The 19th Best Films

Pre-1973 

Casablanca (1942) 
The scene that always stands out to me in this film is the competing songs scene, when the French drown out the Germans. That is the essence of Casablanca: serious issues couched in emotional heart strings. And it does it’s job excellently.

1973-1998 

Beauty and the Beast (1991) 
     The Lion King (1994) 
     The Little Mermaid (1989) 
     Aladdin (1992) 
     Rescuers Down Under (1990) 
The Disney renaissance of the late-eighties and early-nineties was a great time for animation. And Beauty and the Beast is the pinnacle of this period. It is one of only three animated films to be considered for Best Picture. It isn’t the typical, princess finds a man who will make her life great and give her meaning story.

Post-1998 

How to Train Your Dragon (2010) 
     How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) 
     How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
Speaking of animation, the Dragon films have been some of the best of the past two decades. It is one of the only great uses of 3D and the soundtrack is amongst the best of all time.