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Number 8:
THE MATRIX
Often imitated, never bettered, the Wachowskis created one of the greatest science-fiction action movies ever made with “The Matrix”. Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne lead the battle to free mankind, beating the crap out of emotionless agents on the way. With an interesting plot that makes you wonder just how real your world may be; creative and well-directed action scenes; and an endless amount of quotable lines (“I know kung-fu.” “Whoa.” “Red pill or the blue pill?” “There is no spoon.”), this is one of my favorite movies ever, and you should watch it. Whoever you are.
Number 7:
MAD MAX
With high-octane car chases, an emotional weight, an explosive climax, and Mel Gibson with an Australian accent, this is a treat for action fans. In a near future where cops have been set on a lower peg than criminals, Officer Max Rockatansky is forced to take the law into his own hands after being pushed to the edge. Sure, Max doesn’t exactly become “mad” until the last twenty minutes, but the buildup is intense, and the payoff is awesome.
Number 6:
BATTLE ROYALE
I have no doubt in my mind that Suzanne Collins was partially inspired to write “The Hunger Games” by the 1999 Japanese film, “Battle Royale”. In the future, the Japanese government captures a class of ninth-grade students and forces them to kill each other under the revolutionary "Battle Royale" act. Only one can survive. It is thrilling, intriguing, and superbly acted and directed. As you know, child actors who are good at acting are about as common as Chinese basketball champions. Not only is it very well made, but this movie felt like the answer to all my questions in life. Haven’t you wondered who would survive an all-out battle to the death in your year group?