For years now men have had to suffer in silence when taking their girlfriend or wife to the cinema. How often do you get to see that new Jackie Chan movie? And how often does she get to watch the latest 18th century drama epic? I’m guessing the epic gets the nod over the guy movie every single time! Fear not my poorly treated comrade, help is here.
Men know that violence beats sex (marginally) and war beats peace! We turn our noses up to movies that are too serious or sensitive. When we stick a DVD on we want to hear explosions, laugh our ass off or bask in the beauty of gratuitous nudity! In addition to that, we want - no, better still, we NEED - movies that allow us to recite the dialogue from memory days later (”Heeeerrrresss JOHNNY!”). This behaviour will no doubt attract disturbing looks from women and children, but recite a line to another guy and you’ll see him nod in silent appreciation.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 100 great movies that every guy MUST see. Take your masculinity back, and start watching.
1. Casino Royale (or any other James Bond movie for that matter)
Fast cars, sexy women, sharp suits and high stakes poker. All very manly things which, when combined with the presence of Daniel Craig, make a really great movie.
Best line in the movie: “Now the whole world’s gonna know that you died scratching my balls!”
2. Terminator
Originally offered the leading human role in this movie, Arnold Schwarzenegger decided that playing a bad ass robot sent from the future to kill was his destiny. And so he swapped swimming trunks, body lotion and homoerotic poses for a leather jacket, a gun and some black shades.
Best line in the movie: “I’ll be back.”
3. Die hard
Nothing says hardcore like a hero running around on broken glass in bare feet and smashing through windows on a firehose. Bruce Willis literally wrote the book when it comes to action (we’ll forgive his mild indiscretion for playing a dead guy in the Sixth Sense).
Best line in the movie: “Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker!”
4. The Last Boy Scout
When a movie has murder, strippers, sports, crooked politicians and stars Bruce Willis as a washed-up cop - you know it’s going to be good! This movie doesn’t disappoint. Trust me.
Best line in the movie: “Bad guy: You think you are so fucking cool, don’t you? You think you are so fucking cool. But just once, I would like to hear you scream in pain…” Bruce: “Play some rap music. “
5. Top Gun
When the lead character has a butch name like Maverick, it doesn’t matter that he’s being portrayed by short-arse Tom Cruise. This movie will make you feel the need, the need for speed. Guy’s love planes. In particular, planes than can shoot other planes right out of the sky!
Best line in the movie: “And if you screw up just this much, you’ll be flying a cargo plane full of rubber dog shit out of Hong Kong!”
6. The Matrix
How many computer hacker nerds wish that they were Neo? Living inside a computer program and able to remake the code anyway they like. With bullet dodging, kung-fu and Trinity in tight leather pants - this movie caters to all tastes!
Best line in the movie: “Do not try and bend the spoon. That’s impossible. Instead… only try to realize the truth.”
7. Back To The Future
If a time traveling Delorean doesn’t get you into a frenzy, then I don’t know what will. The BTTF Trilogy still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up to this day - if only for the amazing soundtrack by Alan Silvestri.
Best line in the movie: “Great Scott!!”
8. Scarface
When a Cuban refugee falls for a drug kingpin’s girl, you know you have all the hallmarks of an epic gangster flick. If you get attacked by a chainsaw and still live to tell the tale, then you’re alright in my book!
Best line in the movie: “Say hello to my leetle friend!”
9. The Godfather
Quite possibly the ultimate bloke film ever made. Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece is an indispensable guide to surviving with honour in a dog eat dog world.
Best line in the movie: “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
10. Platoon
A gritty and emotional (I know I said men don’t like it too serious but this is a war film, so it’s allowed) look at the lives of an American platoon of soldiers as they patrol, fight and die in jungles of Vietnam - seen through the eyes of a rookie recruit.
Best line in the movie: “Free your mind, your ass will follow.”
11. Universal Soldier
Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren kill each other in battle, only to brought back as reanimated, near perfect, soldiers. Luc Devreux (Van Damme) starts having flashbacks from his former life and brutal conflict ensues. The only acceptable time for you to turn away while this movie is playing is for the gratuitous Van Damme butt shot (unless you like that kind of thing)!
Best line in the movie: “You’re discharged… sarge.”
12. The Shining
In a nutshell - recovering alcoholic with a volatile temper gets cabin fever and tries to kill his family. To say the film is ‘a bit weird’ would be the understatement of the century. That said, the movie is a masterpiece and a must see - if only for the iconic horror movie quote:
Best line in the movie: “Heeeere’s JOHNNY!”
13. Fight Club
After seeing this film, a million men declared they wanted to change their name to Tyler Durden and go kick the shit out of someone. Anyone! On the surface, the movie is about proving your manliness by punching the other guys lights out, but really it’s all about knowing yourself and not relying on personal possessions. I think.
Best line in the movie: “I want you to hit me as hard as you can.”
14. Dirty Harry
A cop with no regard for the rules (but who always gets the job done) takes on a serial killer targeting random victims. It’s very serious stuff folks. Oh, and he has a big gun too.
Best line in the movie: “You’ve got to ask yourself a question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?”
15. Rocky
The Italian Stallion, Rocky Balboa, is a southpaw fighter out of Philadelphia looking to make it big by taking on the world champ Apollo Creed. The training montages and music are enough to make you wanna lose that beer belly - almost!
Best line in the movie: “ADRIAN!”
16. Full Metal Jacket
If you ever wondered what it was like to be a U.S Marine - then wonder no more! This movie has more memorable quotes than any other, thanks mostly to the enigmatic Gunnery Sergeant Hartman.
Best line in the movie: “Bullshit. I bet you could suck a golfball through a garden hose.”
17. Bullitt
This is the story of an all guts, no glory cop determined to find the underworld kingpin that killed the witness in his protection.
Best line in the movie: “Look, you work your side of the street, and I’ll work mine.”
18. Enter The Dragon
Martial arts messiah Bruce Lee spies on a reclusive crime lord using his invitation to a tournament there as cover. Fight scenes galore and the unmistakable Bruce Lee ‘fight sound’ is just fantastic.
Best line in the movie: “Why doesn’t somebody pull out a .45 and, bang, settle it?”
Buy Enter The Dragon Now
19. 48 Hours
Eddie Murphy is the wise-cracking criminal paired with a hard-nosed cop while they try to track down a criminal! All Eddie Murphy has to do is laugh and I’m sold!
Best line in the movie: “I’ve been in prison for three years. My dick gets hard if the wind blows.”
20. Blade
Vampires, techno music and Wesley Snipes slicing people up with a sword. This movie has all the hallmarks of a guy classic - and it doesn’t fail to deliver.
Best line in the movie: “Fuck me? No, you fuck this!”
Related posts:
February 5th, 2009 at 10:36 am
How about They Live
Quote: I am here to kick ass and chew bubble gum… and I am all out of bubble gum.
February 5th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Awesome quote!
February 7th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
um… “backdraft” was pretty stickin manly…. certainly beats some of your choices….
February 7th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
and almost anything by mel gibson…
February 13th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Did you forget an amazing movie Wanted you see nice tits and its about assasins and guns come on
February 28th, 2009 at 1:52 am
quick and the dead should be on this list.
The Good the Bad and the Ugly as well.
March 5th, 2009 at 4:32 am
i seen 74 off these ha im proud of that
March 16th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
This is a great list….but there is no way in hell you cannot have “Boondock Saints” and now I have a feeling “Watchmen” will be needing to be added as well.(not youre fault, you made this way before the movie came out. Great list though. Some of the movies I had forgot about.
March 23rd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
You have Kickboxer, and also Broken Arrow. The best of both worlds(Van Damme and Woo), has to be Hard Target. I didn’t see Untouchables either.
March 23rd, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Also, I didn’t see the Dolph Lundgren version of The Punisher. The best line in the movie, was when he if he knew there was a limit to revenge. His response as he slaps another mag in his weapon “I haven’t reached mine yet!”
April 12th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
what about SAW, There will be blood, no country for old men, Kingpen, caddyshack, the jerk, fast times, the holy grail, goodfellas… how do you forget goodfellas… casino crap… this 100 list SUCKS! get rid of bad boys.. lol that made me laugh
April 18th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
what about shoot em’ up with clive owen? the fakest movie ever created but it rocks shit! an hour and twenty minutes of clive owen shooting thousands of men in cars, planes, in air, ground, werehouses….. with carrots? so awesome….
April 19th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
WTF, where the hell is Pulp Fiction, it’s brilliant. Has way more awesome quotes too!
April 19th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Ah found it, best one there.
April 30th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
This is more like it. All that is needed is a bit of fine tuning.
May 13th, 2009 at 1:56 am
dude…we need Mad Max up there.
May 13th, 2009 at 9:39 am
I agree that MadMax is a great guy’s film. If we ever expand the list to 150 awesome guy films that will definitely be on it!
May 15th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Top 100 Where is DYNASTY. ——-Now DYNASTY, Leaping out of an age of Spectacle comes the most sensational entertainment experience of a lifetime. DYNASTY, A new dimension in screen action and martial arts magic, with quadraphonic sound; makes the experience come alive exploding at the screen right at you. DYNASTY WATCH FOR IT!!!!!!!!
Insane, classic and brilliant 3D Kung Fu movie that even Bruce Lee would be proud of with the hurling of spears and flying guillotines to boot.
May 20th, 2009 at 9:31 am
i have seen all these movies and LOVED each and everyone of them! Im not gay so its not just a guy thing……there are lots of women who love action movies like these gentlemen. Why you ask?……Hot, sweaty men saving the day!!!!!!!!!!!
May 20th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Man, great list you put together, but definetely you have to add:
Carlitos way!!! (the two versions)
Once upon a time in America (excellent Mob films)
Little Men and scary Movie,they are great fun movies
Batman The Dark Knigth is by far the best heroe movie ever
9 1/2 weeks Kim Bassinger and Mickey Rourke
Basic Instincts Sharon Stone
Y tu Mama tambien from Mexico is Excellent
May 28th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Oh boy. Fight Club isn’t number one? I think if you understand the movie it’s pretty hard to put anything above it. It’s the quintessential alpha male film of our generation. I mean, you put Back to the Future and The Matrix above it, come on.. did you pick the order out of a hat?
May 31st, 2009 at 12:24 am
I dont understand how Vin Diesel is on here for XXX, but Super Troopers somehow was left out. Other then that, no complaints.
June 7th, 2009 at 3:59 am
u forgot about van damme
s blood sport, all time favorit goonies,
June 12th, 2009 at 9:45 am
how about judge dredd or cobra…
u know what, just watch all sylvester stallone films
June 14th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
13.Fight Club??ahah loooool Fight Club should stay in 5 best films to not say in first..Where the hell is Wanted,other fucking awesome movie..
where is pulp fiction or Sin City??Scarface in 8 lol should stay in top..
June 14th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
More one thing where is Taxi Driver??
June 15th, 2009 at 7:07 am
i can’t believe “Behind Enemy Lines” is not in the list.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
#1 Cool Hand Luke!!!
June 20th, 2009 at 5:15 am
Nice list. Really good to see some films get mentioned (Point Break, Hackers, Cliffhanger, Payback, etc.) that otherwise never get their credit. You may want to change some entries (Lethal Weapon, MIssion Impoosible, etc) to include sequels, like you did with the Bourne trilogy.
Here are a few, in no order, that i think deserve a spot on your top 100.
* Zulu (1964) Director: Cy Endfield
Epic true story of vastly outnumbered British soldiers defending an isolated African mission at Rorke’s Drift against hordes of Zulu warriors trying to reclaim their land. The battle sequences are incredible — lasting nearly the entire second half of the flick.
* Risky Business (1983) Director: Paul Brickman
While his parents are away, a prostitute (Rebecca De Morney) turns a teenager’s (Tom Cruise) home into a brothel … and gives him an education in the process.
* Nighthawks (1981) Director: Bruce Malmoth
Sly Stallone and Billy Dee Williams are elite New York City cops hand-picked by federal agents to stop an international gang of terrorists led by Rutger Hauer.
* Blue Velvet (1986) Director: David Lynch
One website describes this as “Squeaky clean images of white picket fences and homecoming queens collide with horrors belched up from the American subconscious.” Without giving away the plot that’s about as good a synopsis as any. Not a movie for all tastes and (fair warning) not easily forgotten.
* Patton (1970) Director: Franklin Schaffner
Epic biography of controversial general George S. Patton starring George C. Scott, in his most enduring performance, and Karl Michael Vogler as Field Marshall Erwin Rommel. One of the most highly acclaimed pictures by the Academy with Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay (by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North), Best Sound, Best Editing and Best Actor (Scott).
* Hombre (1967) Director: Martin Ritt
Powerful western stars Paul Newman as a white man raised by Apaches, who finds prejudice and violence –and a good dose of ignorance– while trying to help a group of settlers cross hostile territory.
* Alien (1979) Director: Ridley Scott
Tiny podlike lifeforms infiltrate the Nostromo, an intergalactic scavenger ship collecting raw materials from distant lands. One by one the crew is killed by the parasites leaving only Sigorney Weaver to fight the last of the creatures and prevent their spread throoghout the galaxy. Why is this a guy’s film? Because men love gals that kick ass too! Which leads me too …
* Lethal Weapon 3 (1992) Director: Richard Donner
Special Agent Lorna Cole (Rene Russo) helps Riggs and Murtaugh collar a rogue cop.
One of the funnier seduction scenes in a cops-n-robbers flick.
* The Mechanic (1972) Director: Michael Winner
A 20-something Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent) wants to learn the secrets of aloof
Mr. Bishop (Charles Bronson), a professional hit man for a powerful organization.
* Peeping Tom (1960) Director: Michael Powell
A highly esteemed professor uses his young son, Mark, in a series of experiments to test levels of fear. Now an adult working as a cameraman, Mark, has developed his own fascination with terror as well as a penchant for filmmaking. Although the film contains nudity, sexual content, and profanity, if you truly believe violence beats sex, this could be your film.
During the 1940s Director Michael Powell, mostly with Emeric Pressburger, made some of Britian’s finest films. Yet upon its initial release this film was hated by critics for its disturbing content and ended his career in England. It was revived years later by Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola. Both men regard Powell as one of the most important influences on their own work. Re-released on DVD in 1999, the Los Angeles Times review said: “PEEPING TOM still ranks as one of the most terribly strange and twisted of motion pictures.”
Rated BBFC 18 by the British Board of Film Classification which means: “Sutable only for adults. No one younger that 18 may see an ‘18′ film in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18′ rated video.”
* The Italian Job (1969) Director: Peter Collinson
While behind bars Mr. Bridger (Noel Coward) plots a $4 million gold bullion robbery in Turin. To carry out the caper, he enlists petty crook Charlie (Michael Caine), a few Mini Coopers and the biggest traffic jam ever put on film. Very entertaining and funny … their getaway and cliff-hanger ending has been much-imitated over the past 40 years.
June 30th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
PLEASE!! i beg you to remove A Knight’s Tale. wirst movie in the world.
July 1st, 2009 at 10:10 pm
what about the fifth element? or rock n rolla?