AFI's 2008 Countdown: Top 10 Movies in 10 Genres

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Post by AwallaceUNC »

AFI offered the following definitions for each genre on its ballot...

Animation
AFI defines “animated” as a genre in which the film’s images are
primarily created by computer or hand and the characters are voiced
by actors.

A skillful combination of caricature and artistry, animation amplifies
reality, offering stories that are visually stylized, but emotionally truthful.
Whether it’s a minimalist black squiggle or a full-blown tour-de-force of
color and movement, animation allows imaginary characters and
inanimate objects to spring vividly to life.

Fantasy
AFI defines “fantasy” as a genre where live-action characters inhabit
imagined settings and/or experience situations that transcend the rules of
the natural world.

By presenting dreamlike realms where fairies flourish, witches scheme
and pigs fly, fantasy demands that audiences believe in magic and hope
for wishes to come true.

Gangster
AFI defines the “gangster film” as a genre that centers on organized
crime or maverick criminals in a twentieth century setting.

Profit-minded and highly entrepreneurial, the American gangster
is the dark side of the American dream. The gangsters’ lifestyles are
portraits in extremes, with audiences cheering their excesses and reveling
in their demise.

Science Fiction
AFI defines “science fiction” as a genre that marries a scientific or
technological premise with imaginative speculation.

Whether it’s a flying saucer whirling through space or a gleaming city on
a distant planet, at the core of all science fiction is the provocative
question, “What if...?” Science fiction presents stories and situations that
tap our brightest hopes and darkest fears about what might, one day,
turn out to be true.

Western
AFI defines “western” as a genre of films set in the American West that
embodies the spirit, the struggle and the demise of the new frontier.

Brimming with subtext and mythology, westerns offer iconic images of a
time gone by and perhaps a time that never was. A man of action with
an unspoken code of honor, the western hero faces gun-toting
opponents, hostile natives, lawless towns, the harsh forces of nature, and
the encroachment of civilization. But the westerner keeps going, drawn to
the freedom of the open plains and the promise of a new life.

Sports
AFI defines “sports” as a genre of films with protagonists who play
athletics or other games of competition.

Whether smashing a ball into the outfield, landing a right hook in the
final round or crossing a finish line to the roar of a crowd, sports movies
create myths and larger-than-life heroes. The stakes in sports may be
simple—someone wins and someone loses—but cheering for a character
who faces adversity and aims for the top is an exhilarating reminder of
the power of the human spirit.

Mystery
AFI defines “mystery” as a genre that revolves around the solution of a
crime.

Steeped in the unpredictability of human nature and wrapped in a
tangle of plot twists, mysteries inhabit a world where the secrets are dark
and the agendas well hidden. Unlike the open-endedness that
characterizes so much of real life, a movie mystery delivers the ultimate
satisfaction of a solution in the final reel.

Romantic Comedy
AFI defines “romantic comedy” as a genre in which the development of
a romance leads to comic situations.

Romantic comedy spares no one in chronicling the horror and
humiliation, the hope and despair, the agony and ecstasy of Cupid’s
arrow. Wrapped in fantasy and charm, laced with funny little truths
about the human condition, romantic comedies remind us that we’re all
susceptible to that crazy thing called love.

Courtroom Drama
AFI defines “courtroom drama” as a genre of film in which a system
of justice plays a critical role in the film’s narrative.

Innocent until proven guilty. These four words inspire stories where the
outcome may be the difference between life and death. The drama
inherent in the theatre of a courtroom—the accused enters, prosecution
and defense state their case, and a jury deliberates—all build to the
moment when a verdict is read.

Epic
AFI defines “epic” as a genre of large-scale films set in a cinematic
interpretation of the past. Their scope defies and demands—either
in the mode in which they are presented or their range across time.

A bloody sword fight in an ancient coliseum; carnage on an open
battlefield; a country on the eve of revolution. With sweeping
interpretations of turbulent times, epics depict characters that,
whether nobly heroic or shamefully depraved, are living life on the
grandest of scales.
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Post by Escapay »

AwallaceUNC wrote:AFI offered the following definitions for each genre on its ballot...

Fantasy
AFI defines “fantasy” as a genre where live-action characters inhabit
imagined settings and/or experience situations that transcend the rules of the natural world.
But then every film should be a fantasy as the natural world NEVER offers...

-A city courthouse is 5 minutes away no matter where you are in the city. And you'll be allowed to storm in dramatically with evidence.

-An empty highway, except when someone needs to get somewhere fast and suddenly there's traffic as far as the eye can see.

-Virgins who survive killers by hiding in the shower or stumbling around the house until the police arrive.

-Bad guys who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a machine gun.

-Restaurants where people sit down, don't order (and don't pay if there's already food), and get up 5 minutes later realizing they're late for something important.

-Phone calls that never begin with "hello" and end with "goodbye", but instead are people who simply talk then hang up when they get the information they need.

-An open parking spot right in front of the store or building a person needs to get to right away.

-A paper bag filled with groceries that always has a French baguette sticking out and some loose apples or oranges that will fall if someone bends over ever so slightly

And much much more...

:P

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AwallaceUNC: Would you prefer Substi-Blu-tiary Locomotion? :p

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Post by Widdi »

South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut is worthy of it's spot in the top 50, and should be included in the top 10. It is an amazing satire of conservative America who longs to censor its people from nudity and curse words, but allows gratuitous violence to be shown without question.

Comparing it to Date Movie or Epic Movie should be a crime. SP: BLU does not use the same type of "humor" as those "movies". It uses intelligent satirical comedy that is cleverly disguised as tasteless potty humor.

It is a movie revered by many highly educated friends of mine, as is the series itself. It's my favorite non DAC animated movie.

People need to read between the lines a lot more than they do now.
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Post by slave2moonlight »

Okay, from THEIR nominees, these are my top ten Fantasy flicks (granted, I ignored the very few I haven't seen, and factored in their worth as fantasy films when ranking them rather than ranking them by best film or fave):

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (2001)
THE PRINCESS BRIDE
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE (2005)
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL
CLASH OF THE TITANS
WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (1971)
WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
MARY POPPINS
THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)

And for Sci-Fi, my personal pics from their nominees:

SOYLENT GREEN
THE TIME MACHINE
WESTWORLD
JURASSIC PARK
FRANKENSTEIN (1931)
E.T. - THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL
INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS
BACK TO THE FUTURE
PLANET OF THE APES (1968)
STAR WARS: EPISODE IV - A NEW HOPE

Where the heck was Logan's Run?!!! Though, a lot of things are missing from their lists!!! And I'm sure mine won't even be close to the actual lists...
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Post by Lazario »

DaveWadding wrote:
AwallaceUNC wrote:it's more than a little frustrating to see <i>Southpark</i> [...]on there
-Aaron
Take it back Aaron!!
I agree. South Park is "For the Ages" funny. And brilliant. Whether it's in TV or movie form.


This is cute of AFI and all that. But... where's the Horror films? I guess it was just too hard to narrow down only 10/50.
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Post by Timon/Pumbaa fan »

Lazario wrote:But... where's the Horror films? I guess it was just too hard to narrow down only 10/50.
You're right, it was hard to narrow it down. Once they got to 9 good horror films, they couldn't decide which one was closest to half-way decent because they're ALL crap.

FYI, AFI did a Top 100 Thriller list already so that already did "horror"(or a list that could include them).
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Post by Lazario »

Timon/Pumbaa fan wrote:You're right, it was hard to narrow it down. Once they got to 9 good horror films, they couldn't decide which one was closest to half-way decent because they're ALL crap.
Have you been drinking tonight, little boy?
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Post by Flanger-Hanger »

Timon/Pumbaa fan wrote:
Lazario wrote:But... where's the Horror films? I guess it was just too hard to narrow down only 10/50.
You're right, it was hard to narrow it down. Once they got to 9 good horror films, they couldn't decide which one was closest to half-way decent because they're ALL crap.

FYI, AFI did a Top 100 Thriller list already so that already did "horror"(or a list that could include them).
Yes but the "thriller" list included The Wizard of Oz, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Titanic. Would you consider those horror movies? The "thriller" just meant films that had the most exciting moments. I agree with Laz, a horror list should have been made. Perhaps in place of "courtroom drama".
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Post by Lazario »

Flanger-Hanger wrote:I agree with Laz, a horror list should have been made. Perhaps in place of "courtroom drama".
COURTROOM DRAMA?! :shock:
They value this subgenre over Horror?!
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Post by Disneykid »

Just a reminder that this special is airing on CBS Tuesday June 17th. I'd love to see Alice in Wonderland, Chronicles of Narnia, and The Passion of the Christ make it onto their respective lists, but I'm not holding my breath. There's at least a good chance for Harry Potter to make it, though.
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Post by Jules »

I was just going to scoff at Robin Hood (1973) being nominated (whereas no package films or post-2000 Disney films are) when I realised this thread is almost half a year old.

Does my opinion still count?
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Post by JohnnyWeir »

That list is complete crap. South Park? Was this list made by 13 year old boys or something? And where is Some Like It Hot? I think it is the best(and the only good) romantic comedy of all-time!!!
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Post by Escapay »

Mowglie wrote:And where is Some Like It Hot? I think it is the best(and the only good) romantic comedy of all-time!!!
Some Like It Hot was already voted #1 in the AFI's 100 Years, 100 Laughs special (back in 2000), so that's probably why it's not included.

Scaps
WIST #60:
AwallaceUNC: Would you prefer Substi-Blu-tiary Locomotion? :p

WIST #61:
TheSequelOfDisney: Damn, did Lin-Manuel Miranda go and murder all your families?
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Post by Siren »

I hoped Legend would get into the fantasy category. I am surprised it didn't. That is my favorite fantasy film. It was an original story, the art direction and make-up was beautiful. Depends what soundtrack you listen too...one is 80s and the other is a more true movie soundtrack. So disappointed Legend didn't make it
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Post by Disney's Divinity »

I've seen a few commercials for this and is anyone surprised that Shrek is the only animated film that's been shown in them?

:roll:


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Post by Luke »

I'm quite excited for this special, as I always enjoy programs that look at numerous movies and the variety here seems welcome.

I've even gone far enough to make my predictions for the 100 spots. Note that these aren't my rankings, but my educated guesses based on past AFI lists, their predilection for older fare, and what seems to be known/perceived best among movie groups and critical circles.

<b>Animation</b>
1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
2. Fantasia
3. Toy Story
4. Bambi
5. The Lion King
6. Beauty and the Beast
7. Pinocchio
8. Cinderella
9. Finding Nemo
10. Shrek
Likely Substitutes: The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, The Incredibles, Who Framed Roger Rabbit

<b>Courtroom Dramas</b>
1. To Kill a Mockingbird
2. 12 Angry Men
3. Judgment at Nuremberg
4. Anatomy of a Murder
5. Kramer vs. Kramer
6. Adam's Rib
7. The Caine Mutiny
8. A Man for All Seasons
9. Paths of Glory
10. A Few Good Men
Likely Subsitutes: Philadelphia

<b>Epics</b>
1. Lawrence of Arabia
2. Ben-Hur (1959)
3. Spartacus
4. Gone with the Wind
5. Bridge on the River Kwai
6. Apocalypse Now
7. Schindler's List
8. The Ten Commandments (1956)
9. Titanic
10. Braveheart
Like Substitutes: Doctor Zhivago, Gladiator

<b>Fantasies</b>
1. The Wizard of Oz
2. It's a Wonderful Life
3. King Kong (1933)
4. The Princess Bride
5. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
6. Harvey
7. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
8. The Thief of Bagdad
9. Mary Poppins
10. Groundhog Day

<b>Gangster</b>
1. The Godfather
2. The Godfather Part II
3. Bonnie and Clyde
4. Goodfellas
5. Scarface: The Shame of a Nation
6. On the Waterfront
7. Touch of Evil
8. The Public Enemy
9. The Big Heat
10. The Departed
Likely Substitutes: Angels with Dirty Faces, Pulp Fiction

<b>Mystery</b>
1. The Big Sleep
2. Rear Window
3. The Maltese Falcon
4. Vertigo
5. Chinatown
6. The Thin Man
7. The Third Man
8. The Hounds of Baskerville
9. North by Northwest
10. The Usual Suspects
Likely Substitutes: Laura, Gaslight, The Big Heat, The Fugitive, L.A. Confidential, The Conversation

<b>Romantic Comedies</b>
1. Annie Hall
2. Bringing Up Baby
3. The Philadelphia Story
4. It Happened One Night
5. When Harry Met Sally...
6. The Apartment
7. City Lights
8. The Lady Eve
9. Sabrina
10. Pretty Woman
Likely Substitutes: Ninochtka, Pillow Talk, Adam's Rib, Harold and Maude, Shakespeare in Love

<b>Science Fiction</b>
1. Star Wars
2. 2001: A Space Odyssey
3. Alien
4. Blade Runner
5. Frankenstein (1931)
6. Forbidden Planet
7. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
8. Planet of the Apes (1968)
9. Back to the Future
10. The Matrix
Likely Substitutes: Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Invasion of the Body Snatchers

<b>Sports</b>
1. Raging Bull
2. Rocky
3. The Pride of the Yankees
4. Field of Dreams
5. Chariots of Fire
6. The Hustler
7. Million Dollar Baby
8. Caddyshack
9. Breaking Away
10. The Bad News Bears (1976)
Likely Substitutes: The Freshman, Seabiscuit

<b>Westerns</b>
1. High Noon
2. The Searchers
3. Unforgiven
4. Stagecoach
5. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
6. The Wild Bunch
7. Giant
8. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
9. Dances with Wolves
10. Blazing Saddles
Likely Substitutes: The Magnificent Seven, Shane, The Outlaw Josey Wales, Rio Bravo, Red River


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Post by DaveWadding »

Mowglie wrote:That list is complete crap. South Park? Was this list made by 13 year old boys or something?
Nope, if it were made by 13 year old boys, the Family Guy "movie" would have made this list.

Have you ever actually SEEN the South Park movie? Coming from someone who HATES musicals, it is probably the best musical EVER MADE. And that doesnt even begin to touch on the actual MESSAGE of the movie (discussed earlier in thread).

:roll:
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Post by xxhplinkxx »

I must say, I'm looking forward to watching this. It'll definitely give me something to do while I put off doing some dumb paper I have to write for my Art History class tomorrow lol.
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Post by Widdi »

The top 10 Animated for anybody who missed it:

10. Finding Nemo
9. Cinderella
8. Shrek
7. Beauty and the Beast
6. Toy Story
5. Fantasia
4. The Lion King
3. Bambi
2. Pinocchio
1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Can't tell you the rest of the lists since I'm not watching the show anymore.
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Post by Escapay »

Woohoo, I'm happy! Laura made #4 on the Top 10 Mysteries.

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WIST #60:
AwallaceUNC: Would you prefer Substi-Blu-tiary Locomotion? :p

WIST #61:
TheSequelOfDisney: Damn, did Lin-Manuel Miranda go and murder all your families?
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