Wow - coming up with the greatest 20 movies of all times was actually quite difficult. It seems like it would be easy, but once you begin thinking about it, there are a multitude of great ones out there. I could literally have a top 20, or even 30, in each genre - let alone, top 20 of all genres. Well here it goes...

I am going to list them from number 20, up to number 1, this way it is more dramatic. :)

Number 20: Lord of War

Although this movie is rather new, I must list it in my top 20. It speaks to something that is ever-present in our society, nation and world. The arms race is a serious matter that, unfortunately, continues to be a place where some people will trade their ethics, morals, and even humanity. Weapons have created a dangerous economic playground for nations, corporations and individuals. See it and you will understand exactly what I mean.

Number 19: Gone with the Wind

"Oh, Terra!" "WIth God as my witness, I shall never go hungry again!" Need I say more. Timeless classics like this will never lose their taste. It is rather long, though, so prepare yourself for this one. Watching it could be an actual event!

Number 18: Home Alone

This one is definitely silly, but we need a little laughter in life. In fact, some of us need a lot of laughter! This one gets me every time. I first saw this film when I was 10 years old and couldn't stop laughing. We all know that the two villains in the film should be dead before they even start, but they continue to live throughout the entire film, prank after prank. Can't get enough of it!

Number 17: Bring it On and Mean Girls

I know, I put two movies here, but they honestly tied for this number. I also know that they are totally shallow, pretty corny and extremely superficial, but i just can't help myself. These two movies, which I have probably seen a million times, are hilarious. They bring me back to my high-school days and sometimes it is just fun to be young, a cheerleader and mean. Of course, then you mature and are none of those things, but it is still fun to look back, see a glimmer of yourself and LAUGH OUT LOUD!  How silly we were....

Number 16: Labyrinth

As kids, my brother and I loved this movie. Looking back, it is quite the ridiculous movie. Regardless, it holds a level of nostalgia with me. Even if you haven't seen it, it's worth the 'kick' just to see David Bowie as the Goblin King. I believe this was Jennifer Connelly's first starring role. The film is meant for kids, but I believe people of all ages would get something out of it.

Number 15: Stand By Me

This movie will forever stand the test of time. 4 boys, who as actors didn't really make much out of the Hollywood scene, but as characters - defined a moment that stamped my heart and mind forever. This film defines what it means to have friends, enemies and adventure. Childhood isn't really full without all three!  It is a great see, again, for all ages. Enjoy it the first, second, and millionth time you see it after that. It's true what's said towards the end of the movie - "You will never have friends like you did when you were twelve."

Number 14: Princess Bride

Wesley...Didn't we all want a 'Wesley' to sweep us off our feet? Well, for those of you who love an action-packed, romantic, comedic, dramatic, thrilling film with "inconceivable" actors - this is for you. ;)   I must admit, if you never saw it as a child it may not play at your heartstrings, like it did me. There are corny scenes. All in all, however, it has everything you could ask for in a film. Robin Wright-Penn shows us that she really is a true Princess. This film is a fairy tale classic that every family should own.

Number 13: Footloose

Dance, Dance and more dance...As an avid lover of dance and a dancer, I cannot help but love this classic dance film. It gave Kevin Bacon his first place to shine, and demonstrated to the conservatives in our society that it's okay to dance. Apart from simply appreciating the film for dance, I can relate to the premace of the film. Having grown up in a small town, small church, with parents of a very conservative background, dancing was forbidden. As I grew up, I believe they slowly opened up to dance, but never fully embraced it for what it has to offer. This film gives all of us who grew up with conservative parents, or came from conservative backgrounds, a reason to celebrate with dance!

Number 12: The Little Mermaid

Among all the great Disney cartoons, and there are a plentiful amount, I must say that this one is my favorite. Partly, because it brings back childhood memories of seeing it in the theatre, and receiving the video on Christmas morning. But also, because it is a great movie, with a great story. (I must admit, however, that as a child I totally had a "cartoon crush" on Eric.)  This tale is great, because like all classic love stories being together is impossible. In their case physically impossible, because she is a mermaid and he is a human. As we all know, it works out in the end. The characters are extremely well done, in picture and personality. Most of all, and I think we all agree here, the songs forever play in our minds and hearts. What girl, no matter how old does not know "Look at this stuff..."? I loved it as a child and I continue to enjoy watching it to this day.

Number 11: Sweet Home Alabama

I know...another hopeless, romantic comedy. But, I just can't help myself. This movie celebrates the classic love triangle. She loves him. He loves her. But she also loves him. And he also loves her. What's a girl to do? The twist with this one is they are both wonderful guys, which makes it even harder to decide. I cry every time I watch it - but it's worth it!

Number 10: Notting Hill

Apart from being wonderfully set in England, it is wittingly funny and charmingly romantic. Any good romantic comedy should have a phenomenal, emotional, tear-driven ending and this one does not fail to give you all three. By far my favorite Hugh Grant character and a close call with Julia Roberts' character - there natural chemistry is so right and they pull off the scenes with great mastery of both comedy and romance. THe soundtrack to this film is a must have. Containing romantic lullabys, jazz favorites and classics like "She" - you will be playing it for years to come. Great movie - Great soundtrack- Great choice.

Number 9: Moulin Rouge

Dancing, Singing, Acting - A love story for the ages and a musical that truly amazes. I could not believe that Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor actually sang all the songs themselves! The film is phenomenal - everything choreographed perfectly. The songs are amazing - of course, the soundtrack is a must have. The love story is literally - to die for!  Once you see it, you will want to own it. Movies like this only come around once in a lifetime.

Number 8: Dirty Dancing

As I have previously mentioned, dancing is something I have a passion for. The first time I saw this film, I was 10 years old. My friends and I all wanted to be Baby. We practiced dancing like her and hoped we would find our own "Johnny" someday. In my opinion, the 80's is where the film industry went sour, but this one was among the few that will stand the test of time.

Number 7: Ever After

Cinderella is my all-time favorite fairy tale. So, of course, my junior year of high school, when this movie came out, I could not have been more excited. It really did capture everything I could have hoped for in a real life telling of this classic fairy tale. Drew Barrymore played Cinderella most exquisitely, and I could not have asked for a better prince. This is another film that I could watch over and over, crying each time at the pure romance and love that is definitely displayed in the final scenes. Gets me every time!

Number 6: Pretty Woman

Apart from Julia Roberts being my favorite actress of all time, this movie is one of those romantic-comedy bests! Even though it was her first real starring role, she did a phenomenal job in it. Richard Gere wasn't half bad, either. Apart from the stars in the film, the storyline is interesting and entirely, hopelessly romantic. What a way to get swept off your feet! As you already know, I love cinderella stories and this is the modern version to a 'T'. Favorite quote: "She rescues him right back."

Number 5: It's A Wonderful Life

This is a Christmas movie, I know. I couldn't help but place this one in my top five. It is just one of those movies that never tires on me. I watch it every year, and every time JImmy Stewart comes running through Bedford Falls, realizing his life is back, gets me to tears every time. It is truly a film to remind us to never take anyone or anything for granted.

Number 4: The Wizard of Oz

The first time I saw Dorothy and her ruby slippers, I was probaby 2 years old. I have been watching it, every year, ever since. (When I was little, I had the biggest imagination, that I truly believed I would someday go to OZ. Of course, we all know that Oz was a dreamworld - an imagery of what was actually going on in Dorothy's real world.)  Dreams can be fun and scary, too, but this classic teaches us so much about friendship, goodness, wickedness, and hope. It is something I am sure to pass on to my children.

Number 3: The Lord of the Rings

This is an epic movie. Well, I guess it is 3 movies, but I am counting it as one. This story defines humanity, friendship, love, life and destiny. When Tolkein wrote these books, he knew he would be reaching so many people, because the underlying themes are found in all of us, in our day-to-day lives. This movie is a classic, and will forever be a timeless piece of my collection.

Number 2: The Notebook

They did such a great job on this film. As an avid reader of all Nicholas Sparks' novels, the film does the book justice, which is not usually the case when one watches a film based on a favorite book. This is an epic love story. So many emotions pull at your heart strings, especially when reading it. (I remember going through the book and finishing it in one sitting, because I just couldn't wait to see what happens next - that's good reading!)  Of course, like I said before, the film does an excellent job at displaying similar emotions to the viewer, on screen. It is truly captivating! If you enjoy thoughts such as, "meant to be together", "soulmates", and "first love", this film is for you. It is amazing what an impact true love stories like this one can have on your life.

And Finally........................Number 1: Breakfast at Tiffany's

Audrey Hepburn...her name says it all. Everything about her - I adore. From her classic sense of fashion, to her beautiful essence on camera, to the way she made us laugh. This film was so different. It is wildly strange, but in a good way. Every minute, she has you guessing on what she will do next, until the final scene when she does everything you had hoped her to do all along. I love this movie for all that it represents - fashion, style, friendship, character, and most importantly - love. :)

So, I gave you my list. It wasn't easy. Like I said before, there are so many great ones to choose from, but I did it. Thanks for reading and enjoy watching!!