #5 on The Top 50+ Films Released In 1959
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38Renegade cop Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) pulls bank robber Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy) from a federal prison on a 48-hour leave to help him capture Hammond's old partner, Albert Ganz (James Remar). Having escaped from a prison work crew, Ganz is on a killing spree around San Francisco, on the trail of half a million dollars that went missing after one of his robberies. The cocky Reggie knows where the money is, but spars with the hotheaded Jack as he enjoys his temporary freedom.- Released: 1982
- Directed by: Walter Hill
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Movies Of 1982
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Buddy Cop Movies
- Also ranks #6 on 13 Movies That Launched Their Own Genre
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39Ocean's Eleven, a stylish heist film, revolves around the suave mastermind Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his handpicked crew of specialists. The team, including the likes of Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) and Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), embarks on an audacious mission. They aim to simultaneously rob three Las Vegas casinos - Bellagio, Mirage and MGM Grand - all owned by ruthless tycoon Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). Director Steven Soderbergh expertly weaves this intricate plot with wit and slick dialogue, earning the film five nominations at the 2002 BAFTA Awards. With its blend of crime, comedy, and suspense, Ocean's Eleven is a cinematic rollercoaster ride in the world of high-stakes thievery.- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Movies About White Collar Crimes, Ranked
- Also ranks #1 on The Greatest Heist Caper Movies, Ranked
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Con Artist Movies Of All Time
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40In this Western, a drifter with no name (Clint Eastwood) wanders into a small town, where his gun-slinging abilities are in high demand. When the drifter rides into Lago, he is met with incredulity and disapproval by the townspeople. But once he shows his skills with a pistol, the locals realize he may be able to help them fend off a band of criminals who have been terrorizing the town. He agrees to help the townspeople, but does so with his own secret agenda.- Released: 1973
- Directed by: Clint Eastwood
- Also ranks #1 on Great Movies About Drifters Who Are Lost in Life
- Also ranks #3 on The 55+ Best Movies Of 1973
- Also ranks #4 on The Best 1970s Westerns, Ranked
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41In Clerks, Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran) is a convenience store employee, suddenly thrust into an unplanned double shift. His friend, Randal Graves (Jeff Anderson), works next door at a video rental shop. Both are disillusioned with their mundane lives in suburbia. Over the course of one day, they encounter a parade of colorful characters, discuss pop culture and life's absurdities, and confront personal dilemmas. This black-and-white indie film, directed by Kevin Smith, won the Filmmaker's Trophy at Sundance in 1994. It is a raw exploration of 90s slacker culture with comedic undertones and sharp dialogue.- Released: 1994
- Directed by: Kevin Smith
- Dig Deeper Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of ‘Clerks’
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Movies Where Nothing Really Happens
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Hangout Movies
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42In this noir classic, detective Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) gets more than he bargained for when he takes a case brought to him by a beautiful but secretive woman (Mary Astor). As soon as Miss Wonderly shows up, trouble follows as Sam's partner is murdered and Sam is accosted by a man (Peter Lorre) demanding he locate a valuable statuette. Sam, entangled in a dangerous web of crime and intrigue, soon realizes he must find the one thing they all seem to want: the bejeweled Maltese falcon.- Released: 1941
- Directed by: John Huston
43Once a mild-mannered liberal, New York City architect Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) snaps when intruders break into his home, murdering his wife (Hope Lange) and violently raping his daughter. A business trip to Tucson, Ariz., lands him a gift from a client, a revolver he uses to patrol the streets when he returns home. Frustrated that the police cannot find the intruders, he become a vigilante, gunning down any criminal that crosses his path. The public finds this vigilantism heroic.- Released: 1974
- Directed by: Michael Winner
- Also ranks #5 on 50 Movies That Contained Future Stars
- Also ranks #6 on The 45+ Best Movies Of 1974
- Also ranks #9 on The Best '70s Action Movies
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44In this gritty Western classic, aging outlaw Pike Bishop (William Holden) prepares to retire after one final robbery. Joined by his gang, which includes Dutch Engstrom (Ernest Borgnine) and brothers Lyle (Warren Oates) and Tector Gorch (Ben Johnson), Bishop discovers the heist is a setup orchestrated in part by his old partner, Deke Thornton (Robert Ryan). As the remaining gang takes refuge in Mexican territory, Thornton trails them, resulting in fierce gunfights with plenty of casualties.- Released: 1969
- Directed by: Sam Peckinpah
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Train Heist Movies
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Mexican Revolution Movies
- Dig Deeper AFI's Top 10 Western Films
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45This is Spinal Tap, a 1984 mockumentary, chronicles the fictitious British rock band Spinal Tap. The film stars Michael McKean (David St. Hubbins), Christopher Guest (Nigel Tufnel), and Harry Shearer (Derek Smalls) as members of the band. Directed by Rob Reiner (Marty DiBergi), the film cleverly parodies the wild lifestyle and musical pretensions of hard rock and heavy metal bands. It's known for its satirical insight into the music industry, presenting hilarious scenarios like a Stonehenge stage prop disastrously undersized. This cult classic won the Best Comedy Film award at Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film in 1985.- Released: 1984
- Directed by: Rob Reiner
46New York Detective Popeye Doyle (Gene Hackman) and his partner (Roy Scheider) chase a French heroin smuggler.- Released: 1971
- Directed by: William Friedkin
- Dig Deeper Movies That Won Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Cop Movies of the 1970s
- Also ranks #4 on The 40+ Best Movies of 1971
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47In the midst of World War II, an array of colorful American soldiers gets inside information from a drunk German officer about millions of dollars worth of gold hidden on enemy soil. Kelly (Clint Eastwood), a private with the platoon, devises a plan to sneak past the German officers to steal the loot for his crew. They recruit more men and set their plan into action. Despite several casualties, the men are determined to press forward, even if it means striking a deal with the opposing army.- Released: 1970
- Directed by: Brian G. Hutton
- Also ranks #2 on The Best '70s War Movies, Ranked
- Also ranks #8 on The 45+ Best Movies Of 1970
- Also ranks #14 on The Best Movies Starring Clint Eastwood
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48Convicted murderer Henri Charriere (Steve McQueen), known as "Papillon" for his butterfly chest tattoo, is transported to French Guiana to serve his sentence in a work camp. Determined to escape, Papillon forms an unlikely relationship with the frail but notorious forger Louis Dega (Dustin Hoffman), who reluctantly joins in the attempt. Despite the harshness of solitary confinement, brutal conditions and constant threats of betrayal, Papillon leads a desperate escape off the island.- Released: 1973
- Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner
49Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes offers a fresh spin on the classic tale. Astronaut Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg) crash-lands on a mysterious planet, dominated by advanced apes who view humans as inferior. Caught in a power struggle, he must navigate societal hierarchies while seeking a way home.- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Tim Burton
- Also ranks #2 on Here Are All Of Helena Bonham Carter's Most Dramatic Character Transformations
- Also ranks #3 on Twist Endings That Are Better Than The Twist Endings They Ripped Off
- Also ranks #8 on Notorious Mega-Flops That Actually Made Way More Money Than You Think
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50The Deer Hunter is a gritty war drama that explores the lives of three steelworkers whose existences are irrevocably shaken by the Vietnam War. Michael (Robert De Niro), Steven (John Savage), and Nick (Christopher Walken) are drawn into the heart of darkness, their friendships tested against a backdrop of horror and heroism. Directed by Michael Cimino, this 1978 film scooped five Academy Awards including Best Picture. Notable for its harrowing Russian roulette scenes, The Deer Hunter delivers an unflinching portrayal of war's impact on ordinary lives.- Released: 1978
- Directed by: Michael Cimino
- Also ranks #2 on Rugged Behind-The-Scenes Stories About The Making Of War Movies
- Also ranks #5 on Really Long (But Really Great!) Movies Worth Watching When You Have A Lot Of Time On Your Hands
- Also ranks #7 on 10 Movies That Accidentally Impacted The World
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- 51In Raging Bull, we witness the turbulent life of Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro), a self-destructive boxer struggling with his violent tendencies. Martin Scorsese directs this biographical drama, which earned De Niro an Oscar for Best Actor. The movie is set in the world of mid-20th century professional boxing, where LaMotta battles opponents in the ring and his personal demons outside. His brother and manager Joey (Joe Pesci) tries to keep him on track, but LaMotta's fury proves to be his toughest adversary.
- Released: 1980
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
- Dig Deeper Behind The Scenes Of 'Raging Bull,' The Masterpiece Scorsese Never Wanted To Make
- Also ranks #5 on 17 Movies You Forgot Had An Organized Crime Subplot
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Robert De Niro Movies, Ranked
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- 52This adaptation of the non-fiction novel by Tom Wolfe chronicles the first 15 years of America's space program. By focusing on the lives of the Mercury astronauts, including John Glenn (Ed Harris) and Alan Shepard (Scott Glenn), the film recounts the dangers and frustrations experienced by those involved with NASA's earliest achievements. It also depicts their family lives and the personal crises they endured during an era of great political turmoil and technological innovation.
- Released: 1983
- Directed by: Philip Kaufman
- Also ranks #2 on 11 Oscar-Winning Movies That Flopped At The Box Office
- Also ranks #3 on The Best Historical Movies Released in the 1980s
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Astronaut Movies Of All Time
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53The rebellious Thracian Spartacus, born and raised a slave, is sold to Gladiator trainer Batiatus. After weeks of being trained to kill for the arena, Spartacus turns on his owners and leads the other slaves in rebellion. As the rebels move from town to town, their numbers swell as escaped slaves join their ranks. Under the leadership of Spartacus, they make their way to southern Italy, where they will cross the sea and return to their homes.- Released: 1960
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
54High school friends Pee Wee (Dan Monahan), Tommy (Wyatt Knight), Billy (Mark Herrier) and Mickey (Roger Wilson) want to lose their virginity. But when they're kicked out of a strip club after the owner, Porky (Chuck Mitchell), takes their money, they plot revenge. While they try to get back at him, they deal with other teen troubles, including Pee Wee's worries that his "equipment" is shrinking, their sexually opinionated gym teacher (Kim Cattrall) and a spy hole in the girl's locker room.- Released: 1981
- Directed by: Bob Clark
55In the heart of American wilderness, four urbanites - Ed (Jon Voight), Lewis (Burt Reynolds), Bobby (Ned Beatty), and Drew (Ronny Cox) - embark on a canoeing adventure in Deliverance. This 1972 thriller, directed by John Boorman, takes them downriver into the uncharted backwoods of Georgia. The men's weekend escape swiftly descends into a survivalist nightmare, their camaraderie tested by nature's fury and human savagery. Nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Picture, Deliverance is a cinematic exploration of man versus wild, where civilization's veneer peels away to reveal primal instincts beneath.- Released: 1972
- Directed by: John Boorman
56In the comedic holiday film National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) dreams of hosting a perfect, old-fashioned family Christmas. His wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and kids Rusty (Johnny Galecki) and Audrey (Juliette Lewis) are along for the ride. The arrival of both sets of in-laws and eccentric Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) ensures the festive season is anything but smooth. Amidst the chaos of power outages, tree mishaps and an unexpected holiday bonus debacle, hilarity ensues. An iconic comedy classic, it has been a seasonal staple since its release in 1989.- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Jeremiah S. Chechik
- Dig Deeper The Funniest Lines From 'Christmas Vacation'
- Also ranks #1 on The Funniest Christmas Comedy Movies
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Comedy Movie Sequels
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57Ecstatic when his parents leave on vacation for a few days, high school senior Joel Goodsen (Tom Cruise) cuts loose with his best friend Miles. After an attempt at securing the services of a prostitute goes slightly awry, Joel hires gorgeous Lana (Rebecca De Mornay) for a night of delight. Stunned by the amount of Lana's "bill" the next morning, Joel grows frantic after he crashes his father's Porsche. In an effort to raise lots of money fast, a desperate Joel turns the house into a brothel.- Released: 1983
- Directed by: Paul Brickman
- Also ranks #4 on 14 Teen Movies Where The Stakes Get WAY Too Serious
- Also ranks #4 on Tom Cruise's Best 80s Movie Roles, Ranked
- Also ranks #7 on 14 Times Movies Altered Real-Life Trends
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58Imbecilic best friends Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) stumble across a suitcase full of money left behind in Harry's car by Mary Swanson (Lauren Holly), who was on her way to the airport. The pair decide to go to Aspen, Colo., to return the money, unaware that it is connected to a kidnapping. As Harry and Lloyd -- who has fallen in love with Mary -- are pursued across the country by hired killers and police, they find both their friendship and their brains tested.- Released: 1994
- Directed by: Peter Farrelly, Robert Farrelly
59Crooked cops on the take -- small-time drug lords -- sleazy informers and sadistic rich kids ready to kill --- for police detective John Shaft, its just another night in the underbelly of New York City, another shift facing down cops and criminals who want him dead and a legal system that thrives on money, not justice.- Released: 2000
- Directed by: John Singleton
- Also ranks #8 on 16 Sequels That Were Really Just Lazy Remakes
- Also ranks #9 on MCU Actors' Most Violent Non-MCU Roles, Ranked By Sheer Ownage
- Also ranks #15 on Hold On To Your Butts: Samuel L. Jackson's 25 Best Movies Ranked
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60Wyatt (Peter Fonda) and Billy (Dennis Hopper), two Harley-riding hippies, complete a drug deal in Southern California and decide to travel cross-country in search of spiritual truth. On their journey, they experience bigotry and hatred from the inhabitants of small-town America and also meet with other travelers seeking alternative lifestyles. After a terrifying drug experience in New Orleans, the two travelers wonder if they will ever find a way to live peacefully in America.- Released: 1969
- Directed by: Dennis Hopper
- Also ranks #1 on The 70+ Best Motorcycle Movies
- Also ranks #1 on The Best '60s Biker Movies, Ranked
- Also ranks #3 on Great Movies About Drifters Who Are Lost in Life
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61In the 1968 science-fiction film Barbarella, Jane Fonda's eponymous character is a space-traveling agent from Earth. She is tasked with finding the missing scientist Durand Durand (Milo O'Shea), feared to be in possession of a powerful weapon that could spark intergalactic warfare. The movie, characterized by its psychedelic visuals and campy humor, unfolds as Barbarella navigates through various exotic planets, meeting eccentric characters like Pygar (John Phillip Law), an angelic figure, along her journey. Directed by Roger Vadim, this cult classic combines adventure, comedy, and sensuality in a unique blend that has made it a standout in sci-fi cinema.- Released: 1968
- Directed by: Roger Vadim
- Also ranks #2 on The Best '60s Superhero Movies
- Also ranks #3 on Cult Classics That Have Aged Poorly
- Also ranks #13 on 14 'Stupid' Sci-Fi Movies That Are Secretly Brilliant
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62In the year 2000, America is a totalitarian regime on the brink of collapse. The most popular sport in this dystopia is the Transcontinental Road Race, where teams earn points for logging the fastest time and for mowing over the most innocent pedestrians in the process. This year's competitors include Frankenstein (David Carradine), who is rumored to be more machine than man, and the tough-as-nails "Machine Gun" Joe Viterbo (Sylvester Stallone). Some have a plan to stop the race.- Released: 1975
- Directed by: Paul Bartel
- Also ranks #2 on Old Futuristic Movies Whose Futures We've Passed
- Also ranks #3 on The Best Exploitation Movies Of The 1970s
- Dig Deeper The 6 Greatest Movies Where People Need To Fight To The Death To Stay Alive
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