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!”
April 21st, 2010 at 10:11 pm
What about Bloodsport? or Deathrace 2000?
April 27th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
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April 28th, 2010 at 7:02 am
Heh, I am a girl and I’ve seen nearly seen all of them. Plenty of them are my favorites, even. I think some pretty epic movies are unfortunately not on it, like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Castle – but great list anyways. For girls, too.
April 30th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Great movies to start watching,thanks.
April 30th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Great list. You nailed it for the most part. I was pretty surprised you didn’t have Animal House and Caddyshack. They’re almost as essential as Godfather, Scarface or Fight Club.
Here’s a few more I’d have added: Independence Day, SLC Punk, Revolver, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Saw, all of Wes Anderson’s movies, Requiem for a Dream, Trainspotting, The Truman Show, Run Fatboy Run, Boondock Saints, Kung Fu Hustle, Fast and Furious, and Austin Powers check em out if ya haven’t seen em I know I’ve added some to my list to see.
May 3rd, 2010 at 2:23 am
Leon The Professional, classic
May 8th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Great call on ‘Mean Machine’ never heard of it before today and am enjoying it now but thought I’d pop back over and say ‘thanks’ for the suggestion.
May 13th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Classic list. What about the Rush Hour series, Falling Down and The Warriors?
May 16th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Sweet list. A few movies i’d also recommend:
Transformers, The Dark Knight, Kill Bill, Office Space, Total Recall, Ace Ventura, Napolean Dynomite, Donnie Darko, The Hangover, Zombieland, The Professional, Tommy Boy, Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, Man On Fire, Saw I, Step Brothers, Pineapple Express, Super Troopers, and last but surely not least, Terminator 2. You listed the first one, but left out the second, which was arguably the best action film ever made. I’m gonna check out a few of the movies you’ve listed that I haven’t seen yet.
May 18th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Awesome list! But where is Boondock Saints and Boondock Saints 2? Both epic movies about two brothers called upon by god to kill evil men… How can you get less manly? Btw I’m a girl and you missed much more than just these amazing films…
May 25th, 2010 at 8:51 am
Wasn’t he involved in a bizarre gun incident?
May 27th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Definitely would have swapped out Kickboxer with Bloodsport but besides that it’s a pretty solid list.
May 30th, 2010 at 4:37 am
awesome, awesome, awesome list man. huge props to you
i found great movies here that I didn’t even remembered existed and some that am curious about watching. thanx for it
May 30th, 2010 at 5:44 am
boondock saints
June 3rd, 2010 at 3:10 pm
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June 6th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
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June 6th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
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June 8th, 2010 at 6:31 am
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June 10th, 2010 at 10:26 am
Very interesting post. I intend to return to this site very soon.
June 11th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Thanks for the post. It was a really great read..
June 12th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
I’m a little confused about the Rambo entry. Rambo is one of my favorite movies series. The picture is from the second movie because he has the necklace and he’s in the jungle, the description from the new fourth movie because it talks about him in his 60s, and the quote from the first one when he’s talking to the colonel on the radio when they are trying to track him in the woods. Therefore, I’m going to say that every Rambo movie is amazing. very good list none the less.
June 14th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
This is a great list of movies, there’s a few I’d add and some I’d take off, btw I’m a girl and would watch these over 18th century drama everyday, I still do like chic flics. Best ever movie tho, which you don’t have, is KILL BILL
June 15th, 2010 at 4:06 am
Nice list BUT Hostel is the WORST movie I’ve EVER seen… Since i am from Bratislava, Slovakia, i can really tell you that the whole movie is NONSENSE, there is NO such fu*kin’ place anywhere around the whole country, second- movie was filmed in Czech Republic! in a small village that should’ve represented Bratislava(half milion city w/o suburbs)… I am sorry but only dumb americans (no offence) that have no idea about geography and politics can really believe that sh*t… Movie is representation of a sick mind of Eli Roth, when i watched it I was trying not to vomit and boiling with anger because its such a lie and still it “ruled” in USA movies…
June 15th, 2010 at 4:08 am
But others are great, maybe I missed some comedies(The Witches of Eastwick) but still a great list
June 15th, 2010 at 8:47 am
‘Yo Mama’s a Freak’
and
‘Chasing The Big Ones’
June 19th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
I’m a girl and i have seen every movie here except platoon and universal soldier.
p.s. Full metal jacket should be in the top 5… it’s an amazing movie
June 21st, 2010 at 11:32 am
This is the best list i have ever saw, actually i m searching for comprehensive list of horror movies but i got it here which creates more interest to watch above movies ofcouse already i watched few but i ll cover rest of them
Thank for all ur work
Sri
June 25th, 2010 at 9:57 am
The greatest fat loss workout involves higher intensity interval training, a typical sense diet and plenty of rest.
June 26th, 2010 at 5:51 am
Fantastic list…….magnificent coverage. Very wide genre and you got it right – well mostly!!!! Kudos for the comments and not only giving a list. Personally, I would have included some like House of Flying Daggers (Fantastic plot and sceneries), The Untouchables (they are a tough bunch out to get the Mob), Over the top (If only to see some great arm wrestling), Terminator-2 (if you ask me, much much better than Terminator-1), The Fly (David Cronenberg at one his best) and so on. Full marks to you.
June 29th, 2010 at 4:55 am
Dude nice list but u hav left quite a few of them:-
1. Oceans 11, 12 & 13
2. Behind Enemy Lines
3. The Swordfish
4. Italion Job
5. Transporter (all parts)
6. Transformer (all parts)
June 30th, 2010 at 10:38 am
Hi and thanks for the great information, It was exactly what I was looking for, and really useful.
July 5th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
It’s a pretty good and solid list, and I do for the most part agree, BUT not entirely.
Some movies that are MUST SEE which you seem to have left out are: Mad Max trilogy, Jurrasic Park, Evil Dead (and the rest of the trilogy, “Evil Dead 2″ and “Army of Darkness” though not essential, they’re still awesome), Dead Alive (Also called Braindead), Field of Dreams, the Good, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
A few less essential suggestions are: Iron Man, Planet Terror, Shoot Em Up, Night of the Living Dead (and the rest of George Romero’s wonderful trilogy “Dawn of the Dead” from 1978 and “Day of the Dead” from 1985), Napoleon Dynamite, Blade Runner, 12 Monkeys, Deep Throat (First Porno with a plot, I’d say thats a must see, and it’s good fun too)
Also please delete
July 5th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Not going to delete. This was a rare “useful post”.
July 7th, 2010 at 9:09 am
What about green street hooligans and never back down?? i say thats a must watch
July 24th, 2010 at 7:49 am
fight club is a very bad movie it is fucking crap
July 26th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
No The Warriors? The greatest guy movie of all time. Can you dig it????? Obviously the writer has not watched this classic.
July 30th, 2010 at 7:29 am
Cannibal Holocaust
Halloween (1978)
Last Of the Mohicans
Out For Justice