The 15 Greatest Films of All Time (part 3)

And now the final part of my series...

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977; George Lucas)

*Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher

"Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi--you're my only hope..." These words have been parodied quite often in pop culture (even by Carrie Fisher herself in a memorable 30 Rock episode). But, when you hear them in the context of this space opera, they're still quite powerful. And that's the beauty of "Episode IV". No matter how many times you see it, every time is like the first time. Every classic scene is just as awesome as it ever was and the themes are just resonant as ever.

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980; Irvin Kirshner)

*Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher

Few sequels are as good as their predecessor. "Episode V" is one of the exceptions. The sci-fi classic is chock full of classic moments like the life-or-death battle between father Vader and son Luke and the "I love you"/"I know" scene between Han and Leia. There had never been a movie like this one and there never will be. The "Star Wars" space saga combines so many different genres that there's literally something for everyone.

Vertigo (1958; Alfred Hitchcock)

*James Stewart, Kim Novak and Barbara Bel Geddes

Alfred Hitchcock's Golden Period started in 1935 (with The 39 Steps) and ended in 1963 (with The Birds). In those 28 years, he made about fifteen or so masterpieces. The crowning achievement is Vertigo, a film so complete that its themes and motifs can be found in any scene, shot or line. For example, the shot in the picture basically tells you the entire story. Vertigo is such a hypnotic film that you are just compelled to return to its dreamlike world full of obsession, madness, ghosts and tragic love.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008; Woody Allen)

*Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Hall and Penelope Cruz

The beauty of this film is that each character has his or her own unsolvable character problem: Cristina has her chronic dissatisfaction; Vicky her debilitating doubt; Juan Antonio his obsession with beautiful women. I think that is so realistic--how many people actually change who they are? The film, which won the Golden Globe for Best Picture-Musical/Comedy, has a gorgeous screenplay that is matched by a lovely execution. And the whole cast is spectacular especially Penelope Cruz.

When Harry Met Sally (1989; Rob Reiner)

*Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan and Carrie Fisher

Few romantic-comedies are as respected by film critics as WHMS but this one deserves every ounce of praise it gets. Not only is it deeply heartfelt and sharply insightful, it is raucously funny. The jokes are fresh as they were the first time; indeed, the entire film is timeless despite Meg Ryan's very 80s hair and outfits. She delivers her career-best performance (though she curiously wasn't nominated for an Oscar) as does Billy Crystal who somehow is perfect as a romantic lead. Supporting cast is brilliant and New York City never looked so appealing and inviting and romantic.

So these are the 15 best films ever in my opinion. Feel free to comment if you agree or disagree!