My Top 25 Movies

I got the idea for this list from one of my author friends, Julia Barrett - http://juliarachelbarrett.net/ - and I couldn't resist the chance to make my own list! Obviously, this is just a sample of my favourite movies (it's really hard to think of them when you try). Are any of your favourites here? Please comment below - either to tell me the ones you agree/disagree with or make suggestions of your own.

I put this one first because I think I have to say this is my favourite film EVER. The music, the romance, the gorgeous Mr. Redford, the fascinating Ms. Streisand and some of the most poignant moments I have ever seen in a big budget epic, make this a movie I have never tired of.

This fabulous family adventure movie was the first time I began to see Jake Gyllenhaal for the gorgeous, talented actor that he is. His English accent was panty-melting, his body was jaw-dropping...and that sexy sparkle in his eyes could stun an elephant at 50 paces!

I am not a religious person but this movie really touched me because it showed Jesus as a terrified young man, trying to deal with the massive burden that had been placed on his shoulders. Experiencing his fear of what he has to face, expressed in one of my all time favourite songs - Gethsemane - has stayed with me my whole life.

The wonderful Gregory Peck in a wonderful movie. Atticus Finch has to be THE movie hero of all time. Who didn't want a dad like him?

Ah, Johnny! This is really a representative choice. I love so many of his movies, but The Libertine is his greatest role, in my opinion. This movie is tragic, sleazy, debauched and utterly fascinating.

"Redrum, redrum!" Come on now...think of something scarier than that! I adore Scatman Crothers too, so it's one of my faves as it's a rare chance to enjoy him.

What's not to love about this movie? Anyone who says it didn't scare the pants off them first time they saw it just doesn't want to admit they were scared by a rubber shark, in my opinion, LOL! I can still hear that theme music now...der dum, der dum...

This young man is easy to dismiss. He is funny and charming and you might be forgiven for believing that the sparkly vampire role is representative of his acting skills, but you'd be wrong. Little Ashes is based on the real life love affair between Federico Garcia Lorca and Salvador Dali. This is a beautifully filmed, achingly tragic movie.

Jeff Bridges! My life-long, hard-core crush. This movie contains many of my favourite elements - the gorgeous Jeff at his physical peak, James Woods at his menacing best, the beautiful locations, steamy sex scenes and an interesting plot that will keep most entertained. It is mostly style over substance but oh, what style!

The courtroom scene, when defence lawyer, Jake Brigance, asks you to imagine the hideous brutality inflicted on Carl Lee's daughter, is just one spellbinding moment in a fabulous film.

This is representative of my love of M.Night Shyamalan movies. I just adore what he does, and Unbreakable is a fab example. So many of the shots where Bruce's character finally embraces his inner superhero look like images from a Marvel comic. I love the stillness, the humour in the most unexpected places, and the way Willis carries his sadness like a millstone around his neck.

You might be surprised to find I haven't chosen this because it has 300 of the hottest, baddest, sexiest actors on the screen, half naked together. I actually LOVE the action scenes - particularly the scene where Gerard Butler (as King Leonidas) chops his way through marauding Persians, scattering body parts in all directions. Gory but great!

I hope the people reading this love Keanu as much as I do or they might be bored for a while! I really did try not to include more than one of his films but it couldn't be done and, seeing as it is my list, I figured I should indulge myself. If you like dark comedy, Keanu Reeves, the fabulous Vincent D'Onofrio and can tolerate Ms.Diaz (I can, barely), then this is one for you.

Yes, Keanu is in this one but it's not why I picked it. The Matrix rewrote film-making. The complex plot, stunning fight scenes, kick-ass soundtrack and mind-blowing special effects make this a movie one that should be on your 'see before you die' list.

Ok, I know...I know! But you gotta admit, this is the perfect bubblegum movie! Cheesy dialogue, a totally improbable plot and too many beautiful people but OMG is it fun!

This is a candidate for one of my favourite films of all time. The Neil Simon screenplay is a joy to experience. Jane Fonda grates a little for me but finding out that one of my lifelong crushes was a gifted comedy actor - the gorgeous Robert Redford - made my day.

Yes, Keanu again - but he isn't the star of this one. He is just one member of a staggeringly gifted cast. Giovanni Ribisi stands out for me but this really is a master class in character acting. The bonus for a Keanu fan like me is he plays a bad-ass mofo - evil but totally hot! The sultry South is the setting for this supernatural thriller and, if you are as fascinated by trees as I am, you will love the way Sam Raimi uses them to create atmosphere and tension.

Look, shut up...ok? I did warn you, lol! This is a fabulous, scary, stylishly dark supernatural thriller. I know the fanboys hated Keanu playing John Constantine but I think he was totally convincing. Seriously, just add Peter Stormare as Satan and Tilda Swinton as the Archangel Gabriel and you have a spellbinding movie.

This taut, terrifying thriller is one I can watch again and again, even thought I know what is going to happen and whodunit. The character who sticks in my mind is Buffalo Bill. I know the actor appears in 'Monk' these days, trying to look like an affable detective, but I remember him when he was tucking his junk between his legs and putting on dead- girl body parts!

I am mixed race and could 'pass', so no need to ask why I can relate to this film so much. Besides that, I defy anyone to watch the end of this movie without needing a whole box of kleenex!

Another sixties sex comedy, and one of a couple of the Doris Day films on my list. This is a perfect movie. Tony Randall makes my day, Rock Hudson makes me swoon and we all root for Doris! The alcoholic housekeeper is a classic too. Perfect Sunday afternoon viewing.

Poor John Coffey! What a tragic, haunted life he had. I know the story is a bit clichéd but I loved every minute of it. This was the film that finally made me concede that Tom Hanks was a good actor. Michael Clark Duncan should have won the Oscar for this.

My fave Doris Day film. One of the first feminists on film (although she caved in and gussied up for love in the end). I love the songs, the plot and Doris' performance.

I love Levi Stubbs so much, I named a pet after him! The soundtrack to this musical is one of the best ever. Jim Henson's puppetry brings 'Audrey' and his offspring to comic genius life. A highlight is Steve Martin's performance of 'Be a Dentist'. Also, this is about the only thing I can watch Bill Murray in. A firm favourite I could watch over and over again!

This represents both of the Madagascar movies and a handful of others - Finding Nemo, Shrek, Wall-E, etc. This particular movie gets a special mention because I freaking LOVE the psychopathic penguins! When they backed up and reversed over the old lady, I nearly wet myself. The final straw was the monkey version of 'Chinese Whispers'. Every time I hear the phrase 'Basset Hound', I get a fit of the giggles. These films are not just for kids! If you haven't seen it already, what are you waiting for?