To be more specific with some choices from my list, here are some short descriptions to go along with them.
The Terminator - Proof that story and characters are more important than effects. Redefined action/sci-fi for the 80’s.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day - A sequel better than the original? Again it redefined action/sci-fi and effects for the decade.
Koyaanisqatsi - Revolutionary for its time. Film as meditation. Pretty pictures, unique score = big screen Rorschach Test.
Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan - Proves that special effects are secondary to drama and character relationships. One of the best movie villains ever in the best Star Trek movie. Don’t have to be a Trekkie to enjoy. KHANNNNNNNNN!!!
The Graduate - Refreshing, original, timely, and genre defying/inventing. Great acting, story, theme, soundtrack, and directing.
The Godfather II - What more can be said about this? Epic in all areas: filmmaking, characters, emotion,etc. Better than the first!
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly - Wow. Iconic, epic, ambitious genre defining/re-defining filmmaking. Oh, and the music! Great stuff.
American Beauty - Best family drama since Ordinary People - both Oscar winners. Funny, touching, and insightful.
The Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) - Great cast, director and writing make for a solid remake with a cynical 70s’ ending.
The Dark Knight - Not perfect, but pretty close. The best superhero movie ever? Probably. Big visuals, action, ideas and characters. How can you stop watching once you’ve turned it on? Definitely one of the best movies of the decade.
WALL•E - Wow! Pixar a.k.a. movie gods of quality top themselves yet again. Great visuals, story, characters and message.
Alien - The best Sci-Fi/Horror movie ever and one of the best Sci-Fi movies ever. Inventive on so many levels. Classic.
Magnolia - Epic ensemble drama at its daring yet uneven best! Tom Cruise’s best performance. Paul Thomas Anderson has mad skillz.
And that’s about it. Hope you could now relate more to my choices. Until next time, choose your movie wisely, because Hollywood gives us more of what we pay for.
Till next time, long live good movies!