The Top 50 Comic Book Movies – 20 to 11

20. Kick-Ass (2010)
(d) Matthew Vaughn – (m) John Murphy, Henry Jackman, Marius de Vries, Ilan Eshkeri – (s) Aaron Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Mark Strong, Chloe Grace Moretz, Nicholas Cage, Lyndsy Fonseca, Clark Duke, Evan Peters – 15 – 117 mins
Hilariously violent and unrelenting superhero parody based on the comic series by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. This film balances the tropes of a superhero origin story with some of the most outrageously violent sequences ever put to screen. Chloe Grace Moretz and Nicholas Cage stand out as true highlights, embracing the madness of the material and building up a believable relationship throughout. The jokes are relentless, the action is constant and the package is exceptional.

19. V for Vendetta (2005)
(d) James McTeigue – (m) Dario Marianelli – (s) Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, John Hurt, Stephen Fry, Tim Pigott-Smith, Rupert Graves, Roger Allam – 15 – 132 mins
A crushing and violent dystopian science fiction movie that loosely adapts the plot and themes of Alan Moore and David Lloyd’s groundbreaking graphic novel. The film grapples with identity, religion, terrorism and homosexuality; we follow Natalie Portman’s Evey through events as the world around her begins to morph her into a different kind of person. The titular “V,” portrayed by Hugo Weaving behind a thick, emotionless mask, is stunning, creating depth and gravity without the use of facial expressions. The action sequences are beautifully shot and horrifically violent, while the message the film delivers is an important one.

18. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
(d) Edgar Wright – (m) Nigel Godrich – (s) Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Alison Pill, Brandon Routh, Jason Schwartzman, Brie Larson, Aubrey Plaza, Ellen Wong – 12 – 112 mins
A love letter to video games based on the outrageously funny and ridiculous graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O’Malley; this film puts the focus on style and comedy, letting the characters breathe within a world that emits an increasingly strange video game-esque aesthetic. The action sequences feel like video game boss battles, while the best performances come from Chris Evans and Brandon Routh’s mid-tier villains and Kieran Culkin’s witty, gay sidekick.

17. X-Men: First Class (2011)
(d) Matthew Vaughn – (m) Henry Jackman – (s) James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence, Oliver Platt, Kevin Bacon, Nicholas Hoult, Lucas Till, Caleb Landry Jones, Jason Flemyng, January Jones, Edi Gathegi, Zoe Kravitz, Alex Gonzalez – 12 – 132 mins
The decision to go back and reintroduce the world to the original X-Men team in a 1960s period drama, against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement and the Cuban Missile Crisis, elevates an otherwise entertaining film to exceptional heights. The central performances from James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender are jaw dropping, while Jennifer Lawrence’s turn as Mystique is an example of what makes her such an important figure in Hollywood. This is the beginning of a new era for the X-Men franchise and one that, at its core, is more concerned with character development than unnecessary spectacle.

16. Sin City (2005)
(d) Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino – (m) John Debney, Graeme Revell, Robert Rodriguez – (s) Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Elijah Wood, Benicio del Toro, Brittany Murphy, Rosario Dawson, Devon Aoki, Rutger Hauer, Michael Madsen, Marley Shelton, Josh Hartnett, Alexis Bledel, Powers Boothe, Nick Stahl, Michael Clarke Duncan, Nick Offerman, Jaime King – 18 – 124 mins
A pulp noir crime anthology, this film adapts three major storylines from Frank Miller’s epic graphic novel series, with Miller himself involved as one of the film’s directors. The visual style and storytelling aesthetic here is unique and stunning to behold, combining black and white visuals with the comic book feel of the characters and the premise. The cast is filled with familiar faces and the action gets uncomfortably brutal at times, but this remains one of the best collections of crime tales ever put to screen.

15. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
(d) Jon Watts – (m) Michael Giacchino – (s) Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Tyne Daly, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Tony Revolori, Laura Harrier, Jacob Batalon, Bokeem Woodbine, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Chernus, Michael Mando – 12 – 133 mins
The first chapter of the Spider-Man saga which falls under the Marvel Studios banner and ties in directly with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this film manages to incorporate all the best elements of the Spider-Man character and the cinematic style of previous entries in the franchise. Tom Holland is pitch perfect as Peter Parker, bringing a youthful charm to the character and infusing him with a sense of wonder at the events unfolding around him. Michael Keaton’s Toomes is a truly scary villain, one whose motivation is understandable, even relatable, and who will stop at nothing to follow through on his intentions. The action sequences are brilliant, the humour is spot on and even Robert Downey Jr.’s appearance feels natural and warranted.

14. A History of Violence (2005)
(d) David Cronenberg – (m) Howard Shore – (s) Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, William Hurt, Ashton Holmes, Ed Harris – 18 – 96 mins
A harrowing crime drama which loosely adapts John Wagner and Vince Locke’s intensely unsettling graphic novel. The focus here is on a small town man and his secret, violent past. As events unfold, the situation becomes more and more uncomfortable. David Cronenberg’s directorial choices mean that the violence carries weight and feels intrusive, as it should. The mystery at the film’s core unravels slowly and by the time we have our answers, everything has morphed from seemingly simple to devastatingly complex.

13. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
(d) James Gunn – (m) Tyler Bates – (s) Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin – 12 – 122 mins
A wacky and outrageous rollercoaster ride adapting Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s interpretation of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. The characters are ridiculous, the action set pieces are wonderfully presented and the visual style is beautiful. James Gunn uses music to help shape his story, with a heavy emphasis on 1970s tracks that infuse almost every scene with a sense of place and a uniqueness unseen in a comic book movie. Vin Diesel’s performance as Groot is simple, yet devastatingly affecting throughout, while the rest of the cast shine in their expertly comedic portrayals.

12. Batman Begins (2005)
(d) Christopher Nolan – (m) Hans Zimmer, James Newton Howard – (s) Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Katie Holmes, Cillian Murphy, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer, Ken Watanabe – 12 – 140 mins
The first cinematic attempt to recreate Batman’s origin story for the big screen comes from the mind of visionary director Christopher Nolan, then in the early epoch of his career. Allowing us time to watch the evolution of Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne from bitter orphan to methodical vigilante and crimefighter, Nolan lets character development breathe and the story unfolds in conjunction with this. Liam Neeson and Gary Oldman turn in excellent performances, while Michael Caine serves as the wonderful moral core of the piece. The action set pieces, while shaky at times, highlight the power and prowess of Batman as a character. At the start, he’s flawed and broken, by the end he’s a force of nature.

11. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
(d) James Gunn – (m) Tyler Bates – (s) Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan, Sean Gunn, Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell – 12 – 137 mins
The second chapter in James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy saga is the prime example of a sequel inhabiting and fully embracing the aesthetic of its predecessor. The focus on insane visuals and wonderful music choices; the soundtrack is the true hero here, while the new characters inject a greater depth to proceedings. Kurt Russell’s Ego is an absolute revelation and stands head and shoulders above the majority of comic book villains; his interactions with Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill are devastatingly emotional. At its heart, though, this is a comedy and the humour is on-point with some great running gags and the cinematic behemoth that is Baby Groot.

Next: The Honourable Mentions

The Top 50 Comic Book Movies – 30 to 21

30. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
(d) Guillermo del Toro – (m) Danny Elfman – (s) Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Jeffrey Tambor, John Hurt, Seth McFarlane, Luke Goss, Anna Walton, Brian Steele – 12 – 120 mins
The second chapter in Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy adaptation proves to be a perfect melding of the source material and the director’s sensibilities. The strange sense of fantasy and unique visual style shine through from start to finish, with striking worlds and characters throughout. Ron Perlman is expertly cast as the titular hero, yet again, proving to be the perfect melding of character and actor.

29. Superman II (1980)
(d) Richard Lester – (m) Ken Thorne – (s) Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Terence Stamp, Sarah Douglas, Jack O’Halloran, Ned Beatty, Jackie Cooper, Marc McClure – PG – 127 mins
The second instalment in the Christopher Reeve saga proves to be, for the most part, the second half of the origin story for Superman. The action scenes are great, there are a few iconic moments peppered throughout, but the villains are the real highlight here. Terence Stamp and Gene Hackman steal every scene they appear in, while the moral questions raised by Superman’s decisions throughout the film offer a unique take on the character and his motivations.

28. Watchmen (2009)
(d) Zack Snyder – (m) Tyler Bates – (s) Jackie Earle Haley, Patrick Wilson, Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Carla Gugino, Matt Frewer – 18 – 163 mins
A bold, beat-for-beat adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ critically adored masterpiece, this film manages to be the perfect translation from page to screen. The ensemble work well together, while the focus on drama rather than super heroics is a welcome alternative. The way in which the story unfolds is just as effective on screen as in the comic book, while the twists and turns maintain their shock value even for long-time fans.

27. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
(d) Bryan Singer – (m) John Ottman – (s) Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Ellen Page, Peter Dinklage, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Nicholas Hoult, Kelsey Grammer, Omar Sy, Shawn Ashmore, Evan Peters, Daniel Cudmore – 12 – 131 mins
Following years of shifting timelines and confusing alterations, the X-Men franchise offered this epic as the answer to any lingering questions. Loosely adapting a classic Chris Claremont/John Byrne tale, this film sees Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine travelling back in time to save the future. The focus on the 1970s aesthetic is wonderful, with the contrast between the past and future characters offering a glimpse into their development.

26. American Splendor (2003)
(d) Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini – (m) Mark Suozzo – (s) Paul Giamatti, Hope Davis, Judah Friedlander, James Urbaniak, Harvey Pekar, Joyce Brabner, Toby Radloff – 15 – 101 mins
A darkly comedic and at times morbid adaptation of Harvey Pekar’s autobiographical comic books. The film carries with it a unique sense of style, focusing half on actors and half on Pekar himself narrating events; Paul Giamatti is wonderfully miserable and hilarious, carrying the film with his humanity and exasperation at the world around him.

25. Batman (1989)
(d) Tim Burton – (m) Danny Elfman – (s) Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, Jack Palance – 15 – 126 mins
The comic book movie which became a cinematic phenomenon and helped launch Tim Burton into the stratosphere of great film directors. A dark, brooding and gothic take on Batman, the film boasts one of the most wonderfully nuanced performances from Michael Keaton’s career as he defines himself as a great Batman and a great Bruce Wayne in equal measure. Jack Nicholson is the real hero here, though, playing a comedicaly menacing and over the top version of the Joker.

24. X2 (2003)
(d) Bryan Singer – (m) John Ottman – (s) Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, Brian Cox, Alan Cumming, Bruce Davison, Anna Paquin, Shawn Ashmore, Aaron Stanford, Kelly Hu – 12 – 133 mins
The second instalment in the original X-Men trilogy builds on the events of the first film, while delving deeper into character motivations and drama. The ensemble work well together throughout, while Hugh Jackman’s performance as Wolverine is explosive. The opening set piece involving Alan Cumming’s Nightcrawler attacking the White House is one of the best action sequences in film history.

23. Deadpool (2016)
(d) Tim Miller – (m) Tom Holkenborg – (s) Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T. J. Miller, Gina Carano, Leslie Uggams, Brianna Hildebrand, Stefan Kapicic – 15 – 108 mins
One of the weirdest and most entertaining comic book movies ever produced, this is one of the best examples of an actor fully inhabiting their character and having a blast doing it. Ryan Reynolds becomes Deadpool and every moment with him is comedic gold. The constant meta jokes and pop culture references elevate this to new heights and some of the violence is over the top to the point of being grotesque.

22. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
(d) Taika Waititi – (m) Mark Mothersbaugh – (s) Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Hopkins – 12 – 130 mins
Strange, comedic and constant outrageous, the final chapter in the Thor trilogy shakes things up a bit, offering a loose, less dramatic style which works wonders. The chemistry between Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston is a highlight as always, while the sequences involving the Hulk are some of the best in any Marvel movie. Tessa Thompson and Jeff Goldblum both shine as new additions to the cast and the sense of humour from director Taika Waititi is absolutely pitch perfect.

21. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
(d) Anthony Russo, Joe Russo – (m) Henry Jackman – (s) Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Emily VanCamp, Tom Holland, Frank Grillo, William Hurt, Daniel Bruhl – 12 – 147 mins
The definition of a superhero epic closes out the Captain America trilogy as the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe divide and do battle. The film is swamped with incredible action sequences and fan service-fuelled moments. The new characters debuting here are exceptional, from Chadwick Boseman’s perfect performance as Black Panther to Tom Holland’s hilariously nerdy turn as Spider-Man. The airport battle sequence two-thirds of the way into the movie is jaw-dropping and arguably the best superhero action sequence ever put to film.

Next: 20 to 11

The Top 50 Comic Book Movies – 40 to 31

40. Ant-Man (2015)
(d) Peyton Reed – (m) Christophe Beck – (s) Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Pena, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Anthony Mackie, Wood Harris, Judy Greer, David Dastmalchian, Michael Douglas – 12 – 117 mins
An adaptation of C-list Marvel character and original Avenger that feels more like an Ocean’s Eleven-style heist comedy than anything else and manages to adapt more material from the Robert Kirkman run of the character. Paul Rudd is spectacularly funny as the titular hero, while Michael Douglas adds gravitas to the piece. The special effects and set pieces are unique and engaging and the humour is non-stop.

39. The Mask (1994)
(d) Charles Russell – (m) Randy Edelman – (s) Jim Carrey, Peter Reigert, Peter Greene, Amy Yasbeck, Richard Jeni, Cameron Diaz – PG -101 mins
Comedy romp adaptation of the darkly disturbing John Arcudi, Doug Mahnke comic book series; the whole piece is essentially a vehicle for Jim Carrey’s brand of off-the-world scene-chewing comedy and it works brilliantly. Carrey inhabits the titular character and brings a comedic reverence to all the material.

38. Hellboy (2004)
(d) Guillermo del Toro – (m) Marco Beltrami – (s) Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Jeffrey Tambor, Karel Roden, Rupert Evans, John Hurt, Doug Jones, David Hyde Pierce – 12 – 122 mins
Weird and wonderful adaptation of Mike Mignola’s classic comic character, perfectly inhabited by Ron Perlman. Visionary director Guillermo del Toro brings his unique style and vision to the piece, incorporating dozens of elements from the comic series and melding them together to make a cohesive and intensely engaging narrative.

37. Doctor Strange (2016)
(d) Scott Derrickson – (m) Michael Giacchino – (s) Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt, Scott Adkins, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton – 12 – 115 mins
A visually spellbinding adaptation of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s Marvel creation; the film relies heavily on its stunning visuals which capture the pure essence of Ditko’s imagination for the screen. Benedict Cumberbatch gives a great performance, alongside the ever-great Mads Mikkelsen and Tilda Swinton. The real star here, though, is Chiwetel Ejiofor who manages to convey knowledge, power and doubt as Mordo.

36. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
(d) Christopher Nolan – (m) Hans Zimmer – (s) Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Morgan Freeman – 12 – 165 mins
The final instalment in Christopher Nolan’s legendary Dark Knight saga puts the focus more on Bruce Wayne as a human being rather than Batman as a superhero. The emotion and drama take centre stage here as we watch a man struggling to come to terms with what he is and embrace his destiny to save Gotham City. The true standouts here are Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle and Tom Hardy as Bane. Both are unique and their performances are arresting and intense.

35. 300 (2006)
(d) Zack Snyder – (m) Tyler Bates – (s) Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Dominic West, Vincent Regan, Tom Wisdom, Michael Fassbender, Rodrigo Santoro – 15 – 116 mins
Visually stunning adaptation of Frank Miller’s classic graphic novel; this film goes for style over substance, offering stunning battle sequences rather than a cohesive plot or character development. The set pieces are intense and engaging, while the primary performances of Gerard Butler and Lena Headey manage to convey emotion while remaining stoic and dignified.

34. Blade II (2002)
(d) Guillermo del Toro – (m) Marco Beltrami – (s) Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman, Leonor Varela, Norman Reedus, Donnie Yen, Luke Goss – 18 – 117 mins
Gory, violent and endlessly entertaining, the second instalment in the Blade franchise benefits greatly from the strange and wonderful style of Guillermo del Toro. The new villainous Reapers are horrifying to behold, the action sequences get really brutal really quickly and the comedic timing from Wesley Snipes is absolutely marvellous.

33. Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)
(d) Matthew Vaughn – (m) Henry Jackman, Matthew Margeson – (s) Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong, Michael Caine, Sophie Cookson, Mark Hamill, Jack Davenport – 15 – 129 mins
Hilarious, fast-paced and entertaining adaption of Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons’ comic book series; the characters and the comic timing are the foundation for this film’s excellence, while the action sequences and innovative approach only make things more enjoyable. Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson steal every scene they appear in, while the church sequence roughly two-thirds of the way through is one of the most brutal sequences in cinema history.

32. Road to Perdition (2002)
(d) Sam Mendes – (m) Thomas Newman – (s) Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Stanley Tucci, Daniel Craig – 15 – 117 mins
Heartbreaking and brutal adaptation of Max Allan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner’s crushing graphic novel; the film shows itself to be a haunting meditation of violence and revenge. Tom Hanks is a revelation, while his scenes with Paul Newman are some of the best in his career.

31. Spider-Man (2002)
(d) Sam Raimi – (m) Danny Elfman – (s) Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris, J. K. Simmons, Michael Papajohn, Elizabeth Banks, Joe Manganiello, Bill Nunn – 12 – 121 mins
A cinematic juggernaut of a superhero adaptation, the first entry in the Sam Raimi trilogy offers a modern-day reimagining of the classic Spider-Man origin by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, while also giving us one of the best interpretations of the character’s supporting cast. Willem Dafoe is spellbinding as the villainous Green Goblin, while the action set pieces provide a unique visual spectacle and Danny Elfman’s score erupts throughout.

Next: 30-21

The Top 50 Comic Book Movies – 50 to 41

50. The Rocketeer (1991)
(d) Joe Johnston – (m) James Horner – (s) Bill Campbell, Alan Arkin, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Sorvino, Timothy Dalton – PG – 108 mins
Based on Dave Stevens’ wonderful graphic novel, this is a fun, fast-paced action romp with a real feel-good lick of nostalgia. It comes across like a mixture of an Indiana Jones-esque adventure romp and a superhero origin story and features a great, scenery-chewing performance from Timothy Dalton.

49. The Wolverine (2013)
(d) James Mangold – (m) Marco Beltrami – (s) Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Will Yun Lee, Famke Janssen, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima – 12 – 121 mins
An extremely loose adaptation of Chris Claremont and Frank Miller’s classic “Wolverine” mini-series, this film propels Hugh Jackman’s iconic X-Man into a conflict in Japan and features some brutal action that pushes the boundaries of the film’s certificate.

48. The Crow (1994)
(d) Alex Proyas – (m) Graeme Revell – (s) Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, Rochelle Davis, Bai Ling, David Patrick Kelly – 18 – 102 mins
A haunting and deeply depressing re-imagining of James O’Barr’s equally miserable graphic novel; this film is infamous due to the on set death of star Brandon Lee, but the film still manages to be a visually arresting  and deeply emotional examination of death and vengeance.

47. Men In Black (1997)
(d) Barry Sonnenfeld – (m) Danny Elfman – (s) Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D’Onofrio, Rip Torn, Tony Shalhoub – 12 – 98 mins
Hilarious comedic adaptation of Lowell Cunningham’s comic book series telling the story of the mysterious Men in Black, an anti-alien agency dedicated to protecting the human race. The comedic timing between Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith is absolutely wonderful.

46. Ghost World (2001)
(d) Terry Zwigoff – (m) David Kitay – (s) Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Renfro, Bob Balaban, Illeana Douglas, Steve Buscemi – 15 – 107 mins
A thoroughly hilarious and emotionally charged adaptation of Daniel Clowes’ teen angst graphic novel. The central performances from Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson are perfectly timed and presented, while the humour and the soundtrack give everything an extra glow.

45. Blade (1998)
(d) Stephen Norrington – (m) Mark Isham – (s) Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N’Bushe Wright, Donal Logue, Udo Kier, Sanaa Lathan – 18 – 120 mins
Incredibly violent and gruesome adaptation of Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan’s Marvel comic creation; the film goes for brutal and intense violence along with a mixture of great comedic timing. Wesley Snipes fully inhabits the titular role, while Stephen Dorff and Donal Logue are brilliant villains. The real winner here is David S. Goyer who would go on to curate not just the Blade franchise, but the Batman franchise and the DC Extended Universe beyond that.

44. Thor (2011)
(d) Kenneth Branagh – (m) Patrick Doyle – (s) Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard, Colm Feore, Ray Stevenson, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins – 12 – 114 mins
Electrifying Marvel adaptation based on the Norse hero created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Larry Lieber. The film’s mythology defines it as a science fiction fantasy, with plenty of visual spectacle and engaging action set pieces. The central rivalry between Chris Hemsworth’s titular warrior and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki is a revelation.

43. Iron Man 3 (2013)
(d) Shane Black – (m) Brian Tyler – (s) Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, Jon Favreau, Ben Kingsley – 12 – 130 mins
The third instalment in the debut Marvel Studios franchise flips the themes and structure on its head in favour of an engaging action-thriller that focuses more on Tony Stark the man than Iron Man the hero. Downey Jr. is spectacular as always, while the supporting cast commit to their roles brilliantly. The final showdown is an intense display of fan service that puts a brilliant capper on the franchise.

42. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
(d) Joss Whedon – (m) Brian Tyler, Danny Elfman – (s) Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Cobie Smulders, Anthony Mackie, Hayley Atwell, Idris Elba, Stellan Skarsgard, James Spader, Samuel L. Jackson – 12 – 141 mins
The second instalment in the Avengers franchise offers more of the same – and that isn’t a bad thing. There’s more action here, more character development and a more menacing and active villain in the form of James Spader’s incredible Ultron. The film balances its massive cast of characters with ease and the new hero introductions are handled with grace and charm.

41. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
(d) Joe Johnston – (m) Alan Silvestri – (s) Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Dominic Cooper, Neal McDonough, Derek Luke, Stanley Tucci – 12 – 124 mins
A World War 2 movie with a Marvel edge; the origin story of Steve Rogers/Captain America is intensely set against one of the most horrifying conflicts in history, while offering a light hearted approach to our titular hero. Chris Evans is the perfect embodiment of Captain America and is wonderfully engaging throughout. Hugo Weaving’s menacing Red Skull offers a genuine threat, while also giving an entertaining and at times hammy performance.

Next: 40-31

Wil’s Top 50 Comics of 2017

50. Jessica Jones
Marvel Comics; Issues #4-15
Brian Michael Bendis
(a) Michael Gaydos

49. Amazing Spider-Man
Marvel Comics; Issues #23-32, 789-793
Dan Slott
(a) Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stuart Immonen, Greg Smallwood

48.  Dastardly and Muttley
DC Comics; Issues #1-5
Garth Ennis
(a) Mauricet

47. Star Wars
Marvel Comics; Issues #27-40, Annual #3
Jason Aaron, Kieron Gillen, Jason Latour
(a) Salvador Larroca, Michael Walsh

46. Superman
DC Comics; Issues #14-38
Peter J. Tomasi, James Bonny, Michael Moreci
(a) Patrick Gleason, Ivan Reis, Ed Benes, Doug Mahnke, Sebastian Fiumara, Scott Godlewski, Tyler Kirkham, Travis Moore

45. The Wild Storm
DC Comics; Issues #1-10
Warren Ellis
(a) Jon Davis-Hunt

44. Black Panther
Marvel Comics; Issues #10-18, 166-168
Ta-Nehisi Coates
(a) Brian Stelfreeze, Chris Sprouse, Wilfredo Torres, Leonard Kirk

43. California Dreamin’ – Cass Elliot Before the Mamas and the Papas
First Second; Graphic Novel
(w/a) Penelope Bagieu

42. Detective Comics
DC Comics; Issues #948-971
James Tynion IV, Genevieve Valentine
(a) Ben Oliver, Marcio Takara, Christian Duce, Carmen Nunez Carnero, Alvaro Martinez, Eddy Barrows, Joe Bennett

41. Nightwing: The New Order
DC Comics; Issues #1-5
Kyle Higgins
(a) Trevor McCarthy

40. Seven to Eternity
Image Comics; Issues #5-9
Rick Remender
(a) Jerome Opena, James Harren

39. Star Wars: Doctor Aphra
Marvel Comics; Issues #3-15, Annual #1
Kieron Gillen, Si Spurrier
(a) Kev Walker, Andrea Broccardo, Emilio Laiso, Marc Laming

38. Black Magick
Image Comics; Issues #6-9
Greg Rucka
(a) Nicola Scott

37. Deadly Class
Image Comics; Issues #26-31
Rick Remender
(a) Wes Craig

36. Batman: White Knight
DC Comics; Issues #1-3
(w/a) Sean Murphy

35. Doomsday Clock
DC Comics; Issues #1-2
Geoff Johns
(a) Gary Frank

34. Star Wars: Darth Vader
Marvel Comics; Issues #1-9
Charles Soule
(a) Giuseppe Camuncoli

33. Motor Girl
Abstract Studios; Issues #3-10
(w/a) Terry Moore

32. Paper Girls
Image Comics; Issues #11-18
Brian K. Vaughan
(a) Cliff Chiang

31. Deathstroke
DC Comics; Issues #10-27
Christopher Priest
(a) Cary Nord, Denys Cowan, Joe Bennett, Carlo Pagulayan, Diogenes Neves, Larry Hama

30. Saga
Image Comics; Issues #41-48
Brian K. Vaughan
(a) Fiona Staples

29. Kill or Be Killed
Image Comics; Issues #5-14
Ed Brubaker
(a) Sean Phillips

28. Mage: The Hero Denied
Image Comics; Issues #0-4
(w/a) Matt Wagner

27. Doom Patrol
Vertigo; Issues #4-9
Gerard Way
(a) Nick Derington, Shawn Crystal, Michael Allred

26. Shirtless Bear Fighter
Image Comics; Issues #1-5
Jody LeHeup
(a) Nil Vendrell

25. Secret Weapons
Valiant Comics; Issues #1-4
Eric Heisserer
(a) Raul Allen

24. Aliens: Dead Orbit
Dark Horse Comics; Issues #1-4
(w/a) James Stokoe

23. The Defenders
Marvel Comics; Issues #1-8
Brian Michael Bendis
(a) David Marquez

22. Divinity III: Stalinverse
Valiant Comics; Issues #2-4, Shadowman and the Battle of New Stalingrad #1, Escape from Gulag 396 #1, Aric Son of the Revolution #1
Matt Kindt, Scott Bryan Wilson, Elliot Rahal, Joe Harris
(a) Trevor Hairsine, Robert Gill, Francis Portela, Cafu

21. Slots
Image Comics; Issues #1-3
(w/a) Dan Panosian

20. Babyteeth
Aftershock Comics; Issues #1-6
Donny Cates
(a) Garry Brown

19. Extremity
Image Comics; Issues #1-10
Daniel Warren Johnson
(a) Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer

18. Black Science
Image Comics; Issues #27-33
Rick Remender
(a) Matteo Scalara

17. Astro City
Vertigo; Issues #41-49
Kurt Busiek
(a) Brent Anderson, Mike Norton, Rick Leonardi, Matthew Clark

16. Violent Love
Image Comics; Issues #3-10
Frank J. Barbiere
(a) Victor Santos

15. X-O Manowar
Valiant Comics; Issues #1-10
Matt Kindt
(a) Tomas Giorello, Doug Braithwaite, Clayton Crain, Renato Guedes

14. Batman: Creature of the Night
DC Comics; Issues #1-2
Kurt Busiek
(a) John Paul Leon

13. Roughneck
Gallery 13; Graphic Novel
(w/a) Jeff Lemire

12. Dark Nights: Metal
DC Comics; Issues #1-4, The Forge #1, The Casting #1, The Red Death #1, The Murder Machine #1, The Dawnbreaker #1, The Drowned #1, The Merciless #1, The Devastator #1, The Batman Who Laughs #1, Batman: Lost #1, Hawkman: Found #1, Justice League #32-33, Teen Titans #12, Nightwing #29, Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #32, The Flash #33
Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Frank Tieri, Sam Humphries, Dan Abnett, Peter J. Tomasi, James Tynion IV, Jeff Lemire, Robert Venditti, Bryan Hitch, Ben Percy, Tim Seeley
(a) Greg Capullo, Andy Kubert, Jim Lee, John Romita Jr., Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ricardo Federici, Ethan Van Sciver, Philip Tan, Francis Manapul, Tony Daniel, Riley Rossmo, Doug Mahnke, Bryan Hitch, Liam Sharp, Tyler Kirkham, Mirka Andolfo, Paul Pelletier, Howard Porter

11. Punisher: The Platoon
Marvel Comics; Issues #1-3
Garth Ennis
(a) Goran Parlov

10. The Mighty Thor
Marvel Comics; Issues #15-23, 700-702
Jason Aaron
(a) Russell Dauterman, Valerio Schiti, James Harren

9. Hostage
Drawn & Quarterly; Graphic Novel
(w/a) Guy Delisle

8. Bloodshot: Salvation
Valiant Comics; Issues #1-4
Jeff Lemire
(a) Lewis Larosa, Mico Suayan

7. The Flintstones
DC Comics; Issues #7-12
Mark Russell
(a) Steve Pugh, Rick Leonardi

6. Black Hammer
Dark Horse Comics; Issues #7-13
Jeff Lemire
(a) Dean Ormston, David Rubin

5. 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank
Black Mask Studios; Issues #4-5
Matthew Rosenberg
(a) Tyler Boss

4. Mister Miracle
DC Comics; Issues #1-5
Tom King
(a) Mitch Gerards

3. My Favorite Thing Is Monsters
Fantagraphics Books; Graphic Novel
(w/a) Emil Ferris

2. 2000 A.D.
Rebellion Publishing; Prog #2012-2061, 40th Anniversary Special
Various
(a) Various

1. Batman
DC Comics; Issues #14-38, Annual #2, Batman/Elmer Fudd #1
Tom King, Joshua Williamson
(a) Mikel Janin, David Finch, Clay Mann, Joelle Jones, Mitch Gerards, Jason Fabok, Lee Weeks, Michael Lark

Wil’s Top 50 Films of 2017

Please Note: Some of the films featured on this countdown are listed online as 2016 films; while this may be the case in a grander sense, they did not receive an official UK release until 2017 and therefore they qualify for this list.

50. The Hitman’s Bodyguard
Zany buddy comedy with some great laughs and brutal action scenes.

49. Despicable Me 3
The third instalment in the franchise (fourth if you count “Minions”); a lot of laughs from start to finish.

48. Murder on the Orient Express
Modern A-Lister adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic; dripping with style.

47. Cars 3
The latest chapter in the franchise; a more emotional piece than the previous (frankly rather poor) movies and better for it.

46. Patriots Day
Deeply unsettling look at the 2013 Boston Bombings; gut-wrenching and turbulent.

45. Split
The latest M. Night Shyamalan movie that manages to ride high thanks to the excellent performance from James McAvoy.

44. The Lost City of Z
Engaging adventure drama with some great character beats and arguably the best performance from Charlie Hunnam since “Sons of Anarchy.”

43. Lion
Brutally emotional rollercoaster through a man’s journey to find his long lost family; powerful and thought provoking.

42. T2 Trainspotting
The long-awaited sequel to the ’90s classic; the characters are as engaging as ever, while the style and weight of the piece feel just as unique as in the original.

41. A Monster Calls
Visually alluring and wonderfully performed family drama that presents a unique and engaging perspective on the process of denial, anger and acceptance.

40. Detroit
Gritty and unpleasant true crime drama; the performances are great while the tension which builds throughout is uncomfortable but absolutely necessary.

39. Kingsman: The Golden Circle
Action-packed sequel with a longer run-time, more intense set pieces and some brilliant laughs.

38. Free Fire
Gut-bustingly funny action comedy that manages to condense down set pieces in smaller moments and features some great character beats.

37. Sing
Hilarious and well-presented animated musical about a singing competition; the songs are all great while the characters all boast memorable quirks.

36. Alien: Covenant
The latest chapter in the “Alien” saga which features some great action set pieces and some genuine scares; the performance of Michael Fassbender is truly magical.

35. Silence
Martin Scorsese’s passion project finally brought to the big screen; there’s a tense brutality throughout the film that makes it a captivating piece while also an unpredictable beast.

34. Kong: Skull Island
Brilliant re-imagining of the King Kong franchise which places the action squarely in a Vietnam-inspired jungle romp; this is truly some of the most enjoyable action put to screen in recent years.

33. The Greatest Showman
While this may be wildly historically inaccurate, there is no denying the absolute perfection of the songs featured throughout and the spellbinding performance of Hugh Jackman.

32. Atomic Blonde
Comic book adaptation that manages to successfully mesh the brutally choreographed fight sequences from “John Wick” and combine it with a female lead and a Cold War setting; absolutely captivating.

31. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
Wonderfully quirky and utterly hilarious adaptation of the series of children’s books; the performances match perfectly with the source material and the gags are exceptional.

30. Fences
A brutal study of parentage, family and marriage; Denzel Washington and Viola Davis are stunning throughout.

29. Hacksaw Ridge
Powerfully emotional and unrelentingly brutal portrayal of war and the story of pacifist combat medic Desmond Doss; Andrew Garfield’s performance is excellent, while the violence is uncompromising.

28. Loving
The heart-stopping tale of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple who fought against the prohibition of interracial marriage in Virginia; both Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga are incredible, while the real world ramifications are life changing.

27. Logan Lucky
A heist movie that manages to capture the charm and allure of the “Ocean’s Eleven” franchise while also being absolutely ridiculous and unapologetic in its absurdity.

26. Manchester By the Sea
A stunning character study of a man forced to care for his nephew following his brother’s death; Casey Affleck is an absolute revelation in his Academy Award winning turn, while relative newcomer Lucas Hedges holds his own against some of the industry’s heavy-weights.

25. Beauty and the Beast
Live-action re-imagining of the Disney classic; the songs remain perfection while the casting throughout is truly spectacular.

24. The Big Sick
Hilarious and heartwarming tale of love and culture clash based on the real-life relationship of comedians Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon.

23. Mudbound
Visually stunning adaptation of the excellent novel and the best original film to come to Netflix so far; Mary J. Blige’s performance is revolutionary.

22. American Made
The story of Barry Seal, one of the most notorious pilots in history; this served as the evidence that Tom Cruise could still turn in a great performance, mixing up comedy with some great action set pieces and some incredibly tense drama.

21. Hidden Figures
Excellent drama that tells the story of the black female mathematicians working as NASA during the Space Race; there are some truly great comedic beats here and some exceptionally well portrayed drama. Octavia Spencer has never been better.

20. The Founder
The unsettling true story of Ray Kroc, the man who turned McDonald’s into the biggest fast food chain in the world; the details of the story are thought provoking while the performances of Michael Keaton and Nick Offerman are exceptional.

19. The LEGO Batman Movie
An absolutely insane love letter to the Batman franchise; the action set pieces are mind-blowing while the jokes come in rapid-fire succession and the in-jokes are non-stop.

18. The Disaster Artist
The true story behind the making of one of the best worst films ever made; James Franco is almost unrecognisable while the slew of cameos and insane story moments are made all the crazier when you consider than a lot of this allegedly happened.

17. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
One of the funniest comic book movies ever made and an absolute visual treat; all of the positives from the first film have been expanded upon tenfold, while the inclusion of Kurt Russell is a real winner. Plus: Baby Groot is a scene-stealer and the soundtrack is perfection.

16. Moonlight
An examination of a young African American man throughout his life, from childhood to young adulthood; the performances of the three leads are profound, while the emotional weight that comes from Mahershala Ali’s performance is career defining.

15. John Wick: Chapter 2
The second “John Wick” film improves on the already exceptional action set pieces in almost every way; everything feels bigger, the mythology is expanded upon and the violence is unrelenting.

14. Spider-Man: Homecoming
A brilliant reinvention of the “Spider-Man” franchise placing it firmly in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; the comedy is a highlight, while the action sequences manage to be unique and engaging and the performances of Tom Holland and Michael Keaton are wonderful.

13. War for the Planet of the Apes
The final chapter in the modern “Planet of the Apes” trilogy trades in the titular war for an examination of the definition of humanity; Andy Serkis gives the best performance of his career, while Woody Harrelson’s villain feels like a genuine threat throughout.

12. Baby Driver
Non-stop rip-roaring action comedy that features some of the best car chases ever put to film; Edgar Wright’s comedic touch is felt throughout and every single A-lister involved gets some great, punchy dialogue.

11. Thor: Ragnarok
Wacky ’80s-esque Marvel romp through space and dimensions; the titular disaster is almost an afterthought to the insane comedy, the stunning visuals and the techno soundtrack. Not to mention the stunning Thor/Hulk battle at the core.

10. The Death of Stalin
Hilarious and uncomfortable examination of the Russian government in the days following the death of Stalin; the film plays like an Eastern version of “The Thick of It” with some great one-liners and some brutal reality.

9. Get Out
Unsettling horror-thriller that manages to provide a few laughs and some deeply thought provoking ideas; Jordan Peele’s direction is exemplary while Daniel Kaluuya’s performance is truly brilliant.

8. Wonder Woman
An action-packed superhero romp set against the harsh backdrop of World War I; Gal Gadot is absolutely stunning as the titular hero, while the supporting cast fill in their roles nicely. The No Man’s Land sequence might be the greatest moment in a comic book film to date.

7. IT
Excellent adaptation of the first chunk of Stephen King’s horror novel; the child actors are incredible, while the horror comes thick and fast thanks in no small part to the terrifying performance of Bill Skarsgard.

6. Wind River
A captivating and sparse crime thriller set on an Indian Reservation in Wyoming; the violence throughout is stark and unpleasant, while the contrast between Jeremy Renner’s tracker and Elizabeth Olsen’s FBI agent is stunning to witness.

5. Logan
Hugh Jackman’s final turn as Wolverine is the absolute definition of an actor inhabiting a role; Jackman’s performance here is arguably the best of his career, while the decision to move this chapter into darker territory for the character and the franchise mean that we feel every hit and savor every second.

4. Blade Runner 2049
The long-awaited sequel to one of the greatest science fiction movies of all time; this sequel is a methodical presentation, a slow-burn that develops setting and character over time and allows the audience to make their own decisions about what they are seeing. Ryan Gosling is exceptional, but the true highlight here is Harrison Ford who inhabits the role of Deckard against after 35 years and doesn’t miss a beat.

3. Dunkirk
Visually arresting and expertly paced war drama about the Dunkirk Evacuation in World War II. Christopher Nolan shows his prowess as a master filmmaker by manipulating time and expectations, chopping between stories and set pieces to present the most compelling narrative. Tom Hardy is excellent as always, but Mark Rylance gives the best performance overall with a reserved, yet determined demeanor.

2. La La Land
A profoundly entertaining and engaging musical treat. The songs are incredible, the choreography is stunning and the performances are wonderful. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone play well together and their romance is believable and engaging right from the start. This truly is a revelation in modern filmmaking and feels like a love letter to the musicals of the 1950s.

1. Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The eighth episode in the “Star Wars” saga makes bold moves towards redefining the series for a new generation. The action sequences are visually astounding and the direction of Rian Johnson is exceptional. The performances, particularly from Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley, are compelling and demonstrate a range that can only be expanded upon from here. The real stars, though, are Mark Hamill and the late great Carrie Fisher. Hamill’s return as Luke Skywalker is wonderful, while Fisher’s final film performance is certainly her best work since the original “Star Wars” trilogy. This film moves the franchise in new directions and makes choices which, while not to everyone’s liking, are definitely examples of how to keep the series from repeating the same character beats. This is a franchise game changer.

Wil’s Top TV Shows of 2017

This list starts with the honourable mentions; these are the shows that I’m either not up to date on, or which didn’t quite make the cut for the top list.

Honourable Mentions:

• Big Little Lies
• Bosch
• Castlevania
• The Crown
• The Defenders
• Feud: Bette and Joan
• The Gifted
• Legion
• Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
• The Orville
• Ozark
• Preacher
• Ray Donovan
• Sherlock
• Star Trek: Discovery
• This Is Us
• The Tick
• Top of the Lake: China Girl
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

The Top 30

30. The Toys That Made Us (Season 1)

29. Hap and Leonard (Season 2)

28. Fargo (Season 3)

27. 13 Reasons Why (Season 1)

26. Taboo (Season 1)

25. Jane the Virgin (Season 3/4)

24. Peaky Blinders (Season 4)

23. Game of Thrones (Season 7)

22. The Good Place (Season 1/2)

21. Doctor Who (Season 36)

20. Santa Clarita Diet (Season 1)

19. Riverdale (Season 1/2)

18. Narcos (Season 3)

17. Mr. Robot (Season 3)

16. Twin Peaks: The Return (Season 1)

15. The Americans (Season 5)

14. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Season 4/5)

13. Better Call Saul (Season 3)

12. Line of Duty (Season 4)

11. Black Mirror (Season 4)

10. American Gods (Season 1)

9. The Deuce (Season 1)

8. Stranger Things (Season 2)

7. Mindhunter (Season 1)

6. Godless (Season 1)

5. BoJack Horseman (Season 4)

4. The Handmaid’s Tale (Season 1)

3. Rick and Morty (Season 3)

2. The Leftovers (Season 3)

1. The Punisher (Season 1)

Wil’s Top 50 Albums of 2017

50. Songs of Experience – U2

49. Oczy Moldy – The Flaming Lips

48. Lower the Bar – Steel Panther

47. The Night Siren – Steve Hackett

46. Little Fictions – Elbow

45. Under Stars – Amy Macdonald

44. Walk the Earth – Europe

43. Night People – You Me At Six

42. The Punishment of Luxury – Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

41. The Spark – Enter Shikari

40. Silver Eye – Goldfrapp

39. Humanz – Gorillaz

38. The Knowledge – Squeeze

37. Pollinator – Blondie

36. Lust for Life – Lana Del Rey

35. Crack-Up – Fleet Foxes

34. 11 Short Stories About Pain & Glory – Dropkick Murphys

33. American Dream – LCD Soundsystem

32. Hot Thoughts – Spoon

31. 4:44 – Jay-Z

30. The Sin and the Sentence – Trivium

29. Evolve – Imagine Dragons

28. How Did We Get So Dark? – Royal Blood

27. Pacific Daydream – Weezer

26. All the Light Above It Too – Jack Johnson

25. Wolves – Rise Against

24. Love and War – Brad Paisley

23. Spirit – Depeche Mode

22. God’s Problem Child – Willie Nelson

21. Everything Now – Arcade Fire

20. inFinite – Deep Purple

19. Wonderful Wonderful – The Killers

18. Revival – Eminem

17. The Architect – Paloma Faith

16. No Grave But the Sea – Alestorm

15. Human – Rag’n’Bone Man

14. Low in High School – Morrissey

13. Triplicate – Bob Dylan

12. Villains – Queens of the Stone Age

11. One More Light – Linkin Park

10. Chuck – Chuck Berry

9. Paranormal – Alice Cooper

8. Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie – Lindsey Buckingham & Christine McVie

7. After Laughter – Paramore

6. Divide – Ed Sheeran

5. Welcome Home – Zac Brown Band

4. Modern Ruin – Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes

3. Emperor of Sand – Mastodon

2. Hippopotamus – Sparks

1.Concrete and Gold – Foo Fighters

Christmas Countdown – #1

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Director: Frank Capra

Writer: Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Jo Swerling, Frank Capra (Based on “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern)

Music: Dimitri Tiomkin

Cast: James Stewart (George Bailey), Donna Reed (Mary Hatch Bailey), Lionel Barrymore (Mr Potter), Henry Travers (Clarence Odbody), Thomas Mitchell (Uncle Bill Bailey), Beulah Bondi (Ma Bailey), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey), Larry Simms (Pete Bailey), Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu Bailey)

131 mins – U for no material likely to offend or harm

Merry Christmas!

This is the absolute definitive Christmas film. The tale of a man, down on his luck, who is given the opportunity to experience a world in which he never existed to better understand the positive impact he has had. The performance of James Stewart is staggeringly brilliant, while the film exudes charm and the very spirit of Christmas itself.

Christmas Countdown – #2

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Director: George Seaton

Writer: George Seaton (Story by Valentine Davies)

Music: Cyril J. Mockridge

Cast: Edmund Gwenn (Kris Kringle), Maureen O’Hara (Doris Walker), John Payne (Fred Gailey), Natalie Wood (Susan Walker), Porter Hall (Granville Sawyer), Gene Lockhart (Judge Henry Harper), Jerome Cowan (District Attorney Thomas Mara), Harry Antrim (R. H. Macy), William Frawley (Charlie Halloran)

94 mins – U for no material likely to offend or harm

A heartwarming and whimsical Christmas tale about a man who claims to be the real Father Christmas and the subsequent legal battle. The performance of Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle is absolutely profound, while the courtroom scenes are incredible. The film is a definitive slice of festive entertainment.