Top 100 of all time - #11-15

We're almost to the top 10 of all time. Some great films have graced this list thus far, but they are just getting better and better. These next five have 3 true classics, and two recent films that have made a lasting impact both on me, and on film. Without further ado.

#15 - The Departed, 2006.

I can't say enough about how great this film is. An all-star cast and fast-paced action behind a cat-and-mouse story. The third best film of the 21st century (so far) with Jack Nicholson's best performance since 1980, and that's saying a lot.

#14 - The Graduate, 1967.

This Dustin Hoffman classic to the tune of Simon and Garfunkel was the original "cougar" story. Mrs. Robinson is an iconic sex symbol for the ages. This film used to be a bit higher on my list, but after another recent viewing, it just didn't hold the same weight that it has in the past. It is still a truly remarkable work as a genre confused dark comedy/love story/tragedy. Mike Nichols' best work for certain, and it won him an Oscar for his effort.

#13 - Brokeback Mountain, 2005.

Robbed by Crash at the awards, Ang Lee got a much deserved Oscar, taking on a controversial love story that in my eyes is the purest and most beautiful tragedy ever put on film. Take that, Shakespeare. The passion between Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal shatters any homophobic pretense, and with the scenery and the setting, coupled with a moving score, this is the second best film of the 21st century. Near flawless in every way.

#12 - The Godfather, Part II, 1974.

Pacino and De Niro giving stunning performances about the Corleone crime family, the second film picks up right where the first left off, quality speaking. Francis Ford Coppola has created the finest two film saga ever with his works. Unfortunately, the third act outlived its welcome and put a smudge on cinematic history. Part two is a fine piece of work.

#11 - The Shining, 1980.

One of Nicholson's finer performances, it's one of the best scary movies ever made with equal parts claustrophobia and suspense. A family secluded in a summer resort during the off season, tasked with the role of caretakers, Stanley Kubrick brings to life Stephen King's vision as the father spirals into madness and his wife and son can only watch in horror. Frightening, but very entertaining.

Up next, the top 10...