Welcome to TG10s. This year, echoing another publication, we are posting our top 10s, and taking votes from you. Keep reading The Twin Geeks for lists from our regular writers, as well as some extra special selection of lists from some amazing guests.
Samantha is a dear friend on the site, writes some of the best concise reviews on Letterboxd, and admins the internet’s best film discord.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
The joy of cinema encapsulated – a most colorful song and dance that will always warm my heart and remind me why the movies are my home. I have cherished memories of seeing this on the big screen at the 1920s classical theatre in my hometown, at the theatre at my university for my favorite film class, and in my childhood bedroom where I first fell in love with films through the little screen on my MacBook.
The Handmaiden (2016)
I believe in lesbian film supremacy, Asian women supremacy, and Park Chan-Wook giving me whiplash with constant twists and turns supremacy.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
I love this movie like I love my own family – Kiki may as well be my inner child, with all the wonder and tenacity in the world. Jiji is my childhood pet and sarcastic inner monologue. The seaside town was my introduction to Ghibli’s worldbuilding, a magic all in its own and an inspiration to my younger self who would go on to pursue the arts.
Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985)
A splendor of vision and sound unlike anything I’d ever seen. One of those films that truly transcends the medium and broke open my preconceptions of what films can achieve.
The Incredibles (1994)
I used to watch this over and over again with my little brother, and no matter how many times I’d seen it I never wanted it to end. This remains true today.
Tampopo (1985)
Sensual, joyous, and hilarious all in one. This is the crown jewel of weird films and the perfect recipe for me.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
One of the essential fun movie watching experiences that hits so many contrasting genres out of the ballpark. It’s funny, romantic, dramatic, action-packed, suspenseful, and filled to the brim with iconic moments, music, dance, food, characters, dialogue. It all comes together in a way that has me beaming and on the edge of my seat every time.
Chungking Express (1994)
I love this movie with my whole heart – the way it understands longing, romanticism, loneliness, hanging onto the past, and yearning for a brighter elsewhere. The way it oozes dreams and the fleeting moments and common threads that connect us. It’s a film that understands lovers, how a single moment can change everything, and an essential, unspoken part of my soul.
The Florida Project (2017)
The vibrance of childhood wonder as an armor and strength in a sometimes ugly and volatile world is such a magical thing to convey.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
My best friend in middle school gave me this on DVD for one of my birthdays and it’ll always be one of my most treasured gifts. Proof that good comedy is truly timeless.