Matt and Jay's Ultimate List - The 50 Best Films of the 1980s - Part 2

Matt and Jay here.

Now we continue our list of the best 50 movies of the 1980's with 10 more great films to debate. Again, we developed the list creating our own personal lists and then combining through a process that included eliminating some pictures on each others' lists we disagreed with and also using vetoes to save some the other tried to knocked off. It's complicated, we know, but it provides a great opportunity to compare our tastes and debate and disagree about certain movies that made it on. For those who may have missed the first installment, here are numbers 50-41.

Without further ado, here we go with numbers 40-31 . . . .

40. Field of Dreams (1989)

Directed by Phil Alden Robinson

Starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Amy Madigan, and Burt Lancaster

Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham: "We just don't recognize life's most significant moments while they're happening. Back then I thought, 'Well, there'll be other days.' I didn't realize that that was the only day."

Jay: Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) thinks he's building a baseball field in his cornfield for the ghost of legendary baseball player, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta). Jackson was part of the infamous "Black Sox" who threw the World Series back in 1919, and even though it appears he played just as hard as he would of during any game, Joe was banned from Major League Baseball along with his teammates, for life. What follows after Ray builds his baseball field and imperils his family's financial future is a touching story of regret and redemption between a father and a son that will leave you in tears by the final scene. Regret is the major theme here. A father's regret and a son's regret, and the supernatural forces that allow them to reconnect through baseball, a passion that connected them in life. As someone who had a complicated relationship with my own father, I identify with Ray's story. Field of Dreams remains one of the great dramas of the 80's and essential viewing for anyone, regardless if you like baseball. It is timeless and very moving.

Matt: Field of Dreams is one of those films that snuck up on your emotions. First, you think it's some random film about a guy who hears voices, then it transforms into something deeper, more poignant. I have to admit I didn't think about this film when it was being released, but when I watched it on video, it won me over! The performances are solid and while this film is essential if you haven't seen it, for me, it is lacking in the rewatchability department.

39. Parenthood (1989)

Directed by Ron Howard

Starring Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Tom Hulce, Martha Plimpton, and Keanu Reeves

Frank: "You know, when you were two years old, we thought you had polio. Did you know that?"

Gil: "Yeah, Mom said... something about it a couple of years ago."
Frank: "Yeah, well, for a week we didn't know. I hated you for that. I did. I hated having to care, having to go through the pain, the hurt, the suffering. It's not for me."

Jay: This is actually one of Ron Howard's better movies as I am not the biggest fan of his work behind the camera. This movie pretty much gets the joys and struggles of parenting completely right in a way most never do. I like especially how it explores what is to be a parent of children at any age. There is Diane Wiest's single mother struggling with teenage kids she can't seem to find common ground with. Then there is the overbearing Rick Moranis whose demands that he puts on his daughter and wife threaten to destroy his family. Also, there's Jason Robards whose adult son, played by Tom Hulce, is in trouble over money and need's his dad's help to get him out of it. My favorite scene, though, by far, is the one where Steve Martin's sensitive son, Kevin, is made to play 2nd base by his father who also happens to be the coach of the team. When Kevin misses a routine pop-up he cries out in anger at his dad, "Why did you make me play 2nd base?" Martin then imagines a future where his son becomes a sharp-shooting mass murderer because of the psychological damage missing that ball did to him. Hysterical and true all at once.

Matt: I have a deep love for this film in how funny it is but also in how honest it is. The film centers on the Buckman family and their dysfunctions, which make them relatable and real. The film is funny to those who aren't parents, but it's downright hilarious and heartwrenching all at once for those who are. Mary Steenburgen's Karen Buckman is one of my top 10 best onscreen moms, and, to me, Steve Martin gives the best performance of his career here. Issues covered here range from absentee fathers, deadbeat dads, single motherhood, young love, a loveless marriage, and the constant paranoia of screwing up our children -- but it's all set to comedy. I do have to admit, the ending -- with its masterful score by Randy Newman -- gets me a little misty-eyed from time to time.

38. The Right Stuff (1983)

Directed by Philip Kaufman

Starring Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, Fred Ward, and Barbara Hershey

Chuck Yeager: "Monkeys? Think a monkey knows he's sitting on top of a rocket that might explode? These astronaut boys, they know that, see? Well, I'll tell you somethin' - it takes a special kind of man to volunteer for a suicide mission, especially one that's on TV."

Jay: This is a realistic and accurate portrayal of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, based on Tom Wolfe's book of the same name. It's a compelling piece of history but what I like the most is how The Right Stuff does a great job selling the comraderies of these different men, and how being under the bright lights of fame effected both them and their wives. The recently deceased Sam Shepard also shines here as famous test pilot, Chuck Yeager, who was the first human to officially break the sound barrier in his experimental plane, the Bell X-1. This film takes us through the initial years of the fledgling U.S. Space Program and through each man's turn to make it into space. The characters seem real and everything about the movie feels authentic.

Matt: For those who loved HBO's From the Earth to the Moon, this would be a solid preface to that mini-series as Stuff tells the beginnings of the U.S. space program. The Mercury Seven, also known as the "Original Seven," were the first astronauts -- former test pilots with many restrictions in height, weight, education and experience -- who had no full clue at the time as to the task that was set before them. I remember first watching this film and thinking: this is what true heroes look like. They knowingly sacrificed their lives so that we could explore space and further our knowledge of what lies beyond our little world. Featuring performances by a who's-who cast of great actors, The Right Stuff is a wonderful ensemble piece and rightfully earns its spot on this list.

37. The Untouchables (1987)

Directed by Brian De Palma

Starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, Andy Garcia, and Charles Martin Smith

Malone: "You wanna know how to get Capone? They pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. That's the Chicago way! And that's how you get Capone. Now do you want to do that? Are you ready to do that?"

Jay: It's a shame Brian De Palma doesn't get more recognition for his work. Sure, there is a case to be made that he is "a filmmaker's filmmaker," as many other prolific directors point to his unique way of shooting and editing his pictures as an inspiration. I know a lot of people love Scarface, probably his most popular 80's film, but my favorite of this decade is Blow Out, starring John Travolta and Nancy Allen. It nearly made my list. Matt has put forward The Untouchables here, and I think it is a solid choice even despite my reservations about the extreme liberties it takes with historical accuracy. As pure entertainment, though, it is excellent. Ennio Morricone's score is fantastic, but his score's are always brilliant; that's why he is one of the best film composers, ever. The scene in the train station towards the end is a masterpiece of pacing, sound design, and editing. It should be shown in every film class as how to create heightened tension through key technical decisions like the echoing sound of the baby carriage on the steps. Who cares if over half of what happens in this movie is total bullshit? It's bullshit filmed by a master in his element.

Matt: As Jay said, this film is about 95% inaccurate (i.e., Eliot Ness and Al Capone never met in real life). However, because of it's excellent writing , direction and performances, The Untouchables is one of the best mob movies made! Morricone's score is brilliant, as usual! Don't get me wrong, because of taking too much creative license, I HATED the film adaptation of Public Enemies, but there's just something about Untouchables that works! Jay is right; the train station scene alone makes this film so damn wonderful and De Palma -- a filmmaker who hasn't been heard from much lately -- is one of the masters of his craft! The cast shines but it is Sean Connery's role as Jim Malone that is most memorable ... and the most quotable!

36. The Road Warrior (1981)

Directed by George Miller

Starring Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Vernon Wells, and Kjell Nilsson

Toady: "Greetings from The Humungus! The Lord Humungus! The Warrior of the Wasteland! The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla!!"

Jay: If you want to read in detail why I think The Road Warrior is a brilliant movie, read this column I wrote about it prior to the release of Mad Max: Fury Road over 2 years ago. George Miller single-handedly invented the post-apocalyptic sub-genre with the Mad Max films and he nearly perfected it with this sequel that was supposed to be called Mad Max 2 but because the studio feared no one in America had seen the first Mad Max they gave it an entirely different name. The Road Warrior moves along at a breakneck pace and does not really overly concern itself with an elaborate plot. Our hero, Max, simply has to get this group of besieged people from Point A to Point B, driving a massive gas tanker while fending a angry horde of malicious savages. The stunts are insane, the camera work revolutionary for its time, and the action is unparalleled. It also happens to have one of the best performances by a dog in any movie. *Sniff* If there was an award to give out for "Most Badass Movie of the 1980's," The Road Warrior would run away with it, no contest.

Matt: The franchise that gave Mel Gibson his start is much more beloved by Jay than me, but it's placement here is deserving. The post-apocalyptic film doesn't tread lightly on the brutality and violence of the story Miller is telling. This is a big wham-bam road action flick with a character who started his journey looking for revenge and is soon turned into someone who resembles Clint Eastwood's famous Man With No Name. All of you Fast & Furious fans take note, this is the film series for you!

35. Batman (1989)

Directed by Tim Burton

Starring Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, and Robert Wuhl

The Joker: "Now comes the part where I relieve you, the little people, of the burden of your failed and useless lives. But, as my plastic surgeon always said: if you gotta go, go with a smile!"

Jay: In 1989, I don't think I had ever been as excited to see a movie as I was to see Tim Burton's Batman. The posters were everywhere -- with the yellow oval that has the black bat insignia locked inside. The movie did not disappoint. The two things I remember the most were the elaborate set pieces, like a gothic nightmare come to life, and the over-the-top performance of Jack Nicholson as The Joker. For me, Nicholson owns this movie, which isn't fair to Michael Keaton who is still the best Batman in my mind. It's just Nicholson's movie to blaze through like a tornado. The movie has flaws, though. Kim Basinger is not a compelling Vicki Vale and the fact they decided to make Jack Napier, the man who would become The Joker, the murderer of Bruce Wayne's parents is a step too far for me away from the core origin story of Batman. It's because of this that the movie loses me towards the end. That being said, Batman legitimized comic book movies in a way that hadn't been seen in a while. 

Matt: I know 1978's Superman was the first mainstream superhero movie, but it is this Tim Burton film about the Dark Knight that was the official beginning of superhero movies as we know them today! I can vividly remember seeing this film at least 10 times in the movie theater when it was first released, and I made sure it was the first new VHS tapes I owned. Burton tapped into what would become the "Dark Age" of comics, utilizing dark sets, costumes and lighting to bring about one of the most well-known characters ever created! Most people may argue that this film is dated and doesn't hold up very well but I would argue that. The only part of this film I don't care for is making the Joker the killer of Bruce Wayne's parents. Otherwise, writer Sam Hamm wonderfully captures the dark world of Gotham City and all of Joker's menacing qualities. And even though Nicholson gets top billing here, Keaton's performance of Bruce Wayne/Batman is significantly great -- not bad for an actor who, at the time, was mostly known for comedy roles and who people jeered when they discovered he would play the Caped Crusader! To this day, the dialogue is so damn quotable, the writing and feel  of the film actually reflect Batman comics of that time, and the Batmobile here is my favorite so far!

34. The Thing (1982)

Directed by John Carpenter

Starring Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David, and Richard Masur

Macready: "I know I'm human. And if you were all these things, then you'd just attack me now, so some of you are still human. This thing doesn't want to show itself, it wants to hide inside an imitation. It'll fight if it has to, but it's vulnerable out in the open. If it takes us over, then it has no more enemies, nobody left to kill it. And then it's won."

Jay: Here is the 2nd time John Carpenter appears on our list. The Thing is his best film (sorry Halloween fans, it is). The placement of it here at #34 is a travesty, but Matt didn't pick it at all for his list, which boggles my mind because I know he has affection for this Antarctic Alien like I do. It should be much higher, but here we are. The make-up and creature effects in The Thing are astounding. Rick Baker's work is legendary but the reason this movie reaches for the very top of the horror charts is the layers of paranoia it manages to lay out as each of these men, stranded at this frozen outpost, turn on each other out of fear that one of them could possibly be the alien, imitating everything about them. As they all fall prey to either the creature or each other, it becomes clear that in order to stop the Thing, all of the few remaining men might have to die to stop it from leaving the frozen continent. Kurt Russell again proves he is one of the best leading men to turn to. His Macready is a desperate man, who seems to understand earlier than everyone else that they are fighting a losing battle against an enemy that none of them can see. The Thing teaches us a very valuable lesson too - just because that dog is friendly and cute doesn't mean you don't burn it anyway when you see a couple of Norwegian's shooting at it from a helicopter. 

Matt: I do love The Thing, based on the 1951 film The Thing From Another World (which was loosely based on the 1938 John W. Campbell Jr. novella Who Goes There?)! But the problem with this list is that there are SO many notable films, it's difficult to assign films a number. And when it comes to the other films on this list, The Thing is appropriately ranked; however, I understand Jay's disappointment. That being said, you won't find a much gorier '80s movie than this Carpenter classic! Jay's right -- Halloween may be somewhat iconic, but The Thing is Carpenter's best film! The story works on a person's paranoia of "how much do I really know anybody?", putting the ragtag crew of an American research station in Antarctica against a creature that can assimilate the appearance of any living thing. According to Carpenter, this film is the first in his Apocalypse Trilogy (the other two films being Prince of Darkness and In the Mouth of Madness). The performances are all well and good but it truly is Rick Baker's creature special effects and makeup that makes this film so memorable ... especially in a day and age before CGI. If you're looking for the perfect film to give you the heebie-jeebies, look no further!

33. The Natural (1984)

Directed by Barry Levinson

Starring Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Richard Farnsworth, Robert Prosky, and Barbara Hershey

Roy Hobbs: "I guess some mistakes you never stop paying for."

Jay: When Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) shows up out of nowhere to try out for a Major League Baseball team, he seems to have superhuman talent despite being middle-aged and well past what would normally be considered his prime. As everyone is trying to find out more about the mysterious Hobbs and his backstory, we learn more about his tragic past and the career that was stolen from him by a mysterious woman who shot him years ago. The Natural is one of the best sports films of the 80's. It owes a lot to the beautiful cinematography by Caleb Deschanel, and Randy Newman's uplifting score. When Hobbs swings that bat and the ball soars into the lights with Newman's score playing, you can't help but be moved.

Matt: This film, based on the 1952 Bernard Malamud novel of the same name, has got to be one of my favorite films of all time! The story is a mythological tale of a man, Roy Hobbs (Redford) who mirrors the character Sir Perceval (from Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table), and how he has a unique gift but it is soon taken away from him due to pride, self-doubt and the enticement of corruption. This is a classic morality tale set to baseball, with director Barry Levinson utilizing Newman's score and Deschanel's use of lighting and shade to craft a piece of art. Even Hobbs' famous bat, "Wonderboy," is a representation of King Arthur's sword "Excalibur!" I particularly love the scene when Hobbs is given a talking-to by the owner of the ball team he plays for, a man only referred to as The Judge (Robert Prosky), who enjoys the darkness and working from the shadows. This film also holds proof of my theory that there are three archetypes of women in Malamud's stories -- and in most films -- as represented by the film's three main women: Iris Lemon (Glenn Close), Memo Paris (Kim Basinger), and Harriet Byrd (Barbara Hershey). To see my thoughts and comparisons to some of these references -- and my overall gushing of the film -- check out my article by clicking here!

32. Raging Bull (1980)

Directed by Martin Scorsese

Starring Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, and Frank Vincent

Jake La Motta: "Don't give me that look, Joey. I gotta accept your answer, you know? But if I hear anything, I swear on our mother I'm gonna kill somebody. I'm gonna kill somebody, Joey."
Joey La Motta: [angrily] "Well go ahead and kill if you're a tough guy, go kill people! Kill Vicki, kill Salvy, kill Tommy Como, kill me while you're at it, what do I care? You kill yourself, the way you eat! Ya fat fuck, look at you!"

Jay: Robert De Niro lobbied Martin Scorsese heavily to make a movie based on the biography of boxing champion, Jake La Motta. The result ended up being one of Scorsese's best films and a 2nd acting Oscar for De Niro (Best Supporting Actor, The Godfather Part II). Raging Bull may not be the movie for you if you need to have a protagonist that you can connect with or even look up to. La Motta is a vile man. He abuses and mistreats everyone who either loves him or is close to him, especially his wife, Vicki (Cathy Moriarty), and his brother, Joey (Joe Pesci). He is an animal both in the ring and out of it. He is also a victim of his own jealousies and envy as, by the end of the film, when he has lost everything and everyone, he is forced to confront the monster he has been. De Niro's performance is the stuff of legends and he is remarkable. The scene where he is jailed for soliciting a minor and he erupts in a torrent of self-pity and self-destruction by punching the concrete wall of his cell repeatedly is brilliant. In this moment, La Motta has truly hit bottom and is only with himself and who he has become. Scoreses's choice to shoot the film in black & white is smart as it lends a bleakness and starkness to La Motta's world that contributes to overall darkness and dirtiness of the mind of the man himself. In the end, you never really feel sorry for this man, but you do see his humanity and it is a testament to the actor and the director that they were able to be true to his nature and his fractured soul.

Matt: Another collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro, and one of the most brutal. What is most memorable about Raging Bull is not so much the physical violence (although that does make a mark), but the verbal abuse coming from protagonist Jake La Motta (De Niro). Apparently, after watching the film, La Motta turned to his wife, Vicki, and asked her if he was that bad of a man as captured in De Niro's performance, to which Vicki answered, "You were worse." The film is not for the faint of heart, but it is a film that cannot be missed.

31. Brazil (1985)

Directed by Terry Gilliam

Starring Jonathan Pryce, Kim Greist, Robert De Niro, Katherine Helmond, Ian Holm, Bob Hoskins, and Michael Palin

Arresting Officer: "This is your receipt for your husband . . . and this is my receipt for your receipt."

Jay: My love for Terry Gilliam's Brazil knows no bounds. Full disclosure: I had it at #3 on my personal list, and honestly it is interchangeable with what I picked for #1 and #2. Brazil speaks to the daydreamer in me, the kid and man who often finds himself lost in thought about some place he'd rather be. Like Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce), I find this fixation on imagined places, people and times is both a blessing and a curse. In Gilliam's dystopian world of class warfare, bureaucratic extremities and total law and order, there is no room for dreamers or heroes for that matter. Like Time Bandits, Brazil is a visually stunning film. It is also darkly funny and very much presented as a black comedy. It uses satire to confront us with the ridiculousness of the realities we accept as a society. In the end, Sam's unfortunate fate is probably best for him. Forced to live out his days trapped in his own fantasies, one can actually be happy that Sam no longer needs to live in this dark, cruel world. It was never going to be a place he could survive in anyway. The story of how Brazil made it the screen is equally fascinating. Unhappy with Gilliam's dark and cynical ending, the studio stepped in and changed it to a more happy one with Lowry and Jill (Kim Greist) escaping the forces aligned against them and spending the rest of their days in an idealistic cabin in a field somewhere. The director was incensed and went public with his rejection of the studio's interference and demanded his original ending be restored. The studio refused and Gilliam continued to get in front of cameras to rail against the studio head, Sydney Sheinberg. In the end, thanks to Gilliam's persistence and help from the film critic community (the Los Angeles Times named it "Best Picture of the Year" after Gilliam screened his cut, despite the studio's orders, for a USC film class 2 weeks before its official release), the higher ups relented making this one of the only times a filmmaker has won a battle like this with a studio over the cut of a film.

Matt: Probably one of the most unique films of the '80s, what I remember best about Gilliam's Brazil was the visuals, from the make-up effects to the special effects. Gilliam's style and art direction are unique and I like Gilliam's original ending compared to that of the studio's saccharine version. I don't have much else to say because I think Jay already said most of it, but it is my favorite original film by him (also worth checking out is The Adventures of Baron Munchausen). 

Matt and Jay's Ultimate List - The 50 Best Films of the 1980s - Part 1

Matt and Jay here!

With all of the popularity of the nostalgia for the 1980s, with pop culture exploring the "me decade" with entries like ABC's The Goldbergs, the novel (and soon to be film) Ready Player One, Netflix's Stranger Things, and the always-present adoration by all following generations for '80s music, we decided now would be the perfect time to take a dive into insanity. Just like our Top 50 list we did of 1990s movies, we bit the bullet in taking on a nearly impossible task: choosing the best 50 films of the 1980s! This list represents a collaboration between us to determine what was the best of the best of that decade. Like with our 1990s list, each of us created our own personal top 50 and shared them with each other. Twenty-seven (27) of the films picked were on both our lists. Needing 23 more to complete our work, we each selected 13 remaining movies from our own lists and shared them. Then each of us got to choose 3 movies we'd eliminate from the other's 13 and we were given one save to keep one of those three the other tried kick off. Confused? For example - Matt chose 3 movies to kick off from Jay's list and then Jay got to save one of those. Jay did the same for Matt. Ultimately, there was one (1) person who had to give up two picks, and, this time out, Jay graciously sacrificed his final two picks. (He'll get preferential pick on the next list!)

Looking at this list and how it shaped out, there is plenty for us both to agree and disagree on. I think it's a true melding of our tastes in movies and what makes our site so great. Two different opinions that can be polar opposites at times and then agree totally on others. It should be stated that this was a very difficult list to condense down! And there are bound to be A LOT of films that people think should've made the cut but didn't; but, keep in mind, this list was made from the picks of Jay and Matt, and then whittled down to what you are about to see.

Also like before, this list contains numbers 50 through 41. We will release 4 more posts to complete the list of 50 in the days to come. The 80's was one of the greatest decades for film -- nearly every film made during this decade has gone on to pop culture history and left an indelible mark in audiences and future filmmakers alike! Since Jay and I grew up during this decade, many of these movies hold a special place for us. Much of what we learned about film and our appreciation of the medium was born out of this decade. Enjoy!

50. The Razor's Edge (1984)

Directed by John Byrum

Starring Bill Murray, Theresa Russell, Catherine Hicks, Denholm Elliott, and James Keach

Tibetan Monk: "The pathway to salvation is as narrow and as difficult to walk as a razor's edge."

Jay: I tried to get this movie eliminated, but I was not successful. It's not that it's a terrible film -- its OK -- but it deserves no place in the top 50. I used to own it on VHS and Matt borrowed it from me when we were teenagers. I think its central message of selflessness and living a simple, unmaterialistic life spoke to him a lot and I can respect that. It just falls into that category of films that I once thought was great that I now look back on and think, "Why did I like this so much?" It's just too flawed a picture for this list.

Matt: Jay can whine all he wants, but I don't think this film is nearly as flawed as he's making it out to be. The backstory to this film is that in order to get Bill Murray to sign on to do Ghostbusters, Columbia Pictures agreed to let him do this film. I enjoyed this version much better than the original 1946 film starring Tyrone Power, and Murray's foray into drama was greatly needed during the greed which imbued the decade. Based on my favorite book of all-time (W. Somerset Maugham's The Razor's Edge), this film is nearly as good and I do connect to the overall message of the story -- not so much of living a simple life, but more about the concept that life is a reward. Murray brings just the right amount of humor and charm to a character going through World War I and post-war America and Europe. However, this is still not your typical Murray comedy as the film explores many philosophical facets of life. To me, I would have scored this film slightly higher but I understand Jay's argument that it may not speak to everyone. Nevertheless, it's definitely a film worth watching!

49. St. Elmo's Fire (1985)

Directed by Joel Schumacher

Starring Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Emilio Estevez, and Mare Winningham

Billy: "Jules, ya know, honey. This isn't real. You know what it is? It's St. Elmo's Fire. Electric flashes of light that appear in dark skies out of nowhere."

Jay: Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy become yuppies, Emilio Estevez is a creepy stalker, and Rob Lowe perfects the 80's saxophone-playing scene. I don't mind St. Elmo's Fire -- it's just not anywhere near as good as most of the other 80's era, "Brat Pack" movies that came out this decade. There isn't a lot here that makes me want to say that this is a film that reflects the era well.

Matt: One of the few "Brat Pack" movies without the involvement of John Hughes, St. Elmo's Fire may not be the most popular film of the '80s -- especially when compared to films such as Sixteen Candles -- but its story always appealed more to me than the older version: The Big Chill, if for no more reason than Elmo's is more realistic. Now, I know this film isn't for everyone, but if you give it a try, it just may become a guilty pleasure. The film, which centers around seven college best friends as they are thrown into the real world of post-college life, perfectly captures the "me generation" in all of their glory as they begin turning into the people they said they would never become. But at the core of this film is how deep-seeded friendship sadly changes as one gets older. It's a bittersweet part of life and the performances perfectly capture it. When Judd Nelson laments to his former roommate Andrew McCarthy over his break-up with Ally Sheedy, "I don't ... think ... I can get her back," and it's played to the stinging sax of David Foster's score, anyone who's ever lost a lover can feel that pain. I know there are other "Brat Pack" films or Hughes films that most may think outrank this one, but because of its obscurity and being so underrated, I think it deserves a spot here.

48. Time Bandits (1981)

Directed by Terry Gilliam

Starring Craig Warnock, John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, Katherine Helmond, Ian Holm, Michael Palin, and David Warner

Evil: "If I were creating the world I wouldn't mess about with butterflies and daffodils. I would have started with lasers, eight o'clock, Day One!"

Jay: When I was a kid I wanted a map that would allow me to jump anywhere in time and I wanted a gang of little people to join me and together we'd rob Napoleon, Robin Hood, Agamemnon, and anyone else we felt like. OK, maybe I was just watching Terry Gilliam's fantastic Time Bandits, a film that proves you don't need a lot of money or fancy effects to create a perfectly realized fantasy world. Gilliam's background as an illustrator serves him well here. Everything about this movie is perfectly crafted and realized like most of his pictures. It wouldn't be Gilliam without the cynicism and mistrust of technology, though, would it? Kevin is a boy badly in need of an escape from his television-obsessed, materialistic parents. Pursued by the "Supreme Being," a God that lacks any sort of kindness or understanding, he and his friends find themselves facing the Ultimate Evil (David Warner in his best role). The fact that Evil is fixated on hi-tech gadgets and a future where everything digital is truly supreme was not lost on me, even as a child. I was always drawn to the darker, more pessimistic stories, where innocence is up against impossible odds. After the ending we see in Time Bandits, it was clear that Kevin never stood a chance in Gilliam's cruel world. If only he could have stayed with Sean Connery.

Matt: This was one of Jay's picks and he can speak more to its greatness than I can. Gilliam is a good director but I don't think Time Bandits is as good as Buckaroo Bonzai. Still, it is a quintessential '80s fantasy film and worth checking out!

47. They Live (1988)

Directed by John Carpenter

Starring Roddy Piper, Keith David, and Meg Foster

Nada: "I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass . . . . and I'm all out of bubblegum."

Jay: Is it fair to say that John Carpenter could be the most prolific filmmaker of the 1980's? This is the first -- and it won't be the last -- time he makes an appearance on our list. They Live is one of more unappreciated movies. Over time, though, it has gained more and more street cred. Roddy Piper, in his film debut, plays Nada, a drifter who comes to the city looking for work only to stumble across a pair of sunglasses that allow him to see that nearly half our population is actually aliens who are disguised to look like us. They have also embedded in our advertising subliminal messages that keep us focused on consuming and contributing to a capitalist society gone a-muck. Recently, Carpenter had to respond to white supremacists who claimed They Live was about Jewish control over our society and economy, and the director rightly responded to that ridiculous claim with the film's true themes of anti-capitalism. The movie is also famous for inspiring graphic artist "Shepard's Fairy" to create the "OBEY" logo which he turned into a popular clothing line, and it also happens to feature the greatest and possibly longest fist fight in movie history between Piper and Keith David as the former tries to get his friend to try on the sunglasses and see the truth for himself.

Matt: A cult classic, for sure! Yet another of one of the many underrated films by master filmmaker John Carpenter (Jay is right; Carpenter is one of the most prolific filmmakers of the '80s)! When first viewing They Live, any viewer could pick up what Carpenter is putting down. The anti-capitalism message is cleverly put to metaphor as Piper's Nada discovers a conspiracy which leaves him unable to trust most people he comes to meet. This is one of the better cult films of the era and is essential viewing for any horror fan!

46. Coming to America (1988)

Directed by John Landis

Starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, John Amos, Shari Headley, and Eriq La Salle

Prince Akeem: "Sir, did you happen to catch the professional football contest on television last night?"
Cleo McDowell: "No, I didn't."
Prince Akeem: "Oh sir, the Giants of New York took on the Packers of Green Bay. And in the end, the Giants triumphed by kicking an oblong ball made of pigskin through a big "H". It was a most ripping victory."
Cleo McDowell: "Son, I'm only going to tell you this one time."
Prince Akeem: "Yes?"
Cleo McDowell: "If you want to keep working here, stay off the drugs."

Jay: Coming to America is the quintessential Eddie Murphy comedy. Even more so than 48 Hours or Beverly Hills Cop before it, this classic comedy allows Murphy to show off everything that made him a genius in his prime. It was also one of the first movies where he played multiple characters. There are so many hysterical moments that it's hard to keep up. Murphy is also buoyed by a strong supporting cast including Arsenio Hall as his "man-servant," Semmi. Even though it wouldn't be on my personal top 50 of the 1980's, I can't argue with Matt putting this one forward. It's one of those movies I can't pass by when I see it on TV on any given day.

Matt: This is my favorite Murphy movie (second is another '80s film, Harlem Nights), and that says a lot for someone who put out a string of great comedies throughout the decade! If there's one thing you'll notice about our list -- and the same can be said for '80s movies in general -- it's that there were a lot of hits in the comedy, horror and fantasy genres. What's a bit weird is that there weren't close to as many dramas. Anyway, with America, you can't have a list like this and not include it. The story and humor is integral to the decade. While Murphy and Hall shine, it is John Amos -- one of the finest actors out there -- who I enjoy in this film as he plays the father to Murphy's love interest, Lisa (Shari Headley), as well as the owner of McDowell's, a second-rate McDonald's.

45. Romancing the Stone (1984)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito

Jack T. Colton: "Dammit, man! The Doobie Brothers broke up!? Shit! When did that happen!?"

Jay: Unfairly maligned by some as an Indiana Jones rip-off, Romancing the Stone is a great adventure movie and pretty much single-handedly launched the acting career of Michael Douglas. When her sister is kidnapped in Colombia, romance novelist Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) sets off to bring the ransom money to the criminals. Along the way she meets Jack Colton (Douglas), who offers to help her but may have ulterior motives concerning the mysterious treasure map she is bringing to the kidnappers. Robert Zemeckis had a major hit with this fun movie. He would go on to bigger and better things obviously (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump), but here is delivering pure fun. Kathleen Turner has never been better here and the chemistry between her and Douglas is what really sells this film. Oh, and Danny DeVito is great as the devious Ralph!

Matt: This was my first foray into romantic comedies and, to this day, it is one of the best! Director Robert Zemeckis would follow this film (his third) up with a little sci-fi comedy called Back to the Future, and while Douglas is very good here, it is Kathleen Turner who steals the show! Jay pretty much said all there is to say about Stone, but I will add that it's the perfect date film -- great viewing for men and women.

44. A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

Directed by Charles Crichton

Starring John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin

Otto: "You're a very attractive man, Ken. You're . . . smart, you've got wonderful bones, great eyes, and you dress really interestingly."
Ken: "What you . . . ?"
Otto: "We could have a lot of fun together, you and I. And I think we'd be really good for each other. What do you say?"
Ken: "You must be j-j-j...
Otto: "May I kiss you, Ken?"
Ken: "No you fucking can't!"

Jay: Picking a quote from A Fish Called Wanda was a nearly impossible task. No other comedy is more quotable in my mind. Also, about 90% of those quotes belong to one character, Otto, played brilliantly by Kevin Kline. Kline would win a richly deserved Oscar for his performance here, and it is unique as one of the only times the Academy has rewarded an actor for a purely comedic performance. You can watch this movie a hundred times and it makes you laugh each and every time. John Cleese and Michael Palin, Monty Python alums, bring their particular brand of British comedy and Jamie Lee Curtis is fantastic as Wanda. In a decade that is crammed with some of the best comedies ever, A Fish Called Wanda stands up as one of the very best.

Matt: Jay loves this film and while It's not one of my favorites of the decade, I have to admit it's earned a place on this list. Kline is one of my favorite actors and this film is an essential viewing for his fans. This is one hell of a heist film with many twists and turns, making it hard for the audience to guess who will end up with the prize, but pulling out many laughs along the way!

43. This is Spinal Tap (1984)

Directed by Rob Reiner

Starring Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, and Bruno Kirby

Marty DiBergi: "This pretentious ponderous collection of religious rock psalms is enough to prompt the question, 'What day did the Lord create Spinal Tap, and couldn't he have rested on that day too?"

Jay: The template from which all "mockumentaries" would take their cues from, Spinal Tap is a masterpiece of improvisation, A parody of the popular heavy metal bands of the 1980's like Van Halen, Def Leppard, AC/DC, etc., the guys of Spinal Tap are treading water in their own mediocrity, oblivious to their own stupidity and lack of musical talent. There are so many moments of side-splitting laughs that it makes it even more amazing when you know that all of the dialogue was spoken off-the-cuff and in the moment. Christopher Guest is particularly funny as lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel whose amps go all the way to 11. Why 11 you ask? Because it's one more than 10, of course.

Matt: One of my favorite comedies, Spinal Tap has all of the quick-witted humor you want, and more quotable lines than Jay's previous pick! My favorite bit is the rip on The Beatles "White album" when the band shows the pressing of their "Black album": "It's like, how much more black could this be? And the answer is none. None more black." I will always love Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer for this film alone!

42. The NeverEnding Story (1984)

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

Starring Barret Oliver, Noah Hathaway, Tami Stronach, Deep Roy, Moses Gunn, Thomas Hill, and Gerald McRaney

Mr. Koreander: "Your books are safe. While you're reading them, you get to become Tarzan or Robinson Crusoe."
Bastian: "But that's what I like about 'em."
Mr. Koreander: "Ahh, but afterwards you get to be a little boy again."
Bastian: "Wh-what do you mean?"
Mr. Koreander: "Listen. Have you ever been Captain Nemo, trapped inside your submarine while the giant squid is attacking you?"
Bastian: "Yes."
Mr. Koreander: "Weren't you afraid you couldn't escape?"
Bastian: "But it's only a story."
Mr. Koreander: "That's what I'm talking about. The ones you read are safe."

Jay: I saw this one in the movie theater as a kid. There were so many moments that stood out: the introduction of the Rock Biter, Atreyu's battle with the evil wolf, G'Mork, the first flight with Falcor. But none compare to Atreyu's impossible attempt at saving his horse Artax from the Bog of Eternal Sadness. WTF? Seriously? Let's just scar 80's children for the rest of their lives by showing them the senseless drowning/suffocation of a boy's horse in a swamp. It's really demented, and as you can tell I still haven't gotten over it. So, The Neverending Story is notable for making thousands of little kids cry in a particularly sadistic way. I guess that's enough to earn it a spot, but I would have rather moved on without it. NOOOOO!!! ARTAX!!!!!!!

Matt: I picked this film because of its heavy imaginative imagery and story. I know most love Labyrinth (and I do too!), but Story taps into childhood and the importance of imagination. Yes, as Jay pointed out, there are some scarring parts for kids, but, thanks to the also-released-in-the-'80s original animated Transformers Movie, it wasn't the only one. I also loved that just when you think the film is over and the good guys have won, there's more to go. The story is filled with several story vignettes and unforgettable characters, but, do yourself a favor, and don't watch the two sequels ... EVER!

41. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

Directed by Harold Ramis

Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron, Randy Quaid, Imogene Coca, and John Candy

Clark Griswald: "We're all gonna have so much f@*#ing fun we're gonna need plastic surgery to remove our goddamn smiles! You'll be whistling 'Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah' out of your a$$holes! I must be crazy! I'm on a pilgrimage to see a moose. Praise Marty Moose! Holy Shit!"

Jay: The original Vacation is still the best. Although, I do have a special love for Christmas Vacation as well. Chevy Chase is particularly good as bumbling, good-hearted dad, Clark Griswald. The moment where he tells his family they are all "fucked in the head" for wanting to turn around and go home before making it to Wally World is my personal favorite. It's a very funny movie and even though I may not have put it this high, I understand why it is so loved.

Matt: The first John Hughes entry on this list! Hughes, who wrote for the National Lampoon magazine, wrote a story called Vacation '58, which he said was loosely based on his family vacations from when he was a kid. Hughes would define two-to-three generations (mine included), making him one of the most crucial filmmakers of the decade. And Chevy Chase played the part of dipshit-but-lovable dad so well! Vacation takes every aspect about a family road trip that you hate or annoyed by, and makes them laugh-out-loud hysterical; and that's what makes it so great and timeless!

10 Essential Marvel and DC Comics Storylines

Matt here!

Ever since we've first known each other, Jay and I have been comic book fans. And our favorite mainstream publishers have always been at odds. Jay's favorites come from Marvel Comics. I'm a DC Comics fan. Now, we could sit and argue most of the day away as to which one we think is better. But, since there's been enough divisiveness in this country, we thought we'd just let our adoring public know which storylines are our favorite from our favorite respective publishers. So, here are our 10 favorite storylines (Jay will be providing Marvel Comics stories, and I will provide stories from DC Comics):

Jay's Picks

This was a really tough list to put together. I really tried to find a healthy balance between the Marvel storylines that I personally loved the most and also those that were truly significant in the pantheon of comic lore. I also made an effort to include some newer story arcs and not just stick to the old stuff. There are a lot of great writers doing very interesting and daring stuff with classic characters and that deserves some recognition. This list will not be for everyone, I am sure. For one thing, I'll get it out of the way right now, you will notice that I have omitted The Infinity Gauntlet from my list. Though widely considered to be one of the pinnacles of Marvel's achievements, I have a lot of problems with the story, especially towards the end which gets very muddled for me. There are several series that Thanos appeared in that are better than Infinity Gauntlet and serve his character better. One of them is on this list.

So let's get started . . .

10. Moon Knight - Issues #1-6 (2014)
Written by Warren Ellis, Art by Declan Shalvey

The revitalization of Marc Spector and his alter-ego the Moon Knight is one of the more fascinating creations to come out of Marvel in recent years. Suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder, he would become Marvel’s first certifiably insane (or is he?) vigilante. The 6 issues for Ellis’s run would introduce us to what is essentially the 3 personalities of Moon Knight. There is the traditional costumed hero we recognize in full costume. Then there is the “detective” Moon Knight who wears an all-white 3-piece suit and a mask. Then, finally, he takes the form of a bird skeleton, who wears the Fist of Khonshu, a sort of totem or spirit animal for an Egyptian god that is suggested could actually be an alien. This is wild stuff, but so much fun and a great example of a superior writer taking a mostly forgotten and maligned character out of the vaults and approaching him from an angle that is fresh and new. The question at the core of Moon Knight is simple: is Marc Spector psychotic or is he really a denizen of the Egyptian gods? . . . . . . He’s most likely bonkers . . . . .

9. “Annihilation” - Various issues (2006)
Written by Keith Giffen, et. al., Art by Andrea Di Vito, et. al.

This event is most directly responsible for the current resurgence in popularity of the cosmic titles and characters in the Marvel Universe (MU). This was really the beginning of the Guardians of the Galaxy as we know it today. To me, this is a far superior story when compared to the more popular and recognizable Infinity Gauntlet of the early 90’s. Fantastic Four villain, Annihilus, launches an all-out invasion on our universe from the Negative Zone, which results in the destruction of the Kyln prisons and the obliteration of the planet Xandar and the Nova Corp. The arc begins by following four characters in the aftermath of the assault: Silver Surfer (one of my favorite characters in the MU), Super Skrull, Nova, and Ronan the Accuser (the main villain of the first Guardians of the Galaxy film). Thanos also is a main character in this story and I love the way he is written and his motivations throughout. Without this event, there would have been no Guardians of the Galaxy at all.

8. "Maximum Carnage" -- Spider-Man - Various issues (1993)
Written by Tom DeFalco, et. al., Art by Mark Bagley

Cletus Kasady remains one of the most sadistic and evil members of Spider-Man’s rogues gallery. Like the Joker is to Batman, Kasady is pure chaos and evil rolled into one. He does not care about money or power, he just wants to burn everything down and kill as many people as he can when he does it. Unfortunately for the world, Kasady met Eddie Brock while in prison at Rykers Island and the offspring of Brock’s symbiotic Venom suit bonded with the serial killer to create Carnage, one of the most powerful and demented villains Spider-Man has ever faced. In this crossover event, Carnage escapes from a maximum security prison along with several other super-powers baddies. They embark on a killing spree across the city of New York with Spider-Man powerless to stop them without help. That help comes in the form of fan-favorite, Venom, willing to join forces with the Web-Slinger in order to stop his psychotic offspring. Spidey also gets help from Captain America, Black Cat, and Cloak & Dagger, among others. This event encapsulated everything I loved in general about Spider-Man when I was growing up. It’s action-packed and lots of fun!

7. "Welcome Back, Frank" -- The Punisher - Issues #1-12 (2000-2001)
Written by Garth Ennis, Art by Steve Dillon

Garth Ennis took over The Punisher after the character had been taken down some questionable paths, so to speak. So, “Welcome Back, Frank” was very much a return to the grounded version of Frank Castle that we all know and love. But not only that, it just happens to be one of the best iterations of the character in his forty year history. The story involves Frank returning to New York City and taking on the Gnocchi Crime Syndicate. Tasked with bringing Frank down, once and for all, is Detective Soap, who’s task is purely to save face at the NYPD and to at least look like they want to bring the vigilante down. The Punisher soon convinces Soap to instead help him in his mission and, along with a group of Frank’s new neighbors, they bring down the Gnocchi’s bit-by-bit. This is pure Punisher and as good as it gets. Ennis also happens to inject some humor into the story, which is welcome when dealing with such a dark character. Favorite moment: The Punisher literally punches a polar bear in order to get the beast to maul and kill to bad guys. Great stuff!

6. “The Dark Phoenix Saga” -- The Uncanny X-Men - Issues #129-138 (1980)
Written by Chris Claremont & John Byrne, Art by John Byrne

The Uncanny X-Men was the very first comic book series I discovered as a kid. No other comic, I would argue, had more to say about social and racial issues due to its portrayal of mutants searching for acceptance. Nobody did more for the X-Men than writer Chris Claremont. His 16-year stint on the “X Books” would take the take the title from a floundering rag that no one was reading into the best-selling books in Marvel’s catalog. It would spawn numerous spin-offs including X-Factor, New Mutants, X-Force, Excalibur, etc. Along with artist and co-plotter John Byrne, they would create the most memorable story arc involving Jean Grey’s (Phoenix) transformation from normal telepath/telekinetic to the Dark Phoenix, the most destructive and uncontrollable evil force the Marvel Universe has possibly ever known. What started out as a malicious attempt by the Hellfire Club’s resident illusionist, Mastermind, to manipulate Jean by getting inside her head and creating elaborate hallucinations soon turns disastrous as it flips a switch deep in her mind which releases her dormant full power. As the Dark Phoenix, Jean would reap destruction across the stars, ultimately destroying an entire alien solar system in the process, killing billions of innocents. No force in the universe can stop her until she tragically decides to end her own life instead of killing the man she loves more than anything, Scott Summers (Cyclops). This is the definitive X-Men storyline. Read it and please avoid its movie adaptation, X-Men: The Last Stand, quite possible the worst comic book movie ever conceived.

5. “Gifted” -- Astonishing X-Men - Issues #1-6 (2004)
Written by Joss Whedon, Art by John Cassaday

Joss Whedon’s run on Astonishing X-Men is my favorite collection of of stories about everyone’s favorite family of mutant heroes. Whedon breaks the characters down to their base traits and focuses on the varied dynamics of this dysfunctional team over bombastic action. His entire run writing for the X-Men is fantastic, which makes it difficult to choose, but the first arc, “Gifted” is probably the best. Concerning the discovery of a cure for mutation, the X-Men deal with the fallout of such a discovery while trying to fit back together as a team for the first time in a while. Whedon chooses to highlight most of the action through the eye of Kitty Pryde, a character he has often cited as a primary influence on him in the creation of Buffy Summers of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Joss writes the interplay between the main X-Men so well that you surprisingly long for the moments that they are just talking to each other over the ones that involve action. The focus on Emma Frost as a new leader of the X-Men -- and Scott Summers’s new lover -- creates some particularly interesting, and sometimes hysterical, conflicts.

4. Captain America: Winter Soldier - Issues #1-9, #11-14 (2005)
Written by Ed Brubaker, Art by Steve Epting

By now, most everyone has seen the excellent movie adaptation of Ed Brubaker’s story of Steve Rogers’ greatest battle against his best friend who was supposed to have died decades ago during World War II (Captain America: Winter Soldier). In comic book lore, it was widely known that there were 3 deceased characters that were untouchable when it came to resurrection: Cap's Bucky Barnes, Batman's Jason Todd and Spidey's Uncle Ben Parker. Brubaker would bravely fly in the face of conformity and bring Bucky back, but not as Steve Rogers’ long-lost best friend; but rather as mysterious Russian assassin responsible for countless politically motivated killings throughout the decades. Until Brubaker came along, Captain America was mostly considered to be a corny straight-man superhero and a throwback to the golden age of comics that Marvel refused to let go. With Winter Soldier, Cap was cool again! The subsequent film adaption, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, would not only prove to be one of the best Marvel movies, but one of the very best comic book films of all time.

3. “The Galactus Trilogy” -- Fantastic Four - Issues #48-50 (1966)
Written by Stan Lee, Art by Jack Kirby

We’re going “old school” with this one, but it deserves it’s place for sure. No other comic series was as influential on the cosmic side of Marvel’s universe than the Fantastic Four. Unfortunately, for such a great property rife with dramatic storylines, Hollywood has not done the FF any favors as both movie adaptations have been nothing short of awful. This is the most famous and well-known story arc in the comic's long history. Sure, there are more recent plot lines that are more intricate, well-written and dive headfirst into the psychosis of comics' “First Family,” but none of them are as influential as the story of Galactus the World Eater’s attempt to consume Earth and how he was ultimately stopped. It is mostly significant for the introduction of one of my favorite Marvel characters: the Silver Surfer. Born Norrin Radd, from the planet Zenn-La, the Surfer would assume the mantel of “Herald” of Galactus when the giant cosmic being threatened his home world. Zeno-La was saved by Norrin Radd, who was both gifted with the Power Cosmic and cursed with scouting ahead and finding new worlds for Galactus to devour in order to sustain himself. When the Surfer finds Earth and determines it is suitable for Galactus’s tastes, the Fantastic Four rise to attempt to defend the planet. They are seriously out of their league, though. It is only when the Silver Surfer comes to know the people of Earth and cannot bring himself to be part of the planet's destruction that he turns on his master and prevents Galactus from eating us entirely for lunch. The Surfer would go on to have his own comic, now released from his servitude and able to ride the cosmos on his silver surfboard.

2. “Kraven’s Last Hunt” -- The Amazing Spider-Man - Various issues (1987)
Written by J.M. DeMatteis, Art by Mike Zeck

No other comic book character was easier to identify with than Peter Parker. Along with the X-Men, Spider-Man was the comic I read the most as a kid. For a kid who always felt like an outsider and a freak, Peter’s story of a normal geeky kid who finds himself gifted with extraordinary powers and his struggle to use them properly, seemed the most familiar. This is my favorite Spider-Man story and, along with “The Death of Gwen Stacy,” is probably the most well-known. Kraven the Hunter sets his sights on the web-slinger once again and, this time, manages to defeat our hero, shooting him and leaving him for dead, buried alive. After defeating Spider-Man, Kraven decides to take on the mantle of Spider-Man, putting on his costume and heading out into the city to stop crime. As the new “Spider-Man,” Kraven is brutal, beating thugs to a pulp in ways they most likely won’t walk away from. Eventually he finds and defeats Vermin, a bad guy that the real Spider-Man couldn’t best without help. Kraven’s disturbing plan begins to take shape as, not dead, Parker wakes up from a tranquilizer dart and crawls his way out of the grave only to find a Kraven who no longer wishes to fight him and a newly released Vermin out for revenge against the Wall-Crawler. Unable to defeat the enraged Vermin without Kraven’s help, Spider-Man is forced to accept the Hunter’s assistance. His plan to prove he could be a better Spider-Man than Parker could, Kraven defeats Vermin, lets him go, and then goes home to his mansion and kills himself with his prized rifle, content that his mission was successful. But in actuality, it was not. The point being that Kraven could never be Spider-Man as he failed to see that what makes Peter Parker such a great hero is not the costume or the powers, but the man inside.

1. “Born Again” -- Daredevil - Issues #227-233 (1986)
Written by Frank Miller, Art by David Mazzucchelli

The impact Frank Miller made on the comic world in the 1980’s cannot be overstated. He is probably most well-known for his revitalization of Batman for DC Comics in 1986 when he wrote The Dark Knight Returns. But, he also would bring his darker, edgier style to Marvel characters like Wolverine and, most notably, Daredevil, a character that had been all but written off by the time Miller got his hands on him. During his run on writing the “Devil of Hell’s Kitchen,” he would be responsible for penning some of the most memorable moments in Marvel canon. The death of Elektra at the hands of Bullseye was probably the most famous, but it would be "Born Again" that would come to define his talent as comic revisionist. In the story, Daredevil’s ex-girlfriend, Karen Page, sells DD's secret identity to fuel her drug habit. Targeted by Wilson Fisk, a.k.a. The Kingpin, Matt Murdock loses everything: his friends, his practice, etc., in a free fall of epic proportions. He is then forced to rebuild himself from the ground up.

Matt's Picks:

There are simply too many great stories to choose from when it comes to DC! Again and again, you could pick any number of issues from a long box and most likely come upon one of the best storylines in comics! So it is very difficult to narrow down such a broad range of great picks, but since the assignment was to list my favorite, essential top ten stories, I thought of which stories I would recommend to anyone new to comics. However, at the same time, please note that I decided, save Crisis, to keep off entries which are obvious and on EVERY "greatest hits" countdown list, most of them timeless classics which are my favorites too, but are well-known by now (namely, Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns (1986), and Alan Moore's The Killing Joke (1988), just to name a few). So you won't see me going too old-school in this list. Here they are:

10. Crisis on Infinite Earths - (1985-1986)
Written by Marv Wolfman, Art by George Pérez

There has long been a competition between Marvel Comics’ Infinity Gauntlet and DC Comics’ Crisis on Infinite Earths. It is no surprise that, being a DC fan, I enjoyed Crisis much more. For more of an inkling into why I think Crisis is better, you can check out my article here. This epic storyline helped establish the existence (and idea) of many different worlds in the DC Comics Universe (DCU), explaining why there were different versions of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, etc., as well as a world where someone like Jonah Hex exists apart from a world where Uncle Sam exists. In short, this story was a way for DC to sort out and explain all of its various characters and how they fit into the DCU. But the main drive of the plot is that the villainous Anti-Monitor is looking to destroy many of the earths and replace them with his own versions, killing billions! It's up to the heroes from the various earths to stop him. After this storyline, all of the worlds were sorted and there were repercussions (most notable are the deaths) which would resonate throughout the DCU to this day. One of my all-time favorite comic book artists, George Pérez, shines here as he captures a lot more detail and a greater variety of characters.

9. “Hush” -- Batman - Issues #608-619 (2002-2003)
Written by Jeph Loeb, Art by Jim Lee

A lot of people may think Batman: A Long Halloween deserves more of a spot on this list (and it is a great one!), but “Hush” by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee takes the lead due to, first, Lee’s iconic art – he is one of my favorite Batman artists; and second, the creative use of Batman’s infamous rogues gallery, which are the best rogues in comics, period. On its face, the story is about a new villain named Hush, who comes to Gotham City, looking to ruin Batman; but what the story is also about is Bruce Wayne and a dark exploration of his relationships, from Selina Kyle/Catwoman to Commissioner Gordon to his childhood friend, Tommy Elliott. This is all mixed with a masterful use of action so there’s never a dull moment. "Hush" is a great introduction to one of Batman’s newest, most memorable villains and there are plenty of twists and turns to satisfy the biggest Batman mystery fan! A great follow-up to this story -- also definitely worth checking out -- is the "Heart of Hush" storyline!

8. “Villains United” -- The Secret Six - Various issues (2005-2006)
Written by Gail Simone, Art by Dale Eaglesham & Brad Walker

Suicide Squad, schmuicide squad! While I too am a fan of Task Force X, it is the Secret Six who are the underrated villain group to read! Like the Squad, the team was created in the silver age, but were reimagined in the 1980s; but their similarities end there. The team is made up of villains who either seem like a joke and/or you’ve never even heard of before: Cheshire, Parademon, Scandal, Catman, Rag Doll, and Deadshot (whom is also on the Suicide Squad) – but this should be no deterrent. Writer Gail Simone makes these characters even more of outcasts than the Squad, plus they’re twice as bad – and twice as fun to read! In the story, set soon after the events of item #5 on this list, Identity Crisis, the Secret Six come together after refusing to join Dr. Psycho’s The Society, a group of supervillains who are mad after realizing the Justice League of America (JLA) tampered with their minds. Soon, it is up to the Six to prevent all-out war between the Society and the heroes of the DCU. This book also has many appearances from some of the best rogues DC has to offer! When DC’s New 52 era came along, the title was slightly rebooted, and while that version is OK, it is this pre-New 52 version which is the best! Any fan of Suicide Squad should check out this book!

7. “The Sinestro Corps War” -- Green Lantern - Various issues (2007)
Written by Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons, & Peter Tomasi, Art by Ivan Reis, Patrick Gleason, & Ethan Van Sciver

I was never a big Green Lantern fan. I mean, after all, Hal Jordan is a fighter jet pilot who is lucky with the ladies, so you may think readers have a difficult time relating to him. But then I started reading Geoff Johns’ masterful arc on the character, starting with “Green Lantern: Rebirth,” and I was soon binge-buying and -reading as many titles as I could get my hands on! When Johns first took the reins of Green Lantern, he concocted a trilogy. The first entry, “Rebirth,” is great enough to get the reader hooked, and the last entry, “Blackest Night,” is the emergence of the Black Lantern Corps, raising many long-dead heroes and villains to try to kill off everyone and eliminate all emotion from the universe. All are great but it is this second entry that is the crown jewel! In "Sinestro," after the expulsion of Sinestro from the Green Lantern Corps in “Rebirth,” this entry finds him forming the Sinestro Corps with the yellow light of fear and declaring war against the Green Lanterns. “Sinestro Corps War” is a must-read for all of those looking for an action-packed story with plenty of battles. It is also the introduction of teasing the concept of more corps in the light spectrum, which leads to the creation of rings for the yellow (fear), blue (hope), red (rage), indigo (compassion), violet (love), orange (greed), and black (death). Besides the writing of Johns, Dave Gibbons & Peter Tomasi, it is the artwork by three of the best artists in comics today – Ivan Reis, Patrick Gleason, and Ethan Van Sciver – that makes this story arc so enjoyable! This story cements the now-legendary conflict between Hal Jordan and his one-time mentor, Sinestro, who was one of the greatest Green Lanterns, but now turned to its mightiest enemy. He believes in order to instill law and order into the universe, one must use and instill fear with brute force. This mirrors real-life law enforcement, politicians and officials who think fear is the best way to keep order; proving this story is still as relevant today as when it was written 10 years ago.

6. “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice and the American Way?” -- Superman/Action Comics - Issue #775 (2001)

Written by Joe Kelly, Art by Doug Mahnke & Lee Bermejo

"What's So Funny About Truth, Justice and the American Way?" (an homage to the Elvis Costello song, "What's so Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding?") holds the distinction as being one of the only single issues on this list. A slightly oversized issue at 37 pages, this Action Comics story points out why Superman is so important in a day and age when brutality, death, and violence seem to equate to justice in many people’s eyes. Ironically, this story was written 6 months before 9/11 but its story uncannily foreshadows the aftermath of that tragic September day when people were demanding revenge. In this story, a group of superpowered anti-heroes led by Manchester Black, calling themselves The Elite, decide to take the law into their own hands, meting out their own form of justice. While most of the population cheer and approve of The Elite’s methods, Superman sees them for what they are: petty bullies, abusing their powers to quench their bloodthirst. What follows is one of the best showdowns, with Supes using not just muscle but also his quick thinking. I know I could have picked several of the story arcs featuring various moments of Clark’s journey toward Superman (i.e., Superman For All Seasons, Secret Origin, Birthright, and American Alien) – all are great – but I wanted to choose something that spoke to Superman’s true spirit and this was it! This story is difficult nowadays to locate in collected form, but it is featured in the collection, Superman: A Celebration of 75 Years, well worth buying as it also features Supes’ 1938 origin and great recent issues like Action Comics issue #900.

5. Identity Crisis - (2004)
Written by Brad Meltzer, Art by Rags Morales

Written shortly after the 2003 invasion of Iraq, novelist Brad Meltzer took comics and particularly its heroes to a place readers hadn’t quite been before: torture. After Elongated Man’s wife, Sue Dibny, was raped and supposedly killed by villain Dr. Light, the JLA decides to mind wipe him in order to prevent further violent attacks from Light. But this isn’t the first time the JLA has done this. They had done it previously when the Secret Society of Super Villains switched bodies with JLA members and learned their secret identities. When Dr. Light learns of this, he escapes the JLA and soon, various loved ones of JLA members begin to be assaulted and threatened. What follows is a superb mystery with many wonderful twists and turns, all leading to a shocking ending. Even though this story is set in a world of superheroes, there is a realism about it I simply love. As stated above, this story was released soon after a time when "enhanced interrogation techniques" were being utilized by the U.S. in foreign countries, making it reflect the times but also imparting the idea that there are unintended consequences to such actions. Identity Crisis reaches Watchmen-like levels and sets the bar for contemporary storytelling in comics!

4. Flashpoint - (2011)
Written by Geoff Johns, Art by Andy Kubert

Any fans of The CW’s Flash TV series will know this is how they started off season 3, and, supposedly, DC plans on making the upcoming Flash live-action film about this story arc. But the comic book counterpart is so much better and a definitive read! This is no Elseworlds story, as it is the event that kickstarts the New 52 era. Barry Allen wakes up to find his mother was never killed by the Reverse Flash, but that’s not the only change. All of the major heroes and villains are vastly different from their well-known personas we've come to love and despise. I would go into detail but that takes all the fun out of discovering it for yourself. This new world Flash has come to is more violent, making the story go to darker places usually not seen as often in comics. When the entire world soon becomes under threat by two of Flash’s Justice League friends, he must figure out what happened and how to fix it before the war erupts. There is plenty of death in this story, but the ending is one of the most tearjerking moments in comics. DC Animation made an animated movie based on this story and it is one of their best, a must-see (although it's more brutal than the comic)! But first, read this essential story!

3. “The Black Mirror” -- Detective Comics - Issues #871-881 (2011)

Written by Scott Snyder, Art by Jock & Francesco Francavilla

I wasn’t a big fan when DC mixed things up by having Dick Grayson/Nightwing fill in for Bruce Wayne by taking up the Batman suit. I had heard of this story, but, because it was Grayson as Batman, I sort of pushed it to the back burner; however, I eventually picked up “The Black Mirror,” and it has got to be one of my favorite Batman stories out there! What I like about it is that the story revolves mostly around Commissioner Gordon and his children, Barbara and James Jr. This was one of writer Scott Snyder’s first major storylines and you can tell he has a thing for secret societies – a fact that would soon make him all the more popular with The New 52’s epic Batman story arc, “Court of Owls.” While Jock is an OK artist, it is Francesco Francavilla whose art I really admire and his work is the best here as it is perfect for conveying the crime noir story. The story starts with Batman needing to prevent new villain The Dealer from selling a mutagen that turns those who take it into monsters. While this is happening, there is a serial killer loose in Gotham and Commissioner Gordon is trying his best to capture the killer before there are more victims. I cannot rave about this book enough! If you have always enjoyed the straight-up detective-type Batman stories, hunt down this book right now and get it!

2. Superman: Secret Identity - (2005)
Written by Kurt Busiek, Art by Stuart Immonen

One of my all-time favorite Superman stories and it's not actually about the main DCU Superman! "Secret Identity" takes place in the real world, starting in 1990 -- a world where Superman is a fictional character in the comics -- but there is a teenager named Clark Kent. He was named that, as he thinks, as some cruel joke by his parents, and, every birthday and holiday, he receives unsolicited Superman collectibles. Then, one day, Clark discovers that he has the same superpowers as his fictional namesake. From that point on, he decides to use his powers for good, and what ensues is a realistic parallel to the comic book version. Writer Kurt Busiek's script reads like an actual journal with substantial, realistic dialogue and situations stuffed throughout. It is artist Stuart Immonen's landscapes and grand panels that also help sell the realism of the story. This is one of the most cerebral stories on this list as it follows Kent from the beginning of his superhero career to his golden years. I can't iterate to anyone enough about needing to read this book! It's the ultimate story for those who don't care much for the bold colors and sweeping action of comic books and superheroes.

1. DC: The New Frontier - (2004)

Written by Darwyn Cooke, Art by Darwyn Cooke

In May 2016, the comic book world lost one of its greats: artist and writer Darwyn Cooke. I was fortunate to have gotten to meet Mr. Cooke at the Baltimore Comic Con in late 2015. I admit, at first, I wasn’t too big a fan of Cooke’s art – harkening back to the golden age of comics. But then I read Cooke’s “Superman: Kryptonite” story arc, which he wrote and Tim Sale (a somewhat familiar-style artist) illustrated. After that, I decided to give more of Cooke’s stuff a try. Soon, I was directed by my local comic book shop to read his masterpiece, “A New Frontier.” For anyone who was a fan of Disney Pixar’s The Incredibles and/or wondered what the heroes from the Minutemen in Alan Moore’s Watchmen were like before the government ban, then “The New Frontier” is for you! The story is Cooke’s origin story of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, as well as some of the golden and silver age characters long forgotten (i.e., Adam Strange, the first incarnation of the Suicide Squad, Challengers of the Unknown, The Losers, the Blackhawks), with special guest appearances by Aquaman, Green Arrow, Spectre, Doctor Fate, Shazam. The story begins around the end of WWII and goes through the 1950s, McCarthyism, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Cold War – even telling a one-off story featuring an older version of John Henry (a.k.a. Steel) with a gut-punch of an ending – to the Justice League’s first mission together, battling the villain Starro, which was on the cover of The Brave & The Bold #28 (the first appearance of the Justice League of America). Just because this tale harkens back to a more innocent-seeming time, with artwork that screams innocence, doesn’t mean it is innocent; Cooke’s tale features tragic deaths, as well as very real, graphic scenes of violence. “New Frontier” is one of those stories that would remind any comic fan of Alan Moore’s stories: brutally real and morally important – which is what makes it SO great! What also makes this particular edition so worthy is the priceless annotations at the end which point out the homages and Easter eggs that Cooke dropped throughout the story. At 408 pages, it’s a big read … but you’ll cherish every page of it!

Well, what did you think? Were there any issues or stories we missed? Do you agree or disagree with out picks? Comment below and let us know!